SEKAI Explorer Guide Prague (2011)

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Contributor

This book would not be as it is without the great effort of all supporting Wikitravel user. People who are directly involved in this work are:

Aaron Burda, Adam, Alan, Alexandr, Annie, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel, Bert Peers, Bill Ellett, Bill Johnson, Blanka Konupkova, Carme Pla, Carson Roen, Claus Hansen, Colin Jensen, Daniel Cowan, David Bjorgen, David Cross, David, David Sallay, David Sims, D. Guillaime, dmusil@volny.cz, d nassau@hotmail.com, Dominik, E C Tan, elio, Eric Polk, Evan Prodromou, Felix Gottwald, Frederick Heald, Geoffrie Kramer, Isaac, Jack Dann, Jakub Friedl, james blaney, jan, Jan, Jan Hora, Jani Patokallio, Jan Kundrát, Jan Słupski, jaroslav pesta, Jean-Paul, Jeffrey Martin, Jesse Miers, Jim Nicholson, John Donalson, Jonathan, Joonas Linkola, Jordan Mills, Josh Powell, Kasper Souren, Kevin, Leni Ondrusek, Lorenzo Bolognini, lou, lyndsey k, Marc Heiden, Marian, Mark Jaroski, Martin, Martin Lefler, Matěj Šmíd, Megan Eaves, Michal Blahut, Michal Stankoviansky, Michele Ann Jenkins, Mike Smith, Mirek, Nick Roux, Niek, Niels Elgaard Larsen, Olli Salonen, Oto Válek, Peter Fitzgerald, Philipp Schiwek, Prague Airport Transfers PRG, Ricardo, Rob, Robert-Antonio, Ryan Holliday, Sergey Kudryavtsev, silvertravel, Stefan Ertmann, Ted O'Neill, Tiia Monto, Tim Hort, Todd VerBeek, Veronika Sebestova, Wikitravel user 386-DX, Wikitravel user Ashleigh, Wikitravel user Calimehtar, Wikitravel user Chasit, Wikitravel user Chrisboote, Wikitravel user Dbtfz, Wikitravel user Ehusman, Wikitravel user Firipu, Wikitravel user Flytheworld, Wikitravel user Glavin, Wikitravel user Hexagon1, Wikitravel user JaF893, Wikitravel user Karmasdarling, Wikitravel user Los, Wikitravel user Martin.letis, Wikitravel user Msm, Wikitravel user Prague 360, Wikitravel user PrPeter, Wikitravel user Shizow, Wikitravel user Stavvy, Wikitravel user Techie, Wikitravel user Telstarbox, Wikitravel user TravellerToday, Wikitravel user Twosocks, Wikitravel user Vkw, Wikitravel user Whatsinaname, Wikitravel user Zahl76, Yanko Stanchev, Yann Forget .

Table of Content:

• Districts

Castle

Lesser Town

Old Town

Jewish Town

New Town

Vysehrad

North

East

South

West

• Understand

Local foreign language media

• Get in

By plane

Getting into the city from the airport

By train

By car

By bus

• Get around

Walking

Shuttle

Taxi

Tram and metro

By boat

• See

Sightseeing Passes

• Do

Culture

Festivals

River cruises

Sightseeing flights

Sports

• Buy

Popular shopping malls:

Money

• Eat

Talk

• Drink

Pubcrawls

• Sleep

• Contact

• Stay safe

• Get out

Districts

Confusingly, several incompatible district systems are used in Prague. Partially, different systems are from different historic periods, but at least three different systems are used today for different purposes. To make things even worse, a single district name can be used in all the systems, but with different meanings.

For purposes of this guide, the "old" district system is used. In this "old" system, Prague is divided into ten numbered districts: Praha 1 through to Praha 10. If you encounter a higher district number, a different system is being used. For example, Praha 13 is part of the "old" Praha 5 district. The advantage of the "old" system of ten districts is that it is used on street signs and house numbers throughout the city, so you can always easily determine the "old" system district you are located in.

Praha 1 is the oldest part of the city, the original 'Town of Prague', and has by far the densest number of attractions. Praha 2 also contains important historic areas. In this central area, the "old" district system (or any of the newer systems) is too crude to be practical, a finer division is needed. Traditional city "quarters" provide such a division. Their disadvantage is that they are somewhat incompatible with the modern district systems - although "quarters" are smaller than the "old" system districts, a single quarter can belong to two or even more districts. The advantage is that these central quarters are well known and widely used and identical with the homonymous cadastral areas shown on on street and house number signs along the "old" district designation, allowing easy orientation.

Buildings in big cities in Czech Republic have two numbers, one blue and one red. The blue ones are the orientation numbers - it is the ordinal number of the building on its street. Historicaly these numbers always started from the end of the street which is closer to a river. As is normal in Europe, odd numbers belong on one side of the street and even numbers on the other. This allows you to find quickly the house you are looking for. The red numbers are related to the house register of the entire quarter (for example, Staré Město), and thus usually correspond to the order the buildings in that district were constructed. Most people do not remember them; if somebody says e.g. the house is in Dlouha str. number 8, they will usually mean the blue number. Red numbers usually have 3 or more digits.

- Castle (Hradčany)— The historic nexus of the city, and the highest point on the left bank. Mostly belongs to Praha 1, although a small part belongs to Praha 6.

- Lesser Town (Malá strana)— The settlement around the castle; location of most governmental authorities, including Czech Parliament. Mostly belongs to Praha 1, although a very small part belongs to Praha 5.

- Old Town (Staré město)— The nucleus of the right bank, the oldest part of Prague. The whole Old Town belongs to Praha 1.

- Jewish Town (Josefov)— A small enclave within Old Town, the old Jewish ghetto. The whole Jewish Town belongs to Praha 1.

- New Town (Nové město)— The district adjacent to Old Town, established in the 14th century. Large parts of the New Town belongs both to Praha 1 and Praha 2. A small part belongs to Praha 8.

- Vysehrad (Vyšehrad)— The site of the old Vyšehrad castle south of the medieval Prague. The whole Vyšehrad belongs to Praha 2.

- North - Praha 7, Praha 8 and Praha 9. Praha 7: The large river peninsula just north of the city center. Includes the districts of Letná, Holešovice, Bubny, Bubeneč, Troja as well as a small part of Liben. Praha 8: Karlin is the small strip of land sandwiched between Zizkov and the river and bordering the old town on the west side. Karlin belongs to Prague 8 and prior to 2002, it was a rather unsavory part of the city. After the flood of 2002, Karlin was revitalised and is fast becoming a somewhat conservative, cosmopolitan, professional-class area. On the north-east side, Prague 8 balloons out and encompasses urban areas, business premises and furniture/homeware shopping districts. This is generally not regarded as a tourist area.

- East - Praha 3, Praha 10, Praha 14 and Praha 15. Žižkov is the name of the district referred to as Prague 3. Previously a working class suburb, Žižkov is home to many expats, short term travelers and university students; and sits on a hill on the right side of the old town. The plentiful array of intriguing and often unusual bars and restaurants, combined with a small but dedicated culture of poets, artists and musicians, gives the area its reputation for being both fun, relaxed and alternative. It is considered one of the more Bohemian districts of Prague.

- South - Praha 2, Praha 4, Praha 11 and Praha 12. A large part of Praha 2 is divided between historic quarters of New Town and Vysehrad described in individual articles. The remaining part includes most of Vinohrady. Praha 4 is the biggest and most modern district in Prague.

- West - Praha 5, Praha 6 and Praha 13.

Understand

Jan Palach

A university student, Jan Palach became a Czechoslovakian martyr when he set himself ablaze in protest to the Warsaw Pact intervention against the Prague Spring reforms, which liberalised government policies and human rights restrictions. Palach died three days later from his injuries. Palach's funeral erupted into mass protests against the government. Many Czechoslovakians mourned Palach and sympathized with his ideals including Jan Zajíc, who killed himself in the same fashion as Palach to encourage his countrymen to fight the Warsaw Pact occupation of the Czechoslovakian nation. A little more than two months later, on Good Friday, Evžen Plocek also set himself ablaze in the town of Jihlava. However, Plocek's protest went largely unnoticed since his death was not reported by the media. In 1989, twenty years after Palach's death, large scale protests were held in what became known as Palach Week, a precursor to the Velvet Revolution later the same year.

This magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for more than ten centuries. Almost undamaged by WWII, Prague's compact medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle that looks eastward as the sun sets behind her. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events catering to the independent traveller's thirst for adventure.

It is regarded by many as one of Europe's most charming and beautiful cities, Prague has become the most popular travel destination in Central Europe along with Budapest and Krakow. Millions of tourists visit the city every year.

Prague was founded in the later 9th century, and soon became the seat of Bohemian kings, some of whom ruled as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town in the 14th century - many of the city's most important attractions date back to that age. The city also went under Habsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918, after World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia. After 1989 many foreigners, especially young people, moved to Prague. In 1992, its historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries and Prague became capital city of the new Czech Republic.

The Vltava River runs through Prague, which is home to about 1.2 million people. The capital may be beautiful, but pollution often hovers over the city due to its location in the Vltava River basin.

Chaty

Many Praguers have a small cottage (which can range from a shack barely large enough for garden utensils to an elaborate, multi-story dwelling) outside the city. There they can escape for some fresh air and country pursuits such as mushroom hunting and gardening. These cottages, called chata (plural form chaty, pronounciation of ch as in Bach), are treasured both as getaways and ongoing projects. Each reflects its owners' character, as most of them were built by unorthodox methods. There were no Home Depots under communism. Chata owners used the typically Czech "it's who you know" chain of supply to scrounge materials and services. This barter system worked extremely well, and still does today. Chaty are also sometimes used as primary residences by Czechs who rent out their city-centre apartments for enormous profit to foreigners who can afford to pay inflated rent.

Local foreign language media

- The Prague Post (weekly newspaper, in English) [2]

- Prague Daily Monitor (website in English) [3]

- Radio Prague (multilingual radio station, website) [4]

- Czech Position (business news website, in English) [5]

Get in

By plane

Ruzyně International Airport, (IATA: PRG), +420 220 111 111, +420 296 661 111 [6]. Located 20km northwest of the city centre, it generally takes about 30 minutes to reach the city centre by car. The airport is served by a number of airlines:

- Wizz Air [7] is a low cost airline with a significant base in Prague operating to European destinations including Liverpool, London, Brussels, Barcelona, Milan and Paris amongst others.

- Czech Airlines (ČSA) [8] is the national carrier operating to many European and international destinations.

- easyJet [9] operates low cost services to European destinations.

- BMIbaby [10] low cost services from the UK only.

- Jet2.com [11] low cost services from Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford & Edinburgh

- SmartWings to Europe & Turkey.

- Swiss International [12] flies to Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

- Aer Lingus from the Irish cities of Dublin & Cork.

- Norwegian [13] from Scandinavia.

- Delta Air Lines [14]from Atlanta and New York.

- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines [15] 5 direct flights per day from Amsterdam.

- British Airways [16] has 4 direct flights from London Heathrow daily.

- Brussels Airlines [17] offers 3 flights a day to Brussels.

- Lufthansa [18] offers 6 flights a day from Frankfurt and 4 from Munich.

- TAP [19] offers daily direct flights from Lisbon and Oporto..

- Iberia [20] offers 3 flights daily from Madrid.

- Germanwings [21] offers daily flights from Cologne/Bonn.

Getting into the city from the airport

- By bus: The cheapest way to get to the city is by bus, but be sure to have some Czech Crowns ready. Buy a ticket from the kiosk called Public Transport in the arrivals hall or the vending machine, next to the bus stop, for 32 CZK (16 CZK extra for a larger piece of luggage). You can also buy the ticket from the driver, but it is more expensive. No machines or drivers accept foreign currencies. Take bus 119 to its terminus (Dejvická, Metro A) and go downstairs to the metro. Your ticket will continue to be valid in the metro. Alternately, bus 100 takes you to subway station Zličín (Metro B). At night, bus 510 takes you to the "Jiráskovo náměstí" or "I.P.Pavlova" stop close to the centre. Remember to validate your ticket as soon as you get on the bus by sticking it into a yellow machine with green glowing arrow. If you fail to do so and an inspector catches you, you'll be fined 700 CZK. Tickets are also available from the DPP kiosk in the arrivals area of Terminal 1. 24-hour, 3-day and 5-day tickets are also available here. Info on the schedules and routes can be obtained here [22].

- Airport Express (bus operated by Czech Railways): These buses leave the airport every 30 minutes; the first one at 5:46AM while the last one at 9:16PM at a price of 50 CZK per person (or less, if bought as a part of railway ticket further into Czech Republic). Tickets are available from the driver. They will take you to the railway and subway station Dejvická and Masarykovo nádraží. The last stop will be Prague's main train station ("Hlavní nádraží" which is commonly abbreviated in Czech as "Praha hl.n."). From there the bus operates back to the airport. Schedule: [23] or [24]

- Cedaz bus: [25] These buses operate from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every half hour. They will take you past the subway station Dejvická (metro A) and into the city centre to the Náměstí Republiky (metro B). Fares are 120 CZK per person. The easiest way to get to your hotel, however, is to use the company's shared-ride transfer service. Cedaz do not have exclusive contract with airport so you need to contact before you go. Alternativly you might use Prague Airprot Shuttle [26].

- By shuttle: Various companies run shuttle services to the hotel and back. They can be found at the airport arrival halls. They usually charge around 400 to 500 CZK for trip and in general are a bit cheaper than the taxis.

- By taxi: The most comfortable method to reach the city centre will cost around 500 to 700 CZK with AAA. AAA [27] has an exclusive contract with Prague airport to have a fleet of taxis waiting. For a bargain, call one of their competitors such as Profi Taxi [28], Taxi Praha [29], Halo Taxi [30], Prague Airport Transfers [31]. Or try choose any cab standing on parkings or soliciting inside the terminal building, but then always check the price before you enter the car.

By train

Prague is well connected to European EC train network, however there is no Czech high speed rail, so the maximum train speed is 120–160 km/h.

- Berlin: 4½h, EC trains every 2 hours

The train line from Berlin to Prague passes through the Erzgebirge mountains, and for a couple of hours the passengers are treated to a series of beautiful alpine river valleys, surrounded by rocky escarpments and mountains.

- Nuremberg/Munich: 5h/6h, 2 regional expresses a day from each city

Trains from Nuremberg have connection from Munich in Schwandorf a vice versa. The trains are quite slow, so alternatively you can use non-stop bus Nuremberg–Prague operated by German Railways (3¾h, every 2 hours).

- Vienna: 4¾h, EC train every 2 hours

- Bratislava: 4h, 5 EC trains, 1 SC train Slovenská strela (with compulsory reservation); one night train Metropol

- Budapest: 7h, 4 EC trains a day; night train Metropol

- Warszawa: 8¼h, EC Praha; 11h, night train Chopin

Direct night trains connect Prague also with Cologne, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zürich, Basel, Krakow, Moscow, Kiev, Saint Petersburg and Odessa. For ticket prices see Czech Republic#By train.

All international trains arrive at Praha hlavní nádraží (the central station, abbreviated to Praha hl.n.) which has a connection with Metro Line C. The station has undergone a major refurbishment in 2010.

Beware of the taxi drivers operating from the (official-looking) taxi rank alongside Praha hl.n.; they will attempt to charge a fixed price of CZK1760 (~$100) for a trip within the city center zone, or more than this if you want to travel further.

The park in front of the main train station is a haunt for some of the city's undesirable elements and should be avoided after dark. If you do have to come through on foot, it's best to avoid coming through the park and approach from the Southeast along Washingtonova. As you get to the corner of the park there's a police station, so the likelihood of running into problems from this direction is minimalised.

By car

Prague has highway connections from five major directions. Unfortunately, the highway network in the Czech Republic is quite incomplete and some highways are old and in poor condition. Thus, the highway connection from Prague to the border of the Czech Republic is available only in two directions - southeast and southwest. The south-western highway (D5; international E50) leads through Plzeň to Germany. The D5 highway continues in Germany as A6. Riding from the state border to Prague takes about an hour and a half (160 km). The south-eastern highway (D1) is the Czech Republic's oldest and most used highway - as such it's in a rather poor condition. It leads through Brno to Bratislava in Slovakia. It offers a good connection to Vienna, Budapest and all traffic from the east. It runs for 250km, and usually takes over two hours. To the northwest you can take highway D8 (E55), but it is not complete to the German border. It ends now at Lovosice (about 60 km from Prague and starts again in Usti nad Labem and continues to the northern Germany via A17 (Dresden, Berlin, Leipzig). To the northeast you can take highway R10 (E65). It is strictly speaking a motorway, not a highway, but it has four lanes and differs little from a highway. It leads from Liberec to Turnov. It isn't regarded as an important access route, as there are no major cities in this direction (Zittau in Germany, some cities in Poland), however it offers a good connection to the Czech mountains Jizerské hory and Krkonoše (Riesengebirge) with the best Czech skiing resorts. To the east you can take the newly completed D11 (E67), which goes to Hradec Kralove. It leads to Poland.

Czech highways are under development (D8 and D11 are being extended, D3 to Ceske Budejovice and Linz is supposed to be completed in 2020) so it's hoped that things will get better. Unless there are road works, there are only seldom traffic jams on Czech highways, with the exception of D1 near Prague (and near Mirosovice (direction to Ceske Budejovice and Linz, and Brno, too)).

Prague suffers from heavy traffic and on week days the main streets are one big traffic jam. Moreover, Prague still doesn't have a complete highway outer circuit. It is a really good idea to use the P+R (park and ride) parking places, where you can park your car for a very small fee and use public transport. The P+Rs are situated near all highways and are well marked. Note that traffic wardens are rife and parking in most residential streets in and around Prague city centre (even after dark) without a valid permit will result in a parking fine. In particular, avoid blue-marked areas which are parking-restricted area if you don't want your car to get towed away within the hour.

By bus

The main bus station for international buses in Prague is Florenc, in Praha 8 (metro lines B and C). It is located east of the city centre. In June 2009 a new terminal building was opened.

Eurolines [32] and Student Agency [33] connect Prague to major European cities. Other, less frequently used bus stations are at Nádraží Holešovice (metro C), Dejvická (A), Zličín (B) and Černý most (B).

Get around

Public transportation is very convenient in most of the areas visitors are likely to frequent.

Walking

Prague is renowned as a very "walkable" city. For those who enjoy seeing the old and new city by foot, one can easily walk from Wenceslas Square to the Old Town Square, or from the Old Town to Charles Bridge and the Castle District. However almost all of the streets are cobbled, rendering it very difficult for disabled or elderly travellers to get around effectively. Also, pedestrians should enter crosswalks carefully in Prague, as drivers are not as likely to yield as they are in other European cities.

Remember that in the Czech Republic, it is illegal to cross at a pedestrian crossing on a red man, and if caught this incurs a fine of 1000kč.

