What to Do in Prague?
Compiled by Petr A. Bílek
(PLACES TO SEE, EVENTS TO
CHECK OUT, POSSIBILITIES TO
EXPLORE)
This brochure can be accessed on the internet:
http://cl.ff.cuni.cz
At the bottom of the left part of the menu, please, click
the English flag icon and find What to Do in Prague.
That will allow you to use all the internet addresses via
mere clicking.
Places to See in Prague:
Vyšehrad (metro C line to Vyšehrad, then 10
minute walk): area where Czech legends about
the origins of the nation are situated into. Great
elitist cemetery for top cultural people, a
Romanesque rotunda, remnants of 11th century
palace, and a suggestive pseudo-Gothic church
with Art Deco paintings
(http://www.praha-vysehrad.cz)
Prague Castle: a complex of buildings from 12th
to 20th century, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal
Palace, St. George´s Basilika etc.
(http://www.hrad.cz)
Obecní dům (The Municipal House, Na
příkopech, next to Wencelsas Square): one of the
best examples of Art Noveau Style
(http://www.obecni-dum.cz)
Petřín Hill with its little Eiffel Tower and a late
19th century maze: take the little train from Újezd
(next to Bohemia Bagel) and go up (tram passes
work for train)
(http://www.petrin.cz)
Žižka Equesterian Statue (take bus 133 or 207
from Florenc and ride to the first stop, then walk
down the street and on your right up to the hill to
see the largest equesterian statue in the world and
impressive but closed mausoleum of former
Communist leaders attached to it)
Site of the Former Stalin´s Statue (accross the
river from the bottom of Pařížská street): the tallest
Stalin in the world used to be there between 19551962. Now just the platform.
Olšanské cemetery (Metro A line to Flora,
entrence after 500 feet out of the center): the
biggest municipal cemetery in Prague, impressive
oldest section at the entrence area, than grows
chronologically to take you to the 20th century area
after crossing the street)
(http://archiv.radio.cz/hrbitov/index1.html)
New Jewish cemetery (next to the Olšanské
cemetery, hosts Franz Kafka grave etc.)
Jižní město (C line metro to Háje, the final stop):
ugly outskirts of the city with Communist
housing estates called „sídliště“: enjoy a touch of
Communist still in the air there; beware, they are
rather xenophobic there.
Galleries, Painting Exhibitions:
Note: Entrance fees are subject to change. The
fees mentioned should give you the orientation.
I mention the regular fee; students discounts –
usually 50% - apply at most of the places.
Updated information can be found at
(http://www.citygalleryprague.cz)
National Gallery:
(http://www.ngprague.cz)
a) Klášter svaté Anežky; U Milosrdných 17,
Prague 1, Kč 100: Medieval Art in Bohemia
and Central Europe: includes Master
Theodoricus (chief painter of Charles IV),
gothic desk painting, altars, rare medieval art.
b) Šternberský palác; Hradčanské náměstí 15,
Prague 1, Kč 100: Old European Paintings:
14-18th centuries, strong collection of French,
Dutch, and Italian paintings: El Greco, Goya,
Rubens, Rembrant, Durer
c) Klášter sv. Jiří; Prague Castle, Jiřské
náměstí 33, Prague 1, Kč 100: The Czech Art
of Mannerism and Baroque: collection of
Rudolfine art (Brandl, Škréta, Kupecký, Braun,
Brokof) in 10th century convent
d) Zámek Zbraslav, Zbraslav, Bartoňova 2,
Prague 5,buses 129, 241, 243, 255 from B line
metro stop Smíchovské nádraží, Kč 30: The
Art of Asia and Orient: a strong collection of
Chinese, Indian, Tibetian etc. paintings and
other arts – worth a one day trip in good
wheather – a nice suburban area
e) Veletržní palác, Dukelských hrdinů 47,
Prague 7, trams 5, 12, 17, Kč 100-300: The
Art of 19th and 20th Century: the most
representative collection of European and
Czech modern art, including French painters of
the 19th and 20th century (Gauguin, Monet,
Manet, Renoir, Rousseau, Picasso, Braque
etc.)
Other Galleries:
The Czech Museum of Fine Arts
(http://www.cmvu.cz)
(Celetná 34, Prague 1, the Cubist House U
Černé Matky Boží, Kč 35)
Permanent Exhibition of Czech Cubism:
Cubist exhibition: 4th and 5th floor, 1st-3rd floor:
temporary exhibitions, mostly from the 1st half
of 20th century
City Gallery Prague
(http://www.citygalleryprague.cz)
(Galerie hl. m. Prahy, Dům u Zlatého prstenu,
Týnská 6 - Ungelt, Prague 1, Kc 80)
Czech Art of the 20th century: modern Czech
painting of the best quality in a 13th century
house: Art Nouveau, Symbolism, Civilism,
Surrealism, Expressionism, Cubism, Informal,
and Abstract Art at one place
Alfons Mucha Museum
(http://www.mucha.cz/)
(Mucha Museum; Panská 7, Prague 1)
legendary Art Noveau pantings, statues,
posters, and photos of the most famous Czech
artist of his time
Kampa Museum
(http://www.museumkampa.cz/)
(Sovovy Mlýny, Prague 1, Kč 120)
Meda Mladek´s collection of Czech Art of 20th
century and temporary exhibitions in a
reconstructed water-mill building from 19th
century
Museums:
The National Museum (http://www.nm.cz)
(Wenceslas Square 68, at the top, Kč 70): the
biggest museum, built in 1818, mostly natural
history: anthropology, zoology, paleontology.
