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POPULAR SIGHTS IN PRAGUE
Prague Castle
Charles Bridge
Petrin Tower
Jewish Quarter/Cemetery
Vaclavske Namesti (Wencelas Square)
Obecni Dum (Municipal House)
Narodni Divadlo (National Theater)
TV Tower
ESCAPING THE CROWDS: Less Frequently Visited Sights
Vysehrad
Prague Zoo
Vystaviste
Metronome
Largest Equestrian Statue in the World
Olsanske Hrbitovy/Cemetery
Botanical Garden
Lennon Wall
GETTING TO AND FROM PRAGUE
Cheap Airlines
European Train and Bus Schedules
Prague-London Express Bus
Ride-Sharing
Car Rental
Hitchhiking
Biking Away
GETTING AROUND PRAGUE
General Information: Metros, Trams, Buses
Schedules and Routes
Airport Transportion
Taxis
Bike Rentals
GETTING TO KNOW PRAGUE
Walking Tour Companies
Our Walking Tour
Our Tram Tour
MUSEUMS
Art
Non-art

"HIGH CULTURE"
Opera
Ballet
Classical concerts
THEATER
Local Companies (in Czech and English)
Black Light Theater Puppet Shows
Musicals
MOVIE THEATERS/FILMS (in English/with English subtitles)
Mainstream
Alternative
SPORTS-Be a Spectator
Hockey
Football/Soccer
RECREATION-Be a participant
Gyms
Ice Skating
Eating Out...and In
Traditional Czech Food
Vegetarian/Vegan
Breakfast Nooks
On-the-Cheap
Treat Yourself
Late Night Grub
Delivery
Groceries
Drinking Out
Beer Gardens
Breweries/Brewery Tours
Good Pubs Around Town
Wine Bars
Going Out
Dancing
Live Band Venues
Jazz
No-Cover Nights
Oddly-Themed Attractions
Bars
Other
Shopping
For Gifts
For Music
Second Hand
Markets: Open Air and Flea
Malls
Groceries
Cup of Coffee-Pot of Tea
World-Class Coffee Houses
Comfy, Rainy Day Cafes
Smoke-free cafes
Tea houses
Internet
Internet Cafes
Cafes with Wi-Fi
Bookstores
Primarily New
New and Used
Information Acquisition
English News Sources On-Line
Radio Stations
Prague Life/Discussion Boards
ABCs for Tourists
Maps On-line
Foreign Institutes in Prague
German
French
British
Italian
American
Religious Services
Church Services
Synagogue Services
Warm Weather Activities
Green Spaces/Beer Gardens
Bike, Skate and Row Boat Rental
Swimming
Boat Tours
Cold Weather Activities
Ice Skating
Sledding
Saunas/Gyms
Our Hostels and Their Neighborhoods
Sir Toby's
Miss Sophie's
Czech-In
Apartments
Our Friends Throughout Europe
Gomio.com
Other Quality Hostels
Stuck In Prague: Long-Term Stays
Settling In: Renting a room/flat
Deciphering the Language: Czech Classes/Tutors
Bringing Home the Bread: Work Permits/Visas
Stashing your Cash: Opening Up a Bank Account
Having a Life: Handy Mobils
Outside of Prague
Day Trips
Other Attractive Czech Towns
Everyday Basics
Doctors/Pharmacies
Post Office
Laundry
The Nitty-Gritty
Embassies Locations
Visa Information
Money Exchange
Emergency Numbers

Popular Sights in Prague

Prague Castle info
Charles Bridge
Petrin Tower info
Jewish Quarter info
Vaclavske Namesti (Wencelas Square) info
Obecni Dum (Municipal House)
Narodni Divadlo (National Theater)
TV Tower
Kris Colored Water Fountain
Escaping the Crowds: Less Frequently Visited Sights

Vysehrad Castle. Views of the river from the battlements are superb, and the church and cemetery are well worth a visit. Wander in joy and melancholy. Red metro to Vysehrad.

Prague Zoo. Do as the locals do: go to the zoo! Take a walk through Stromovka park to Troja (or catch the bus from Nadrazi Holesovice). Only 100 Kc. Go!! It's cool.

Vystaviste. Go play in this fairground full of carnival rides (Ferris wheel open year-round), exhibitions, a sculpture house, theatres, and the fanciful Križíkova fountain: a musical, coloured water light display (multiple shows daily after dark). Enjoy the quiet Stromovka park next door when the screams of little children get to be too much. Tram 12 or 5 three stops/walk from Strossmayerovo Namesti.

Largest Equestrian (and Rider) Statue in the World. Zizkov and his trusty steed! Or so goes the rumor. Regardless, it's very impressive, and the views of Prague are some of the best in town. Red metro to Florence then walk past the bus station to Husitská and up U Pamatniku through the park.

Olsanske Hrbitovy. Old, huge, Jewish/Christian cemetery good for wandering in, especially when all the trees change color in teh fall. The real grave of Franz Kafka is to be found across Jana Zelivskeho street in the Zidovske Hrbitovy. Tram 10, 11, 16 to Olsanske Hrbitovy. Entrance up ahead.

Botanical Gardens (Botanicka Zahrada). It's not the biggest botanical garden in the world, so don't get your hopes up too much, but if you're looking for some exoticism in your European extravaganza, this might be the place for you. Tram 3 to Karlovo Namesti, then by foot down the hill or take Tram 18, 24 downhill from there.

Lennon Wall. Space for anti-government slogans during Communist years, now grafitti from around the world. Velkoprevoske namesti. (Mala Strana, across from French Embassy.)



GETTING TO AND FROM PRAGUE

Cheap Flights
If you're coming from overseas, it can often be cheaper to get yourself to a hub, like London or Dublin, and then find a cheap flight to Prague from there. Here are some discount airlines that fly to Prague from various locations around Europe.

www.cheapflight.co.uk (UK)
www.easyjet.com (UK)
www.thomsonfly.com (UK)
www.norwegian.no (Norway)
www.aerlingus.com (Ireland)
www.smartwings.cz (Czech)
www.skyeurope.com (Holland)

Trains and Buses
The main train station in Prague is "Hlavni Nadrazi" and is on the Metro line C (red).
"Nadrazi Holesovice" is Pragues second main station and services Germany and Austria. It is also on the Metro line C (red).
The main bus station is called "Florenc Autobusova Nadrazi" and is on both Metro lines B (yellow) and C (red). The phone number for the bus station is 972246101. There are lockers at both train and bus stations.

Here is a very comprehensive and helpful site...but it can be a bit confusing. The following paragraph should be of some assistance if confusion sets in.
www.idos.cz

1. Go to the English version.
2. Enter your information.
3. You will see your departure date listed on the far left side.
4. NB: The list of cities below that date are all the places you must change trains/busses.
5. Locate the "Arr." (arrival time) and "Dep." (departure time) columns.
6. Your departure from Prague will be listed under ...."Dep."
7. In the following rows, under"Arr.", is the time when your train arrives in each city where you must switch trains.
8. Next to that time (under "Dep.") is when that new train leaves the station.
9. You can use these numbers to calculate how much time you have to make your connection.

Prague-London Express Bus
60 pounds (RT) and 18 hours later you can find yourself in Prague.
www.capitalexpress.cz

RIDESHARING
You want more flexiblity, a cheaper fare, a quicker trip than the train can provide??
Then you may want to look into ridesharing. Here are two sites to check out, with some vocab below to help you navigate them.

This is a company that coordinates ridesharing and has set prices:
www.spolujizda.cz
odjezd= leaving time
hod.=hodin=hour

This is a website to put drivers and riders in touch, then you negotiate prices:
www.stopem.kvalitne.cz
odkud= from where
kam=to where
kdy=when

CAR RENTALS
Get to places that are hard to access by trains or buses. Maybe be considerably cheaper than public transport for those travelling in a group.

Vecar Car Rental
www.vecar.cz
Best listed prices: 350-700/day depending on length of rental (includes 250 km/day)
(10-30% more for unlimited kms)

Alimex
www.alimexcr.cz
Prices comparable to Vecar.
(One branch is right around the corner from Sir Toby's.)

Thrifty Rent A Car
www.arentcar.cz
Best listed prices: 1000-1700/day depending on length of rental (unlimited kms)
No charge for drop-off in different Czech city.

HITCHIKING
To hitchhike from Prague here are three recommended locations:
www.stopem.kvalitne.cz/index.php?s=kde_stopovat

BIKING AWAY
A new website of long distance bike trails (cyklotrasy) in the Czech Republic (in Czech!) is available: www.cykloserver.cz
Prague-Vienna Route:
In the left menu bar, click "Znacene cyklotrasy"
Once the map appears, select "Greenways Praha-Vien" from the list below. A new window will open. Select "Greenways Praha-Wien". A list of all the towns, trail route numbers (císlo trasy), distances and links to maps will appear. Click on any globe symbol for a closeup map of that section. The ShoCart Map will open with your selected region. First, in the upper right-hand corner click on "velká mapa" (large map), then make sure the scale is set to 1:50000 on the scale bar above (put the mouse pointer over each tick mark to see it's value). The purple routes are the numbered bike trails. There are many places to rent bicycles (pujcovna kol) along the Czech Greenways.

Getting Around Prague

General Information: Metros, Trams, Buses
There are 3 metro lines, many trams and many buses.
The same ticket is used on all parts of the public transport system. They are sold from the yellow machines in metro stations or from newsstands or shops marked "trafika". Validate your ticket by punching it in a little yellow machine in the metro station lobby or on the tram or bus.
Fares:
Adult: 26 Kc ticket is valid for 75 minutes and allows you to transfer. Also valid for night trams.
Adult: 18 Kc ticket is good for 20 minutes, no transfer.
Children up to 15, get reduced fares, 13 Kc and 8 Kc respectively. Under 6, free.

Much cheaper and more convenient is a short term travel pass, good for unlimited travel on trams, city buses and the metro. Do not forget to validate it!
1 day pass, 100 Kc
3 day pass, 330 Kc
5 day pass, 500 Kc
30 day pass, 670 Kc
On 3 and 5 day passes you may take 1 child for free.
A long term travel pass is sold in I.P. Pavlova Metro station. You need your passport and a passport-size photo.
1 month pass, 550 Kc
3 month pass, 1480 Kc
12 month pass, 4750 Kc

You can be fined up to 950 Kc if you do not have any pass or validated ticket when you are asked to show it by one of many roaming "controllers".

Metro hours: 5.00-24.00
Green line=A
Yellow line=B
Red line=C

Tram and Bus hours: 4.30-23.30 (with some exceptions)
Night Tram and Bus hours: 24.00-5.00, running every half hour or so.

For more information and free maps visit City Transport Authority Information Offices:
Airport Ruzyne. Daily, 7-22.00
Metro Station Muzeum (red/yellow). Daily, 7-21.00
Metro Station Nadrazi Holesovice (red). Weekdays, 7-18.00

A Prague Card pass is good for unlimited public transport as well as free admission to museums, galleries and other attractions. It is available from Cedok (Na Prikope 18), Pragotur (U Obecniho domu 2), American Express (Wenceslas Square 56).

