How to dress as a tourist in Prague. Summer in Prague: useful tips for a good holiday. What to take to Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic still attracts a lot of tourists. Every year many of our compatriots visit this beautiful city. However, visitors to Prague should know a few things to avoid ending up in an unpleasant situation...

One should not show interest in the era of socialism
In Prague, the townspeople's dislike for clothing or symbols containing elements of the socialist past is very noticeable. This sometimes manifests itself even on the part of young people. The reason for this behavior is not entirely clear. However, at the same time Russian tourists you should be careful. It is necessary to correspond to the ideas of the surrounding residents of Prague - in relation to communication. In this case, no unpleasant moments will arise.

You should not exchange money in little-known places
Exchanging cash on the streets of the Czech capital may end up with local money changers giving out much less money than they should at the current exchange rate. Some people may simply slip elaborate bills that have no real value. It is best to change money at banking institutions. It is always reliable there and the rate is almost the same with many private exchangers.

No need to rush to order a lot of food in a restaurant or cafe
In almost any of the many Prague cafes, bars or restaurants, do not rush to order a “double” portion of the dish you like. It may turn out that just one is enough for two adult visitors. Residents of the Czech capital are people accustomed to large portions of their favorite foods. For this reason, you can often meet very plump men and women on the streets.

Be more careful about taxis on the capital's streets
In Prague, it is not uncommon for drivers of numerous street taxis to overcharge their fares. In order to avoid an unpleasant explanation, you must contact the dispatch service employee of this taxi service in advance. In this case, you can always save a considerable part of the money.

Don't rush to pay a fine for traveling on public transport
Concerning public transport, whose network is well developed in the Czech capital, there is no need to rush to pay the fine for free travel. The role of controller may well be a scammer in disguise. For this reason, it is a good idea to ask to see a special badge and service ID before paying a fine for an unpaid trip.

Taking into account the 5 tips described above, you can happily and without problems spend a couple of weeks in Prague - one of best cities Western Europe.

Video - Prague, public transport:

So, if you are a Prague resident, you:

1. Do you know what it means to “meet under the tail” (pod ocasem). The vast majority of Prague residents know that the meeting is scheduled on Wenceslas Square - at the statue of the bronze horse of St. Vaclav.

2. Don't drink absinthe (ever).

3. Drink beer (after all, beer in Prague is cheaper than soft drinks).

4. Wear blue jeans (Prague residents love blue jeans and wear them everywhere: to the office, to parties and even to award ceremonies).

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5. Use public transport.

6. You know transport etiquette (give way to elderly people and pregnant women on the tram).

7. Tell someone that they are standing on the wrong side of the escalator (you need to stand on the right side so that everyone can freely go down the left side).

8. On a metro train, try to get as close to the door as possible.

9. Watch or have watched the TV series Ulice (a never-ending story about Czech “real life”).

10. Love sarcasm (Prague residents love to joke about themselves and their friends in a peculiar manner).

11. Don't go to parties in Lucerne and Karlovy Lazne.

12. Speak quietly (Prague residents like to be indignant that tourists speak very loudly).

13. Understand the difference between Karlak and Charles Bridge.

14. Hate people who ride Segways.

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15. Avoid the main tourist streets on your route (try to walk along quiet streets or courtyards).

16. Prefer bio/vegan/healthy food (many Prague residents don’t even know how to cook goulash and chops).

17. Be careful not to step into dog poop (especially in the Zizkov area).

18. Do not go to shops/cafes/clubs on Wenceslas Square (only if absolutely necessary).

19. Call a taxi by phone (Prague residents do not get into taxis on the street because of inflated prices. By the way, the other day in Prague I passed over taxi drivers who were inflating prices for tourists. You need to know that the maximum Prague tariff is 28 CZK per 1 km).

20. Keep a dog (Prague residents walk dogs to keep themselves in good shape, or carry small dogs in their bags).

21. Read free Metro newspapers in the morning (you can pick them up at metro stations until 9 am).

22. Always find a reason to celebrate something (holiday, name day, birthday, divorce, wedding - it doesn’t matter).

23. Do not show your emotions in public, no matter what happens (for example, you make an indifferent face if you meet a celebrity on the street).

24. You leave a tip to the waiters less than 10% of the amount on the bill (for example, if the bill was brought for 340 CZK, you will leave 350 CZK).

25. Go to Letna for a picnic (but still think it’s a good place for Sport).

26. Watch matches of the Sparta or Slavia teams (you need to choose one of these teams and be confident in your choice).

27. You pay with a contactless card and are surprised if you can’t do it.

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28. Taking advantage at pedestrian crossings (and not wanting to wait until a passing car decides to stop and let you pass).

29. Hate it if someone calls you an “Eastern European” (Prague people are not Eastern Europeans, they are Central Europeans. Prague is further west than Vienna).

30. Look tired / unhappy / important under any circumstances.

Planning a vacation experienced travelers They make a special list where they write down things that may be needed point by point. Today’s article will tell you what to take to the Czech Republic, about the features of the holiday and weather conditions.

Despite the fact that the Czech Republic is part of the European Union and the Schengen zone, it has not yet switched to payments in euros. The official currency is . In 2019 it is equal to ~0.04 euros.

Tour operators and tourists recommend taking euros with you. The euro exchange rate is higher than the ruble. Large shops and restaurants accept both currencies for payment, but it is more profitable to pay in crowns. Bank cards international systems MasterCard and Visa will become an alternative to cash.