Shuttle

Shared minibus airport service is cheaper alternative to regular door-to-door private transfers. One can find easy-to-follow website at various websites.

Taxi

Try to avoid getting taxi on the street (public transportation is always the better option in Prague) and if you have to, try to negotiate the price in advance. It’s advisable to call one of the major Prague Taxi services:

- Taxi Praha, +420 222 111 000 [34].

- Modrý anděl, +420 737 222 333 [35].

- Profi Taxi, +420 844 700 800 [36].

- Taxi Premier, +420 777 092 045 [37].

- PAT Taxi, +420 800 870 888 [38].

- City Taxi, +420 257 257 257 [39].

- Halo Taxi, +420 244 114 411 [40].

- AAA Radiotaxi, +420 222 333 222 [41].

- PRG Taxi, +420 773 066 880 [42].

- Speedcars, +420 224 234 234 [43]. This is not a taxi service, but well controlled 'individual transport service' by provider.

Deceptive taxi drivers are another trap that can badly surprise a tourist. Mostly they charge more than they should. The municipal council has been trying to solve this problem since the Prague mayor dressed up as an Italian tourist and was repeatedly overcharged. The most frequent cases of cheating happen between the railway station or airport and hotel. If you must take a taxi, and cannot call one directly or call your hotel for a referral, the best way to find a reputable one may be to look for a hotel and ask them to call a taxi.

Always insist on having the taxi-meter turned on and ask for a receipt once you leave the taxi. The receipt should have driver's name, address and tax identification number included. Even though you ask for receipt the taxi-meter could be tampered with so called "turbo", which will cause the taxi-meter price go sky high.

If you go for waving the taxi on the street make sure you stop car with logo of one of the major companies. It's not a bullet proof solution, but at least you have some chance to get some satisfaction from the taxi dispatching company.

About two years ago, an information desk was set up on most taxi stands in the city, with orientation prices to most popular destinations from that stand. But there is a mistake in the local law, which actually allows some of the taxi companies renting the taxi stands (specifically around Old Town square) to charge VERY high prices (about 99Kč/Km). There is an ongoing law suit regarding this, however the practice still hasn't stopped. The most infamous company in this regard is a recently created AAA Taxi s.r.o. deliberately creating its name to resemble regulated and popular AAA Radiotaxi Praha, however AAA Taxi cabs charge up to four times more for a ride, they even do not provide services to Czech customers[44]. Visitors are advised to to use the services of proved phone-order taxis, as they are even reports of robberies with street cruising taxis[45].

If you're not speaking Czech, then be prepared there is about 50% chance to get cheated by a taxi driver, when stopping taxi in the city center. So be always on watch as that is a standard warning in any guide book about Prague.

If you are convinced you got overcharged by the taxi driver, mark the car ID numbers (license plate, taxi license number on the car door, driver name etc.) and contact the company, which the driver is working for (if any) or police. The problem is that you have to testify against the driver, which is kind of hard when you're on the other side of the world. Try to avoid suspicious taxis and if you find even a grain of suspicion, then walk away catching another taxi.

Other alternative is to use some of the chauffeured services companies like Prague Airport Transfers s.r.o. [46] or FEBA Trade Limousine Car Service [47] or even cheaper but as reliable HFS s.r.o. - 123-Prague-Airport-Transfer.com [48].

Some hotels offer taxi services. Make sure to compare the price with other companies. Some hotel taxis are cheap but others are more than twice the price and the car is not always identified as being a taxi.

Tram and metro

There are three main metro (subway) lines, numerous bus and tram (streetcar) lines, regional (Os and Sp) trains within Prague, as well as a funicular to Petřín hill and few ferries across Vltava river - all integrated in Prague integrated transport (PID) [49].

The tram and bus schedules are posted on the stops, and the Metro operates from early in the morning (around 5:00AM) until approximately midnight (or 1:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays). The schedules [50], maps [51] and prices [52] may be checked at their website.

These tickets may be of interest to visitors (prices valid from July 2011):

- 24 CZK – full ticket: 30 minutes (transfers allowed), children get 50% discount

- 32 CZK – full ticket: 90 minutes (transfers allowed), children get 50% discount

- 110 CZK - 24-hour ticket, children get 50% discount

- 310 CZK - 3-day ticket (72 hours), you can take one child free of charge with you

Children under 15 years get the discount. Children under 6 years travel free of charge.

Tickets can be bought at various places:

- ticket machines - sell 24, 32, 110 CZK tickets (take coins only but do return change)

- tobacco shops, convenience stores - usually 24 and 32 CZK tickets only

- Prague Public Transit offices - usually located at Metro stations (and the airport), sell all kinds of tickets

- bus (but not tram) drivers - sell the 32 CZK tickets for a higher price of 40 CZK

- EC/IC trains - sometimes the conductors of these trains offer the 110 CZK tickets for sale before arrival to Prague

- via SMS - service is available only for the Czech GSM operator customers

Validate your ticket by slipping it into one of the yellow boxes in the tram or bus, as soon as you board. In the metro, validation boxes are located inside the stations before the stairs. After having changed the tram/bus, there is no need to validate it again. Be sure to keep it handy until it expires.

Tickets are not checked upon boarding, but uniformed or plain-clothed ticket inspectors often make the rounds asking to see your ticket. One problem is false inspectors who most often ride the trams between "Malostranske Namesti" and Prague Castle - these deceivers can be detected by asking for the identity card which should be possessed by every inspector. An unstamped ticket is invalid - it will be confiscated, and you will incur a 700 CZK fine. Even though "riding black" seems easy in Prague, you should invest in the cheap ticket for the simple reason that Prague's transportation works perfectly and it functions on the honor system - help it stay that way.

Public transport continues at night and it's fairly extensive [53]. Night trams or night buses (00:00 to 5:00AM) usually come every 30 minutes. Every 15 minutes during this time, trams leave the central exchange stop of Lazarská in the centre of Prague. All night trams go through this stop. You can easily change tram lines here if nowhere else.

Do not underestimate how close to the footpath the trams will be when they reach the stop. It's safer to take a few steps back before the tram arrives, as wing mirrors could cause injury for taller people. When you use public transport in Prague, keep in mind that it is good etiquette to let elderly people, pregnant women or disabled people sit down.

By boat

You can travel down the famous Vltava River (Moldau, in German), which inspired writers and composers such as Smetana and Dvorak.

The Prague Steamboat Company http://www.praguesteamboats.com/ offers sight seeing cruises as well as trips to the Prague ZOO or the Slapy River Dam. There also few small passenger ferries across the river, integrated to the Prague's public transport tariff.

See

Individual listings can be found in Prague's district articles

- Prague Castle [54]. This, the biggest ancient castle in the world, according to Guinness World Records, rises like a dream above the city offering beautiful views of the areas below. Also on site is the St. Vitus Cathedral with its lookout tower, the Castle Picture Gallery [55], several palaces and museums and the beautiful Royal Garden, among others. You can also watch the Presidential Guard, and the changeover of the guards on duty on the hour. A Prague castle ticket is 350 CZK and an audio guide costs a further 350 CZK.

- Charles Bridge [56] connects Old Town with Lesser Town. Its construction started in the 14th century and it is one of Prague's most beautiful structures. During the day, it is a bustling place of trade and entertainment, as musicians busk and artists sell their paintings and jewelry.

- Old Town (Staré město)— Prague's historic centre includes numerous historic buildings and monuments, most notably the famed Astronomical Clock (Orloj), the pure GothicTýn Church, the mural-covered Storch building, and the Jan Hus monument. Nearby, the Estate Theatre is a neoclassical theatre where Mozart's opera Don Giovanni was first performed. Old Town features many historical churches (St. James Church, Church of Our Lady before Týn among others) and some other interesting historical buildings like the Old Town Hall.

- Josefov— This historic Jewish ghetto is interesting for its well preserved synagogues. The Old New Synagogue (Czech: Staronová synagoga) is Europe's oldest active synagogue and it is rumoured to be the resting place of the famed Prague Golem. Another interesting synagogue is the Spanish Synagogue, a highly ornamental building of Moorish style. Other attractions include the Old Jewish Cemetery, which is the oldest in Europe, and Kafka's house. The Old New Synagogue is NOT a part of the Jewish museum, so if you wish to see everything, it is recommended that you buy a combined pass to all of the Jewish attractions [57] for 480 CZK.

- New Town (Nové město)— New Town was established as an extension of Old Town in the 14th century, though much of the area has now been reconstructed. The main attraction here is Wenceslas Square, a rectangular commercial square with many stalls, shops and restaurants. At the top of the square is the National Museum which is well worth a look (see below). Midway down this historic boulevard, one finds trendy discos and Art Nouveau hotels, as well as quaint parks and arcades, while just off the beaten path are some wonderful panoramic views (Henry Tower), romantic restaurants and the dazzling, Disney-colored Jubilee Synagogue.

- Lesser Town (Malá strana)— Across the Vltava River from the city centre and leading to the castle, this quarter also offers beautiful streets and churches (of which St. Nicholas Church is the most renowned). The Lennon Wall, which used to be a source of irritation to the communist regime, is also found here, near a Venetian-like canal with water wheel and close to the Charles Bridge.

- Infant of Prague [58]. This famous statue of Christ, known also as the Holy Infant of Prague, is among the most widespread religious images in the world. The original statue can be seen in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Lesser Town.

- Loreta [59]. A beautiful Baroque convent in the Lesser Town.

- Strahov Monastery [60]. A monastery on the mountain. Worth a visit for both its picture gallery and its notable Renaissance library.

- Prague Dancing House (Fred and Ginger Building)— One of the most fascinating architectural expressions of Prague. Accessible from Karlovo náměstí metro station.

- Vyšehrad [61]. A nice castle well worth a visit.

- Petřínská rozhledna [62]. A smaller version of the Eiffel Tower on the top of Petrin Hill overlooking Prague. Climbing the tower costs 100 CZK for a standard ticket or 50 CZK for discounts.

- Prague Giant Metronome— A huge monument erected to replace the Stalinistic monument that preceded it.

- Memorial to the 1989 Velvet Revolution— A simple brass plaque at 20 Narodni. From Cafe Louvre, walk toward the river. You will enter an archway, and after just a few meters, look at the wall on the left.

- Prague Zoo [63]. To get there, take Metro C to Nadrazi Holesovice, then bus 112 which terminates at the Zoo. Nearby is the Troja Chateau (Trojský Zámek) with a large garden displaying various sculptures and a Botanic Garden [64] (Botanická zahrada Troja) with a tropical greenhouse.

Museums:

- Czech National Gallery (Národní galerie) [65]. Its most important collections are in the Sternberg Palace (up to to the Baroque), St George Convent (Czech Baroque and Mannerism) and Veletržní Palace (19th century and modern art). The first two are located near and in the castle respectively. Do not confuse them with the Castle Picture Gallery (see above) which is worth visiting on its own right. Also interesting is the Museum of Czech Cubism at the House of the Black Madonna in the Old Town.

- DOX - Centre for Contemporary Art [66]. Newly opened gallery for modern arts, modern EU gallery style. Huge white building with lot of exhibitions, installations and interesting obejcts to see. Located at Poupětova 1, Praha 7 near industrial district Holešovice (subway red line C) is quite long way from the center but definetly worth to see. You can check the exhibitions during day (around 1-2 hr) and on the trip back to Holešovice visit the most exiciting club in Prague (or Europe?) the legendary underground grown up Cross Club [67].

A collection of Asian art is exhibited at the Zbraslav Castle.

- Czech National Museum (Národní muzeum) [68]. An association of various museums. The main building is at the Wenceslas Square and is dedicated to natural history. Other branches include museums of the Czech composers Dvořák and Smetana, Czech Music Museum, Historical Pharmacy Museum, Prince Lobkovicz' Collection at the Prague Castle, Czech Ethnographical Museum and Naprstek Anthropological Museum.

- Prague City Gallery [69]. A museum of modern Czech arts divided between several sites most of which are in the old town. Its main building is the House of the Golden Ring at the Old Town Square featuring 20th Century Czech art in a beautiful medievil edifice. 19th Century Czech art is exhibited at the Troja Castle.

- Czech Museum of Fine Arts [70]. 20th Century Czech art and changing exhibitions.

- Museum of Decorative Arts [71]. This 17th century palazzo-style building houses examples of historical and contemporary crafts, as well as applied arts and design.

- National Technical Museum (Národní technické muzeum) [72]. Amazing collection of motorcycles, cars, aircraft and commercial vehicles, plus many examples of communist-era technological engineering. Reopened in February 2011 after extensive renovation works.

- Military Museum [73]. Showcases the uniforms, artefacts and maps relating to the Czechoslovak armed forces during World Wars I and II.

- Jewish Museum [74]. This covers six separate places (four synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Memorial Hall) but does not include the Old-New Synagogue, although entrance tickets can either include or exclude the last named. The Old-New Synagogue is expensive in relation to the museum but in view of its age, it's worth including it. The Memorial Hall is particularly moving with exhibits of the writings of children in death camps.

- Mozart and Dušek Museum [75]. Dedicated to the works of Mozart. The Museum of W. A. Mozart and the Dušeks is closed from November 1st, 2009 until further notice.

- Prague City Museum (Muzeum hl. m. Prahy) [76]. An absolute must-see for the incredibly detailed cardboard model of nineteenth century Prague by Anton Langweil. The detail is amazing, even down to the colour of the doorways and the design of the windowsills.

- Mucha Museum [77]. A museum of the Czech artist Alfons Mucha.

- Kafka Museum [78]. There is also a permanent exhibition at Kafka's house.

- The Pedagogical Comenius Museum [79]. A museum documenting the writings of the Czech Renaissance erudite.

- The Mueller Villa [80]. A work of art of the well known Viennese architect Loos from the beginning of the 20th Century.

- Jaroslav Fragner Gallery [81]. Jaroslav Fragner Gallery is oriented in temporary architecture. You can find here profiles of influential people and groups, retrospective exhibitions, thematic exhibitions, recent movement in architecture. Gallery provides lectures, seminars and publishing, regarding central Prague the JFG became a centre for architects, professional and general public, students of architecture and construction companies.

- Museum Kampa [82]. A museum of modern Central European art.

- Museum of Communism [83]. Interesting exhibits on how Communism changed Czechoslavakia.

- There are plenty of smaller museums. Among them are the Miniature Museum at the Stahnov Monastery, Toys Museum and Musical Automata Museum at the Prague Castle, Wax Museum, Torture Museum, Postal Museum and Brewery Museum at the Old Town and the Aviation Museum at Kbely.

- Lobkowicz Palace, [84]. 10am - 6pm. Art museum near Prague Castle 275 crowns.

Sightseeing Passes

As with many major European cities, you can get a good deal by buying a tourist card. Be discerning when choosing based on your needs (for example, cards may list free entry to locations that are normally free anyway - this concerns Prague Pass). Here are your options:

- Prague Card [85]. All-top attractions inclusive tourist card with tradition since 1991, is valid for 4 days and grants free entry to over 50 top attractions in the Prague area. You will receive a book with information on all the free attractions and many discounts (Prague Walks excursions, airport transfer, shopping, Mucha and Kafka museum etc.) and a voucher for each attraction. You can only enter the attraction with a valid card AND a voucher. The card does not include public transport and a separate ticket will have to be bought. The Prague Card costs 790 Kč. You will not save much with this card.

- Welcome Card TVCzechia® [86]. Free admission to Prague castles and towers as well as a lot of discounts in Prague and Karlovy Vary region. Price: 990 Kč.

Free Attractions Of note is that the card will grant free admission to all the Prague Castle short tour, which normally costs 250 Kč. Many of the town's museums and galleries--including all branches of the National Gallery and the National Museum--are also included, and over four days you can easily see 3 times the card's value. As such, this is an excellent choice if you're planning on visiting a lot of museums. The only major attraction that is not included is the Old New Synagogue and Jewish Museum.

With the Prague Card you can visit Prague Castle (350 CZK), Old Town, Malá Strana and Charles Bridge historical towers and other attractions, Observatory (20 CZK), small copy of Eiffel Tour (100 CZK) and Mirror Maze at Petrin Hill, Vysehrad all castle including his casemates and gallery, many New Town Museums and Galleries and several castles outside centre of Prague.

- Prague Pass [87]. Will give you free entry to various attractions in Prague within a 1 year period, various discounts, sightseeing tours and 72 hours of public transport, including metro, tram, bus, funicular, and train all for 860 Kč.

Free Attractions There is something for everyone with Vysehrad and its casemate (catacombs) and basilica, take a boat trip through Prague on the river Vltava (Moldau), effortless up in the TV tower with the best panorama of Prague or enjoy a ride on the Petrin hill cable railway. The whole city in one hall (perfect model in 1:480 scale) - a time travel to the past in Prague’s historical most significant museum. Don't fear the sharks and marvel at the blaze of colors in the Sea World Aquarium, a magical ride at a performance of a Black-Light-Theater or let your soul swing at a concert in a church. River Navigation Museum, Army museum, Aviation museum and the UNESCO certified auto museum "PRAGA".... all for free! (Some of them however have free entry anyway !)

Also in your pack is a free map of Prague and a program guide booklet as well as a free welcome present. You will also receive discount coupons for several discounts of up to 50% for guided sightseeing- and city-walking tours, Mozart museum, galleries, concerts, internet use, computer games, real laser game or for Rent a Car (25%).

- National Gallery Gift Ticket— If you are an art lover and you are staying in Prague for a longer time, a dárková vstupenka (gift ticket) for National Gallery may save you money. The ticket is valid for a year and is valid in all exhibitions (both permanent and non-permanent) of National Gallery. Number of visits is not limited. A gift ticket for one person costs 650 Kč, for two persons 1000 Kč. For 240 Kč you can have one-person ticket valid for two days in all "Old Art" exhibitions of National Gallery (Šternberk Palace, Schwarzenberg Palace, St. Anežka Convent), basic entry for these three galleries bought separately would cost you 450 Kč.

Do

Individual listings can be found in Prague's district articles

Culture

There are many opera and Black Light Theatre companies in Prague. There are several performance groups that cater to tourists. They aren't strictly to be avoided, but common sense should tell you that the opera advertised by costumed pamphleteers is not going to be up to truly professional standards.

- AghaRTA Jazz Centrum [88].

- Ungelt Jazz & Blues Club [89].

- Black Light Theatre [90].

Festivals

- Prague Spring - the most famous classical music festival in Czech republic [91]

- Prague Folklore Days, Advent and Christmas Music [92].

- Prague Advent Choral Meeting [93].

List of Concerts, Theatres, Museums, Galleries, Monasteries, Antiques, Trade Fairs, History in prague:

- Heart of Europe. [94]

River cruises

River cruises are both popular and varied, from one hour cruises to long evening cruises with dinner or music.

