Prague divides between tourist trap and authentic gem depending on choices. Charles Bridge at 6am offers what midday crowds destroy. Prague Card mathematics rarely favors short visits; calculate before buying. Beer costs less than water and tastes better — embrace it. Old Town restaurants advertising "traditional Czech cuisine" serve microwaved imports; venture further. Tram 22 traces a scenic route through major sights for regular fare. Astronomical Clock performances disappoint compared to their reputation — watch once, move on. Currency exchange booths near tourist sites steal through terrible rates; use ATMs instead. Czech currency — koruna — remains essential despite EU membership. Pub culture means sharing tables with strangers — embrace the communal experience. Day trips to Kutná Hora and Český Krumlov justify the train time. Summer crowds concentrate in August; shoulder seasons deliver superior experiences. River cruises cost little and provide different perspectives. Trdelník pastries are Hungarian imports marketed as Czech tradition — delicious regardless. Local neighborhoods like Vinohrady and Žižkov serve residents, not tourists. Tipping 10% satisfies where 15% seems excessive. The city's compactness makes walking preferable to most transit.
