A–Z Travel Tips
A
Accommodation
Prague has many large hotels, but very few old-world, family-run establishments. Most hotels dating from the communist era have very dour exteriors, although many have been renovated, bringing the facilities and interior decoration up to international standards. A few gems from the city’s glorious Art Nouveau era have also been refurbished and there are some new luxury ‘designer’ hotels.
While Prague is popular all year round, it becomes very crowded with visitors from June to September and around Christmas, when booking a few weeks ahead is essential.
Hotel prices often appear in euros. Always ask whether the room rate includes tax before you make a firm booking as this can add 21 percent or more to the bill.
If you arrive in the city without accommodation, contact the Prague City Tourism (tel: 12 444; www.praguewelcome.cz or www.prague.eu).
I’d like a single room/ double room. Chtěl bych jednolůžkový pokoj/dvoulůžkový pokoj.
with bath/with shower s koupelnou/se sprchou
What’s the rate per day? Kolik stojí za den?
B&Bs. The number of private homes offering bed-and-breakfast accommodation has grown dramatically in recent years. Listings can be found at www.praguewelcome.cz or www.czech-homestays.com.
Airport
Václav Havel Airport Prague (www.prg.aero/en/) is situated 10km (6.5 miles) northwest of the city. A shuttle bus operated by CEDAZ (tel: 220 114 286; www.cedaz.cz) runs between the airport and Náměstí Republiky in the city centre every 30 minutes from 7.30am–7pm. The journey takes about 30 minutes to Náměstí Republiky (Kč150). A cheaper (Kč36) but lengthier option is the No. 119 bus, which travels to the metro line A and the No. 100 and 179 buses to the metro line B. Buy tickets in the terminal or from the machine at the bus stop. The reliable AAA radiotaxi firm (tel: 14 014 or 222 333 222; www.aaataxi.cz) has a rank just outside the arrivals hall and the trip to the centre should not cost more than Kč650.
B
Bicycle Rental
While some parts of Prague are quite hilly (and therefore hard work), hiring a bike to get around, especially along the river, can be good fun and convenient. To hire a modern off-road bike with gears and a lightweight aluminium frame, contact Praha Bike (tel: 732 388 880; www.prahabike.cz). A day’s hire costs Kč590.
Budgeting for your Trip
Due to the strength of the Czech koruna Prague is no longer a particularly cheap destination for visitors from the UK.
Hotel: Mid-range hotel per room per night Kč4,000–5,000.
Meals and drinks: Large glass of beer Kč30–40 (as much as Kč90 in touristy establishments such as those on Old Town Square); three-course dinner per person Kč350–650; soft drink Kč35.
Entertainment: Theatre tickets Kč400–1,000 with state company, or international performances from around Kč1,200. Concert tickets are Kč100–500.
Tours: City walking tour (3 hours) Kč350; coach tour to Karlštejn Castle (5 hours) around Kč1,000.
Prague Tourist Card: Kč1280 for two days, Kč1540 for three days and Kč1780 for five days. The card includes entry to more than 50 sights and museums, unlimited use of public transport, a coach tour of Prague, a shuttle bus to the airport, a cruise on the Vltava River and a guided walking tour. It can be purchased at the airport, tourist information centres or at www.praguecard.com.
C
Camping
A large campsite on the banks of the Vltava, Autocamp Trojská (Trojská 375/157, Prague 7; tel: 283 850 487; www.autocamp-trojska.cz; open all year) not far from Troja Palace and the zoo, is the closest to the town centre. It has space for caravans and tents with good, if not luxurious, facilities . The Prague Information Service (tel: 12 444; www.praguewelcome.cz) has details of other campsites.
Car Hire
If you plan to stay in the city rather than touring the countryside, a car may be less of a help than a hindrance. If you do want to hire a vehicle, most of the major international firms operate in Prague.
Drivers must be at least 21 years of age and have held a full driving licence for one year. The daily hire charge for a medium-sized car (by European standards) is around Kč2,000–3,500 per day with unlimited mileage. Most companies will have special rates for weekends.
Pricing structures can be complicated and extras can include local tax (21 percent), additional driver charge, mileage, airport delivery charge and collision-damage waiver. Collision-damage waiver is not compulsory but limits your liability in case of an accident. It adds around Kč230 per day to the rental cost.
Avis: airport, tel: 235 362 420; Klimentská 46, Prague 1, tel: 810 777 810; www.avis.cz.
A-Rent Car: V Celnici 8 (Millennium Plaza), Prague 1, tel: 224 211 587; www.arentcar.cz.
