Some Do's and Don'ts when visiting Prague & Czech Republic

Although 95% of visitors to any country try to understand and to be aware of local mores and cultures before they arrive, I though it might be useful to offer visitors to my site, a very broad summary of things to look out for, and to observe, when visiting Prague and the Czech Republic.

Many of the points listed below apply in almost every country that you visit as a tourist, and so they should not come as any real surprise.

DO's

1. Try to learn some basic Czech language phrases before arriving. Whilst many people in cities such as Prague speak English , it is never correct to assume this, and learning a number of basic phrases in Czech, such as "Dobrý den" (good day), "Děkuji" (thank you), and "Prosím" (please), can go a long way to showing respect. I do appreciate that Czech is a very difficult language to speak and master, (I have really struggled), but it is still worth "having-a-go" at trying to speak the same;
2. Do try to be punctual for meetings, reservations, and any social gatherings. Punctuality is valued in the Czech Republic and so a very good trait to display as a visitor;
3. I recommend that you always use public transport when navigating the city. In my opinion there are far too many cars on the road here, (especially in Prague), and even more so given that the city has a very comprehensive, reliable, efficient and clean tram, Metro and bus system. In addition the public transport system is very easy to use;
4. Czech cuisine may not be to everybody's taste but I do highly recommend that you try some dishes. I particularly recommend goulash; svíčková (marinated beef with a creamy sauce), and knedlíky (dumplings). Of course it does not need me to recommend Czech beer to you, (if you enjoy beer), Having  written that, I recommend that you try a beer at  any one of the many Craft Beer bars that proliferate in Prague, (particularly in the Karlín district), and other major Czech cities. It is very difficult to recommend any one particular spot because in my experience, so many of the Czech restaurants and bars in Prague are very good. However, for both local Czech food and excellent beer, I do recommend the restaurant Lokal which is located at Dlouhá 33 in Prague 1 (www.https://lokal-dlouha.ambi.cz/en/);
5. As in all countries, please do respect local customs such as removing your shoes when entering someone's home;
6. Tipping. In restaurants a tip of between 10% and 15% is customary. Please always check the bill to see if a service charge is included. The inclusion of a service charge does not preclude you from adding an additional tip if you have received service that warrants more. From my perspective, and if I am paying by payment card, which I often am, I pay the bill by card and the tip in cash. I have this feeling that a tip, (included with the meal bill), never finds its way back to the server! Perhaps I am wrong;
7. And finally, (and one of the reasons why I started this website), do try if you can to explore the Czech Republic beyond Prague. Cities such as Česky Krumlov; Karlovy Vary/Carlsbad (German); and Brno are all within easy reach by train. However, I do recommend that if you want to visit more rural areas such as the Moravian wine country, or Czech Switzerland, then you should travel by car because it is a lot more convenient. There is no question that Prague is the major attraction of the Czech Republic, but almost exactly the same as London is to the UK, there is so much more to discover in terms of history and beauty beyond the capital city, and I can assure you that the Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful countries in Central Europe. Czech Switzerland and Šumava are areas of outstanding natural beauty.

DON'TS

1. There is the old saying that "you should never discuss sex, religion or politics" and this is a truism in the case of politics. Never discuss politics lightly and refrain from making casual or uninformed comments about Czech politics, Czech politicians or history, as it can be very sensitive for many local people. Please bear in mind that the Czech Republic is a very young country in its present form, and has only been a democracy for just over 30 years;
2. Don't be loud or boisterous in public. Czech people generally appreciate quiet and reserved behaviour in public spaces. Now this may seem to be a very strange thing to list as a "don't" given that Prague is still one of the key destinations for "stag" and for that matter "hen" parties, from mainly the UK but Germany as well. However, I would say that just because these "events" can, and often are, loud and boisterous, it doesn't mean that Czech people like them! The police here are very well used to dealing with such groups and generally providing there are no serious criminal offences committed, there is a large degree of tolerance;
3. Do not assume that everyone speaks English. While many Czech people, especially in Prague and other cities, do speak English, you will not find this to be the case in the rural areas. As I have already mentioned, I have struggled with the language beyond daily pleasantries or when in a restaurant or bar. Outside of these scenarios, and when I know that the conversation will be rather technical and certainly beyond my standard of Czech, I start the conversation by almost apologising that I do not speak Czech and asking whether the person that I am addressing speaks English (?). In most cases they either do, or will find someone who can! Over the years I have realised that politeness will normally "win the day!"
4. Be mindful of designated seats on public transport and do not sit in such seats without checking. Such seats are normally reserved for: the elderly, disabled or pregnant women. In addition the wider open areas, (especially on buses), are there for the use of people with pushchairs;
5. Cheers or in  Czech "Na zdravi." There is a real etiquette to "cheers" in the Czech Republic. When clinking glasses, always make eye contact and never, (in the event for example of a foursome sitting at a table), "cross cheers" involving diagonally clinking glasses at the same. Let one couple go first followed by the second couple;
6. Do not smoke indoors. Just a reminder - in line with almost every other country in Europe, smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces including restaurants, bars and public transport;

CONCLUSION

As I have mentioned, some very simple and very basic guidelines for you to help enjoy your visit to the Czech Republic.