Prague

Prague (Czech: Praha) is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. The city's historic buildings and narrow, winding streets are testament to its centuries-old role as capital of the historic region of Bohemia. Prague lies on the banks of the beautiful, meandering Vltava River that reflects the city's golden spires and 9th century castle that dominates the skyline.

This historic atmosphere is combined with a certain quirkiness that embraces the entire city. From the Museum of Czech Cubism to the technicolour Jubilee Synagogue; the castle to the river, Prague is a Bohemian capital in every sense.

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 most 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 street and house number signs along the "old" district designation, allowing easy orientation.

Buildings in big cities in the 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. Historically these numbers always started from the end of the street which is closer to a river. As elsewhere in Europe, odd numbers belong on one side of the street and even numbers on the other. The red numbers are related to the house register of the entire quarter (for example, Staré Město), and thus usually correspond to the order in which 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.

This 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 World War II, 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 Kraków. 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. In 1348 Prague became an university town, which it has remained ever since. The University, which is sometimes claimed to be the oldest in Central Europe was split into a German and a Czech language part in 1882 with the German language part shut down in 1945, thus ending the claim of "oldest German university" Prague might have reasonably held until then. The city also went under Habsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It had a German-speaking majority well into the 19th century, and even after then, maintained a significant German-speaking minority until the expulsion of ethnic Germans from Czechoslovakia following World War II. During that period, Prague would give rise to several prominent German-language authors, perhaps the most notable being Franz Kafka, known for works such as Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis) and Der Process (The Trial). 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.

Prague has a humid continental climate, with relatively cold winters (about freezing point). Snow cover occurs between mid-November and late March. The snow cover rarely stays around for more than a week or two. Summers usually bring plenty of sunshine and the average high temperature of . Precipitation in Prague is rather low, driest season usually being the winter. During late spring and summer heavy rain may occur, often in a form thundershowers. Temperature inversions are relatively common around winter, bringing foggy, cold days and sometimes moderate air pollution. Prague is a windy city with common sustained western winds and an average wind speed of .

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, pronunciation of ch as in Bach), are treasured both as getaways and ongoing projects. Each reflects its owner's character, as most of them were built by unorthodox methods. 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.

The city has 3 information centres in the city and another 2 at both airport terminals:

• TIC - Old Town Hall, Staroměstské náměstí 1. January – February 09.00 – 18.00, March – December 09.00 – 19.00. The main tourist information right in the city centre.
• TIC - Na Můstku, Rytířská 12. 09:00 – 19:00.
• TIC - Wenceslas Square, Wenceslas Square. 10:00 - 18:00. Information booth right on Wenceslas Square.

TIC - Old Town Hall, Staroměstské náměstí 1. January – February 09.00 – 18.00, March – December 09.00 – 19.00. The main tourist information right in the city centre.

TIC - Na Můstku, Rytířská 12. 09:00 – 19:00.

TIC - Wenceslas Square, Wenceslas Square. 10:00 - 18:00. Information booth right on Wenceslas Square.

• Prague Castle. 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, 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 Kč and an audio guide costs a further 350 Kč..
• Charles Bridge. 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.

The Astronomical Clock

• Old Town. Prague's historic centre includes numerous historic buildings and monuments, most notably the famed Astronomical Clock (Orloj)., the pure Gothic Týn 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 for 480 Kč.
• New Town. 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. 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. On 17 November 2014, the Lennon Wall was vandalised by a group of art students and painted over in white.
• Prague Dancing House. One of the most fascinating architectural expressions of Prague co-designed by Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry. Accessible from metro station.
• Petřín Lookout Tower. A smaller version of the Eiffel Tower on the top of Petrin Hill overlooking Prague. Climbing the tower costs 120 CZK for a standard ticket or 60 CZK for discounts. Paid lift available (60 CZK).
• Prague Zoo. To get there, take metro to, 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 (Botanická zahrada Troja) with a tropical greenhouse.
• Czech National Gallery. Its most important collections are in the Sternberg Palace (up to the Baroque), St George Convent (Czech Baroque and Mannerism) and Veletržní Palace. 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.

  * Veletržní Palace, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Praha 7 - Holešovice. 19th century and modern art.

  * Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia, U Milosrdných 17, Praha 1.

  * Museum of Czech Cubism, Ovocný trh 19/Celetná 34, Praha 1.