Gift: 2100 rubles for housing!
When you register using the link in AirBnB, you will receive 2100 rubles to your account.
For this money you can rent a good apartment for 1 day abroad or in Russia. The bonus only works for new accounts.

Weather

Depending on the season, the climate of the Czech Republic is quite mild. Its only drawback is its unpredictability. On a hot July day there can be heavy downpour and thunderstorm, and gloomy October days can be replaced by summer sunny warmth. Locals They recommend that tourists take an umbrella and a jacket with them.

Winter

Wet, but not cold. The average temperature is -5 degrees. Snow is a rare occurrence; it mostly rains. At the end of December and beginning of January, light fluffy snow falls, but it does not linger for long.

Spring

Starts in mid-March. The average temperature is 7-8 degrees. Warm summer days are possible. Rainy days are common.

Summer

Comfortable, average temperature 20 degrees. In June the mornings are still cool, about 10-11 degrees. July is the hottest month of the year, temperatures reach 30 degrees, and there are muggy days. And August is characterized by frequent thunderstorms.

September and October offer warm days, but there are strong winds, heavy rains and thunderstorms. And in November there are frosts at night.

Cloth

A casual style will come in handy: jeans, loose skirts, T-shirts and sweaters. To walk comfortably and enjoy excursions you need comfortable clothes, not restricting movement. Be sure to take a windbreaker and a warm sweater with you.

You shouldn't take a lot of clothes. Large-scale sales take place in August and November; shopping lovers will be able to update their wardrobe. And even without discounts, many things in the Czech Republic are cheaper than in Moscow, and the quantity and quality are higher.

Shoes

Co. Of course, it takes up a lot of space, but it's worth taking several pairs. Sneakers, low-heeled shoes, open sandals in summer. Main criterion- convenience. Even if you don't plan to participate in marathons, avoid long hiking won't succeed.

The Czech Republic is famous for its architecture. Every street in Prague, Karlovy Vary and other big and small cities and even villages is a work of art. Numerous parks, gardens, museums will not leave anyone indifferent.

To fully enjoy the beauty, you should take care of the health and comfort of your feet.

Documentation

Medicines

In the Czech Republic, most medicines can be bought in pharmacies only with a prescription.. And medicines sold without a prescription are also difficult to buy without knowing the language - it is difficult to explain what exactly you need. In addition, local analogues may differ in composition, so it is better not to risk it and take it from home minimum required.

What else will you need?

For a child

Supermarkets have the necessary baby products: diapers, bottles, formula. Bring a few diapers from home to last until you find a store. You should also bring your own baby formula, especially if your baby has a sensitive digestive system.

For a child under 3-4 years old, you should definitely take a stroller. Hours of walking cannot be avoided; slings and other carriers will not help here. After 2 hours, both parent and child will be tired. They load the spine. The baby will sleep comfortably in the stroller without having to return to the hotel.

What to take for traveling by car

Rights. As previously written, it is better to get an international driver's license. Experienced motorists claim that there are no problems with ordinary Russian licenses issued after 2010, but it is better to play it safe and get an IDP.
Certificate of ownership of the car. Or a power of attorney from the owner, translated into English or Czech.
Insurance that covers liability to third parties. But it’s better not to save money and take out a full-fledged insurance policy. In this case, you can be sure that a tow truck will come to you and there will be no problems with the police or other participants in the accident. Auto forums recommend joining an international automotive organization. Its members help each other in critical situations.
To drive on intercity highways in the Czech Republic you will need a special sticker - a vignette. It can be purchased at a border checkpoint or gas station.

Whether you travel on your own or delegate the responsibilities of organizing your trip to travel agencies, by and large, does not matter. Agree that buy a ticket and book a hotel or choose package tour– this is not all you need to know to get the most good impressions, see more, eat deliciously, and generally not miss anything interesting, which you will later read about in the reports of other tourists and regret. Knowing the immense tourist potential of Prague and other attractions of the Czech Republic, we tried to systematize practical information to make preparing for the trip more interesting and easier. What to see, how to get around the city, what to try and buy, how to go on your own neighboring countries, what excursions and other entertainment are available.

Let's start, perhaps, with the most important thing - the main attractions of Prague.

Top attractions in Prague

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is simply full of all sorts of architectural monuments, historical places and amazing buildings that have become the personification of the Czech Republic. Prague Castle consists of a palace complex, gardens, squares, several temples and streets. Let's just say this is a kind of mini-town in the heart of Prague.

The castle, or rather a complex of castles, is divided into Old and New. old lock talks about the era Medieval Bohemia, and Novy begins its history in the 17th century. Extensive excursions are offered here.

Today the New Castle houses the residence of the President of the Czech Republic, so you won’t be able to walk around all the premises freely. But there are a lot of halls dedicated to a wide variety of museums and exhibitions. But twice a year, May 8 and October 28 (significant for Czech Republic days), Prague Castle is completely open to visitors.

Here, every building is already a landmark. And in total there are more than fifty of them on the territory and all are very beautiful and unique. These are distinctive towers: Daliborka (where criminals were once sentenced, and today there is a museum of torture and executions), Chernaya, White and others. Monasteries, basilicas, churches, chapels, the famous Cathedral of St. Vitus. Art galleries, ancient fountains, stairs, gardens (Zagrada gardens in Czech). Golden Street, where there is an exhibition of knightly armor and many souvenir shops. By the way, souvenirs here are several times more expensive than in others tourist places ah Prague. The same goes for restaurants and cafes - there are a lot of them here, the food is delicious, but the prices are quite high.