Routes and Schedules
Do you know your destination but not the route to get there?
This site will help: www.dpp.cz
Click on the English version. Go to "Search for Links".
Type in your departure and your destination.
On the far right is your Metro or Tram number and the total trip duration. The type of ticket you need is listed at the bottom. If you need to transfer, the name of the stop will be listed between your starting point and destination.

Airport Transportation

You have three public transportation options:
1. Take the 'AE' Airport Express bus from Nadrazi Holesovice. You can get to Nadrazi Holesovice by Red Metro or tram 5, 12, 15, 14, 17.
2. Green Metro to Dejvicka, then bus #119 to airport.
3. Yellow Metro to Zlicin, then bus #100 to airport.
(...reverse the process to get into town.)

We work with a minibus service that can be booked and paid for at reception.
Centre-Airport
1-4 people 470Kc
5-8 people 950Kc

Around Prague
1-4 People 350Kc
5-8 people 550Kc

Taxis
In general, taxis have a bad repuatation in Prague and for good reason- people are always getting scammed. We like AAA Taxi. They are not expensive and the operators speak English, just dial 14014.

Bike Rental. Jump to this section by clicking
here.

GETTING TO KNOW PRAGUE

WALKING TOUR COMPANIES

FREE Prague Tours. Their licensed guides are history buffs, free spirits, and of course fluent in English. These tours operate on a pass-the-hat basis, ie. TIPS. Tipping the guide is a way of showing your appreciation. Your tip can be proportional to how much you liked the tour.
Tours operate 7 days per week, departing at 10:30am. Meet on Old Town Square on the corner of Parizska Street. The 3.5hr tour covers these highlights - Old Town, New Town, Lesser Town, Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. www.freepraguetours.eu

The Real Tour of Prague: Paul's Tours. "An easy-going 3-4 hours walk all over the city." Another less commercial walking tour. Stop for lunch at a traditional czech pub. Hear about the history, architecture, and latest cultural events going on in Prague. Main meeting point is at 12.30 under the horse statue outside Museum Metro station in Wencelas Square. (M, W, Th, Sat.,year-round; M-Sat., high season) Reservations not required. 300 Kc. www.walkingtoursprague.com

Alternative Walks. 120 Kc/hour. Tours in English, Czech and German. Good tours, not (yet) commerical. Tour schedule in summer and on request in winter.
Rimska 34. Contact Katerina at (420) 608 768569 or pragueduck@yahoo.com

OUR ORIENTATION WALK:
Take tram 3 eight stops to Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti) –scene of the demonstrations at the time of the Velvet Revolution. The National Museum is at the top. Turn left at the bottom onto Narodni, a pedestrian street. Soon you'll find TESCO, 5 floors of department store/grocery, on your left. Continue on to find the National Theatre (Národní Divadlo) on your left, then cross the Vltava River. The street dead ends at Petrín Hill. Catch the funicular up the hill (20 Kc) where a park and brilliant view of the city await you (as well as a house of mirrors, an Eiffel-style tower, and the 'Hunger Wall') OR turn right, passing Bohemia Bagel internet café toward Mala Strana (Small Side). U Malého Glena jazz club will be on your left. Sv. Mikulas Church, with beautiful Baroque interior, is on the left of Malostranská Námestí. From this square you can mount the hill towards the Castle OR turn right on Mostecka and cross Charles Bridge. Pass through the Bridge Tower on the Old Town side and either continue down Karlova (warning!! 100% souvenir shops) OR better yet, turn left and walk along the river to Parizska street which will take you through the centre of the Old Jewish Quarter to the Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti), complete with Astronomical Clock. From here you can take Celetná street past Black Madonna Museum, through the Powder Tower to Na Prikope (other portion of main pedestrian street) with Obecní Dum (Municipal Building, Art Nouveau decoration) and catch Tram 5 home. Dlouha0 and Tyn will take you to the same tram. If you want to continue, opt for Tram 14 instead, to Vystaviste, home of Stromovka Park, Lunapark carnival, sports facilities and exhibition ground.

OUR ORIENTATION TRAM TOUR:
This tour consists of 4 trams: 25-18-11-5 (or 9). It will take you through the main, mostly touristic, parts of the city, but also neighborhoods that are really beautiful but not often accessible to visitors before they have a good orientation of the city.
Grab two 20kc tickets to be safe.

Take Tram 25 from DELNICKA toward BILA HORA.
You will travel through Holesovice and then on through the neighborhood of Letna. Just as you see the park "Letneske Sady" on your left, Sparta (Prague's hockey and soccer grounds), will be on your right. You will get off at the next stop, HRADCANSKA, and transfer to Tram 18, (going the opposite direction) towards VOZOVNA PANKRAC. This will take you downhill with a gorgeous view of the city and Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) on your right. At the foot of the hill you'll be in Mala Strana (Small Quarter). The tram then takes you over the bridge towards Old Town Square. The Vltava River will be on your right and you will soon pass Charles Bridge. When you turn left you will have the National Theater (Narodni Divadlo) on your right side. After you pass Tesco (on your left) you will soon be entering New Town (Nove Mesto). You will descend and find the Botanical Gardens on your left when you reach the bottom. You now get to see some sections of Prague that are a bit off the beaten track, but equally as beautiful. Just after the gardens, Vysehrad will be up on a hill to your right. You are entering the neighborhood of Nusle as you pass under the huge Communist Bridge (through which the Red Line (A) Metro actually runs to get to its southerly destinations!) You need to get off and change to Tram 11 at NAMESTI BRATRI SYNKU, going in the opposite direction, towards CERNOKOSTELECKA. You are now travelling back toward the center of town and in 5 stops will be passing the back side of the National Museum (Narodni Muzeum) and then veering right towards one of the most beautiful neighborhoods, that of, Vinohrady. You will continue down the main street of this area, Vinohradska, and pass the amazing clock-church, at Jiriho Z Podebrad, on your left. At FLORA you need to switch to Tram 5, again going the opposite direction, which will ultimately leave you back at Sir Tobys. (or Tram 9 to get downtown, to Wenslelas Square (Vaclavske Namesti). Both trams run through the neighborhood of Zizkov. After passing through a tunnel you will have the Main Train Station (Hlavni Nadrazi) on your left. Here is where Tram 5 veers right toward Holesovice and you will pass by the Powder Tower and Municipal House in Namesti Republiky. You will soon pass back over the river and be at the base of Letna park (Letenske Sady). You could get off here and walk up the stairs to the park's beautiful beer garden and best view of the city, or stay on adn be dropped off right at Delnicka, one block from Sir Tobys.

If you take Tram 9, you will veer left after the Train Station, pass the main post office on your left and then cross Wencelas Square. You can get off here and walk up to the horse statue of Vaclav and the National Museum or walk downhill to Old Town Square. If you stay on Tram 9 you will cross back over the river (and a small island, Strelecky Ostrov, which you can also explore on foot) to Mala Strana (UJEZD stop)and be at the base of Petrin, where you can take the Funicular Railway up the tree covered hill and reach a gorgeous park and view of Prague and Petrin Tower. ENJOY!
THE END.

What to jot down:
1. Tram 25 from DELNICKA to HRADCANSKA
(direction: BILA HORA)
2. Tram 18 from HRADCANSKA to NAMESTI BRATRI SYNKU
(direction: VOZOVNA PANKRAC)
3. Tram 11 from NAMESTI BRATRI SYNKU to FLORA
(direction: CERNOKOSTELECKA)
4. Tram 5 from FLORA to DELNICKA
(direction:
* alternate last connection:
Tram 9 from FLORA to UJEZD
(direction:

MUSEUMS

There are so many museums in Prague! We have organized a good deal of them by theme and provide their websites and addresses below. Then we offer you three websites at the bottom that list most of the museums in town and provide good details.

Museums(Art/Galleries)
National Galerie, 6 locations. www.ngprague.cz
Classical->Baroque, European. Steinberg Palace.
Medieval, Central Europe. Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia.
Mannerism/Baroque, Bohemia. St. George's Convent.
19th-21th C. Veletrni Palace.
Asian. Zbraslav Chateau.

Art Nouveau. Mucha Museum. Kaunicky palac, Panska 7, Prague 1. (near Wencelas Square). 10-18h. 120 Kc. www.mucha.cz

Modernist Villa. Mullerova Vila. www.mullerovavila.cz

Modern Art, Central European. Muzeum Kampa www.museumkampa.cz

Jewels. Prague Jewelry Collection. Hergetova Cihelna, Cihelna 28, Prague 1. Nearby to the Charles Bridge

Decorative Arts. Umeleckoprumyslove museum. www.upm.cz

20th C. Sculptor/Graphic Artist/and his House. Villa Bilek. www.ghmp.cz

Fine Arts. The Czech Museum of Fine Arts.
Also temporry exhibitions of 20th century and contemporary art.
Husova 19-21. www.cmvu.cz/Index_a.html

Czech Cubism (and 1900-1950s). House of the Black Madonna.
Celetna 34, Praha 1. www.ngprague.cz / www.cmvu.cz

19th C. Czech Painting. Troja Chateau. www.ghmp.cz/a_troja.php

Woman. Gallerie La Femme. www.glf.cz

Stone sculpture. Lapidarium. Czech stone sculptures of the 11th - 19th century, including original statues from the Charles Bridge. Vystaviste 422, Prague 7 (trade fair area). Tram 5, 12, 17 to Výstaviště. 12-18. 20 Kc.

Museums (non-art)
Kafka. Franz Kafka Permanent Collection. www.kafka-franz.com

Judaism. Jewish Museum in Prague. www.jewishmuseum.cz

Communism. Museum of Communism. www.muzeumkomunismu.cz

Inventions/Technologies. National Technical Museum. www.ntm.cz Mining, Metallurgy, Measurement of time, Transportion, Photography and cinematography, Acoustics, Astronomy, Telecommunications

Education. Pedagogical Museum of J. A. Comenius. www.pmjak.cz

Sewage Labyrinth. Ekotechnicke Museum. www.ekotechnickemuseum.cz Old sewage works, Papírenská 6, Prague 6. Bus 131 to Nadrazi Bubenec.

Asia, Africa, Americas. The Naprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures. www.aconet.cz/npm/eindex.html

Toys. The Toy Museum. muzeumhracek.webpark.cz

Mail. The Postal Museum. Nove mlyny 2. www.cpost.cz

Postcards. Postcards Family Museum. Liliova 4 (next to Betlémské square)
www.muzeumpohledu.cz

Transportation. Prague City Transport Museum. Patockova 4, Prague 6. Tram 1, 2 or 18 to Vozovna Stresovice. www.dpp.cz www.dp-praha.cz

Stars and Galaxies. The Planetarium. Largest in Czech Republic. www.planetarium.cz

Prague History. The City of Prague Museum (Muzeum hlavniho mesta Prahy).
The history of Prague from prehistoric times to present. Including a 20 square meter, 3-D model of Prague! Na Poříčí 52, Prague 8. Red or Yellow Metro to Florenc. Open 9-18. 40 Kc. (1 Kč every first Thursday) www.muzuemprahy.cz

Czech History. Lobkowitz Palace (Lobkovicky palac). The largest exposition on the history of the Czech lands (4th century BC - mid-19th century). Jiřská 3, Prague 1. Tram 22, 23 to Pražský hrad. 9-17. 40 Kc (free first Wednesdays).

