Is Prague Safe? 2025 Prague Safety Guide for Tourists

Prague, with its storybook charm and lively atmosphere, is one of Europe’s top travel destinations. But is it safe for visitors? The short answer: Yes, Prague is very safe! However, like any major city, it has a few things to watch out for. In this guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about safety in Prague, from scams and pickpockets to nightlife and emergency contacts, all with the insights of a local.

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General Safety in Prague

Prague consistently ranks as one of the safest capitals in Europe and is generally considered a safe city for both locals and tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and tourists can explore most areas of the city without concern. The biggest risks are petty theft, scams, and occasional late-night rowdiness in touristy areas. Police presence is strong, and emergency services are reliable.

According to Numbeo’s Crime Index (November 2024), Prague has a low crime rating of 24.43, much lower than Berlin (44.59) or Paris (57.94). Most people feel very secure here, with over 91% of respondents saying they feel safe walking alone during the day (Berlin 76%, Paris 63%) and 74% at night (Berlin 49%, Paris 36%).

The latest data shared in February 2025 by the Police of the Czech Republic is very positive. Prague has seen a significant drop in crime, with the number of registered criminal offenses decreasing by 6.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks the lowest crime rate recorded in the city (excluding the pandemic years with all its lockdowns).

Prague has experienced the overall improvement in safety, crediting the success to the hard work of police officers, the city’s modern surveillance system, and cooperation with the public. With continued efforts in crime prevention and law enforcement, Prague remains one of Europe’s safest capitals.

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

If you come prepared and know what to watch out for, you can easily avoid scammers. They often target tourists who seem unsure or distracted, so staying aware and informed is your best defense.

Pickpockets – Watch your belongings in crowded areas like Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock, Karlova Street, Charles Bridge and busy trams like 22 and 23 going to Prague Castle. Use a crossbody bag with a zipper and have it in front of you. Don’t keep valuables in your back pocket.

Street Sellers – Ignore people selling balloons, hop-on hop-off bus tickets. Street selling is not allowed, they usually claim being a charity as an excuse.

Photos with Animals – Avoid photo ops with owls, snakes, or other animals. It’s unethical, and the animals suffer.

Selling by Weight – Some food stalls (like Old Town Square ham) charge by weight, leading to overpriced meals. Always check the price first.

Taxi Scams – Some drivers overcharge or take long routes. Use Bolt or Uber, or local Liftago.

Currency Exchange Scams – Avoid street exchange on the streets or anyone approaching you near an ATM. Use ATMs of local banks or trusted exchange offices. Know how Czech banknotes look like.

Fake Petitions – Scammers use fake charity petitions to distract and pickpocket you. Just walk away.

A little awareness goes a long way. Stay informed and enjoy Prague hassle-free!

Public Transportation Safety

Prague’s trams, metro, and buses are safe and efficient. However, be cautious on night trams (especially on weekends) as they can get rowdy with drunk passengers.

Alcohol & Nightlife Safety

Prague’s beer culture and nightlife are legendary, but excessive alcohol consumption can lead to problems.

Watch your drink – Drink spiking can happen, so never leave it unattended.
Avoid rowdy crowds – Try to avoid it, especially around Wenceslas Square or Dlouha Street.
No more pub crawls – The city banned them to curb excessive drinking and improve safety.

Is Prague Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Prague is generally considered a safe destination for solo female travelers. The city’s friendly atmosphere, low crime rate, and well-lit streets make it an inviting place to explore, even on your own. But it’s always better to be cautious than sorry.

Here are some generals tips to stay safe and avoid trouble:

Stick to well-lit areas at night – The city center is safe, but quieter streets and parks can feel isolated.
Stay aware of your surroundings – Avoid keeping your eyes glued to your phone and distractions like headphones.
Use reliable transport – Opt for Bolt, Uber, Liftago or public transport over unmarked taxis. Bolt just launched a service for women, where a female driver will pick you up.
Let someone know your whereabouts – If going out alone, share your plans or live-share your location.
Seek help if harassed – If someone bothers you in a bar or club, reach out to security or the bartender.
Keep personal details private – Avoid sharing with strangers that you’re traveling alone, where you’re staying, or for how long.
Trust your instincts – If something feels off, leave the situation.
Be cautious about building security – Don’t let strangers into your accommodation.
Watch your drink – Always keep an eye on it or finish it before you go to the bathroom to avoid drink spiking.
If you find yourself in a conflict situation – Strictly define your disagreement. It may help to film the situation or ask someone around to document the issue.