Our reviews:

Prague Castle. Part 1: First, Second and Third Courtyards of Prague Castle

Prague Castle. Part II: Golden Street, Southern Gardens and other attractions of Prague Castle

The Charles Bridge

It became a symbol of Prague. The bridge connects Prague Castle and the Old Town. One of the most visited attractions by tourists. Charles Bridge is not just beautiful architectural structure, but a witness to the ancient history of Prague, full of secrets and mysteries. The bridge is decorated with 30 sculptures on different themes, each of which has its own history and legends. For example, if you touch the sculpture of Jan Nepomuk and make a wish, it will definitely come true.

Our reviews:

The Charles Bridge

Old Town Square

Old Town Square is the heart of ancient Prague. Here is the noon mark, from which time in the city has been counted since ancient times. The square is surrounded by ancient buildings made in the Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Rococo styles. This square is the spirit of Prague and should definitely be included in the list of must-see places. There is also a monument to Jan Hus, who is revered by the Czechs as a national hero.

There is also a clock on one of the towers. Yes, those same ones, with the figures of the apostles, who perform their dance in a circle every hour.

Our reviews:

Old Town Square

Cathedral of St. Vitus

Located main cathedral Czech Republic on the territory of Prague Castle in Courtyard No. 3. The temple is almost seven hundred years old, although its final appearance, which we admire today, was formed in the 19th century. The cathedral is richly decorated, because it was here that all the Czech kings were crowned. Beautiful painting of the walls, skillful decoration with gilding and bronze. In these paintings you can find almost all representatives of the royal dynasties of the Czech Republic - the entire history of the country is in this cathedral. All this amazes with its splendor and royal luxury.

The eternal ruler of the Czech Republic, Saint Wenceslas, rests here. Here is his crown. According to legend, anyone who wears it incorrectly will not live even a year. And in all of history, only Hitler’s governor decided to do this in 1942. But that’s what happened - less than a year later he died.

Our reviews:

St. Vitus Cathedral

Jewish Quarter

This quarter was formed back in the 14th century, when, by decree of the Czech authorities, Jews were forced to move outside of old Prague. Many centuries have passed since then and the Jewish City has turned into one of the most respectable areas of Prague (who would doubt it), built up with small mansions. But the appearance of the old Jewish Quarter has changed a little. Crooked, cobbled streets, Gothic synagogues, an ornate town hall and ancient lanterns. Walking through the streets of Joseph's Town, everything seems unusual and a little mysterious, because in the Middle Ages Prague was the Mecca of alchemists, who in most cases lived here outside Prague Castle, hiding from the Inquisition and conducting their experiments in basements equipped as laboratories. After walking around this frozen Medieval Prague, you begin to understand the work of Kafka, who was born here in the Jewish Quarter.

Our reviews:

Jewish Quarter (Joseph's Quarter) in Prague: secrets and legends

Hradcany

One of the oldest districts of Prague. Until the middle of the 18th century, it was a separate city. Hradcany is a favorite place for Czech aristocrats to live, a kind of Czech historical Barvikha. That is why architectural feature Hradcan are luxurious palaces, of which there are quite a lot here. Archbishop's Palace of the 16th century, Martinitsky and Tuscan palaces of the 17th century. Shtenberg Palace of the 18th century. Each palace is unique and different from the others. In some, authentic interiors and paintings have been preserved to this day, in others there are history museums different topics.

Kampa Island

Is located in Malaya Strana. The Legions Bridge and a small bridge from the Maltese Square lead to the island. But you can also get there by going down the stairs from Charles Bridge.

Kampa Island is often compared to Venice. The island is dotted with canals created for the operation of water mills. Everything here is imbued with the spirit of romance and love. On one of the bridges, newlyweds like to take pictures and hang locks for good luck. The island has a pub dedicated to John Lennon and an entire wall covered in incredible graffiti. On the island there is the Kampa Museum, where works of modern art are collected.

Our reviews:

Kampa Island in Prague: main attractions

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is the largest in Prague. Its length is more than a kilometer. The area starts from National Museum Prague, which we also recommend visiting. The square got its name from the monument to St. Vlaslav, who is depicted sitting on a horse. Very often, residents of Prague make their meetings “under the tail of Vaclav.”

Wenceslas Square personifies the life of the Czech Republic. It is here that a variety of events and exhibitions are held. open air, flash mobs, processions. The square is very bright and colorful. Here the history of the city and its modern pulse are harmoniously combined. Wenceslas Square is the business and shopping center of the city. The most famous Prague stores, such as Luxor or Yablonex, are located here.

From the square, narrow alleys-arteries diverge between the houses, which lead to parallel streets of Prague.

Our reviews:

Wenceslas Square in Prague

Visegrad

This is a princely city founded by Czech kings. Here at one time there was a residence of the Czech kings. And it was from the Visegrad hills that Princess Libushe, the patroness of the city, admired Prague.

Vysehrad is the second dominant city after Prague Castle. A lot of Visegrad monuments are associated with the name of Charles IV, because he decided that Prague would become the capital of the Roman Empire, and Visegrad his royal residence. But it's not meant to be. After the death of Charles, Vysehrad turned into a fortress, and later was transformed again, decorating itself with baroque elements.

