How to Make Friends in Prague, Czech Republic: A Travel Guide

Some of the best memories that travelers have are those of times when they had a chance to meet some of the local people, spend some time with them and enjoy their company. In many places, this can be difficult, and the Czech Republic is one of those places. There are many reasons for the divide that exists between Czech people and tourists, but it is a divide that can be overcome. Below, I discuss three things a visitor can DO to meet Czech people in Prague.

DO ingratiate yourself in the culture of Czech national sport, specifically football (soccer for you Americans, Canadians, and Australians) and ice hockey. For a small nation of 10 million people, the Czech Republic's national teams in these two sports can compete at a championship level with any nation in the world. And the Czech people take great pride in this fact. So, trust me, the fastest way to earn friends in the Czech Republic is to go to a pub where the Czech National team is playing and to cheer them on!! A real special event is whenever the games are shown on an ultra-big screen in the Old Town Square. Even if you don't like sports, you'll find this event to be not only the highlight of your trip to Prague, but perhaps your life. It's difficult to explain how intoxicating it is to be part of a crowd of thousands watching a screen and reacting to each and every bounce of a football. If there are no games schedule when you are there, just purchase and Czech national jersey and wear it to a pub. When you respect the Czech National team, you're showing respect to the Czech nation. And, believe it or not, Czech people will respond to that. Sports is always a great medium to make friends, it is just especially so in the Czech Republic.