I’d like to rent a car. Chtěl bych si půjčit auto.
large/small velké/malé
for one day/a week na jeden den/týden
Please include full insurance. Prosím, započítejte plné pojištění.
Hertz: airport, tel: 225 345 021; Evropska15, Prague 6, tel: 225 345 041, www.hertz.cz.
Europcar: airport, tel: 235 364 531; Elišky Krásnohorské 9, Prague 1, tel: 232 000 600; www.europcar.cz.
Sixt: reservation, tel: 222 324 995; www.sixt.cz.
Climate
Prague tends to experience continental weather patterns springing from Russia, but also mild, wet weather from the Atlantic. Winters are on the whole cold and wet, but it can stay dry and clear for long spells. When the wind blows from Russia, it can be extremely cold. Summers are warm but rainy. June and July are two of the rainiest months of the year, while spring and autumn are changeable.
Clothing
Practical, casual clothing suits most occasions. In summer, bring lightweight clothing but be prepared for showers, and a warm layer in case it’s cool in the evenings. In spring and autumn, a coat or thick jacket is advisable. In winter, take a coat, hat and gloves. For the opera or ballet, or dinner in a fine restaurant, smart clothing is appropriate.
Crime and Safety
Prague is a safe, pleasant city to explore on foot. Violent crime is rare, although petty crime has risen in parallel with the growing number of visitors. Stay alert on trams (especially No. 22) and the metro, and in large crowds, for example on Charles Bridge or in Wenceslas Square, where pickpockets might be at work. Stick to well-lit streets at night.
I want to report a theft. Chci ohlásit krádež.
My wallet/handbag/passport/ ticket has been stolen. Ukradli mi náprsní tašku peněženku/kabelku/pas/lístek.
D
Driving
Road conditions. Road conditions in the Czech Republic are generally good, although signs are not always clear so you will need a good map. Prague itself suffers from severe congestion. Drivers are generally patient, but keep a lookout out for trams, as well as cobbled streets and tramlines, both of which become slippery when wet, and also for confusing one-way systems.
Rules and regulations. Drive on the right and overtake on the left. The speed limits are 130 kmh (80 mph) on motorways, 90 kmh (56 mph) on secondary roads and 50 kmh (31 mph) in built-up areas.
Seat belts are compulsory where fitted, and drink-driving is illegal. Headlights must be kept on at all times in winter. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the front seat.
Parking. Parking in the city poses some difficulties (try by the railway station on Wilsonova). On-street parking is divided into three zones: orange for short-term parking at Kč40 per hour, free on Sunday; green for stays of up to 6 hours, at Kč30 per hour, free on Sunday; blue for residents or permit holders. A number of private wheel clampers operate
If you need help. Dial 1240 to call out Autoklub Bohemia Assistance, who will attempt to repair your car or take you to the nearest garage. Call 158 for the police.
Jednosměrný provoz One way
Na silnice se pracuje Roadworks
Nebezpeči Danger
Nevstupujte No entry
Objíždka Diversion
Opatrně/Pozor Caution
Pěší zóna Pedestrian zone
Snížit rychlost (zpomalit) Slow down
Vchod Entrance
Východ Exit
Full tank, please. Plnou nádrž, prosím.
super/unleaded/diesel super/bezolovnatý/nafta
I’ve broken down. Mám poruchu.
There’s been an accident. Stala se nehoda.
Can I park here? Mohu zde parkovat?
E
Electricity
Prague uses the 220V/50 Hz AC current, requiring standard two-pin round European plugs. Visitors should bring their own adapters.
Embassies and Consulates
Ireland: Tržiště 13, Prague 1; tel: 257 530 061.
UK: Thunovská 14, Prague 1; tel: 257 402 111.
Emergencies
General Emergencies: 112; Police: 158; Fire Brigade: 150; Ambulance: 155.
Fire! Hoří!
Help! Pomoc!
Stop thief! Chyt’te zloděje!
G
Gay and Lesbian Travellers
Gay and lesbian travellers will generally find Prague an easy-going destination, though very overt displays of affection might attract stares. The gay scene is small. For up-to-date information, see www.prague.gayguide.net; the main lesbian website (all in Czech) is www.lesba.cz.