• Czech National Museum. 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. 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 medieval edifice. 19th century Czech art is exhibited at the Troja Castle.
• DOX - Centre for Contemporary Art. Newly opened gallery for modern arts, modern EU gallery style. Huge white building with lot of exhibitions, installations and interesting objects to see. Located at Poupětova 1, Praha 7 near industrial district Holešovice (subway red line C) is quite long way from the center but definitely worth to see. You can check the exhibitions during day (around 1-2 hr) and on the trip back to Holešovice visit the legendary underground grown up Cross Club.
• Jewish Museum. 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.
• Prague City Museum, Na Poříčí 52, Praha 8. Has several branches throughout town. 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.
• There are plenty of smaller museums. Among them are the Museum of Miniatures at the Stahnov Monastery, Toys Museum and Musical Automata Museum at the Prague Castle, Postal Museum, and more touristy Wax Museum, Torture Museum and Beer Museums in the Old Town.

Prague Castle. 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, 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 Kč and an audio guide costs a further 350 Kč..

Charles Bridge. 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. Prague's historic centre includes numerous historic buildings and monuments, most notably the famed Astronomical Clock (Orloj)., the pure [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] Týn 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 for 480 Kč.

New Town. 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. 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. On 17 November 2014, the Lennon Wall was vandalised by a group of art students and painted over in white.

Prague Dancing House. One of the most fascinating architectural expressions of Prague co-designed by Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry. Accessible from metro station.

Petřín Lookout Tower. A smaller version of the Eiffel Tower on the top of Petrin Hill overlooking Prague. Climbing the tower costs 120 CZK for a standard ticket or 60 CZK for discounts. Paid lift available (60 CZK).

Prague Zoo. To get there, take metro to, 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 (Botanická zahrada Troja) with a tropical greenhouse.

Czech National Gallery. Its most important collections are in the Sternberg Palace (up to the Baroque), St George Convent (Czech Baroque and Mannerism) and Veletržní Palace. 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.

* Veletržní Palace, Dukelských hrdinů 47, Praha 7 - Holešovice. 19th century and modern art.

* Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia, U Milosrdných 17, Praha 1.

* Museum of Czech Cubism, Ovocný trh 19/Celetná 34, Praha 1.

Czech National Museum. 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. 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 medieval edifice. 19th century Czech art is exhibited at the Troja Castle.

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

Jewish Museum. 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.

Prague City Museum, Na Poříčí 52, Praha 8. Has several branches throughout town. 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.

If you are visiting several attractions, you may be able to save money by buying a tourist card. Be discerning, as the passes often list as inclusions destinations that are free to visit anyway, and include lesser attractions. Make sure you will save money on the places you want to visit.

• Prague Card. Available for 2, 3 or 4 days. Includes a bus city tour and a river cruise. Free entry to Prague Castle - St.Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, Golden Lane, St.George's Basilic; Free entry to Jewish Museum - synagogues and famous Old Jewish Cemetery (6 sites). In total free entry to 50 attractions and discounts on over 30 attractions. Free guidebook with information about the attractions in 7 languages 1.550 Kč, 1.810Kč, 2.080 Kč.
• Welcome Card TVCzechia. Grants 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. 990 Kč..
• Prague City Pass. Free entry to various attractions in Prague within a 30 days period, various 25% discounts, sightseeing tours. Prague Castle – Old Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall, St. George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral. The ticket is valid for 2 days from first entry. Jewish Museum in Prague – Maisel Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, Klausen Synagogue, Ceremonial Hall. The ticket is valid for 7 days from first entry. 1390 Kč..
• 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.

Prague Card. Available for 2, 3 or 4 days. Includes a bus city tour and a river cruise. Free entry to Prague Castle - St.Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, Golden Lane, St.George's Basilic; Free entry to Jewish Museum - synagogues and famous Old Jewish Cemetery (6 sites). In total free entry to 50 attractions and discounts on over 30 attractions. Free guidebook with information about the attractions in 7 languages 1.550 Kč, 1.810Kč, 2.080 Kč.

Welcome Card TVCzechia. Grants 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. 990 Kč..

Prague City Pass. Free entry to various attractions in Prague within a 30 days period, various 25% discounts, sightseeing tours. Prague Castle – Old Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall, St. George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral. The ticket is valid for 2 days from first entry. Jewish Museum in Prague – Maisel Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, Klausen Synagogue, Ceremonial Hall. The ticket is valid for 7 days from first entry. 1390 Kč..

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.

Take a walk along the Royal Way of Prague.