Czech Composer. Antonin Dvorak Museum (Muzeum Antonina Dvoraka). The life and work of composer Antonin Dvorak. Ke Karlovu 20, Prague 2. Red Metro to I. P. Pavlova. 10-17. 40 Kc.

Czech Composer. Bedrich Smetana Museum (Muzeum Bedricha Smetany). The life and work of composer Bedrich Smetana. Novotneho lavka 1, Prague 1. Green Metro to Staromestska. 10-17. Open Mondays!...closed Tuesdays. 50 Kc.

Websites with museum listings:
www.heartofeurope.cz Extensive list of Prague's museums and galleries, including up-to-date information on current exhibits.
www.prague.cz/museums.asp
www.prague.tv/prague/museums

GALLERIES
As the whole point behind gallery exhibitions is that they are always changing, they are a bit hard to keep up with. Thankfully, Prague TV is on top of this. We love their up-to-date listings at: www.prague.tv/articles/art-and-culture/prague-galleries-page

"HIGH CULTURE"

Opera and Ballet
The three main venues for opera and ballet are the:
National Theater, State Opera House and Estates Theater.
Most performances start at 19.00 (except weekends).
The key to getting the cheapest tickets possible is turning up at the National Theater (Narodni Divadlo) in advance (even the day of). Someone should speak English there and tickets will be a small fraction of what you can find on-line, sometimes as little as 50 Kc. Check out these websites for the current schedule and possibly some small descriptions of the performances.
(If you do want to buy on-line, you can go to: www.ticketsonline.cz

For a user-friendly site with the history of each building, seating plan and schedule of performances, go to:
www.czechopera.cz (then click on the photo).
Other good, related websites:
www.nationaltheater.cz
www.opera.cz/en

CLASSICAL CONCERTS
Nightly classical concerts are given at the Rudolfinum, home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Try to see a performance in the big hall.
www.heartofeurope.cz/concerts_5.html Easy-to-use monthly calendar.
www.czechphilharmonic.cz
www.rudolfinum.cz

The Municipal House contains the largest concert hall in Prague which hosts nightly concerts around 19.30.

Addresses:
National Theater (Narodni Divadlo) Narodni Trida 1. Green metro or Tram to Narodni Trida.
State Opera House (Statni Opera) Legerova 75. Red or Green metro to Muzeum or Tram ....to....
Estates Theater (Stavovske Divadlo) Ovocny Trh 1.
Rudolfinum. Alsovo Nabrezi 12.
Municipal House (Obecni Dum). Namesti Republiky 5. Yellow Metro or Tram to Namesti Republiky.

THEATER

Local Theaters

Alfred ve Dvore Theater: Stage for New Theater. Focuses on nonverbal, motion, visual, fine-art, dance and experimental theater. Fr. Krizka 36. Prague 7, Holesovice. www.alfredvedvore.cz Tickets also available at: box office at Celetná 17, Prague 1 and Globe bookstore, Pštrossova 6, Prague 1.

Svandovo Divadlo. Currently the only theater in Prague to provide English subtitles (on a special screen above the stage) of 5 contemporary and tradional play, including Shakespeare and Moliere. Stefanikova 57, Praha 5. Tram 6, 9, 12, 20, 22, 23 to Svandovo Divadlo. www.svandovodivadlo.cz

Archa Theater. Once they collaborated with residents of a refugee camp outside of Prague and put on a beautiful show at the camp itself, even provided buses to get there. Maybe they will have other such unique performances in the future...check them out. www.archatheatre.cz Many international collaborations. Na Porici 26. Prague 1. Tram to Bila Labut or Masarykova Nadrazi.

Ponec Theater. Contemporary dance and dance theater. www.divadloponec.cz Husitská 24a. Prague 3. Red or Yellow Metro to Florenc. Tickets also available at the Theater at Celetna, Celetna 17.

Krizik Fountain. Colored fountain display choereographed to a large variety of music, depending on the night. www.krizikovafontana.czPrague 7, The Prague Exhibition Grounds. No performances in case of rain.

Puppet Shows
Spejbl a Hurvinek. The most authentic and entertaining puppet theater in the city. For puppet enthusiasts, the children's shows are equally as good as the adults shows. All are in Czech, but the art with which they are performed and use of slap stick humor is what makes them a sell for all. Kids shows are at 10 on weekdays and 14.00 and 16.30 on weekends; adult shows are on Wednesdays at 19.00. www.spejbl-hurvinek.cz Dejvicka 38. Tram....to Hradcanska

Rise Loutek. A variety of children's shows run here--from gorgeous marionettes to hand puppets, so it's best to check the schedule. Beautiful small theater right in Old Town Square. An amazing glimpse at Czech kids lifestyle. Shows only on weekends, 14.00 and 16.00. 40 Kc. www.riseloutek.cz Zatecka 1. Green Metro or Tram 17, 18 to Staromeska.

Divadlo Minor. Performances everyday. The newest show is produced in cooperation with the Forman Brothers. www.minor.cz Vodičkova 6. (Near Wencelas Square.)

Don Giovanni. Tourist trap. Expensive. Cheap humor. Not recommended by anyone here.

Musicals www.pis.cz/en/prague/events/october/theater
It could be interesting to listen to a world famous musical in Czech, don't you think?

Karlin Music Theater
Largest theater in the country, built in 1881. Offering many musicals in Czech. Also dramas, ballets and concerts. Tickets:180-440 Kc.
www.prague-tourist-information.com/culture/karlin
www.hdkarlin.cz Click on "program" for the current month's schedule.

MOVIE THEATERS/FILMS

*Kino Svetozor* plays at least one English or English-subtitled movie everyday! With a bar both upstairs and downstairs. Just off Wencelas Square, Vodickova 41. (Green or yellow metro to Mustek or Tram to Vaclavske namesti.) Walk by to check the program posted outside or go to: www.kinosvetozor.cz Plays a mix of mainstream and non-commercial titles.

Cinemas that usually play movies in English and are easy to get to include (aka: safe bets):
Slovansky Dum. Yellow Metro to Namesti republiky or Tram 5, 8, 14 to Dlouha trida. (Near Old Town Square and Wencelas Square.)
Palac Flora Cinema. Green Metro or Tram 5, 9, 10, 16, 26 to Flora. (Delicious Orange Moon Thai restaurant in the same mall and raved-about steak house near by.)
Andel Village Cinema. Yellow metro or Tram 4, 7 10, 14 to Andel.

More cinemas that often play movies in English or with Englsih subtitles:
Kino Atlas, Sokolovska 1, Florenc Metro
Blanik, Wenceslas Square 56
Evald, Narodni 28
Kotva, Namesti Republiky 8
Lucerna, Vodickova 36
Praha, Wenceslas Square 17

Four places that play non-commercial, old and/or alternative fims:
Kino Aero. Largest art house cinema in Czech Republic
www.kinoaero.cz
"Aero-Plan" is the month's schedule. Go to "English" to see how site works. Look for "anglicke titulky" to find English subtitles. Biskucova 31. Green metro to Zelivskeho or Tram 10, 16 to Biskupcova.

Kino Svetozor. Hosts many international film festivals. New and old films. Very easy to get to and navigate, just off Wencelas Square; scroll up. Highly recommended.

Ponrepo-Bio Konvikt. Presents non-commercial and old movies from the whole world. You can also see there old Czech movies with English subtitles. Official theater of the National Film Archive. Bartolomejska 11. Yellow Metro to Narodni Trida.

NoDRoxy. This is space for many artistic endeavors. The gallerie space is always full; there's also a theater and cinema for mainly experimental art productions. This is the website but its English version is rather ...sparse: www.roxy.cz/teatroxy Best just to stop by. Cafe/bar and free wi-fi as well.

SPORTS

As a spectator.
Ice Hockey. Prague has two great teams: HC Sparta and Slavia. You can buy tickets before hand for 130kc. If you go to this link, then click on "Ticketpro", the site will be in Czech, but you can still get the addresses for ticket offices scattered through out the city.
www.hcsparta.cz/arena.asp?t=texty/arena/vstupenky.html

Here is the site for Slavia: www.hc-slavia.cz/zapas.asp
You'll find the schedule on the main page with seating plan and tickets prices listed under "vystupenky".

Football/soccer
Calcio CZ is the store for everthing soccer, including advance ticket sales. (Also hockey paraphenelia).
Located one stop away from Tesco at Myslikova 30. Yellow metro or Tram 10, 16, 22, 23 to Karlovo Namesti.

First division teams: Sparta vs. Slavia
Sparta!!!'s home stadium is Toyota Arena (AKA Letna), located at Milady Horakove 98, Prague 7. Tram _______
You can check out some information on AC Sparta at: www.sparta.cz
For a schedule click "matches".
For a general idea of the seating plan and some prices, click "tickets".

Slavia is temporarily being housed at Stadion Evzena Rosickeho, Diskarska, Prague 6 (Strahov). They claim to be more refined than the hooligans they say Slavia attracts. You already see the intensity of their rivalry! Just wait till they play each other. Here's the official website for SK Slavia Praha Fotbal: www.slavia.cz

Third division: the well-loved, Bohemians 1905.
The Bohemians 1905 seem to have the hearts of a good number of laid-back, down-to-earth Praguers. With their kangaroo mascot coming from the live kangaroo they were given as a gift on their tour of Australia in ...1905...they have been a special team from the start. Fans saved the team after it declared bankruptcy in early 2005, moving it to a thirf division team. www.fc-bohemians.cz
Their home stadium, Stadion TJ Bohemians Praha ("D'oliček"), at Vrsovicka 31, Prague 10, is an easy ride on Tram 7 to Obloukova.

As a participant
YMCA. This large and reasonable priced gym is centrally located, and has a babysitting service. Your standard YMCA facilites are there: free weights and stationary workout equipment, a swimming pool, sauna, and massage. Prices: about 90 Kc per hour for pool and weightroom. Na Porici 12. www.scymca.cz (Czech only)

Asketa. A modern, friendly gym if you want a nice space to exercise, and not pay a fortune. This is a gym for "normal" people. There's a sauna and a hot tub, children's classes and 60 minute classes. It's inexpensive but not a place where everyone speaks English. The entrance is on Blanicka street. Polska 10, Prague 2.

Ice Skating Rinks, click here.

Bike Rentals, click here.

EATING OUT....OR IN

TRADITIONAL
Your traditional Czech dish can be summed up in this "phrase": veproknedlizeli. Pork, bread dumplings and cabbage. There are some variations on that theme as well. Read on.

U Zaveseneho Kafe. An affordable, good, Czech restaurant actually exists in the castle district. This is the place to go if you're in the area. Frequented by many of us at Sir Toby's. Uvoz 6, Prague 1.

All run by the Pilsner Urqulle Original Restaurant network, these three spots are scattered around the city, serving up some tasty tradional Czech and Moravian specialties all day and into the night. Yes, with Pilsner on tap. Nicer place with corresponding prices (?) www.kolkovna.cz
1. Kolkovna. Serving food till 24.00. Old, refurbished building, beer garden, many foreigners. V Kolkovne 8. Very close to Old Town Square.

