Mucha Museum
Alfons Mucha was one of the most celebrated Art Nouveau artists. He is famous for his Art Nouveau posters advertsing Gismonda in which Sarah Bernardt, the celebrated French actress played the leading role. He also designed stamps and banknotes.
All periods in Mucha's career are covered in the museum. Many of his posters are on display as well as the banknotes and stamps he designed. One section is devoted to informal photos of Mucha and his models. A thirty-minute video in English gives a good insight in his life and works.
They only work that is not in this museum is Mucha's Slav Epic, a series of twenty large canvasses inspired by the Slav history. They are in Moravsky Krumlov in The Gallery, a renaissance castle because the paintings are so huge that this castle is the only place that could accommodate them. more
Vysehrad Cemetery
Vysehrad Cemetery is the place where famous Czech people were buried. In the middle is Slavin Monument, a tall stele covered in commemorative plaques and topped by a sarcophagus. It is the resting place of 50 Czech artists among whom; painter Alphons Mucha, sculptor Vaclav, architects Gocar, composers Smetena and Dvorak, authors Karel Capek and Jan Neruda. Many of the graves are adorned with graceful statues, each a true work of art. more
Vysehrad Gardens Sunday Concert
While sitting under shady trees in Vysehrad garden you can listen to open-air concerts each Sunday afternoon at 2.30 pm from March to August.
nearest Metro station Vysehrad more
Vinohrady
Vinohrady is an elegant residential area built in end 19th early 20th century. Most houses have been restored and painted in pastel colours. Vinohrady means vineyards, but these have long since gone. The area is full of small shops and restaurants. The menu card is often in Czech only and a good opportunity to practice language skills. If you have seen all sights in the centre a walk in this district is something quite different from the well-trodden tourist trail.
Start at Namesti Miru metro station more
Antonín Dvořák Museum
Antonín Dvořák composed romantic music using melodies from Bohemian and Moravian folk music. He also composed symphonies, chamber music and operas. Every year is opera Rusalka is included in the Statni Opera repertoire. The Dvořák Museum is tucked away in Nové Mesto side street and Dvořák's home for 24 years until his death in 1904.
The russet and cream villa known as 'Vila Amerika', is an early 18th cent Baroque summer house and home to the Dvořák collection of memorabilia,. It includes the composer's piano, spectacles, Cambridge gown, photographs, and sculptures. Several rooms are furnished as they were around 1900. His music softly playing in the background makes a visit memorable. The ceiling of the recital hall on the first floor is decorated with a fresco depicting , Apollo, Pegasus and the Arts. This hall hosts chamber-music performances mostly in the summer season. more
Prague Transport: Prague Card
The Prague Card costs €30.(2007) It is valid for one year during which many (but not all) museum are free, in addition it allows free public transport for three days. Taking into consideration that tram and bus fares are low, that museums charge 40 – 150 Kč, you will have to see many museums and travel a lot before the card worth its money. more
Prague Transport: Tram and Bus
Most Prague trams are red (and very photogenic). They criss-cross the city (and so do their wires, bad for photos). They have their terminus in one of the suburbs where you can hop on buses that go further afield.
Trams and buses run every 6 – 8 mins the rush hour and 5 – 15 mins at other times. Departure times and routes can be found in the timetables at every stop.
Night trams run roughly every 40 mins from midnight to 4.30 am
Tram #22 is the perfect sightseeing tram. It runs from Vinohrady to Hradčany via the city centre ton malá strana. more
Prague Transport: Metro
The Soviet-built metro runs from 5 am – midnight, every 2 minutes in the peak and 4 – 10 mins the rest of the day.
Very long escalators carry passengers at breakneck speed to the platforms. Výstup means exit and přestup means interchange.
The stations themselves are worth a look especially the central ones have artistic wall coverings.
As there are no ticket barriers it looks as if it is easy to ride for free. Plain cloth inspectors will tap you on the shoulder, show their identity badge discretely and ask to see your ticket. If you haven't got one or haven't validated your ticket the on-the-spot fine is 500 Kč or 1000 Kč if you pay afterwards. more
Prague Transport: General
The Prague metro is a joy to travel on. It is not an extensive network with only 49 stations and 50 km of track. However, together with the trams and buses the transport system is covenient, frequent and above all affordable.
