When TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL Goes WRONG In Prague
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- čas přidán 9. 05. 2024
- The dose makes the poison, the same as well-intended advice from a local influencer can be a reason for a horrible experience. Is travel a local concept the ultimate cure to over-tourism? And what about the locals? In this video, we will attempt to point out what some problems with the "travel like a local" concept can be and show you that not every "local" advice is the right advice for you, because a local is not a tourist and a tourist is not a local.
Articles we mentioned:
Tourists' incident in Prague:
praguemorning.cz/u-hrocha-jew...
About Like a Local concept
www.fodors.com/news/travel-ti...
www.bonappetit.com/story/trav...
www.destinationcto.com/2017/1...
samanthachildress.substack.co...
/ how-to-travel-like-a-t...
www.independent.co.uk/travel/...
After 16 visits to Prague, doing the Stag Do thing, romantic getaway with my previous girlfriend and also going solo, I have never had a bad experience. Yes, some places were friendlier than others, but I never felt obvious, was treated poorly or in danger. If a pub looks rough at home, you wouldn't enter, so don't in a foreign country. I love Prague and whether travelling in a group, as a couple or on my own, I'm sensible, respectful and aware.
Actually that advice to never go to any place that you would never go at home is the 1 thing that I have seen cause several fellow tourists to come a cropper over! The vast majority of folks that you encounter when travelling (provided you treat them with good nature and respect) will be happy to meet you. But, if you roll into a skinhead bar in your best fluorescent transgender gear (anywhere in the world) you can hardly be surprised if you get the living excreta kicked out of you! 🙄
My own only examples of negative experience in the Czech Republic were the attentions of the pickpockets in the crush at Prague Castle and to have an elderly gentleman's coat tails flicked up and his bony butt presented on indicating a request to take a photo of his country village home. But that was in an area of forced evictions of the German population after WW2, so no doubt I was being mistaken as a returning Kraut. Other folks in that country area were more tolerant and obliging.
15 times more than me, but I'm willing to catch up. Got back Oct. 6, and am planning another withing the year. I love the city, country, landscape... all of it. My grandparents were from Moravia. I feel connected to the place... more so than here in the U.S.
I’m a mixed race lad from Preston England 🏴 didn’t speak the language didn’t know where I was going! But I followed Vals advice and had the best time no one bothered me and most people thought I was American and were thrilled to speak to me in Pubs, restaurants, trams etc A bit or common sense is required!
I've only been to Prague maybe 8 times - but never had a bad experience either. Rather the opposite - when I went to some rough local pubs there were sometimes some drunken local guys looking for trouble - but they would rather fight with other drunken local guys and did not care for tourists.
Don't be put off by the algorithm-friendly title. This is a very thoughtful and balanced treatment of a touchy subject. Totally honest, fair, and timely. This channel remains a real asset for anyone visiting Prague. They clearly make these videos because they care.
Agreed. I was just there. Very helpful videos.
I am a jew from Israel. I came back from Prague two weeks ago.. the locals were very nice to me, were interested in my well-being and were kind.
You have a great and supportive people. Thank you.
You won't get the same welcome in many parts of London.
THAT WAS AWESOME!!!! We do this in the US "Home Cooking," or "Just Like Mama Used To Make." BUT!!! Just because she was your mother, doesn't mean she can cook!!! My other thought is that the reason so many people go see The Astronomical Clock, The Anne Frank House, The Eifel Tower, Venice, Rome, ect. is because over time they continue to be awesome!! If you don't have a great experience at these places, it could be your own bad attitude. BUT!!! You can get even more out of your experience with a good guide. Keep up the great work RPG's!!!
Yes, yes, yes and yes! I think we forget sometimes that it's okay to be a tourist, especially when you are one. Obviously be a good tourist, but yeah, go get excited. You're on vacation, after all!
What an excellent, thought-provoking video! Gave me a lot to think about. As" a tourist, you go to the famous sights because that's why you came in the first place. But you don't want to be scammed by the tourist traps, which can be avoided with a bit of local knowledge.