The Visegrad Cemetery is also worth a visit. Many famous personalities are buried here. So here lies the writer Capek, who was the first to write about robots. Here are the graves of famous Czech composers B. Smetana and A. Dvorak.

But the main attraction of Visegrad remains the Church of Peter and Paul - main temple Přemyslid dynasty.

Our reviews:

Self-guided tour to Visegrad

Royal and Wallenstein Gardens of Prague

Write

Our reviews:

Royal and Wallenstein Gardens of Prague

What to try in Prague

The first association with the culinary Czech Republic is beer. Indeed, this country is famous for the best breweries, the beer from which is sold all over the world. Well, the best snack for beer is... well, what kind of crayfish, you’re in the Czech Republic - meat! A beer garden in Prague is far from being an eatery with a suspicious crowd, but a place where you can have a delicious lunch and, of course, try local beer.

The Czech chain of beer restaurants “The Shot Goose” in Czech “Potrefen?” is popular among tourists. Husa." This is a network of the Staropramen concern with a special concept and an excellent beer list of this beer giant.

If you are a lover of live beer, be sure to visit the Strahov Monastery, at the Klashterniy Pivovar restaurant (“KlИtern? pivovar Strahov”). They produce a special, delicious beer here that can’t be found anywhere else.

Well, if you decide that no beer can surprise you, go to the Brewery Club on Krizirova Street not far from the Main Bridge. Here, in addition to several types of draft beer, you will be offered 240 varieties of bottled beer. This is a beer lover's paradise!

In addition to beer, you should definitely try pork or poultry in the Czech Republic. The meat is fried or smoked, but the spices make it simply unforgettable, although it is quite fatty, but with local beer (interestingly, almost every restaurant-tavern-bar has its own original beer recipe) it’s just right. Please note that the meat portions are quite large. In some restaurants, the same pork knuckle can reach 1.5-2 kg, so look at the weight of the dish.

Find out more about Czech cuisine in our article .

Where to eat in Prague: colorful restaurants

Let's look at a few interesting places, where you can have a delicious lunch and gain new impressions, as the ancient Romans said: “Bread and circuses!”

Restaurant "Prav?k" at Sokolsk? 60, Prague 2 recreating the “interior” of the primitive structure. Mammoth skins, stone chairs, rough tables, waitresses in skins, pottery. Moreover, the “wild” show program makes you feel like the real Flintstones from the popular cartoon. By the way, the waiters’ language is the same, so you can learn to communicate with the sounds “uh-huh” “uh-uh”, and you can “demand” cutlery (if possible) only after the show.

Restaurant “V?topna” V?clavsk? n?m. 56. The peculiarity of the restaurant is that drinks are served here not by waiters, but by trains. Come here with children - a sea of emotions and delight.

Bar "Coyotes" at Mal? n?m?st? 2 will literally light you up with dancing girls on the bar and a magnificent fire show.

The tavern “At the King of Brabant” (Kr?ma U kr?le Brabantsk?ho) has been open to visitors since 1375 and probably since then neither the furniture nor the interior have changed. Executioners came here to drink a glass of beer after a hard day at work, alchemists, soothsayers and charlatans dropped in here.

This is where you can experience all the “charm” of the Middle Ages firsthand. The bartender here can quite noticeably slap you on the back, and a boorish waitress can clatter a tray of dishes on the table, and even keep the change for herself, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they told me that these waitresses have been working here since the opening, that’s really mystical place.

The tavern is located not far from the Charles Bridge, and the prices here are not at all “biting” as one might expect for such a unusual place in the historical part of the city.

Czech cuisine includes an abundance of meat and beer, but there are also vegetarian restaurants in the city. So one of the most beautiful and unusual “Lehk? hlava" at Borsov 280, with strict vegan cuisine. The restaurant is located in a beautiful baroque mansion, and its interior is designed in the style of a medieval alchemical laboratory. The only alcoholic beverages served here are wine.

Where to go from Prague

Here are just a few ideas of where you can go from Prague:

Karlstein

It is located just thirty kilometers from Prague. This is the ancient residence of Charles IV. The tour can be purchased directly on the spot. The castle has ancient history and is surrounded by secrets and legends, so it will be much more interesting with a guide.

You can get there by train from the Main Station.

Konopiste

Archduke Ferdinand's hunting lodge, which he turned into old fortress. Hamok is very romantic. There is a magnificent collection of hunting trophies here, and a wonderful English garden is laid out around the castle.

The castle is located near the town of Benesov, 45 km. from Prague. You can also get there by train or bus from the stations.

Here, a few kilometers away, there is another Sternberg castle, which has belonged to the family for more than 700 years. Today it is a tourist attraction, and you can stroll through the halls and see how the richest Czech family lived.

Kutna Hora

Located 60 kilometers from Prague. You can get there by train from the Main Station, by bus, or book a tour.

Kutna Hora flourished after silver mining began here. The city has grown and become very beautiful. Its most striking sights are the Cathedral of St. Barbara and the Chapel of All Saints.

You can read about the trip to these attractions in our series of articles: Kunta Mountain part 1 and part 2.

Karlovy Vary

Well, who hasn’t heard about the miracle-working resorts of Karlovy Vary. Spending a weekend here, gaining strength and relaxing are the main goals of visiting tourists. But it’s still worth taking the time to stroll through this magnificent town, whose architecture impresses with its luxury and sophistication.

