Prague Train Station
Lasting Impressions....
"the homeless, drugs, drunk people, gypsies, flyer-handers and pickpockets looking for their victims are mostly gone and the station looks much, much cleaner now." (?)
"Definitely recommend against sleeping there (or spending too much time there!) as this station is well-known to locals as one of the least desirable places in Prague." (?)
"No one speaks English and the place has an air of hostility to it. " (Bing)
"If anyone speaks to you just walk away. Do not make eye contact." (Bing)
"Be very careful in the train station, We almost got robe two times." (?)
Quick Reference Train Station Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date info:
- theft (more frequent in summer)
- homeless, freaks, gypsies
by ?
"I live in Prague and have spent way too much time at the main railway station (Hlavni Nadrazi in Czech). Definitely recommend against sleeping there (or spending too much time there!) as this station is well-known to locals as one of the least desirable places in Prague.
It tends to attract the worst of Prague and of the Czech Republic. Particularly in front of the station and in the park adjacent (in front and to the north, which is to the right when exiting from the platforms), these are perhaps some of the worst areas of Prague.
While you are unlikely to get in a physical confrontation with any people around these locations, please be careful of theft (although police patrols of the station have increased in recent years and tend to be more frequent in the summer).
If one is debarking at Hlavni nadrazi and going onto the subway, this is one of the most likely subway stops for theft as well. Pay particular attention to when you get on the subway car and several people crowd onto the car at the last minute before the doors close - a common tactic is to crowd around a person as the doors close and use the bumping to open zippers on your backpack or directly put their hands in a purse. Here, I have usually seen the pickpockets dressed in suits/business attire. Others on the subway, regardless if they see it happening, will rarely say anything about it as it is happening.
Additionally, the stores/restaurants on the second floor of the main train station, or the floor that the platforms empty onto, tend to charge higher prices than the kiosks on the first.
Thankfully, a complete redesign of the main train station is in the works to begin construction in the next year (end of 2006-2007)."