Valeria! I visited Prague many times in the 1970s and 1980s during the 'socialism era'. (I am 78 years old.) Well, at that time there were not as many people on the Károly Bridge as there are today at a metro station during peak hours. At that time, I went around the city with a photocamera, and approx. only 10 people were standing in front of the 'Orloj' clock when the time came and the window opened. Today, at least 300 people go there at the same time. I'm not surprised that many Prague residents don't want to see tourists. 😐
I am a British national and I have been to Prague many times, and I am used to a little bit of a rough welcome in some pubs where locals frequent, and where the beer is better. Some of these pubs are down on their luck, financially, because of increased competition from chains like Lokal, I can only assume. What I have found is the following: go to the pub early in the day so you won't be in conflict with Prague locals who go there every day and reliably give the pub income; don't sit at a table that shows a reservation that is about to begin; speak in Czech when you order a beer so you will gain some level of respect and acceptance from the other Prague residents; and don't go in a 'large' group i.e. 3+, so you won't change the general atmosphere of the pub. Anyway, those are my non-Czech pub hints from someone who goes to Czech pubs a lot.
I like the idea to get in contact with locals ... just to see their approach to life or food or authentic traditions. But yes, I realise that locals are locals and tourists are tourists. Locals have to do their everyday life, have to work, get their groceries and probably prefer things which are convenient, quickly done or close by. They probably don't look for the fanciest place or the best view everyday. Tourist are on vacation, usally not in such a hurry, can party all night and don't have to work next day. There are sometimes simply different interests. But everyone knows that actually... because everyone is also a local at home.
And if tourist asked me for advice, I would think about what will be exiting and pretty to watch for them ... and not what I have to do tomorow.
I've been telling people for years that this is sometimes a stupid concept... but for a different reason. I am not going into the difference between a traveller and a tourist (another dumb concept) but if a person pays a lot of money to come to Europe, why would they wanna go to the little pekarna in Prosek? They paid money to see the castle, the bridge and the lame hourly show at the astronomical clock, regardless of how overcrowded they are. It is true that there are many nice places away from the city center that offer better service and quality for cheaper (looking at you, U Fleků) but, like you said, I rather pay a little more to get a meal in the center than spend 50 minutes in a tram to eat at a restaurant in Prague 16... which by the way, it is pretty good 🍖.
Travel like a local concept is more for people who are more like locals. They are here a bit longer, picked a few useful phrases and, most important, have a better understanding of czech culture; enough to discern if the place will be welcoming or not and how they should behave as customers.
Sorry, long comment. But this has been bothering me for a while; glad you spoke about it.
In my experience, when North Americans insist on "local", they mean -- or imply -- not upscale, or international looking or what they think is "western". Often, "local" means low-brow...not sure why. A person can't know what "local" is if they don't know the culture, that is, unless they live there and speak the language. I agree that there are restaurants that are obviously tourist places - you can tell by the English menu, emphasis on "genuine", "authentic" and "traditional" foods. They are like caricatures of the culture. But the authentic culture is hidden and much more varied and complex than that caricature. So looking for real, local experience when you visit a city as rich and multi-faceted as Prague is pretty ridiculous when you're there for 2-7 days, as is often the case. Unless you're staying for a year, you might as well be the tourist you are and enjoy it!
On my visit last month, I feel like I achieved a nice balance for a first-timeer. I had a food/drink tour (Taste of Prague, operated by locals). ToP has a "friends going out for a meal" approach, was ~12 people, and hit five spots for food and drink. Among the many things I liked: having someone else do the planning and reservations, having a "tourist friendly"/authentic-enough approach, and using the Prague public transportation system.
I also found a friend of a friend of a friend who was willing to hang out with me for a while (something that I hope to reciprocate next year). This was delightful in a different way because we did a lot of walking at some of the uncrowded areas, had a meal, and even grocery shopped for things to take home. She steered me away from a few places that would have been less tolerant of a tourist. (What is the Czech equivalent of "gringo?") One aspect I found amusing about your previous video was the reference to RBF (resting xxxxx face), something I myself have and, I feel, may have actually helped me out when I was walking around solo. I also spent a lot of time trying to pick up some basic phrases (please, thank you, sorry) and watched your etiquette videos.
