Everything you ever wanted to ask about Prague …
Prague is fab, as well all know, but if you are setting off for the first time, don't speak the language and have no friends to give you a few tips, you may have a few questions about the place. If there is anything you need to know before you set off for your holiday in Prague ?…. Fire away !
Q: I love coffee and if I don't get at least two cups a day, I get grumpy. Can you recommend a few coffee houses with a nice atmosphere (as well as decent coffee, sure).
Yes, Prague has some fantastic cafés to keep you going.
Try The Café Louvre Národní 22, Praha 1 (metro Národní, line B)
- originally founded in 1902 and forcibly closed down in 1948. Many a prominent personality would enjoy its ambience, including Kafka, Čapek and Einstein. Reopened in 1992, it is now back to its former glory. You can also eat here, it has a separate restaurant and a selection of lunchtime specials, but I much prefer a cake and a coffee.
For real oppulence and luxury, try the Municipal House Café just off Náměstí Republiky (metro Náměstí Republiky, line B) It is undisputely one of the most impressive of Prague cafés, though the service can be slow at times. If you like Art Nouveau as much as I do, you will gladly wait for your coffee while admiring the lavish interior. Live music.
Grand Café Orient is another personal favourite. Hidden away on the first floor of the house in the corner of Celetná and Ovocný Trh Just the right size, cosy and wonderfully elegant. Impeccable service every time.
One tiny but beautifully atmospheric café can be found in a newly renovated Museum of Etnography in Kinský Summer Palace
Slightly off the beaten track, which I see as an advantage rather than a drawback. In the summer, you can sit outside and enjoy the peaceful green gardens around you. You can take a stroll from Pet?ín to Kinského zahrada, explore the museum and then get yourself a special treat from the café's selection of tasty desserts and coffees.
The list of interesting cafés could go on and on.
Generally speaking, all 4 and 5 star hotels will serve good quality coffee.
Stay away from traditional Czech sweet shops - CUKRARNA - some do serve good coffee, but you may also be in for an unpleasant surprise. One of these presented us with a completely tasteless "capuccino" in what looked like half a litre soup bowl. The dessert that came with it was perfect, though.
Do you have your personal favourite you want to share with others ? Write to us through our Feedback form
For real oppulence and luxury, try the Municipal House Café just off Náměstí Republiky (metro Náměstí Republiky, line B) It is undisputely one of the most impressive of Prague cafés, though the service can be slow at times. If you like Art Nouveau as much as I do, you will gladly wait for your coffee while admiring the lavish interior. Live music.
Grand Café Orient is another personal favourite. Hidden away on the first floor of the house in the corner of Celetná and Ovocný Trh Just the right size, cosy and wonderfully elegant. Impeccable service every time.
One tiny but beautifully atmospheric café can be found in a newly renovated Museum of Etnography in Kinský Summer Palace
Slightly off the beaten track, which I see as an advantage rather than a drawback. In the summer, you can sit outside and enjoy the peaceful green gardens around you. You can take a stroll from Pet?ín to Kinského zahrada, explore the museum and then get yourself a special treat from the café's selection of tasty desserts and coffees.
The list of interesting cafés could go on and on.
Generally speaking, all 4 and 5 star hotels will serve good quality coffee.
Stay away from traditional Czech sweet shops - CUKRARNA - some do serve good coffee, but you may also be in for an unpleasant surprise. One of these presented us with a completely tasteless "capuccino" in what looked like half a litre soup bowl. The dessert that came with it was perfect, though.
Do you have your personal favourite you want to share with others ? Write to us through our Feedback form
Q: Is Prague a safe city ?
I would not say that crime rate in Prague is any higher in other big cities. But it always pays to be careful. Tourists are an easy target for pick pockets, especially on certain tram routes (nb. 22 running between Prague Castle and National Theatre is notorious). Metro ride at rush hour can also cost you if you stop paying attention. Most probably, you will have no problems at all, but it is sensible to take precautions - flashing out your wallet full of cash on the first day of your stay may come at a price. Most hotels will have safe deposit boxes and it is a good idea to use these.
On the whole, though, Prague is quite a relaxed and welcoming city. Muggings at metro, for example, would be highly unusual. It feels safe and most of the time it is, too.
Q: We are going to Prague as a family. We have two kids under the age of 10. What sort of things can we enjoy together ?
