Practical Information

As residents, we have witnessed enormous changes since the fall of communism in 1989. In particular, the center of Prague has been transformed with literally thousands of thriving new restaurants, bars, shops, and boutique businesses that were unthinkable 15 years ago. This is largely due to you - the visitor. And while your patronage has changed the landscape of this city; its spirit lives on, untouched by politics and commercialism, in places like Charles Bridge at 5 AM in the morning, or on top of Petrin hill at dusk. The city is truly magical and we hope you will see it the way we do.  

Our Customers often ask us for advice regarding things to do and see in Prague. There is a lot to do out there but not all of it is of the same quality. While we can't name everything we love, we thought we would pass along our short list of things to do and places to see. We think the organizations we have listed here provide an outstanding product or service. We hope the information here will save you time planning your trip so you can spend more time enjoying Prague.

Trams are probably the most common way of getting around for the tourist. They run frequently and go just about every place that you might want to go. You must buy your ticket before you get on (20 CZK for 90 minutes - system wide). There are vending machines in every Metro station or you can buy them at most Tobacco shops (TABAK) or News Stands (TRAFIKA). You MUST stamp your ticket in one of the automated stamp machines in the trolley. If a control guard asks to see your validated ticket and you haven’t stamped it or don’t have one the fine can be as high as 1200 CZK.

Metro:
Another popular way to travel is by the underground. The same ticket rules apply as with the trams. You are required to stamp your ticket before descending to the platform. To see a Map of the Underground system, click here.

Taxis
Taxis are still a good buy in Prague and an efficient way to get around, but there are many dishonest drivers out there. We strongly suggest you use AAA Taxi. We have found them to be the most straight forward, honest and reliable company in the market. They are the biggest operator in Prague and have nothing to gain by ripping off the tourist.  Call AAA Taxi @ 420 222 333 222.

If you and your group need a ride to or from the airport, we highly recommend using CEDAZ minibus transport services both for their price and excellent service. They have a public shuttle that provides transport between the airport and Republic Square every 30 minutes. Or, they can pick you up and drop you off according to your needs. All of their fares are fixed (and published on their website) so you can relax and watch the scenery instead of the meter. Call CEDAZ Dispatch @ 420 221 111 111

Car Rental
If you want to rent a car and get around on your own, we suggest sticking to a well know international service. For a trip planner Mapy.cz does a good job.

Where to Exchange your money

When exchanging money, its always a crap shoot to find the best deal. We suggest sticking with an ATM but if you have cash, then Exchange CZ is your safest bet. You can find them just off of Old Town Square about a 5 minute walk from the Astronomical Clock. They have the best rates in town and will NOT rip you off.

The Czech Crown's buying power:

• Beer:  20-30 Crowns a Pint, 
• Taxi rides: 28 Crowns a Kilometer
• Expect to pay between 125 and 250 CZKs for a meal.
• Metro tickets: 20 Crowns for 90 minutes.
• Cigarettes: 70 Crowns
• A loaf of bread about 23.-,
  
• Sirloin is about 250.- a Kilo,
  
• Fruit and veggies: between 12-50 Crowns a kilo.
• Petrol: 30 Crowns a liter.
• Rents are between 8 and 15,000.- for a 70-90 sq. meter apartment.

Restaurants, Pubs, & Cafes

There are many great places to eat, drink and socialize in Prague. At last count, there were over 3000 restaurants to choose from. We can't possibly list all our favorites but here is our short list of establishments we have found to consistently please and satisfy.

Restaurants:

The Petřínské Terasy restaurant offers an absolutely unique view of Hradčany and a panorama of the entire city. A shot walk from the Prague Castle, it sits in the middle of Seminářská Garden just below the Petřín observation tower.

The Hungarian Grotto offers a relaxing atmosphere, cozy interior, friendly service and spicy Hungarian cuisine. The Grotto and garden restaurant are situated in the 17th century cellar of the “Golden Pretzel”.

Dinitz Restaurant serves up excellent fresh meals with an International and Mediterranean flair. Prepared by by internationally recognized executive chef Gilad Avital from Israel, the food and restaurant are a hit with the local trend-set crowd.

Bohemia Bagel offers up some great American fair and is a favorite with the local expat crowd.

If you wish to splurge, visit the Intercontinental Hotel for an amazing Sunday Brunch and spectacular views of the City.

Pubs & Bars

Zanzibar, in the V Lázních house, is located in the lesser Quarter just below the Charles Bridge. Their amazing drink list is litfted from celebrated works of fiction and popular culture.

