The Honest Guide, the guys from Prague
Exploring Prague with the Honest Guide: The Real Deal on Scams, Hidden Gems, and Trdelník Troubles
If you’re planning a trip to Prague and want to experience the city through the eyes of locals, you’ve likely stumbled upon the Honest Guide, a YouTube channel created by Prague natives Janek Rubeš and Honza Mikulka. These two don’t just offer standard tourist advice—they’re on a mission to help visitors avoid scams, uncover hidden gems, and engage in responsible tourism. But don’t expect sugarcoated content. They’re not afraid to call out the tourist behavior that drives locals crazy, and yes, they’ve got a bit of a vendetta against certain Prague "traditions" like trdelník and those infamous e-scooters.
Fighting Scams with Honesty
One of the things that makes the Honest Guide so valuable is their unwavering mission to protect visitors from common scams. Prague, like many popular tourist destinations, has its share of dodgy practices - whether it’s overpriced exchange rates, rip-off taxis, or sketchy souvenir shops. Janek and Honza have made it their mission to expose these scams, arming travelers with the information they need to avoid being taken advantage of.
Their videos range from showing how to identify fake currency exchange booths, which charge hefty fees and give terrible rates, to highlighting restaurants that include sneaky charges on your bill. Thanks to the Honest Guide, travelers can feel more confident about navigating the city and avoiding the typical tourist pitfalls.
The Trdelník Myth: It's Not as Czech as You Think
If you’ve been to Prague, you’ve probably seen (and smelled) trdelník, the sweet, cinnamon-scented pastry that vendors push on tourists around Old Town. But here’s a reality check: trdelník isn’t actually Czech. It’s one of the biggest tourist traps in Prague, something Janek and Honza are quick to highlight.
According to the Honest Guide, this pastry has little to do with authentic Czech culture and is more of a marketing ploy aimed at tourists. It looks Instagrammable, it smells enticing, but it’s not something locals would ever eat - unless, perhaps, for a quick laugh. In fact, Janek often jokes about how the trdelník stands clutter up the city and distract visitors from real, delicious Czech pastries like koláče or větrník.
This strong dislike for trdelník stems from its false representation as traditional, when in reality, it’s an overpriced, tourist-targeted gimmick. If you want to eat like a local, the Honest Guide encourages you to skip the sugary spiral and instead head to an authentic bakery for something that’s truly part of Czech culinary culture.
E-Scooters: A Tourist Menace
Another pet peeve of Janek and Honza? Tourists on e-scooters. Once hailed as a fun, convenient way to explore Prague, e-scooters have quickly become a nuisance in the city. Tourists, often unfamiliar with the local rules and unaware of their surroundings, zip around on these scooters with little regard for safety - or local pedestrians. Prague’s narrow, cobblestone streets aren’t exactly ideal for speedy scooter rides, and accidents, near-misses, and general chaos have become all too common.
In their videos, the Honest Guide duo doesn’t shy away from expressing their frustration about e-scooters. They point out how many tourists recklessly abandon them all over the city - blocking sidewalks, clogging up scenic spots, and generally making life harder for locals. The scooters have become such a problem that Prague has had to introduce stricter regulations, and Janek is often vocal about his wish for tourists to stop using them altogether.
Personal Tip
"Download the Rekola-app and rent a bike. It is much cheaper, less lazy and you don't act like a stupid tourist on an e-scooter."
Stupid Tourist Behavior: Ignorance Isn't Bliss
Janek and Honza are refreshingly blunt about tourist behavior that frustrates Prague locals. While they aim to help visitors have an authentic experience, they don’t shy away from calling out behavior that makes locals roll their eyes.
One of their complaints is tourists flocking to Starbucks or McDonald’s, ignoring the local cafés and restaurants that offer a true taste of Prague. But that is not all, as you can see for yourself in the next video.
Why settle for fast food when the city is filled with unique, independent spots?
They urge tourists to do their research, respect local culture, and avoid treating Prague like a theme park. Learning a few Czech phrases and embracing local etiquette goes a long way in having a more genuine experience.
Why Locals Love the Honest Guide
What sets the Honest Guide apart is how much Janek and Honza care about Prague. Their videos don’t just help tourists - they also help preserve the city’s soul by steering visitors away from mindless consumerism and toward authentic experiences. When they expose overpriced exchange offices or overpriced tourist restaurants, they’re not only protecting travelers but also supporting local businesses that offer quality at a fair price.
Their content is full of tips on where to find hidden gardens, quiet cafés, and local eateries where the food is delicious and reasonably priced. For example, instead of the touristy hotspots around Old Town, they recommend exploring neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Holešovice, where you can enjoy Prague like a local. It’s this combination of practical advice and a strong sense of responsibility that makes the Honest Guide so invaluable to visitors—and to those of us who care about keeping Prague’s unique character alive.
A Love-Hate Relationship with Tourism
Ultimately, Janek and Honza have a love-hate relationship with tourism. They want people to come to Prague and fall in love with it - just as I have - but they want them to do it the right way. Avoid the scams, respect the locals, and don’t be the clueless tourist causing a headache for everyone around you. The Honest Guide isn’t just a resource for visitors; it’s a voice for locals who often feel their city is being misused by thoughtless tourism.
By watching their videos, you’ll not only learn how to have a better experience in Prague, but you’ll also come away with a deeper understanding of what makes this city so special - and why it’s worth protecting. So next time you’re tempted to grab a trdelník or hop on an e-scooter, remember Janek and Honza’s advice: there’s a more genuine, rewarding way to explore Prague.
You Love Prague