Tickets can be bought from vending machines at metro stations and certain tram stops. Instructions are also in English and change is given. Tickets are also available from shops, bars and news satnds which say TRAFIK.
Validate tickets by sticking them into the little yellow box at the metro escalator or inside bus and tram. Free maps (metro, bus, tram routes) from DP (dopravní podnik) at the airport or metro stations Mustek, Muzeum, Andel and Cerny Most. more
Petrin Observation Tower
Petrin is one of the largest green spaces with superb views of Prague. It is just south of Hradcany from where numerous paths lead uphill. But there is no need to walk all the way as the funicular railway will take you up. It starts at Ujezd (U Lanove Drahy), at the same price as a tram ride. The same ticket can be used.
On top of Petrin hill is Petrin Tower built in 1891 for the Prague Exposition. It is a 60m-tall Eiffel Tower look-alike and offers outstanding views of Prague. As climbing the 299 steps is slightly strenuous it is probably best to wait for a clear day to tackle the climb. more
Strahov Library
Strahov Library consists of two libraries, Philosphy Hall and Theological Hall and a small entrance hall. The Philosophy Hall is the grander of the two libraries, lofty bookcases, two stories high line the walls and are full of old leather-bound books. The ceiling is adorned with numerous frescoes.
The Theological Hall is smaller but also stacked with books. Its arched ceiling is decorated with stucco-framed frescoes. The hall is full of old globes and several statues.
Visitors are not allowed inside the libraries unless on a pre-booked tour visit. All they can do is have a peek through the door opening (together with many other visitors) and I seriously doubt if it justifies the long wait in the queue during the summer season.
The small hall way houses an exhibition of old books and curiosity cabinets crammed with shells, bird's nests, butterflies and more stuffed creatures. more
National Museum: Lapidarium
The Lapidarium contains a display of about 400 sculptures from 11th to 19th century. They have been collected from all over Prague and among them are some of the original Charles Bridge statues.
What I liked best was the bronze monument to Field Marshall Radetsky, the leader of the 19th cent Austrian army. Parts of a marble fountain that stood once in Old Town Square occupy one entire room. When it was still in its original place it was never used as it leaked.
I liked the way the curator laid out the exhibits. Red hearts in all sizes lie scattered in the exhibitions rooms. They make the place more colourful because most sculptures are dull grey, brown or anyway dark in colour.
The museum is inside the Exhibition Grounds. Take tram 5, 12 or 17 to Vystaviste and surprise the lady issuing entrance tickets and the lady who looks after your coat, because the museum seems to attract only a very small number of visitors.
See 'my pictures' for photos of some of the statues. more
Obecní dům
The Municipal House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Prague. You can look around the gilt interior only with a guided tour (taking pictures is forbidden). The interior was decorated by famous Czech artists including Alfons Mucha. Smetana's Hall in one of the most impressive concert halls I have ever been in. more
The Jewish Museum in Prague
This museum covers the history of Jews in Prague (and not only) and is a must-have when being in Prague. Although the admission is quite pricy, it's definitely worth the price. The best option is to buy a ticket allowing you to visit all the places that the museum consists of, i.e.: five synagogues, Old Jewish Cemetery and the Ceremonial Hall. The Old-New Synagogue is still in use but open for visitors. At least 4 hours are needed for the museum, although the ticket suggests three with detailed times for each place (which don't have to be obeyed, contrary to what is written on the ticket). more
Manes
Admission free (at least for students). A very interesting place not only for those interested in modern arts. more
Kavárna Slavia
A very atmospheric place with live music. Many famous Czechs used to visit this venue. And reportedly you can meet there Václav Havel. Try hot chocolate with absinth. more
Dancing House
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The Dancing House is an office building designed by the architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic. It was built between 1992 – 1996 and is in stark contrast with Prague's other architecture.
The building has a curved corner cylinder. The result is that it looks as if the whole building sways and twists.
It is on a busy thoroughfare along the Vltana river. The nearest metro station is Karlovo Namesti (line B). more
Letna Park
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To reach Letna Park cross Chechov Bridge at the end of Parizaka street in Josefov. Climb the stone stairs that lead to Letna Park and turn left at the huge metronome. It was placed here in 1991 after the velvet revolution.