Very happy to hear this honest opinion because I am also scratching my head bold these days seeing the many questions like "what should I do that is sooo local?" "I don't want to do the touristy things, I want to do the local things". No... no you do not, this is Central Eastern Europe where we love the fact that people bring their valuable dollars and euros here but because of that prices have increased so locals don't go to fancy Czech/Hungarian restaurants all the time, we don't ride the river cruises weekly, we don't do all the super fun instagrammable stuff. We go to work, pull our weight, pay bills, then perhaps go to our local small hole of a pub where we drink cheap beer and maybe a shot of something and watch 22 people chase a ball on a grass field. And then when I got enough money I travel to places where I can do stuff that I enjoy... Local or Touristy, doesn't matter.
Totally agree. I hear a lot "go & eat where locals eat". As if all local people have good taste or always pick best places...
Very interesting video! Well done for doing this theme. To me travel like a local seemed like knowing when to avoid busy places and when to see busy places best. But tourists are different, and sending someone to a sketchy place is clearly not a great idea. Seeing 'local' places can be boring and like you said, not geared to pleasure pleasure-seekers.
Nothing better than being honest. This is something anyone travelling and wanting to meddle-around should be aware of, no matter the country they visit. I like "hidden gems", but when it's published on the web - it's no longer a "hidden gem" :D And I do understand locals, as some stag/hen parties CAN go overboard and ruin the atmosphere for everybody. Lately I'm starting to dislike tourists's behaviour (while visiting other countries) so I understand why locals would deny me a table. For whatever reason they refused - why the hell would you get your phone out and/or start a brawl?! Just walk away and find the next best place! It's not like we're in the 1500s and there is one inn in the whole town! Everyone act as if they're the center of the world lately.. stop it. You came to have fun - so have fun. I am a tourist that ALWAYS checks out the small streets, the off-maps, the parks, the small gardens between the blocks - I never had a problem. Anyway, love you guys and can't stop watching your videos, although I really enjoyed Prague already - you're making me want to come back :))
I m from Germany and I grew up along the Czech Border. My experience is similar. Tschechien bleibt ein Ort böhmischer Dörfer. You either speak the language or you don't. So go and enjoy the hospitality.
Pragmatic advice
I visited the mentioned pub u Hrocha in August because "the hornest guide" recommended it, and I clearly did not feel welcome. Janek of THG had told in his video that one will be placed on tables with locals, that was not the case. just got a beer at the bar, and they were happy when we left.
Great video.
I think it highlights an important difference, that LIKE a local means there is a similarity, not that it means travelling to exactly where the locals go and do.
How many locals are wandering Prague Castle every day? Does that mean it isn’t worth seeing as a tourist? The RPG Castle tour I did this year was a huge highlight.
Czech hospitality staff were a little cold and weren’t over the top friendly, like in other places. But I also never experienced hostility or felt unsafe. Other tourists were my main concern.
There are not many locals in Prague. Even if they speak Czech, they are usually from Slovakia, Moravia, or some other part in Bohemia. So am I.
thank you for being real about it all!
I had the use for a couple of weeks this autumn of a friend's wooden cabin in Kamenný Přívoz , which is someway south of Prague. After a long beautiful country walk one morning I ended up, hungry in Tynec nad Sasavou and the first restaurant I could find was a cheap old pub with plastic table cloths. It was 'authentic' (!) and cheap, though a bit awkward as the menu was hand written on the wall and Google translate couldn't deal with it! 😂
So, basically I ended up eating whatever the serving lady pointed at! But it was okay. (And she was friendly by the time I left...)
By the way, when I had a tour with you guys V. suggested going to the Estates Theatre and seeing an opera. I did; Don Giovanni - it was excellent!
Superb! Happy you liked the opera!
Děkuji moc, your presentation about the local bias will help me not to get scammed in the future. I am sure about it. It is very important for me to be aware of this cognitive bias.
Thank you so much! This is very generous! We are happy you found the video helpful!
completely agree! great video - thank you for keeping it real!
I get it. I've lived in several locations in California and one in Oregon that were tourist destinations... skiing, mountains, mountain biking, beaches, and so on, and the tourons could be a pain in the rear.
Have been to Prague many times, usually a week, and have never experienced rudeness. Perhaps my lovely wife and cute daughters do help to land softly in unknown establishments.
Once again an awesome video. This is just what people need to know when they travel, because alot of people are just not street smart. This is good advice for anywhere you travel, this video should help alot of people. Thank you for being you, see ya next time, bbbyyyeee!!!😊
I liked this video. It was good to hear not-so-positive elements of a visit as well.