2. Celnice. Serving food till 2am (4am on the weekends). Daily menu available for 95 Kc. Beer garden and, oddly enough, dance club and (decent) sushi bar downstairs. V Celnici 4. Tram or yellow metro to Namesti Republiky.

3. Olympia. Serving food till 24.00. A mix of high ceilings, hardwood floors and large screen tvs. Daily menu always available for 70 Kc. Vitezna 7. Tram to Ujezd.

Pivovarsky Dum. Traditional Czech...and maybe, more importantly, a brewery to boot. Check details below: Pivovarsky Dum.

Vcelin. Well-portioned, good quality dishes. Same owners as Kavarna and Velryba. Lunch 70-90 Kc. Kodanska 5. Tram 4, 22, 23 to Krymska. (Walk downhill following the tram, right around the corner. Near Shakespeares bookstore/cafe!)

U Sadu. Good prices for a good spread of your everyday Czech dishes. Crazy antiques dangle from teh ceiling. Fried broccoli is a favorite. Addes bonus is it serves food till 3 or 4. Skroupovo namesti. (A block from TV tower.) Green Metro or Tram 11 to Jiriho z Podebrad. Walk N.

Thrakia. We left this section wide open with the heading "Traditional" so that we could include this traditional ...Bulgarian eatery...for all who are interested. Cheap eats and super-cheap lunch menu till 15.00. Conveniently located at the top of Wencelas Square, behind the National Museum. Rubesova 12. Red/Green Metro or Tram 11 to Muzeum.

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
The going Czech vegetarian dishes primarily focus on variations of fried cheese, cauliflower, mushrooms...and if you're lucky, broccoli. You can often also find pastas, maybe a risotto here and there and omelettes. Or in a pinch, possibly piece something together with sides of baked potatoes and salad. If fish is an option, then you've broadened your selection manyfold. (Vocab for all these dishes is listed at the bottom of this section.)
But here are some more "pro-active" vegetarian/vegan choices:

Country Life. Huge vegetarian/vegan buffet, sold by weight. Adjoining organic food store, huge selection, lots of bulk items. Melantrichova 15. Between Old town Square and Wencelas Square. Green or yellow metro to Mustek. A second location at Jungmannova 1. Near Wencelas Square. Tram 3, 9, 14, 24 to Vodickova.

Dahab. Falafel for 50 Kc, eggplant dishes, couscous....Meditarrean fare, so non-veggies will be pleased with an affordable bite to eat as well. Open late! 12-01. Dlouha 33. Yellow Metro to Namesti republiky or Tram 5, 8, 14 to Dlouha Trida. Very near Old Town Square.

Vegetariansky klub Govinda. Good, simple food prepared by Hare Krisnas. One set meal each day: soup, salad, rice with sauce, dessert. 10% discount after 15.00, 50% discount after 16.30....but they close at 17.00 ! Soukeniska 27. Yellow Metro to Nam. Republiky or Tram 5, 8, 14 to Dlouha Trida. 5 min walk from Old Town Square. Organic food store and bakery next door. A second location is near Palmovka...... very close to SIr Tobys by tram!.....Tram 10, 15, 24, 25 to Divadlo Pod Palmovkou. Na hrazi 5. www.govinda.cz

Beas Indian Vegetarian Dhaba. Serving multiple, simple menus including dahls, soups, sabji, pakoras and fresh juices. Prices from 68 to 125 Kc. Open everyday, 10.00-20.00. Tynska 19. Right in Old Town Square. Outside seating. Tram 5, 8, 14 or Yellow Metro to Namesti republiky.

Cafe Radost FX. One-step up in both style and price. Large glass windows in front cafe; cozy dark, colorful couches in the back restaurant. All veggie menu will be a dream come true for some vegetarians. Huge variety of dishes, good sized portions, served late into the night. 100-250 Kc. Large American-style breakfast menu on the weekends. www.radostfx.cz Belehradska 120. Red Metro or Tram 4, 6, 10, 11, 16, 22, 23 to I. P. Pavlova.

Albio. Almost all-organic restaurant. A bit more expensive than the other options listed above. Miso soups, whole grain rice, various salads. Truhlarska 20. Tram 5, 8, 14 to Dlouha Trida or Yellow Metro to Namesti republiky.

Vocabulary:
non-meat- bezmaso
fried cheese- smazeny syr
fried hermelin cheese- smazeny
cauliflower- kvetak
mushrooms-houby/zampiony
broccoli- brokolice
risotto- rizotto
rice-ryze
omelette- omeleta
egg-vejce
cabbage - zeli
veggie garnish-obloha
potatoes-brambory
fish-ryba
garlic soup-cesknekova polevka

Short reviews and list of more expensive vegetarian options:
www.prague.tv/articles/dining/vegetarian-restaurant-guide
Extensive list including those further off the beaten path: www.prague.tv/prague/restaurants-vegetarian

Brunch and BREAKFAST NOOKS:
U Maleho Glena. Jazz club by night; breakfast cafe by...morning. Starts serving breakfast at 8.00 Mon-Fri. and weekend bruch at 10.30. Bagels, potato dishes, "quesadillas". 55-120 Kc. As for lunch, soup included 10-15.30.

Radost FX Cafe. An old-time favorite for the expat community here. Huge omelettes, bagels, refills on coffee (!) and the like. Sat & Sun 10.30-15.00. Belehradska 120. Red Metro or Tram to I.I.Pavlova .

Fraktal Bar. Some of the best weekend brunch deals in the city. Smeralova 1, Prague 7. Green Metro to Hradcanska or Tram to Letenske Namesti. Walk NW. (Letna)

Fama Restaurace. Simple egg and palacinky breakfasts served 9.30-11.00 for around 55 Kc. www.petrapetr.cz Jecna 15. Tram 4, 6, 10, 16, 22, 23 to Stepanska.

Red Hot and Blues. American and British style breakfasts. Also huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos and good ol' French toast. Run by an American. Jakubska 12. Prague 1. Sat./Sun 9-16.

Bakeshop Praha. Of course, all sorts of baked goods, but also gourmet salads, sandwiches and couscous. Popular expat spot, really good and...really, not-so-cheap. Opens daily and early!!! 7.00-19.00. Kozi 1. Prague 1. (Very close to Old Town Square.)

On-The-Cheap:
Lunch specials, usually available 11-15.00, are common practice throughout the Czech Republic and priced between 55-100 Kc.

Orange Moon Thai. More like "quick-food", than fast-food, served up at good prices. Most dishes hover around 150kc. Lunch specials at 89 Kc. Ramova 5, Prague 1. Near Old Town Square. Open daily 11.30-23.00. Also, Palac Flora Shopping Mall. Vinohradska 151. Green metro or Tram 5, 10, 11, 16 to Flora. Rumor has it that it's half-price if you take it to-go from the Flora location, but we doubt this can be true.

Colosseum Pizza. Simple, good food for simply, good prices. Green Metro or Tram 10, 16, 22, 23 to Namesti Miru.

Pikante's 24-hour Mexican Food. See #4, just below under "Late Night Grub".

Hallal Fast Food. Ruzova 10.

Fraktal. Large, comfy space with lunch specials around 100 Kc. Dinners are a bit more (85-225 Kc), but include a good mix: ribs, pastas, quesadillas, salads and a delicious goat cheese and pistachio burger. Šmeralova 1, Prague 7. Green Metro to Hradcanska or Tram 1, 8, 15, 25, 26 to Letenske namesti. Walk NW.

TREAT YOURSELF
Mozaika. Morel mushroom and grilled goat cheese risotto. Tandoori chicken breast with coconut sauce. Salmon baked in nori seaweed. Is this not a sufficient description in itself? Eclectic international dishes, light wood interior with wood floors, tastful paper lanterns and leather couch. Clean design, delicious food. Meals 160-300 Kc. www.restaurantmozaika.cz Nitranska 13. Green metro to Jiriho z Podebrad or Tram 10, 16 to Vinohradska Vodarna.

Primitiv Pravek. "Prehistoric Czech food"? All sorts of meats on skewers, and raw tartar, with a whole selection of sauces such as yogurt curry and garlic. Lunches at 70-110. Main plates: 200-300 kc. 60 Sokolska. Red Metro or Tram to I. P. Pavlova .

The Charlestown. Karlin.

LATE NIGHT GRUB:
1. Narodni Trida/Tesco/Night Tram Hub:

Fried Cheese/Hot Dogs/Burgers/Potato Pancakes. Just next to Tesco and the tram stop. Non-stop service.

"Crepes"/Palacinky. Actually very tasty, many sweet and a few savory fillings. 25 Kc. Open till 24.00. Just in the walkway along Tesco, past the fried cheese/hamburger window.

Gyros/Pizza. Non-stop and the pizza's not half-bad. Just next to the tram stops, opposite Tesco.

2. Wencelas Square (Vaclaske Namesti)
Fried Cheese sandwich and hot dog haven. Non-stop stands line the street.

Attar Gyros/Falafel/Pizza. Open till 4 on weekends. Just at Vodickova tram stop (one stop from the Lazarska hub.) 50 Kc for the usual gyros, pretty good quality.

Non-Stop Gyros. And falafel (of mediocre quality) for 59 Kc! Just at the bottom of Wenceslas Square. 1 Na Mustku.

3. I.I.Pavlova

U Havrana. Good food served until 4:30 in the morning, including tasty fried broccoli. Warmly-lit, comfortable environment with parachute hanging in the corner. Halkova. Red Metro or Night Trams 51, 56, 57, 59. to I.P.Pavlova.

4. Pikante 24 hour Mexican Food. Fast food style; a step up from Taco Bell though. Do-it-yourself salsa bar! Revolcni 4. Tram 5, 8, 14 to Dlouha trida or Metro to Namesti Republiky. (Night trams: Dlouha Trida.)

5. Mini rest. Open till 3.00. Serves up full plates of food. Havlickova. Night Tram 52, 56 to Masarykovo Nadrazi.

6. Vinohrady
U Sadu. Serves food till 3 or 4. Skroupovo namesti. (A block from TV tower.) Green Metro or Tram 11 to Jiriho z Podebrad. Walk N. more...

Roma Pizza. The normal menu stops at midnights...but pizzas keep coming all night long. Jagellonská 16 (Corner with Milesovska). They also do deliveries, possibly till midnight. 222 71 41 54. Green Metro or Tram to Jiriho z Podebrad. Walk NE.

DELIVERY
Too cold/exhausted/lazy to leave the hostel? Order from 28 different restaurants. The prices are the same as menu prices. Order online or by phone. Add around 50 Kc for delivery charge. Check out the menus at: www.foodtaxi.cz

GROCERIES
The most reliable source for edible "international" items is, of course, Tesco, located at Namesti Trida on the yellow metro. You can also find things there "on-the-cheap" as they have their own store brand selection of goods.

For fruits and vegetables, your best bet is Holesovice trznice, open Monday-Saturday.

Discount grocery stores in Prague include:
Plus: Prazka trznice in Holesovice (Tram to Prazky Trh) and also next to Bila Labut (Tram to Bila Labut or Yellow Metro to Masarykovo Nadrazi).
Norma: Prazka trznice
Lidl: Vrsovice. (Tram 7 to Vrsovicska Nadrazi).