Also some bones of dinos from the jurrasic
era.
Lobkovický palác (Jiřská 3, Prague 1 – The
Castle, Kč 40): the largest museum exhibit of
Czech history, over 2000 ducements, pictures,
artefacts that date since 4th century B.C. till
19th century
Castle Trója (U Trójského zámku 1, Prague 7,
bus 112 from C line metro stop Nádraží
Holešovice, Kč 120): Czech art of 19th century
in a charming Baroque mannor: Classicism,
Biedermaier, Romanticism, Realism; as a
whole, the tribute to Habsburg Monarchy;
highly interesting garden with labyrinths; just
next to Prague Zoo, which is worth seeing as
well
Marold’s Panorama (Výstaviště Praha,
Prague 7, tram 17 from Staroměstská, Kč 20):
Panoramatic painting (height 11 meters, lenght
95 meters) depecting a battle during the
Hussite revolution; curiosity worth seeing;
next to that is
Lapidarium of The National Museum
(Výstaviště 42, on your right after the entrance
gate, Kč 20): a storage place of sculptures
from 11th – 19th centuries: it hosts originals of
works that were replaced by copies in the
original areas (Charles Bridge etc.)
The Prague Municipal Museum
(http://www.muzeumprahy.cz)
(Museum hlavního města Prahy; Na Poříčí 52,
Prague 8 (next to Florenc metro stop; Kč 30):
exposition documenting Prague settlement and
development from the beginnings till the
present + suggestive detailed model of Prague
of 1830s, including the ghetto, Old Town, and
Lesser Town
The National Technical Museum
(http://www.ntm.cz)
(Kostelní 42, Prague 7, trams 1, 8, 25, 26, Kč
60): founded 1908, it hosts old cars,
motorcycles, airplanes, filming tools and time
measuring devices. If you are into that…
The Museum of Decorative Arts (ulice 17.
listopadu, next to A line metro stop
Staroměstská, Kč 80): glass, ceramics, graphic
art, photographs, furniture, textiles, fashion
design, toys.
The Mueller Villa
(http://www.muzeumprahy.cz/www_mmp/txt/
B2.html)
(Nad Hradním vodojemem 14, Prague 6, tram
18 to Ořechovka and then walk up the hill; the
visit must be arranged – phone: 24312012, Kč
300): a fascinating work of Adolf Loos (1930)
constructed according to the functionalist
principles; rooms of different height stressing
the vertical axis of all the house. A perfect
attack on tradition, a must for architecture
students.
The Bílek’s Villa
(http://www.citygalleryprague.cz/english/en_st
ex/enstex.html)
(Mickiewiczova 1, Prague 6, next to
Hradčanská A line metro stop): a villa built by
František Bílek, a Czech sculptor of the 1st
half of 20th century, built as a
Gesamtkunstwerk (unified complex)
The Municipal House
(http://www.obecni-dum.cz/)
(nám. Republiky 5, Prague 1, at the end of Na
příkopech, Kč 80): grandiose Art Nouveau
building from 1912, decorated by A. Mucha,
M. Aleš, J. V. Myslbek etc. A retail gallery
specialized in Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
The House of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(http://www.bertramka.cz)
(Vila Bertramka; Mozartova 169, Prague 5
(Kc 50): exibition illustrating Mozart’s stays in
Prague
The Museum of Antonín Dvořák
(http://www.nm.cz/mad/)
(Museum Antonína Dvořáka; Ke Karlovu 20,
Prague 2, Kc 30): displays and reconstructs
life of a famous Czech composer, renowned in
the U. S. for his Symphony from the New
World.
The Museum of Bedřich Smetana
(http://www.nm.cz/mbs/)
(Novotného lávka, Prague 1, next to the
Charles Bridge, Kč 40): the biggest Czech
composer of the national orientation:
manuscripts, personal belongings, scores of his
works you can activate by a laser baton.
The Museum of American, Asian, and
African Cultures
(http://www.aconet.cz/npm)
(Náprstkovo museum; Betlémské náměstí 1,
Prague 1 (Kc 35): founded 1862, it hosts
collections of native and ancient art
of the above mentioned cultures
The National Literary Monument and
Czech Literature Archive (Strahovský
klášter, Strahovské nádvoří 1, Prague 1 (above
the Castle area): documentary exhibitions of
oldest Czech manuscripts, prints, and rare
books; together with the exhibition of Gothic
and Baroque paintings and statues in a
monastery which is remarkable by itself
The Jewish Museum
(http://www.jewishmuseum.cz)
(Jáchymova 3, Prague 1): founded 1906, the
museum has one of the most extensive
collection of Judaic artifacts in the world (40
000 items, 100 000 volumes of books).
