Prague  - Prague is a dream destination for many tourists. The Charles Bridge, the castle and its old town district attract millions of tourists.

In the first half of this year, in fact, nearly 5 million people visited Prague, spending at least one night there, the tourism bureau in Prague said. But that's about 11 per cent less than the same period in 2008.

The economic crisis and the city's reputation as a tourist trap are damaging the Czech capital's image. But even so, a visit is worthwhile now for tourists who refuse to be misled.

"Since the second half of 2008 the economic crisis has been hurting tourism," said Vit Barta of the Czech national bank. Hotel room rates have gone down an average of 12 per cent, the Czech association for hotels and restaurants said. This might be good for tourists, but places offering cheaper accommodation don't like it.

"The three- and four-star hotels have reduced their prices so much that they are competing with us," said Mathias Schwender, who owns two hostels and a hotel in Prague. He also has lowered his prices. The economic crisis is not the only difficulty, said the 36-year-old.

"There is a certain gouging mentality," he added, citing taxis which operate without a visible meter as an example. Schwender has been keeping a list of grievances and in first place is a five-minute drive from the train station to his hotel that has cost guests the equivalent of 200 euros (292 dollars). The city is aware of the problem. Mayor Pavel Bern posed as a tourist four years ago and when he took a taxi he always paid more than usual.

Taking a taxi in Prague, however, is usually not necessary thanks to the city's transit system. But tourists also have a hard time with it. Tickets are not available at all street car stops. Sometimes they must be bought in a store or in the underground station. And a day card for a single passenger costs 100 krone (3.90 euros), while a three-day card costs 330 krone (12.90 euros), or more than three day cards together.

A ticket that combines the cost of riding the transit system and entrance fees for the city's top attractions, which is offered on the internet, is only worthwhile for people who want to see a lot. There is no charge to visit the area around the castle and St Vitus Cathedral.

There is, however, a charge to enter other buildings in the area and the Golden Lane, which includes the home of Franz Kafka. This is one of the criticisms of the way Prague treats tourists. Many residents of Prague also think it is strange that people have to pay walk down a city street.

Another problem are points of exchange and banks. According to a test by a Czech internet portal, last year some of them charged a fee as much as one-fifth of the amount exchanged. The portal recommends making a regular comparison with the official exchange rate published by the Czech national bank.

It's also important to look closely at the bill when eating out. Waiters have been found to give themselves large tips. This happened to 31-year-old Anne Marx in a cafe. She said she found the way the waiter disposed of the bill brazen.

Five-star hotels also annoy honest hoteliers and visitors. At the website of the Czech association of hotels and restaurants anyone interested can find out the criteria for the stars. The association says it is striving to adopt the German-Austrian star system approved for 2010. (dpa)