According to Lukáš Manhart, a member of the legislative council developing a law to regulate prostitution, Prague hosts numerous establishments connected to the sex industry. The city reportedly has hundreds of brothels and around a thousand private dens. Police records include 53 sex clubs, four strip bars, and 13 gay clubs.
Most of these establishments are concentrated in the city center near Wenceslas Square, along Smečky Street, around the Royal Route, on Jilská Street, or near the Coal Market.
Tantric Salons: Massages with Extras
Large salons with dozens of employees, mostly frequented by foreign clients, operate in Prague’s city center. Smaller clubs popular among locals are located in more distant districts. In districts Prague 1-5 alone, there are 48 erotic establishments. A recent trend includes tantric salons offering erotic massages and additional services for an extra fee.
Private Venues: Hidden Neighbors
Prague is also known for its numerous private venues, often hidden from public view. According to the “Pleasure Without Risk” Association, there are about 400 such locations, though the organization collaborates with only a handful. Private venues often operate discreetly, without signs, and are located in residential buildings. Access to these places is challenging, as contact is made via frequently changing phone numbers. Unlike clubs, private venues usually employ one or two women.
Street Prostitution: A Decline in Activity
The number of women offering services on the streets has decreased. They mainly work in areas like Charles Square, where 10 to 15 women can be seen per night. However, their presence depends on weather conditions and tourist activity. Many street workers are foreigners, particularly from Bulgaria.
Wenceslas Square, once a hub for street prostitution, now sees significantly less activity. Around 20 touts, mostly Africans or Russian-speaking foreigners, can still be found in the area at night.
Who Works in the Industry?
Approximately 80% of women working in Prague’s brothels are Czech. Foreign workers primarily come from Slovakia, former Soviet Union countries, Nigeria, and Ghana. The social background of these women varies: most have a secondary education, though university graduates and women with basic education are also present. The average age is around 29. The main reasons for entering the industry include financial difficulties, the need to support a family, or debt repayment.
Tips for Tourists
Prague offers a wide range of adult services, including booking limousines with erotic shows. However, it’s essential to respect the city and its residents, viewing its nightlife as just one facet of the rich culture this Czech capital has to offer.
