6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Living in Prague

I lived in Prague, Czech Republic, for just over a year in 2019. Living in Europe for the first time was one of the most extraordinary adventures of my life, but it was equally challenging and filled with many "homesick" moments.

There's more to Prague than its famous bridge, cheap beer or classic cobblestone streets. And the reality of living here often contrasts with a quick holiday to a picturesque European city.

From learning the basics of a complex language and nervously fumbling through poorly spoken Czech to understanding the country's distinctive culture, these are the "unvarnished" truths you ought to know about being a rookie expat in Prague, Czech Republic.

Learn a Few Czech Phrases

Living in Prague and not knowing a word of Czech will limit you greatly. Before you go on your trip, learning key phrases can help you navigate your way through Prague.

However, exercise caution while using platforms like Google Translate because you might be guided to say the wrong things or use an inappropriate tone for a specific situation.

My husband learned this valuable lesson the hard way. During his first few days living in the city, he ventured to the shops to purchase a few essentials, armed with a couple of phrases. Upon entering the store, he approached the shopkeeper for assistance, using a Czech style of speaking you might use to speak to a lifelong friend, not a complete stranger. It was highly informal and interpreted as completely impolite by the enraged shop assistant, who shouted at him and chased him out of the shop. Following this encounter, he quickly hit the books, and such an event was never to be repeated.

Of course, language apps like Duolingo are a great starting point, but they are sometimes limited in what they can offer. If you plan to stay on for a couple of months or longer, truly immerse yourself in the language by enrolling for Czech tutoring, listening to local radio stations or eavesdropping on real-life conversations. Although Czech is difficult, with regular practice and application, you'll be surprised at how quickly you pick up on certain phrases and build confidence in your speaking abilities.

It's a Dog City

Prague streets feature more than architectural beauty but also gems of the four-legged variety! Dogs are a ubiquitous sight on walkabouts in Prague - Czechs love their pets. If you do, too - you'll find yourself in doggie paradise!

In typical European fashion, dogs can be found everywhere, not just in the park. Harmonious existence with friendly canines extends to public transport, where a few of your fellow travellers might wiggle their tails. It's also not uncommon to see well-behaved pooches snoozing at the feet of their owners at beer gardens, perhaps lapping up beer foam offered to them by their ever-indulgent parents (yes - this happens).

Word of warning - and this might seem evident - never pat a dog without their owner's consent. I say this because I've seen scenarios play out where dogs have been petted without approval, sometimes leading to tense situations. Czechs don't like it, and for that matter, neither does their furry friend usually! It's like being hugged by someone you've only just met.

Don't feel hesitant about being Prague if you're a non-dog enthusiast- you won't have to contend with rogue mutts on every street corner. The majority of owned pets are exceptionally well-behaved and leashed up unless it's a designated leash-free zone. Additionally, Czech owners tend to adhere to the strict rules regarding ownership and generally act responsibly.

If you plan to bring your pet to CR - rest assured your pooch will feel right at home. Helpful tip: never forget to pick up their turds on a walk - caught not doing so may result in a rather significant fine being dispensed. But don't worry about bringing along poop bags with you - waste bag dispensers can be found everywhere in Prague!

Distinct Traditions

Every country has distinct traditions that even the locals don't fully comprehend, and the Czech Republic possesses a few that are real head-scratchers. Take Easter Monday, for instance, or as the Czechs refer to it, Easter pomlázka. This age-old pagan tradition, which may be perceived as quite unsettling to foreigners - is similar to Halloween with an interesting, medieval-esque twist. Instead of receiving candy - light taps on the behind and painted eggs are dispensed.

Confused? On this day, boys will go around to visit and playfully chase girls around to spank their behinds with a stick made from a willow. In return, the girl will thank her "spanker" and presents him with a decorated egg.

This isn't some bizarre prank played on girls that's gotten out of hand; it's an age-old ritual where the spank signifies.. preserving girls' fertility.

And while the practice might certainly raise a few eyebrows nowadays- it's important to remember that it's embedded with historical and cultural meaning that's evolved with the times. Today, it's seen as a lighthearted, affectionate and playful event akin to receiving a Valentine's card from an admirer.

Another unusual yet widely observed tradition as Christmas approaches - is buying carp as the meal for 25 December. In early December, long queues form on every corner, with interested buyers selecting their carp from vendors. While purchasing fish as a Christmas dish isn't unique - after all, fish has religious symbolism for Christianity. But what makes the event strange is that the carp is bought alive and kept in the bathtub (did somebody say bathtub buddies?), only to be served up at the table as the main Christmas dish. The reason? Fresh carp tastes infinitely better, apparently.

While a long-held tradition, there have been calls for prohibiting the sale of live carp for ethical reasons in the future. Lidl supermarkets have already taken a stand by preventing fish sellers from selling carp on the streets in front of their shops.

Amazing Public Transport

If you're like me, who lives in a country where taking public transport is unreliable and unpredictable, you'll be highly impressed by Prague's extensive and well-connected public transport network.

And even if world-class public transport is available to you, you'll still appreciate how affordable, timely and efficient the metros, trams and metros are when living in Prague.

As a foreigner, you can get around without owning a car and navigate to more remote areas with relative ease.

Affordable Beer

It might be a bold statement to make to a local - but I'm not a fan of any beer, including Czech brew. Nevertheless, if "pivo" is your drink of choice, you're in luck! At many establishments outside of the tourist areas - a draft will cost you around $2.

However, everyone knows about the Czech Republic's cheaper-than-chips beer. You'll sometimes find tourists getting drunk and rowdy, especially over the summer or bachelor weekends. Locals don't like that kind of unruly behaviour. A lot of them also hate beer bike tours; remember these points if you want to be a considerate tourist.

Magical Christmas Markets

If you visit Prague over December, don't miss out on the Christmas markets - as these are an integral part of the festive season.

These holiday markets are held annually as part of the pre-Christmas festivities, lasting until the early new year. Overnight, the city of Prague is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland, decked in twinkling lights, bright colours and contagious cheer.

While these traditional markets are located throughout the city, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square play host to the most spectacular events of the season.

Whichever you visit - you'll be drawn by the treasure trove of handcrafts available as you browse the festively decorated stalls. Each stall offers a glimpse into the local tradition, heritage, and expert craftsmanship, from beautiful jewellery and intricate lace to Christmas ornaments.

As you traverse the markets, pause to catch the wafting aromas of traditional Czech food. With your palate sufficiently whetted, indulge your taste buds with a mix of hearty fare - try the Czech sausage known as klobasa, or a traditional Christmas soup concocted from carp, cream, vegetables and brandy.

Sample a cup of mulled wine or medovina (honey) to ward off the winter chill as you walk through the market and mingle with other market-goers.

And, finally, for those with a sweet tooth, delight your palate with Tredelnik. Picture this decadent dessert: rolled baked dough coated in a walnut and sugar mix and generously filled with a chocolate spread or ice cream. Brace yourself for a massive sugar rush of epic proportions!

While the markets are a delight for the senses, one of the grandest highlights of the season is the"tree lighting ceremony", i.e. the ceremonial lighting up of the towering Christmas tree set up in Old Town Square.

The story of how a big tree ends in the heart of Prague is interesting. Before Christmas, a public search is launched to locate the tree that will grace Old Town Square, commanding the attention of all passers-by. The tree, which can be grown anywhere in the Czech Republic, must meet particular height specifications and other strict criteria. Those who find or know of the ideal Christmas tree stand to win a cash prize as a reward!

If you're homesick over the festive period living in Prague, these markets truly encapsulate the Christmas spirit and fill you with joy.