- Cruise Prague [95]. Offers a wide range of regular and private cruises.

- EVD [96].

- JazzBoat [97]. Combines cruising and jazz concerts.

- Prague river cruises [98]. All kinds of river cruises, with dinner, lunch, music.

Sightseeing flights

- Prague Flights [99] Offers sightseeing flights by airplane, helicopter or in hot air balloon and tandem skydiving.

Sports

- Prague Sports [100]. Gives you the chance to play a range of sports from football, cricket, rugby union, and hockey in Prague. Packages can be tailor-made to include accommodation, transfers, activities etc.

Buy

The streets around Old Town are full of gift shops geared towards tourists, selling Bohemian crystal, soccer shirts and other mass-produced memorabilia. The thoroughfare between Charles Bridge and Old Town Square is particularly bad, turning off into one of the laneways you can find the exact same merchandise for half the price. If you are looking for some decent souvenirs, try to get off the beaten path. Street vendors can have some unexpected treasures and there are plenty in the Charles Bridge area. Prints of paintings and good quality photos are very popular, and a really good way to remember Prague. Don't bother buying overpriced furry hats and Matryoshka dolls, though, because they have nothing to do with Prague - they are Russian in origin, and their sellers are just trying to capitalize on unknowing tourists.

In December, the squares host Christmas Markets selling a mix of arts, craft, food, drink and Prague memorabilia. The markets are an attraction in their own right and a great place to pick up a more unique memento of the city.

There are several large shopping malls in Prague, you should take "Na Prikope" street - the 18th most expensive street in the world (measured by the price of property), with famous shopping arcades "Cerna ruze" (Black rose) and "Palac Myslbek" and many shops. If you are looking for souvenir shops, you will find them in the city's historical centre - mostly around Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle. There are many other shops offering Bohemian crystal - especially in the centre near the lower end of Wenceslas Square. The other typical (if rather expensive) Czech goods is the garnet jewellery - typical Czech garnet stones (gathered near the town of Turnov) are dark red and nowadays are produced by a single company - Granat Turnov - and if you buy genuine traditional Czech garnet, you should get a certificate of authenticity. "Pařížská" street goes from Old Town Square towards the river - and includes some of the most luxurious (and expensive) boutiques in Prague.

Popular shopping malls:

Palladium[101] - situated directly in the city centre, it's the newest and perhaps most luxurious shopping mall. No cheap options to eat, unless you buy some food in Albert supermarket on the lowest floor (-2). On the top level (+2) are some moderate to expensive restaurants. Tram/metro station Namesti Republiky.

OC Chodov - a huge shopping mall with hypermarket located slightly further away from the centre at metro station Chodov.

Šestka - new shopping mall just 1 station from the Prague Airport. Very far away from the center but ideal for last minute shopping before your departure. Take bus 119 from Dejvicka metro station.

Palác Flora - medium-sized shopping mall with IMAX cinema in the top floor. Tram/metro station Flora.

OC Nový Smíchov - big shopping mall with 2-floor Tesco hypermarket, a cinema, bunch of fastfoods on the top floor and very close to metro/tram station Anděl

Metropole Zličín - medium-sized mall with a cinema, hypermarket Interspar, fast foods, huge parking lot and near the metro/bus station Zličín. If you are hungry after your flight, take a bus 100 from the airport to Zličín and then just walk few meters to this mall and buy something to eat.

Money

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown (koruna), abbreviated as Kč, with the international abbreviation CZK. The current exchange rate can be found at the official website of the Czech National Bank [102]

Sometimes it is also possible to pay with Euros (Hotels in the centre of Prague, McDonalds etc.) but be prepared to suffer an unfavourable exchange rate.

Eat

Individual listings can be found in Prague's district articles

Lunch is traditionally the main meal in Prague. Czech cuisine is typically based around pork or beef with starchy side dishes such as dumplings, potatoes, or fries. Fish is not as popular, though these days it is widely available. Popular Czech desserts include fruit dumplings (ovocné knedlíky), crêpes or ice cream. Most restaurants become very crowded during lunch and dinner, so consider making a reservation or eating earlier than the locals.

The tip should be about 10 to 15% - in cheaper restaurants or pubs you can get away with rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra coins. Otherwise it's customary to leave at least 20Kč-40Kč or €1-2. Taxes are always included in the price by law. Many restaurants in heavily-touristed areas (along the river, or with views near the castle) will charge a cover or "kovert" in addition to your meal charge. If this is printed in the menu, you have no recourse. But a restaurant will often add this charge to your bill in a less up-front manner, sometimes after printing in the menu that there is no cover. Anything brought to your table will have a charge associated with it (bread, ketchup, etc.) If you are presented with a hand-scrawled bill at the end of the meal, it is suggested that you take a moment to clarify the charges with your server. This sort of questioning will usually shame the server into removing anything that was incorrectly added. It should be noted that some waiters are impolite especially to people from the eastern part of Europe. Pay no attention to this, and simply find another restaurant.

If you're on the look out for fast food, you won't be able to move without tripping over street vendors serving Czech style hot dogs and mulled wine in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in New Town. If you're after Western-style fast food, the major chains also have a large presence in Wenceslas Square and the area immediately around it. Most beer halls also serve light snacks or meals. Definitely try the hot dogs (párek v rohlíku) - they're far superior to the greasy, messy version you get in the West. Small, hollowed-out French baguettes are used for the bread, filled with mustard and ketchup, and then the frankfurter is inserted afterwards. This turns the bread into a convenient carry-case and means you don't get ketchup all over your hands. Make sure you get mustard, even if you don't normally like it - unfortunately the hot dogs are somewhat flavorless and need that extra bit of kick. Prices range from around 15 crowns for a small one to 45 crowns for the terrifying-looking 'gigant'. Note that size of hot dog relates to girth rather than length. Try the trdelnik, a traditional tube-shaped pastry, which can be found at street vendors in Old Town for 50 crown.

Talk

While Czech is the official language of Prague and the Czech Republic, Slovak is also acceptable as Czech and Slovaks have historically understood each other without the need of a translator. Both languages are very similar and mutually intelligible to a very wide extent, leading foreigners to assume incorrectly that they are dialects of each other.

Most of the young people speak English very well, you will also have no problem to speak English at restaurants and bars. Many of restaurants have English menu. Russian is widely understood by people who were attending school before the Velvet Revolution in 1989, but the language is too different from Czech to be understood without study. In addition, some people may dislike to use Russian even if they know it because of the Soviet occupation of the Czechoslovakia in 1968 and the Communist history in general. Some Czechs will also have knowledge of German. People studying after 1989 and even some older people can speak English. However, learning either Czech or Slovak (even if it's just a few phrases like greetings and thanks) will surely endear the locals.

See the Czech phrasebook and Slovak phrasebook.

Drink

Individual listings can be found in Prague's district articles

Pubs (in Czech "hospoda") abound throughout Prague, and indeed are an important part of local culture. The exact brand of beer usually vary from pub to pub, and recommendations are difficult to give as natives are usually willing to argue at lengths about their preferences. The most internationally recognized beers are Pilsner Urquell (Plzeňský Prazdroj) and Budweiser Budvar (Budějovický Budvar). There are other brands famous among Czechs like Gambrinus. If you are looking for a beer brewed in Prague, go for Staropramen. Usual prices for a half-liter glass are between 20 and 35 Kč, based on the brand and locality, while certain restaurants at tourist areas like the Old Town Square are known to charge more than 100 Kč for an euro-sized glass. Don't be afraid to experiment with different beer brands, even if they are not mentioned in this article.

In Prague it is customary, especially at beer halls, to sit with a group of people if there are no free tables, so go ahead and ask if you can join. Prague has also many excellent tearooms (in Czech čajovna) which serve different kinds of teas from around the world.

Pubcrawls

- Prague Pub Crawl, +420.731.067.775, [103]. 20:00 - 22:30 join The Crawl at 24 Dlouha St, in the courtyard.Our all night party includes an hour of unlimited beer, wine, vodka & absinthe starting at two different times. We will crawl to at least 3 other bars where you receive a free welcome shot and we will finish at the 5-story mega-club (the biggest in Prague) with free entry! Free T-shirts too!,price="490CZK or €20

- The Prague Underground Backpackers Pub Crawl, 608803314, [104]. Meets in front of the Astronomical Clock at 9:45 every night but Sunday. Power hour from 10-11:30 at The Drunken Monkey bar with unlimited beer, wine and vodka. Tables are set up for Beer Pong and Flip Cup. Crawlers also receive a welcome shot at every bar and VIP entry to a different club every night. T-shirts are given to every person on the crawl for an extra €4 on top of the €16 cost.

- Prague Pub Crawl, Dlouha 24, Prague 1 (150 meters from Old Town Square), +420.731.067.775 or e-mail to:info@pubcrawl.cz (info@pubcrawl.cz), [105]. 20:00-22:30. 490CZK or €20.

Individual listings can be found in Prague's district articles

Sleep

Prague has a wealth of accommodation options, many of them within walking distance of the town centre. Peak season generally runs from April to October and a major influx of visitors can be expected during New Year as well. Prices for accommodation can be up to twice as high in the peak season and reservations are advised. Otherwise, the main train station, Hlavní nádraží, has an accommodation booking service for hotels and hostels upstairs. Normally, tax and breakfast are included in the room rate.

Even during peak season, dorm rooms in hostels close to the city center can be had for around 350Kč per person per night. Prague has its share of rough and ready youth hostels with a party vibe, but there are many with a more relaxed atmosphere and some housed in beautifully restored buildings as fancy as any hotel. Many hostels also offer private rooms, with or without shared bathrooms, for much cheaper than a pension or hotel room. Around Hlavni Nadrazi, the main train station, there are many touts offering cheap accommodation. Many are Czech residents renting part of their apartment for extra cash. Prices don't vary much between them, but some may not be trustworthy so be cautious.

A fun alternative is a 'Botel'. Usually relatively well placed, with gorgeous views. Prices vary from €20 to €120 pppn. Botel Florentina offers a view of the castle while being affordable too.

For those travelers to Prague that aren't looking to just save money, but to stay and tour the town in style, there are a few luxury hotels including one that is in the historical building from the 16th century:

For those looking for something a little different, a 'botel' (boat hotel) may be an appealing option. Most are moored on the south of the river in Praha 4 and 5, but the best is to stay in Prague 1, next to monuments to visit by foot, in the Lesser Town district (Mala Strana) or in the Old Town (Stare Mesto).

- Hotel Vitkov (Ptague Hotel), Koněvova 114 130 00 Prague Czech Republic, (+420) 242 453 000 (recepce@hotel-vitkov.cz), [106]. In Czech republic well known Hotel Vítkov was opened after reconstruction at the beginning of January 2007. Spacious, comfortable and luxurious rooms are suitable for exacting individual clients and groups.

- Hotel Florenc (Ptague Hotel), Křižíkova 11 Prague 1 Czech Republic, +420 499 433 224 - 219 (info@horni-pramen.cz), [107]. Hotel Florenc is located directly in the centre of Prague in Krizikova Street No.11, opposite to Karlinske Divadlo (Karlin Theatre), one of the beautiful theatres in Prague.

- Hotel Pramen (Ptague Hotel), lerův Mlýn 25, (+420) 224 816 247 (hf@hotel-florenc.cz), [108]. The Horní Pramen is situated on a south-facing slope directly overlooking the centre of Špindlerův Mlýn town, and its terrace commands breathtaking views of the entire mountain resort.

Prague is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

Contact

Many hostels and hotels offer free internet on shared computers or over a wireless network, so ask before you shell out extra at one of Prague's many internet cafes.

Almost all McDonald's and KFC fast food restaurants offer unsecured, free wifi networks to paying customers.

An internet cafe located at Spálená 49 (Metro B & Tram: Národní třída) is open until midnight every day and offers printing facilities.

- Grial Internet Cafe, Belgická 31, Vinohrady, Prague 2, tel. +42 0222 516 033, info@grial.cz,[109]. The nearest metro station is Náměstí Míru on the A line. Open M-F 9AM-11PM, Sa-Su 11AM-11PM. Grial Cafe serves hot and cold drinks, including alcohol, and scanning, printing and CD/DVD burning are available. Internet access is 40Kč per hour.

- Internet Cafe Interlogic, Budějovická 13, Praha 4, tel. +42 0241 734 617, info@interlogic.cz [110]. Open every day 10AM-10PM. 12Mbit/second internet connections, couches and drinks. 1Kč/min.

- Blue Mail, Konviktská 8, Praha 1, (Old Town), tel. +42 0222 521 279, info@bluemail.cz [111]. Open M-F 10AM-10PM, Sa-Su 10AM-11PM. The first five minutes is free and an hour of access will set you back 81Kč.

Stay safe

The most common crimes in Prague by far are car theft and pickpocketing: the prevalence of car theft and vandalism pushes up the crime statistics of Prague. But it doesn't mean that you're safe if you do not drive any cars. Pickpocketing is common in Prague, and some violent crimes do occur in this city. You are seriously warned not to provoke drunken people as it will pose yourself in extreme danger to provoke them.

Begging is a serious problem in this city and you can even see beggars in this city's top tourist attractions. Don't carry a wallet or purse in the back pocket of your pants; always keep an eye on your items; don't put all your money in one place; don't show your money or valuable things to anybody; don't walk alone into deserted areas even if you think you are a strong man. Better safe than sorry so take enough precautions for yourself. Prague might seems attractive with the relatively budget expenses, but keep in mind there's no free lunch in this world. The cops here don't speak English so don't expect them to help you. They are known to be one of the rudest in the world among tourists.

Possession of drugs has been historically a grey area under the Czech jurisdiction. Since early 2010, though, the dubious term "an amount less than small" has been finally transformed into absolute values based on the actual judicial practice and it is no longer an offense to carry less than 15 g of marijuana, 5 patches of LSD, 1 g of cocaine, etc. It is still a criminal offense to posses more than the allowed amount of drugs. Bear in mind that for possession of lesser amount you might be still fined by public authorities as it is an offence (even though not criminal one). Please also note that most bars will expect you to go outside if you intend to smoke a joint.

Be aware of teams of pickpockets [112] that lurk outside metro stations, overcrowded trams, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square. They usually work in teams of 3-5 and look for lost or distracted tourists. Backpacks are especially interesting to them. Many of those groups use underage children as pickpockets because they are not liable according to Czech criminal law.

Due to the low incidence of violent crime, the threat of pickpockets has been played up as a great problem. However, common sense and basic precautions can keep most people safe from pickpockets. If you have a camera, try not to wear it openly. Always close and secure your backpack and try to keep an eye on it. Be especially careful not to fall asleep in tram or metro. Wear your wallet in a safe place (like inner pocket of your coat), never put it into your rear pocket or any other place where it can be easily stolen.

Be astute on sleeper trains, as bag robberies are on the increase between major stations. Ask for ID from anyone who asks to take your ticket or passport, and lock backpacks to the luggage racks. Keep valuables on you and maintain common sense.

If you enter the metro (usually at night), you may find a team of con artists at the stations, saying that they are metro clerks and, after examining your ticket for some time, that it's invalid so you'll have to pay a fine of 500 CZK (1000 CZK if you argue with them). So if you happen to see them and you're sure that your ticket is valid, tell them to call the police, or call them yourself. Remember that Prague Metro ticket inspectors have to produce their badge in order to check your ticket and issue a fine; if they don't do this as soon as they approach you then, they are almost certainly fakes.

Be careful with taxi drivers, particularly from the train station. Taxis that are legally registered may still be mafia-run affairs that do their best to overcharge. It is illegal for a taxi driver to refuse you a receipt in Prague, so agree to a price before putting yourself or your luggage in the taxi. The risk of overcharging is greatly overplayed but just take the usual sensible precautions of only using taxi firms affiliated with the station or your hotel, or call a reputable company and wait. Finally, if presented with a wrong bill from a taxi driver, call the police on your mobile phone. Your driver will quickly change his tune.

If you can't afford to haggle with cab drivers, you can always use public mass transit. The network is extensive and can take you almost anywhere in Prague.

Be careful with money exchanges. Exchange your money in banks or official tourist informations and rather avoid exchange offices. Never deal with a street money-dealer: they offer better rates but frequently try to swindle you by giving you money from another country, such as Russian roubles or old Bulgarian leva.

Most of the exchange offices are fair, but some, especially at the busiest tourist sites, may try to cheat customers with various tricks. One of the them is offering favourable exchange rates, but with fine print below such as if you exchange more than 1000 EUR. Another trick is putting a huge board with "we sell" exchange rates to the shop window, which makes an impression of good rates, whereas the actual rate for buying CZK is much more unfavourable.

When the customer finds this out at the counter and wants to cancel the transaction, the money-dealer refuses with an excuse "I have already printed the bill", implying it is too late. The police won't help you, typically referring you to the Czech National Bank, which supervises exchange offices, to file a complaint (which does not help you either).

Czech law is weak and orders exchange offices only to display the actual rates, which you might find somewhere in the office in small print. Therefore, if you decide to use an exchange office always ask for the actual rate you will pay before making the transaction before releasing any money out of your hand.

If you find yourself in emergency, dial 158 for police, 155 for ambulance or 150 for firefighters. You can also dial 112 for a general emergency call.

If you need medication at weekends or evenings, you can go to Lékárna Palackého, (Tel +420 224 946 982) the 24-hour pharmacy on Palackého 5 in the new town.

Get out

Buses and trains are frequent and quite inexpensive and can get you to even the smallest village.

Practically every major European city can be reached by bus or train from Prague.

Regular buses are available to the following Czech towns, travel times in brackets:

- Brno (210 km; 02h05 in car)

- České Budejovice (152 km; 02h14 in car)

- Český Krumlov (179 km; 02h40 in car)

- Frýdek Místek (373 km; 03h37 in car)

- Hradec Králové (117 km; 01h28 in car)

- Jihlava (132 km; 01h25 in car)

- Karlovy Vary (127 km; 01h55 in car)

- Kroměříž (272 km; 02h34 in car)

- Liberec (112 km; 01h20 in car)

- Nový Jičín (346 km; 03h12 in car)

- Olomouc (284 km; 02h43 in car) — 284 km from Prague, but with a good train connection, former capital of Moravia, beautiful old city, famous medieval astronomical clock.

- Ostrava (377 km; 03h31 in car)

- Písek (107 km; 01h35 in car) — Beautiful South Bohemian town with the country's oldest bridge

- Plzeň (94 km; 01h18 in car) — Home of the world-famous Pilsener brewery

- Uherské Hradiště (283km; 03h01 in car)

- Zlín (301 km; 03h08 in car)

For just a small selection of further places off the beaten path:

- Kutná Hora (84 km; 01h24 in car) — A once prosperous silver mining town in the 14th and 15th centuries with the fantastic Saint Barbara church, and the Sedlec Ossuary located in the suburbs, decorated with the remains of 40,000 human skeletons who were largely plague victims.