Bob sleigh track at Prosek ; Prosecká street, Prague 9
Metro to Palmovka station (B line) and bus No. 187 or 233, getting off at Kelerka Open daily 10 am - 10 pm ; even in winter (Prices and Photos
Good restaurant with a lovely terrace
You may think you won't enjoy this, but in the end I found the track was a lot of fun. To the fainthearted, it may look scary and I took an extra precaution by asking the person behind me to wait a little longer that the usual interval. I knew I was going to take it slowly the first time and the idea of being run into from the back did not appeal. A very helpful assistant showed me how to brake - it could not be any easier - unfortunately, I was ready to try it all too soon. Be aware that on the very first few metres of the track the brake is in fact disabled and only starts working when you start your descent. Frantically pulling the lever up only to find out that nothing is happening was definitely a hairy moment. Do I jump out now ??? Too late, anyway. Once I was going down and able to control my speed, the world looked a much brighter place. Is it good for young kids ? Our four year old loved it and I could see some very happy toddlers getting a kick out of this rather unusual past time.
Prague Zoo
has made enormous strides in the past few years. So much seems to be happening all the time that Praguers, who until recently had to be reminded they had a zoo, now tend to come back here several times a year. Posters of animals are all over Prague and the life of chimpanzees (through a strategically placed web cam) is generating more interest than local politics. Now everybody knows when a little chimp is born, some even call the chimp keeper when they think the poor chimp might have a bit of a cold. Zoo is now a lively place with lots of new pavilions and attractions to keep you busy for most of the day. The zoo is open daily from 9 am, closing at 4 pm between November and February, at 5 pm in March, at 6 pm in April, May, September and October and at 7 pm in June, July and August ; car park available next to the zoo.
Adults pay 100 crowns, children 3-15 70 crowns.
See some photos
Transport: Metro line C to "Nadrazi Holesovice", then bus No 112 - go as far as it takes you.
Metro to Palmovka station (B line) and bus No. 187 or 233, getting off at Kelerka Open daily 10 am - 10 pm ; even in winter (Prices and Photos
Good restaurant with a lovely terrace
You may think you won't enjoy this, but in the end I found the track was a lot of fun. To the fainthearted, it may look scary and I took an extra precaution by asking the person behind me to wait a little longer that the usual interval. I knew I was going to take it slowly the first time and the idea of being run into from the back did not appeal. A very helpful assistant showed me how to brake - it could not be any easier - unfortunately, I was ready to try it all too soon. Be aware that on the very first few metres of the track the brake is in fact disabled and only starts working when you start your descent. Frantically pulling the lever up only to find out that nothing is happening was definitely a hairy moment. Do I jump out now ??? Too late, anyway. Once I was going down and able to control my speed, the world looked a much brighter place. Is it good for young kids ? Our four year old loved it and I could see some very happy toddlers getting a kick out of this rather unusual past time.
Prague Zoo
has made enormous strides in the past few years. So much seems to be happening all the time that Praguers, who until recently had to be reminded they had a zoo, now tend to come back here several times a year. Posters of animals are all over Prague and the life of chimpanzees (through a strategically placed web cam) is generating more interest than local politics. Now everybody knows when a little chimp is born, some even call the chimp keeper when they think the poor chimp might have a bit of a cold. Zoo is now a lively place with lots of new pavilions and attractions to keep you busy for most of the day. The zoo is open daily from 9 am, closing at 4 pm between November and February, at 5 pm in March, at 6 pm in April, May, September and October and at 7 pm in June, July and August ; car park available next to the zoo.
Adults pay 100 crowns, children 3-15 70 crowns.
See some photos
Transport: Metro line C to "Nadrazi Holesovice", then bus No 112 - go as far as it takes you.
Q: We have three young children and need some playgrounds in the city centre. Please help !
The kids need somewhere to release their energy and Prague has a number of attractive playgrounds to keep them happy.
Detsky ostrov
Some, like the one on Dětský Ostrov, even afford fantastic views. This is a great playground on an island running alongside Janáčkovo nábřeží. On one side, you can watch the boats floating by in a narrow river canal, while the other side offers truly magical views across the river towards the National Theatre. The playground is very well maintained and will appeal to kids of all ages. 10 000 square meters of pure fun will keep them busy for a long time and there is a good chance they may find an English speaking playmate.
Access: bus 176 Arbesovo náměstí ; or tram 9, 12, 20 to Arbesovo náměstí ; Anděl (line B) and then a 500 m walk
Kampa Island
Has a small playground hidden away above the ground level, roughly in the middle of the park area, above the toilets and to the left of the fish restaurant. Will appeal to younger children.