Areas to Avoid (or Be More Cautious In)

Prague has no serious “no-go” zones, but some areas require more caution:

Prague Main Train Station at night
The park in front of the main train station isn’t exactly one of Prague’s highlights. Known as “Prague’s Sherwood,” this area is often a gathering spot for the homeless and addicts.

The park is usually busy with pedestrians and travelers heading to or from the station. However, if you’d rather avoid this area, especially as a solo female traveler at night, it’s best to take the metro, which brings you directly into the station building.

Another option is to use Uber or Bolt. I’d rather avoid local taxi drivers, whose poor reputation speaks for itself.

Anděl Metro Station
The area around Anděl Metro Station has become a less-than-ideal place to pass through, especially after a portion of the city’s addicts relocated there during the pandemic, with a concerning atmosphere and reports of unsafe conditions. While efforts to improve security are ongoing, it’s best avoided, especially at night.

Upper part of Wenceslas Square
The upper part of Wenceslas Square and the surrounding streets, like Krakovská or Ve Smečkách, are known for their seedy nightlife. Nicknamed “Czech Las Vegas,” the area is lined with nightclubs and neon-lit establishments, where promoters lure in tourists with promises of entertainment.

Park at Charles Square
Another place I’d personally avoid after dark is the park at Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí), which has a shady reputation. It’s known as a hangout for sketchy individuals and a spot where hookers offer their services.

Being extra cautious, I’d also avoid any streets and parks, that are lively during the day, but become empty and isolated after dark.

Personal Protection Items

In the Czech Republic, carrying self-defense tools like pepper spray, knife, telescopic baton, and kobutans is legal. However, simply having them isn’t enough. Proper training is key. Knowing how to use these items correctly can make all the difference in an emergency. And you don’t want these to be used against you.

Insider Tips for Emergencies in Prague

It’s always good to be prepared for emergencies, knowing a few local tricks can make a big difference in an emergency. Two useful tools can help you quickly get assistance if needed.

Záchranka App

This Czech emergency app connects you directly to local rescue services, including ambulance, mountain rescue, and emergency dispatchers. With one tap, it shares your location, ensuring help arrives as quickly as possible. The app also provides first-aid guides and other useful features, such as locations of AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in case of cardiac emergencies.

If you’re using Mapy.cz (which I recommend in my article on the best apps for Prague), you can also find AED locations directly in the map searching “AED”.

Lamp Post Number System

Throughout Prague, every streetlamp has a small metal plate with a unique number. In case of an emergency, you can read this number to the dispatcher when calling emergency services, the police, or firefighters. It provides an exact location reference, making it easier to locate you.

Emergency Contacts & What to Do in Case of Trouble

General Emergency Number:

📞 112 – Works for all emergencies (police, fire, and medical services).

Direct Emergency Lines:

🚒 Firefighters: 150
🚑 Emergency Medical Services: 155
👮 Police of the Czech Republic: 158
🚓 Municipal Police: 156

English-Speaking Hospital:

🏥 Motol University Hospital
🔗 More emergency contacts: Practical tips for your stay in Prague

What to Do If Your Belongings Are Stolen

Report the theft at the nearest police station.

Police of the Czech Republic: 📞 158 | policie.cz

📍 City Centre Police Stations:

Municipal Police: 📞 156 | mppraha.cz

📍 City Centre Municipal Police Stations:

Old Town – Uhelný trh 10 | +420 224 234 860
Lesser Town – Letenská 23 | +420 257 533 117
New Town – Lodecká 2 | +420 224 826 145
New Town – Opletalova 19 | +420 222 025 192

Final Verdict: Is Prague Safe?

Yes, Prague is an incredibly safe city for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and as long as you stay aware of your surroundings, avoid common scams, and use basic precautions, you’ll have an amazing time. Enjoy your trip, explore freely, and let Prague’s magic fully unfold without any interruption!

Useful Travel Resources

I want to share and recommend these travel resources that I personally use, as they can be helpful when planning your visit to Prague.

Accommodation: Booking.com has the largest selection of incredible places to stay.

Tours: Getyourguide.com has the widest selection of guided tours and experiences from various providers, conveniently sortable by rating.

Getting around: PID Lítačka mobile app lets you buy public transportation tickets and plan your journey easily.

Last article update: February 12, 2025

Author and photo: Vera Nemochovska