The synagogues and cemetery belong to it:
a) Maisel Synagogue: Rennaisance
construction of a private synagogue of the
mayor of the Jewish Town in 1592, rebuilt in
the Baroque style after the fire in 1689, then
rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style in 1905. Exhibit:
History of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia.
b) Spanish Synagogue: building in the
Moorish style from 1868 on the site of the
oldest Jewish prayer hall, The Old School
Synagogue. Extensively reconstructed in 1998.
Hosts the 2nd part of the Exhibit from Maisel
Synagogue.
c) Pinkas Synagogue: a construction from
1535. Now a Memorial to the Jews who fell
victim to Nazi persecution: their names are
recorded on walls. Exhibit: Children’s
drawings from the Terezín ghetto.
d) Klausen Synagogue: attached to the
cemetery, the largest synagogue in the ghetto.
Exhibit: Jewish Traditions and Customs.
e) Old-New Synagogue: built in mid-13th
century in the early Gothic style. One of the 3
Prague synagogues (also Vysoká and
Jeruzalémská) which holds services.
The Old Jewish Cemetery (Široká ulice 3,
Prague 1): the last authentic part of the former
Jewish ghetto. Founded in 1st half of 15th
century, the oldest grave of the poet Avigdor
Kar dates from 1439. Last burial 1787. More
than 12 000 gravestones.
The Monastery of the Prague Christ Child
(The Church of Our Lady the Victorious,
Karmelitská 9, next to Malostranské náměstí):
45 centimeters tall wax statue of Prague Jesus
Infant from 1628, famous world wide. The
Carmelite sisters dress the infant according to
the seasons.
The Loretto (Loretánské nám. 7, Prague 1,
above the Castle, Kč 80): “Santa Casa”, a copy
of the native house of Virgin Mary from 1626.
Baroque era at the top: gold, diamond
monstrances, carillon which plays each hour.
The Tyrš Museum (Újezd 450, Prague 1, next
to Lesser Town Area, K4 15): museum of
physical education and sports, curious enough
to be worth seeing
The Pop Music Museum (Besední 3, Prague 1,
Lesser Town area, Kč 50): history of rock music
since 1956, guitars, radio receivers and historic
tape recorders. Funny enough.
The Prague Planetarium
(http://www.planetarium.cz/)
(Královská obora 233, next to the Výstaviště area):
multimedia center for astronomy, special laser
shows
Štefánik’s Observatory
(http://www.observatory.cz/)
(Petřín 205, Prague 1, at the top of the Petřín
Hill): views of heavenly bodies on clear
nights
Středočeské muzeum Roztoky
(http://www.muzeum-roztoky.cz)
(train from Dejvice train stop, 15 minutes): the
19th century Biedermaier (new burgeois)
style, nice location, worth a Sunday trip
Clubs and Bars with Live Music:
Agharta Jazz Center (mostly contemporary
jazz and blues, good quality). In: Krakovská 5,
Prague 1 (next to Wenceslaw Square)
http://www.arta.cz/aghaclub.htm
Balbínova poetická hospůdka (modern folk
music – a lot of Czech Bob Dylans). In:
Balbínova 6, Prague 2
Baráčnická rychta (swing, folk music,
experiments). In: Tržiště 23, Prague 1- Malá
Strana
Blues sklep (blues, latin music, jazz). In:
Liliová 10, Prague 1
Jazz Club Železná (jazz, experimental and
world music, sometimes great, sometimes
boring, less formal atmosphere). In: Železná
16, Prague 1 (next to Old Town Square)
http://www.jazzclub.cz/
Jazz club U staré paní (modern jazz of the best
Czech quality). In: Michalská 9, Prague 1 –
Old Town)
http://www.ustarepani.cz/index_english.htm
Lucerna Music Bar (jazz, blues, rock sometimes concerts, sometimes recorded
music; from Elvis Presley to Led Zeppelin). In:
Vodičkova 36, Prague 1
http://www.musicbar.cz/
Malostranská beseda (live blues and rock
music, Czech bands, pleasant atmosphere,
more locals than tourists). In: Malostranské
náměstí 21, Prague 1
http://www.mb.muzikus.cz/
Music Club U malého Glena (Little Glen´s)
(mixed up stuff: mostly modern jazz): In:
Karmelitská 23, Prague 1 – Malá Strana)
http://www.malyglen.cz/
Palác Akropolis (rock, underground, and world
music, depends on the program quite a lot). In:
Kubelíkova 27, Prague 3
http://www.palacakropolis.cz/
Radost FX (dance parties, house, soul, rather
snobish but stylish) In: Bělehradská 120,
Prague 2
http://www.radostfx.cz/
Reduta (traditional and modern jazz, good but
rather fancy and snobish). In: Národní 20,
Prague 1)
Red Hot&Blues (contemporary jazz and blues,
also famous for great mexican food) In:
Jakubská 12, Prague 1
Rock Café (recorded or live music, parties,
usually great though little yuppie atmosphere).
