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PraguePrague'''Prague''' (Czech: ''Praha'') the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Image:West_bank_prague.jpg|thumb|200px|The west bank of the Vltava River ==Districts== Prague has fifteen numbered districts: '''Praha 1''' through to '''Praha 15'''. Praha 1 is the oldest part of the city, and has by far the densest number of attractions. It can be further subdivided into these quarters: *Prague/Castle|Castle (Hradcany) -- the highest point in Prague *Prague/Lesser Town|Lesser Town (Malá Strana) -- the settlement around the castle *Prague/Old Town|Old Town (Staré Mesto) -- the nucleus of the right bank *Prague/New Town|New Town (Nove Mesto) -- the fourteenth century district south of Old Town *Prague/Jewish Town|Jewish Town (Josefov) -- the old Jewish ghetto The outer areas of Prague can be divided as follows: *Prague/North|North -- Praha 7, Praha 8 and Praha 9. *Prague/East|East -- Praha 3, Praha 10, Praha 14 and Praha 15. *Prague/South|South -- Praha 2, Praha 4, Praha 11 and Praha 12. *Prague/West|West -- Praha 5, Praha 6 and Praha 13. ==Understand== Prague's great misfortune is its incredible beauty. What remained for years a perfectly preserved city full of Gothic spires and amazing, if deteriorating, Art Nouveau apartment buildings in the city center suddenly opened to a flood of international tourists after 1989. Before Prague could sort out what it wanted to become after years of Communist mismanagement, it had to handle an influx of young people in search of some mythological "Bohemian" lifestyle. An article about the foundation of legendary English-language weekly Prognosis called "Wild Wild East" in Details magazine supposedly inspired this migration. That having been said, those who came have stayed because it is the people who made Prague charming over and above its fine architecture and cheap beer. The effort Czechs will expend on behalf of their friends, new or old, is quite different from what Americans are accustomed to expect. It takes connections to get things done in this city, and personal relationships are more important as a result. Prague may be beautiful, but pollution often hovers over the city thanks to its location in the Vltava River basin. Many Praguers have a small cottage (which can range from a shack barely large enough for garden utensils to an elaborate, multistory dwelling) outside the city. There they can escape for some fresh air and country pursuits such as mushroom hunting and gardening. These cottages, called ''chatas'', 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 (pl. of chata) are also sometimes used as primary residences by Czechs who rent out their city-center apartments for enormous profit to foreigners who can afford to pay inflated rent. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The international airport [http://www.csl.cz/en/letiste/ Ruzyne] (phone 2011 3314) is in the north of Prague. There are many cheap direct flights operated by Easyjet and BMIbaby from UK and by SmartWings from continental Europe and Dublin. '''Getting into the city from the airport:''' The airport is located about 20 kilometers outside the city center. It generally takes 30 to 50 minutes to get there. *By taxi: The most comfortable method to reach the city should cost about 360 Kc. Ask for a receipt when you arrive. Make sure you ask how much it will cost before commencing your journey. Avoid taxis without illuminated signs on the car roof. *By Cedaz bus: (phone 2011 4286) These busses operate from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every half hour. They will take you past the subway station Dejvická and into the city center to the námestí Republiky. Fares are about 90 Kc per person. *By city bus and subway: This is the cheapest way to get into the city. A ticket valid for one hour costs 12 Kc. Bus no. 119 takes you to the subway station Dejvická, then on to the city center by subway line A. ===By train=== Prague has two international train stations: Hlavní nádraží (central station, abbreviated Praha hl.n.); and Praha Holešovice (Holešovice station). Eurocity trains connect Prague to Berlin, Wien and Budapest. It is a very comfortable way of travel, but not as quick as used in other countries - Eurocity has average speed about 120kmph only, because Czech railroad network is not suitable for higher speeds. From Berlin, a train reaches Prague in 5 1/2 hours, from Wien (Vienna) in 4 1/2 hours and from Budapest in 6 1/2 hours. The trainline 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. Train connection from western countries (France, England) is complicated because of an inconvenient layout of German railroads (they lead mainly from north to south, with no direct connections from east to west) - you have to change frequently, for example to Paris you have to change at least two or three times and it takes more than 13 hours. ===By car=== Prague has highway connection from five major directions. Unfortunately, the highway network in Czech republic is quite incomplete and some highways are old and in bad condition. Thus, the highway connection from Prague to border of Czech Republic is available only in two directions - southeast and southwest. Southwestern highway (number D5, international E50) leads through Pilsen (Plzen) to Germany. There is still a small incomplete part on the German side of the border, but it is only about 20 km. Not counting this small