Prague
Prague
”Mother Prague has clutches,” Franz Kafka wrote nearly one hundred years ago. Prague’s convoluted streets may keep you in those clutches loving every second of it. Anyone who has wandered around the city's cobbled streets and Gothic alleyways and seen the moon hover behind the towers and pinnacles of Europe’s most beautiful capital will definitely come back.Find your trip
National cultural monument of the Czech Republic Anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage UNESCO candidate of the Czech Republic The compound of the former mechanical wastewater treatment plant was in operation between 1906 -1967. Today, it illustrates the history of architecture, technology, and water management – specifically the treatment of wastewater in connection to the drainage of an urban area. The plant was built as a part of the Prague modern sewer system at the turn of the 19th century into the 20th. Wastewater was collected by a gravitational sewage system from all over Prague and treated before its outflow into the Vltava river. The sewage system improved the development of the city of Prague and its industry, and saved the population from water-borne diseases, as treatment ensured an ecological approach to nature. Prague became one of the technically best-equipped European cities in the early 20th century. The manager of the site (Tovarna z.ú. company) organises exhibitions, concerts, and themed programs involving operating steam engines. The importance of the original purpose, the extraordinary authenticity of the preserved original machinery, underground spaces, steam engines still in operation, precise work and craftsmanship of masons of this compound make the site a prime water industrial heritage site.
Staronová Synagoga is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. This is where Rabbi Löw, who created Golem — the clay figure which was to protect Prague’s Jewish population from persecution — preached. It has been an important centre for Czech Jews for centuries.
This iconic bridge was built in 1357 under the guidance of Charles IV, and up to the 19th century it remained the only bridge connecting both sides of Prague. Take a stroll over the bridge and learn the names of the 30 saints whose statues stand sentinel there.
This handsome, functional building from the 1920's is where trade fairs used to be held until 1951. Later, it served as headquarters for foreign trade companies. Today, it houses the National Gallery collections of modern, international and Czech art.
The whole of Prague Castle, the area which lies on a hill overlooking the city, is a must for any visitor. The castle’s history goes back to the 11th century, and it is believed to be Europe’s largest castle. The Gothic St.Vitus’ Cathedral, which took more than 600 years to build, is most significant and impressive.
Many people imagine the Czech Republic to be a prominent beer producer - and rightly so. If there is one place where you should take the opportunity to sample some of the best beers in the world, it's here. There is a wide selection of pubs where you can begin your tasting, and even a museum dedicated to the beverage. You can take a tour of the museum, taste some Czech beers and even bottle your own beer.
This clock has been ticking since 1490 on the wall of the Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square. Every hour between 9:00 and 23:00, visitors can see the Apostles (small wooden figures) appear from the clock. At closer glance, one can see mystical zodiac signs on the clock´s face.
Experiencing local musicians play live in the city you are visiting is a great way of getting a sense of the country's cultural tradition. In Prague there are many places where you can catch local acts, for example at Akropolis.
National cultural monument of the Czech Republic Anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage UNESCO candidate of the Czech Republic The compound of the former mechanical wastewater treatment plant was in operation between 1906 -1967. Today, it illustrates the history of architecture, technology, and water management – specifically the treatment of wastewater in connection to the drainage of an urban area. The plant was built as a part of the Prague modern sewer system at the turn of the 19th century into the 20th. Wastewater was collected by a gravitational sewage system from all over Prague and treated before its outflow into the Vltava river. The sewage system improved the development of the city of Prague and its industry, and saved the population from water-borne diseases, as treatment ensured an ecological approach to nature. Prague became one of the technically best-equipped European cities in the early 20th century. The manager of the site (Tovarna z.ú. company) organises exhibitions, concerts, and themed programs involving operating steam engines. The importance of the original purpose, the extraordinary authenticity of the preserved original machinery, underground spaces, steam engines still in operation, precise work and craftsmanship of masons of this compound make the site a prime water industrial heritage site.
Staronová Synagoga is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. This is where Rabbi Löw, who created Golem — the clay figure which was to protect Prague’s Jewish population from persecution — preached. It has been an important centre for Czech Jews for centuries.
Kolkovna serves great and tasty Czech cuisine. Enjoy thick soups, grilled meat, and fish with a side of original unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell or other beers.
Cantina serves very good Mexican food at reasonable prices and stocks a decent selection of tequila. Always full, so if you want a table in the evening it is best to book early.
A chef from the Sarah Bernhardt restaurant at Hotel Paris now invites diners to his own restaurant in Vinohrady. The result: quite possibly, the best and cheapest French food in Prague.
”Little Buddha” is Prague’s best value restaurant, particularly bearing in mind its location—just a stone’s throw from Prague Castle. Chinese and Vietnamese specialities and a large selection of good teas.
If you get the chance to go to Bellevue it will be one of the best food experiences you will have in Prague. There is nothing to complain about as the menu, service and atmosphere are all nothing but excellent.
Welcome to this gem in central Prague. Maitrea serves vegetarian food but even if you are a meat lover you will definitely not get disappointed in the cuisine.
