City of Prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, lies in the heart of Europe and ranks amongst the most impressive historical cities in the world. The city has always played an important part in the history of the nation, country and Europe. Since medieval times, Prague has been distinguished as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Prague is not only a centre of cultural movements dating back for centuries (Art from every period in history can be found here), it also exhibits a unique collection of historical monuments, dominated by Prague Castle.

Since 1992, the historical core of the city (866 hectares) has been listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register as a town with a unique and lively blend of Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture.Prague was one of nine European cities awarded the title European City of Culture in 2000. Prague has around 1.2 million inhabitants. Since May 1st , 2004 the Czech Republic has been a member of the European Union. Prague remains the greatest tourist magnet.

For more information, visit the website www.praguewelcome.cz.

It is beautiful all year round, but it is most beautiful in spring, when it comes alive with blossom. With the opening of the Prague Spring Festival, the concert halls and gardens of the city attract music-lovers from all over the world. Winter, however, is a time for people to visit the mountains. The Giant Mountains (Krkonose) are the highest and most beautiful range in the country. Summer is a time for hiking in the countryside or swimming in the countless lakes and reservoirs. At this time of year South Bohemia, with its lakes and extensive forests, is the place to visit. Autumn is best during the wine festival in South Moravia after the grapes have been harvested. The Czech Republic has much to offer to tourists from all around the world.

The average temperature is considered to be a “continental climate”. The Czech Republic lies within the Central European Time zone, i.e. GMT+1 hour. Summer time (GMT+2 hours) is in effect from the end of March until the end of September.

The official currency is the Czech Crown (CZK/Kc) with Exchange offices and ATM machines easily available throughout the City and at Prague International Airport. The official language in the Czech Republic is Czech, but many people speak English in the tourist areas and services.

Restaurants and Shopping

Czech cuisine is typical of Middle European gastronomy, featuring a number of Czech elements such as bread or fruit dumplings, various kinds of soups, sauces, numerous potato dishes, cakes and a wide range of festive dishes. In general, Czech gastronomy means roasted pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, potato pancakes, plum dumplings and bilberry cakes … and, of course, Czech drinks – primarily beer and first-rate wines from South Moravia, not to mention “Slivovice”, a clear Czech plum brandy and “Becherovka” a delicious herbal elixir with legendary aphrodisiac qualities.

Shops in Prague are normally open Monday - Friday from 09:00 - 18:00, and on a Saturday morning. All major credit cards are accepted.

Travel in Prague

Official taxis have a permanently installed yellow roof lamp with the TAXI sign in black letters. The registration number, company name and the price list including the basic rate, rate per kilometer and one-minute-waiting rate must be displayed on both front doors of the cab. Prague Public Transit Co. Inc. is the main public transport operator in the Czech Republic. A ticket must be purchased before starting a journey.

Metro/Underground operates daily from 5:00 to 24:00. This is recommended as the fastest and cheapest form of moving around the city.

Tram and Buses operate 24 hours a day.

The most recent information on Pragues'  transportation system can be found on the official website www.dpp.cz.