Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic, is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. But beyond the picturesque facades and cobblestone streets, there’s a world of weird and wonderful behaviors that both locals and tourists engage in. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the strangest things people do in Prague. Get ready to see the Czech capital in a whole new light!
1. Bathing in Beer
Soaking in Suds
One of the weirdest things people do in Prague is take a bath in beer. Yes, you read that right – beer! Beer spas have become increasingly popular in the city, offering visitors a chance to soak in warm tubs filled with beer ingredients like hops and yeast.
People claim this unusual practice has health benefits, from improving skin conditions to boosting circulation. While soaking, you can even enjoy a pint of Czech beer. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in Prague’s beer culture – literally!
2. Rubbing Statues for Good Luck
A Touch of Fortune
Walk around Prague, and you’ll notice some statues with suspiciously shiny spots. That’s because locals and tourists alike have a habit of rubbing certain statues for good luck.
The most famous example is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge. People touch the plaque beneath the statue, believing it will bring them good fortune and ensure their return to Prague. Other popular “rubbing spots” include the dog on the St. Vitus Cathedral and the falling man on the Franz Kafka statue.
3. Drinking Absinthe from a Fire-Spewing Tap
The Green Fairy’s Fiery Home
Prague has embraced the mystique of absinthe, and some bars have taken it to weird extremes. At certain establishments, you can order absinthe from a tap that literally spews fire.
The bartender will light the absinthe on fire as it pours, creating a spectacle of blue flames. It’s a dramatic (and slightly dangerous) way to serve the infamous “green fairy.” While it might not be the traditional way to enjoy absinthe, it’s certainly one of the weirder drinking rituals you’ll find in Prague.
4. Attending Defenestration Reenactments
Throwing History Out the Window
Defenestration – the act of throwing someone out of a window – plays a significant role in Prague’s history. The Defenestrations of Prague were major events that sparked conflicts in the 15th and 17th centuries.
Today, some history enthusiasts and tour groups reenact these events (safely, of course) at the locations where they occurred. It’s a weird but engaging way to bring history to life, even if it involves pretending to toss people out of windows!
5. Drinking Beer in a Former Nuclear Bunker
Cold War Coolness
Prague has several former nuclear bunkers, remnants of the Cold War era. While most cities would seal these off or turn them into museums, Prague has done something weirder – it’s turned one into a bar.
People can enjoy Czech beer and other drinks in the eerie atmosphere of a Cold War-era bunker. It’s a unique blend of history and nightlife that you won’t find in many other places.
6. Eating Ice Cream Shaped Like Chimneys
A Sweet Twist on Architecture
Prague’s skyline is famous for its many chimneys and spires. In a weird culinary twist, some ice cream shops in the city have started serving ice cream in the shape of these architectural features.
These “chimney cakes” or “trdelník” are hollow pastries filled with ice cream and toppings. It’s a delicious way to pay homage to Prague’s architectural heritage while satisfying your sweet tooth.
7. Locking Love on a Tree
Nature’s Padlock
While many cities have “love lock” bridges, Prague has taken this tradition in a weird direction. In Malá Strana, there’s a tree where people attach padlocks to profess their love.
The “love lock tree” is covered in colorful padlocks, each representing a couple’s commitment. It’s a strange sight – a tree seemingly growing locks instead of leaves. But it’s become a popular spot for couples looking to leave their mark on the city in an unusual way.
8. Visiting a Museum of Chamber Pots
A Different Kind of Throne
In a city full of museums, Prague manages to have one of the weirdest – a museum dedicated to chamber pots and toilets. The Museum of Historical Chamber Pots and Toilets showcases over 2,000 examples of these necessary items from throughout history.
People actually visit this museum to learn about the evolution of sanitation and to see some truly bizarre designs. It’s a weird but fascinating look at an aspect of daily life that’s often overlooked.
9. Watching the Astronomical Clock… for Hours
Time-Wasting at Its Finest
The Prague Astronomical Clock is a marvel of medieval engineering. But what’s weird is how people behave around it. Crowds gather every hour to watch the clock’s performance, which lasts… about 45 seconds.
Yet, you’ll see people camping out for long periods, just to catch this brief show multiple times. It’s a strange example of tourist behavior, but the clock’s charm seems to captivate people enough to make them want to watch it again and again.
10. Drinking Beer While Cycling
Pedaling and Pinting
Prague’s love for beer extends to its transportation. You might see groups of people pedaling large, circular “beer bikes” through the city streets. These mobile bars allow people to drink beer while collectively pedaling the vehicle.