The photo opposite shows the original Stalinist monument. The original photo can be seen in the Museum of Communism at Na Prikope 10.
The original monument dates back to 1955 and was the largest group statue in Europe was a bombastic statue dedicate to Stalin. It was the largest group statue in Europe, 15.5 m high and 22 m long.
It depicts Staling who leads the way and is followed by the proletariate, among them a manual worker, a woman farmer and a soldier.
In 1962 the monument was blown up and only photos remain. more
Television tower / Praha Tower
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The 216-m high television tower in the Žižkov district is clearly visible from Petrin. It is worth a closer look because tiny men crawl along its façade or peep round corners.
The tower is a 20-min walk from Wenceslas Square. Simply follow Vinohradska, a wide street with interesting architecture, turn left at Jiriho z Podebrad metro station and head for the tower.
Giant babies crawl along the outer walls of the Zizkove television tower. They are the work of David Cerny (for more of his work see http://www.davidcerny.cz).
Building began in the 1970s and the tower was meant to jam West German television transmissions. It became operational in the 1990s. The tower is over 100m heigh and from the viewing platform on the 8th floor or the café on the 5th the view is spectacular. more
Hilton Hotel
Hilton Prague is conveniently located on the right bank of the River Vltava within walking distance of many historical sights, the finest shops and a lively night scene. It features 788 guest rooms, 3 restaurants, a bar, various shops and the Czech Republic's first Cybex Health Club & Spa, which offers the most extensive leisure facilities in town... The prices begins with Ł31.00 more
The Municipal House
This is a wonderful art nouveau building, built at the turn of the 1900 century, situated a five minutes walk from the Old Town. Daily tours are arranged of the concert halls etc. more
Pension Standard
Forget the boring name - it's really good unless you want pool or sauna. Convenient place - trams near - good English - comfortable en-suite rooms - good breakfast - cosy cheap restaurant for evening meal.
Opposite river [photo from straight across the road]
You can e-mail from the website. more
St Martin's Rotunda, Visehrad
Romanesque chapel - round with a side apse - said to be the oldest building in Prague. It's not exactly a secret and it's readily accessible from Visehrad netro station - but a lot don't get there. Pity.
[phone above fictitious more
Jewish Museum
This is not a single building; nor does it include all the synagogues in Prague. The oldest one [the so-called Old-New Synagogue is separate. However, for those places that do constitute the Jewish Museum a single ticket gives entry to all.
It is an appalling thought thta the idea of a Jewish Museum in Prague seems to have originated with Hitler as a memory of a vanished race! Even if you don't think about this, some aspects of the visit may appear gruesome, such as the walls of the Pinkas Synagogue, covered in quite small writing by the names of Czech Jews who perished in the death camps.
The worst for me [a Goy by the way] were the writings done by children in the camps, exhibited in the Ceremonial Hall.
On the other hand the Spanish [so-called from its appearance] Synagogue simply appears as a place of great beauty. The Old Cemetary is absolutely fascinating. The Maisel and Klausen Synagogues had less individual impact on me. more
Sundaymorning Citywalk Prague
Take an early summer sundaymorning and stroll through the centre of Prague... not too much tourists yet around...see the real beauty of the city! more
La Perle de Prague
As in my report, this has become a very popular restaurant in Prague. It is located in one of the Prague's most famous modern buildings. and from here to the views over the river are great. And the food is wonderful more
Old Town Square Hotel
This is a lovely hotel, with great views of the Old Town Square, but it is very pricey. It has a lovely facade in the front of the building. The entrance is a bit unusal. more
Hotel Strika
Good, clean accommodation. A little far out of town, but in a quite residential area. Great transportation with buses, tram and metro available. Only downside, sometimes other guests cheat and smoke in rooms. more
Juridica Baroque Restaurant
Nice restaurant, centrally located small and friendly. Situated beneath a club. It is very close to St Nicholas Church in the Little Quarter and has good tram connections. more
Hotel Splendid
This small, comfortable hotel, situated in a delightful street on the left bank near the Prague Exhibition grounds, offers few frills but is excellent value. more
Apartment Trziste
This attic apartment is situated in the historical building from the 15 century, in the historical centre of Prague (Lesser Quater), just few steps from the Charles bridge and under the Prague Castle. All the attractions are reachable by walking and you dont have to use the public transportation. Excellent for 3 persons. The price was 60 EUR per night. more
Old Prague Hostel
Very good location, close to the Main Square and subway line. Occupies three storeys and to get in you will get an enter code. Common bathrooms, quite clean, sandwich for the breakfast included in the price. You can live there your luggage for free (if you are a guest). I really didn't like the check out time - it was at 10 am - for me to early. Price was about 16 EUR per bed in common room. more
Tesco Department Store
Tesco Department Store is good for a full day shopping when it is raining. In communist days it was Department Store Maj, the place where people waited in endless queues just to get teaspoons or whatever article happened to be in stock.