In: Národní 20, Prague 1
http://www.rockcafe.cz/
Roxy (DJ parties – one of the most popular
places for Czech teenagers). In: Dlouhá 23,
Prague 1
http://www.roxy.cz/
Unglet jazz´n´blues Club (contemporary
blues). In: Týnská ulička, Prague 1 – Old
Town
http://www.jazzblues.cz
Theaters with no or little need of
Czech language:
(Warning: due to the advantage of no need
of Czech, these programs are intended for
tourists and that may tell quite a lot about
their quality!)
Laterna Magica (visual art theater
performances that used to be legendary in
1960s; it is 2000s now...) In: Národní 4,
Prague 1
http://www.laterna.cz
Národní divadlo marionet (Mozart´s Don
Giovanni in a puppet theater version;
curious...) In: Žatecká 1, Prague 1
http://www.nationalmarionettetheatre.com/
Yellow Submarine („synthesis“ of paintings,
puppets, and black theater based on The
Beatles movie...) In: Divadlo v Celetné;
Celetná 13, Prague 1
Orfeo ed Euridice (the same type of performace
in the same theater as the above one)
Black Theater (famous but too obvious to
whom it is intended) In: Rytířská 31, Prague 1
Black Theater of Jiří Srnec (the same type as
the above one, this one owned by the inventor
of some black theater tricks). In: Lucerna Hall,
Štěpánská 61, Prague 1
http://www.blacktheatresrnec.cz
Ta Fantastika (experimental type of black
theater with live music together; some people
love it but same hate it). In: Karlova 8, Prague
1
Bookstores and Second Hand
Bookstores with Books in English:
Anagram Bookstore (Týn 4, Ungelt
Courtyard, next to the Old Town Square, just
past the Gothic Týn Church – the tall one):
probably the best offer, nice and pleasant shop
assistants, willing to order books they do not
have at the moment
The Globe (Pštrossova st., Prague 1, around the Tesco
area): a wide rank of books, however not quite
willing to order those you want
U knihomola (Mánesova ulice, Prague 2):
cozy, small, pleasant, with a little café
Big Ben Bookshop (Malá Štupartská 5,
Prague 1, next to St. Jacob´s church, close to
Old Town Square): (standard one)
Fišer Bookstore at the Philosophical Faculty
(náměstí Jana Palacha 2, Prague 1, next to
Staroměstská metro station): standard
equipment
Knihkupectví Seidl (Štěpánská ulice 26,
Prague 1, next to Wenceslas Square,when
going up, in the middle of it turn right):
excellent bookstore but English section is
rather mediocre
Knihkupectví Franze Kafky (Old Town
Square 12, Prague 1): rather turisty, of course
Palác Luxor (Wenceslas Square, upper part,
on your left when going up): the biggest
megastore in Central Europe with all the pros
and contras these shops have
Knihkupectví Kanzelsberger (Wenceslas
Square 4, Prague 1, at the bottom of the
square, on your right when looking up to St.
Wenceslas statue): a typical megastore,
English section is quite standard, but they have
lots of books on painting, on Prague, etc.
Knihkupectví Krakatit (Jungmannova 14,
Prague 1): comics, sci-fi, horrors, military
Knihkupectví Na Můstku (Na příkopě 3,
Prague 1, at the bottom of Wenceslas Square):
Tolkien, Harry Potter, tourist guides,
Pragensia, simply books that sell
Restaurants, pubs etc.:
Al Capone´s (Bartolomějská 3, Prague 1):
recommended when you are about to have a
coctail
Ambiente Restaurant (Mánesova 59, Prague
2): rather fancy place with great food; good
when your parents are in town to treat you with
a dinner
Blatnička (Michalská 8, Prague 1): a famous
place of 1980s, nice underground area and
good local Moravian wine, usually still
crowded at night
Cantina (Újezd 38, Prague 1, under the Petřín
Hill): excellent Mexican food prepared by a
chef from Prague
Chaos (Masarykovo nábřeží 26, Prague 1, 500 feet
behind the National Theater when going as if out of Prague):
rather fancy but great style and excellent food,
empty for lunches, packed for dinners; definitly
worth the trip
Country Life (Melantrichova 15, Prague 1, in between
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square): a nice
vegetarian place with a self-serve systém
Góvinda (Na Hrázi 5, Prague 8, Palmovka B
line metro stop): a veggie, Hare Krsna Indian
place with a style; limited choice of food each
day
Hostinec U Sádlů (Klimentská 2, Prague 1, in
the Kotva area): a good place with large
portions of local food; be aware that it might
attack your diet systém
Indická restaurace (Štěpánská 61, Prague 1,
next to Wenceslas Square): good though rather
expensive Indian food
Jáma (V J8mě 7, Prague 1, parallel street to
Wenceslas Square): if you want to see a crowd
of yuppies…
Jelínkova plzeňská pivnice (Charvátova 1,
Prague 1, between Tesco and Jungmannova
st.): excellent Pilsner beer, no food, always
crowded but worth tasting such a beer
Klub architektů (Betlémské náměstí 169,
Prague 1, in between Tesco and Old Town
area): a good place for decent dinners
Kojak’s restaurant (Anny Letenské 16, Praha
2, above Wenceslas Square): great Mexican
and American food, very decent prices for
lunch specials, standard prices for dinners;
local favorite in that area, that is why crowded
at nights
Kozička (Kozí 1, Prague 1, behind the Old
Town Square when going to Náměstí
Republiky): a big place that serves good food
and beer also after midnight
Na Zvonařce (Šafaříkova 1, Prague 2, at the I.