For grocery options next to your hostel, check out the section: "Our Hostels and their Neighborhoods".

Even at late hours you can usually find some corner shop hawking at least a small selection of food stuffs. Just look for a "VECERKA" sign, signalling that it is a "night shop" and usually open till 22.00.

Overwhelming restaurant directory organized by type of cuisine:
www.prague.tv/czech/dining

DRINKING OUT

Beer Gardens
U Kotvy. Urban beer garden between Tesco and Karlovo Namesti. Serves some affordable Czech dishes as well. Spalena 11. Yellow Metro to Narodni Trida or Tram to Lazarska.

Jump to our section below: "Beer Gardens/Parks".

Breweries (Pivovary) and Brewery Tours
Pivovary Staropramen
One-hour tours are available of this famous brewery. It costs 120 Kc per person and must be arranged in advance. An English speaking contact can be reached at exkurze@staropramen.cz or jana.jindrakova@staropramen.cz. Phone: 257 191 402
www.pivovary-staropramen.cz
iglo.lundegaard.cz/staropramen_new/centrum/eng/exkurze.html#
Nadrazni 84

Pivovarsky Dum. A great choice for sampling a variety of beers, some boasting unexpected flavors...coffee, banana... You can even get small samples at small prices. A good place for traditional Czech fare as well. Open till 23.30. Lipova 15 (intersecting with Jecna). Tram 4, 6, 10, 16, 22, 23 to Stepanska.

Pivovar a Restaurace "U Fleku". Yes, it is a true brew house and possibly Prague's most famous one. But also widely advertised as such and therefore fairly packed with tourists. Maybe atmosphere can makeup for that? Bavarian-style long wood tables and timber ceilings. Possibly a good place for a large group of friends. Brewery tours consist of, well, the tour....also, a short film, sampling and a pint glass. 160 Kc. www.ufleku.cz Kremencova 11, Prague 1 Yellow Metro to Karlovo namesti or Tram 3, 9, 14, 23, 24 to Lazarska.

New Town Brewery (Novomistsky Pivovar). Brewery and restuarant with daily menu between 110-150, including vegetarian options and dishes which are much more expensive. For tours, email: sales@npivovar.cz or call 222232448. www.npivovar.cz Vodickova 20. Green/Yellow Metro to Mustek or Tram to Vodickova. (Near Wencelas Square.)

Strahov Monastery Brewery. 20 minute tours of their brewery in English, German or Czech including beer tasting cost 120 Kc per person. Send email to zuzana.pivovar@seznam.cz two days in advance.
website (Czech): www.klasterni-pivovar.cz Strahovske nadvori 301. Tram 22 or 23 to Pohorelec.

Brewery Tours Outside of Prague
A second Staropramen brewery is located in Ostrava and runs tours for 50 Kc. Pivovar Ostravar. Hornopolni 57, Ostrava 1. www.pivovary-staropramen.cz/web/en/ncentrum/nostravar

PisnerUrquell Brewery. Home of the world's first golden beer. Located in Plzen, XX minutes from Prague. Tours are offered in Czech for 60 Kc and in English or German for 120 Kc. Contact them at: visits@pilsner.sabmiller.com for more information. www.pilsnerurquell.us

Kozel Brewery. Located in Velke Popolvice, XX minutes from Prague. Gives tours (usually in Czech!) for 60 Kc, including a tasting. Contact them through their website: www.beer-kozel.cz

Good Pubs Around Town

Wine Bars (Vinarna)
Vinarna U Sudu. A true labyrinth of rooms that continue on much further than you would imagine...and with each new room come more and more smoke. Packed full with a mix of Czechs and foreigners, decent wine and great atmoshere for drinking, chatting or people-watching. Vodickova 10. Green Metro to Mustek or Tram 3, 9 14 to Lazarska.

GOING OUT....

Prague TV is really doing all the leg-work for everyone in this city who wants to know what's going on each week. They have organzied their opinions quite nicely by day, week and current month: www.prague.tv/events


DANCE CLUBS
Check the large, framed poster up on the wall. It's up-to-date and packed with information. Also, look in The Prague Post (50 Kc). www.pis.cz has monthly calendar for many clubs.

Lucerna. Definitely the place to be for 80s night fans. The majority of people are there to put their energy into dancing the night away rather than critiquing your outfit or coolness factor. Music videos accompany every song. 90 Kc. Every Friday and Saturday, 22.00-4.00.

Futurum. 80's night similar to Lucerna. More modern interior than Lucerna Bar. Zborovska 7. Yellow Metro to Andel.

Kross Klub. An underground maze of multiple rooms with different djs. Techno, jungle, drum and bass. Good dance music for those who don't mind a slightly scrubby atmosphere. Very nice nice garden in warm weather. Plynarni 23, Prague 7. Red metro to or Tram 5, 12, 15 to Nadrazi Holesovice.

Club FX. Mainstream dance club with fashionable faces.

Nebe (aka Iron Door). Various music styles (eg Tues is 80s, Wed R&B/hip hop, Thurs Indie Rock). Popular with expats and students from the UK and USA on programs/exchange. Kremencova 10. Opposite U Fleku. 19-4 or 5am.

Face to Face. Good dance music, good prices. Many types of people. Ostrov Stvanice. Tram 3, 26, 56 to -------------

Ridgeback. International music, reggae, samba, afrolatino. Live music and djs. You can make good use of the small dance floor. Area with tables and couches as well. Open till 5.00 on weekends. Zitna 41. Red metro or Tram to I.P.Pavlova.

Mecca. The place for international live music: some jazz, tango, afro-oriental rhythms, Brazilian beats, Roma-Czech-funk...Entrance: 99-250 Kc. Slighty fancy yet comfortable atmosphere. Nice couches in restaurant/bar up front (gourmet salads 60-80 Kc; pastas/meat dishes 70-160 Kc; daily lunch special at 65 Kc), dance club in back room. Good sound system, food till ten. www.mecca.cz U prihonu 3. Prague 7. Red metro to Vltavska or Tram 1, 14 to U pruhonu. An easy walk back to Sir Toby's.

Akropolis. Multi-faceted venue: main stage, small stage, theater, cafe, restaurant. A great alternative music, theater and art scene. www.palacakropolis.cz Kubelíkova 27, Prague 3. Green Metro to Jiriho z Podìbrad or Tram 5, 9, 26 to Lipanska.

Roxy. Dlouha 33, Prague 1. (Near Old Town Square.) www.roxy.cz

nod.roxy. An amazing cultural/gallery space with cafe/bar, bank of internet computers and free wi-fi. One room is wide-open with bright lights and rotating art, the second one dark and cozier. Highly recommended for anyone into art or off-the-beaten path events. Upstairs from Roxy. Dlouha 33, Prague 1. (Near Old Town Square.)

Abatton. Free on Mondays. Na Kosnce 8. Prague 8. Yellow Metro to Palmovka or Tram 10, 24, 25 to Stejskalova. (Rather close to Sir Toby's, just across the bridge.)

Klub 007 Strahov. Hard core, ska, punk, new wave, hip hop, alternative. Located in students dorm area, therefore Staropramen for 20 Kc and not-so-pricey covers. A slight feeling (which we like) of being in your friend's garage or basement. www.klub007strahov.cz Chaloupeckého 7. Prague 6. Yellow metro to Karlovo Namesti then Bus 176 to Strahov (15 minutes) or Green metro to Dejvice then Bus to Strahov.

Malostranska Beseda. Live music (jazzy-rock...) almost every night of the week. Bar opens at 17.00. Program at: mb.muzikus.cz Malostranske namesti 21, Prague 1. Green Metro to Malostranska or Tram 12, 22, 23 to Malostranske Namesti.

Karlovy Lazne. The motto they like to suck you in with goes like this: "Largest Dance Club in Middle Europe". Yes, it does have 4 full floors of music and dancing going on till the wee morning hours. Super-young crowd. If this is your thing, then we say: the larger the group you go with, the better- make it a real party. Next to Charles Bridge. Smetanovo nabrezi 198, Prague 1. Green metro to Staromestska or Tram 17, 18 to Narodni Divadlo.

Klub Wakata. Reggae, Ska, Funk, Dancehall. Small, dark, smoky, grafitti-artisted. Known as top-notch yet down-scale DJ club. Can be good for dancing, but also adjoining rooms for purely drinking and talking. Great sandwiches, say some of the staff here. Malirska 14, Prague 7. Green metro to Hradcanska (or red Metro to Vltavska) then Tram 1, 8, 15, 25, 26 to Letenske namesti. Walk NE.

Kain. Goth Klub. Husitska 1, Prague 3.

Klub Hvezda. Student club.

Vagon Klub. Best club for live pre-'89, alternative Czech rock. Narodni 25. Yellow Metro or Tram 6, 9, 18, 21, 22, 23 to Narodni trida.

(Double Trouble. Melantrichova 17, Prague 1. Open till 4. Djs Monday-Saturday. Small dance floor.

La Fabrique Bar & Club. Uhelny Trh 2. Open till 3/4h.

Lavka Bar & Club. Novotneho Lavka 1. Club open till 6 daily.)


LIVE BAND VENUES
Your best bets for bands touring internationally include:
Roxy, Akropolis, Lucerna and possibly Mecca, as well. For Czech rock, try Vagon Klub.

JAZZ
AghaRTA Jazz Centrum. Underground, dimly lit, brick interior, small stage, overall great jazz environment. A wide variety of jazz bands play there (7 days/week): modern, fusion, funk, blues, soul.... 21.00-24.00. They have an easy-to-read monthly schedule on their website: www.arta.cz Entry 200 Kc. Zelezna 16, Prague 1. Red/Green Metro or Tram 11 to Museum.

Reduta Jazz Club. Everyone talks about how Havel and Clinton rendez-vous'd here. Yes, it's the well-known jazz club in town. Big names are likely to play here. Wide variety (modern, swing, blues, dixie) with focus on classic jazz. Possibly a slightly older, well-dressed crowd. Expensive drinks. Check out nightly schedule at: www.redutajazzclub.cz. Narodni 20, Prague 1. Yellow Metro or Tram 6, 9, 18, 21, 22, 23 to Narodni trida.

Ungelt Jazz&Blues Club. Concerts 7 days a week. Doors open at 8. Music from 21-24. Also fusion and funk. Tyn 2. (In Old Town Square.) Yellow Metro to Namesti Repuliky.

U Stary Pani.

U Maleho Glena. Two spaces: Upstairs has a relaxed cafe atmosphere during the day with is transformed withthe music by night. Downstairs is a small and cozy stage always offering up a live band. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are dedicated to the best of Prague's jazz bands. (Mondays: Blues, Tuesdays: Afro-Cuban, Sundays: Open Jam). Pub/Club open till 2.00 (3.00 on weeekends). Good coffee and food, including bagels, served late, until 24.00 (1.00 on weekends). Hot daily-special sandwich for 80 Kc...everyday of the week. Breakfast from 8.00!!! Check out schedule and menu at www.malyglen.cz . Karmelitska 23, Prague 1. Green Metro Malostranska or Tram 12, 22, 23 to Malostranske namesti.

NO-COVER NIGHTS
Monday: Abatton; Roxy

Tuesday: Rock Cafe. www.rockcafe.cz Narodni 20, Prague 1. Yellow Metro or Tram 6, 9, 18, 21, 22, 23 to Narodni trida

Wednesday: Mecca.

