Interesting discussion to say the least. Was in Prague in the summer - I won't say it's my most favorite city in Europe but - it is worth visiting. - Don't let a few unscrupulous cabbies, fear of pick pockets, over-charging restaurants and crowded sights keep you away from a beautiful city. Just like anywhere else where you don't speak the language, in a touristy city and a crowded one at that, be prepared, careful and you will be fine. Read through the menus, walk away if you don't like the prices or ask if there are cover charges. Use only the accredited taxis. Prague is truly no worse than other places, and guess what you might just be pleasantly surprised at the end of it all!

I have not read the above answers, but do remember being overcharged or charged a lot by a taxi from the train station to my hotel. (As I was in Singapore.) I believe there are not that many cab riders and the taxis need to survive. I believe I also missed the tram option. Always knowing a price is a good idea. Arriving at the station and figuring out options is a good idea. Before going into a restaurant, check the menu. Perhaps most important, know that traveling costs money and not to let a rip-off spoil a trip.

Prague was safe and very cheap when I visited back in 1981;)

I didnt have any problem in Prague last year! And it's really beautiful! I love it. Was actually thinking of going there again this year. Hm. Our apartments booked the taxis for us to travel to and fro the airport. So we didnt have any issues and we took the trams everywhere. It's really quite convenient.

One of my friend, she is from Ukraine, said, that she was so charmed by Prague that she cried when thinking that she must come back to Ukraine

We were in Prague for 4 days in early May. We were a group of 8 friends and we all fell in love with this beautiful city. We either walked or took the metro so had no experience with taxis.

We had wonderful service and food in the restaurants and at no time were overcharged for anything. Also found the prices in most restaurants were very reasonable.

I can't help the OP, but just wanted to comment to Stu (Tower) that I loved your pictures. Do you speak Czech and were you able to follow the conference directly?

Ending a 5 day stay in this wonderful city and had no problems. Checked every bill and saw no problems.
I did see a ham street vendor in Wenceslas Plaza charge 2 Japanese tourists 565 Kc (about 28 dollars) for a bowl of potatoes with cabbage and bacon. I was shocked.
Watch out for that dude...he's the end stall, closest to the National Museum end.

I did see the beggars o.n their knees with head on the ground in Prague and I did see a young man begging on his knees in front of Notre Dame two years ago. It made me feel awful and sad. And we were overcharged by the taxi drivers in Prague. That's never ok but I still would not have missed visiting that beautiful city.

We were in Prague a month ago, and had no problems. It was very crowded, lots of tourists, but did not encounter any pickpockets, and had no problems with restaurants either. I don’t think they are all trying to cheat tourists, but you just need to be aware of your surroundings, like anywhere else. We did not use taxis, Prague is fairly small and walkable; we used the public tram, which was great.

We definitely looked like tourists, with camera around my neck, so my advice is to just go and enjoy your trip.

<i>but did not encounter any pickpockets</i>

They tend to be discreet and will avoid personal introductions.

actually there are so many tourists in the city center it is easier to spot the locals.
I certainly have not heard about many problems with pickpockets recently , does not mean to say it does not happen but I don't think the problem is as bad as it was say 10 years ago when it was absolutely rife.

Ohh, Michael….yes, they were discreet :)

But really, is pickpocketing worse in Prague than in any other major city of the world? Just need to pay attention, keep your belongings close and enjoy the trip. I was advised not to leave my purse hanging on the back of the chair in restaurants…I usually don’t do that at home. And no wallet in DH’s back pocket.

Think of it, there are so many tourists (more than locals), that the odds of being the “chosen” one are not that high ;)

Was in Prague for a full seven days and left on the 8th day.

Dined and toured everyday from sun up to 9 PM and never encountered a single episode that I could complain about.

We've just come back from six days in Prague. On the first day as we were walking with our luggage from the train station we were approached on the street twice by someone offering to change money for us. A simple 'no thank you' and that was the end of it. The same morning we think a cafe waitress rounded up the bill when she gave us change, but it was a small amount and may have been our confusion about the currency as we were bleary eyed from an overnight train ride. After that, no incidents at all, nor did we hear of any from others we met on tours.

We used AAA airport shuttle which lived up to its excellent reputation on this forum, walked and took trams so no need for taxis.

We did notice an obvious police presence, usually pairs on foot, around the tourist areas.

I found the prices reasonable and excellent value. The currency was confusing for me as the Korona bills are 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100 which seems like a lot more money than it actually is. So I kept a little slip of paper in my pocket which had the value of each banknote in my home currency and consulted it when I was unsure. Also, take some time to understand the restaurant bills. It usually list a 20% VAT which is included in the price but itemized separately--at first we mistakenly thought this was an added service charge. A service charge, if added, is usually 10%.

Such a lovely city, it is worth making a little extra effort to ensure things go smoothly.

The rounding up of a bill is pretty common, it is usually only a few crowns,ie a bill of 290Kc and you handed over 300kc you would not expect change.
likewise if I bought a beer for 29kc I would not expect change from 30kc but would from 50kc, but me only having one beer would be a rarity.
The street money changers seem to have made quite a comeback in the last year or two, were quite commom 10-15 years ago and seemed to have diminished but from what I have heard lately they are making a big comeback,all I can say is DON'T.
Can't say I have sen any but when I am in Prague I spend so little time in the real tourist areas, that will be a bit different in a few weeks time mwhen I will be escorting a small walking group to the city and will be doing a bit more of the tourist stuff.