Read impressions from a one-day trip to Karlovy Vary here.

Camp

Located 90 kilometers from Prague. Once this town became the center of the Hussite wars. And the rebel dungeons are still preserved here.

Tabor is a small town, but its Gothic architecture is very well preserved. And even if the churches are not as magnificent as in Prague (still Tabor has always been a remote province), but here the style is the most “pure” without any admixtures of Baroque or Renaissance, as is often the case.

Pilsen

Liberec

The main attraction of the town is the Pilsner Urquell brewery with a mandatory tasting of the intoxicating drink, so leave it for the end of your trip. Stroll around the city, admire its beautiful cathedrals, climb observation decks or vice versa, go underground into the famous catacombs. There is a lot of entertainment for children here too.

People often come to Liberec in winter for ski resorts. But even in summer, Liberec can be an excellent option for a day trip. This is a classic burgher town, which is located near the border of Poland and Germany. There are respectable houses, ancient churches and an unusual town hall, reminiscent of fairytale castle king.

Cesky Krumlov

It is best to visit this town on a two-day trip with an overnight stay. This time is enough to visit the most iconic sights of Krumlov (castle, historical center, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list, churches, town hall, museum wax figures), but also to visit the neighboring town of Cesky Budowice with its famous brewery where the famous Budweiser is brewed.

Czech Switzerland

National Park "?esk" ?v?carsko" is located on the border of the Czech Republic and Germany. This is an amazingly beautiful reserve with pine forests, mountain waterfalls, picturesque rocks.

Well, what is the Czech Republic without castles? They probably grow right out of the rocks here. A striking example of this is Schaunstein Castle, which is essentially ordinary rocks, but still so reminiscent of an old, fallen asleep fortress.

Dresden

Drezne is the most popular "abroad" trip from Prague. The journey takes only two hours by train or bus, so there is no need to be afraid of distance. There is no point in listing all the attractions of Dresden; it is worth coming here on a separate trip. But don't forget to visit the famous Dresden Gallery and admire Opera House or visit Cathedral It's simply impossible.

Hopon-hopoff sightseeing bus

There are such buses in many “promoted” tourist cities, which are impossible to get around in a day. Their principle is very simple: you buy a ticket for a day or two, receive disposable headphones at the entrance, choose any place and listen to the guide’s story. Meanwhile, the bus travels along a route passing by the most interesting sights. If you want to take a closer look at something, you can get off the bus, then board the next flight and continue your journey. That is, during the validity period of the ticket you can get off at any stop an unlimited number of times. Typically, this format of sightseeing is chosen by novice travelers. It is also convenient when traveling with children and when there is very little time allotted for the city, so thanks to hopon-hopoff you can get to know the beauty at least from a glance.

Book a ticket for such a bus, study its route and find out more detailed information possible at official website .

Excursions in Prague

Since Prague is one of the most popular countries in Europe among Russians, it is not surprising that travel agencies organize many excursions in Russian. It is clear that nowadays there are a lot of guidebooks, and there is even more information about attractions on the Internet, but it’s so nice when they tell you a well-thought-out program, show you interesting details of the city that no guidebook can write about. I like to take at least one excursion during a trip, although I choose it long and carefully. I especially like using the Tripster.ru service, where you can book an excursion with a private guide - a resident of the city. As a rule, guides create non-standard itineraries and try to add zest to the excursion in order to compete with large agencies that hand out colorful brochures in the most accessible places.

Travel agencies also work for the benefit of tourists, so there is a wide choice of excursions. I will not list them, I will just name some topics: “Median Prague”, “Princely Prague”, “Catholic Prague”, “Mystical Prague”, “Romantic Prague”, “Beer Prague”, “Scandalous Prague”. In addition to excursions around Prague, you can choose day trips to castles, monasteries, breweries, ancient Czech cities and even other countries.

We wrote more about excursions with prices separately.

Prague for children

When going on holiday to the Czech Republic with children, one should not forget that endless excursions to monasteries, castles or parks are certainly interesting, but children quickly get bored. They need children's entertainment, which is often incomprehensible to adults.

There are such in Prague, but decide for yourself what to choose from this list - you know what your child likes:

Aquapalace Praha. Waterpark Prague. Although this is much more than a water park, let’s say a water entertainment complex, since it has everything. This is a huge area of almost 10,000 square meters, which occupies three palaces and a vast open area. You can get there by a free water bus that runs from the Opatov metro station (metro line “C”).

Children's Entertainment Center"Hrad Z?bavy" ("City of Fun") located in the Palladium Shopping Center. Recreated here medieval city, but at a level of presentation that is understandable for children. For example, there are toy guns from which you can shoot balls, a maze made of bright cubes, slides and inflatable towers. There is also a corner for the little ones. In general, the child will definitely find something to do while the mother chooses new clothes.

Dinopark. Write You can get there by metro (line B) station?eskomoravsk?;

Prague Planetarium, where they offer to visit many different children's programs such as “Footprints on Mars”, “Moon Dream”. The planetarium is located in Stromovka Park. Metro line “C” station N?draI Hole?ovice.

Lunapark or Z?bavn? park na pra?sk?m V?stavi?ti – best attractions from all over Europe. And in the evening you can admire the enchanting light show of the Krzyzyk Fountains, which are located nearby. Metro (red line C) exit at N?dra and Hole?ovice.

