Is Prague too touristy?

Question

"too touristy" - cheap gift shops every two feet selling touristy crap, tourists outnumber the locals, a general unauthentic feel to the city.

just thought i would clarify whaat i mean't by touristy. i was thinking about traveling to prague but i have a friend who told me it's so overrun by tourists and that it's not even worth the trip. what are your opinions. help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Absolutely not. It is definitely not too touristy. If you go there and you stay in the big centers of town (Staromeste namesty, Mustek, etc.) you're going to encounter all tourists. However, there is so much culture and fun to be had that it is hardly a trip that could be called "not worth it". Of course there are tourist shops everywhere, but you need to take advantage of the opera, the theater, the philharmonic, the museums, and the galleries. It's a very accessible city for a true traveler.

Answer 2

It depends on what time of year you go. When I was in Prague in February 2005 (a week after Valentine's Day), it was perfect. There were VERY few tourists, no crowds, cozy atmosphere, snow falling, all the attractions open, etc. There were also a lot of great deals and discounts. It was so great that I became completely addicted to travel (see my profile). When I returned to Prague the following October, I could definitely see its touristy side. It was crowded and hectic, everything cost more, and everywhere I turned I kept hearing German.

Prague is definitely worth visiting, but if touristy-ness will ruin your trip, go during the off-season. There's so much to see and so much to do. I highly recommend reading up on the history of the city, because that will make your trip a lot more special. A day trip to the fort at Terezin (which was occupied by Nazis and converted into a prison and ghetto during WWII) is also worthwhile.

Answer 3

Prague does get tons of tourists, but that is b/c it is such a cool city. They have a very good metro and tram system so with a little effort you can get away from some of the more touristy spots when you want to eat (as the prices go down). Prague used to be super cheap for food and drink but this is not true, good value but not crazy cheap.

Another good spot is lubjiana, slovenia which is best described as a mini prague.

Answer 4

Prague is among the cities worth-visit and to accomplish this you can start planning your vacation with hotelbye . Starting with the wonderful region across the Prague Castle or the Strahov monastery with its outstanding selection and end with …the complete outstanding city, Prague is merely incredible. In Prague you can even visit the small house where Franz Kafka labored or the beautiful Prague Castle gardens from where you can have a distinctive see of the city with its picturesque red roofs. In this city you'll never get bored. If you will go during the spring you may find the spring woods in blossom; in the summer you might find long dusks; autumn will provide you with decorative leaves and particular gentle and in winter months you will relish the entire city protected with simple white snow.

Answer 5

No, Prague is not too touristy. Your friend must be blind. Prague gets a lot of tourists, because it's one of the popular destinations in Europe. It's worth the trip no matter what.

Answer 6

Not quite yet, no, although it is becoming more that way, especially at weekends. For a less touristy city, try Riga, Latvia. It's like Prague was 10 years ago.

Answer 7

EVERYWHERE is too touristy. That said, I have personally never met a person who didn't love Prague. Your friend is in the minority.

Answer 8

I love Prague, but agree that Riga is a better place to visit now.

Answer 9

i reccomend you go to Prague! it's a beautiful city and it's not like Paris overcrowded with toursists. i think it's acceptable. it's really worth visiting.