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One day trip outside of Prague
Have you seen lots of Prague already? it is time to take a break from it then and head outside of the city. Explore a little bit of the countryside and beautiful nature that the Czech Republic has to offer. This country has an excellent public transportation so taking a train is the most convenient way to do this. No need to rent a car and get stuck in traffic…because you would. The Karlstejn Castle is only 45 minutes away from Prague by train which goes every 30 minutes! Take one from the Central station (Hlavni Nadrazi) to Karlstejn for about 100CZK (return ticket). The Czech Republic is full of castles, seriously, they are everywhere and it feels as if they all look the same, at least to me. But if you only have time for a one day trip, this is the one to see. It was built in 1348, a fun fact – more than 100 years before America was discovered, by the king Charles IV. You know, the Charles Bridge, Charles Square, the statue of king Charles at the top of the Wenceslas Square, Charles University….Very important person in our history. The Castle is nicknamed the country’s […]
The amazing trend of street food – don’t miss out on the Farmers’ markets in Prague!
If you already live in Prague you probably already know this, however, if you’re just in process of planning your trip to Prague pay attention – you can find amazing places to eat and you are very likely to bump into not so great places to eat. Are you into fresh fruits, veggies, homemade pastries, meeting people passionate about their work and cooking with high quality ingredients? Are you gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo and whatnot? Then keep on reading :). First of all, avoid randomly eating at the “Italian”/pizza restaurants, owned by not-Italians, in the city center without any prior research on where to actually go. – Yes, they are everywhere, seem appealing but are rarely good. Plus the service is not as good as any of us would like. Second of all, the food stands in the streets look and smell awesome and suggest to be “street food” but are concentrated primarily in the touristy places. Such as around the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square and that means one thing – overpriced. Thanks to the Greek national Hana Michopulu and her movement for reestablishing farmers’ markets in Prague it only takes a 1-3 […]
How to avoid the crowds but still see the crowd-worthy places?
You are probably coming to Prague to primarily see the following places: the Charles Bridge, the Old town Square, the Prague Castle and the Wenceslas square. No matter what the season is, these places seem to always be filled with tourists day and (almost all) night. Either you embrace it and go with the flow, bumping into people and having groups of strangers in your pictures…Or you set you alarm so that you are up and out by the sunrise. it can be done and it is well worth it! The only people out before 5am are the ones just returning home from a night out, people going to work for an early shift and the ones wanting to get great shots of the city and explore it in peace. The best option to watch the sun rising above the city is from the overlook next to the Castle for some breathtaking views. In order to avoid the 15 minute uphill walk, take the tram 22 to “Pohorelec” station. Head East across a small parking lot, slightly downhill, keeping on the left (not completely downhill on the right), across the square called “Hradcanske Namesti” and you will reach the Prague […]
3 tips to figuring out Prague’s public transportation
Prague has a very convenient public transportation system that gets you everywhere you need to go. Sure, it might be a little confusing to get on a subway or a tram, at first, but you will get the hang of it rather quickly. Carry the CZK coins When using the public transportation, you need tickets – most of the time you will be buying those at self-service machines at the subway and tram stations. 80 % of those machines do not accept credit cards nor paper bills. It is possible to get the tickets at newspaper stands, magazines stores and some grocery stores – most of those, however, are not open past 8 – 9 p.m. There are new machines at some stations that accept credit cards and you can use one to purchase tickets, directly, on certain trams (the new “modern looking” ones). But I would not count on it and recommend purchasing multiple tickets at once that can be used throughout your stay or get a one day unlimited ride ticket for an intense day of exploring. Know where you are going Often it happens that the locals don’t speak good enough English to help you out when […]