Oceanarium " Sea World" Metro line “C” stop N?draI Hole?ovice. More than three hundred species of fish and sea animals are collected here; it will be interesting not only for children.

Prague Zoo. Metro line “C” get off at N?draI Hole?ovice, and longer by bus 112 to the stop “Zoologick?” zahrada" (Zoological Park) or by taxi. An enthusiastic review from our adult reader about the Prague Zoo.

Children's Island. This is a whole island, they want the smallest one on the Vltava, dedicated to children's entertainment. There are numerous sandboxes, children's and sports grounds, horizontal bars, fountains, slides and other “devices” for children, active rest. Although adults can also play their favorite team games here. The island is open all day and entry is completely free.

What to bring from Prague

For many, it has already become a tradition to bring souvenirs from different places. It is simply impossible not to bring a souvenir from Prague. I won’t write about such banal things as magnets or postcards, but I suggest you familiarize yourself with my list of Prague souvenirs:

Beer mug with a relief image of Prague. A beautiful souvenir that will appeal primarily to a man, especially if you add a bottle of Czech beer to it. Without departing from the alcohol theme, I’ll immediately remember the legendary Beherovka balm.
Orloj Clock (astronomical clock on Old Town Square). Of course, no one will let you steal the original, but smaller copies made of wood or plastic with a regular mechanism can be purchased at any store.
Carlsbad waffles. Their manufacturing technology has not changed for 160 years. A very tasty and characteristically Czech souvenir (although what kind of souvenir it is is until the first tea party).
If we're talking about sweets, we can't help but mention Czech gingerbread, which is produced only in Pardubice, but can be purchased in Prague. Their exact recipe is kept strictly, but some ingredients are recognized: honey, anise, coriander and pepper - the taste is unsurpassed.
Stationery products Koh-I-Noor – famous all over the world. These are paints, pencils, markers, erasers. And although this is a rather specific souvenir, artists will certainly appreciate it.
But fashionistas will certainly like the products of the Tonak factory, which has been dictating hat fashion throughout Europe for many years.
Manufaktura skin care cosmetics enjoy constant success among ladies of all ages. The Karlovy Vary company offers a very wide range of products - for every taste and budget.
Bohemian crystal is an expensive but exquisite item that will delight you for many years. These are glasses, vases, sugar bowls, or, finally, a chic chandelier. Such things are always appreciated.
Young girls are delighted with the Jabloneks jewelry, which is produced in the Czech glassblowing center Jablone nad Nisou. These are a variety of products made from beads and colored beads.
Jewelry with garnet. Why should you buy them in Prague? Because Czech garnet has a rich blood-burgundy color, which looks especially impressive on silver jewelry. It is worth noting that fakes are often sold in Prague, so do not buy stones on the market. Inexpensive garnet jewelry can be purchased in stores that work directly with the factory. There are two of them in Prague: one is located on the street. Panska, 1, and the second one at st. Dlouha, 28.
Jewelry with vlatvin. Never heard of such a stone? This is only because it is found only in the southern regions of the Czech Republic and is difficult to find in other countries. It is believed that this is a sintered mountain rock that flared up from the burning of a meteorite. The stone is distinguished by its rich herbal colors and a peculiar “wrinkled” surface with frozen gas bubbles. Vlatvin is also called the “space” stone. He has medicinal properties: improves visual acuity and relieves headaches.
Prague Jezulatko. This is a small figurine of the baby Jesus wearing an old dress and a small crown. The original of this relic - a wax figurine of a baby - is located in Prague from the Monastery of the Virgin Mary on Karmelitskaya Street, 9. Even the fact that the Pope, having arrived in Prague, first visited Jezulatka, speaks about the power and importance of this relic. They say everything you ask for (what you really need) will definitely come true. Often this little doll is prayed to by women who want to have children, or for the health of the child. But the figurine has been standing here for 350 years, which means that wishes really come true. You can buy this Ezulatko in many souvenir shops.

And here is a story about what our reader bought

Shopping centers and outlets in Prague

For many, the concepts of vacation and shopping are identical, so I can’t ignore the topic shopping centers and outlets. As a reminder, I will give a short list of the most popular shopping centers.

But this is not the entire list of Prague shopping centers and boutiques. There are similar ones at almost every terminal metro station. A lot is concentrated in the Wenceslas Square area. Here are the most popular shopping centers in Prague. But if you want to buy an expensive and exclusive item, go to Parizhskaya Street (PaI?sk?ulice). It starts from Old Mast Square and goes down to the embankment. It is worth noting that it is included in the TOP 10 most expensive streets in Europe, but it is on it that boutiques such as Prada or Louis Vuitton, Faberge are located. But however, even if you can’t afford these things, take a walk along it, it is an example of the refined and aristocratic architecture of Prague.

But you can buy good new things, but a little cheaper Na PІkop? (on Přikop). Historically, a moat (PIkop?) separated the Old and New town, gradually the boundaries were erased, and this place turned into a shopping street. There are many shops here selling inexpensive clothing brands: Mango, Cottonfield, etc.