Opera and ballet have quite a tradition in the city, even though there are often overlooked by young locals and instead frequented by tourists. The main opera and ballet venues are operated by National Theatre company, which is owned by the government. Tickets can be bought on the company website, the best seats tend to sell out, so it is better to shop in advance. It is customary to wear decent clothing when going to National Theatre venues (black suit), but this is not enforced. Main venues are (all of these are as well worthy of just seeing from the outside)ː

• Národní divadlo. - This is the original National Theatre building. The interior of the building is very decorative, and a sight of its own. Sometimes hosts operas and ballets, but mostly plays in Czech language – English subtitles are often available. Students receive a 50% discount on tickets.
• Stavovské divadlo. - Oldest theatre building still standing in the city. Mozart's Don Giovanni premiere was conducted here, and Don Giovanni opera is still often on the repertoire, as are other operas, plays and ballets.
• Státní opera. - This historical building of former German Theatre now serves as State Opera, hosting mainly operas and ballets.

There are many other theatres in Prague, but these usually only offer plays in Czech language. Classical music concerts are often conducted in numerous churches, especially in the centre.

Národní divadlo. - This is the original National Theatre building. The interior of the building is very decorative, and a sight of its own. Sometimes hosts operas and ballets, but mostly plays in Czech language – English subtitles are often available. Students receive a 50% discount on tickets.

Stavovské divadlo. - Oldest theatre building still standing in the city. Mozart's Don Giovanni premiere was conducted here, and Don Giovanni opera is still often on the repertoire, as are other operas, plays and ballets.

Státní opera. - This historical building of former German Theatre now serves as State Opera, hosting mainly operas and ballets.

• Prague Spring. The most famous classical music festival in the Czech republic
• Prague Advent Choral Meeting.
• Signal Festival. A weekend in October, during which many historical buildings are lighted by spectacular video-mappings and many light-and-sound installations are set up at different places in the city centre, Vinohrady and Karlín.

Prague Spring. The most famous classical music festival in the Czech republic

Prague Advent Choral Meeting.

Signal Festival. A weekend in October, during which many historical buildings are lighted by spectacular video-mappings and many light-and-sound installations are set up at different places in the city centre, Vinohrady and Karlín.

River cruises are both popular and varied, from one hour cruises to long evening cruises with dinner or music. To get the right price, find a boat only, do not buy anything from the touts near Charles Bridge. If you want to cruise the river for the smallest price possible, you can use a public transportation ferry.

• Prague Steam Boats, +420 605295111. Probably the most popular option. Offer one hour cruises, as well as cruises to the ZOO and full day cruises to Slapy water dam. Among these boat tours, Prague Boats offers dinner cruises. If you have the time for a 3-hour dinner cruise, you will certainly enjoy viewing the city from the river, while savouring a great dinner.
• Cruise Prague. Offers a wide range of regular and private cruises.
• EVD.
• JazzBoat. Combines cruising and jazz concerts.

Prague Steam Boats, +420 605295111. Probably the most popular option. Offer one hour cruises, as well as cruises to the ZOO and full day cruises to Slapy water dam. Among these boat tours, Prague Boats offers dinner cruises. If you have the time for a 3-hour dinner cruise, you will certainly enjoy viewing the city from the river, while savouring a great dinner.

Cruise Prague. Offers a wide range of regular and private cruises.

EVD.

JazzBoat. Combines cruising and jazz concerts.

• Watch football: the city's leading team is SK Slavia Praha. They play in the First League, the top tier of Czech football, and often qualify for European tournaments. They play at the 21,000 capacity Eden Arena, which is also the usual venue for international matches; it's 5 km southeast of the old city centre. The city's other First League sides are AC Sparta Prague (at Generali Arena, 1 km north of the centre) and FK Dukla Prague (at Stadion Juliska in the northern suburb of Dejvice).
• We Bike Prague, Konviktska 7, 11000 (Prague 1, +420 773912010. 09:00 - 19:30. With We Bike Prague team you can easily discover the city of Prague and the area around. Very good quality bike to rent for you self guided trip in the city and multidays trip trough the countryside. We Bike Prague is also specialized in long distance bike trip. Good bikes, panniers and maps can be rented for your cycling holiday in the Czech Republic.
• BIKO Adventures Prague, Vratislavova 58/3, Vysehrad (Praha 2, +420 733750990. 09:00-13:00, 15:00-19:00. BIKO offers mountain bike, road bike and outdoor activities off the beaten track in Prague and in the Czech Republic. From easy to advanced. High end bike rental: touring bikes, hardtail and full suspension MTB, road bikes, e-MTB.
• Prague Tours Center, Michalska 12, Prague 1 (Malé náměstí square less than 200 meters, +420 602277060. A free offer for the visitors of Prague: the Prague Tours Centre is offering free connection and charge up of your electric bikes and Segway PT. While connected, the devices are guarded by a supervisor and, in the meantime, you can take walk around Prague, visit a museum or your preferred restaurant. In the Prague Tours Centre the tourists have a possibility of depositing their bikes together with baggage which they do not want to carry or leave in the streets. The Prague Tours Centre also offers facilities for washing your bike or borrowing a complete bike repair kit for free.
• Running Tours Prague. available 24/7. Activity for those into running who want to explore the city and stay fit. It shows runners of all abilities around the city's musts while on the run. A traveling runner introduces the best of the Prague to their running shoes and feels just like a local runner. It usually takes 50–120 mins and 7–13km. Your running in Prague is 100 percent customizable as to date, time, pace and distance. from US$15.