The building is a true landmark. It was designed in the 1970s and in those days it was a daring project as it tried to be in line with western architecture. The design included big yellow numbers on the facade but these proved to be too western and too daring for the communists. more
Bata Flagship Store
If shoes are your passion Bata is the place to spend an afternoon. It is the most famous shoeshop of the Czech Republic with stores all over the world. Six floors of women, men and children shoes await you in the Bata Flagship Store right on Wenceslas Square. The building was designed by Gocar and a true architectural gem.
Even if you have no intention of buying a pair of shoes, walk in and go up to the top floor to enjoy the perfect view of Wenceslas Square.
open
Mon - Fri: 09.00 - 21.00
Sat: 09.00 - 19.00
Sun: 10.00 - 18.00 more
Botanical Gardens
Botanicka Zahrada, or botanical gardens were laid out end 19th century and are part of the Charles University. It is a very pleasant place to while away time amidst blooming flowers especially in spring. The hothouses are interesting any time of year. It is a beautiful patch of green in the centre of the city.
address: Vinicna 7 in Nové Mesto.
There is a larger botanical garden in Troja. Take bus 112 from metro station Nádraží Holešovice. Get off at ZOO or Botanická zahrada Troja. From here follow the signs Botanical Garden
The garden includes; Japanese Cherry Tree Groves, Bulbs such as tulips and daffodils (only in spring), Alpine and Mediterranean flowers. In May and June there are thousands of Irises. The tropical greenhouse Fatamorgana, is a tour around the vegetation of the tropics. It is an enchanting walk across exotic mountains and forests and semi deserts and highly recommended. more
Krizikova Fountain
Krizikova Fountain is a dancing fountain performing a music and light show. The fountain was designed for the 1891 Exhibition at Vystaviste Exhibition Grounds, where annual trade fairs and special exhibitions are held.
In the grounds there is also a lunapark, a planetarium and lots of stalls selling sausages and beer. Weekends are most crowded but in autumn and winter the place is almost deserted.
Trams 5 – 12 – 14 -15 – 17 have a stop in front of the grounds more
Muzeum Hlaviho Prahy
Muzeum Hlaviho Prahy, Prague City Museum is housed in a 19th century buidling and tells the history of Prague from prehistoric times to the 20th century. A scale model of Prague shows what the city looked like between 1826 and 1834.
nearest Metro station: Florenc more
Remnants of Communism
Hotel Praha opened in 1981 for Communist-party dignitaries. It is a curved building in its own grounds with a guard lodge at the entrance. It was considered the unparalleled example of Czech modern architecture and is now one of the more interesting examples of Communis-style architecture.
This was the place Communist bigwigs retreated to when they needed a break from the proletariate. Billiard tables, sauna, swimming-pool, it was all there to pamper the chosen few.
These days Praha is a 5* hotel, with 124 rooms and suites. Prices start at €280 per night for a double room buffet breakfast and VAT are included in this price but not city tax. more
Dates of Public and School Holidays
Public and School Holidays
Three websites which make planning a holiday easier. Public and school holidays are shown.
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays most banks and offices are closed. Ordinary shops also close on Sundays and public holidays, whereas supermarkets and shopping centres often stay open.
Public transport runs less frequently on Sundays and public holidays, limited timetables are in operation during the summer holidays.