From Prague to Other Countries

If you decide to diversify your trip to the Czech Republic by visiting other countries, then the choice is quite large. Czech small country, so after driving only 150-200 kilometers in any direction, you will already get to your neighbors. So, the most popular directions:

Germany. The border lies approximately 120 kilometers from Prague and is one of the most popular destinations from Prague. The most convenient place to visit is Dresden; it is located just two hours from the capital of the Czech Republic. To visit Berlin or Nuremberg the road will take about 5 hours one way. The journey to Munich takes 6 hours. It is convenient to get there by train from the Main Station, and there are direct buses.
Austria. In Austria there are direct flights to Vienna and Salzburg. To get to the capital of Austria, the road will take 4.5 hours, but to see Mozart’s homeland you will have to spend 6.5 hours one way.
Poland. You can go to Warsaw or Krakow. But the road will take almost 9 hours one way, so such routes need to be planned for several days. But Polish Wroclaw is only four hours away, so why not visit it.
Slovakia. There are many Slovaks living in the Czech Republic, so there are very good connections with Bratislava. The journey by train takes only four hours. By the way, the ticket price will be cheaper than to other destinations of the same distance. This is due to good demand.
Hungary. Getting to Budapest from Prague is also quite convenient. There is a direct train from Prague Main Station and Shuttle Buses. You will spend about 7 hours on the road one way.
France, Switzerland, Holland. These countries are also quite possible to visit during your holiday in Prague. The journey to Paris, Zurich or Amsterdam will take approximately 10 hours. And if you buy a ticket for City Night Line trains (night flight), the price will be much lower, and the journey will be quite comfortable.

Useful Czech vocabulary

Although the Czech language belongs to the Slavic group, it is sometimes difficult for us to understand what they are trying to tell us, and some words can even make us blush, although no one thought of calling us names. This is what I remember most about the Czech language.

For example, in the evening you wanted chocolate or sausages (by the way, in Czech klobasa). If you saw the “Potraviny” sign, this is definitely the place for you. But not because the Czech Republic does not like tourists, but because the phrase “Food” sounds in Czech. What did you think?

Speaking of signs. What other inscriptions may you encounter:

Vchod zak?zan – No entry;

Pozor – Attention;

Mimo provoz (that's how you would translate it), but in fact it means “n

Hello friends!

Today on the blog is the essential minimum for a tourist: 7 things you need to know about a trip to Prague.

Answers to your most FAQ: when to come, where to live, how much money to take and what to see in Prague?

Bonus: three magic words that open any door in Prague.

Have a nice and useful reading!

When to go to Prague?

The weather in Prague is changeable: from sunny +10°C in January to chilly and windy 0°C in April. At the same time, the most pleasant feature of Prague is that thunderstorms and showers (which happen often) mostly occur at night. Well, they add romance, of course.

Great weather guaranteed from early May to mid-October. From May to September and Christmas time is the highest tourist season. Accordingly, prices rise by 20-30%.

Personally, I think they are ideal for visiting Prague April May.

Because the best of Prague for free(make allowances for the fact that I don’t drink beer and don’t eat fatty pork knuckles): countless events are being held, all gardens and parks are already open, peacocks are playfully spreading their tails, the city is immersed in a pinkish-white haze of blooming magnolias, cherries, emitting the most delicate aroma...

The cutest Easter markets are open and you can watch some very piquant Czech ones live. True, if you go to Prague on Easter, the shops will be closed and you are likely to meet crowds of tourists: on Easter, the whole of Europe goes on a trip.

Advice: If you are traveling to Prague with children, it's great to plan a trip to area June 1: at this time there are many sports and entertainment events for families and children, promotions (for example, entry to the zoo for children for 1 crown) and entertainment.

You will find ideas of what to do in Prague with children here

When to go to Prague?

How many days to go to Prague?

One of my favorite questions.

To run through the main Prague attractions at a very fast pace - just three days.

To take a leisurely stroll around Prague and see nearby castles - a week to enjoy and understand Prague – the bigger, the better.

If you are traveling to Prague for the first time, then, perhaps, you shouldn’t gallop around and take excursions to Karlovy Vary, Dresden and Vienna, this is exactly the mistake I made on my first tourist visit to Prague and I didn’t understand the city at all. Now I love Prague very much, here are my

Advice: To prepare for your trip, you can look at the official tourist portal of Prague and download maps and guides here

if you love independent walks and this is not the first time in Prague, then by visiting any tourist center you can pick up a beer guide, a “Prague in your pocket” guide, five Prague walks, Jewish Prague, etc. for free.

I recently came across a very stylish, high-quality and very Czech guidebook “Walks with Alice”. It can be found in hotels, in tourist centers or download the electronic version

Well, and a nice Use-it map for young travelers, I think you will like it as much as I do. Guys' story

How many days to go to Prague?

Where to stay in Prague?

The choice of hotels, apartments and hostels in Prague is huge, for every taste and budget, I won’t give clear recommendations here, it’s better to read the latest reviews.

If this is your first or second trip to Prague, then perhaps it is better to stay in the very center: in the districts Prague 1(the very center) or Prague 2 ( expat stylish district of Vinohrady ) , all attractions are practically within walking distance.

Available hotel options can be found in areas of Prague 3(a very colorful district of Zizkov - it is called Prague Montmartre, this is where Svetly Anton from lived), Prague 8 or Prague 10(green area).

You can choose by location near metro stations (there are 3 lines in the Prague metro):

red branch: Vltavská - Florenc- Hlavní nádraží - Muzeum - I. P. Pavlova - Vyšehrad
green branch: Hradčanská - Malostranská - Staroměstská - Můstek - Muzeum - Náměstí Míru - Jiřího z Poděbrad- Flora
yellow branch: Anděl - Karlovo náměstí - Národní třída - Můstek - Náměstí Republiky - Florenc- Křižíkova.