- Novosedly na Moravě (248 km; 02h30 in car) — Take a horseback trip through the vineyards of Moravia

- Vyšší Brod (205 km; 02h59 in car) — Three day canoe trip from the Sumava mountains through Český Krumlov

- Vysočina (155 km; 02h04 in car) — Great mountain area for hiking, located halfway between Prague and Brno

- Beroun (36 km; 00h42 in car) — Small city located on the way to Plzeň, follow the Beroun river north to some beautiful villages

- Karlštejn castle and the holy cave monastery (47 km; 00h54 in car) — Hiking trip to the famous castle as well as an off the beaten track monastery

- Konopiště (50 km; 00h44 in car) — Archduke Franz Ferdinand's Castle located 40km south of Prague

- Český Ráj (89 km; 01h09 in car) — Hike through forests and valleys filled with giant sandstone columns and cliffs in this park near Jičín.

- Orlik (85 km; 01h14 in car) — Orlik castle about 70 km from Prague. Near the Orlik dam and Zvikov castle.

District Castle Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

Prague Castle

Tickets and other info

Attractions

• Do

Legends

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Get in
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See
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The main attraction of Hradčany (Castle Quarter or Castle District) is the Prague Castle itself. However the Castle Quarter is much larger and is filled with many other attractions, palaces, churches and monasteries. Some of the palaces host excellent galleries, others are used as government or church buildings.

Prague Castle
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The Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) [1] is the former seat of the King and is now the seat of the Czech president. This is Prague's number one tourist attraction so expect huge crowds and possibly long lines, especially during high tourist season. Your best bet is to come early, as soon as the castle opens.

Tickets and other info
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Some of the areas require you to buy a ticket for entrance. You can buy one of two combined tickets as well. The short tour allows entrance to the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, Golden Lane and Daliborka Tower for 250 Kč. The long tour allows entry to all the same places as the short tour, as well as "The Story of Prague Castle" exhibition, the National Gallery display in the Convent of St. George, and the Prague Castle Picture Gallery all for 350 Kč. The entry to the St. Vithus Cathedral is free (but crowds are regulated) when the owned by the state, but money is charged when owned by the Catholic church. The legal battle over the ownership of the cathedral still continues.

Similar to other Royal Palaces, there is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony. At noon, the ceremony includes fanfare at a flag ceremony as well in the first courtyard.

Attractions
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- St. Vitus Cathedral [2]. In the center of the castle and the most important cathedral in all of the Czech republic. The oldest parts of the cathedral are from the 14th century, but the cathedral was not completed in the Medieval period. The highest tower was completed in Renaissance and Baroque styles much later, as is clearly obvious. The Western portal and both Western towers are even younger, completed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the original Medieval plans were used for them and their relatively small age is not obvious. St. Vitus Cathedral was the place of royal coronations and also the location of the remains of several famous Czech Kings (notably Charles IV, of Charles Bridge fame). Go around the cathedral so you not only see the Western portal with the rose window and beautiful gargoyles, but also the original medieval Golden Portal in the south and the stunning Flying Buttresses in the east. Things not to miss inside the cathedral include the stained glass Rose Window in the west portal, the stained glass window by Alfons Mucha, the tomb of St. John of Nepomuk made of pure silver, the Royal Crypt underneath the cathedral (with the graves of Charles IV, his four wives, Wenceslas IV, Ladislas the Posthumous, George of Podebrady, Rudolf II, and Marie Amalie of Austria, the daughter of Maria Theresa of Austria) and the stunning St. Wenceslas Chapel with the relics of the saint and walls decorated with gold and more than 1300 gems. The Czech Coronation Jewels are kept behind the door with the seven locks (seven important people including the Czech President and the Czech Prime Minister keep the keys) in the St. Wenceslas Chapel. If you're willing to hike the 287 stairs to the top of the Bell Tower (the one with Baroque roof) you'll be rewarded with excellent views of the castle and the surrounding area. The Bell Tower holds Zikmund, the biggest bell in the Czech Republic.

- Old Royal Palace. The original seat of Czech rulers. Visitors first enter the Vladislav hall, the largest high-Gothic vaulted space in Central Europe. Other rooms include the Palace chapel and throne room. At the end of the exhibit is "The Story of Prague Castle" exhibit, which features artificats from the castle's past.

- St. George's Basilica. The 2nd oldest church in the castle and features a colorful Baroque facade. The interior is visibly older and is the burial place of the Premyslid family and the first Czech saint, Princess Ludmila.

- St. George's Convent - National Gallery. One of several branches of the National Gallery is located inside this, the first convent in Bohemia. Today it houses the collection of Czech Mannerist and Baroque art.

- The Golden Lane(Zlatá ulička). During the reign of Rudolf II, goldsmiths lived in a lively alleyway filled with tiny workshops, which were also their residence, hence it’s name. Tiny, cobblestoned walkway filled with brightly-painted little houses, where modern man has a hard time standing with the low ceiling. (It's tough to realize just how tiny our pre-20th-century ancestors were until you go somewhere like this). Franz Kafka occupied one of the houses for a short time, and this is why most people visit the Golden Lane. There really isn't another good reason unless you want to buy some overpriced souvenirs in the small shops now occupying the houses, or need to cut through the crowds to see the Daliborka.

- The Daliborka. Built by Prince Vladislav in 1496, the tower at the far end of the castle is part of a new fortified wall. Its first prisoner was a recalcitrant knight named Dalibor who, according to legend, played his violin very sadly at the wall serenading the castle residents. Though, the thickness of the walls makes that legend a little unlikely. No one would have been able to hear him outside! Today the tower holds a small display of prison and torture techniques used during that time.

- Prague Castle Picture Gallery. Housed in the original castle stables. It contains Renaissance and Baroque art, including parts of the original collection of Rudolph II.

- The Royal Garden. To the east/north-east of the palace is a large park. Aside from its own beauty, it has an excellent view of the east bank of the river. Entrance is free.

- The State Rooms at Prague Castle. Open to the public two days of the year, as they are mostly used exclusively by the President. Contact the Castle Information office for more details.

Do
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- Watch the Castle Guard changing ceremony at a full hour, best at noon.

- Listen to the Loreta bells at a full hour.

- Visit the excellent art galleries both inside the Castle and in the surrounding palaces.

- Climb the highest tower of the St. Vitus Cathedral and enjoy Prague from the excellent perspective.

Legends
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- According to a legend, anybody who puts the St. Wenceslas Crown on his head unjustly will die violently within a year. It is said that the Reichsprotektor Reinhard Heydrich did just that. He was assassinated by Czech parachutists in less than a year.

Buy
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Eat
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- Cafe Slavia, Narodni trida 1, Prague 1. A coffee tastes even better when accompanied by stunning views of the Vltava and Prague Castle. Cafe Slavia is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or light meal during a day of sightseeing in Castle.

- Cafe Louvre, Narodni trida 20, Prague 1. Once frequented by Franz Kafka, this cafe is now a popular hotspot for a Prague locals. Their separate dining room offers french cuisine, for those looking for a different option than Czech food.

- Lvi Dvur Restaurant, U Prasneho Mostu 6 Hradcany, Prague 1. Set in the back of Prague castle, the Lvi Dvur offers a truly unique dining experience. Traditional Czech cuisine is served in a room full of original period furnishings. Be sure to try the roast pig, the speciality of the house.

Drink
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- Barock, Parizska 21, 1st, 23 29 221. 8:30AM-1AM. This oh so trendy bar is filled with lithsome wannabe supermodels and cool hipster dudes that accompany them. It's the place to be seen, especially while nibbling on the Japanese snacks on offer.

- Bar Bar, Vsehrdova 17, 1st, 57 31 22 46. With a young and hip clientele that has USA on its mind, Bar Bar serves tasty burgers, jumbo salads and American beers. The owner is Prince Antonin Kinsky, the scion of the ancient Czech dynansty, who can be found behind the bar.

- Mecca, U pruhonu, 83 87 05 22. When the dance floor beckons, head to Mecca, which is the coolest of the cool clubs in Prague. Check out the bar that contains portholes and an aquarium and move to the latest beats straight from London.

Sleep
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- Four Seasons Hotel, Veleslavionova 2a, 21 42 70 00. The epitome of luxury, it took three years to complete work on this hotel, which includes three places from different periods: neoclassical, neo-Renaissance and Baroque. 150 rooms furnished in an elegant and sophisticated style overlook the Vltava River, all with impressive marble bathtooms.

- U Zlate Studne, U Zlate studne 166/4, 1st, 57 01 12 13. With the restaurant terrace leading directly to Prague Castle, you'll feel absolutely enchanted staying in this hotel with one of the most beautiful views in Prague.

- Hotel Questenberk [3] is a romantic, baroque-style, 17th century hotel in the historical centre of Golden Prague, within walking distance of Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Old Town. Each of the Single, Double, Deluxe Double rooms as well as the three Royal apartments are originally furnished and equipped with Sat TV, Wi Fi Connection DIrect Dial Phone, safe, and Minibar.

- EA Hotel Jeleni dvur, Jeleni 197, Prague 1, +420 233 028 333 (reception@jelenidvur.euroagentur.cz), [4]. checkin: 2:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM.

Charming hotel with pleasant family atmosphere situated in attractive location by Prague Castle. This truly romantic hotel with its exclusive interior offers comfortable accommodation in sought-after historical area of Prague, only few steps away from the picturesque corner of Nový Svět, Loretto or Strahov Monastery. All 30 well-appointed rooms are equipped with TV/SAT, high speed Internet connection, direct dial telephone and safe deposit box. Public PC desk with Internet access and printer is available at the reception. Some rooms offer a wonderful view of the historical parts of Prague. There is a parking lot in front of the hotel for those coming by car.

District Lesser Town Table of Contents

• Get in

• Get around

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Get out

Get in
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Get around
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See
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- Charles Bridge. The Charles Bridge (Karlův Most) connects the Old Town with Lesser Town. Commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and constructed between 1357 and 1402, it is one of the most interesting historical stone bridges in Europe. It is 516 meters long with 16 arches. Baroque statues (a total of 30) began to be placed here in the 17th century. The best time to visit the bridge is in the quiet morning or in the evening at sunset, when one can enjoy a view of the fully lit Prague Castle.

- Child Jesus of Prague. The famous statue of Child Jesus of Prague [1] can be seen in the Church of Our Lady Victorious of Discalced Carmelite Order in Karmelitská Street. This image of Christ, known also as the Holy Infant of Prague, is among the most widespread religious images in the world. The statue was brought from Spain in the 16th century and given to the Carmelites in 1628. It is 47 cm high and represents Jesus as a Child and King. The statue is carved out of wood and the surface is modeled in coloured wax. The entrance to the church is free of charge.

- Petrin Hill. Due to a housing crunch, most young Czechs don't move out of their parents' house until they marry (sometimes long after!). This lack of privacy leads to some very public displays of affection - what you see on the metro or trams won't compare to what you’re likely to encounter on Petrin Hill. This hillside slopes down from the Castle and Strahov Monastery to Mala Strana and Malostranske namesti metro station. It affords an amazing view of the city on a clear day, and in springtime the trees are all in bloom. This is possibly the nicest place to kick back with a bottle of wine and your significant other to watch the sun set over the city. Just be careful not to trip over the modesty-lacking couples who will probably already be there. In a city filled with apartment buildings and only a handful of single family houses (almost all in the diplomats' favored housing area, Dejvice, and priced far above the average Czech family's wage) parks take on a greater importance. Petrin has a miniature Eiffel Tower that offers a nice view over Prague and its suburbs. The most famous "inhabitant" of the park is a statue of poet Karel Hynek Macha, at whose feet lovers leave wreaths every spring in honour of his romantic poem Maj.

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- Go up the Petrin Observation Tower for a worthwhile view over the city for 60 Kč (reductions 40 Kč).

- Watch the night sky with a big telescope from the Stefanik Observatory (40 Kč).

- Children of all ages like the distorting mirrors in the Mirror Maze on Petřín Hill.

Buy
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Eat
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- U Zavesenyho Kafe, Uvoz 6, Praha 1. [2] U Zavesenyho Kafe on Uvoz near Hradčany square is one of the very few restaurants in the tourist area of Prague with a quirky atmosphere that isn't excessively touristy. Offering food at reasonable prices and serving good, modest food. A great place to have lunch while exploring Hradčany and Petrin Park, it's conveniently located in the middle between these two tourist attractions.

- Restaurant U Zlatých nůžek, Na Kampě 6/494, Praha 1, tel. +420 257 530 473 [3]. Open every day 11AM-11PM. Our stylish restaurant offers a wide selection of Czech and international cuisine including first-class Moravian wines. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of calmness in the centre of Prague with its beautiful view of the Charles Bridge and enjoy the garden in front of the hotel during the summer season (May-October). The restaurant is suitable for family gatherings, company events and wedding celebrations.

- El Centro, Maltézské Náměstí 9, Praha 1, tel. +42 0257 533 343, bar-elcentro@volny.cz [4]. Open every day 12PM-12AM (Last orders at 11PM). An excellent little restaurant located near the Charles Bridge, but tucked behind a couple of other buildings. It's a typical Spanish restaurant, has a very friendly atmosphere, good prices and isn't crowded. Also, it doesn't have any hidden charges such as service taxes which are common in Prague. English menus and takeout available. Mains 90Kč-350Kč.

- Malostranska Pivnice, Cihelná 3, Praha 1. [5] Near the Charles Bridge. Traditional Czech cuisine. Sometimes you get a hand written bill with a service charge. Do not pay it. Tip only as much as you like.

- Bar Bar, Vsehrdova 17, [6]. Arty place with reasonable prices and tasty crepes.

- Baráčnická Rychta, Tržiště 23/555, +420 257 532 461, [7]. A classic pub near the sloppy streets leading to the Prague Castle. They serve an excellent Svijany beer and their Moravian Sparow, potatoe dumplings, spinach is famous throughout the city. (50°5'16.451N,14°24'0.788E)

- Česká hospoda, Malostranské náměstí 11 110 00 Praha 1, +420 603 780 265, [8]. Excellent Czech food and beer, at reasonable prices. Very atmospheric location, mostly underground. Moderate.

- Peklo, Strahovské nádvoří 1/132 Praha 1 - Hradčany 11800, + 420 220516652, [9]. 1200-2300. Restaurant set in the vaulted wine cellars of the monastery. Peklo means Hell.

Drink
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- U Glaubiců, Malostranské náměstí 5, Prague 1, tel: +420 257 532 027, [10] Classic Czech pub, serving some of the best and cheapest beer in Malá Strana, normally one of the most expensive areas of the city.

- U Malého Glena, Karmelitská 23, Prague 1, tel: +420 257 531 717 [11]. American-owned bar with live jazz downstairs nightly. See video of this bar.

- Dobrá trafika, Újezd 37, Prague 1, tel: +420 732 852 364 [12]. Cosy cafe near Kampa with nice atmosphere, small garden and variety of small snacks and hot drinks. The cafe is located behind a newsstand (in Czech - trafika).

- Cafe Club Ujezd. Kind of an odd bar in Mala Strana. Interesting art on the walls and ceilings. Even more interesting clientele. Cheap beer and a great place for groups.

Sleep
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- Kinsky Garden Hotel, 7 Holeckova, +420 2 57311173 (info@hotelkinskygarden.cz, fax: +420 2 57311184), [14].

- The Castle Steps [15]. Nerudova 7, Mala Strana, Prague 1; tel. +420 257 216 337; info@castlesteps.com; Reviews describe these rooms and apartments as excellent accommodation for the price. The Castle Steps accommodation is right at the foot of Prague Castle, very close to the city center and five minutes from the tram stop. Prices for two people range from €68 per night in summer and €46 per night in winter for the smallest rooms to €170 per night in summer and €114 per night in winter for a luxury self contained apartment. Most rooms have antique furniture and oil paintings. This is the real Prague at great value.

- Hotel Sax is a 4 star vintage design hotel in Prague Mala Strana (Lesser Town), next to Prague Castle and Saint Nicholas Church, and close to Charles Bridge and all major tourist attractions. You will appreciate the family atmosphere of the hotel as well as the romantic and quite little streets and ancient palaces. Hotel Sax is the ideal place for tourists as well as business travelers. Do you admire the design of the 1970s, or would you rather surround yourself with the furniture of the 1950s or 1960s? Every room or suite has an original appearance. For more information please visit Hotel Sax's official website.

- Nerudova Apartment House Nerudova 40, Prague 1, tel. +420 224 990 900, info@travel.cz [16]. House is located in Nerudova Street, leading up from the Little Quarter Square to the Prague Castle. All apartments are fully furnished in standard way. A spacious living room includes a fully equipped kitchenette and a dinette. Maid service twice per week. Prices vary according to the season and type of apartment, from 50€ for one bedroom apartment to 150€ for large three bedroom apartment.

- Pension Dietzenhofer Nosticova 2, (tram 12, stop Malostranske Namesti), dientzenhofer@volny.cz [17]. The main house is a cute green building dating from 1572. Rooms and suites there start from 1500 kc for a single. The flat, which sleeps up to 4, is a great value for backpackers at 1800 kc/night. It has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and is located on Karmelitska, a main thoroughfare in Lesser Town.

- Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, Tržiště 19, Prague 1, tel: +420 257 286 007 [18]. Very luxurious, and rather expensive hotel located across the street from the U.S. Embassy.

- Mandarin Oriental Prague, Nebovidská 1, Prague 1, tel: +420 233 088 888 [19]. Part of the Mandarin Oriental chain. Very expensive, but considered by many travelers and locals to be the best hotel in Prague.

- Best Western Hotel Kampa, Všehrdova 16, Prague 1, +420 257 404 444 (reception@hotelkampa.cz), [20]. checkin: 2:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM. Authentically decorated hotel in the historical centre of Prague evokes the splendour of the 17th century and welcomes its guests with wonderful internal architecture and pleasant hotel comfort. Lesser Town, Charles Bridge and the National Theatre, all in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, create a unique setting for visitors.

- Santini Residence, Nerudova 14, Prague 1, tel: +420 257 195 111 [21]. Small luxury and butique hotel situated in one of the most picturesque streets in Prague. Just a few steps from the Charles Bridge as well as the Prague Castle.

- Grand Hotel Praha, Saroměstské náměstí 22, Prague 1 (Old Town Square), +420 606 600 583, [22]. Luxury hotel in a historical building in Prague center, directly opposite the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Square.

Get out
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District Old Town Table of Contents

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

See
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- Old Town Square is the center of eventful history of Prague. The Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings were preserved here. The Historical Centre, including most of the city’s major sites, became a UNESCO-listed site in 1992.