Watch football: the city's leading team is SK Slavia Praha. They play in the First League, the top tier of Czech football, and often qualify for European tournaments. They play at the 21,000 capacity Eden Arena, which is also the usual venue for international matches; it's 5 km southeast of the old city centre. The city's other First League sides are AC Sparta Prague (at Generali Arena, 1 km north of the centre) and FK Dukla Prague (at Stadion Juliska in the northern suburb of Dejvice).

We Bike Prague, Konviktska 7, 11000 (Prague 1, +420 773912010. 09:00 - 19:30. With We Bike Prague team you can easily discover the city of Prague and the area around. Very good quality bike to rent for you self guided trip in the city and multidays trip trough the countryside. We Bike Prague is also specialized in long distance bike trip. Good bikes, panniers and maps can be rented for your cycling holiday in the Czech Republic.

BIKO Adventures Prague, Vratislavova 58/3, Vysehrad (Praha 2, +420 733750990. 09:00-13:00, 15:00-19:00. BIKO offers mountain bike, road bike and outdoor activities off the beaten track in Prague and in the Czech Republic. From easy to advanced. High end bike rental: touring bikes, hardtail and full suspension MTB, road bikes, e-MTB.

Prague Tours Center, Michalska 12, Prague 1 (Malé náměstí square less than 200 meters, +420 602277060. A free offer for the visitors of Prague: the Prague Tours Centre is offering free connection and charge up of your electric bikes and Segway PT. While connected, the devices are guarded by a supervisor and, in the meantime, you can take walk around Prague, visit a museum or your preferred restaurant. In the Prague Tours Centre the tourists have a possibility of depositing their bikes together with baggage which they do not want to carry or leave in the streets. The Prague Tours Centre also offers facilities for washing your bike or borrowing a complete bike repair kit for free.

Running Tours Prague. available 24/7. Activity for those into running who want to explore the city and stay fit. It shows runners of all abilities around the city's musts while on the run. A traveling runner introduces the best of the Prague to their running shoes and feels just like a local runner. It usually takes 50–120 mins and 7–13km. Your running in Prague is 100 percent customizable as to date, time, pace and distance. from US$15.

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 exactly the 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 is a small market in front of the Palladium Mall that is open even in the spring.

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.

• Arkády Pankrác. A small-ish shopping center with mostly higher-class shops, hypermarket and food court - right at the metro station.
• Atrium Flora, Vinohradská 2828/151. Medium-sized shopping mall with IMAX cinema in the top floor. Tram/metro station .
• Centrum Černý Most, Chlumecká 765/6. A huge shopping mall with hypermarket and cinemas, located slightly further away from the centre at metro station . IKEA and other big shops nearby.
• Centrum Chodov, Roztylská 2321/19, +420 272 173 600. The biggest shopping mall of the country, with hypermarket. Located slightly further away from the centre at metro station .
• Letňany. A relatively remote shopping center, used mostly by the citizens living in the surroundings. It's quite big nevertheless, with a further big shopping malls in the vicinity.
• Metropole Zličín, Řevnická 1. Medium-sized mall with a cinema, hypermarket Interspar, fast foods, huge parking lot and near the metro/bus station . IKEA nearby. If you are hungry after your flight, take a bus 100 from the airport to Zličín and then just walk few metres to this mall and buy something to eat.
• Nový Smíchov, Plzeňská 8. Big shopping mall with 2-floor Tesco hypermarket, a cinema, a number fast food restaurants on the top floor and very close to metro/tram station .
• Palladium, nám. Republiky 1 (Tram/metro station, +420 225 770 250. In the city centre, next to the main city (shopping) streets. It's one of the newest - and perhaps most luxurious shopping mall. It's complex inside, so you'll need a while to walk through it. 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.
• Šestka, Fajtlova 1. A shopping mall 1 station from the Prague Airport, but otherwise very far away from the center. Ideal for last minute shopping before your departure, also because it's far less busy than other shopping centers. Take bus 191 from metro station.