If you are really hungry and in the mood for something spicy, then Indian by Nature's buffet is highly recommended. They also have an extensive dinner menu.
Ristorante Carmelita prepares lovely thin-crusted pizzas with plenty of toppings over oak wood. They have an Italian menu with many delightful dinner options, but the pizzas come highly recommended.
Kolkovna serves great and tasty Czech cuisine. Enjoy thick soups, grilled meat, and fish with a side of original unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell or other beers.
Cantina serves very good Mexican food at reasonable prices and stocks a decent selection of tequila. Always full, so if you want a table in the evening it is best to book early.
Even though there are no exact shopping areas for smaller shops with designer clothing, you will encounter a small concentration of them on Karoliny Světlé and Bartolomějská streets, in New Town. Boutiques such as Leeda and Alice Abraham are a good starting point.
Prague’s main shopping areas are situated in New Town: on Václavské námesti (Wenceslas Square), and, immediately below, on the pedestrian mall Na Příkopě. There are large individual shops and chain stores such as H&M, Zara, and Marks & Spencers, as well as several large department stores.
If you take a stroll from the market place Havelské tržiště in the Old Town, across Michalská street, you will find several antique shops and stores displaying typical Prague artwork along the way.
The Czech Republic is deservedly well-known for its cut glass, and a wide range is on offer at the shops around Staroměstské náměsti (Old Town Square).
The work of young Czech designers can be found at Qubus on Ramova 3, around the corner from the square. Anyone looking for modernist designs (in cubism or functionalism traditions) can pay a visit to the shop Kubista on Ovocný trh 19, also close to the Old Town Square.
At the Palladium Shopping Center you can find a wide range of shops spread over five floors. You will most probably find what you are searching for, whether it be toys or clothes, among the 180 shops here. You can also take a break at one of the restaurants or cafés.
Shopping Centre Letňany is the biggest shopping centre in Prague, and the biggest shopping centre in the whole of Czech Rebublic at that. This place has most things you would expect from a large shopping complex, such as stores, entertainment, and even indoor tennis courts and an ice skating rink.
Right in the centre of Prague you can find Queens. The Streetwise Store. This is the place to go for sneakers, hats, street clothes and other accessories. You can also find this shop in Brno and Ostrava.
Even though there are no exact shopping areas for smaller shops with designer clothing, you will encounter a small concentration of them on Karoliny Světlé and Bartolomějská streets, in New Town. Boutiques such as Leeda and Alice Abraham are a good starting point.
Prague’s main shopping areas are situated in New Town: on Václavské námesti (Wenceslas Square), and, immediately below, on the pedestrian mall Na Příkopě. There are large individual shops and chain stores such as H&M, Zara, and Marks & Spencers, as well as several large department stores.
Passport / Visa
The Czech Republic can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Best Time to Visit
Prague is appealing in any season and has lots to offer throughout the year. The city is at its busiest during the summer months of July and August. Late spring and early fall are a little less crowded, whereas the slowest times are during the cold months of November, January, February, and March, so if you don't mind the cold and prefer fewer tourists, this would be a good time for you to travel to Prague. If you are thinking of coming to Prague in early spring, try to schedule your trip around Easter when Prague is decorated and Easter markets are open.
Airport
Ruzyne Airport is located 20 kilometres to the northwest of the city centre. There are minibuses with shared fares. They take you to Metro A Station Dejvická and to Metro B station Námešti Republiky in Central Prague. The cheapest solution is to go by bus. Number 119 will drop you at the Metro A station Dejvická, and bus number 100 at Metro B station Zličín (change to Metro B to get to the city centre). You can buy a transfer ticket, valid for 75 minutes, in the flight terminal or at the ticket vending machine at the bus stop. The bus runs between 4 am and midnight. The Airport Express runs via Terminal North 1 – Terminal North 2 – Nádraží Holešovice Metro and train station (change to metro line C to get to the city centre).
Public Transport
The underground, buses and railway operate daily from 16:00 to 0:15 (night service every 30 minutes). Tickets can be purchased in tobacco shops and ticket vending machines and are valid for 1 hour. You can choose to get an e-ticket or receive it as a text message. For more information, see:
Taxi
For tourists, a taxi journey in Prague often turns out to be an expensive treat. If you want to travel by taxi then call a reliable taxi firm, such as AAA. Their phone number is 140 14.
Post
The Main Post Office is located at Jindřišká 14, Praha 1 and is open every day from 2 pm-12 am.
Pharmacy
A pharmacy, which is available around the clock, can be found by calling: +420 224 946 982. Pharmacy Dr.Max:
Passport / Visa
The Czech Republic can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Best Time to Visit
Prague is appealing in any season and has lots to offer throughout the year. The city is at its busiest during the summer months of July and August. Late spring and early fall are a little less crowded, whereas the slowest times are during the cold months of November, January, February, and March, so if you don't mind the cold and prefer fewer tourists, this would be a good time for you to travel to Prague. If you are thinking of coming to Prague in early spring, try to schedule your trip around Easter when Prague is decorated and Easter markets are open.
