Tap water is generally not free in Prague restaurants, as it is often treated as a chargeable item similar to bottled water or beer. While the tap water is safe to drink, many establishments charge a small fee for a carafe of tap water, and it is not typically served automatically with a meal.
Unlike in other European cities, in general, a carafe of water isn't automatically served with a meal in Prague restaurants. You can order it but will pay for it as for any other article.
Tap water is safe to drink all across the country, feel free to bring your reusable water bottle and fill it wherever. In special cases some water might not be drinkable, but there will always be a sign above the tap.
All licensed premises authorised to serve alcohol, including pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants, must by law provide free drinking water, even if you are not a paying customer.
While tap water is safe, it's not always served in restaurants. Some establishments are happy to provide it, while others prefer to sell bottled water. If you want tap water, politely ask for “kohoutková voda” (tap water) when placing your order.
In Prague, it's more expensive than in Western metropolises. Another article in the series on the overpriced Czech Republic: More expensive than in Berlin, Paris, and Vienna. People in Prague and other Czech cities pay more for tap water than residents of wealthier Western European metropolises.
In fact, Prague is considered one of the safest destinations in the whole area. However, like any big city, there are some areas that are not recommended for walking around at night. Most of these less safe areas are located away from where you would normally move around as a tourist.
Absolutely! Water safety in Prague is among the best worldwide, although one wouldn't think so seeing the excessive amount of bottled water in Prague shops. Shortly after the Velvet Revolution, Czechs were sold a bill of goods by marketers and forgot that their own tap water is actually great.
In Prague, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you've received. Sometimes it's appropriate to tip simply because it's customary - for example in a restaurant, hotel or cab.
Public toilets in Prague can be found in most metro stations. You pay CZK 15 or 20 (€0.40 – €0.80) per visit. These toilets are clean and usually have toilet paper. WC zeny or WC damy is for women and WC muzi or WC pani is for men.
Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America.
Tap water sealed in an air-tight bottle or container can remain safe to drink for up to 6 months if stored properly. However, the type of container and how well it's sealed play a significant role in preserving the water, so this timing can differ greatly.
Casual dress is the norm for everyday wear, including at most restaurants. Shorts for men are not as common in Prague as they are in North America. In the evening, long pants are the norm, even in summer. When visiting a concert or theater, usually there is no obligatory dress code.
Don't worry—many people speak English: In most tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels, staff usually speak decent English. However, it's helpful to know a few Czech phrases for polite interactions.
For a step up in ambiance and service, mid-range restaurants in Prague offer excellent value for money. Expect to pay between €15 and €25 per person for a sit-down meal, including a main dish and a drink. Restaurants near Lesser Town often combine beautiful views with delicious Czech and international cuisine.
Tipping higher amounts, such as 15% or more, is rare and usually reserved for exceptional service. In casual settings like cafés or street food stalls, rounding up the bill to the nearest whole amount is a common way to tip. For example, if your total is 195 CZK, you might round it up to 200 CZK.