Getting There
By air. The national airline is ČSA (České Aeroline; www.csa.cz); they and British Airways (www.britishairways.com) fly direct to Prague from London. Numerous budget airlines now fly to the city and from the UK these include: easyJet, from Gatwick, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Manchester and Stansted (www.easyjet.com); Ryanair from Stanstad (www.ryanair.com) Wizzair from Luton (www.wizzair.com) and Jet2 from Belfast, Edinburgh, Leeds-Bradford and Manchester (www.jet2.com). The Czech-based Smart Wings flies from elsewhere in Europe (www.smartwings.com).
By rail. Prices for rail travel are often more expensive than air travel and the journeys take longer. Purchasing a rail pass for a set amount of days can help minimise costs. Tickets can be purchased at railway station or from Czech Railways (České dráhy; tel: 840 112 113; www.cd.cz).
The most direct way to reach Prague from London by train is via Paris and Frankfurt, which takes around 18 hours (for information and bookings, visit www.voyages-sncf.com). Most of the international trains arrive at the main station Praha hlavní nádraží, also known as Wilson Station, but some of them call at Smíchov.
By road. Eurolines (www.eurolines.com) operates buses that connect the major cities of Europe. To bring your own car you will need a valid driving licence; vehicle registration/ownership documents; a Green Card; a national identity sticker; a first-aid kit; and a red warning triangle. To drive on motorways and dual carriageways, a windscreen sticker (a vignette, Kč440 for a month and Kč310 for ten days), available at the border, post offices and at filling stations, must be displayed.
Guides and Tours
A number of tours are available in Prague and into the surrounding countryside. These include walking tours (individual and group), themed tours (perhaps musical or literary), a trip on a historic tram or by boat down the Vltava, lasting anything from 30 minutes to a whole day. Some tours home in on specific themes – the history of the Jewish community, Romanesque Prague, Gothic Prague, Baroque Prague, Renaissance Prague or Composers’ Prague.
Registered English-speaking guides can be hired by the hour by individuals or groups. Contact the Prague Information Service for more information (for more information, click here).
H
Health and Medical Care
Citizens of EU countries including the UK are entitled to free emergency treatment in the Czech Republic. Make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card before travelling. You will be charged for any further treatment, so it still makes sense to take out adequate health and accident insurance.
A number of medical facilities with English-speaking medical personnel cater specifically to visitors. There are several foreign clinics in Prague: Canadian Medical Care (www.cmcpraha.cz), Medicover (www.medicover.cz) or Unicare Medical Center (www.unicare.cz). The Foreigner’s department of the Hospital Na Homolce is located at Roentgenova 2, Prague 5, tel: 257 272 144, www.homolka.cz. For first aid visit Health Center Prague at Vodičkova 28−30, Prague 2, tel: 224 220 040, www.doctor-prague.cz.
Pharmacies. For minor health problems visit a pharmacy – look for a green cross, or the word lékárna on the front of the shop. There are 24-hour facilities at Štefánikova 6 (tel: 257 320 918) and Palackého 5 (tel: 224 946 982). Though the range of drugs available is not as wide as in Western Europe or the US, you will still be able to find remedies for most minor illnesses.
L
Language
The national language is Czech. However, English is widely spoken, as is German. If you can learn and use a few Czech words, it will always be appreciated. The Czech alphabet has 33 letters; for instance, c and č are counted as two different letters. Here are a few tips on the pronunciation of the more difficult sounds:
ch like English h
ě like ye in yes
ň like the n in Canute
ř like rs in Persian
j like y in yellow
š like the sh in shine
č like ch in church
c like ts in tsetse
ž like the s in pleasure
Do you speak English? Mluvíte anglicky?
I don’t speak Czech. Nemluvím česky.
Good morning/Good afternoon Dobré jitro/Dobré odpoledne
Good evening/Good night Dobrý večer/Dobrou noc
Please/Thank you Prosím/Děkuji Vám
That’s all right/You’re welcome. To je v pořádku.
M
Maps
Free maps are available from the Prague Information Service (www.prague.eu) and some hotels.
Media
Newspapers. The English-language online newspaper, the Prague Post (www.praguepost.com) contains news and comment as well as events listings. The Czech News Agency (www.ceskenoviny.cz) also provides news in English. Another good resource is Prague in Your Pocket (www.inyourpocket.com) with events and entertainment listings.
TV. Satellite television has one or more English-speaking news channels. The main ones are CNN and BBC World.
Radio. Radio Praha broadcasts news in English from Mon to Fri at 8pm on 92.6 FM; www.radio.cz.
Money
The currency of the Czech Republic is the crown or koruna (Kč). Each crown is theoretically made up of 100 hellers (hal.), but they are not used. There are 5,000 Kč, 2,000 Kč, 1,000 Kč, 500 Kč, 200 Kč and 100 Kč notes; and coins of 20 Kč, 10 Kč, 5 Kč, 2 Kč and 1 Kč.