Transport can be overcrowded at the beginning and the end of the school holidays. A few days before and after 1 July and 31 August.
http://www.calendar.sk/school-encz.php
http://www.feiertagskalender.ch/index.php?geo=3440&jahr=2007&klasse=&hl=en more
Hotel Agency
I booked accommodation through www.hotelsprague.cz. This agency offers a wide range of accommodation from 5* hotels to apartments. When booking they will ask you to fill in your first and also your second choice. You also fill in your credit card number, but they don't charge yet. Only if you don't show up they will charge for one night. The agency answered within two hours. Payment is in cash or by credit card directly to the hotel or the owner of the apartment. more
Miniature Museum
Mr Konyenko is an instrumentmaker and his speciality is eye-microsurgery tools. These days he occupies himself by making miniature masterpieces. They are so small that his works cannot be seen by the naked eye. Therefore the museum provides microscopes and magnifying glasses to see the details of his art
All sculptures are true master pieces and show a variety of subjecys, the Eiffel Tower carved in a cherry stone, a sailing boat on the wing of a mosquito, the portrait of Chekhov engraved on a poppy seed, a flea with gold horseshoes grasping a padlock, keys and a scissor in its paw. The scissors are 0.9 mm. more
Hotel Tranzit
Very conveniently situated at only 300 metres from Ruzyně, Prague International Airport. Terminal 1 and 2 are within walking distance, free shuttle service provided.
Bus 119 stops in front of the hotel and goes to Dejvicka Metro station, from here you take the metro to the centre. The total journey time from the airport to the city centre is 45 mins.
Room prices are reasonable and start at €125 for a double room, breakfast included. Rooms can also be taken as day rooms and prices start at €40. more
Museum Hradec / Toy Museum
Museum Hracek is one of world's largest toy museum and housed within the castle complex on Jiriska Ul.
Some sixty show cases display Ivan Steiger's private collection of antique American and European toys. The collection comprises wooden and tin toys, doll houses, toy cars, airplanes, trains, and farms. There are also dolls ranging from 1.4 cm to 64 cm, the size of ahttp: real baby. The second floor houses a permanent Barbie dolls exhibition.
Ivan Steiger, the film maker and cartoonist, was born in Prague in 1939 an now lives in Germany. He set up another toy museum in München. (see Rangutan's tip: http://www.globosapiens.net/rangutan/travel-tip-toy-museum-3402.html)
Open daily from 9.30 to 17.30 h. during the season
Metro: Malostranska more
Muzeum Bedřicha Smetany
In this museum you can see many things connected with this famous Czech composer. Drop in if you have some more time in Prague. more
Mucha Museum
In this museum you can see the most famoust pieces of art by Alfons Mucha. You can also see a film about this artist. Plan to spend there at least one hour and enjoy the masterpieces of Art Nouveau. more
Kolkovna Restaurant
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Kolkovna is a combination of pub and restaurant, specialising in Pilsner Urquelland traditional Czech dishes. The restaurant is housed in a former printing office and the buidling dates back to early 19th century. You can either sit on street level or downstairs, and in summer there is also outdoor seating.
It is in the Jewish quarter not far from Old Town Square, just off Parizska Street, an excellent street for shopping. It was slightly more expensive than other restaurants in the centre but the quantity and quality of the meal was worth it.
It is open every day from 11.00 am – 12.00 pm. more
Barock Restaurant
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If you have eaten enough meat and dumplings, the mainstay of Czeck cuisine Barock Restaurant is a good choice. Asian food, also sushi, a wide selection of European dishes and also vegtarian meals are on the menu.
It is also a good place to have breakfast, just a coffee or pre-dinner cocktails. Barock Restaurant is almost French in atmosphere. Tree-lined Parizska, a wide avenue with many exclusive shops and the outdoor terrace enhance this feeling. more
U Trech Modrych Kouli
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U třech modrých koulí means in the Three Balls.
It serves Check cuisine in a Gothic basement. It is worth checking it out. more
Café Louvre
Excellent place to have breakfast, lunch or pre-dinner drinks. There are English language newspapers and a snooker table. more
Czech Inn
Absolutely fantastic hostel. Dorm rooms, private rooms and apartments. Cheap prices, amazing showers/bathrooms.Great bar with reasonably priced Czech beers and food! more
Old-New Synagogue
There seem to be at least a million websites but the phone number eludes me - sorry.