Quiet café with outside seating in the heart of Žižkov
If you love coffee, delicious food or just look for a place where you could sit in the shadow and relax in these hot days, Café Pavlač is the right choice for you. With its feel-good and authentic vibes, it’s a perfect place where you can meet with locals and get a rest from the tourist-crowded centre. This discreet coffee shop in one of the steep streets in the city quarter Žižkov will surely surprise you: stylish interior, above all a massive oval bar in the inner part, two separated rooms, calm outside seating full of green vegetation and shadow, furnished with comfy armchairs and colorful lights above your head. When you add the nice and smiling service staff, you can easily call this place a paradise. For drink, you can order a beer from a small brewery Poutník or coffee of the brand La Boheme, they also have a large selection of homemade lemonades, delicious wines and long drinks. If you’re more interested in food, you could like for example baked focaccia with salt pork, fresh pasta (the staff will be glad to make a gluten-free version for you as well) or traditional Czech pickled brie cheese with modern fusion. You can also come for lunch since they have daily menus, […]
Zoological Garden of the Capital City of Prague
The Prague Zoo, boasting the capital of the Czech Republic, is a popular place not only for tourists but it is a very popular place for the locals. At the zoo in Prague housed more than 4 500 animals under approximately 700 different species. So everyone will find their favourite one. The 4 most popular place in the world Prague can rightfully be proud of the zoo, which is a sought-after destination for local and foreign visitors. More than a million people visit it per year. In 2015 was rated as the fourth best place in the world. The Prague zoo tries to keep animals in conditions that are most similar to their natural environment while actively participating in the rescue of endangered species. One of the most famous is the survival of the Przewalski´s horse. How to get to the zoological garden The Prague Zoo, which is located in Troja near to Holešovice, was opened for public in 1931. You have to go to the Nádraží Holešovice station, which is on the metro line C (red one) and then from Nádraží Holešovice goes the bus line 112 directly to zoo. You should definitely not miss the visit of the […]
The Czech men’s t-shirt brand has supported the LGBT community
EASTAIL is a brand of men’s t-shirts that has a relatively short history on the Czech and foreign markets. With its original motifs, it evokes inner strength, and the men’s fashion brand has decided to support the LGBT community as well. The whole story began to be written at the beginning of last year, when the feeling of fashion and artistic art combined. Then the owner of the eshop of the Czech brand EASTAIL began to realize his idea of realizing his dream. He created an entirely new brand of men’s t-shirts including the motifs he himself designed. “The symbol of the warrior shows the inner strength of a man that everyone should use and go to everything,” says Martin, the owner of EASTAIL. Meanwhile, other motifs that originate literally at home on the knee are planned to create a rainbow motif symbolizing LGBT community support. Rainbow T-shirts are thus included in the standing offer of the internet shop. You can check them directly here. “I perceive the sexual minority as a certain gesture that every reasonable person should do, I certainly do not want to hate here,” adds Martin from EASTAIL. Few people know that the textile industry has […]
Lennon Wall
In the centre of Prague, near the Charles Bridge, is a colorfully painted wall dedicated the John Lennon. This attracts the Beatles legend’s fans and followers of his messages of peace and respects for fellow man. As such it became a destination for people opposed to the now-fallen communist regime in the Czech Republic. Although not large, the wall is a slice of history adorned with poems and declarations of love and peace. It is nicknamed the Wall of Narrators. After Lennon’s death in 1980 the space was used for a symbolic tomb. People met, wore flowers and painted Beatles lyrics on the wall, which were painted over many times by the communist who saw it as a focus for rebellion. Now Lennon Wall is a tourist attraction, bringing people from all over the world, some whom make their own artistic contributions. So the wall is constantly changing but unfortunately it now has little to do with the original idea for its inception.