Currency exchange. Banks open 8am–5pm, some close at lunch time. Most charge a standard 1 percent commission. Bureaux de change often open until 10pm, but they are best avoided as they can charge up to 30 percent commission. There are a large number of ATMs that will issue cash against your current-account card or credit card; this is generally the easiest way to get money.
Credit cards. Credit cards are increasingly accepted for payment across the city. This includes most hotels, but it is still wise to check.
O
Opening times
Banks are open 8am–5pm (some close from noon–1pm) Monday to Friday. Bureaux de change operate daily, often until 10pm or later.
Some general shops open as early as 6am, while department stores open at 8.30am; both close at around 6pm, although a growing number stay open till 8pm on Thursday. Shops in the centre, particularly those aimed at tourists, often remain open until late in summer.
Museums usually open 10am–6pm and close on Sunday or Monday; exceptions include the Jewish Museum’s synagogues (closed Saturday). Most galleries open 10am–6pm but close on Monday.
P
Police
There are several types of police operating in the city. State police (tel: 158; www.policie.cz) are responsible for day-to-day policing. They wear white shirts and dark-grey trousers or skirts. They are armed. The best police station to contact is the one in Můstek, at Jungmannovo náměstí 9, Prague 1 (tel: 974 851 750), because there are always interpreters of several languages. Municipal police (tel: 156; www.mppraha.cz) wear light-grey trousers or skirts. Traffic police are responsible for all road and traffic regulations. They may erect roadblocks to check documents (always carry your driving licence, passport and your car documents) or to breathalyse drivers. This police force also controls fines for parking and clamping infringements.
Post Offices
Postal services (www.ceskaposta.cz) are cheap and reliable for letters and postcards. Most shops that sell postcards also sell stamps, as do many hotels. Postboxes are either orange with a side slit or orange-and-blue with a front flap. The main post office (open 24 hours) is at Jindříšská 909/14, just off Wenceslas Square. Here you can make international calls, and buy stamps and phonecards. Local post offices generally open Mon–Fri 8am–7pm. Postal rates at the time of printing were: Europe from Kč25.
Public Holidays
Government offices and banks close for the following holidays:
1 January Nový rok New Year’s Day
1 May Svátek práce May Day
8 May Vítěztví nad fašismem Victory over fascism
5 July Slovanští věrozvěsti sv. Cyril a Metoděj Slavic Missionaries St Cyril and St Methodius
6 July Výročí úmrtí Jana Husa Jan Hus’s death
28 September Den české státnosti Day of the Czech Statehood
28 October První československá republika First Czechoslovak Republic
17 November Den boje za svobodu a demokracii Day of Struggle for Liberty and Democracy
24 December Štědrý den Christmas Eve
25/26 December Svátek vánoční Christmas/Boxing Day
Movable date Velikonoční pondělí Easter Monday
R
Religion
The Czech Republic is not conspicuously religious but is a mainly Catholic country. Prague has a profusion of churches that hold regular services and some also hold services in English. Times will be posted outside the church, or consult the Prague Post (www.praguepost.com). Within the city there is an active Jewish community. There are also Anglican and Baptist churches.
T
Telephones
Most phone numbers consist of nine digits, including the area code. You should dial the entire nine-digit number even if you are dialling within the same area code. Public telephones take phonecards (telefonní karta). These can be bought at post offices or newsstands.
The international code for the Czech Republic is 420. The city code for Prague is 2, but this is included in the nine-digit number.
To make an international call dial 00, then the country code, then the number.
For Prague directory enquiries call 1180. The international operator can be contacted on 1181.
Most of the international mobile phone will work in Prague. However, for longer stays it is better and much cheaper to buy one of the easily available local pay-as-you-go SIM cards. The main companies are O2 (www.cz.o2.com), T-Mobile (www.t-mobile.cz) and Vodafone (www.vodafone.cz).
Time Zones
Prague operates on Central European Time (CET). This is one hour ahead of GMT in winter and two hours ahead of GMT in summer.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but levels are low (it is enough to round up the bill, or to leave the change) and in some restaurants, service is included in the price; it should state this on the menu.
Toilets
There are public toilets at each metro station and shopping centre. There is usually a small fee of around 5–10 Kč.
If there are no man or woman symbols to help you, ladies’ toilets will be labelled Ženy or Dámy, mens’ will be Muži or Páni.