part, the D5 highway is connected to German highway network. Riding from state border to Prague takes about an hour and half (its 160 km only). Southeastern highway (number D1) is Czech oldest and most used highway (but it is in good condition). It leads through Brno to Bratislava in Slovakia. It offers a good connection to Wien, Budapest and all traffic from east. You have to count with more than two hours, it is more than 250km. From northwest you can take highway D8 (E55), but it is not complete to German border, it ends now at Lovosice (about 60km from Prague). When you go from northern Germany (Dresden, Berlin, Leipzig), you have to take state road E55, which is sometimes quite overcrowded. From northeast you can take highway R10 - E65 (it is not highway by parameters, only motorway, but it has four lanes and there is no major difference to highway). It leads from Liberec through Turnov. I don't think it is an important access direction, because there are no major cities in this directions (Zittau in Germany, some cities in Poland), but it offers a good connection to Czech mountains Jizerské hory and Krkonoše (Riesengebirge) with best Czech skiing resorts. From east you can take D11 (E67), which is only 40km long and is in ugly condition. It directs to Poland. The Czech highways are under development (D8 and D11 are prolongated, city by-pass of Pilsen is finished now on D5) so thing may get better. There are only seldom traffic jams on Czech highways, with the exception of D1 near Prague (and near Brno too) - not counting work on the road, which means a certainly blocked road. When you get to Prague, things are getting worse. Prague suffers from a heavy traffic and in working days the main streets are one big traffic jam. Moreover, Prague still doesn't have complete highway outer circuit. It is 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 the public transport. The P+Rs are situated near all highways and are well marked. ===By bus=== The main bus station for international busses in Prague is Florenc, Križikova. It is located east of the city center. Eurolines connects Prague to major European cities. ===By boat=== ==Get around== Public transportation is very convenient in most of the areas visitors are likely to frequent. There are three main subway lines, and numerous bus and tram (streetcar) lines. Purchase a seven day transfer ticket for 250 Kc at any tobacco shop; date stamp this the first time you ride and you are good for a week. Tickets are not checked upon boarding, but undercover police frequently make the rounds asking to see your ticket. Even though freeriding seems easy in Prague, you should invest in the cheap ticket; staying more than two days in Prague will guarantee that you will be checked. Public transport continues at night. [http://www.praguepraha.com/travel.html Prague travel] [http://www.dp-praha.cz/en/index.htm Dopravní Podnik] ==See== * The '''Old Town Square''' in the Old Town. * The '''Astronomical Clock''' in the Old Town. * The '''Golden Lane''' in the Castle district. * The '''Pinkas Synagogue''' in the Jewish Town. * The '''Old Jewish Cemetery''' in the Jewish Town. * '''St Agnes's Convent''' in the Old Town. * '''Hvezda Summer Palace''' in the West. * '''Municipal Hall''' in the Old Town. * The '''Zizkov Television Tower''' in the East. ===Charles Bridge=== Charles Bridge (Czech: ''Karluv most'') stretches across the Vltava River between the Lesser Town and the edge of Old Town's central shopping district. The current incarnation of the bridge was built by Charles IV's imperial architect Petr Parler, who is also known for his work on St Vitus Cathedral. It replaced previous Judith Bridge, destroyed by a flood. Charles Bridge has outlived floods, disasters and heavy traffic for 600 years. It even allowed car traffic earlier in this century! It's a mystery how the bridge has survived so long - one ongoing myth says eggs were mixed into the mortar when it was built. If you believe in supernatural protection, maybe the sword of Bruncvik explains the bridge's miraculous strength. Like the English Arthurian legends, it is said Bruncvik's sword (supposedly hidden inside the bridge) will make itself available in the country's darkest hour, rising to its defense. From an artistic perspective, the most notable feature of the bridge is the groups of statuary lining either side. Scenes from Bible and popular saints are included, such as St Jan Nepomuk and St Luitgard. Nepomuk has two legends associated with him: first, if you place five fingers in the gilded stars at the Charles Bridge statue's base and make a wish, not only will your wish come true, but you are guaranteed to return to Prague. Second, you may wonder why you see a small picture of a tongue in association with Nepomuk. Supposedly, acting as the queen's religious confessor, Nepomuk refused to repeat something she had told him in confidence to King Wenceslas IV, her husband. The unfortunate prelate was tortured, beaten and thrown from the bridge with hands tied. Some time later, during a severe drought, the river level went down enough to find Nepomuk's body. It was decomposed, as one would expect, but with one exception: his tongue was perfectly preserved, symbolizing his refusal to break the seal of the confessional. ==Do== ===Going Out=== *'''Reduta Jazz Club''' is a popular venue with a distinguished history - Bill Clinton visited here on his first trip to post-Communist Prague. Live