5 Misconceptions on Life in Prague

1. Everyone Drinks Beer

Life in Prague is not about everyone drinking beer. They might drink other drinks like vodka or whiskey instead. Actually, there is quite a bit of Czech wine available for them. Or some, might not even drink at all. Although Beer is the common point for tourist’s life in prague and Czechs alike, but it isn’t the only one!

2. It’s Cold

Life in Prague can get cold, but in recent years, snow rarely sticks to the ground it stays pretty much cold but below freezing. Throughout the year, the weather is pretty temperate or we can say moderate. Summers aren’t too hot and winters aren’t below freezing point too often.

3. No One Speaks English

Like any country, there are people who don’t speak English or any second language at all, but as many countries have found, English is the common language of the world there are many Czechs who speaks English. Many Czechs speak enough to communicate effectively and are actively looking to learn English.

4. Traveling is Easy from Prague

Just because it is in Europe, doesn’t mean Prague has great connections to other major or even minor cities. Life in Prague means there aren’t that many Ryan Air flights from Prague and bus connections can take a long time to get anywhere depending on where you want to go. Sometimes it was cheaper to take a bus to Berlin and then to fly then it was to fly straight from Prague.

5. They are like Russia

Do not, absolutely, do not say this to a Czech person. Czech Republic or Czechia has history with Russia, but they are not Russian, do not speak Russian, and do not wish to be associated.

5 Truths on Life in Prague

1. Beer is Cheaper Than Water

This is true! Beer is usually the cheapest thing on the menu. There was talk about passing a law saying water had to be, but Czechs do like their beer. It is rather very good!

2. Life in Prague is Beautiful

Prague had the fortune, or misfortune, to be handed to Nazi Germany and was, therefore, not destroyed by war. Why would Germany waste materials tearing down a city that the Western Allies fully gave to them? Due to this injustice for the Czechs, future generations are able to view the splendors of old European architecture. However, the history of it is a bit grimacing.

3. Proud of Who They Are

Czechs are very proud of their history, their culture, and their language. I admire them greatly to see so many citizens love their identity so much. Yet, though it is very “traditional” Czech, there is an influx of immigrants that have settled in Prague and have picked up the language. Immigrants from Vietnam or other Asian countries. There is no problem.

4. Has Rarely Been It’s Own Place

Unfortunately, Prague and Czechia have always been under someone else’s control. Until the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Czechia has not been it’s own country- not really. It now has it’s own government and is happily living as Czechia (after Slovakia broke away), but many do believe that Czechia is still being controlled by a power greater- that being the EU. From the Austrian- Hungarian Empire to Nazi Germany to the EU, Czech remains true to itself.

5. Dedicated to Freedom

The Czechs are truly dedicated to freedom. There are many stories of Czechs fighting injustices and protesting against communism or any tyrant authority. Sometimes burning themselves alive in a public place- there is a memorial to honor these fighters. They still continue to fight towards a more equal say in how they live their lives from outside influences.