You could make a whole series on this topic! Great job with this channel! (Subscribed)
That same bar tender at U Hrocha decided to not serve me once (Supposedly for speaking Czech with an accent?)- So, off to U Kocoura we went for an incredible evening!
Going to prague in three weeks and finding your videos very informative and love the sense of humor in them, it makes the easier to relate to
Fortunately, I have a quite a few friends in Prague. Most of the places I go with friends in Prague, or even by myself, don't care much for tourists, especially tourists from some parts of the world. English lads on drinking holidays and those from a country which invaded Ukraine. In all fairness, it took 14 years of frequent trips to Prague to get the local experience...
Great video Val. I was there solo for 5 days last April and I never had a problem. I did my best to say hello and thank you in Czech- as I feel I should do my part to learn some of the language and culture of the place I am visiting. I also think having respect for the city and people you are visiting goes a long ways to making your journey in a foreign country more memorable. Not saying it will always be perfect- but isn't that why we enjoy traveling? Hope to see you all next year when I return to your lovely city. Cheers!
The trouble with tourists is the small number of them who refuse to make an effort to learn basic courtesy in the host language . Or the ones who are obnoxious about how much better is at home. Jerky tourists can ruin the experience for everyone.
In the touristy places the guides can recognize the awful ones and have developed a carapace against them.
And there are plenty of people everywhere who are just jerks. But they don’t stay in business very long.
When I travel alone, I travel like a local in trains and buses. But I still eat and drink like a tourist. I go to museums.
When I travel to visit friends who are locals, they get me into local places to eat and drink. We walk around.
Thank you for this video! It's OK to be a tourist! 😂 I love your videos and your dry sense of humor! Can't wait to be a tourist in Prague in May! 😊
Amazing city thanks Val, your videos helped me get the right ticket for Travel and importantly ‘validate’, using the lunch menus and avoids shops near the bridge and click! 10/10 will visit again! Thanks so much ❤
Had a wonderful experience in Prague last year, spent 4 days and met very nice locals. I went to SOME tourist places but I spent time just walking around and enjoying the sites. I went UP to the highest hill and then traveled down a completely deserted walkway that was charming and I sat down and relaxed when I wanted to. ♥ Definitely want to return!
One of the very good advice. Thank you.
I haven't had any bad experiences during my many visits to Prague. And I'll be always off the beaten path, visit pubs that have ONLY natives as an audience (unlike U Hrocha which is anything but off the beaten path).
I guess that most native Prague inhabitants are more annoyed by the infamous expats of Vinohrady than of a poor tourist.
This is good advice. I always go by the concept of when you are a tourist, you do tourist things. It’s always nice to get out of the super touristy areas but it isn’t always possible or welcome.
Beautiful country but sad to say people are not. What a shame!
Hi Guy’s, I have been twice and intend to come back👍. You are the first tourist company I have used as we would just go and wander around wherever we went often missing a lot of interesting stuff. Since using your company we have used similar companies in Italy but we tend to keep to small gatherings as I think you get more information and a better experience. I love your videos as you don’t shy away from any subject.
Next time we come to Prague we will definitely be in touch and do another tour with you. When we were in Prague we didn’t go to the place’s you suggested to eat or drink mainly because we couldn’t remember the names except the green fairy 🤪 but everywhere we did go was very nice and pleasant👍
Heehee I've been to that Hippo bar before... maybe 7 years ago. I went for the 90Kc pork schnitzel and cheap beer. I was clearly a tourist, but they were cool and served me no problem... minus the curious gazes I got from the regulars:)
Great points. In my hometown I might enjoy few spots not because they are great but rather convenient or cheap for me. Certainly not worth the attention from someone who visits the city ... anyways problem is more a tourist who automatically desires "local" experience without truly questioning if it is something worthwhile ...
I have been visiting Prague every year for about two months since 2006 except 2020 and 2021 because of Covid. When we bought an apartment in Praha 7 Holesovice in 2006 , and we haven’t had any issues with the local people or terrible experience in Czech Republic. Generally the local Czech people are shy to open up to the tourists or foreigners. Great video Val.😁
very interesting when we travelled to Prague never felt uncomfortable when we went to some local places but i guest you get that any where but that life,we just ask the hotel staff of any place where it ok to go as a tourist
Great video. My wife is Czech so i am always travelling like a local. I have never had a problem although i do get some funny looks at times. Especially when i try to get Czechs to smile on public transport. They never do!!! 😂
I live in Prague. It's frustrating that I would like to show visitors around the city, e.g. the cubist designs in the Café Orient, where as soon as the waiters realise my guests are not Czech (or specifically not from Prague - everyoneis welcome in Olomouc) they treat them like dirt. If you don't like tourists, don't be a waiter in the Old Town.