Arkády Pankrác. A small-ish shopping center with mostly higher-class shops, hypermarket and food court - right at the metro station.

Atrium Flora, Vinohradská 2828/151. Medium-sized shopping mall with IMAX cinema in the top floor. Tram/metro station .

Centrum Černý Most, Chlumecká 765/6. A huge shopping mall with hypermarket and cinemas, located slightly further away from the centre at metro station . IKEA and other big shops nearby.

Centrum Chodov, Roztylská 2321/19, +420 272 173 600. The biggest shopping mall of the country, with hypermarket. Located slightly further away from the centre at metro station .

Letňany. A relatively remote shopping center, used mostly by the citizens living in the surroundings. It's quite big nevertheless, with a further big shopping malls in the vicinity.

Metropole Zličín, Řevnická 1. Medium-sized mall with a cinema, hypermarket Interspar, fast foods, huge parking lot and near the metro/bus station . IKEA nearby. If you are hungry after your flight, take a bus 100 from the airport to Zličín and then just walk few metres to this mall and buy something to eat.

Nový Smíchov, Plzeňská 8. Big shopping mall with 2-floor Tesco hypermarket, a cinema, a number fast food restaurants on the top floor and very close to metro/tram station .

Palladium, nám. Republiky 1 (Tram/metro station, +420 225 770 250. In the city centre, next to the main city (shopping) streets. It's one of the newest - and perhaps most luxurious shopping mall. It's complex inside, so you'll need a while to walk through it. 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.

Šestka, Fajtlova 1. A shopping mall 1 station from the Prague Airport, but otherwise very far away from the center. Ideal for last minute shopping before your departure, also because it's far less busy than other shopping centers. Take bus 191 from metro station.

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

Sometimes it is also possible to pay with euros (hotels in the centre of Prague, McDonalds, KFC, Marks & Spencer - also accepts British pounds, Albert and Billa supermarkets, etc.), but the exchange rate may be slightly unfavourable and change is almost always given only in Kč. Dm-drogerie markt (cosmetics and health food) and New Yorker (clothing) stores accept euros at good rates, while souvenir stores take euros and US dollars at poor rates.

In Prague, especially around tourist sights, there are plenty of exchange offices with very bad rates and misleading advertisements (often advertising 0% commision, but providing only nearly half of the official exchange rate). Good rates are found for example:

• Banks such as Česká spořitelna have acceptable rates, but charge a commission.
• Around Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží) - exit the station, left across the park, to street "Politických vězňů". There are about 5 offices, mostly Arab-owned, and offer very good rates even for smaller amounts, and even better or negotiable for higher (over €1000, US$1000 or such). Actively avoid offices located inside the main station : exchange rates are abysmal there.
• Near "Staroměstská" subway station, at exchange.cz offices.

Make sure you do not exchange money with strangers offering good rates on the street. You are likely to end up with a different currency, such as Hungarian forint, and no way of getting your money back.

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. Trdelník has also become popular in Prague, especially among tourists, with many small bakeries selling the sweet bread encrusted with sugar and chopped walnuts. 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 note or leaving a few extra coins. Otherwise, it's customary to leave at least 20-40 Kč 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. Some waiters might be impolite especially to people from eastern 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 very different to the 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 afterward. 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 Kč for a small one to 45 Kč for the terrifying-looking 'gigant'. Note that the size of hot dog relates to girth rather than length.

Be careful when ordering food without looking at the prices. There are many places in the center which are known for charging horrible prices to people who did not look into the menu. Charging more than 170 Kč for a basic local lunch is too much. Especially restaurants with large outdoor spaces at Old Town square are known for charging extraordinary prices for a simple meal. If a restaurant advertises itself as "Czech" and "traditional" too much, it might be another sign of potential rip-off - truly traditional restaurants never advertise themselves as traditional.

Another common scam connected to food is charging for food by weight. They, for example, say that the price is 100 Kč, but do not mention that the price is for 100 grams, leaving you to pay 400 Kč for a basic meal. This is especially common at the Old Town square, at the stalls with 'Prague Ham'.