P. Pavlova C line metro stop): a nice local
place
Olympos (Kubelíkova 9, Prague 3, in the
Jiřího z Poděbrad A line metro stop): quite
authentic Greek food and Retsina Greek local
wine
Peklo (Strahovské nádvoří 132, Prague 1,
above the Castle): the other great and fancy
place for the occasion of your parents stay in
town; beware, this one is truly expensive
Pivnice U Pivrnce (Maislova 3, Prague 1, at
the former Jewish ghetto area): a local place
with good but unhealthy food for a decent
price and nasty paintings all over the walls
Pizzeria Kmotra (V Jirchářích 12, Prague 1):
a good place if you feel like having a pizza
Ponte (Anglická 15, Prague 2, at the I. P.
Pavlova C line metro stop area): great food in
the French style, rather expensive but worth it
Potrefená husa (Vinohradská 104, Prague 3,
next to Flora A line metro stop): an American
style place for those home sick; great food but
crowded at nights
Pravěk (Budečská 6, Prague 2, next to
Náměstí Míru A line metro stop): a small place
stylized into the era of mamoths; big portions
of tasty though rather unhealthy food in the
way the chef imagines the old days; eating it
each day might cause you some troubles
První novoměstský restaurační pivovar
(Vodičkova 20, Prague 1, 600 feet from
Wenceslas Square): they have their own yeast
beer and perfect rooms 1-4 levels
underground; groups of turists brought in each
minute
Rudolfinum (Křižovnická, next to the faculty
building at the point of the tram isle of
Staroměstská): great local pub, however:
packed and full of smoke in evenings
Rudý baron (Korunní 23, Prague 2, parallel
street to Vinohradská): a great place for half
pound of beef
Řecká taverna (Revoluční 16, Prague 1, in the
Kotva area): good Greek food (gyros etc.) in
the center of Prague
Tequila Sunrise (Štupartská 6, Prague 1,
behind the Týn Church at the Old Town
Square): the name says it all
U Bubeníčků (Myslíkova 8, Prague 2, in the
Tesco area): a good local place for a beer or
two
U Fleků (Křemencova 9-11, Prague 1, in the
Tesco area): a pub that dates back to 1499,
with its own brewery and cabaret program;
packed with turists coming with buses to have
one beer at the place; famous but only for
strong characters who want to see a place
based on making money idea only
U Houdků (Bořivojova 110, Prague 3, one
tram stop next to Hlavní nádraží and then
climb the hill): a typical local place with good
food and beer for a decent price; they have a
garden open spring to fall; because it is truly
local, they speak Czech only
U Kalicha – U Švejka (Na Bojišti 12-14,
Prague 2, at the I. P. Pavlova C line metro
stop): if you want to see turism at the nastiest
level: waiters dressed in the style of Hapsburg
empire, pictures of the Czech literary icon
Švejk all around; expensive and not worth the
price at all, only to witness how low you can
get
U kapra (Žatecká 7, Prague 1, next to
Staroměstská A line metro stop): a decent place
at the center with an open garden; small
portions of an O. K. food
U kata (U Radnice 6, Prague 1, next to the
Old Town Square): one of the last local places
in the center, good beer for a good price at the
center)
U malého Glena (At the Little Glen’s)
(Karmelitská 23, Prague 1, Lesser Town Area,
next to the U.S. embassy): if you want to see
some local Americans…
U Medvídků (Na Perštýně 7, Prague 1, just
next to Tesco): if you are in the area and you
do not want to travel anywhere; good beer but
beware: it is the Czech Budweiser and having
5 and more causes headache the next day; food
is just mediocre here
U milosrdných (U milosrdných 12, Prague 1,
behind the Spanish synagogue): the other relict
of the local pub at the center, good Gambrinus
beer, standard local food
U Staropramene (Nádražní 102, Prague 5 –
Smíchov, metro stop B line Anděl): a large
place of the Staropramen brewery, good for
both beer and food
U vystřelenýho voka (U božích bojovníků 3,
Prague 3): a famous pub in one of the dark
Žižkov´s corners, good beer, nice people
U zlatého tygra (Husova 17, Prague 1, on
your way from the Old Town area to the
Tesco): the best beer in town, do not go as a
group, they are rather sceptical about the
turists, opens at 15.00, full everyday after
17.00):
Vinárna U Jiříka (Vinohradská 62, Prague 2,
at the Jiřího z Poděbrad A line metro stop): a
hidden place as if from 1980s, rather expensive
but excellent food
Vínečko 33 (Budečská 40, Prague 2, next to
Vinohradská st.): a small and crowded place
with local Moravian wine that tastes great but
causes headeaches the next day
Zahrada v opeře (at the top of the Wencleslas
Square, after crossing the highway)at the
Radio Free Europe building) – the best
protected pubs nowadays: you have to make
your way through the soldiers; rather fancy but
perfect design and food
Cafés that have some style:
Café Archa (Na Poříčí 26, Prague 1): a big,
1930s retro style café with great mosaics that