- Jan Hus monument— That striking man standing atop a patina-green metal mountain in the center of Old Town Square is not Jesus, though he resembles him. It's Jan Hus, the great Czech religious reformer whose Hussite movement caused as much, if not more, friction within the Christian community as Martin Luther. The statue was erected on the 500th anniversary of his death (6 July 1915). Hus preached in the Bethlehem Church in Old Town and was himself not particularly radical, unlike some of the sects who followed him. He believed in Bibles written in the worshiper's language, in the importance of faith instead of a clergyman's intermediation with God - in other words, concepts which threatened the status quo. He was summoned to the Church's Council of Constance in Switzerland by representatives of the Emperor, and given a letter of safe conduct to get there and back. Like every member of the Habsburg family, before and after him, the Emperor was Catholic. After Hus refused to repent for his so-called sins and come back into the Church, he was burned at the stake, despite the promise of the Emperor.

- Astronomical Clock (also called Orloj)— The Astronomical Clock located on a side tower of the Old Town Hall (reasonably enough, on Old Town Square) is easy to find - just wait until a few minutes before the hour and look for a large group of tourists standing around waiting for something to happen! It also one of the most popular gathering places in Prague.

Built in 1410 and thought of as an example of 15th century hi-tech device, projected with participation of math and astronomy professor at Prague University. The mail dial is in principle mechanical astrolabe, showing not only the current time, but also the placement of Sun and Moon in Zodiac, phase of the moon, time of sunrise and sunset, length of astronomical night, time in old Bohemian hours, in unequal hours and other data. From gathering crowds, hardly anybody understands all data astronomical dial displays.

Then there is a slow-moving 12-month calendar with incredibly delicate, small figure paintings by 19th century Czech painter Josef Manes. Every day on the hour, the upper, glockenspiel-style section of the clock performs the same scene: Death waves an hourglass, the 12 apostles shuffle past small windows, and a rooster crows. After the hour strikes, a Turk wags his head.

Long after the Turks had ceased to be a threat in Central Europe, their use as an allegorical figure in genre paintings and other art continued. The Czechs often sided with the Hungarians in various battles against increasing imperial power as exercised by the ruling Habsburg family over their dominions, and though the Turks never occupied Prague as they did Budapest, both countries' artists used "the Turk" (a dark-complected figure, usually wearing a turban) to represent the dangers of the world, and especially threats to Christianity. In the astronomical clock, the Turk is meant to be the stranger.

There is a legend about the clock that states the original master builder of its interior clockworks was blinded by the King who commissioned it after the work was completed so the mechanic could never build such a wonderful clock for someone else.

- Municipal Hall - Nám. Republiky 5. ph 222 002 101. fax 222 002 100. email info@obecni-dum.cz [1]. The Obecní dům was built near the Powder Tower (a storage place for gunpowder and a major trade route entry into the city) on a site called King's Court where once a royal residence stood. In 1901, the Prague Civic Society made a proposal to city authorities to build a center for official and social Czech events. As happened so many other times in recent Prague history, the Czechs were trying to balance the grand buildings erected by the German-speaking community of Prague with suitable edifices of their own. The "German House" (now co-opted and renamed Slovanský dům, or Slavic House, on Na Příkopě street) and a German casino were enough to make the Czechs want a place of their own.

Lovers of Art Nouveau should bless the memories of the Prague Civic Society's officials, because the Obecní dům would become one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in Prague, filled with artwork by the best Czech artists of the day. Neo-Baroque, neo-Renaissance, Western and Oriental influences – all combined with traditional Czech Art Nouveau. This is what makes the Obecnàdum unique among many beautiful examples of Art Nouveau public buildings in Prague. While the exterior is impressive, the interior is both finely crafted and educational. Almost every prominent living Czech artist worked on the Obecní dům. Painters Mikoláš Aleš, Václav Jansa, Alfons Mucha, Jakub Obrovský, Jan Preisler, Josef Wenig, Karel Spillar, Max Švabinský, Josef Ullman, František Zenoek, and the sculptors Josef Maratka, Josef Václav Myslbek, Karel Novak, Ladislav Šaloun, František Uprka, Bohumil Kafka and Čeněk Vosmík carved out an astounding backdrop for the many historical events that would transpire here. Though their contributions are not conspicuously noted, in some cases (such as Alfons Mucha's Mayoral Hall) it is obviously which artist decorated what room.

- Convent of St Agnes, U Milosrdných 17. The Anezsky klaster is the first Early Gothic building in Prague (founded 1234) - something notable in a city filled with amazingly well-preserved examples of Gothic architecture such as St Vitus, the Charles Bridge and the Powder Tower. Over the years the complex's convent, chapels and several churches deteriorated and in some cases, were completely destroyed. After Habsburg emperor Josef II's religious reforms, the convent was shut down in 1782 and converted into lodgings for the poor. St Anežka, (Sv. Anežka česká) who is pictured on the pink 50-crown banknote, is the patron saint of Bohemia and founder of the convent complex. She was a daughter of the ruling Premyslid family, but no wallflower in terms of her activism, intelligence and energy. St Francis of Assisi, after whom one of the churches in the complex is named, founded his religious order in 1209 without the sort of financial backing earlier orders had enjoyed. As communism was crumbling, the remaining religious leadership, decimated over years by Communism's anti-religious influence, lobbied the Vatican to finally declare Anežka a saint. This happened 12 November 1989, though Anežka's niece Elizabeth had started the process in 1328! Today, the convent is used to house part of the Czech National Gallery's collection. Admission: Full: 100Kč, Reduced: 50Kč, Family: 150Kč.

- Museum of Communism, Na Příkope 10, +420 224 212 966 (muzeum@muzeumkomunismu.cz), [2]. Hours: Daily 9AM-9PM excluding December 24. A interesting museum that follows the history of communism in Czech Republic until it's fall with the Velvet Revolution. The museums has several interesting communist propaganda artifacts, which are worth a look. Admission: Adults: 180Kč, Students with ID: 140Kč, Children (under 10 with paying adult): Free.

- Mucha Museum, Kaunický palác, Panská 7, +420 224 216 415 (info@mucha.cz), [3]. Hours: 10AM-6PM. This museum is dedicated to the life and works of Alphonse Mucha, a leading artist in the Art Nouveau movement.

- Museum of Czech Cubism, Ovocný trh 19, +420 224 211 746, [4]. Hours: 10AM-6PM. Closed M. The Museum of Czech Cubism is in the recently renovated House of the Black Madonna. This unique Cubist building, designed by Josef Gočár, was built in 1911–1912. Adult: 100 CZK. Discounts: 50CZK.

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- Allegro, Veleslavínova 2a, Prague 1, +420 221 427 000, [5]. Every Day: 07:00 - 23:00. Chef Andrea Accordi serves up modern Italian cuisine in this restaurant located inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Prague. Considered by many to be the best restaurant in Prague, it is also the only restaurant in the city to be awarded a Michelin star, with prices to match. Very Expensive. (50.0877694,14.4143250)

- Ambiante Pizza Nuova, [6]. An upscale place which does a very accurate rendition of Neapolitan pizza, but whose real selling point is the amazing play area for small and smallish kids.

- Cafe Imperial, Na Poříčí 15, Prague 1, +420 246 011 440, [7]. Every Day: 07:00 - 23:00. Run by the most famous czech chef, Zdeněk Pohlreich, this restaurant offers wide variety of dishes, from czech traditional svíčková na smetaně (Beef with creamy sauce) to US hanger steak. Prices around 200-300 CZK (which is not cheap, but also not as expensive as other hotel restaurants in the Prague centre), quality is very good.

- Dahab, Soukenická 1085/4, [8]. Not far from the Namesti Republiky stop on the Yellow Metro line, Dahab is an Egyptian Restaurant/Tea House/Hookah bar. Lots of vegetarian options (though it's not only vegetarian), good hookahs, and great tea. Also very attentive staff and nice ambience to have a relaxing dinner or enjoy a hookah at. Superb tagine and special menus, delicious Tunisian or Moroccan tea is also available. Entree 200-1000 Kč. (N50,5272,E14,25318)

- La Dégustation Bohême Bourgeoise, Haštalská 753/18, Prague 1, +420 222 311 234, [9]. Mon - Sat: 18:00 - 24:00. Often voted as the best Czech restaurant, with price matching the quality. But if you have the cash, it's supposed to be a culinary experience as no other. Menu from 2200 CZK to over 4000 CZK with wine included.

- Grand Cafe Orient, Dům u Černé Matky Boží, Ovocny trh 19, +420 224 224 240 (cafeorient@volny.cz), [10]. Coffee, tea, cakes and sandwiches with free wi-fi between Namesti Republiky and the Old Town Square.

- La Casa Blu, Kozí 15, +420 224 818 270, [11]. Spanish/Mexican food at good prices, close to Dlouha Trida tram stop. Free wi-fi internet. Service can be slow.

- Lokál, Dlouhá 731/33, Prague 1, +420 222 316 265, [12]. Every Day: approx. 12:00 - 24:00. A new member to famous Ambi restaurants group, this is the place, where traditional and modern blend together. While evoking czech pubs from times years ago, everything is brand new. Both beer (35 CZK / 2 USD) and food (100 - 200 CZK, 4 - 9 USD) is very good.

- Needle House Restaurant, Hybernská 7, +420 224 226 004. The name of this restaurant comes from the enormous skewers of meat and vegetables they serve, balanced vertically on an especially designed plate. Once you figure out how to handle them, they're great. The restaurant has great service and strongly flavored dishes. Entree approximately 250-300Kč, bottles of wine 350-1000Kč..

- Touch Restaurace & Lounge, Jakubská 744/4, Prague 1, +420 222 322 685, [13]. 11:30AM-11:30PM. Specialized in feathery dishes, modern cuisine, meals. Excellent food well presented. 150-400Kč.

Drink
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- AghaRTA Jazz Centrum, Železna 16, +420 222 211 275 (info@agharta.cz), [14]. Daily 7PM-1AM, live music from 9PM-midnight. AghaRTA is another well known jazz club, and organizer of the Prague Jazz Festival [15].

- Akord Jazz Club, V celnici 4, +420 774 101 091 (klub@akord-jazz.com), [16]. A cosy jazz bar in the basement. Concerts every night of different quality. The entrance fee is payed in the bar when you buy something to drink. Around 300Kč, half price for student with ISICcards. Tap-beer around 50Kč..

- Al Capone's Coctail Bar, Bartolomějská 3, +420 224 212 192, [17]. M-Th 5PM-2AM, F-Sa 6PM-3AM, Su 6PM-midnight. Al Capone's is a small and family-like bar, located in the very centre, with acceptable prices. Beer 25Kč-70Kč, cocktails 45Kč-80Kč.

- Alcohol Bar, Dusni 6, +420 224 811 744, [18]. Has one of the largest selections of drinks in the city, they have an extensive cocktail menu that's so big they have some copies in hardback.

- Chateau Rouge, Jakubská 2, +420 222 316 328, [19]. Three-floor club in the old town. Plenty of tourists, including Americans and pub crawl groups, to be found any night of the week. free entry, Staropramen 40Kč. (50.088306,14.424917)

- Fat Boy's Bar, Malá Štupartská 5, +420 721 737 588. Australian-style bar. Gambrinus 40Kč, Pilsner 55Kč.

- Karlovy lázně, Smetanovo nábřeží 198, +420 222 220 502 (info@karlovylazne.cz), [20]. This self-styled "biggest music club in Central Europe" is right next to Charles Bridge, with 5 floors of clubs each featuring a different style of music. It is frequented by Czech teenagers and German high school students. There are security guards at the door who search entering patrons. It is more often than not incredibly dirty and filled with very young males.

- Meloun, Michalská 12, +420 224 230 126, [21]. 11AM-3AM. Atmospheric club minutes from Old Town Square. There is a karaoke night every Wednesday with Czech and English music. There is a small cover charge for entry.

- Music Club Zlatý Strom, Karlova 6, +420 222 220 441, [22]. Daily 8PM-6AM. Lively half dance club, half go-go club. Watch out for the bucket mojito cocktails for 599Kč! Free entry for women.

- Roxy, Dlouhá 33, +420 224 826 296, [23]. Roxy has raunchy and less raunchy club nights, experimental cinema and free internet access when buying a coffee.

- U Zlatého Tygra (The Golden Tiger Pub), Husova 17, [24]. 3PM-11PM daily. If you aren't easily scared off by smoke so thick you can touch and mean-looking Czechs that look like they would rather shake you than share a table, then this place is a must-stop. It is almost always crowded to standing capacity but if you stop by just before closing during the week, you can usually grab a table next to a local or knowledgeable expat and have some great Pilsner Urquell for 34Kč a half liter, a price that is almost charitably low for the city center. There's also a simple menu of snacks and mains for around 35Kč-90Kč. Check the picture on the wall- that's President Bill Clinton drinking here. Favored hangout of the late Czech author Bohumil Hrabal, whose bronze bust stands watch over the heads of patrons.

Sleep
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- Apple Hostel, Náměstí Republiky 7, Králodvorská 16, +420 777 277 534 (applehostel@applehostel.cz), [25]. Only 5 minutes on foot to Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square. Facilities include kitchen, ADSL, lockers and a TV/music room. There's free breakfast and no curfew. Prices range from 280Kč for a 12-bed dorm room during low season to 1190Kč for a single room with a private shower. Rates are higher at peak times.

- Four Seasons Hotel Prague, Veleslavínova 2a/1098, +420 221 427 000 (fax: +420 221 426 000), [26]. Located on the river very close to the Charles Bridge, the Four Seasons is best known for having lowered the wall in front protected it from the flood. But when dry it's as close as you get on the right bank to everything in Prague. Bed and breakfast for 2 people is approximately €250, advance purchase packages are available for as low as €195 per night.

- Hilton Prague Old Town, V Celnici 7, 110 00 Prague 1, Tel: +420 221 822 100, Fax: +420 221 822 100[27]. Centrally-based hotel in the heart of all the tourist attractions around Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. For shopping, it is 5 minutes walk from Palladium - a big shopping center. There are a total of 305 guest rooms, including 20 suites. Hilton Prague Old Town is also home to Gordon Ramsey's maze Prague restaurant that is open throughout the day. Kosher food is available.

- Hotel Elite, Ostrovni 32, (sales@hotelelite.cz), [28]. A 4 star hotel. 78 uniquely decorated rooms, containing pieces of original antique furniture, are air-conditioned, equipped with private bathroom, IDD telephone, pay TV, satellite, free wi-fi internet access, safety deposit box and a minibar.

- Hotel Páv, Kremencova 13, +420 221 502 114 (sales@hotel-pav.cz), [29]. Newly-renovated 3 star hotel that offers individually appointed and furnished rooms with private bathroom, satellite TV, IDD telephone, complimentary wi-fi internet access and safety deposit boxes. Hotel Páv also offers 4 junior suites and 3 rooms for disabled customers.

- Intercontinental Prague, Náměstí Curieových 43 / 5, Praha 1, ph 296 631 111, fax 224 811 216. email prague@interconti.com [30]. One of the older Western hotels in Prague, the Intercontinental is located very close to the center. Double rooms are approximately €160 per night.

- Jilská Apartment, [31]. Approximately 50-100 metres from Old Town Square. 14th century recently renovated central apartment building. Prices are around £36 per night (about 1400Kc or 47Euro) for an apartment, depending on the season.

- Old Prague Hostel, Benediktska 2, +420.224829058, [32]. Located in a historical center.

- Pension Boršov, Boršov 1, +420 224 990 940 (info@praguehotels.cz), [33]. Nice and cozy small pension with 5 double rooms located in a quiet location a few minutes from the Charles Bridge and National Theatre. Breakfast is free of charge. There is a famous vegetarian restaurant Clear Head in the basement of the building. Rates start from €40 in the off-season.

- Pension U Medvídků (literally: at the bear cubs), Na Perstyne 7, Praha 1, tel. +420 224 211 916, info@umedvidku.cz [34]. U Medvídků is a great deal and only 5 minutes walk from Old Town Square. The pension is built on the site of an old brewery that is now a Czech Budweiser (Budvar) restaurant and the pension building houses a brewing museum and shop. It is also connected to a smaller bar that is open until 3am. The rooms are clean and atmospheric. Ask for a room at the very top (#43 is a good pick) to avoid street/restaurant noise. Rates are seasonal but start from around 1550Kč/2300Kč/3100Kč per night for singles/doubles/triples off peak. Add an extra 10% if you want one of the beautifully restored historical rooms.

- Residence Karolina, Karoliny Svetle 4, Prague 1, +420 224 990 990, [35]. info@prague-city-apartments.cz .The Residence Karolina offers 20 serviced apartments in total and all of them are really XXL size. The guests can choose from one or two bedroom apartments situated on 5 floors. One bedroom apartments are suitable either for 2 (executive version) or for a party of 4 with extra sleeping facilities in additional room. Each of the two bedroom apartments has two en-suite bathrooms to provide enough peace and privacy for 4 staying guests. Additionally you can temporarily accommodate another 2 friends by using a large comfortable sofa located in the roomy living rooms. Apartments are furnished with the aim to provide maximum comfort and versatility for guests staying a few days or several months. You can expect modern furniture and decoration, state-of-the-art appliances like home cinema, DVD, LCD-TV. Kitchens are fully equipped with a microwave oven, glass-ceramic kitchen stove, refrigerator etc. Bedrooms with their large and comfortable beds and en-suite spacious and well-lit bathrooms (bath or shower) provide ideal rest and tranquility for everyone. High-speed cable or Wi-Fi Internet connection is available in every apartment.

- Prague Residences [36]. Selection of apartments in Prague 1 (Old Town, New Town and Lesser Town) all with a high standard.

- Residence Masná, Masná 5, Prague 1 (Old Town), tel. +420 246 087 300, info@masna-apartment-house.cz[37]. Located in a quiet street close to the Municipal House and the Powder Tower. Prices vary from 60€ for a studio in the low season to over 100€ for an apartment in the high season.

- Residence Rybná [38]. Residence Rybná is a 500-year-old building formerly called At The Red Horse, rebuilt in the 19th century in the late classicist style. It was renovated and refurnished recently to accommodate most modern needs and to offer great luxury, while keeping its ancient atmosphere. There are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments available. Prices are quite high (100€ to 250€ per apartment), but its excellent location (next to Old Town Square), friendly professional staff and mystique feeling of the whole place make it worth it.

- The U Prince [39]. Facing the Astronomical Clock, this hotel has comfortable beds and beautiful marble bathrooms. The Terrace Bar has a spectacular view of the city and Old Town Square and the U Prince Restaurant has great food with breakfasts that are comparable to the U.S. You can’t get a better location in Prague. The rates are moderate.