Czech is the official language of Prague and the Czech Republic. Simple words and phrases in other Slavic languages (for example Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian, Bulgarian and Polish) are also commonly understood. Slovak and Czech are very similar and mutually intelligible.

Most young people speak English very well, you will also have no problem speaking English at restaurants and bars. Many restaurants have English menus. 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 using Russian even if they know it because of the Soviet occupation of the Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Communist history in general. Many Czechs also have some knowledge of German. People studying after 1989 and even some older people can speak English. However, learning Czech will surely endear you to the locals.

See the Czech phrasebook.

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 Svijany. If you are looking for a beer brewed in Prague, go for Staropramen. Usual prices for a half-liter glass are between 25 and 40 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 a euro-sized glass. There's also a booming craft beer scene with many brewpubs in the city. Check this list.

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.

There are also numerous night-clubs in Prague. Not all of them are good, it is often quite difficult even for locals to find the right one, as some are often overpriced, empty or just bad. Locals tend to go to clubs at around midnight, mostly on Friday and Saturday, but Wednesdays and Thursdays are often also OK. In summer, any day of the week should be fine, as there are many foreigners. Most of the night-clubs are in the centre of Prague, although there are some a bit further, mostly aimed at local students. Nightclubs are generally much more expensive than pubs, with beer costing between 50 and 100 Kč. Entrance fees should be small, do not pay more than 100 Kč for entrance unless there is some really good DJ playing.

It is very common to see people drinking outside. It is forbidden to drink at many public places (you can find a map with all 837 of them here). There are however many public parks where it is not forbidden to drink and where it is very popular to drink. Young people often predrink in parks or at riversides and then head to some club in the center. Even if you drink on places where it is forbidden, police will probably not bother you, but they might use it against you if you are too disruptive to your surrounding.

Prague has also many excellent tearooms (in Czech čajovna) which serve different kinds of teas from around the world. Shishas (hookas) are often smoked in these tearooms (smoking ban does not apply to shishas) .

Save your money and find the bars yourself - you might be surprised at the discoveries you make away from the tourist circus.

It is quite easy and cheap to buy a local SIM card with 3G access. Packages vary so check before purchasing.

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. Most other restaurants and cafes offers free WiFi as well, often without advertising - check for network with name of the establishment and ask the personnel for password.

• Club Net Cafe, Americká 39, Vinohrady, Prague 2 (Metro station. 10-24. Drinks and snacks sold 55 Kč/hour.
• Internet Cafe Interlogic, +420 241 734 617. Budějovická 13, Praha 4. 10:00-22:00 daily. 12Mbit/second internet connections, couches and drinks. 1 Kč/min.
• Blue Mail, +420 222 521 279. Konviktská 8, Praha 1, (Old Town). M-F 10:00-22:00, Sa Su 10:00-23:00. The first five minutes is free and an hour of access will set you back 81 Kč.
• Jazz Republic, +420 224 282 235. 28 října 1, Prague 1 (Old Town). The nearest metro station is Můstek on the A and B lines. Everyday 15:00-0:00. Jazz Republic offers two MacBooks and internet access for free use by guests. Concerts start at 21:00, and the MacBooks are usually taken away by 20:00. Wi-Fi stays on until the place closes at around 1:00.

Club Net Cafe, Americká 39, Vinohrady, Prague 2 (Metro station. 10-24. Drinks and snacks sold 55 Kč/hour.

Internet Cafe Interlogic, +420 241 734 617. Budějovická 13, Praha 4. 10:00-22:00 daily. 12Mbit/second internet connections, couches and drinks. 1 Kč/min.

Blue Mail, +420 222 521 279. Konviktská 8, Praha 1, (Old Town). M-F 10:00-22:00, Sa Su 10:00-23:00. The first five minutes is free and an hour of access will set you back 81 Kč.

Jazz Republic, +420 224 282 235. 28 října 1, Prague 1 (Old Town). The nearest metro station is Můstek on the A and B lines. Everyday 15:00-0:00. Jazz Republic offers two MacBooks and internet access for free use by guests. Concerts start at 21:00, and the MacBooks are usually taken away by 20:00. Wi-Fi stays on until the place closes at around 1:00.

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 even 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. Overall Prague is a relatively safe city and with normal common sense one should be able to avoid problems; even at night a woman can walk alone. There are no "no go" areas. The only area with a high concentration of homeless is in front of the central station.