cover walls
Café Černá labuť (Na Poříčí 25, Prague 1):
just opposite the Café Archa, a silent place
with gallery in the 8th floor of a bookstore
building, wonderful view, but don´t expect any
touristic panorama
Café Imperial (Na Poříčí 15, Prague 1): an
old-fashioned place, always well supplied with
fresh donuts, live jazz music almost every
night
Café Konvikt (Bartolomějská 11, Prague 1):
rather ecclectic café with a nice room at the
lowest level
Café Louvre (Národní třída 20, Prague 1):
large stylish café founded in 1902, opens daily
at 8 AM to serve wonderful breakfasts
Café Montmartre (Řetězová 7, Prague 1): a
small place with 1920s retro style, rather noisy
at night
Café No. 14 (Opatovická 14, Prague 1): very
nice although rather smoky, silent enough to
read or work
Café Rybka (Opatovická 7, Prague 1): a
small corner café with bookstore
Dobrá trafika (Korunní 42, Prague 2 and
Újezd 37, Prague 1): beware, café is hidden
behind a newspaper and cigar store, very silent
place during day, sometimes crowded at nights
Ebel Coffee House (Tyn 2, Prague 1, near the
Old Town Square): possibly the best coffee in
Prague, fresh roasted arabicas in the silent
court of Ungelt
Kaaba Café (Mánesova st., Prague 2): a small
but perfect 1970s Communist plastic style café
with stylish music
Kavárna V sedmém nebi (Zborovská 68,
Prague 5- Malá Strana): a cosy place, good
choice of wines
Malostranská kavárna (Malostranské nám
5/28, Prague 1): one of the places that have
been serving coffee for a century, decently
reconstructed, but of course rather touristy
these days
Marathon (Černá 9, Prague 1): a very cheap
café in the building of Evangelic Faculty full
of theology students playing chess
Medůza (Belgická 17, Prague 2): a busy café
in one of the silent streets of Vinohrady, nice
people, great food
Café Slavia (Smetanovo nábřeží 2, Prague 1,
across the National Theater building):
probably the most famous one that survived;
enjoy the architecture based on elevating a café
goer above the level of the street
Velryba (Opatovická 24, Prague 1, in the
Tesco area): a favorite place of Czech literati
and newspaper people, great food but always
crowded and noisy
Useful websites:
Cdrail – websites of Czech railways, time-tables,
information about price reduction etc.
(http://www.cdrail.cz)
Czech Republic – one of the many, this one is
quite useful
(http://www.czechsite.com/)
Express– tips for travelling and activities
(http://www.a-e-express.com)
Gurman - a gurmet guide to the best eateries in
Prague
(http://www.gurman.cz)
Heart of Europe – a cattalogue of galleries,
museums, trade fairs etc., only basic information
(http://www.heartofeurope.com)
Maps – city plans and maps for you not to lose the
way
(http://www.mapy.cz)
National Library – if you need any books you can
order them on-line after registration
(http://www.nkp.cz)
Prague – all you want to know about life in Prague,
funny pages for all Prague-lovers
(http://prague.tv/)
Prague – a detailed, useful guide to places with
comprehensive information
(http://www.pragueexperience.com/sightseeing/si
ghtseeing.asp)
Prague Tourist Information Service: official
Prague townhall service organization: essencial but
complex information
(http://www.prague-info.cz)
Prague Post – weekly newspaper published in
Prague, nicely done, well informed and entertaining
– don´t miss their selection of best pubs and
restaurants. You can find here all essential
information you need.
(http://www.praguepost.com)
Public Transportation – all information about
public transport in Prague
(http://www.dp-praha.cz)
Telecom – oficcial phone list of Czech Republic
(http://www.telecom.cz)
Ticketpro – if you want to buy tickets on-line, click
here to be provided by tickets to almost all theatre
performances, concerts and musicals youˇve chosen
(http://www.ticketpro.cz)
Travel Timetables – a search engine for major
destinations
(http://www.jizdnirady.cz)
Visit Czechia – official website of the Czech
Tourist Authority, very practical, well organized,
shouldn´t be missed
(http://www.visitczechia.cz)
Trips outside of Prague:
Some websites with substantial
information:
Czech Castles – pictures and depictions of the
major castles and chateaus
(http://www.czechcastles.com/index.html)
Sightseeing in Prague and around – some
essential sites described
(http://www.sitesatlas.com/Europe/CzechRepu
blic/Prague.htm#sights)
Central Bohemia:
Kutná Hora (discrict town, 1 hour by bus)
Kutná Hora is an ancient mining town
renowned for the white Prague groschen were
minted here. If you want to get the feeling, in
Hrádek area you´ll be given long coats and
lanterns there and you can visit an original
medieval mine. The landmark of the town is
the monumental Gothic Church of Saint
Barbora with valuable paintings and
decoration. Compare this sample of late Gothic
with an earlier cathedral of St. James at the
center of town.