- Clarion Hotel Prague Old Town, Hradební 9, Prague 1, +420 296 398 100, [40]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Situated in the historic heart of Prague, the hotel is just a few steps away from the Old Town Square and very close to all of Prague's sightseeing attractions. Pure functionalism blends with outstanding modern equipment and services in this historic building dating back to 1930. Recently completely renovated rooms offer complimentary high-speed connection and wireless internet is available in common areas free of charge as well. All of the main sights of Prague, such as the castle, the Kafka museum, Charles Bridge, St Agnes monastery and Wenceslas Square are within walking distance. The hotel offers great transport links for exploring Prague and the surrounding area, with public transport available just around the corner. For more info or direct best rate guaranteed bookings: *** www.cpihotels.cz *** rooms from 68 EUR / night.

- Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague, Jakubská 8, Prague 1, +420 221 776 300, [41]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. UNIQUE - FIRST IN THE WORLD. Seize advantage of this unique occasion to experience the mystical fusion of color, oriental fragrance and tastes that enchant all senses. Escape from reality with vibrant music, oriental aromas and the famous tastes of Buddha-Bar cuisine. Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague is located in the historic city centre of Prague. Rooms from 418 EUR.

- EA Hotel Melantrich, Melantrichova 5, Prague 1, +420 224 235 551 (reception@melantrich.euroagentur.cz), [42]. checkin: 2:00PM; checkout: 11:00AM. The hotel with intimate and romantic atmosphere is located on the „golden tourist way“, going from the Wenceslas Square to the Old Town Square through the historical part of the city. It offers comfortably equipped fully en-suite rooms.

- Grand hotel Praha, Staroměstské náměstí 22, +420 606 600 583, [43]. Luxury hotel in a historical building, directly opposite the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Square. Really romantic!

- K+K Hotel Fenix, Ve Smeckách 30, 110 00 Prague 1, +420-2250 12 000 (hotel.fenix@kkhotels.cz), [44]. At the heart of the “Golden City”, just a short walk from Wenceslas Square.

- K+K Hotel Central, Hybernská 10, +420-2250 22 000 (fax: +420-2250 22 999), [45]. K+K Hotel Central is located right at the heart of Prague’s historic Old Town, just a short distance from the “Prašná brána” (Powder Tower).

District Jewish Town Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Understand
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On 15 March 1939, Germany occupied the Czech lands, establishing the so-called Protectorate. At that time 118,000 Jews were living in the Czech lands. This included 30,000 refugees from the mostly-German Sudetenland area in Western Bohemia, the area which gave the Germans a convenient excuse to intervene in Czechoslovakia's domestic affairs after Western diplomats abandoned the country with the Munich Agreement. This agreement, in which Hitler was ceded control of the Sudetenland to hopefully appease his hunger for new lands to the East, is best known for the statement made by England's Prime Minister justifying his position: "Czechoslovakia is a far-away land of people about whom we know nothing." Expendable, in other words. This did not set a good precedent for treatment of the Jews. By 15 March 1945, only 3030 Jews remained in the entire Protectorate (2.5% of the original number). 71,000 Czech and Moravian Jews had been killed in concentration camps alone, not to mention those who were passively killed by diseases and hunger in such "model" camps as Terezin (Theresienstadt) to the northwest of Prague.

The Jewish Quarter lends itself to exploration, contemplation and a deeper understanding of what Prague's Jews have endured throughout the centuries. Paradoxically, Hitler is to thank for the Quarter's continued existence - he intended to create an "Exotic Museum of an Extinct Race" here after the end of the war.

Get in
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See
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- Old-New Synagogue [1]. The name sounds strange for a building from the 13th century but it was originally just 'New' to distinguish it from an even older synagogue. This was replaced by the Spanish Synagogue in the 17th century, when the Old-New Synagogue acquired its current name.

- Pinkas Synagogue, Siroká ulice 3, +420 222 326 660, [2]. Hours: November - March: 9 - 16:30. April - October: 9 - 18:00. Closed Saturday (Jewish Sabbath) and Jewish holidays. Inside the front door of the Pinkas Synagogue, inscribed in tiny red and black letters on almost every square inch of wallspace are the names of 77,297 Jews who were killed in the war. This visual representation humanizes such a number, attaching names to the statistics. In larger type at the front of the synagogue are the names of the concentration camps in which they perished: Dachau, Mauthausen, Oswiecim (Auschwitz) and others. The second floor houses a moving exhibit of children's art which is smaller than the original exhibit at Terezin but no less sad.

- Old Jewish Cemetery (Czech: Starý Židovský Hřbitov), Siroká ulice. On the left wall before the entrance is a plaque detailing conservation efforts (which cost 1 million crowns per year). Over 20,000 people are buried in about twelve layers of graves, stacked to save space. Avigdor Kara is the earliest known person buried here - he was a poet who lived to tell about the 1389 pogrom. The reddish, grey and black tombstones are tilted at crazy angles, some covered with moss, some newly cleaned. Walking along the path that winds around the perimeter, Rabbi Loew's tombstone is about halfway through. It has a lion on it and a plaque on the wall across from it. Loew is known as the father of the Golem legend in Prague.

- The Spanish Synagogue, Vězeňská 1. The Spanish Synagogue, so-called because Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain at the end of the 15th century built a previous synagogue on this site, is a wild combination of neo-Renaissance and Moorish-Spain style. Think the Alhambra crossed with a Victorian wallpaper store, with some Islamic geometric and floral flourishes thrown in for good measure. The predominant color is red, which lends a regal aura to the interior, but there are also multiple shades of green and blue. The background behind the altar is blue covered with gold stars, visually implying the intercession of the deity in the holy space of the building, drawing one's eyes upward to the vast ceiling.

- Church of the Holy Ghost.

- Klausen Synogogue.

- Pariska Street.

- Jewish Town Hall

- Rudolfinum.

- Jewish Museum[3]

This is not a single site but consists of four synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Memorial Hall - entrance to all being covered by a single ticket. A combined ticket that includes the Old-New Synagogue can be obtained at a considerable extra cost but the interest of the building justifies it.

Do
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Buy
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Eat
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- Chabad Kosher Shelanu Restaurant & Deli- Great Place, 8 Břehová, +420 221 665 141, [4]. Hours: Sun- Thurs:9AM-11PM, Fri: 9AM-3PM - Friday: Sabbath dinner only by reservation, Saturday: Sabbath lunch only by reservation. 110 CZK (About $4)+ per person.

- King Solomon, Široká 8, +420 2 24 81 87 52 (solomon@kosher.cz, fax: +420 2 74 86 46 64), [5]. Hours: Sun. - Thurs.: 12PM-11:20PM (Kitchen closes at 10:30PM), Friday: Sabbath dinner only by reservation, Saturday: Sabbath lunch only by reservation. Kosher restaurant. 550 CZK (€18)+ per person. Credit card payments accepted with a 1,000 CZK minimum charge..

Drink
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Sleep
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There are kosher apartments in Prague Jewish quarter, with kosher breakfasts available. The apartments are just few minutes walk to Synagogue and kosher restaurants. You can see details at Prague Jewish guide [6].

There are also several non-kosher hotels in Prague Jewish quarter within walking distance to synagogue and kosher restaurants, where you can get kosher breakfast upon request. For further details see Prague Jewish guide.

- Bellagio Hotel, U Milosyrdnych 2, tel. +420 221 778 900, [7]. An elegant Italian-style 4 star hotel. All the rooms are equipped with ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, bidet, LCD tv screen, free wi fi connection, safe, minibar, and direct dial phone. The hotel was completely rebuilt from on original residential building during 2002 / 2003.

Contact
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District New Town Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Get in
toc

The New Town is well served by all three Metro lines. The following stations are in New Town or on its border:

- Line A (green): Můstek (lower and middle Wenceslas Square) and Muzeum (upper Wenceslas Square).

- Line B (yellow): Florenc (Praha 8 area, Prague City Museum), Náměstí republiky (Republic Square), Můstek (lower Wenceslas Square), Národní třída (close to National Avenue, National Theater), and Karlovo náměstí (Charles Square, Palackého Square, close to the Dancing House and the university area).

- Line C (red): Florenc (Praha 8 area, Prague City Museum), Hlavní nádraží (Main railway station, on border with Vinohrady), Muzeum (upper Wenceslas Square), and I. P. Pavlova (on border with Vinohrady).

The New Town is also accessible by many tram lines. The tram network is much denser than the metro network and can be useful to get around within New Town if you do not want to go on foot. A notable tram is line number 17, going along the river and connecting New Town (Palackého nám. near Charles Sq., National Theatre) with Old Town (Staroměstská, Právnická fakulta). Line 22 connects the New Town with Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and other tourist hotspots.

After midnight, when the metro is not operating, use night trams to get in or out of New Town. Lazarská street, just north of Charles Sq., functions as the central hub for all night trams in Prague. Many night tram lines cross Wenceslas Square in the middle (Vodičkova). There are also several night bus lines connecting I. P. Pavlova Sq. with other parts of the city. Another important station of night buses is Republic Sq. (Náměstí republiky).

See
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- Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). Václavské náměstí is a wide boulevard running down from the National Museum and it's crammed with bars, restaurants and casinos. It's truly the heart of central Prague. All three metro lines cross there: line A and C cross at "Muzeum" station (upper part of boulevard next to National Museum), while lines A and B cross at "Můstek" station (middle to lower part of boulevard). Wenceslas Square and the surrounding area was an important place of demonstrations during the Velvet Revolution in 1989. There is a big statue of St. Wenceslas riding his horse in the upper part of the boulevard. St. Wenceslas is the patron of Czech lands, so this monument was the focal point of the anticommunist demonstrations. Just few dozen meters down from the monument, at the place where Jan Palach burned himself in 1969 in protest against Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia, there is a marble plate in memory of the victims of communism. The St. Wenceslas statue is also a popular meeting point; if somebody in Prague wants to meet u koně (near the horse) or pod ocasem (under the horse tail), this place is meant. A notable building is the beautiful Hotel Evropa in Art Nouevau style (1906) in the middle of the boulevard.

- National Museum (Národní muzeum) is a huge nature and history museum in the upper part of Wenceslas Square. The building was designed by prominent Czech neo-rennaisance architect Josef Schulz in the years 1885 - 1891. In the older museum, there is an excellent permanent exhibition of various minerals including gems, as well as other interesting exhibitions including insects, fossils, animal skeletons, and stuffed animals from around the world. However, some of the information may be outdated, and the diagrams are not well done. One of the best known pieces is a large whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling, quite unusual in a landlocked country. The building itself is enormous and the architecture very grand, but the exhibitions in themselves need to be fixed up. The newer museum has exhibitions on Communism. Entry to the old museum is 150 Kč, new museum is 80 Kč.

- The Dancing House (Tančící dům, officially the Rasin Building), Rasínovo nábr 80, Praha 1. The Rasin Building is the work of the twentieth century architect Frank Gehry, and is said to be shaped like a man and a woman dancing; hence its former name "Fred and Ginger".

- Botanical Garden of the Charles University (Botanická zahrada), Na Slupi 16, 128 00 Praha 2 (tram 18, 24 Botanická zahrada), +420 22491 8970, [1]. 10-17. Botanical garden of the Charles University with valuable outdoor exhibition and a collection of tropical plants in greenhouses. 50 Kč.

- Museum of Communism (Muzeum komunismu), Na Příkopě 10, Prague 1 (next to McDonalds), [2]. 9AM-9PM. An interesting museum focusing on the communist era in Czechoslovakia between 1948 and 1989. 180 Kč.

Do
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- Walk around the Wenceslas Square in the evening.

- Sit and relax amongst the greenery in the Botanical garden of the Charles University.

Buy
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Wenceslas Square is one of the best places in Prague to buy books. There are two big multilevel bookstores. One is Palác Luxor, Václavské náměstí 41, it has great selection of foreign language books, including English, on the first underground floor.

Eat
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- Cervena Tabulka (Red Tablet), Lodecka 4, Prague 1 New Town, Tel. +420 224 810 401. Quirky restaurant serving wide selection of Czech nouvelle cuisine along with decent service, great wine selection and an overall fun atmosphere.

- Fresco Vento, Rašínovo nábřeží 62, Praha 2 (Metro: Karlovo náměstí), +420 224 922 887 (frescovento@frescovento.cz), [3]. 10AM-midnight Weekdays. 11AM-midnight Weekends. Italian

- Jáma, V Jámě 7, Praha 1, +420 224 222 383, [4]. 11AM-1AM. Good place for burgers, close to Wenceslas Square. Free wi-fi.

- Kolkovna, V Kolkovně 8, Prague 1, +420 224 819 701 (info@kolkovna.cz, fax: +420 224 819 700). Offers a combination of the tradition and uniqueness of the Pilsner Urquell brand and traditional Czech cuisine fused with modern gastronomy (French, German and International influences).

- Restaurant Zvonice, Jindřišská věž, Jindřišská ulice, Praha 1, tel +420 224 220 009, fax. +420 224 220 028, zvonice@jindrisskavez.cz, [5]. This romantic restaurant is spread over three levels high up in a Gothic bell tower. If you're lucky, you will get to eat dinner immediately beneath a huge bell. Mains approximately 600Kč, bottles of wine 800Kč to 7000Kč.

- U Fleků, Křemencova 11, +420.224 934 019 (ufleku@ufleku.cz, fax: +420 224 934 805), [6]. You will have an unbelievable traditional Czech experience at this restaurant. The price may be a bit high compared to other restaurants, but this includes a copious amount of alcohol. Local specialty drink is Flekovská třináctka - traditional house-brewed dark beer. Being brewed since 1499, it's actually older than many historical places in Prague. When compared to other Czech beers, it is rather costly, but it's a must for any serious beer fan. 560 CZK per person (roughly €20).

- Uterus, Lípová 4 (at the corner of Katařinská), Praha 2, tel +420 224 914 685. M-F 9AM-11PM. Sa 11AM-10PM. Su 11AM-11PM. Don't be afraid of the gambling machine, the smoke, or the alcoholic in the corner - this pub serves up a wide selection of surprisingly good and very cheap food. And unlike most other restaurants in the city center, they don't try to rip you off. A favourite restaurant of students from the nearby Faculty of Science. Menus printed in Czech only. Meal approximately 80-100Kč, beer under 20Kč. Despite that, they are not very nice to tourists (and they might just refuse to give you any service).

- Kmotra Pizza, V Jirchárích 12, [7]. A great, inexpensive pizza place with a relaxed setting.

Drink
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- Beer Factory, Václavské námesti 58, Praha 1, +420 736 630 868. 9AM-4AM. Novelty pub where you can pour your own beer from the centre of the table. As well as live sport, the giant tv screens show graphics ranking the 15 tables by beer poured. When all of the tables are occupied, the barstaff can get you beers or cocktails from the bar. Food is also available. Pilsner 45Kč.

- Duplex, Vaclavske Nam 21, Praha 1, +420 224 232 319 (info@duplex.cz), [8]. Situated in Wenceslas Square, this club pays $5000 rent per day, and consequently charges an outrageous cover fee to teenage tourists who still think that Prague is the "wild" place it once was in the early 1990's. This club does a good job of keeping the more pleasant clubs in Prague free from tourists who come for Prague's more disreputable aspects.

- Lucerna Music Bar, Vodičkova 36, Praha 1. Nice, but a little touristy; they play mostly 80s music (with the accompanying music video on the big screen).

- Nebe, Křemencova 10, Praha 1, +420 224 930 343, [9]. .Fun and popular club for expats in the heart of Prague. It is easiest to reach by taking trams 3, 9, 14, 24, or metro line B to the stop "Národní Třída." There is a dance floor, and on Thursdays, stop by for their popular "Indie Music Night." Beer costs approximately 60 Kč, and cocktails 125 Kč & up..

- N11 Music Club and Lounge, Národní 11, Praha 1, +420 222 075 705 (info@n11.cz), [10]. Tu-Th 8PM-4AM, Fr-Sa 7PM-5AM, Su 8PM-4AM. This club is named after the infamous "Nine Eleven". Run by natives of the USA, it is a well-run club whose rules are very strict. Cocktails 80Kč-150Kč, beer 35Kč-90Kč.

- RedRoom, Myslíkova 28, Praha 2, +420 222 520 084 (info@redroomprague.com), [11]. Small bar close to Lazarska, in which you can always find a mix of expats & locals. Live music venue for acoustic acts. Open late. Gambrinus 35Kč, Pilsner 45Kč.

- Reduta Jazz Club, Národní 20, Praha 1, [12]. Reduta is a popular venue with a distinguished history - Bill Clinton visited here on his first trip to post-Communist Prague. Live Jazz every night from 9.30. Advance bookings from 3PM.

- Sky Music Bar, Spálená 47, Praha 1 (opposite Národní třída tram stop), +420 774 982 445, [13]. Daily 5PM-5AM. Loud bar pumping dance music onto the street. Not much room for dancing. Popular with tourists. Staropramen 33Kč.

- Solidni Nejistota, Pštrossova 21, Praha 1, +420 605 000 500 (info@solidninejistota.cz), [14]. Frequented by the Czech Yuppie set.

- Sports Bar Golden Star (Sportbar Zlatá Hvězda), Ve Smečkách 12, Praha 1, +420 296 222 292 (info@sportbar.cz), [15]. Watch a big variety of sports on big screens, very close to Wenceslas Square.

- U Fleků, Křemencova 11, Praha 1, +420 602 660 290, [16]. Daily 9AM-11PM. A restaurant that brews their own fantastic dark, sweet beer. It is the color of Coca-Cola with an alcohol content of 5.5%ABV, but its flavor is not overly strong. The servers will suggest a shot of local herb liquer Becherovka, but it won't be free. The atmosphere of this pub gets very rowdy as it is loaded with tourists from all over and bands play regularly. It's a lot of fun with a group. U Fleků 13°lager 30Kč for 200ml and spirits around 79Kč..

- Atlas Cabaret, Darling Cabaret, Hot Peppers, Club Empire etc. around Wenceslas Square. The area around Wenceslas Square is popular with British stag groups, and there are numerous strip clubs on offer. Groups of young foreign men will be approached in the street by touts offering cheap drinks and women, and they will even trail you from pub to pub if it's a slow night and you haven't take them up on their offers. The strippers are full contact with touching allowed, while the girls in Atlas, Darlings and Empire offer full sex.

- Vinarna U Sudu, Vodičkova 677/10, [17]. An incredible wine bar that doesn't look like much from the front...but if you look inside and go in the way back you'll find a huge underground maze of different areas each with their own unique music and vibe. Also conveniently nearby is the crossing point for all night trams.

Sleep
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- Best Prague Hotel House, Wenceslav Square 48, Praha 1, tel. +420.777 664 663, office@bestprague.com [18]. Best Prague has an ideal location, looking over the square and only minutes on foot from most of Prague's main sights. They have apartments the can sleep up to four people with living room, bathroom and kitchen from 2450Kč per night. Higher rates apply during peak season and for more than 2 guests.