I only went once and I admit I stayed in pretty much the touristy places BUT I don't know anybody in prague. When I was in poland a few days prior I got to meet up with some friends I have there from a previous trip so in that context I did go more into local stuff as I was with locals and knew a bit of my way around so it's usually my way to avoid being stuck in an uncomfortable situation because I'm just one hanging with friends even though I still stand out I'm also not there on my own. That's usually how I decide things...a place where I have no friends tourist places, a place where I have friends to hang with then I go to more local places
I only had two bad experiences in Prague after three holidays there for total period of 6 weeks. And niether bothered me that much its just people we are all differrent i liked the people of Prague that i met and the service and friendlyness of waters shop workers were all great thanks Prague and the peoples of Prague for making three memerable holdays there and also my honeymoon was in Prague hope to see you all again soon Mark and Lucy from the UK.
A very sensible video. When I go places (like Prague) I always remember that I'm a tourist. But I try not to let that limit my experience of anywhere that I visit. But as someone who lives in a tourist spot I know that while I'm happy to see "outsiders" I may be a little bit more forgiving than some other "locals". I tend to assume that most people are going to give me a similar positive experience to what I try to provide. But I also know that some of my neighbours are jerks. I assume that the places where I'm an outsider are similar to my home and have a similar mixture of nice people and jerks.
It's a feeling you get when you look at the sky and your spirit's in quest of meaning.
A few weeks ago I went to Světozor when I was visiting Prague. I speak good-enough broken Czech so ordering at a restaurant is not a challenge. Still, I guess that wasn't good enough because the lady shouted at me for not knowing what I want. I asked for two portions of kuřeci řížek (chicken schnitzel, highly recommend), instead I was given a plate with two small chicken cutlets and mashed potatoes. I politely asked for a second portion but because she already started taking the order of the customer behind me, she did not pay any attention. Eventually I was given the second portion, though I could see the disdain in her eyes when she uttered " is that everything?" in the most condescending manner.
Just got back from Prague, beautiful place, lovely people, definitely go again. However, we arrived late evening, so went looking for somewhere to get a drink before turning in. Came across a little bar by accident near the old town centre, went in bought a drink and ended up having three or four, it was quiet, only half a dozen in, all Czech, but only a small bar, the guy behind the bar was nice enough. That was Monday night. Went again Wednesday but it was a rather large aggressive looking woman, we had a couple of drinks, she never smiled but was amiable enough, again the bar was quiet but of those there they were locals. Went in again Thursday night, Liverpool was playing Sparta Prague, we are in our late 60’s we weren’t wearing anything to suggest we were Liverpool or football supporters, the football was on in the bar, it was about three quarters full, as soon as we walked in the same big aggressive woman totally ignored us, and eventually pointed to the door shouting ‘no, football’ so we walked out. So it seems our money and presence was good enough when the bar was nearly empty, but when the football was on and there was a few more in our money went good enough…shame the beer was nice and cheap..
Excellent point! I started watching more of your videos after watching videos of another CZcamsr that really bad mouth touristy things all the while making his videos in English. Living in a pretty touristy city myself, I agree that visiting a place like a local should only be done if you are in fact intimate with the culture and can speak the language. Otherwise, don't.
6:00 xD and you are absolutely correct to keep it real and warn the unsuspecting tourist that them trying to visit local spots..ehhh ..maybe not the best idea for everyone
I agree with your assessment and appreciate it. This will be my first time in Prague and when I don’t know a place well, I go cautiously and stick to the places I feel comfortable unless a guide encourages us to go outside the comfort zone and we done that in other cities with success but we were me and my beautiful young daughter so there’s privilege in that, we didn’t seem threatening or bothersome because we are low key. Estonia was very welcoming and Lithuania, Latvia pretty nice too. I hope Czechia is as good as Baltics. As I say, we go in humbly and try to suss out where we will be welcome and be polite and respectful no matter what because we are all ambassadors of our countries when we travel.