Begging occurs at the city's top tourist attractions and in some of the main public transport hubs. 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. Better safe than sorry so take enough precautions for yourself. Understand that number of 'not truly homeless' professional beggers is depressingly high.

Be aware of teams of pickpockets 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 Kč (1000 Kč 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 (see for badge and ID card specimen) 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.

Possession of drugs has been historically a grey area under the Czech jurisdiction. Since early 2010, though, the dubious term "an amount more 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 possess 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 offense (even though not criminal one).

Be careful with money exchanges. Exchange your money in banks or official tourist information centres and 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 rubles 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:

• especially near the Old Town square, some of them even have rates that are half of the normal
• offering favorable exchange rates, but with fine print below such as if you exchange more than €1000
• 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 unfavorable

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).

Credit cards are widely accepted at all supermarkets, hotels and also in most tourist places. As in most countries you can find cards for ATM withdrawals with low or 0% fee and often for payment with Visa or MasterCard exchange rate only (which is same as rate of best exchange offices), there is no need to use exchange offices anymore in 21st century.

Always ask for the exact amount you will be given before accepting an exchange or handing over your money. If after the fact you feel that the transaction was unfair you have 3 hours to request a refund (no reason needs to be provided) which the exchange place is obliged by law to issue. Some places will pretend they don't know about this law, but the receipt they issue to you usually states this requirement in Czech and English. If your lawful refund is still being refused, the legally prescribed way to file a complaint is with the Czech National Bank, but in practice it is often best to find a nearby city police officer (městská policie) and politely ask them to accompany you to the exchange place and assist you in obtaining a refund.

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 unfavorable

While all ATMs (aka cash machines or bankomats) are safe to use, one company stands out for their shady tactics and morally grey business practices. Blue-and-yellow Euronet ATMs will offer abysmal exchange rates, will not carry small bills less than 1000 CZK and if you do not make a custom amount selection they will push you towards withdrawing outrageously high amounts such as 10 000 CZK (approaching 400 EUR). Unfortunately, they're by far most numerous, so using them sometimes cannot be avoided. If you have to use them it is generally best to:

• unless you are absolutely sure that it is a better deal, refuse the offered exchange rate; your card's exchange rate will be used instead, which is usually much more fair
• enter the custom amount you want and ignore the suggested amounts
• understand that if you need amounts less than 1000 or 2000 CZK any other brand of ATM will generally dispense 200 CZK bills

Or better yet, avoid cash and preferably pay by card.

Taxi drivers of Prague are a major "image issue". The risk of overcharging is greatly overplayed, however especially non-Czech speaking customers are often ripped off due in various ways. You can avoid such situation by following a few (common-sense) rules. Such as:

• Try to avoid suspicious taxis and when in doubt, walk away and catch another taxi.
• The most frequent cases of cheating happen between the railway station or airport and hotel, and around the Old Town square.
• If you are paying significantly more than 500Kč for a way from airport to city center, you are being ripped off. Rides within the center rarely surpass 200Kč.
• It is illegal for a taxi driver to refuse you a receipt in Prague.
• Even though you ask for a receipt, the taxi-meter could be tampered with using a so-called "turbo" button, which will cause the taxi-meter price to increase much faster than it normally would.
• If presented with an incorrect bill from a taxi driver, call the police on your mobile phone - the driver will quickly change his tune.
• Taxi drivers at the railway station may show you a printed card that details the "fixed fares" for travel within the city. This is completely false.
• Some hotels offer taxi services. Make sure to compare the price with other companies - some hotel taxis may be more than twice the normal price, and the car is not even identified as being a taxi.

An information desk may be set-up on some taxi stands in the city, with orientation prices to most popular destinations from that stand. But a flaw in the local law allows some of the taxi companies renting the taxi stands (specifically around Old Town square) to charge VERY high prices (about 99 Kč/km). The most infamous company in this regard is AAA Taxi s.r.o., deliberately creating its name to resemble regulated and popular AAA Radiotaxi Praha. But they charge four times more for a ride, and even do not provide services to Czech customers .

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 scammers are often "covered" by underground, so it's hard to deal with it once you pay and the taxi driver is gone. The problem is also that you have to testify against the driver - which is kind of hard when you're already on the other side of the planet.

That being said, number of app-based solutions offer cheaper, easier and more reliable service than traditional taxis without the ability of the driver to charge you an arbitrary amount. Consider using Bolt, Liftago or Uber instead.