- Hostel Advantage, Sokolska 11, 120 00 Prague 2, tel. ++420 224 914 062 , fax. +420 224 914 067 , advantage@jsc.cz [19]. Nice hostel with friendly staff. Free access to internet, sheets, towels and breakfast are all inclusive. Price for dormitory 300-450CZK per person, Single room 500-600CZK, Double rooms 400-675CZK.

- Hotel Atlantic, Tel: +420 225 388 255 [20]. A 3 star hotel located in the City Center on walking distance from all major historical sites. It offers 62 spacious, comfortable rooms, of which 3 have access for disabled people. Rooms are fitted with shower, WC, satellite TV, direct-dial (IDD) telephone, wifi internet access free of charge and safety deposit box.

- Hotel Best Western Meteor Plaza, Tel: +420 224 192 559 [21]. A 4 star hotel located in the City Center on walking distance from all major historical sites. It offers 73 air-conditioned rooms which are all furnished. Amenities include shower and/or bath, WC, hair dryer, satellite/pay TV, wireless high- speed internet access free of charge, IDD telephone, personal safe, coffee/tea maker and mini-bar.

- Dahlia Inn (info@dahliainn.com), Lipova 20, Praha 2, +420 776 686 719, [22]. checkin: 1PM; checkout: 11AM. Family-run accommodation. From €39.

- Jeruzalemska apartments, 10 Jeruzalémská street (office address: Africká 16/616, 160 00 Praha 6), tel. +420.602 210 716, fax. +420.602 673 858, dasha@accommodation-dasha.cz [23]. Prices for these apartments for two people range from €65 (Christmas, Easter and August), €55 (April - July, September - October), €45 (other) per night for a single room in a shared apartment to €150 (Christmas, Easter and August), €130 (April - July, September - October) and €110 (other) for a large apartment. Broadband internet is available in some of the private apartments for €4 per day.

- Palace Hotel, Panská 12, +420 224 093 111 (info@palacehotel.cz), [24]. Luxury five-star hotel just off Wenceslas Square. expect to pay €370 per room.

- Prague's Heart, (1 minute from Wenceslas Square), +420 775 113 450, [25]. Luxury Art Nouveau apartment, reasonable rate, wi-fi, car parking.

- Sokolska Hostel, Sokolska 52 (Metro C, I.P. Pavlova), +420.296189610, [26]. Located in Nove Mesto, 10 minutes tram ride from the center, this homely hostel has 6, 8 and 12-bed dorms as well as private rooms. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, the communal space is not huge but the advantage of this is that you meet lots of new people. Free tea, coffee and internet access, as well as clean linen is provided. Parking is available for a small extra fee.

- 987 Prague Hotel [27]. Senovazne namesti, 15 Prague 1. Tel: +420 255 737 200, call free: skype: hotel987prague1. Just for €1 more get free phone calls to Europe. Free internet.

- Deminka Palace Hotel, Skretova 1, 120 00, Praha 2, +420 224 210 281, [28]. Located in Prague city center, near the National Museum, Deminka Palace hotel is within walking distance from most of the historical and cultural sights of Prague such as the Old Town Square, known all over the world for its Astronomical clock, Tyn Cathedral, Wenceslas Square, the National Theater, Namesti Miru, the National Library.

- Hotel Green Garden, Fügnerovo náměstí 4, 120 00 Praha 2 (National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the main Prague Boulevard with its many shops, famous restaurants, cafés, traditional pubs, wine bars, and much more is just 10 minutes away), +420 224 261 181, [29]. checkin: 2pm; checkout: 12pm. Green Garden Hotel is situated directly in the historic centre of Prague, only a short walk from famous Wenceslas Square, Pragues’s main shopping boulevard. The hotel is just a few steps away from excellent public transport links. From €71 per room per night.

District Vysehrad Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Get in
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See
toc

Do
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Buy
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Eat
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Drink
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Sleep
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Contact
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District North Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

By metro

By tram

• See

Praha 7 proper (the peninsula)

Praha - Troja

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Sleep

• Contact

Understand
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From all the parts of Prague outside of the historic center, Prague 7 (Praha 7) is probably the most interesting for a traveler. It played an important role in the history of the city (for example, it was the location of the world's largest statue of Stalin), it boasts several attractions (including a world-class zoo and several galleries and museums), it has nice parks and last but not least, you can find there many good pubs and bars (targeted at locals, not tourists). The area described in this article is the old "large" Prague 7 district (these old districts are still marked on the street signs) which can be divided to two main parts (or new, "small" districts):

- Praha 7 (proper) - the large river peninsula just north of the city center (Old and New Town) including some nearby river islands. The western part of the peninsula adjoins with Prague 6 (Dejvice). The eastern part is a former industrial area with many worker's apartment houses, damaged in great flood of 2002 and with some new construction recently.

- Praha Troja - the area across the river, north of the Praha 7 peninsula. It is the place of the Prague zoological and botanical gardens, Troja Castle, vineyards and residental houses.

Praha 8 is an old district in Prague.

Praha 9 is an old district in Prague.

Get in
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By metro
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There are two metro stations in the former industrial eastern part of the Praha 7 peninsula - Nádraží Holešovice and Vltavská (both line C, red). The station Hradčanská (line A, green) is outside Praha 7, but is just west of the western part of the Praha 7 peninsula. There are tram stations just next to all the subway stations.

Northern areas of Prague are accessible by Metro line B, station Palmovka (Praha 8, southern part of Libeň quarter), or by Metro line C, station Nádraží Holešovice (Praha 7, quarter Holešovice, transit to Pendolino trains), Kobylisy or Ládví (Praha 8, quarter Ďáblice - nearly northernmost part of Prague).

By tram
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There are many tram lines connecting all parts of Praha 7 with other part of the city. However until late 2009 there are many disruptions due to construction - for example no trams go west of Sparta. Check stations for information.

If you want to take a tram, your best bet is line 24, which goes from the city center all the way to the north, stopping both at Palmovka and at Ládví, or lines 5, 12 and 15, which stop at Nádraží Holešovice.

See
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- Zoo Praha, U Trojského zámku 3/120 (Metro C to Nádraží Holešovice and then bus 112 to station Zoologická zahrada), [1]. . One of most famous zoos in Europe. The zoo occupies 45 hectares (111 acres) and houses about 4,600 animals that represent 630 species from around the world.

Praha 7 proper (the peninsula)
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- Veletržní palác. Modern art exhibition of Prague Gallery.

- Výstavište.

- Stromovka. Stromovka (place of trees) Park is the largest of its kind in the city of Prague. The history of Stromovka dates back to 1268, when Premysl Otakar II used Stromovka as the royal hunting grounds. The park was open to the public in 1804, after Czech nobles saved the grounds from complete demolishment from the reign of Maria Theresa who ordered everything cut and burned. The park is no longer full of deer to hunt; the park now features paths for inline skating, romantic ponds, large meadows, a few cafes, and even horse stables. Stromovka is the perfect place to take a Sunday afternoon stroll with your family and friends.

- Letná Park (Letenské sady). The Letná Park is on a high plateau just north of and above the city center. Therefore, it was the place where the massive Stalin's Monument, overlooking the city, was unveiled in 1955. It was the world's largest representation of Stalin, featuring the Soviet leader in front of a line of workers - it was nicknamed "Fronta na maso" or "Meat Queue" by locals, as this was a time when such queues were a daily part of life in the city. In the 1962, the monument was demolished and the place were vacant till the end of the communist era. After the Velvet Revolution, a giant, functional Prague Metronome was built on the spot.

Praha - Troja
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Three of the main attractions of Prague - Troja (the zoo, the botanical garden, and the castle) are close to each other and make a great opportunity for a day trip. To save entrance costs, buy Trojská karta (Troy Card). It is valid from 2009/1/4 to 2009/30/9 and you can visit each attraction once during this period. The price is 250 Kč for adults, 130 Kč for children and 650 Kč for families (two adults and two children). It also offers free entry to some bonus actions by these attractions. You can buy the Troy Card at ticket offices of these attractions or in the ticket office of Pražská paroplavební (Prague steamship company). The fastest way to get to Troja is to take subway to station Nádraží Holešovice (line C, red, you can get there also by several tram or bus lines) and from there continue with bus 112 or the dedicated free ZOO bus (on weekends in the season) to the station Zoo Praha. This station is just between the zoo and castle, to get to the botanical garden, follow the marked way uphill (5-10 minutes). Alternatively, from May to October, you can take a steamboat from the city center (Rašínovo nábřeží). If you happen to be in the peninsula area of Praha 7, especially around the Royal Game Preserve or Výstaviště, it can be a nice walk or a bike ride.

- Prague Zoo (Zoo Praha), U Trojského zámku 3/120, [2]. Founded in 1931, it is well known for its significant contribution to saving many species, most notably the Przewalski horse. In 2008 Forbes Traveler Magazine listed Prague ZOO as the 7th best in the world. The zoo occupies 45 hectares (111 acres) and houses over 5000 animals that represent 674 species from all around the world (as of December 31, 2008). There is also a chairlift in the zoo.

- Prague Botanical Garden (Botanická zahrada Praha), [3]. Open air exhibitions including historical vineyard of St. Claire and Japanese garden. Tropical greenhouse Fata morgana. Each year in spring an exhibition of living butterflies.

- Troya Castle (Trojský zámeček). Baroque chateau with garden and art exhibitions.

Do
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- DOX - Center of Contemporary Art, Poupětova 1, [4]. is an independent initiative whose mission is to present contemporary art in the context of issues that shape and are shaped by today‘s world.

- Multikino Ládví, Burešova 4, Praha 8 (Metro Ládví), +420 286 587 027, [5]. Small cinema complex in Prague 8, possibly the cheapest in the city. They have 6 screens. Movies for 89Kč every Tuesday.

Buy
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- Holešovice Market (Holešovická tržnice). Large area market area with many shops and kiosks with goods of various quality. It may be useful to haggle with the Vietnamese venders.

- Letňany Shopping Centre (OC Letňany), Veselská 663, Praha 9 (Metro C: Letňany then free bus), [6]. Huge shopping centre north of the city.

Eat
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There are many pubs and bars in the area of the peninsula west of the "Bubenská" street, especially around "Dukelských Hrdinů" and "Milady Horákové" streets (and "Letenské náměstí" square). Or, to say in other words, between the Royal Game Preserve and the Letna park.

- Cross club (Klub Cross), Plynární 23, (+420) 736 535 053, [7]. Amazing industrial venue, beautifully decorated with sculptures and constructions made of scrap metal, engine parts, glass and electric gadgets. You can stop there just for a beer and to admire the industrial design, or attend some of the actions, which include concerts, theater, cinema, travel talks, and more.

- Misch Masch, Veletržní 61, Praha 7 (Tram stop Letenské náměstí (trams 1,8,15,25,26)), +420 603 272 227, [8]. W-Sa 8PM-6AM. All the posers flock to this 'black music lounge' in the Holešovice district. There are three rooms, the main one featuring house music and a good-sized dancefloor for late-night parties.

- Kamikaze, Ostrov Štvanice 1125, Praha 7 (walk from tram stop Těšnov (3, 5) or Florenc (8, 24, Metro B, C)), +420 242 498 353, [9]. F, Sat 9PM-5AM. W 9PM-4AM. All-inclusive club where entry is the only cost. Men 350; Women 250.

Sleep
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- Hotel Belvedere, Milady Horákové 19, Praha 7, +420 220 106 111, [10].

- Plus Prague, Přívozní 1, Praha 7 (Tram 5, 12, 15 Ortenovo Námestí), +420 246 052 409, [11]. Friendly hostel with regular events

- Sir Toby's Hostel, Delnicka 24, Praha 7 (Metro C, Vltavska), +420 283 870 635, [12]. A quaint old building but quite far out from the city center. Located in Holesovice, 10 minutes tram ride from the center, this atmospheric hostel has both dorm and private rooms. The rooms on the top floor are especially great with skylights. Staff here are extremely helpful and will happily give you advice on all your Prague needs.

- Hilton Prague, Pobrezni 1, Praha 8, tel. +420.224 841 111, fax. +420.224 842 378, [13]. This large modern hotel is situated right on the bank of the Vltava close to the Old Town. Double rooms range from €155 per night for a simple guest room to €215 for an executive suite.

- Hotel Fortuna Luna, Praha 8 (Located within walking distance of the metro station, you can easily get to the historical city centre in just a few minutes. From the new nearby Střížkov metro station you can reach the city centre in just 10 minutes.), [14]. The best value for budget travellers! Some of the nicely-appointed rooms offer scenic views over Prague. The Hotel Luna is ideally situated in terms of access to the trade fair palace (Veletržní palác) and the Prague exhibition grounds (Výstaviště) in Holešovice and Letňany, which are about 15 minutes away from the hotel. 2 Star, room rates from 15 EUR / night with breakfast!!!.

- Clarion Congress Hotel Prague, Freyova str., Prague 9 (conveniently located on the metro line B at the Vysocanska station, just 10 minutes by metro from the historical Old Town.), [15]. This brand-new 4-star hotel is connected to the elegant Fenix shopping gallery and it is also very close to the multifunctional O2 Arena. It represents the contemporary trends in hotel design offering 559 modernly and appealingly furnished standard and executive rooms. Wireless internet is available in public areas and wired internet access is available in the rooms. Spa and fitness facilities are available in the building at an additional cost. 4 Star, Rooms from 65 EUR / night.

Contact
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District East Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

• Contact

Understand
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Like many districts of the city, Prague 3 is socioeconomically diverse. The western part of Žižkov is known for its high concentration of brothels, strip clubs and cheap bars. Yet only a short distance away are nice apartments and a new shopping mall with expensive stores. Historically, Žižkov was a rough, working-class neighborhood, filled with factories, brothels and gambling bars. Often compared to the Paris neighborhood of Montmartre, Žižkov today is an economically diverse neighborhood filled with Czech families, expats teaching English and working artists. Žižkov is said to have more bars per capita than any other other neighborhood in the world.

Praha 10 is an old district in Prague.

Get in
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- Metro

Praha 3 is mainly served by the green line, which stops at Jiřího z Poděbrad, Flora and Želivského.

- Tram

Praha 3 is on the number 1, 5, 9, 10, 11, 16, 19 & 26 tram routes. From midnight it can be reached by the No. 51, 55 and 58 night trams.

See
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- Žižkov Television Tower, Mahlerovy sady 1, Praha 3, tel. +42/0 267 005 778, info@tower.cz, [1]. Open 10AM-11PM every day. Famously built by the communists in order to jam foreign radio signals the most hideous building in Prague offers spectacular views of the city. The cafe at the top is a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy the view. Lookout for the giant metallic alien babies that have been added to the tower. Admission is 150Kč for adults and 120Kč/60Kč for students/children under 14.

- Kafka's Grave, Olsany Hrbitovy, Praha 3. Take the metro to Zelivskeho on the green line and follow the signs to the New Jewish Cemetery. Kafka's grave is signposted around 100m along the path to your right from the entrance. Men should cover their heads. The cemetery is closed on Saturdays.

- FK Viktoria Žižkov, [2]. At Husinecka tram stop (trams 5, 9, 26). Very old football team who have seen better days, including knocking Glasgow Rangers out of the UEFA cup in 2002. After a corruption scandal and a string of poor results they were relegated to the second division, but have recently been promoted back into the top flight.

- Žižkov Monument, located at the top of Žižkov Hill (formerly Vitkov hill). This immense equestrian statue was erected in 1950 to commemorate Czech national hero Jan Žižkov, who fought his most famous battle on this site and later had the hill and the neighbouring city renamed after himself. The scale of the monument is impressive enough in itself, but the views of Žižkov from the top of the hill really make the climb worthwhile.

- New Jewish Cemetery, where the tomb of Franz Kafka is located

- Military Museum, [3].

- Olsany Cemetery, Vinohradska 153.

Do
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- Masopust, Annual Mardi Gras parade around the streets of Žižkov, [4], Check local media in the proceeding weeks for more information.

- Kino Aero, Biskupcova 31, [5]. Small art-house style cinema. Film festivals. Many English language films shown with Czech subtitles.

Buy
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- Palac Flora, Vinohradská 151, Praha 3, tel +420 255 741 712. [6]. Modern shopping mall with IMAX cinema. At Flora station on the green metro line.

- Bohemian Retro, Cajkovskeho 22, [7]. 11-4 pm Tuesday - Friday. vintage clothing and accessories.

- Billa, Lukášova 4. large supermarket

- Shalamar, Lipanská 3 (Tram Lipanska), [8]. 10.00 – 19.00. small Indian and Pakistani food store

- Tesco Express, Koněvova 110 (Tram Biskupcova). 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Eat
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- U Houdku, Borivojova 110, Praha 3. Traditional (and inexpensive) Czech Restaurant with beer garden in summer. Lucnchtime specials are particularly good value.

- Strudel, Jeseniova 29 13000 Prague 3. Home baked Apple Strudel. Locally run, so there may be a language barrier. Great value.

- Geronimo. Late night bar menu includes hamburgers and nachos. Menu in English and Czech.

- Kuře v hodinkách‎ (Chicken in the Watch), Seifertova 26. Czech specialties as well as hamburgers and American style salads. Menu in Czech and English.

- Mailsi‎, Lipanská 1, 222 717 783, [9]. Pakistani. Menu in Czech and English.

- Olse, Táboritská 17/26, +420 724 133 433, [10]. Czech. Well known for its unpasteurized Pilsner beer. Menu in Czech and English.

- Sklep, Seifertova 53, 222 540 786.

- Spirit Bar, Dalimilova 2, +420 724 133 433, [11].

- U Jagy, Dalimilova 2.

- Fosil, Milicová 25, [12]. 12-12. authentic Mexican.

- Spice India, Husitska 37 (bus stop U Pamatniku), [13]. 12:00-23:00. Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. Take-away available. Lunch menu from 79 crowns.

- Kon Nichi Wa, Bořivojova 58. 10:00-22:00. Japanese and Thai. Sushi.

- Café Pavlac, Víta Nejedlého 23, [14].

- Taverna Olympos, Kubelíkova 9, [15]. 11.30–24.00. Greek cuisine

Drink
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- Palác Akropolis, Kubelíkova 27, Praha 3, tel. +42/0 296 330 911, fax. +42 296 330 912, info@palacakropolis.cz, [16]. An alternative club that often hosts international rock acts.

- Blind Eye, Vlkova 26, Praha 3, [17]. Popular expat bar and former speakeasy, usually open until the early hours of the morning.

- Černá Vdova (Black Widow), Štítného 8. 17:00-3:00. Unusual bar specializing in cocktails. Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus and Guinness on tap. Summer beer garden, free grill available. Late-night pizza, possible take-away for 110Kc. Happy hours 5-8pm daily (Pint of Guinness for 55Kc!). Staff speaks Czech and English. Possible group reservations.