It’s a weird sight – a group of people seemingly having a bar experience while slowly moving through traffic. But it’s become a popular activity for tourists looking for a unique way to see the city and enjoy some Czech beer.
11. Eating Fried Cheese as Street Food
Cheesy Goodness on the Go
While many cities have hot dog or pretzel stands, Prague has something a bit weirder – fried cheese stands. “Smažený sýr” or fried cheese is a popular street food in the city.
People walk around munching on these crispy, gooey cheese blocks, often served in a bun like a burger. It’s a weird but delicious snack that’s become a staple of Prague’s street food scene.
12. Attending Witch Burning Festivals
A Fiery Celebration of Spring
Every year on April 30th, people in Prague and throughout the Czech Republic participate in “pálení čarodějnic” or the burning of the witches. This isn’t as sinister as it sounds – it’s actually a celebration of the end of winter.
People gather to burn effigies of witches on bonfires, a tradition that dates back to pagan times. It’s a weird mix of ancient superstition and modern party, complete with costumes, food, and, of course, plenty of beer.
13. Playing Crane Games for Meat
Gambling for Groceries
In some Prague bars and restaurants, you’ll find an unusual take on the classic arcade crane game. Instead of stuffed animals or toys, these machines are filled with vacuum-sealed packages of meat.
People actually spend money trying to “win” their dinner from these machines. It’s a weird blend of gambling and grocery shopping that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
14. Attending Silent Discos in Unusual Locations
Dancing to the Beat of Silence
Silent discos have become popular worldwide, but Prague takes them to weird locations. You might find people dancing silently in places like the main train station, on trams, or even in historic buildings.
Participants wear headphones and dance to music only they can hear, creating a surreal scene for onlookers. It’s a weird way to party that’s gained a following in the city.
15. Celebrating the Feast of St. Martin with Goose and Wine
A Fowl Tradition
Every November 11th, people in Prague celebrate the Feast of St. Martin in a somewhat weird way. The tradition involves eating roast goose and drinking the first wine of the season.
Restaurants across the city offer special St. Martin’s Day menus, and people gather to indulge in this odd combination. It’s believed that eating goose on this day will bring prosperity for the coming year.
The Weird and Wonderful Spirit of Prague
These 15 weird behaviors are just a glimpse into the quirky side of Prague. From bathing in beer to gambling for meat, the city offers a unique blend of traditional customs and modern eccentricities.
What makes these behaviors particularly interesting is how they reflect different aspects of Prague’s culture and history:
Beer Culture
Many of the weird things people do in Prague revolve around beer. This reflects the deep-rooted beer culture in the Czech Republic, which has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.
Historical Quirks
Behaviors like rubbing statues for luck or reenacting defenestrations show how history is very much alive in Prague. People engage with the city’s past in tangible, if sometimes odd, ways.
Blend of Old and New
Activities like silent discos in historic locations or drinking in nuclear bunker bars demonstrate how Prague blends its rich history with modern trends.
Seasonal Traditions
Weird seasonal events like the witch burning festival or the Feast of St. Martin show how ancient traditions continue to play a role in modern Prague life.
Tourist Influence
Some of these behaviors, like spending hours watching the Astronomical Clock, reflect how tourism has shaped certain practices in the city.
Embracing the Weird Side of Prague
If you’re visiting Prague, don’t be afraid to embrace its weird side. Try a beer spa, rub a statue for luck, or enjoy some fried cheese on the street. These quirky behaviors are part of what makes Prague such a unique and memorable destination.
Remember, though, to always be respectful of local customs and laws. While many of these behaviors are fun and harmless, some (like the beer bikes) may have restrictions or require bookings in advance.
Prague’s weird side is a testament to the city’s rich culture, long history, and openness to new trends. It’s a place where the strange and the traditional coexist, creating a vibrant and often surprising urban experience.
So the next time you’re in Prague, look beyond the beautiful architecture and delve into the city’s quirky soul. Join in some of these weird behaviors, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the Czech capital’s unique charm. Who knows – you might even start a new weird tradition of your own!
Whether you’re soaking in beer, dancing silently in a historic square, or trying to win your dinner from a crane game, remember that these weird behaviors are all part of what makes Prague, Prague. Embrace the odd, celebrate the unusual, and enjoy all the weird and wonderful experiences this magical city has to offer.