Is Prague Safe? A Practical Safety Guide for Tourists and Expats (2026 Update)
If you’re googling “is Prague safe”, you usually mean one of these:
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“Can I walk around at night without feeling stressed?”
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“What are the real risks—pickpockets, scams, violent crime?”
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“If something goes wrong, will I know what to do?”
Prague is generally considered a safe destination, and most visitors/expats experience Prague as calm and walkable. The main “Prague safety” issue is usually petty theft in tourist areas and on public transport, not violent crime.
This guide is built for both visiting and living in Prague long-term, with practical tips, real-world scenarios, and a few “Prague-specific” things people only learn after moving.
The quick answer: yes, Prague is generally safe
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The U.S. State Department notes Czechia is generally safe, with vigilance recommended mainly for petty crime like pickpocketing in tourist areas and on public transport.
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UK travel advice similarly highlights pickpocketing risk in busy tourist areas and transport routes.
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Czech Statistical Office data (based on Police of the Czech Republic) reports 173,322 offenses in 2024, about 8,000 fewer than 2023, with a decline particularly in property crime.
So: Prague is not “danger-free,” but it’s not high-risk either—especially if you treat tourist hotspots like tourist hotspots.
What crime looks like in Prague (what to worry about, what not to)
Most common issues
1) Pickpocketing & bag snatching
Hotspots: crowded trams/metro, tourist zones, busy stations, airport-to-center routes.
2) Tourist-targeted scams (less frequent than in some big capitals, but they exist)
Examples: suspicious ATM help, overpriced taxis, “money exchange” on the street, “too-friendly” strangers in the most touristy areas.
3) Nightlife risks
Mostly the standard stuff: overpaying, losing phone/wallet, occasional aggressive drunk behavior.
What’s less common (but not impossible)
Serious violent incidents are not what most people associate with daily life in Prague, but any city can have isolated events. Treat “safe” as “low risk,” not “no risk.”
Where you should be extra cautious
This is less about “bad neighborhoods” and more about crowds + distractions.
High-attention areas (for petty theft)
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Old Town / Charles Bridge area
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Main public transport interchanges such as Andel, Mustek, Florenc or Muzeum.
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Packed trams/metro (especially during tourist season)
“Feels sketchy” vs “is unsafe”
Some areas feel gritty (more graffiti, louder streets), but that doesn’t automatically mean unsafe. Prague is very micro-location dependent—one street can feel calm, the next can feel chaotic.
If you’re choosing where to stay or live, start with your neighborhood strategy:
Is Prague safe at night?
In most central and residential areas: yes, commonly experienced as safe-feeling, especially compared to many large cities.
Practical rule:
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If you’re walking at night in tourist-heavy areas, treat it like any major city: keep valuables secured, don’t carry your passport in your pocket, and don’t get distracted by “helpful strangers.”
Is Prague safe for solo travelers and women?
Many solo travelers report Prague feels comfortable, and the biggest practical risks remain petty theft and nightlife situations.
Practical tips that actually reduce risk:
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Use cross-body bags with zippers in crowds
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Don’t leave phone on café table edges (classic “reach-and-go”)
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If you’re out late, use official taxi apps or reputable services, do not catch a random taxi on the street. Listen to a crazy “taxi fraud” story of our US client Armando.
Public transport safety (metro/trams)
Prague public transport is generally safe and heavily used. Your main risk is crowding + pickpockets, not the transport system itself.
If you’re moving long-term, transport is usually one of the best parts of “life in Prague.”
Emergency numbers in Prague (save this)
Official emergency numbers (Ministry of the Interior):
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112 – European emergency number
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158 – Police
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156 – Municipal police
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150 – Fire
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155 – Medical emergency
Health safety: why insurance matters more than you think
Even if Prague feels safe, accidents happen (sports, slips, cycling, skiing weekends, etc.). Also: your immigration status often determines what type of health insurance you need.
Move To Prague resources:
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Czech Medical (Health) Insurance – Everything You Wanted to Know
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Best Health Insurance Rates for Foreigners (discounts/options)
If you’re non-EU and applying for a long-term visa/residence permit, insurance is not just “nice to have”—it can be a formal requirement in the process.
“Safety” for expats: legal compliance matters too
A lot of stressful “unsafe” moments for expats aren’t street crime—they’re administrative problems:
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missing a registration duty
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misunderstanding visa timelines
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traveling when you shouldn’t
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discovering too late you needed a specific document
Useful reads:
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Bridging visa (when it applies, what it is)
This is where our visa/immigration services help most: fewer surprises, fewer “we need this tomorrow” situations, and a plan that matches your real move timeline.
Housing safety: pick a safe building and a safe contract (not just a “nice flat”)
For long-term living, your daily safety/comfort depends on:
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building quality (locks, entrances, lighting, neighbors)
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street noise and foot traffic
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contract clarity (deposit rules, termination clauses)
Start here:
If you want this handled professionally, we offer flat hunting and housing support:
FAQ: Is Prague safe?
Is Prague safe for tourists?
Generally yes. The main risk is pickpocketing and petty theft in tourist-heavy areas and on public transport.
Is Prague safe to walk at night?
In most areas, commonly yes—use normal city awareness, especially in crowded tourist zones.
What should I do if something happens?
Call 112 (or the specific emergency number). For official numbers, see the Ministry of the Interior list.
Is Prague safe to live in long-term?
For many expats, yes—especially if you choose the right neighborhood, rent smart, and keep your visa/insurance paperwork in order.
How Move To Prague helps (safety = less chaos)
If you want your move to feel “safe” in the practical sense—legally, financially, and logistically—we typically support clients with:
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Visa and residence permits (strategy, documents, filings)
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Foreign Police registration guidance
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Flat hunting and contract guidance
Contact us and let us answer all your questions about to or living in Prague.
Move To Prague – AMAZING EXPERIENCE. EVERY TIME.