Františkánská zahrada
Access: from Vodičkova, through Světozor arcade (buy your ice-cream here !) or through another passage from Jungmannovo náměstí
If shopping and crowds on Wenceslas Square get a bit too much for you, relax in this wonderful Franciscan garden in the vicinity. It has a small playground near the Church of Mary of the Snows. Lick your ice-cream, watch the kids and enjoy this fabulous hideaway.
Letná Park
Is easy enough to identify, from the Old Town Square, walk along Pa?ížská and then head for the giant metronome towering above the river. Letná has several playgrounds, and much more than that. The views towards the Old Town are definitely worth the climb. Its wide walkways are ideal for skating and if your child has their wheelies on, you may find it hard to catch up with them.
Detsky ostrov
Some, like the one on Dětský Ostrov, even afford fantastic views. This is a great playground on an island running alongside Janáčkovo nábřeží. On one side, you can watch the boats floating by in a narrow river canal, while the other side offers truly magical views across the river towards the National Theatre. The playground is very well maintained and will appeal to kids of all ages. 10 000 square meters of pure fun will keep them busy for a long time and there is a good chance they may find an English speaking playmate.
Access: bus 176 Arbesovo náměstí ; or tram 9, 12, 20 to Arbesovo náměstí ; Anděl (line B) and then a 500 m walk
Kampa Island
Has a small playground hidden away above the ground level, roughly in the middle of the park area, above the toilets and to the left of the fish restaurant. Will appeal to younger children.
Františkánská zahrada
Access: from Vodičkova, through Světozor arcade (buy your ice-cream here !) or through another passage from Jungmannovo náměstí
If shopping and crowds on Wenceslas Square get a bit too much for you, relax in this wonderful Franciscan garden in the vicinity. It has a small playground near the Church of Mary of the Snows. Lick your ice-cream, watch the kids and enjoy this fabulous hideaway.
Letná Park
Is easy enough to identify, from the Old Town Square, walk along Pa?ížská and then head for the giant metronome towering above the river. Letná has several playgrounds, and much more than that. The views towards the Old Town are definitely worth the climb. Its wide walkways are ideal for skating and if your child has their wheelies on, you may find it hard to catch up with them.
Q: Is it true that Charles Bridge is currently closed to the public ?
The bridge is under renovation which will take about 10 years to complete. Nevertheless, it is still accessible to the public. Check out for yourselves Charles Bridge web cam
Q: Is there a tourist office where I could pick up some local info ?
Yes, the Tourist Office is in the Town Hall, on the Old Town Square, a few metres to the left of the famous astronomical clock. Open daily
Q: Are dogs allowed on public transport ?
Yes, but there are rules to be followed. Unless the dog is small and being transported in a bag or a special cage, you need to buy a separate 20 crown ticket. If you are using a short-term ticket (pass), your dog will still need a separate ticket.
Q: I am a wheelchair user. What transport is available to me in Prague ?
Prague has a long way to go to be a really wheelchair friendly city, but improvements have been made in the last few years and a lot more is being planned for the near future.
At the moment, about half of metro stations has a lift to get you down onto the platform. See full list of wheelchair friendly metro stations.
Also, there is a couple of buses with special platforms for wheelchair users. See routes of buses with wheelchair platborms. The names underlined are close to a metro station, but BEWARE - that does not necessarily mean the station itself has a lift - check above !
If you have a very specific inquiry, try contacting the Prague Association of Wheelchair Users at pov@gts.cz
Also, there is a couple of buses with special platforms for wheelchair users. See routes of buses with wheelchair platborms. The names underlined are close to a metro station, but BEWARE - that does not necessarily mean the station itself has a lift - check above !
If you have a very specific inquiry, try contacting the Prague Association of Wheelchair Users at pov@gts.cz
Q: Is it worth buying a short-term pass for public transport ? After all, Prague city centre seems to be quite compact. Isn't it just a waste of money ?
Unless you are staying just a day or two, I would say it is a good idea to buy a ticket covering the length of your stay. The pass is a good value for money and the longer you stay, the cheaper it gets.
A day ticket is 80 CZK (£2 or €3), a 3 day ticket about 220 CZK, a week ticket is only slightly more expensive at 280 CZK and a two week ticket is a bargain at 320 CZK (£8.50 or €12). Once you have your ticket, you can hop on any tram or bus, use the whole of the metro and even the Petrin funicular. No more worries about where to buy extra tickets, how to punch them, whether you have the right one, etc. The best place to buy these tickets are Information Desks at metro stations. Newsagents and machines at metro stations usually only sell single journey tickets.