- Jet Club, Orebitská 5, 777 630 492, [18]. Pilsner and Krosovice beer on tap. Live concerts.

- Spirit Bar.

- U Sadu, Škroupovo náměstí 5 (Jiřího z Poděbrad Metro (323 m)), +420 222 727 072, [19]. Great food, great prices. Multiple draught beers including Gambrinus and Svijany, each served at 32czk per half liter. Open up until 4am, kitchen also open late, but dependent on customers as to how late.

- U Vystrelenyho oka (At the Shot-Out Eye, U Bozich Bojovniku 3. Famous Zizkov pub serving Pilsner and Gambrinus on tap. Unusual artwork depicting the Battle of Vitkov Hill. Serves bar food (fried cheese, goulash, sausage). Staff speaks mainly Czech but an English menu is available.

- Tiki Taky, Cimburkova 22, [20]. 18:00 hod - 05:00. Tiki bar. Specializes in cocktails. Staff speaks Czech and English.

- Bukowski's, Bořivojova 86 (Tram: Lipanská). Cocktails.

- Sedm Vlků (Seven Wolves), Vlkova 7 (Tram: 05, 09, 26 (Stop: Husinecká)), [21].

- Hapu, Orlická 8. cocktails.

- Bow Bar, Bořivojova 83 (Tram Husinecka). Monday-Saturday: 3 p.m. - 2 a.m. Four lanes of bowling, two pool tables, darts, foosball, wide-screen TV, and a karaoke jukebox.

Sleep
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Many hotels and hostels in Prague 3 are located just 15 minutes walkng distance from the center of Prague.

Budget
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- Hostel Elf, Husitska 11, Žižkov, Prague 3, tel. +42/0 222 540 963, info@hostelelf.com, [22]. Smokey common area, free internet and wacky rooms. The train station is a long walk but it's doable. Breakfast and free tea and coffee all day are included. Dorms start from 260Kč (more for smaller dorms) and singles/doubles/triples are 550/380/350 per person. Rooms with private shower are available also. Add 20% during peak season.

- Hotel U Tri Korunek, Cimburkova 414/23.

- Clown and Bard Hostel, Borivojova 102, Žižkov, Prague 3, tel. +42/0 222 716 453, reservations@clownandbard.com, [23]. The C&B is a short tram ride from the main station and only 15 minutes walk from Old Town. With a lively vibe and a bar in the basement there's always something going on at the hostel too, though it's not the cleanest or newest in town. Free breakfast and internet is available for all guests and rooms in the very large dorm start at 300Kč. For those who want a little privacy, five bed dorms, six bed privates and doubles are available for 380czk, 400Kč and 500Kč respectively.

- Hostel Olet Prague, Havlíckovo nám 10, Praha 3, +42/0 222 781 340, info@olet.cz, [24]. Olet has English speaking staff, a bar downstairs and an internet cafe next door. A kitchen, car parking and bike rental are available for guests. However, you must check in before 11.30am or your reservation will be cancelled. Special arrangements may be possible. No curfew or lockout. Dorms 300Kč, Quads/Triples 350Kč. Save 20Kč if you don't have breakfast.

- Apartment Flora, cnr. Chrudimska Street & Baranova Street, tel +42/0 602 328 737, fax. +42/0 281 914 971, ftir@ftir.cz, [25]. These three basic apartments close to metro stations are available for €28 per night for two persons. The apartments are capable of sleeping up to approximately 8 people (for short term stays) for an extra cost of €14 per person per night (€7 for children under 12). Discounts for longer term stays. Each apartment has a PC with dialup internet access (€3 per hour). You will need to book in advance as there is no reception. On arrival you will be met in the apartment.

- Guesthouse Chlumova, Chlumova 10. Mid-priced guesthouse located 1 block from the Lipanska (tram 9) tram stop. Private rooms, some with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Staff speaks Czech, English, Spanish and Russian.

- Accommodation 15, Vlkova 15 130 00 Prague 3. checkin: 13:00; checkout: 10:00. Accommodation 15 has very helpful staff, very bad free wifi. Rooms are clean but a bit noisy. Showers have plenty of hot water. 300 CZK.

Mid-range
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- Hotel Amadeus, Dalimilova 10, Praha 3, [26]. 3 star hotel with prices from 38 EUR per night. 3 Star.

- Art Residence, Pribyslavska 5, Prague 3, tel +420 724 124 838, info@artresidence.cz, [27]. Newly renovated apartments for 2 up to 8 people. Each apartment has free Wi-Fi and 24 hour ADSL connection. Easily accessed by tram, close to the Old Town. Price from 50 EUR per apartment per night.

- Quality Hotel Prague, (Situated in a quiet part of Prague, only 15 minutes by tram from the commercial and historical centre), [28]. One of the market leaders among the 3-star hotels in Prague. Choose from spacious and nicely furnished rooms offering a host of convenient amenities. The Quality Hotel Prague boasts 4 interconnected conference and banquet rooms for up to 150 delegates. An internet terminal for the guest's use is available in the lobby and wireless internet access is available free or charge in the restaurant, the lobby bar and in the meeting rooms. Cars and buses can be parked securely on site. 3 Star.

- Hotel Fortuna Rhea, [29]. The 20-storey Fortuna Rhea hotel next to a peaceful park offers superb views over Prague and is only 15 minutes by tram away from the historical city centre. The hotel provides nicely furnished rooms, an inviting restaurant serving tasty Czech and international cuisine and a cosy bar, where you can spend relaxing evening hours chatting and enjoying your favourite drink. Wireless internet access is available free of charge and there is also an internet terminal that can be used at an additional cost. All highways are easily accessible and the airport is 25 km away. Parking facilities for cars and buses are provided free of charge. 3 Star.

Contact
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District South Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Get in
toc

Take Metro line C to stations Vyšehrad, Pražského povstání or Pankrác to get to northern parts of Praha 4. Further on line C are stations Budějovická, Kačerov, Chodov or Háje, which provide transport services to southeastern parts of Prague 4 and Prague 11 (not much to see there, it's basically suburb area of prefab houses from the eighties). Southernmost part of Prague 4 (city quarters Bráník and Modřany) are accessible by tram lines 3, 17 and 21.

See
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- Vyšehrad ("The High Castle") - seat of legendary Czech princes for centuries before Prague Castle was built. Site of St. Paul and Peter's Cathedral, as well as the famous Vyšehrad cemetery known as 'Slavín', burial grounds of extraordinary Czechs. You can get here by metro line C, station "Vyšehrad". Don't forget to visit the casemate of Vyšehrad; they're rather picturesque, plus you can see originals of some statues from Charles Bridge.

From the ramparts of Vyšehrad, you'll have an excellent view of Prague castle, Vltava, Smíchov (former workers' slum and industrial quarter of town) and Podskalí (area under Vyšehrad, once inhabited almost entirely by raftsmen). If you take a look from southern rampart, you'll see Kavčí hory, headquarters of Czech Television - rather futuristic building from 60s. For closer look to Kavčí hory, take metro line C, station "Pražského povstání".

- Most inteligence ("The Bridge of Intelligentsia") - majestic railway bridge built in 50s, longest ferroconcrete railway bridge in Europe. It was build by forced labour of members of intelligentsia, who were transfered to manual professions by rule of communist government. As a monument to the stupidity of the communist rulers, only a single rail was laid on the two-rail bridge, because the second rail didn't fit into the tunnel on one bank. The bridge remains in service to this day and is used mainly for cargo trains.

If you want to visit the bridge, take a tram from "Karlovo náměstí" to station "Bráník"; although bridge is not meant for pedestrians, it is accessible through stair ramps at pillars.

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- Banditos, Melounová 2, [1]. Daily 09:00 - 00:30. Mexican cuisine. Happy Hour: 16:30 - 18:30

- Koliba, Gregorova street 8 (2 minutes uphill from Roztyly station), 420222564335 (info@kolibapraha.cz, fax: 272941344), [2]. 11am - 1am. Amazing view over Prague. A bit touristy with live music. But good food cooked on an open barbecue.

- Pivovarsky Dum, Pivovarský dùm, s.r.o., Jeèná/Lípová 15, 120 44 Praha 2, tel.: +42 0296 216 666 fax: +42 0224 921 256 microbrewery makes everything from a traditional Czech pilsner to beers flavored with sour cherries or banana.

- Pizzeria Overtime, Budečská 4, Praha 2 (Tram 4, 22: Jana Masaryka), +420 222 520 813, [3]. 11AM-10PM. Italian

- Radost FX, Bělehradská 120, Praha 2 (Tram 4, 6, 10, 11, 16, 22, Metro C: I.P.Pavlova), +420 603 193 711 (vk@radostfx.cz), [4]. . Great vegetarian food, great prices. Radost is also a lounge and has a club in the basement, making it a favorite with expats. Mains around 160Kč-180Kč..

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- Royal Oak, Anny Letenske 18, [5]. English style pub. Gambrinus and Pilsner on draft.

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- Hotel Anna is 3* hotel situated Prague 2 - district Vinohrady. Each of the 22 rooms is equipped with shower & WC, hair dryer, IDD telephone, satellite TV and a safety deposit box. Tel: +420 222 513 111 [6].

- Hotel Claris is 3* hotel situated Prague 2 - district Vinohrady. All of the 24 guest rooms are equipped with shower/bath, WC, hair dryer, sat TV, IDD telephone with voice mail, safe and Wi-Fi internet access free of charge. Tel: +420 242 446 111 [7].

- Hostel U Melounu, Ke Karlovu 7, Praha 2, +420 224 919 330, info@hostelumelounu.cz, [8]. Two metro stops from Hlavní nádraží. Price includes use of kitchen, cable TV, free internet and breakfast. Private parking and laundry facilities also available. Dorms 390Kč per person per night, singles/doubles 700Kč/500Kč per person with shared bathroom, 900Kč/690Kč with private bath.

- Botel Racek, Na Dvorecké louce, Podolí, Praha 4, tel. +420 241 431 628, info@botelracek.cz, [9]. A hotel boat on the Vltava river offering rooms and suites, all with private bathroom, TV and phone. There's a Czech restaurant on board and you can enjoy drinks on the deck or in the bar. Botel Racek is ten minutes away from the city centre by tram and has private parking available. Singles/Doubles/Triples/Quads are 1050Kč/1200Kč/1760Kč/2050Kč in low season and go up to 1590Kč/1990Kč/2950Kč/3350Kč during the most popular periods.

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District West Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Get in
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Use Metro line A, station Dejvická, to get to Praha 6. Use Metro line B, station Anděl, to get to Praha 5, and station Zličín, to get to Praha 13. There is a direct bus line from both Dejvická and Zličín to Ruzyně International Airport.

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- Hvezda Summer Palace. Star-shaped and white, rising out of its meadow like a porcelain figurine, this small summer palace is located near one of the most infamous sites in Czech history. There is a small museum inside dedicated to the 18th-c nationalist writer Alois Jirasek, best known for his collection of Czech fairy tales, available as Old Czech Legends in the U.S. Hvezda's shape is unusual, but this area is known for being near Bila Hora.

Villa Müller. A luxurious villa designed by the influential Austrian and Czechoslovak architect Adolf Loos, the author of the essay "Ornament and Crime"; there are also other essay examples, research paper of Adolf Loos. The villa was built in the years 1928-1930, at the same time as the famous Mies Van der Rohe's Tugendhat Villa in Brno. Adolf Loos considered Müller Villa to be his most beautiful house and it is also the building where he most perfectly embodied the ideas of his 'Raumplan'. The villa, including its interiors, has been renovated and restored to its original 1930 appearance in the late 1990's. Now, the Müller Villa is one of the most authentic and best preserved of Adolf Loos' works. It is possible to visit the Müller Villa by guided tour which has to be booked in advance by telephone (+420 224 312 012) or through the official pages. Basic admission fee is 300 CZK + 100 CZK for an English language guide. The Villa is located near the tram station Ořechovka (lines 1, 2, 18), street Nad Hradním vodojemem 14, čp. 642, Praha 6 - Střešovice. GPS coordinates: 50°5'33"N, 14°22'42"E

- Bila Hora, or "White Mountain" is where the eponymous Battle of White Mountain took place between Habsburg forces and the Czech nobility on 8 November 1620, as part of the Thirty Years War. During the early fifteenth century's Hussite rebellions, most of the Czech people abandoned the Catholic church and followed the Protestant teachings of Jan Hus and similar preachers. Despite the Czech lands' annexation by the very Catholic Austrian Habsburg family, the Czech nobility remained Protestant. When Emperor Ferdinand II violated an agreement signed by his predecessor which codified the mainly-Protestant nobility's rights, they got angry. Two Protestant churches were forcibly closed/destroyed on orders of the Bishop of Prague (Ferdinand's right-hand man), the nobility decided they'd had quite enough, and gathered at the Castle en masse. Count Thurn, the ringleader, and his assistants entered the Castle, where they were harassed by two Catholic members of Ferdinand's advisory council. In the best Czech tradition (this has happened more than once. The words 'defenestration' and 'Prague' are inextricably linked in history), Count Thurn and his friends threw the council members out a window. In a remarkably ironic twist of fate, they landed in a pile of manure and survived. What next? From a smelly pair of court lackeys to war?

- Anděl

- Bertramka

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- Walk in Prokopské and Dalejské údolí (Valley)

- Kart Centrum (Karting Centre), Výpadová 1335, Praha 5 (Bus Stop: Vrážská (165, 204, 244)), +420 774 002 001, [1]. M-F 3PM-9PM Sa 11AM-Midnight Su 11AM-10PM. Race karts on the longest kart track in Europe. 10 minutes: 170 CZK M-F, 190 CZK weekends.

- Motokáry Jinonice (Jinonice Karts), Motokáry Jinonice - areál Walter, vjezd vrátnicí Peroutkova, Praha 5 (Bus Stop: U Waltrovky (137)), +420 608 828 235, [2]. W-F 3PM-11:30PM Sa 2PM-10:30PM Su 2PM-6PM Mo, Tu Closed. Race karts on an indoor track in Prague 5. Includes a bar/restaurant with table football. 10 minutes: 150 CZK.

- Zóna Gama, Metropole Zličín, Revnická 1, Praha 5 (Metro B: Zličín), +420 777 759 833, [3]. M-Th 11AM-11PM F 11AM-Midnight Sa 10AM-Midnight Su 10AM-11PM. Play laser games in the 500m2 arena. 20 minutes: 139 CZK.

- Staropramen Brewery Visitor Center, Nadrazni 84, Praha 5 (entrance from Pivovarska street) (Tram 7,12,14,20 Na Knížecí), :+420 257 191 402 (exkurze@staropramen.cz), [4]. Visit the home of Prague's most famous brewery which was founded in 1869. There are tours available in English and there is a restaurant at the same complex. 120Kč.

- Sport & Fun City, Nový Smíchov shopping centre, top floor (Tram/Metro: Anděl), +420 257 324 119, [5]. Play pool with a choice of 8 tables, whilst watching live sport on the tv screens. Also contains electronic gaming machines.

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A large shopping centre called "Nový Smíchov" is near the Anděl metro station exit (B-line). Inside you can find a large supermarket, bookshops, cafes, restaurants, fashion shops and even a cinema. Also there is a small grocery shop open 24/7 at the Anděl tram station.

- Nový Smíchov, Ředitelství Plzeňská 8, 150 00 Praha 5, +420 251 101 061, (fax: +420 251 101 060), [6]. Prague's biggest shopping centre with plenty of choice among its wide array of shops. The Andél tram station is just outside the door.

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- Restaurace Na kopci, K Závěrce 2774/20 (Only transportation is a bit difficult, either you use own car, or taxi, or take bus No 231 from station Na knížecí to station Kesnerka), [7]. Restaurant's name translates as "Up on the hill" and the restaurant actually is up on the hill, above Smíchovské nádraží railway station. It's a hidden little gem, almost-like-family restaurant, with tasty food, good service and reasonable prices - one of the best "value for money" restaurants in Prague. Despite short menu, it offers diverse dishes inspired by both czech traditional and world cuisine. Main courses around 200 CZK, 3-course menu around 400 CZK. (Which is about 1/3 less than in downtown restaurants of comparable quality.).

- Austria, Štefánikova 18/25, [8]. An Italian (non-Austrian) restaurant serving delicious dishes between 120CZK and 320CZK with most being around 180CZK (Oct, 2010).

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- Comfort Hotel Prague, Mrkvičkova 2, 163 00 Praha 6 (Is located in a quiet quarter close to the airport, only 20 minutes by tram from the city centre, and is easily accessible from the motorway.), [9]. The recently renovated. Choose from very tastefully furnished, bright and modern single, double or triple bed rooms, start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet, enjoy delicious Bohemian and international cuisine and relax with a drink in the inviting lobby bar. There are also several modern conference rooms available for up to 120 people. 3 Star from 1 511 CZK single.

- Aparthotel Na Belidle (***), Na Belidle 27, 00420222522508, [10]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. 1km to center – National Theatre, Lesser Town, Dancing House, 1,5km Prague Castle 100m tram and metro stop Anděl and entertaining and shopping centre Nový Smíchov ( shops, cinema complex, restourants, bars..) Apartments equipment: bathroom, basic kitchen facilities TV+SAT, cable internet connection, higher room AC, some rooms has balcony Parking available on previous booking, breakfast available for extra costs. from 14EUR/person.

- Arpacay Hostel Prague, Radlicka 76, Praha 5, tel. +420 251 552 297, prague@arpacayhostel.com, [11]. Facilities include a kitchen, laundry and personal lockers. There's also a roof top terrace overlooking the city. Free breakfast, linens and internet access are included. There's no curfew. Dorms from 300Kč per person per night, singles/doubles/triples from 590Kč/430Kč/390Kč respectively. Add another 100Kč or so per night during peak season.

- Riverside Prague, Janáčkovo nábřeží 15, Prague 5, tel. +420 234 705 155, info@riversideprague.com, [12]. A luxurious hotel with outstanding service right on the banks of the Vltava. Rates vary by season and room type and there are many package deals available but expect to pay from 5250Kč for a double room per night.

- Botel Admirál, Hořejší nábřeží, Praha 5, tel. +420 257 321 302, info@admiral-botel.cz, [13]. Located between Vysehrad and Palacky Bridge on the Vltava river, this boat hotel has a nightclub, restaurant and terrace big enough for 85 guests to enjoy the view across the waters to the city. Admiral has singles, doubles and apartments that can sleep up to four people for 2030Kč/2160Kč/3770Kč during low season, rising to 3220Kč/3380Kč/5830Kč during holiday periods.

- NH Praha Radlicka, Radlická ulice 46/3276. 150 00 Prague, [14]. This modern hotel sits in the heart of this historical and traditional city. The hotel offers 134 rooms with wifi, satellite television and modern décor. An on-site sauna, restaurant and cocktail bar are also available.

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