(http://www.kh.cz/seznam/seznam.php?l=en&
node=0)
Last but not least, an ossuary in Sedlec – in
about ten minutes ride from Kutna Hora –
should be mentioned: bones out of more then
40 000 people piled to make the decoration of
a church. Morbit, touchy but worth
experiencing.
(http://www.kh.cz/listy/info.php?id=17&l=en)
Karlštejn (Beroun district, by train, about 40
minutes): The castle was founded in the 14th
century by Charles IV as a stronghold intended
to house the imperial coronation jewels. The
walls of the Chapel of the Holy Rood are
covered with panel paintings of male and
female saints by one of the most famous Czech
Gothic painters known as Master Theodoric.
(However, if you want to see the chapel you
should make a reservation).
(http://www.hradkarlstejn.cz/)
Konopiště (train or bus to Benešov u Prahy,
then a 20 minute walk): a Romanticized
chateau owned by the Habsburg throne
successor František Ferdinand d´Este.
Impressive collection of hunting trophies and
other 19th century icons of the life of nobles.
(http://www.zamek-konopiste.cz)
Český Šternberk (Benešov district, by bus or
train, about 1 hour): A summer resort with a
castle overlooking the river Sázava, founded in
13th century. The castle contains in particular a
collection of engravings of the 17 th century.
(http://www.hradceskysternberk.cz)
Sázava nad Sázavou - the remains of a
benedictine monastry from 1009 and the centre
of the Slavonic culture - is not far from there.
However, you need either the car or lots of
patience and planning to use local bus
transportation.
(http://uj.euweb.cz/index.php?page=/saklaster.
php)
Nelahozeves (30 km from Prague, 20 minutes
by train): a renaissance chateau owned by
Lobkowitz noble family, built in the end of
16th century on the rock above the banks of
Vltava river. Worth to see especially for
valuable collection of old paintings including
Rubens or Brueghel. You can also visit a
birthplace of famous Czech composer Antonín
Dvořák and last but not least – you shoudn´t
forget to taste some of the excellent wines
from Lobkowitz wine cellars. If you have
some time left than try to take a walk to the
nearby baroque castle Veltrusy that has
beautiful wide gardens with peacocks walking
freely in it.
(http://www.bohemianet.com/stredni_cechy/ne
lahozeves/nelahozeves_en.htm)
(http://www.stezka.cz/lokality/melnik/veltrusy.
htm)
Křivoklát (Český kras area, 1,5 hour train ride
via Beroun): a royal hunting castle hidden in a
deep forest, impressive and less crowded that
Karštejn
(http://www.krivoklat.cz/webs/english/krivokl
at/ea2.htm)
Žebrák, Točník, Krakovec (about an hour by
bus from Prague):
Three castles built in the 14th century, nice
examples of well preserved middle age
architecture. They are not too far from each
other, so you can visit them all in one day if
you go by car or by bike.
(http://www.krivoklat.cz/webs/english/tocnik/e
h3.htm)
Southern Bohemia:
Český Krumlov (southern Bohemia, 3 hour
ride by bus): a gorgeously well preserved
Renaissance town with a Baroque Castle.
Picturesque, turist friendly. Worth a weekend
trip.
(http://www.ckrumlov.cz)
Holašovice: a village-preserve, 18th century
Baroque village with impressive gates and
farmer houses, sweet on the edge of a kitsch
(http://www.budnet.cz)
Hluboká: a nightmare for a historian looking
for authenticity, a feats for kids and fairy tale
lovers: a pseudo historic, 19th century
Romanticized castle supposed to impress via
its nobility. So kitschy that it makes it worth
seeing.
(http://www.hluboka.info/en/index.xml)
Jindřichův Hradec: a town full of nice
mixture of Renaissance and Baroque styles,
impressive castle and church.
(http://www.jh.cz/)
Nothern Bohemia:
Bezděz (1 and ½ hour bus ride to Doksy, then
a bus to Bezděz, and ½ climb to the top of the
hill). Ruins of the medieval castle, great view
of the area. Romantic, impressive, exhausting.
Worth the trip.
(http://www.clnet.cz/region/historie/hradyzamky/bezdez/)
Říp (1 hour bus ride to Roudnice nad Labem,
then the other bus to Krabčice, then walking up
to the hill). Mystical breast like hill; according
to the legend, Father Czech took his tribe to
the hill and made the decision to live in the
area for ever.
(http://www.hrady-zamky.cz/rotunda-rip/)
Český ráj (1 hour bus ride to Turnov, then 1
hour walking or using local buses): impressive
rocky mountain area ready for climbing,
trecking or sightseeing; picturesque,
impressive but requires a one day trip at least.