I don't consider myself a local but I've been living in Prague for 2 years now. And I dislike when tourists go to "local" places and don't even bother trying to speak the language. Hey, at least it would be polite to say in Czech "Do you speak English?"
As a Dane and formerly an often visitor, sailing on the Nile in Egypt, I found a store used by the locals in a not so touristy part of Aswan. A stick of local Cigarettes for my neighbor at home (She had tasted those during a common trip before), was bought for a very low price! Finn. Denmark
Hi there! Love the videos, I'm writing from East Los Angeles.. I've been doing the ancestry research and heard that I could get citizenship easier through my great grandparents. I heard Czech Republic and Hungary, which I have ancestry from both, have this. Could you do a video on how to get ancestry through great grandparents? Thank you much! Matt
Just cameback from Prague couple weeks ago and it was my 3rd time visiting the city. I never really have bad experience and so far for me Prague is one of the safest city in EU. The locals are also generally very nice and welcoming people especially if you show them respect by saying some phrases in local Czech language like: “Dobry den” and “Jak se mate”
There are excellent points 👏👏👏 I have been in some European cities including Prague and as you said I prefer go to the crowded tourist places and stand there in the place that we have seen in videos, movies, etc. If for any chance I have visited all the tourist places or in the middle between one place and another there is a regimented local place, I maybe try it, for example that restaurants that you have for lunch that are "cheap" near by government buildings jejeje I went there 😂
Great stuff.
I can tell you from experience, since my hometown is a very touristy place, that some "local" spots are good and fun for locals specifically because there are mainly locals there. And yes, the locals gatekeep and would want it to stay that way. Not necessarily because they hate tourists, but because they want spaces to hang out with other locals. It's perfectly reasonable and understandable.
When asked, I never recommend places in my hometown that I know are very "local". Because most of the time even if tourists will not be treated badly, they would just feel like a fish out of water. It's not a very nice feeling.
Some places are pretty "local", but still very accepting to the occasional tourist. And some places just want to stay local.
I've been to Prague at least 5 times, so I admit I now look for more "local" stuff to see, do and eat. But it is a fine line to walk and if I happen to walk into a place and get the vibe that this is not really appropriate, I give people their space and look for another place. It would be better for me and for them. Luckily this only happened to me ONCE in all my visits to Prague.
All that being said, even though I understand locals wish to their own spaces, treating someone badly because of their race, belief, ethnicity, gender, etc. is obviously terrible and should be punished.
I will be coming to Prague for third time this year alone on Monday, and I'm still absolutely in love with the city. I've never had a bad experience and I've always been treated nicely and respectfully. That said, I do try to speak as much Czech as I can (which is very little) and not to stand out, while still keeping in mind that I'm a tourist and essentially a guest. Honestly, going to a local-local place does make me feel a bit like trespassing, so I naturally keep away, and I'm also so socially awkward that I don't want to bother the people living here.
I love ❤️ all your videos your country is beautiful most of all so are you ❤
4:01 Ahhh machetes and chocolate! 😍 Can't wait to be back!
there are still places, even in the touristy part of Prague where local fellas are the majority - I just went to a couple. The ones I first visited in mid 90s.
word to the wise - don't try to find 'authentic/local' place. stay in the tourists traps.
if you happen to find yourself in a 'place', just be respectful, smile, buy fellas at your table a round or two and leave a good tip.
remember, those who want respect - give respect.
I've just arrived in Prague and after watching this, I'm now a bit scared lol
We spent 4 nights in Prague back in April of 2023 and were utterly charmed. I cannot recall any negative interactions with local citizens or merchants, from our Bolt driver to the men selling fresh ham on Old Town Square (so good mm!). We were mindful of our status as foreign tourists and did our best to be friendly and polite.
That said, there were some places we passed over simply because they looked intimidating to a first time visitor. No worries, we did great and look forward to another visit!
It is important to do some basic research about the places. In the age of many review sites, this is not so difficult.
What I can't figure out is why people want to spend their time and money in a place where they are not welcome. In Prague, there are numerous options in almost every street. If one place looks strange, it's not that hard to go next door. When we were young , we used to do a tour de beer and in one evening/night we easily visited 8-12 different places.