The Akord Jazz Music Club is operated by a musician with many years of experience at running a jazz club. Just a 15 minute walk from Old Town Square , catch live concerts with the best local jazz and blues musicians any night of the week.

Molly Malone’s offers a taste of the Irish in a captivating, traditional, Irish pub right in the heart of old town.

Cafés
At Café Kafíčko,  you can expect various flavors and fragrances of freshly roasted plantation coffee  every time you visit.

Café Savoy at Ujezd makes one of the best cappuccinos and serves one of the best breakfasts in town.

Café Louvre on Narodni is also a traditional hang out with the local and expat art scene.

Café Slavia across from the National theatre has one of the best views of the castle and a nice lunch to boot.

Sights & Sounds

Palace Cinemas offers films in English at its Slovansky Dum (near Namnesti Republiky) and Nove Smichov locations. For more Arty Fair try Kino Svetezor or Kino Lucerna in the Lucerna Passage. By the way, this passage deserves to be explored if you have some time to kill while waiting for one of our tours.

OK, we know this is what you have really been waiting for.  Last year, Na Prikope (the street that takes you from Wenceslas Square to Republic Square) was rated the 18th most expensive street in the world! It seems like everyone who comes to town these days wants to see what all the fuss is about.

Excursions outside the City

The Sightseeing Expert offers two exciting tours. The most notable is a day trip to Kutna Hora, the famed city of silver and UNESCO site. This trip should not be missed. They also offer a wonderful evening boat tour that lasts 4 hours and includes a welcome drink, a gorgeous buffet, and live music.

Cultural and Historical Background

The history of the Czech Republic is remarkably interesting. From the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire through  the reformation to the "great socialist experiment", the Czech lands have been in the thick of things. Wikapedia gives some nice overviews of history, culture and Prague today as does the Czech Republic’s official website and the official website for Czech Tourism

General History
The origins of the Czech people are shrouded in mystery. Folklore depicts a raucous and mystical beginning but becomes concrete around 870 with the founding of the Prague Castle by Prince Borivoj. He founded the Premysl dynasty which ruled Bohemia and Moravia until the 14th century. The first Premysl king was Wenceslas (his grandson), who became St. Wenceslas after being murdered by his brother Boleslav in 905. The dynasty came to an end in 1306 and the thrown passed to Luxemburg. Charles the IV ascended in 1346 and brought about a golden age of sorts.
For further reading besides Wikapedia; see this article on the history of the Slavs and this overview from the Czech Republic’s official website, a site worth exploring in its own right.

Czech Beer
Czech brewing history goes back to the 12th century but didn’t become world renown, however, until the 19^th century. Today, Czech beer is considered to be among the world’s finest. There are a number of brands that are favorite among the locals; Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus, Budvar, and Staropramen. We suggest you try them all.

For further reading, here is a brief general history.
And a nice history of Pilsner Urquell 

Czech Glass
Czechs have long been known for their glass work. Glass beads from Bohemia were around in Roman times but as an industry Czech glass did not come into its own until the Middle Ages. With the introduction of cutting and engraving, Czech glass took off and became a rival to the famed glass makers of Venice. By the 16th century glass engraving and cutting was centered in Prague.

For more, see this article and this one about glass beads.

VITAL INFORMATION
Finally, not to be remise, we thought we would provide you with some vital information we think every tourist should have handy.

Be Cautious: 

Prague’s center is safe. There is practically no violence to speak of. But it is an urban center, and like all big cities, it is prudent to keep your eyes and ears open. For example, several streets off Wenceslav Square and Žitná Street in New Town are home to a lot of night clubs and bars. This area is a popular destination of stag parties from out of town and therefore attract local drug dealers, prostitutes, and pick pockets. Use caution and we would not suggest catching a taxi in these neighborhoods – they will rip you off.

Emergency Numbers 

• Police: 122 or 158
  

• First Aid: 155
  

• Fire: 150

 
Police Stations 
There are several police stations in the city center. In the Lesser Quarter, there is one on Vlašskáá Street above the USA Embassy, and in Old Town you can find several; on Benediktská Street (near Kotva) and on Konvikska just off of Bethlehem  Square .

Hospitals
There are several hospitals in the city center as well:  St. Francis Hospital is 15 minutes from the Astronomical Clock next to the St. Agnes Monastery. The Faculty Hospital in Charles Square is 15 minutes from Wenceslav Square. There are also plenty of chemists (or druggists if you are from the states). The one at the corner of Belgická and Rumunská Street in New Town is open 24-hours a day.

Embassy Contact Information