Old Czech “Hladinka”
What does actually mean “Old Czech Hladinka” (“Flat Head Beer”)? First, pour a small amount of foam into the glass by turning the tap on slowly, then open the tap for maximum flow and let the beer run onto the glass wall, creating the so-called “beer glass pole”, which is beer without turbulence, completely transparent. The whole process is completed by shutting the tap elegantly and quickly. A little beer may occasionally flow over the rim of the glass. You can see the wavy effect of the rising “wet foam“. A gentle veil of foam rises up gradually in the glass. The beer steadies and at the end rises slowly. These are the specifics of this drawing method. The beer has a pleasant taste; it is not over carbonated or flat. The foam is absolutely soft and straight, after drinking, it makes circles on the glass walls, the so-called straight levels in Czech “hladinka”. That is why in Czech it is referred to as “hladinka” or “hladké” (straight). The beer drawn in this way allows all characteristics of the beer to come out and it is the most sought after beverage in all exceptional ale houses in Bohemia and Moravia. […]
Strahov monastery
The Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter in Czech) also known as the Royal Canonry of Premonstratensians at Strahov, located on the western edge of Hradčany is one of the oldest monasteries of the Premonstratensian Order in the World. The Strahov Monastery (Strahovsky Klaster) started its long itinerary through history with establishment of the Premonstratensians, a religious order of canons founded in 1120 by St Norbert as an independent part of the Catholic church. By the year 1182 a Romanesque stone monastery was built on the place of an older foundation of Prince Vladislav II (from 1140). It’s peace was disturbed by a fire in 1258, when the church was destructed almost totally. A reconstruction in the Gothic style followed, but that was not to last either, as Baroque retouches were added during the beginning of the 18th century. In the meanwhile the abbey was plundered first by the Hussites and during the Thirty Years’ War by a regiment of the Swedish army. The last but not least hit that the abbey had to take was the bombardment of the church’s premises by the French, in 1742. After the Communist regime ended, the abbey was returned to the Premonstratensians in 1989. The […]
5 things to see in Prague
Coming to Prague can be a daunting task. So much to see, so little time. So here are five things you should find time to see while in the capital of Czech Republic and no, I am not calling it Czechia. No Czech citizen I know of does and it is not even word derived from Czech language but from English. In my honest opinion, the idea came from a drunk politician trying to at least sound helpful. Save yourself the trouble and don’t use the controversial name while on vacation. Charles Bridge Charles Bridge is one of the most prominent bridges of Europe. Build in 1357, it measures 620 meters across and is lined with 30 statues. Originally called the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge, there are several myths and legends surrounding not only the way it was built. In one of them, the architect building the bridge was falling behind the schedule. Today’s standards are that when public work falls behind the schedule, politicians will simply give the company more money and time. But at the time the bridge was built, things were different and it would cost the architect his head. Ah good old days… Anyway, the […]
6 typical Czech dishes you have to sample
6 typical Czech dishes you have to sample 1) Svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce with bread dumplings) In the Czech Republic this is a top national food, a speciality for festive events such as weddings. The roasted beef comes with a sauce of root vegetables in a cream reduction infused with the juices of the roasted meet. Served with bread dumplings. Interest: The name Svíčková is derived from the type of beef and some say the sauce looks like it’s made of melted candles (candle in Czech is “svíčka“). It doesn’t taste of candles! 2) Pečené koleno (slow-roasted pork) The pork knee is first poached or boiled and then roasted low and long so the meat is tender and falling from the bone. It is served with mustard, fresh horseradish, sour cucumber and fresh bread. 3) Bramboračka (potato soup) Chefs take on this traditional and closely-guarded recipe of Czech grandmothers. If your chef gets close to it, your taste buds will be rewarded. In the soup you will find potatoes, mushrooms, root vegetables, garlic and marjoram. 4) Smažák (Fried cheese with french fries and tartar sauce) A dish that the Czech Republic clearly loves. A guilty pleasure of a […]
How to avoid the taxi sharks
Using taxis to get around Prague can be tricky for locals – and even more so for tourists. It is good idea to take time to get information about different companies. Believe me, your wallet will be happy! Many foreign tourists like Prague, they say it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Many come for the architecture and ancient monuments associated with the city’s rich history. Others enjoy the city’s green spaces and parks, and, especially for younger tourists, it’s the night life that holds the attraction. Especially for tourists on a night out in an unfamiliar city, taxis can be a saviour. You’ve perhaps been to a restaurant, a bar or a night club, had a few drinks and need to get back quickly and safely to where you are staying. It is a good idea to have an address card, taxi drivers do not usually speak foreign languages. Secondly, get an idea in advance which taxis are reputable and which drivers are just waiting for a tourist to rip-off. No-name taxi drivers are just waiting for foreigners unfamiliar with Prague and won’t hesitate to drive you half-way round the city unnecessarily because you don’t […]
