Our Recommendations for visiting concerts in Prague
We want you to really enjoy your stay in Prague. Visiting a concert or theatre is meant to be a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Prague offers magnificent events and stunning concert venues that will captivate you with their beauty. To help you make the most of your visit, we've put together our local tips on everything from what to wear to when to applaud.
1. Is there a dress code? What shall I wear to cultural events in Prague?
2. When to arrive to an event
3. Can I enter after the concert/show starts?
4. What does a free /open seating, category seating, or numbered seating ticket mean?
5. Where to sit for the best experience?
6. Children and events - yes or no?
7. How to behave during event
8. When to applaud?
9. I have never been to Prague — how do I find the concert venue?
10. Is Prague a safe city to visit?
11. Our tip: Pre-order your drinks at the State Opera, Estates Theatre, and National Theatre
1. Is there a dress code? What shall I wear to cultural events in Prague?
There is no dress code required for most of the classical music concerts in Prague, but especially for National Theatre, Estates Theatre, and State Opera, or big symphonic concerts in main concert halls such as Municipal House, Rudolfinum, it's appropriate to wear smart casual. In the major concert halls and theatres, there is a cloakroom. In the summer time we recommend avoiding shorts, mini skirts, and bare shoulders, particularly when attending a church or synagogue concert. During wintertime, dress warmly. Although most churches and concert venues are heated, for some, it might get a bit chilly inside. There are no restrictions when visiting black light theatres or jazz clubs. So feel free and express yourself! Prague is a modern and artistic city, and we appreciate fashion creativity!
2. When to arrive to an event
How early you need to arrive depends on your ticket type: Free seating / open seating — arrive at least 30 minutes before the start. Category seating — arrive 30 minutes before. Numbered seating — 15 minutes is sufficient for smaller venues. For larger concert halls, allow 30 minutes to account for queue time and finding your seat comfortably.
3. Can I enter after the concert/show starts?
Latecomers are generally not admitted until a suitable break in the performance. This is standard practice across Prague's concert venues and theatres, out of respect for the performers and fellow audience members. Please note that church concerts and black light theatre shows operate a stricter policy — latecomers are not admitted at all once the performance has begun. At jazz concerts, the rules tend to be more relaxed and you can usually take your seat during the performance. That said, arriving on time is always recommended if you want the best seat choice.
4. What does a free /open seating, category seating, or numbered seating ticket mean?
Free / open seating — seats are not pre-assigned, so arriving early gives you the best choice of seat. Category seating — your ticket reserves a section of the venue (for example, rows 1–5), but you choose your specific seat freely upon arrival. This format offers some structure while still giving you flexibility. Numbered seating — your seat is fixed at the time of purchase. Upon arrival, simply find the seat number printed on your ticket. Please note that most venues do not open their doors until 30 minutes before the performance.
5. Where to sit for the best experience?
The front row is not always the best seat in the house. For large symphonic concerts, organ recitals, and ballet performances, the centre of the auditorium typically offers the finest acoustic balance. This is also true for black light theatre, where a greater distance from the stage gives you a better overview of the visual effects. For chamber music and jazz concerts, the opposite applies; sitting close to the performers creates a more intimate and intense experience. Front rows are very much worth it.
6. Children and events - yes or no?
Prague's concert program includes events suitable for children, and we warmly encourage families to experience live music together. As a general guide: if your child can sit still for the full duration of the concert without disrupting those around them, go for it. You will often find discounted children's tickets; look for these in the ticket purchasing section. If your child is very young or you suspect that sitting quietly for an hour might be a challenge, it is worth waiting a couple of years until your offspring grows and better appreciates classical music. Or jazz. Or both.
7. How to behave during event
Classical music and theatre demand a quiet, attentive atmosphere, and your fellow audience members will thank you for it. As a general rule, food and drink are not permitted during the performance (jazz clubs and dinner concerts are, of course, a delightful exception). Mobile phones should be switched off before the performance begins. Photography is generally not allowed during the event. However, taking photos of the beautiful interior before or after the concert is perfectly fine. At jazz clubs, photography is usually welcome, just avoid using a flash. Talking and whispering — save it for the interval. The music deserves your full attention, and the person sitting next to you will appreciate the silence. Sneezing, coughing, and blowing your nose - we know these can't always be helped, but do your best to minimise disruption.
8. When to applaud?
This is one of the questions we hear most often, and the answer is simple: applaud at the end of the performance. For classical concerts, it is also customary to applaud when the conductor walks onto the stage at the beginning. At a symphony or concerto, please wait until all movements have concluded before applauding, even if there is a pause between them. At opera, it is entirely appropriate to applaud after a particularly beautiful aria. And if the performance truly moves you, don't hold back. A heartfelt "Bravo!" is always welcome. Artists will often return to the stage multiple times for a well-deserved curtain call.
9. I have never been to Prague — how do I find the concert/event venue?
Do not worry. Every event listing on our website includes the full address, a map, and public transport directions. You can also browse our complete list of venues for detailed location information. If you are still unsure, feel free to contact our hotline. We are happy to assist.
10. Is Prague a safe city to visit?
Some performances end late at night, i.e. jazz concerts finish well after midnight. Please rest assured that you needn’t worry for your safety as Prague is one of the safest tourist destinations. As a common sense, keep your belongings with you. Beware of pickpockets and taxi drivers without license. We recommend you to order a taxi through the jazz club waiting staff, however it is also safe to take a night public transport or walk through the centre.
11. Our tip: Pre-order your drinks at the State Opera, Estates Theatre, and National Theatre
At all three venues, you can pre-order drinks for the intermission, so instead of queuing at the bar, your refreshments will be ready and waiting for you. Simply visit the bar nearest to your seat as soon as you arrive. Doors open 45 minutes before the performance, and the bars begin taking pre-orders at that time. Both cash and major credit cards are accepted.
