Crime and Safety in Prague
Prague is one of the safest capitals in Europe, and you can expect a peaceful, hassle-free visit without having to worry about safety.
Like all major European cities, Prague attracts pickpockets, especially at the peak of the tourist season. Be careful, therefore, and keep your eye on your documents, money and valuables.
Handy tips
If you have two identity documents (e.g. passport or ID card) with you, leave one of them at your accommodation. If one of them is stolen, at least you’ll have the other as a back-up. Please see the section on what to do if your identity documents are lost or stolen.
Phone numbers of the municipal police: 156 and the national police: 158. The calls are free. Use other emergency numbers if necessary.
Read our article on what to do in case of the loss or the theft of the personal document.
At night, you should avoid the following places:
- Vrchlického sady, also known as Sherwood Forest : Locals give this nickname to the park between the main train station and the centre. The spot provides refuge to homeless people and others in desperate situations.
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Ve Smečkách Street : One of the streets leading off Wenceslas Square has become one big “cabaret”. Nearby, dubious characters try to lure passers-by into it, with lines such as, “Do you wanna see nice girls?” We advise you to turn them down politely and continue on your way.
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The area around Anděl metro station : The shops and bars at Anděl stay open to the small hours, which means you’ll often encounter people acting under the influence of alcohol in this area. You may not be put in any danger, but such behaviour can be a nuisance.
If somebody approaches you in the street offering to change money , refuse immediately and walk away. It would be embarrassing to be scammed in Prague and end up with Hungarian forints, for example. You may receive the equivalent monetary amount, e.g. CZK but the actual amount will be a far less than in the equivalent in the Czech currency. To change money, you should go to a bureau de change. The monetary amount will be the same as you would receive in crowns. However, what you’ll actually get is worth a lot less than the equivalent in the Czech currency.
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