Embassies

Planes

Prague Airport (Ruzyne)
The main international and domestic airport. Most of the major carriers fly into here including Ryanair. The airport is 20km northwest and connections to the city centre are by public bus n.119 , 12Kc one way and 6Kc per bag, or Airport Buses to Nám Republiky (90Kc) or Dejvická(60Kc). Tickets can be bought from the ticket machines or kiosks.

Trains

The Eurocity and Intercity trains are the fastest trains to catch between the major cities and countries. Smaller out of the way places are served by the slower Osobní trains. Rychlík trains are the faster domestic ones between main centres. The 4 main stations for national and international travel are Hlavní nádraží , Nádraží HoleÅ¡ovice , Masarykovo nádraží and Smíchovské nádraží .

Buses

There is a regular efficient bus service to most towns, villages and cities serviced by CSAD and Eurolines from Florenc station, Krizikova 4. The timetables can be bought from kiosks. Tickets can be bought from the driver and an extra charge may apply if luggage has to be stowed underneath.

Metro - Bus - Tram (DP)

Tickets can be used across the transport providers with a basic 8Kc ticket which is valid for 15mins or 12Kc ticket which is valid for 1hr and has unlimited connections. The tickets must be validated before boarding the Metro and on board the trams to avoid a fine. Multi-day passes are available from the Tourist Office at the Town Hall including 24HR (70Kc), 3 day (200Kc) and the 7 day (250Kc).

Taxi - 224 916 666

Taxis to the airport are expensive. Prague taxis have been known to have a reputation for ripping people off. If you do require one it's better to ask the reception where you are staying to call you one or use the above Radiotaxi phone number. Always agree the price before getting in and always ask for a receipt .

Václavské Námesti (Wenceslas Square)

This square was originally a horse market and when its not accommodating protest marches the local bohemians come down from the hills to set up their craft stalls here. The square is named after St Wenceslas, the first Christian ruler. The square has seen no less than 5 revolutions in the past 7 decades, the last was the 1989 Velvet Revolution when Czech gained its independence from the Soviet state. Of note below the statue of Wenceslas is the monument to 2 university students who killed themselves on this spot in the name of freedom during the Prague Spring uprising of 1968-Jans Palach on 16 January and Jans Zajic in February. Today the buildings look very different with capitalism and foreign investment riding high.

Josefov (Old Jewish Quarter)

This is the oldest Jewish settlement in central Europe and a testament to the centuries of persecution. A 12 foot wall was erected by the citizens of Prague in 1180 around the neighbourhood, eerily pre-empting the actions of Hitler in 1936. The ghetto was emptied during WWII deporting the inhabitants to the death camps. The most visited site is the cemetery. 20,000 graves are laid out in 12 levels dating back to between the 14th and 18th Centuries. The most notable grave is that of Rabbi Loew ben Bezalel (1512-1609) buried opposite the entrance. He is said to have created a 'Golem' mud creature to protect the Jewish population. Open Sun-Fri, 9am-6pm (Apr-Oct), 9am-4.30pm Nov-Mar. Closed Jewish religious observances.

Karluv Most (Charles IV Bridge)

One of the most photographed and photogenic bridges in Europe. Straddling the Vltava river the sides of the bridge are accented with statues of various saints and important figures. The most famous statue is that of St Jan Nepomucký . He was the priest of Charles IV thrown to his death from the spot where his statue sits for keeping his vow of confidentiality after the king suspected his wife of taking other lovers. As the story goes, St John hit the water and five stars were seen above the splash and years later some fishermen found a skull with the tongue still inside. The bridge has been closed to cars since 1945 due to structural weakness. The artists, musicians and craft sellers make a much nicer accompaniment than smelly cars anyway. The defence towers are open every day 10am-10pm and offer great views, adult 40Kc, student 30Kc.

Pražský Hrad(Prague Castle)

Overlooking the city from its hilltop position is the large and imposing Prague Castle. There has been a ruling residence here for some 1000 years. The immense cathedral in the centre is St Vitus's and contains the tomb of St Jan Nepomucký. And the Royal crypt contains Charles IV. This gothic looking cathedral was only completed in 1929, only 600 years after work commenced on it. The Great South Tower holds the best view over Prague if you still have the enrgy to climb the 287 steps. Open daily 9am-5pm (Apr-Oct), 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar), adult 220Kc, student 110Kc.

Staromestské Námesti(Old Town Sq)

The first feature here is the Astronomical Clock , moving with the seasons and providing tourists with a performance on the hour of parading apostles, skeleton and squawking rooster for hundreds of years. The old town hall it is attached to was almost totally destroyed by retreating Nazi troops in the final days of WWII. Standing opposite is the Tyn Church , looking rather Disney like with its tall spires. Inside are buried the remains of Danish Astronomer Tycho Brahe , his demise brought on by etiquette. His bladder burst at dinner with the emperor as it was considered rude to leave the table before him. The bronze statue at the base of the square commemorates Jan Huss, religious martyr and activist. He was the first to question actions of the Catholic church during the 15th C. He blamed the plagues and disease sweeping the continent on slack moral fibre, particularly the Church attitude to selling indulgences. He was burned at the stake as a heretic in 16th July 1415. His followers were called Hussites and continued the struggle for many years. Open every day.

Bohemian Goulash & Dumplings

This typical Bohemian dish is very filling and satisfying, stewed meat with vegetables and spices, served up with bread dumplings and best accompanied with potato pancakes. Sounds stodgy but guaranteed to keep you warm if visiting in the winter.

Bohemian Bagel - Újezd 16 & Masná 2

A fantastically cheap fresh and tasty snack with loads of filling options, hot or cold, savoury or sweet. You can even enjoy a fresh hot bottomless cup of java and surf the net in the chilled surroundings.

Pork Knuckle

Traditional bohemian recipe and a good idea to be really hungry as they are often huge. The knuckle is parboiled before being finished off over an open fire to crispen up the crackling. Usually served with mustard and sauerkraut.

Budvar V. Budweiser

The Czechs are fiercely proud of their beers and rightly so, they are award winning beers at a fraction of the cost. Pilsner Urquell is common but the Budvar , from Cesky Budjovice is more highly regarded. The legal wrangles between the Czech brewing company and the American Budwieser brand have been resolved, the name Budweiser appears on the label, but a lot smaller.

Paying the Bill

Even though the food here is cheap and your budget has allowed you to eat a 3 course meal for the first time while travelling costs can creep up on you. Service charges, service taxes and cover charges can be added to your bill so check it carefully at the end of a meal or ask beforehand.

To Tip Or Not To Tip

If service has been good, it generally is, and of a high standard a tip of 10-20% is expected.

Other Stuff

Other things to do in Prague