The Old-New Synagogue isn't part of the Jewish Museum and needs a separate entry payment.
1270 doesn't sound terribly new but it was originally known as the New Synagogue because it replaced an even older one.
It's still used but the guide told me that the users aren't part of the old Czech Jewish community but immigrants.
You can go in the main chamber, which was men only and see the women's peepholes from an adjacent room. more
Spanish Synagogue
Although the Old/New Synagogue is the more famous, the Spanish Synagogue is worth visiting. The Jewish quarter is fabulous to explore. more
Strahov Monastery - Libraries
Not far beyond the stop for the castle on the 22/23 trams is the stop for the Strahov Monastery. When I went you weren't allowed to go in the rooms with the priceless old books but you could look in from a corridor. The ceilings of the two libraries are of outstanding quality and easily justify the three thumbs. more
Jazz Boat Cruise
The live Jazz Concert Boat Cruise, is pretty nice and is cool to dine while crusing along the river. It costs around 590kc, which is not very much. It located at Peir 5 under Cechuv bridge, which is 10 minutes from Staromestska metro station. more
Best Tours s.r.o
They provide great walking tours of Prague. Through the Old Town square, up to the castle. They also have an evening walk around the historical sites. more
U Pinkas
An old pub in the New Town, with distinguished food and friendly service. A room is reserved for non-smokers - quite exceptional for a Prague pub. more
U Zlatého Tygra
Open 3pm to 11pm. The 'Golden Tiger' has been a beer cellar since the 13th century, with a long history of artistic patronage. Reputedly a favourite haunt of the President. The boisterous fun continues daily except Sunday. more
U Koleje
Open 11am to 10pm Monday to Saturday. This traditional pub offers a hearty menu, excellent beer and prompt and polite service. more
U Flek+
Open 9am to 11pm. Big, rather tacky but crowded, historic pub features strong dark beer, brewed on the premises. Hearty local food, huge garden and traditional music. An entrance fee is payable. more
U Dvou Koçek
In a quiet square near Bethlehem Chapel, the 'Two Cats' is a crowded pub with tasty food, good beer and cheerful service. more
Plzeńská Restaurace
Open 10am to 10pm. Central pub offering quick service and nourishing goulash with dumplings. Rustic decor, reasonable prices and excellent Pilsner Urquell beer make this good value. more
Pizzeria Kmotra
Café-cum-pizzeria serving beer and enormous pizzas at unbeatable prices. The three cheese pizza served here is particularly delicious. more
Bar Que Hong
Open 11am to 8pm, and closed on Sunday. Refined Vietnamese cuisine is the speciality of this pleasant restaurant. more
Plzeńská Restaurace
Open 10am to 10pm. Central pub offering quick service and nourishing goulash with dumplings. Rustic decor, reasonable prices and excellent Pilsner Urquell beer make this good value. more
U Zlatého Jelena
'Golden Stag' wine restaurant in an elegant cellar in the historic 'King's Road' pedestrian street. more
U Zelené Zaby
Open 3pm to 11pm, Sunday to Thursday. Just around the corner from the Old Town Hall, the 15th-century 'Green Frog' specializes in excellent Bohemian wines. The house dates from the 12th century. more
U Vladaré
Open 11am to 1am. The specialities of traditional Czech cuisine and dishes typical of Old Prague are served in this pleasant, fully air-conditioned restaurant. more
Hotel Atlantic
Situated in a convenient location close to shops and city sights. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, functions room and a charming winter garden. more
Hotel Atrium
One of the biggest hotels in Prague, this controversial glass construction was built in 1991 and is situated about 1/2 km (1 mile) from the city centre. Facilities include bars and restaurants, a nightclub, extensive conference suites, a casino, fitness centre and swimming po more
Hostel Elf
Nice staff, good location and good price help make up for not-so-clean bathrooms when I was there. more
Sir Toby's Hostel
Not so well location but nearby subway and tramway stations. Dorms for 10 Euros, doubles 17 E. more
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