Tourist Information
For information before you leave for Prague contact the Czech Tourist Authority (www.czechtourism.com), at the following:
UK: 26−30 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QY; tel: 020 7631 0427; email: london@czechtourism.com.
US: 1109 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10028, tel: 212 288 0830; email: newyork@czechtourism.com; 6 Hutton Centre Drive, Ste 600, South Coast Metro, CA 92707; tel: 714 382 6855; email: losangeles@czechtourism.com.
The Czech Tourist Authority’s information centre in Prague is at Vinohradska 46. Prague City Tourism (www.prague.eu) information centres can be found at the Old Town Hall, Staroměstské náměstí 1, Prague 1 (tel: 224 861 476) and Rytířska 31, Prague 1 (tel: 221 714 714). There are also many commercial agencies offering tourist information and selling tours.
Prague has a comprehensive and well-integrated public-transport system (www.dpp.cz) that provides a cheap and efficient service. Tickets and passes can be used on all forms of transport. Each ticket has a time limit and you pay more for a longer limit. The cheapest ticket costs Kč24 and allows either 30 minutes of travel with no transfer or five stops on the metro with no line change. A Kč32 ticket allows 90 minutes of travel and allows line change or tram transfer within that time. Children aged ten to 15 pay half price; children under ten and people over 70 travel free of charge.
Tickets can be bought at metro stations (there are automatic ticket machines which give instructions in English and supply change) or newsstands and some shops. They must be validated in the small yellow machines before you catch the tram or arrive at the metro.
Day tickets or longer passes are also available and are valid for unlimited travel on all forms of transport. They are valid from the date stamped on them and do not have to be validated for each journey. Prices are as follows: 24-hour pass Kč110; three-day pass Kč310. The Prague Tourist Card (for more information, click here) also includes free travel on public transport.
Buses and Trams. Buses, which are clean and punctual, tend to provide a service out to the Prague suburbs rather than compete with trams in the city. There is a comprehensive network of tram routes which connect both sides of the river. Each tram stop shows the tram number passing there and a timetable. Most city maps show the tram routes in addition to the location of the major attractions. All trams run from 4.30am–midnight, but a number of routes are also designated as night routes and operate a service 24 hours a day. Purchase your ticket before you travel and validate it as you enter, unless you are transferring from another tram or metro within your allotted time.
Metro. The extremely efficient Prague metro opened in 1974 and provides a great service for visitors. There are three interlinked lines, and metro maps can be found at each station. Metro signs above ground feature a stylised M incorporated into an arrow pointing downwards. The metro operates from around 5am–midnight.
Funicular at Petřín. The ride to the top of Petřín Hill also takes standard tickets. You can buy these at the station before you travel.
Taxis. The most common complaint from visitors to Prague tends to be about taxis; there are some unscrupulous operators out there. Prices are supposed to be about Kč40 then Kč28 per km, with an additional charge of Kč6 per minute for waiting. Phoning a taxi is cheaper than hailing one, as rates are lower and you won’t be overcharged. Two reputable firms with staff who speak English are aaa Taxi (tel: 222 333 222; www.aaataxi.cz) and Profi Taxi (tel: 140 15; www.profitaxi.cz). If you must hail a taxi, check the rates listed on the passenger door with the meter, or negotiate a price.
Where do I get the bus to the city centre/airport? Odkud jede autobus do centra města?/na letiště?
Take these bags to the bus/taxi, please. Prosím, odneste tato zavazadla k autobusu/taxi.
V
Visas and Entry Requirements
Passports/visas. Citizens of the EU need only a passport to visit the Czech Republic for up to 180 days.
Customs. It is illegal to export antiques without a permit.
W
Websites and Internet access
A few websites that may help in the planning of your trip:
www.czechtourism.com Czech Tourist Authority
www.prague.eu Prague Information Service
www.praha.eu The official Prague tourism website.
www.czechspecials.cz All you need to know about Czech cuisine
There are a number of internet cafés in Prague, including: Bohemia Bagel (Masná 2, Prague 1; tel: 224 812 560; www.bohemiabagel.cz) and The Globe Bookstore (Pštrossova 6, Prague 1; tel: 224 934 203; www.globebookstore.cz).
Y
Youth Hostels
The website of the national youth hostel association (www.czechhostels.com) has details of all the official hostels.
Miss Sophie’s Hostel, Melounova 3, Prague 2; tel: 246 032 620; www.miss-sophies.com.
Travellers’ Hostel, Dlouhá 33, Prague 1; tel: 224 826 662; www.travellers.cz.