All these stations are located 5-10 minutes from the center. The Green Line is perhaps the most convenient for tourists.

Where to stay in Prague?

Travel budget: how much money to bring to Prague?

The Czech Republic is not part of the euro zone and the country's currency is Czech crowns.

IN tourist shops and bars you can pay Euro, but at an extremely unfavorable rate. It is by this sign that it is easy to understand how touristic a place is.

By the way, in Some restaurants do not accept card payments. There is a terminal, but it may not work today. In this case, unfortunately, this is an attempt to make money from tourists.

To calculate the travel budget, let’s take the main items of tourist expenses: transport, food and museum tickets.

Transport. Price 30-minute ticket valid for all types of transport - 24 crowns(about 1 euro), if you plan to make more than four trips a day, then it is worth purchasing full day ticket costs 110 CZK(about 4 euros) and ride without restrictions. You can buy a ticket for three days for 310 CZK(10 euros). It is better to check all tariffs on the official website of the Prague Transport Authority here. For children under 6 years old travel free, one parent accompanying a child under 3 years old gets free travel. You can buy a travel ticket from yellow machines, traffic shops, bus drivers or an SMS ticket. All tickets must be validated on your first trip.

Transport tariffs in Prague

Nutrition. Typical breakfast costs approximately 300 CZK (10 euros). Have lunch in the dining room you can also 300 CZK(10 euros), dinner in a restaurant from 600 CZK per person (20 euros).
Visiting museums. Average museum ticket price 300 CZK(10 euros).

It turns out that the budget for one day in Prague is from 1500 CZK (50 euros).

How much money to take to Prague?

What to take to Prague?

Prague is hills and cobblestones, so a must for Prague comfortable shoes for the season.

With Prague women's frivolity and changeability, they definitely won't hurt in your backpack raincoat and umbrella. In addition, it is worth taking with you hat, scarf and gloves.

The Czechs are very democratic in their clothing; they love casual and sporty style. If you are a tourist without pretensions, then you will be comfortable.

What to take to Prague?

What to do in Prague?

Arrange a romantic date, details about the best places
Walk in Prague gardens and parks, drink beer and wine, details
See five top Prague places: Vysehrad, Peterszyn Hill, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Prague Castle, details
Go on an unusual excursion with and , receiving a 10% discount using the code word multikulti
go in and
Do a photo shoot in Pruhonice Castle and Park, details
Try it something from the selection of must-dos in Prague

In addition, every month I make a selection of events that you definitely shouldn’t miss in Prague, April selection

What to do in Prague?

What to bring from Prague?

A full overview of what, where and at what price you can buy in Prague here

Advice: visit one of the Prague markets for fresh vegetables and fruits, flowers and street food, souvenirs and gifts.

Prague residents' favorite market: the farmers' market on Surfacing on weekends.

Market on Rear Square

Market opening hours: Mon - Fri (06:00 - 18:30); Saturday (07:00 - 18:30); Sunday (08:00 - 18:00).

Havelske Trziste (Havel's Market or Havel Market)- food and souvenir market

Address: st. Havelska, Old Town
Market opening hours: Mon - Fri (06:00 - 18:30); Saturday (07:00 - 18:30); Sunday (08:00 - 18:00).

Prazska (Holešovické) Trznice (Prague Market) - vegetable and clothing market

Address: Holеsovice, Prague 7, (Vltаvska metro station).
Market opening hours: Mon - Fri (08:00 - 18:00); Saturday (08:00 - 13:00); Sunday is a day off.

Czech: minimum tourist

Czech language: the imaginary of a tourist

In most tourist places in Prague you will find menus in several languages and you will be able to communicate in Russian or English.

But there is a magic formula that opens any door in Prague - this smile And three words.

And may Czech teachers forgive me, I don’t like transcription in Russian, but I hope it will help you:

Good day(Good day! at any time of the day) , Prosim(we ask) – please , Dekuji(dekui) - thank you. These magic words will make you the Harry Potter of Prague.

Well, if you are interested in Czech, then:

In Russian	In Czech	Pronunciation
Yes	Ano	Ano
No	Ne	Ne
Please	Prosím	Please
Thank you	Děkuji	Decui
Sorry	Promiňte	Prominte
Hello	Ahoj	Ahgoy
Czech crown	Koruna česka	Koruna cheska
help me	Pomozte mi	Help me
Let me	Dejte mi	Date mi
Change me	Rozměňte mi	Rozmente mi
Speak slowly	Mluvte pomaleji	Mluvte pomaleyi
Repeat one more time	Ještě jednou	Eat ednow
Thank you, I don't want to	Děkuji, já nechci	Dekuyi, I am nekhtsi
Don't know	Nevim	Navim
I don't understand	Nerozumim	Unreasonable
I need …	Potřebuji…	Potrzebuji...
Entrance	Vchod	Entrance
Exit	Východ	Exit
Men	Muži	Husbands
Women	Zeny	Wives
Open	Otevřeno	Otevreno
Closed	Zavřeno	Zavrzheno
Bon appetit!	Dobrou chuť	Hello
What it is?	Co to je?	What is it?
Where?	Kde?	Where?
Which	Který?	Kteri
Call...	Zavolejte	Zavolite
Taxi	taxi	Taxi
Police	police	Police
Ambulance	sanitka	Sanitka

And I almost forgot the most important words.

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