(http://www.ceskyraj.cz/priroda/)
If you have time, visit local castles – romantic
Sychrov (http://www.zamek-sychrov.cz/) ,
gothic castle Kost
(http://fmv.vse.cz/cz/castles/kost.htm),
castle Hrubý Rohozec (http://www.hrubyrohozec.cz/rohozec/ramindex.htm) or
Valdštejn castle
(http://www.turnov.cz/en/valdstjn.htm).
Liberec (1 hour bus ride) – quite an impresive
Suddeten town that had its peak before the
WWII but now grows again: zoo, galleries,
cafes; slow pace of life as a contrast to Prague
(http://www.liberec.cz/)
Eastern Bohemia:
Litomyšl (3 hour bus ride from Prague): a well
preserved Renaissance town with a chateau
gardens, and amphitheater
(http://www.litomysl.cz)
Pardubice (2 hour bus or train ride): a living
town with beautiful renaissance castle and well
preserved historical town centre
(http://www.mesto-pardubice.cz/)
(http://www.vcm.cz/)
If you go by car – visit nearby Zoo in Dvůr
Králové with the largest collection of African
animals in Europe. If you go there in summer,
take a Safari-bus ride among free living hoofed
animals.
(http://www.zoodk.cz)
Western Bohemia:
Karlovy Vary - Karlsbad (2 hour bus ride
from Prague): famous spa resort founded in
14th century, visited by Casanova, Mozart or
Freud. Very quiet place hidden in the green
valley of Teplá river with beautiful colonades,
where you can have your own drinking cure
tasting one of 12 healing springs or local
herbal liqueur called Becherovka.
(http://www.karlovyvary.cz)
If you decide to spend there more than one
day, visit nearby spas of Mariánské lázně
(Marienbad) and Františkovy lázně
(Franzensbad).
(http://www.marianskelazne.cz/)
(http://www.franzensbad.as/)
Plzeň – Pilsen (1 hour bus or train ride from
Prague): city founded in 13th century with
beautiful city center is worth visiting
especially for its world-famous brewery. Try
the Brewery Museum and than have a rest with
a well chilled glass of Pilsen.
(http://info.plzen-city.cz)
(http://www.beerworld.cz/)
Southern Moravia (better to rent a car,
though some trains and buses can get you
there):
Brno (3 hour bus or train ride): a second
largest city in Czech Republic with friendly
atmosphere, seems to be ideal basic camp for
exploring Southern Moravia – you can spend
several nights either in Brno or in nearby
camps.
Brno is a must-see for lovers of modern
architecture: visit at least a functionalist
Tugendhat Villa built by Mies van der Rohe.
(http://www.brno.cz/index.php?lan=en)
(http://www.tugendhat-villa.cz)
Mikulov (3 hour bus ride to Brno, than one
hour bus ride to Mikulov): the town lies in a
wine-making region near the Czech-Austrian
borders, some 100 km from Vienna. Visit local
baroque chateau and some of numberless
wine-cellars or take one of the wine trails
through small wine growing villages.
(http://www.mikulov.cz)
(http://www.pragueviennagreenways.org/winet
rails.html)
Lednice and Valtice Complex: „a cultural
complex“ of well preserved parks, biking
routes and landscape designed to be a „Garden
of Europe“, plus Romanticism style impresive
chateau, next to it a minaret
(http://fmv.vse.cz/cz/cz/lednice.htm)
Slavonice (3 hour bus ride from Prague):
forgotten Renaissance little town with
probably best preserved complex of houses
from the 16th and 17th century
(http://www.slavonice-mesto.cz/eng/)
Telč (3 hour bus ride from Prague): quite an
impressive Reanaissance town, with a chateau
and gorgeous main square
(http://www.telc-etc.cz)
Žďár nad Sázavou: Pilgrimage Church of
Saint John: out of the town, on Zelená Hora,
there is quite an impressive 18th century
Baroque church designed by Johann Blasius
Santini, original and brilliant in terms of
technique and hidden symbolism
(http://www.zdarns.cz/)
Moravský Krumlov: the castle hosts the
exhibition of Alfons Mucha´s patriotic large
scale paintings, quite impressive in its size as
well as nationalistic mythologization
(http://www.mkrumlov.cz)
Central Moravia:
Olomouc (3 hour bus ride from Prague): the
second largest urban monument reserve after
Prague, great Baroque appeal of the city,
including the Holy Trinity Column that made it
into the UNESCO List of the World Cultural
Heritige
(http://www.olomoucko.cz)
Kroměříž (4 hour bus ride from Prague):
definitely worth seeing. Beautiful town with
baroque archiepiscopal chateau and splendid
renaisance and baroque gardens, inscripted
into UNESCO World Heritage List. Don´t
forget to visit archbishop´s wine cellars and
buy a bottle of mass wine.
(http://www.azz.cz/)
Rožnov pod Radhoštěm: a „skanzen“
museum in the open air, hosting original
country houses and folk Moravian architecture
and arts, lots of „slivovice“ (a local liquer)
around.