The Czech Republic is a very permissive country, where many things are forbidden but tolerated, or illegal but decriminalized. Nevertheless, it’s important to be respectful, and there are certain rules to observe.
I invite you to take a look at Prague’s campaign inviting visitors to respect “the mother of cities” as they would their own mother.
1- Don’t drink alcohol in public places
Many visitors to Prague think it’s legal to drink alcohol in public. This is not quite true. There are over 1,000 places in Prague where it is forbidden to drink alcohol, including beer: at public transport stops, bus and train stations, on the Vltava islands, in many parks, near schools, playgrounds or shopping centers, on the river banks (especially in Náplavka) from midnight to 9am… Failure to comply with the ban carries a fine of CZK 1,000 (EUR 40), which can be imposed by the municipal police. Strangely enough, it is forbidden to drink alcohol on the emblematic Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square, but there are many stalls selling alcohol, and it is acceptable to drink next to the stall, especially at the famous Christmas or Easter markets. The same applies to the many festivals held on the islands, where, despite the aforementioned prohibition, alcohol is often consumed. Just as you can drink a beer at a Saturday morning market!
Tip: Don’t drink alcohol in the emblematic streets of the historic center, enjoy the terraces and Prague’s famous beer gardens in fine weather, or simply drink inside the pubs.
2- Don’t ride your bike in certain places or scooter on the sidewalk
Even though the Czechs love bicycle touring, Prague’s topography (hills everywhere) and local customs (ubiquitous cobblestones, motorists who drive excessively fast and share lanes with streetcars) don’t make the city very bike-friendly. But discovering a city by bike is all the rage, and you can still do it safely in Prague. However, it’s a good idea not to use a bicycle, whether personal or shared, on pedestrian streets or in Old Town Square.
To book a bike tour of Prague, look here! I’ve had visitors come up to me and rave about these tours!
For some years now, however, beer bikes (huge machines powered by a group of drunken youngsters who pedal to get around) have been banned almost everywhere in the city. And as in Paris, shared scooters are also destined to disappear. They’re forbidden on sidewalks (watch out for fines!) and after 2-3 beers, of course. When I see scooter users rolling on the cobblestones with their jaws twitching, it can’t be very pleasant!
Tip: There are some great rides to be had along the river thanks to the lovely cycle paths.
3- Don’t write on the John Lennon wall (or use a simple marker)
Writing on the John Lennon wall can result in 1 year’s imprisonment. But don’t worry, everyone does it. At least with a marker, as spray paint cans are now banned. The John Lennon Wall has always been a wall of political expression, and there’s little chance of that changing in my opinion. On the other hand, don’t write anything on the Charles Bridge! It’s sacred and you’ll be liable to heavy criminal penalties!
Tip: Don’t write silly things on the John Lennon wall (which is often the case), but peaceful messages – that’s what it’s there for! And there are legal graffiti walls in Prague where you can write and tag. One of them is near the Barrandov bridge on the right bank (where one of the beautiful bicycle paths mentioned above runs!)