The only other explanation is that guy was going to hi-jack my car and then changed his mind. Would you highjack a solitary old man on Xmas? He wheeled the empty shopping cart all the way back to the store.
Damn my buddy is flying to Prague tomorrow.
"Are you sure youre a local" 💀
Why did he get the sudden notion to help someone? Anyone. A complete stranger. It was because I wasn't robbing a bank. He wouldn't have helped a robber.
All the same, many are the opposite. They surprise me. More than one surprised me today. They ambushed me.
I am a digital nomad and I'm looking for my place in the world (actually in Europe, even though I'm from Argentina). I visited Prague last year and I didn't have a bad experience but I heard a lot of people say that locals are not friendly to tourist. I wonder if thats true. And it worries me because Prague is in my top 3 cities that I would like to live in but what if people are not so welcoming?
I never make contact with locals. The only thing I do in Prague is enjoy drinking beer. And I say "Dobry Den" to whoever pours my beer.
Val - quick question - is it better to carry euro in Prague or change to Koruna? i think you've covered this before but i haven't watched all your videos.
It’s better to change to Koruna. Make sure to use good exchange places. In Panska street or on the square of Franz Kafka
@@RealPragueGuides thank you. My wife is trying to do contact less payment via Samsung pay for most purchases. In hoping it's widely accepted. She will be in Prague on Saturday. Leaving Monday for a river cruise of night markets!
We may have (?) run into this at a restaurant you recommended. We attempted to make reservations in about 2 weeks for dinner on a random Thur fairly early and were abruptly told (via email) that all reservations were already taken. We’re only 2 people and the restaurant is pretty large, so we kind of wondered if our US phone number went against us. We may try just walking up the same day anyway, or we may opt to try somewhere else :)
The thing is, most of Czechia feels the opposite. Young, educated people like me stand firmly with Israel. Only the less educated (like bartenders, for example) support terrorists.
Czechs are big into reservations. If you don't have one for a popular place, you likely won't get one unless you reserve early in the day or the previous day...
That’s why we were trying to reserve 2 weeks out…
I can't think of any restaurants in Prague with reservations booked that far out, but maybe there are some I don't know about- like foodie places, or the U Tygra, I believe is the name, which is very trendy. @@TinaLee2042
@@TinaLee2042 well sometimes two weeks is simply too late allready. Czechs are crazy about reservations. And if it was like Friday or Saturday dinner you better book it like 2 months in advance.
I love to travel. Never want to travel like a local because I can stay home for that. I do expect to pay more to be close to the places every tourist goes. That said, if I choose to go off the beaten path, I would expect to be treated the same, including price paid. The language barrier is my obligation to overcome. Neighborhoods can be sketchy, but a restaurant getting belligerent or refusing money seems like a bad business decision.
I’m in Prague right now
Scottish guy here who's been in Prague for seven years. Yes, I can speak Czech (not fluently) and most of my friends are Czech or Slovak. I definitely have nothing to do with the "expat" (I hate that words as we're immigrants) community. If I do go to a local place with a friend we almost always sit in the corner and speak quietly. Hearing my accent and asking where I'm from usually ends up with a positive reaction and I'll end up chatting to other people in the pub.
However, I would never recommend these places to anyone who's a tourist or who lives here and does speak Czech and only goes out with loud English speaking or some other language groups. It's just common sense that it will piss the regulars of that pub off. I always think of it like this, what would be the reaction to a large group of noisey foreigners in my local town in Scotland be? It wouldn't be very positive. Of course there are always exceptions but honestly, a small amount of common sense can go a long way no matter where you go!
Love your channel by the way!
Ok, that guy was hungry and had no money. I would have given him money, but I wasn't getting that message. He wanted his help to be free.
The only problen in Praug was the people in the exhange offices, a mix of bad servis, bad exhangeretes if they changed money att all or just plain rude to the custemars...
Why did you send me to that site. It was dangerous! I oculd have died!
Becasue I owe you a lot of money.
LOL
Came back from Prague a week ago.... Bittersweet memories... Locals weren't that friendly or happy to assist, many coffee places were closed just because, and don't you dare go out to eat in local restaurants after 9 pm..there will be nothing for you, kitchens close early....