Jazz every night. ===Tours=== * '''Prague Travel Ltd''', Vinohradska 28, Praha 2. ph 222 516 064 or 777 070 784. fax 271 742 622. email praguetravel@praguetravel.cz. [http://www.praguewalkingtours.cz/ Web]. Prague Travel organises several daily '''walking tours''' of Prague with different themes and an English speaking guide. All the tours meet at their marked orange umbrella by the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town, and you can buy tickets on the spot. Their tours include: ** The '''Discover Prague Walk''', a 1 hour walk for newcomers to Prague, showing some of the architectural features and historical sites, and explaining to visitors how to use the transport system, and what events not to miss. Meet at 10:30am, cost 200 CZK adults and 150 CZK students. ** '''The Best of Prague''', a 3.5 hour walk including the medieval city, the Jewish ghetto, the Charles Bridge and the Golden Lane. Meet at 11:00am, cost 450 CZK adults and 400 CZK students. ** '''Castle and Cathedral''', a 2 hour walk around the royal gardens, summer palace and medieval town. Meet at 11:00am, cost 300 CZK adults and 250 CZK students. ** The '''Cheers! Famous Pubs Walk''', a 2.5 hour tour of the oldest Prague pubs. The first beer in each pub is included. Meet at 6:00pm, cost 450 CZK adults and 400 CZK students. ===Popular pastimes=== '''Ice hockey''' is hugely popular in Prague, thanks to the amazing Czech national team. During communism, hockey was closely related to politics. When the Czechs beat the Russians in the 1971 for the world title, it was national fest. Many Czech hockey and tennis players have gone on to international fame. Drinking '''beer''' is practically a sport among men. '''Mushroom hunting''' is very common during the fall, and some great dishes show up on menus across the country as a result. Renovating the family chata (see Did You Know? below) and growing vegetables on its surrounding land is a popular summer pastime. ==Eat== Lunch is traditionally the main meal. If you try the typical Czech food, the main course will usually consist of pork or beef. Fish is not so popular, yet it can be found it in most restaurants by now. Side dishes are e. g. fries or dumplings. Typical desserts are fruit dumplings, crępes or ice cream. It is important to either make a reservation or decide to eat earlier when restaurants or not so crowded. The tip should be about 10 to 15%, in cheaper restaurants or pubs it will do to simply round up the bill or leave a few extra coins. Taxes are generally included in the price. 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 (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. The Old Town Square also has a lot of sit down restaurants that let you sit outside in the square. ==Drink== Pubs abound throughout Prague, and indeed are an important part of local culture. A green sign hanging outside an establishment indicates excellent Czech beer is to be had inside. Most pubs serve only a small selection of beers. Locals seldom pay more than 25 crowns for a half liter glass, while tourist traps often charge 50 crowns or more. See important Czech beer-related information at the Czech_Republic#Drink|Czech Republic page. ==Sleep== '''Reservations:''' It is advisable to make a reservation. Peak season is from April to October. '''Prices:''' Prices for accommodation can be up to twice as high in the peak season. Normally, tax and breakfast are included. ===Budget=== If you are looking for budget accommodation, check out one of the [http://www.praguepraha.com/hostels.html Prague youth hostels], or just go to Hlavni Nadrazi and take a private sleeping place with a person you find trustworthy (price will be approx the same), as some people rent part of their apartments to tourists to earn a little extra money. ===Mid-range=== Mid-range accommodation can be found in most of the Praha 1 quarters: check in particular the east bank: Jewish Town, Old Town and New Town. ===Splurge=== ==Contact== ==Stay safe== Be careful of the taxi drivers, particularly from the train station. Some of them delight in overcharging tourists. Usually it's better to call a radio-cab. Be also aware of your belongings when using crowded street-cars in the centre because of the pickpocket gangs. Never change money in the streets. Only change money at a trustworthy place. As soon as you arrive there will be people trying to get you to exchange money with them. The money they'll give you is Slovakian or Romanian currency which is worth much less. Never change money in the streets. Be cautious when people offer you great deals on accommodations. Often these are freelance agents who don't actually own the rooms they're offering. It's a good idea to give the payment for the room directly to the owner of the room, and not to the agent. Prague is a relatively safe town, just be sensible and alert! ==Get out== There are trains to Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest. .. To hitchhike to Plzen|Plzen take metro line C to Zlicin station (the last one), where you can thumb a ride near the large shopping city and main motorway to Plzen. ==External links== * [http://www.pis.cz/a/ Prague Information Service] * [http://www.earth-photography.com/Countries/CzechRepublic/Prague_photos.html Pictures of Prague] ro:Praga fr:Prague WikiPedia:Prague Dmoz:Europe/Czech Republic/Regions/Prague {{stub}} First page | Prev | Next | Last page |
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