ODDLY-THEMED ATTRACTIONS

Bars
Climbing. Boulder Bar. 300 m2 of climbing wall. 70 Kc entrance (2 hours), 30 Kc for shoe rental. www.boulder.cz V Jame 6 (Near Wencelas Square.)

90210! Peach Pit. If you enjoy remembering the days of Beverly Hills 90210, then you'll probably get a kick out of this place. Covered floor to ceiling with memorabilia. Open till 24.00 M-F and 2.00 on weekends. Budecska 22. Tram 10, 16 to Sumavska or Green metro to Namesti Miru. (Vinohrady).

Ireland. Largest Irish Bar in Prague.

Other
Games. Klub Paluba. Non-profit gaming club. 150 board, role-playing and card games---to play, not for gambling. Mon & Wed welcomes all-comers for the games of your choice. 16:00 - 22:00 www.hrejsi.cz Lidická 40. Prague 5.

SHOPPING

For Gifts:
Bohemian Crystal. Holesovicska trznice has the best-priced crystal in town.

Wooden Toys. You can find them everywhere, but if you'd like to support a great local artist, check out www.kidpraha.cz

Becherovka. Traditionally from Karlovy Vary, a distinct (and delicious) herbal liquor. ...Holesovicka trznice....

Absinthe. Again, Holesovicka trznice is the place to go.

Old Town Square is filled with stalls selling "hand-made" goods and souvenirs during the (extended) Christmas and Easter seasons.

For Music:
Radost FX.

Second Hand:
Megasekac. The largest and cheapest second hand in the city and conveniently located right at the Main Train Station. Housed in an unused portion upstairs, near the Kavarna, with stunning stained glass windows and Oldies creeping through the speakers all day long. Most items 30 Kc all others 60 Kc Red Metro or Tram 9, 26, to Hlavni Nadrazi.

Second Hand Star Shop Genesis. Better than average selection. M-Sa 9-18. Stepanska 37. Tram 4, 6, 10, 16, 22, 23 to Stepanska.

Outdoor Markets:
Holesovicka Trznice. Prague's largest open air market filled with new goods such as clothes and watches, food stands, beer stalls, and huge produce market (at the best prices), two discount grocery stores, hardware store (Baumaxx), post office and a variety of other small stores.

Blesi Trh. The largest flea market in the country! Everything you could imagine: old toys, toothbrushes, car parts, second hand clothes, musical instruments, vases....the list goes on. Entrance 10 Kc. Saturday and Sunday, 6-1. Metro to Kolbenova. www.blesitrhy.cz

Bustehrad Collector's Market (Sberatelske Trhy). Wide variety of goods. Weekends that fall in the middle of the month and the end of the month. www.bustehradantik.cz for schedule and info. Green metro to Dejvicka, then bus 220010 or 220012 (15-20 minutes).

Havelske Trziste. Fruits, vegetables and touristy gifts. Havelska. Between Wencelas Square and Old Town Square. Red/Green Metro to Mustek.

Malls:

Centrum Chodov. The new mall on the block and possibly the biggest. There are over 200 shops, numerous restaurants, sports facilies and a wide range of services. Roztylska 19, Prague 4. Red metro to Chodov.

Novy Smichov. Over 100 big brand-name shops. Most well-loved among expats. Plzenska 8, Prague 5. Yellow metro to Andel.

Palac Flora. Over 100 shops, but less impressive/intimidating. Vinohradska 51. Green Metro or Tram 5, 9, 10, 16, 26 to Flora.

Letnany Shopping Centre. On the outskirts of Prague...but important to mention owing to its 24-hour Tesco! (and ethnic food court). Free shuttle bus from Nadrazi Holesovice. Mall hours: 10-22.

For Groceries:
Listed under our "Eating In...or Out" section. Click here to jump to it.

CUP OF COFFEE-POT OF TEA

World-Class Coffee Houses
Cafe Louvre. A favorite at Sir Tobys' for going out for coffee. Good breakfasts and lunches, pool tables to rent, chess to borrow, summer terrace. www.cafelouvre.cz Narodni 20, Prague 1. Yellow metro or Tram to Narodni Trida. Open 8.00-23.30 (Sundays at 9.00).

Cafe Savoy. French/International, all types of coffee. Go just to see the beautiful ceiling. Vitezna 5, Mala Strana. Tram 6, 9, 12, 22, 23 to Ujezd.

Cafe Imperial. Beautiful art-deco interior. Very well-portioned breakfasts and complimentary donuts served with your coffee! Na Porici 15.

Cafe Slavia. Floor to ceiling windows providing great views of Charles Bridge and the Castle. Super-cheap breakfasts. Light menu, including many sandwiches, throughout the day. Open till 24.00. Corner of Narodni and Smetanovo nabrezi. Right on the river, across the street from National Theater. Yellow Metro or Tram 6, 9, 18, 22, 23 to Narodni Trida.

Cafe Orient. Yellow Metro or Tram 5, 8, 14 to Namesti Republiky.

Comfy, Rainy-Day Cafes
Ouky Douky. Some tables and bench seating, connected to a used book store pilled high with dusty, old books (and 3 computers with internet). Safe bet for rather-cozy, newspaper-reading environment. Tram 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 14, 15, 17, 25, 26 to Strossmayerovo namesti.

Popocafepetl. Good atmosphere for meeting with friends. Wood tables and bench seating lining the walls. English menu: Reasonably priced wines, sangria, cocktails and specialty coffees, as well as beers and pizzas and pitas for cheap eats. Italska 18. Green Metro to Namesti Miru then: Tram 11 to Italska. Second location at 4 Na Struze. Tram 6, 9, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23 to Narodni Divadlo. Open everyday till 2. www.popocafepetl.cz

Zulu Cafe Bar. Bamboo furniture, couch near bar, more seating in lofted space above. Small, cozy, with tropical plants. Cocktails from 55 Kc. M-F 14-1.00, opens later and stays open later on weekends. Zitna 43. Red Metro to Tram to I.P.Pavlova.

Meduza. Nice art. Good coffee. Banana milkshakes. Relaxing place to go day or night. Salads, omelettes, soups served as well. Open 11.00-1.00 (12.00 on weekends). www.meduza.cz Belgicka 17. Green Metro to Namesti Miru.

Dobra Trafika. Super-comfy. Old, wood and upholstered furniture. Board games. Small things to eat, such as pitas. Outdoor deck area. The downside: they are so good you may not find a seat and be forced to walk away. Open 7.30 to 23.00 on weekdays, open later on weekends. Two locations: Ujezd 37 (Mala Strana). Tram 12, 22, 23 to Hellicova. Korunni 42 (Vinohrady). Tram 10, 16 to Sumava or Green Metro to Namesti Miru.

Velryba. Gallery-cafe-bar space. Cheap, basic lunches such as crepes and pastas. Gets busy during lunch hour. Opatovicka 24. Yellow Metro or Tram 6, 9, 18, 21, 22, 23 to Narodni Trida. (Near Tesco.) Walk SW.

Ebel Coffee House. Some call it the best coffee in town. We think it just might be. Down Tyn street from Old Town Square, in Tynska courtyard.

Rybka. Popular with students. Shelves packed full of books for good cafe-atmosphere. No real food, but good coffee and wine----on tap!! Opatovicka 7. Yellow Metro or Tram Narodni trida. Walk SW.

Literarni Kavarna
Kafe Archa
Kafe Ponrepo

Smoke-free cafes
Serpentyna cafe. Homemade desserts. Tram to Kamenicka. (Across from Stromovka park).

"Cafe Kaficko." (Dum "U zlateho beranka"). Everyone seems to rave about their espresso drinks made from Ebel Cafe's coffee beans. Bagels and homemade desserts. Clientele is more Czech, than expat/tourist. Newspapers in three languages. Welcoming atmoshere. Misenka 10. Mala Strana. (At Charles Bridge).

Country Life Restaurant. Click here.

Prasad. A small, self-serve vegetarian restaurant with four daily menus specializing in Indian and Czech foods. Trebizskeho 5. (Vinohrady).??

U Zeleneho Cafe. A small and charming tearoom serving a wide assortment of teas, as well as some sandwiches and pastries. Nerudova 15. Prague 1, Mala Strana. (Up the street from US embassy.)

Teahouses (Cajovna)
Dobra Cajovna. True teahoue setting with cushions and rugs spread across the floor. One of the more well-known teahouses with a few locations across the country. Vaclavske namesti 14. Prague 1. Red/green metro to Mustek. (On Wencelas Square.)

Cajovna Formosa. Welcoming atmosphere, couches, good music. A safe bet for a comfortable place to sit and drink teas... and salep. A mix between cafe and tea house environment. TeRasinovo Nabrezi 54. (On the river). Tram 3, 7, 16, 17, 21 to Paleckeho Namesti.

Cajovna U Dvou Salku. Dark, many separate rooms with pillows and low tables lining the walls and wool carpets. Reggae, laidback music. Flavored tobacco siska. Blanicka 8. Green Metro or Tram 4, 10, 16, 22, 23 to Namesti Miru. 11-23 M-F, 14-22 S-S.

Siva. Arabian-style tea and coffee room, water pipes, taperstry fetter the walls, 100 kinds of tea from whole world. Open M-F, 11-8. Masna 8. (In Old Town Square, near where Masna intersects with Dlouha.) Tram or Yellow Metro to Nmesti Republiky.

Cajovna pod Striskou. Take off your shoes and pull up a chair (or cushions) at the neighbourhood teahouse. Couscous (kuskus) 50 Kc, dried fruit and halva 15 Kc. Tusarova 25a.

Cajovna Ve Vezi. Climb the stairs to this little "Teahouse in the Tower". With books for reading and a little loft with cushions, a lovely way to whittle away the afternoon. Opens 16h. From Letenske Namesti head towards Sparta stadium (west) and look for the tower on your right.

Maly Buddha. Uvoz 44. Prague 1. (Mala Strana near Petrin). Tram 22, 23 to Pohorelec.

INTERNET

Internet Cafes
Restaurace Jama. See below, under "Wi-Fi".

Planeta Internet Cafe.
Open 365 days a year! Prices 44 Kc, 66 Kc, 88 Kc/hour, depending on how new the computer is. Even the cheapest works great for email. Dozens upon dozens of computers. 8.00-23.00. www.planeta.cz Vinohradske 102. Green Metro to Jiriho z Podebrad or Tram 11 to Radhost'ska. (Vinohrady).

Internet Cafe Spika. One hour cards-50 Kc, valid for 1 month. 15mins=20 Kc (16 Kc on weekend). Everyday 8.00-24.00. Dlazdena 4. Tram 5, 8, 14, 24, 26 to Masarykovo Nadrazi or Yellow Metro to Namesti Republiky.
Wi-Fi
Nod.Roxy Cafe. The best wi-fi location we've found. Lots of space so you don't feel rushed. You can sit at the windows or in a cozier, darker section where the bar is. Dlouha 33. Yellow Metro to Namesti Republiky or Tram to Dlouha trida.(Very near Old town Square.)

