Prague is one of the safest capitals in Europe for violent crime, but its old town is so compact and so crowded that pickpockets do very well. Most theft happens in a handful of places: on Charles Bridge, under the Astronomical Clock when it strikes the hour, and on the trams and metro that tourists use. Learn those spots and a few habits, and you’re a very boring target.
The short version
- Hotspots: Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock on Old Town Square, tram 22, Wenceslas Square, crowded metro trains and Prague Castle.
- Thieves often work in pairs: one blocks or distracts, the other takes.
- Never change money on the street, and use an app for taxis.
- Got robbed? Block your cards, then report it to the police. Emergencies: 112, police: 158.
The 6 places to keep your hand on your bag in Prague
1. Charles Bridge
#1THE TRICK
The crowd stops to watch a street musician or a portrait artist. Someone in the crowd is watching your back pocket.
YOUR MOVE
Cross early in the morning or in the evening, bag in front, and don't stop in the thickest part of the crowd.
Photo: Petr Š, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Between about 10:00 and 16:00 in summer the bridge is packed end to end, which is exactly when pickpockets like it.
2. The Astronomical Clock
#2THE TRICK
Hundreds of people look up as the clock strikes. A few people in the crowd look down at bags and pockets.
YOUR MOVE
Watch from the edge of the crowd, not the middle, with your phone on a strap and your bag zipped and in front.
Photo: Henry Mühlpfordt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
The hourly show lasts under a minute, but the crowd it draws is one of the tightest in the city.
3. Tram 22
#3THE TRICK
Between Národní třída and Malostranské náměstí, a pair squeezes in next to you. One blocks the door, the other takes your wallet.
YOUR MOVE
Keep your bag in front and a hand on it, stand away from the doors, and walk up to the castle if the tram is packed.
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tram 22 runs past the National Theatre and up to Prague Castle, so in summer it's full of tourists, and of people watching them.
4. Wenceslas Square
#4THE TRICK
Late at night, a tout offers a 'free' drink or a club. While you talk, a partner tries your pockets.
YOUR MOVE
Walk past anyone selling clubs, drinks or 'the best restaurant'. Stay with your group on the lower part of the square at night.
Photo: A.Savin, Wikimedia Commons, FAL.
The lower end near the metro is busy late at night, and that's where most trouble happens.
5. The metro
#5THE TRICK
On a packed train at rush hour, a push at the doors hides a hand in your bag.
YOUR MOVE
Backpack in front, stand away from the doors, and keep your phone away as the train pulls in.
Photo: Gravitatas, Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
Prague's metro is fast and clean, but rush-hour trains through the centre are crowded.
6. Prague Castle
#6THE TRICK
Everyone watches the guard change at noon. A pickpocket watches the open bags.
YOUR MOVE
Keep your bag closed and in front during the ceremony, and don't put your phone in a back pocket.
Photo: Radosław Botev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 pl.
The castle complex is huge, but the crowds bunch up at the gates and at the changing of the guard.
Meet the squad that never gets pickpocketed (copy them)
The tricks to know
- The street money changer: a stranger offers a great exchange rate. The notes you get are often worthless or from another country. Use a bank ATM.
- The tram squeeze: a pair blocks the tram doors and crowds you while one of them takes your wallet.
- The tout: someone offers a free drink, a club or the ‘best restaurant’ to get you talking.
- The crowd show: anything that makes a crowd look up, from the clock to a street performer, is cover for a pickpocket.
Before you go: the 5-minute checklist
- ☐ Write down your phone’s IMEI and serial number (dial *#06#). The police and your insurer will ask for it.
- ☐ Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photo of it.
- ☐ Take one card out with you and leave a backup card at the hotel.
- ☐ Turn on Find My / Find My Device and a screen lock.
- ☐ Get an eSIM before you fly, so you have data and maps from the moment you land. Saily lists code Indoleads for 5% off (get Saily).
If it happens anyway
- Block your cards in your banking app first, and use Find My to lock or erase your phone.
- Report the theft to the police. In the centre, the police station in the Old Town Hall on Old Town Square handles tourist reports. Your insurer will want the report.
- Emergencies: 112. Police: 158.
- Lost your passport? Contact your embassy in Prague for an emergency travel document.
Trip.com codes for your Prague trip
Trip.com codes for Prague
| Code | What you get | |
|---|---|---|
TRIPFLIGHT26 | Up to US$15 off your first flight booking. New Trip.com users · listed until 31 Dec 2026 | Open Trip.com → |
TRIPFLIGHT26 is listed on Trip.com’s own promo-code page. We haven’t tested it at checkout, and Trip.com can change or pull a code at any time. Paste the code on the payment page and check that the total drops before you pay.
Tip: when you book your hotel, filter for one with an in-room safe. Your passport will thank you. More offers are on our Trip.com page.
More city guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Prague safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risks are pickpocketing in crowded spots and scams such as street money changers and overpriced taxis.
Where are pickpockets most common in Prague?
On Charles Bridge, at the Astronomical Clock on Old Town Square, on tram 22 between Národní třída and Malostranské náměstí, on Wenceslas Square at night, on crowded metro trains and at Prague Castle.
What should I do if I'm pickpocketed in Prague?
Block your cards, then report the theft to the police. In the centre, use the police station in the Old Town Hall on Old Town Square. Call 112 for emergencies or 158 for the police.
Sources: Prague travel safety guides and Trip.com’s promo-code page. Photos from Wikimedia Commons (authors and licences under each photo). Illustrations by Spicy Coupons. Last checked: 15 October 2026. We may earn a commission from links on this page.