I am currently on vacation in Prague and having a good time even with the rainy weather, what is interesting is what make you think you are so special local or not that you think a restaurant or coffee shop should extend their normal hour of operation just because of you? shop close at 8 or 9 even around busy area such as Andel! So unless you are in the super late night area such as old town square. Nothing unusual what you have encountered
@@mracer8 I'm not saying that I am special, but Monday 2-3 pm when they said they are open on Google maps they were closed on Mala Strana.
Everything was closed on Novy svet street on a Monday for example
Damn I was planning to travel to Prague but after seeing this video and the one from the public transport I am changing my mind,I wonder what would happen if one day people stop visiting Prague are the locals that make a living out tourist going to complain?
You should definitely visit Prague. Just make sure to buy public transport ticket and validate it correctly. I think tourists have problems with public transportation in many other cities like Budapest etc. Regarding restaurants, you will have a great experience in most restaurants in Prague! This video had a different intention. It was to shed light on that what most locals consider great restaurant option for tourists might not end up to be such a glittery experience that tourists would imagine.
@@RealPragueGuides thank you for your comment I guess I am also a bit more concern now because I am traveling with my child, I think regarding the ticketing situation the best way to avoid problems is using the app, thanks again your channel has been very helpful.
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That’s why certain things or places are “local”, so local people can actually enjoy them. Without a bunch of muppets not speaking the language, not having a clue what the place is all about and not understanding local nuances. Simple as. That especially applies to all so called “influencers” 😅. They enter places they might not be able to leave in one piece 😂. By the way, FIRST (yay🎉)!
It was easy for me to be a rebel when my family was alive. One side opposed me. The other didn't. They're gone. They're buried.
I get abused by hostile locals right here.
I think if you want to travel outside the tourist areas, you should at least speak the language as a show of respect for the locals. They didn't sign up to repeatedly deal with the needs of tourists. They just want to live their normal lives. As those of us who live in the tourist areas of Florida like to say, "Not everyone is on vacation", although, 99% of us would never say that to the tourists. I recently came back from 5 wonderful days in the Prague tourist district and every shopkeeper, tour guide, cashier, waiter/waitress, hotel staff member, etc. I came in contact with there was friendly and helpful. But I think if my part of town was flooded with tourists, I'd be thinking to myself, why don't you all stay down at Disney World - we're not set up to handle you.
I’m sure if a group of Czechs walked into ANY bar in the UK they wouldn’t be ignored and abused by the staff and locals…
there are assholes everywhere...most people are nice...fortunately.
Yep. Applies to locals and tourists alike! 😉
Hi there,Id love to ask u a question. Are u russian and how long do u thing it takes to a foreigner to consider themselves a local. Im asking this question more people, it s nothing against you ,no offence.thanks
Hi! Yes, Valery is Russian and Vaclav (camera guy) is Czech.
If we go by the definition, local is just a person who lives in a certain area, so technically it doesn’t matter how long one lives in a place. However it is up to an individual to say how long it took them to feel like they are part of the place where they moved to. In case of Valery, it took about 10 years :D Thanks for an interesting question.
@@RealPragueGuides LOL! I've lived in the same area for 3/4 of a century but don't feel like a "local" any more! All the folks I grew up with have long since moved into retirement homes - or cemeteries! So I only meet new blow-ins these days. 😥😉
“Travelling like a local” nedává vůbec smysl. Místní přece necestují do místa, které navštěvuješ. Oni tam žijí, takže “travelling like local” doslova znamená “stay at home.”
They're dead. But I still speak the language they taught me.
I usually don't write comments, but this time I felt I had to. I've been watching the channel's videos for a while now and I really enjoyed it until this video. I have to say that it even hurt me. The video presents an "incident" at a local restaurant as if it were a simple argument, created by the difficulty of accepting tourists in locals' areas. But this was absolutely not the case! the restaurant owners and regular customers attacked two Jewish customers just because of their religion.
It's not a problem of tourists, it's antisemitism and racism! You even show the article that was published about the incident, but it is moved so quickly on the screen that it is almost impossible to read. I thought that Prague was more accepting of Jews from other European countries, but not only is this not the case, it seems that you are trying to hide as well. You say in the video that you are honest and tell the truth - but you hide racism and that is very offensive, especially in the current period. I hope you will be able to accept humans without differences, because until then I won't be able to watch the channel
Doesn't travelling like a local also mean using the local currency as well?
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