It’s one of the questions you ask us most before coming: is it safe to travel to Prague? Are there dangerous areas? Do you have to watch out for pickpockets? Don’t worry — we’ll clear all of that up here. Consider this required reading before your trip.
We’ll start by saying the Czech Republic is one of the safest countries in Europe, and by extension Prague is very safe too. You can walk at any time of day, in any area, with no danger.
Why is Prague safe? A lot of factors come into play — cultural, historical, political — but it’s usually put down to two in particular: Prague has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world, under 1%, and its economy has grown steadily, which makes it easy to find work.
Pickpockets in Prague
Like any tourist city, Prague has some trouble with light-fingered types who specialize in taking advantage of distracted tourists. In recent years the city has boomed with international tourism and, with the rise in foreign visitors, so unfortunately has the number of pickpockets in Prague.
Luckily it’s not a serious problem and it’s rare, but just in case, take extra precautions. These pickpockets wait for an opening in the busiest, most crowded spots — places like Charles Bridge, in front of the Astronomical Clock, or on trams 22 and 23 heading to the Castle — so pay attention there.
A few tips: don’t keep all your money in one place, wear a cross-body bag or backpack on your front, and don’t use your back trouser pockets for anything valuable. If you’re carrying cash, take a look first at our guide on changing money in Prague so you know what you’ll be handling. Take these measures and that’s more than enough to enjoy the walk.
The “worst” neighborhoods of Prague
Bear in mind that central Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest historic centers in the world. We point this out because travelers very commonly move only around Districts 1 and 2 of Prague, which is where the Old Town, Jewish Quarter, Malá Strana, New Town, and Hradčany (the Castle district) are.
If we had to single them out, the only areas to be a bit more aware of at night are three, and none for real danger: around the main station (Hlavní nádraží), where homeless people gather; the lower end of Wenceslas Square; and Ve Smečkách street, full of cabarets, where it’s common to be approached. Nothing happens beyond someone possibly asking for a coin or inviting you into a venue. You can relax on this front.
Is there any risk for solo women travelers?
We single this out because many women have written to ask whether Prague is safe for women. As we said, Prague is a very safe city for any visitor, regardless of gender or origin, so you’ll have no problem traveling solo.
Something that surprises travelers is how dimly lit the streets are at night, which can create a feeling of insecurity. But walking around Prague at night poses no danger at all. As in any capital, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious and keep your belongings secure, since there may be a pickpocket in the busiest areas — and it’s not advisable to walk down empty streets far from the center. Prague is a safe city by day and by night: you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite plans without fear, whether that’s a walk along the riverbank or a night out in the city.
Prague at night
You can go out in Prague at night with no danger. We’d even dare say it’s safer than during the day: no crowds, and the odds of running into a pickpocket are even lower than usual.
If you come, seeing Prague by night is a must: the city comes alive and has a huge nightlife scene, especially in summer. The area near Old Town Square has endless bars and pubs, and it’s very common to see people out walking into the early hours, so you’ve nothing to worry about. Keep in mind the metro closes around midnight, though the trams run night routes. If you want to walk the Old Town with a local guide who knows the ground, our Old Town and Jewish Quarter free tour passes right by the spots where it pays to be with someone who knows how to get around.
Scams: taxis, exchange offices, street stalls
Without a doubt, the vast majority of the small mishaps travelers have in Prague fall under this heading. They’re minor, but they can sour a day of your vacation. This part can be summed up as: ask before you do anything, and make sure of the final price.
Never change money on the street (our guide on changing money in Prague tells you where to do it right), always order a Bolt or Uber rather than flagging a taxi on the street, and avoid buying food by weight at street stalls, where the “per 100 grams” price shoots up when they weigh it. With these three tips you avoid almost every nasty surprise. It’s the same common sense you’d apply in any big city — no more, no less.
Useful numbers, just in case
You probably won’t need any of these, but jot them down: 112 is the European emergency number and they’ll answer in English. To be more specific, the state police is 158, the municipal police 156, and ambulance 155. And if you lose your passport, the first thing to do is contact your embassy. Our recommendation is to always carry travel insurance: it covers what a basic health card won’t, and it’s cheap peace of mind. Planning the trip? Here’s our Prague in 2 days itinerary.
See you in Prague.
Our experience
I'm Daniel Marru, and I've spent 11 years guiding in Prague. "Is Prague safe?" is one of the most common questions travelers email us before they come — especially solo travelers and women. The honest answer is yes, very. We walk this city at every hour with groups, and the only thing we genuinely flag is pickpockets in the busiest tourist spots. Everything else here is what we'd tell a friend visiting for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Is it dangerous to travel to Prague?
No. Prague is considered one of the safest cities in Europe, and the Czech Republic has one of the lowest violent-crime rates on the continent. The one common nuisance is pickpockets in very touristy areas. With basic precautions, the risk of a serious problem is minimal.
What areas should you avoid in Prague?
Prague has no truly dangerous neighborhoods. At night, pay a little more attention around the main train station, the lower end of Wenceslas Square, and Ve Smečkách street (the cabaret area), where people may panhandle or approach tourists. They're not dangerous — just a bit less comfortable.
Is it safe to travel to Prague solo?
Yes. Prague is one of Europe's best capitals for solo travel, including for women. The center is lively until late, and any uneasy feeling usually comes from the dim street lighting, not real danger. Keep your belongings secure and avoid empty streets far from the center and you'll be fine.
Are there a lot of pickpockets in Prague?
There are, like in any tourist capital, but it's not a serious problem. They work the most crowded spots: Charles Bridge, in front of the Astronomical Clock, and trams 22 and 23. Wear your bag across your front and keep nothing valuable in your back pockets.
Is public transit in Prague safe?
Yes — the metro and trams are safe, punctual, and efficient. The only thing to watch is pickpockets at rush hour and on the tourist lines, especially trams 22 and 23 up to the Castle. The metro closes around midnight, but night trams cover the city into the early hours.
What number do you call in an emergency in Prague?
The European emergency number is 112 and works in English. For something more specific, the state police is 158, the municipal police 156, and ambulance 155. For things like a lost passport, contact your embassy or consulate.