Restaurace Jama. Only 1 Kc/min at the one computer and free wi-fi throughout the place. Good pub atmosphere, dark wood tables, framed pictures cover the walls, English pop and rock for background. Good for North Americans who are looking for a feeling of home (and filled with them) and also those just looking for a laid-back (dark) environment. Saturday nights, the back room is always devoted to college football and packed full. Tortilla soup, fajitas and Texan Burger are even recommend by a true Texan. The consensus seems to be good food overall. Prices reflect this a bit. Open 11.00-1.00. www.jamapub.cz V Jame 7. Prague 1. Tram 3, 9, 14, 24 to Lazarska. (Near Wencelas Square.)

Modra Lavicka. We'd recommend this place for these select reasons: location next to the main train station, they give out cables if you dont have a wi-fi card and they have a fast connection. However, they are stingy with their terms (only free with a full meal), the atmosphere is pretty plain and they're not so friendly. Corner of Opletalova and Ruzova, in front of main train station.

Red Hot Blues. Jakubska 12.

Kava Kava Kava Coffee. Narodni 37. Green Metro to Mustek. Also, Lidicka 42. Yellow Metro to Andel.

BOOKSTORES

Primarily New
Multiple knihkupectvi (bookstores) with foreign language sections are to be found on Wenceslas Square. One such store is Palac Knih Luxor at
Vaclavske namesti 41. Knihy na Mustku, at the bottom of the square, has many Czech classics in English.

Levne Knihy. Super-cheap, surplus bookstore. Incredible selection with treasures like "Where the Wild Things Are" in Czech for 40 Kc! Great browsing environment. www.levneknihy.cz Vaclavske namesti 38. Prague 1. Red/Green Metro to Museum or Mustek (on Wencelas Square).

New and Used
Shakespeare & Sons. Lovely, cozy, cafe-bar in the front, bookstore in the back. Nice mozaic. Many new and used books, English newspapers. Occasional cultural events (readings, live music). Check inventory on-line on their great website: www.shakes.cz Krymska 12. From I.P. Pavlova Metro, Tram 4, 22, or 23 to Krymska, then down the little path to Krymska street (Vinohrady). Second location in Mala Strana dedicated to new and recently published titles. 11.00-21.00. U Luzickeho seminare 10. Prague 1 (near Charles Bridge).

The Globe. Expat haven with notice board, English books, newspapers, magazines, internet, and (above averagely-priced) food. www.globebookstore.cz Pstrossova 6. Tram to Narodni Trida.

Anagram Bookshop. Entire stock is of new and used English-language books. English-speaking stafff. www.anagram.cz Tyn 4, in Tynska courtyard. (In Old Town Square.)

Big Ben Bookshop. www.bigbenbookshop.com Mala Stupartska 5. Prague 1. (In Old Town Square.)

INFORMATION ACQUISITION

Czech search engine: www.seznam.cz

English News Sources On-Line
The Prague Daily Monitor. www.praguemonitor.com "The Czech Republic's English-language electronic newspaper."

The Prague Post. www.praguepost.cz Contains a selection of those articles printed in the weekly newspaper published in the Czech Republic.

Central Europe Online. www.einnews.com/centraleurope

Ceske Noviny. www.ceskenoviny.cz/news

Radio Stations
Radio Prague. Listen to current and old broadcasts. Good source of all types of infomation. www.radioprague.cz

BBC Czech. 101.1 FM

Cesky Rozlas. 100 FM

Radio 1. "Prague's only alternative radio station". 91.9 FM

Frekvence 1. Talk radio in Czech. 102.5 FM

PragueLife/Discussion Boards
www.expats.cz Very popular website, full of classified ads: housing, jobs, events, advice/ on how to navigate Prague-as-your-new-home.

www.prague.tv "Prague's City Guide". Very professional, very thorough, with most all the info you'll ever need about Prague. Extensive Prague directory, cultural events, weekly events, some classifieds...everything that's going on in the city.

www.spolubydlici.cz Czech website to find housing/roommates.

www.prague.craigslist.org Dissappointingly underused here.

www.think.cz Some good reviews/articles of places in town.

ABCs for Tourists. Prague Information Service. www.pis.cz class

Maps On-Line
mapy2.atlas.cz This is a great on-line map. Type in your address- street name first, then number. Click "Hledej". If your aren't given a map straight off, then check the list they gave you and click on "obec Praha". You can make your map big by going to the bottom to "velikost mapy" and choosing the big square. You can also get a route map by clicking "Hledat Cestu". "z obce" is "from city", "do obce" is "to city". If you need to get more detailed, "ulic" is "street".

FOREIGN INSTITUTES IN PRAGUE

German.
Goethe Institute. German courses, library, cultural events, films. www.goethe.de/ins/cz/pra Masarykovo nabrezi 32. Take Tram to Narodni Divadlo (National Theater) then walk south along the river one block.

French.
French Institute. French bookstore, lecture series, French courses, cafe (with croissants!) and films in French with Czech subtitles or dubbing, 50 Kc-25 Kc. www.ifp.cz Stepanska 35. Tram 4, 6, 10, 16, 22, 23 to Stepanska.

British.
British Council. English course, Cambridge English exam preparation, library, cultural events. Narodni 10. Yellow Metro or Tram 9, 14, 22, 23 to Narodni.

American.
American Cultural and Business Centre. Hybernska 7A.

Italian.
Italian Cultural Institute. Sporkova 14.

Austrian Cultural Institute. Jungmannovo namesti 18
Hungarian Cultural Centre. Rytirska 25.
Slovak Institut. Purkynova 14
The Russian Science adn Cultural Center. Na Zatoce 16

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Church Services
Prague Christian Fellowship. Starts at 15.00 (except 1st Sunday of month, 13h). Jecna 19 between I.P.Pavlova and Karlovo Námesti. Tram 1, 6, 10, 16, 22, 23 to Stepanska or Red Metro to I.I.Pavlova.

Anglican Church, "St. Clement's". 11.00 Sunday. Klimentska 18. (In Old Town.)

International Church of Prague. Starts 10.30 Sunday. Peroutkova 57. Yellow Metro to Andel then Bus 137 four stops.

Baptist Church, International. Sunday 11.00. Vinohradska 68. Green Metro to Jiriho z Podebrad.

Catholic, "Church of St. Thomas". Saturdays at 18.00 and Sundays at 11.00. Josefska 8. Tram 12, 20, 22, 23 to Malostranska Namesti. (Mala Strana).

Synagogue Services



Green Spaces/Beer Gardens
A fabulous neighbourhood park, hidden from traffic behind a tall wall, is one block past the Tusarova tram stop, on the left. Benches, playground, trees – the works.

Petrin Hill, across from the funicular tram up the hill (a normal 20 Kc transport ticket required), or hike up the paths. Walk left to the park for a marvelous view of south Prague....and of the Castle, National Theater and Vysehrad...if you can find the right lookout near the tall wall. Walk right to the replica of the Eiffel Tower which you can climb for 50 Kc (open weekends, 10-17.00 and there's a quick-food bufet downstairs and outdoor seating nearby). In the same direction is the indoor mirror maze (50 Kc, open everyday 10-17.00). Great sledding paths carved out by Prague's youth in the winter.

Stromovka, once the hunting grounds of Rudolf II, is now much more conducive to picnicking, biking, walking your dog, or hanging out with 100s of Praguers on a warm day. Tram 12 to Vystaviste. Beer garden.

Letna, home of the Giant Metronome, is the place for an impromptu match of football, skateboarding, and has a hillside of trees overlooking the Vltava and Prague's rooftops with possibly the best beer garden in town.

Strelecky Ostrov (Island) is not big enough for any long walk, but quite nice for a picnic with a great view of the National Theater and the castle. Tram 22, 23 runs across it. You can get off at Narodni Divadlo (National Theater) and walk to the stairs halfway across the bridge.

Divoka Sarka straddles the border between park and wilderness, complete with ponds for swimming/skating, valleys and trails for short hikes. Tram 1/25 to Hradcanska, then tram 26 to the end (Divoka Sarka). Cafe-Bar everyday during the summer. If you have the road with the trams at your back and the lake is on your right then you must walk left to get to this cafe. Cross a tiny bridge and you'll shortly find the cafe on your righthand side.

Swimming
Vodni nadrz Dzban. This lake is in Sarka Park. It's good-sized with grass "beaches" all around. You can pay 40 Kc to go to the official bathing section, where they also have showers, a cafe and a huge ramp where you can ski into the lake. Or you can walk just opposite that and swim for free. The view of the skiers is much more impressive from this angle as well. Green Metro to Dejvicka then Tram 20, 26 to Dzban.

Hostivar. A little further out, but they have a brand new volleyball court for rent, a sand beach, and a treacherous water slide. 40 Kc. Tram 26 to Hostivarska and walk through a woody park to the beach or Red Metro to Haje (last stop) then Bus 165 to Jizni Mesto and then walk across field. Make sure to slant slightly towards the left....or you'll end up at the Nudist Beach.

Bike, Skate, Boat Rental
Praha Bike. Guided bike tours, bike rentals, internet cafe, art gallery.
www.prahabike.cz Dlouha 24, Prague 1. (Very near Old Town Square.) Yellow Metro or Tram to Namesti republiky.

City Bike. Guided bike tours, bike and boat tours, and bicycle rentals. www.pragueonline.cz/citybike/
Králodvorská 5, Prague 1. Yellow metro or Tram to Namesti Republiky.

In-Line Pujcovna. Across the street from Letna, which is a great park to go skating in. Milady Horakove 98, Prague 7. 603 938 328

"Boat Rental", reads the sign on the small Slovansky Island by the National Theater. Rent paddle boats from 120 Kc/hr (row boats only 80kc) and take a spin on the Vltava! There' s a second well-priced company, Splav, but their paddle boats are 150kc. The third company, Slovanka, charges per person.

Boat Tours
The Prague Steamboat Company runs boat trips on the Vltava. An hour trip costs around 170 Kc. The boat leaves often throughout the day, 10.00-18.00. Some night disco tours only 100 Kc. 20.00-2.00 . www.paroplavba.cz Rasinovo quay, near Paleckeho Bridge. Yellow metro to Karlovo Namesti, exit toward Paleckeho Namesti.

COLD WEATHER ACTIVITIES
Skating. There are a few rinks in town, such as Zimni stadion Stvanice which is located on Stvanice Island (Ostrov stvanice 1125, Prague 7). There are 3 public skating (verejne brousleni) blocks (1.5 hours) per day: morning, afternoon and evening/night. Entrance is 70 Kc and it's 80 Kc to rent skates. Check exact schedule at: www.stvanice.cz. A second option is Zimni Stadion HC Hvezda Praha near Green Metro Dejvicka or Tram to Horomericka. Na Rozdil 1. (Prague 6). Public skating costs 40 Kc but the hours change frequesntly, ask reception to give them a call for you: 315 623 388 ). You will also see many people skating on the ponds in Stromovka and Sarka. And if you don't...you shouldn't be skating either! Pick up some skates for 60 Kc at Hlavni Nadrazi Megasekac second-hand.

Sledding. Many paths are being carved out on Petrin hill by Prague's youth during the snowy months. You could try finding a sled at the Holesovicka Market, Hlavni Nadrazi Megasekac second-hand or Blesi Trh flea market.