If you find yourself in emergency, dial 112. The respondent should be able to respond in English, German, Polish, Russian and French in addition to Czech. You can also use 158 for police, 155 for ambulance or 150 for firefighters but you may not receive a response in languages other than Czech.

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 or to Lékárna U Svaté Ludmily, (Tel +420 222 513 396) on Belgická 37 (metro station ).

If you need non-emergency (but still urgent) medical care outside of normal working hours visit Fakultní nemocnice v Motole (Motol University Hospital) which is the biggest and most advanced hospital in the Czech Republic. Main number is +420 224 431 111 and the hospital is located at V Úvalu 84, Praha 5 ( metro station ).

Because of Prague's liberal attitude and cheap prices, it's often considered "the drinking capital of Europe". This has raised many issues, with tourists being loud and making the center of Prague generally unlivable. This issue has spread to local politics, and it's likely that it will cause many regulations, with great impact on both tourists and party-going locals. Some regulations have already happened. However, it's possible to party in Prague without angering locals too much. To do so, it is often enough to use common sense, but please keep up in mindː

• When staying somewhere using AirBnB or similar service, please be mindful to your neighbors. If your are loud, you neighbors might call the police on you - this will not just cause problems for you, but also for you host. Also, it generally lowers the reputation of AirBnB, and leads to city government imposing restrictions on everyone staying in Prague after you, and might even lead to complete ban on AirBnB. If you go to Prague to party, it might be worth considering staying in a party hostel (there are many of them) and leave AirBnB to couples.
• If you heading to a pub or club, use their smoking room (clubs have them) or just don't smoke outside. If you really need to smoke outside, be quiet (especially after 22:00). Crowds of loud people in front of a club or pub might lead to this place being fined or even closed.
• When renting an electric scooter or such vehicle, use designated routes for cyclists or streets. Inconsiderate or illegal use of scooters, such as riding them on sidewalks, could lead to them being banned, as Segways after they became popular.
• Consider if you really need to rent a beer bike. If you need to, please do not take beer bikes after 22:00. If the police want to, they might fine you for drunk driving when using a beer bike.

Following this common sense might reward you. If you are quiet and polite, the police probably won't mind you drinking alcohol on the street or smoking weed openly, even though this is forbidden. If you are not, not just the police might bother you; you might as well contribute to Prague losing its liberal attitude.

• The Prague Post Weekly newspaper in English.
• Prague Daily Monitor. Website in English.
• Radio Prague. Multilingual radio station.

The Prague Post Weekly newspaper in English.

Prague Daily Monitor. Website in English.

Radio Prague. Multilingual radio station.

• Austria Austria, Viktora Huga 10, CZ-15115 Prag 5, +420 257 09 05-11. M-F 09:00-12:00.
• Brazil Brazil, Panská 5, 110 00 Prague 1, +420 224 321 910. M-F 09:30-14:00.
• Finland Finland, Hellichova 1, 11800 Prague 1, +420 2511 77251. M-F 09:00-12:00.
• Germany Germany, Vlašská 19, 118 00 Prague 1, +420 2571 13111. M-F 08:30-12:00.
• Netherlands The Netherlands, Gotthardska 6/27, 160 00 Prague 6 - Bubenec, +420 233 01 52 00. M-F 09:00-12:00.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, Thunovská 180/14, 118 00 Prague 1, +420 2574 02111. M-F 09:00-17:00.

Austria Austria, Viktora Huga 10, CZ-15115 Prag 5, +420 257 09 05-11. M-F 09:00-12:00.

Brazil Brazil, Panská 5, 110 00 Prague 1, +420 224 321 910. M-F 09:30-14:00.

Finland Finland, Hellichova 1, 11800 Prague 1, +420 2511 77251. M-F 09:00-12:00.

Germany Germany, Vlašská 19, 118 00 Prague 1, +420 2571 13111. M-F 08:30-12:00.

Netherlands The Netherlands, Gotthardska 6/27, 160 00 Prague 6 - Bubenec, +420 233 01 52 00. M-F 09:00-12:00.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, Thunovská 180/14, 118 00 Prague 1, +420 2574 02111. M-F 09:00-17:00.

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 Budějovice (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
• Pilsen (94 km; 01h18 in car) — Home of the world-famous Pilsener brewery
• Uherské Hradiště (283 km; 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
• Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (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 40 km 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.
• Orlík (85 km; 01h14 in car) — Orlík castle about 70 km from Prague. Near the Orlík dam and Zvíkov castle.