Prague Jewish Town
Unveil the stories of the Jewish Ghetto in Prague! Few European cities can boast a better preserved Jewish Ghetto than Prague. Six synagogues, a Jewish Town Hall, magical cemetery and the unique genius loci make Josefov in Prague a place which you should certainly not leave out when you are wandering around the “Golden City”. Get to know the unsettled history of the Prague Jews, their architecture, traditions, customs and stories, which rank among some of the most tragic of the 20th century. Paradoxically, the Jewish Town has Adolf Hitler to thank for its well-preserved condition. It was the Nazi leader himself who decided to establish the “Museum of an Extinct Race” in Prague. Thanks to this, valuables from the occupied countries were gathered in this area and the largest collection of Jewish items in Europe was created here. Nowadays, Josefov is again a lively place with a good-sized Jewish community. Visiting it will provide you with an insight into another piece of the mosaic of the development of Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires”. The place where Golem rests As soon as you walk down luxurious Pařížská Street, you will find yourself in front of the imposing frontage of […]
Charles Bridge and bridge towers
To the Charles Bridge in search of the essence of romance The Charles Bridge will never cease to fascinate the artists, photographers and poets who pay homage to it in their works. When the day’s first rays of sunlight touch the cold cobblestones and illuminate the monumental Gothic towers at both of its ends, you would be hard put to find a more romantic location. With the powerful silhouette of Prague Castle in the background and the gallery of Baroque statues on both sides, it is no wonder that this is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. One of the many legends tells that construction of the Charles Bridge was started by the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV on precisely 9/7/1357 at 5.31. The reason for this was the allegedly auspicious constellation of the sun and Saturn and also the fact that this date corresponds to the sequence of odd numbers from one to nine and back. Maybe it was precisely this magical combination of numbers 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1 which ensured the bridge’s endurance, magnificence and the admiration of millions of visitors from all over the world. Another of the legends tells that eggs, wine and milk were […]
Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square
Experience a medieval world wonder – the Old Town Astronomical Clock! Every hour, hundreds of tourists from all over the world with cameras at the ready gather in front of the Old Town Hall to enjoy a fascinating mechanical performance which in the Middle Ages was considered one of the wonders of the world. The Prague Astronomical Clock, which for 600 years has been one of the greatest treasures of the city, still amazes people with its procession of Apostles, moving statues and visualization of time like no other instrument in the world. Legends about the origins of the Prague Astronomical Clock are many. The most famous one, however, is that it was built by Master Hanuš in 1410. The city councillors at that time were so delighted with the clock that they later began to fear that Master Hanuš would build one like it for another European city. Therefore one dark night they had him blinded, and thus the wondrous clock remained only in Prague. Whether or not this legend is true, what is certain is that at the top of every hour figures on the sides of the clock become animated and two windows open up to reveal […]
Gothic Powder Tower
The Gothic Powder Tower in the Old Town used to be a gate to Prague in the middle ages. It was built in a ditch around the town´s ramparts, about 9 metres below the present ground. The future kings of Bohemia used to enter the town through this gate when they were on their coronation parade. This parade went on the traditional Royal Way to the Prague Castle, where the coronation took place. Together with the Old Town Bridge Tower, the Powder Tower is the only existing part of the former Prague Old Town fortification. History of the Powder Tower The foundation-stone of the Powder Tower was laid down in 1475. Mathias Rejsek ran the construction and decorated the tower with sculptures. The tower was originally called “Horska” Tower, because of a road, that led from the Powder Tower to Kutna Hora. When the Royal family moved from the Royal Court in the Old Town back to the Prague Castle in 1488, the Powder Tower was left unfinished. Some building work was done in 1592, when the new spiral staircase was built. The Powder Tower bears its name because of the gunpowder, that used to be stored there since the […]