Skiing. The most popular slopes are in the Krkonose Mountains; smaller and cheaper ones in Sumava. The closest slopes are about 2.5 hours away. For example, there is a bus to Spindleruv Mlyn leaving at 7:00 and arriving abound 9.30. You can rent boots, board and bindings for 250-350 Kc/day in the town. Returning busses leave at 16:45, getting into to Prague around 19.00. They have informative English website at: www.spindleruv-mlyn.cz .Prague TV provides a little more info: Skiing

Gyms. See above.

Saunas.
Hotel Olsanka, 10th floor. A 90-minute stay costs 200 Kc, 120-minutes costs 240 Kc. Open Monday-Friday 13-22.00, weekends 16-22.00. 20 minute massages also available for 80 Kc. Taboritska 23. (Zizkov). Tram 5, 9, 26 to Olsanske namesti. www.saunapraha.cz

OUR HOSTELS AND THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS

Sir Toby's Hostel. Delnicka 24, Prague 7.
www.sirtobys.com

For cash:
ATM. Get your Czech crowns quick.

For money exchange/travel checks:
Komercni Banka. Bank for traveller's cheques and money exchange. M-F til 17h.

For groceries:
Big: Delvita.
Medium: Samoobsluha – close and convenient grocery; good selection of fresh rolls.
Small: Mini Market– for when you miss Delvita, open every day until 21h.
Vecerka – small grocery, deli, sweets, juices, liquor, open till 24h.

For dancing:
Mecca. Famous Prague club, designer restaurant, nightly DJs, live Brazilian bands, Samba. www.mecca.cz

Cross Club. You have most likely never seen anything like it! It is an experience to visit with its various mechanical moving parts, lights and long party nights. www.crossclub.cz

For lunch/dinner:
Rustika. A comfortable restaurant with traditional Czech food; offers lunch specials (11h-15h).

Prvni Holesovicka Kavarna. The local place to eat & drink. If not at reception, you will find us here. Changing art exhibitions.

Italska Restaurace Puccelini. Quality Italian dishes and atmosphere. Summer seating outside.

Joe's Pizzeria. Italian, Chinese, and Czech: the big three of world cuisines all under one roof. Try the duck with stir-fry. Yum!

Hamburg. You are in Prague but you can still go to Hamburg, only 5 min. walk. Trendy restaurant with good food.

Pet Penez. The newest in town. Cute, good selection of food (pizzas, pastas) and cocktails, good price. Warm cellar for a winter night.

For all-night drinking binges:
Nonstop Herna Bar. "…technically never ending... but it can always be joined in progress." Cheap beer.

For a haircut:
Haircutter. Cheap haircuts, no frills, no extras.

For tea:
Cajovna pod Striskou. Take off your shoes and pull up a chair (or cushions) at the neighbourhood teahouse. Couscous (kuskus) 50 Kc, dried fruit and halva 15 Kc.

For sweets:
Cukrarna. This "sugar shop" hawks various sweet pastries and after-dinner ice cream and coffee. Must go. Get vertrnik...or medovnik.

For health food:
"Hennea" offers dried fruits, organic foods, etc., body care products and great teas.

Bio. In the market.

For second-hand goods:
Great finds of classical or bohemian style. Celebrate with a new funky wardrobe.

For bursts of creativity:
The Papirnictvi sells art and stationary supplies.

For mail:
Post Office (Posta). Open until 19h M-F. At the gates of the market which face Sir Toby's. Good luck!

For drugs:
Lekarna. This pharmacy is open_____________
Gas Station. Open 24hrs for alcohol, cigarettes…gas, etc. Walk west down Delnicka to Argentinska, look left and across the street.

Miss Sophie's Neighborhood
www.misssophies.com Melounova 3.

For cash:
An ATM is located inside I.P.Pavlova metro station. (3 blocks from Miss Sophie's.)

For groceries:
Big: Albert and Delvita. Karlovo namesti. (6 blocks from Miss Sophie's.)
Medium: Potraviny/Zeleniny. Amazing selection for a corner shop- more than just your basics, plus some produce and toiletries. M-Sa 8-22.00, Su 10-22.00. Corner of Zitna and V Tunich. (3 blocks from Miss Sophies.)
Small: Non Stop Potraviny. Limited selection. However, open all night. Sokolska, next to Pizza Go Home. (2 blocks from Miss Sophie's.)

For coffee:
Petarek Cafe. Modern, simple, clean, small interior. All glass windows. Espresso machine. Corner of V Tunich and Havlovi. ( 2 blocks from Miss Sophies.)

For breakfast:
Bandito's Mexican Food. Across the street from Miss Sophie's. Convenient and good.

Fama Restaurace/Petr a Petr. The next closest breakfast joint serving a limited menu from 9.30-11.00 . Eggs and such around 45 Kc. Jecna 15. (3 blocks from Miss Sophie's).

Na Mlate. Breakfast of eggs and palacinky from 9-11.00. Menus in English. Korunni 48. (12 blocks from Miss Sophie's, maybe best to hop the 10, 16 Tram to Sumavska.)

For wine:
Bar a Vin. Wine bar. Pastas 100-125 Kc, many meat dishes, outdoor seating. V Tunich 14. (2 blocks from Miss Sophies.)

For tea:
Metamorfoza Cajovna. Halkova 8. (2 blocks from Miss Sophie's.)

For dinner:
Obsidian Restaurant Bar. Steaks, Italian dishes for around 100 Kc. Sometimes live music. Rumunska 15. (6 blocks from Miss Sophies.)

For late night food:
U Havrana. Good food served until 4:30 in the morning. Warmly-lit, comfortable environment with parachute hanging in the corner. Halkova. (2 blocks from Miss Sophie's.)

Pizza Roma. Pizza at 30 Kc, gyros at 50. Open till 3 or 4. Just at I.P.Pavlova tram stop. (3 blocks from Miss Sophies.)

For dirty clothes:
Laundryland Praha. Wash 70 Kc. Dry 20 Kc/8 min. Londynska 71. (5 blocks from Miss Sophie's.)


STUCK IN PRAGUE: LONG-TERM STAYS

Settling In: Renting a Room/Flat
The best place to start would be on expats.czand spolubydlici.cz (the Czech version is better... better prices. Click "aktualni nabidka".)

Deciphering the Language: Czech Classes/Tutors
The best program to use before you come or bring with you is by Pimsleur Language Series. Simply amazing...especially for a "complex" language like Czech. Hot off the press, "The NEW Czech Step by Step" blows all others texts out of the water.(Don't be fooled by the older edition which is completely different.) A workbook and cassette are additional options. It's Prague-centered, easy to look at, with a heavy focus on colloquial usages and amazingly practical conversations. Colloquial Czech is a good runner-up.

Bringing Home the Bread: Work Permits/Visas

Stashing your Cash: Opening Up a Bank Account
Here's a good start.

Having a Life: Handy Mobils
You're now in the country that sends as many SMS as Germany...yet is only one-eighth the size. There are three service providers: Oskar/Vodafon, T-Mobil, and Eurotel. Your cheapest option at the time of writing (especially for SMS) would be to get a pay-as-you-go set-up with Oskar(/Vodafon). You can recharge your phone by buying credit at any Trafika. Actually, cheaper would be their basic contract...minimum of 6 months. This is the shortest contract offered by any company in the city (November 2005). If you're looking for a used phone you could try the mobil bazar across the street from Tesco at Narodni Trida (Yellow Metro or Tram).

THE CZECH REPUBLIC OUTSIDE OF PRAGUE

A great website for information on travelling outside of Prague is www.outsideprague.com and an interesting travel blog - Captain Oddsocks

Day Trips
Kutna Hora & Ossuary. Famous medieval silver-mining town with infamous "bone church". East of Praha about one hour. Trains leave from Main Train Station.

Karlstejn. Fairy-tale castle about 45 minutes southwest of Prague.

Chrudim. Houses Czech's most extensive (4-story) puppet museum. 1.5 hrs east.

Konopiste. Archduke Franz Ferdinand's castle (his assassination sparked WWI) in Benesov, 1hr south. Gardens, forests and lake. Open Apr.-Oct.

Terezin/Litomerice. Nazi prison camp and Jewish ghetto in a massive 18th century fortress. 1hr. north. Open year-round. Buses leave every 30min. from Florenc bus station.

Plzen. Perhaps you don't know, but all beers called (Pils/Pilsner) are named after this town, know as Pilsen in German. Take a brewery tour! Also home to the Skoda plant.

Berlin. Come on, a rad place but we all know Germany's too expensive; go for the day and then come on back here!

Other Attractive Czech Towns
Olomouc is an attractive university city of 100,000 people on the banks of the Morava River, halfway between Prague and Krakow, and just three hours north of Bratislava and Vienna. Its 1000-year old historic centre is second in the country only to Prague in architectural importance. The riverside parks, lively squares and cobbled streets are alive with cathedrals, palaces, & fountains.
Best hostel in Olomouc: Poet's Corner. Sokolska 1. www.hostelolomouc.com

Brno
www.czech4you.com is a comprehensive website in English dealing with the beautiful city of Brno (second largest Czech city) and its environs (Olomouc, Telc, Znojmo, the Highlands). Everything from accommodation, car rental, guided tours, hiking, cycling, maps and books specifically for tourists but also many pages for those expats who have chosen to call the city of Brno their home.

Loket
Best hostel in Loket nad Ohri: Lazy River Hostel
www.lazyriverhostel.com

Cesky Krumlov
Official English website of the town: www.ckrumlov.cz Best hostel in Krumlov: Krumlov House. www.krumlovhouse.com

Camping
The Sumava national park, located in the couthwest corner of the Czech Republic, is the largest protected natural area in the country. Your best bet for camping is Antygl. From there you can take many day hiking trips, such as
Antýgl – Modrava – Tříjezerní Slať – Antýgl (15 km),
Antýgl – Turnerova chata – Horska Kvilda - Antýgl and
Antýgl – Filipova Huť – Kvilda – Modrava – Antýgl.
Recommended Campsites include: Antygl, Zahradky, Vodnik, Boubin, Blanicky Mlyn. Camping fees will run you 50 Kc per person plus 50 Kc per tent per day plus VAT tax. Good maps to have include:: Cesko Camping , by SHOCart; Sumava - Zeleznorudsko Povydri and/or Churanov, by SHOCart.

OUR FRIENDS THROUGHOUT EUROPE... AND AROUND THE WORLD.
Gomio.com
Welcome to GoMio.com, the portal created and run by Europe's independent hostels. Book a bed for your next destination or take a tour through Europe with our interactive maps, city and country guides. Get travel tips and advice in Go Europe, chat in the forum, or tell your travel tales with an online diary. Explore Europe with GoMio - and have fun!

Other Quality Hostels
Visit our links section

EVERYDAY BASICS

Doctors/Pharmacies
International Clinic Health Center Prague-24 Hour Emergency Service. 603 433 833 / 603 481 361. Vodickova 28, Prague 1. 3rd Schodiste (entrance), 2nd Floor. Tram 3, 9, 14, 24 to Vaclavske namesti or Green/Red Metro to Mustek/Museum. For appointments, weekdays, 8-17, call: 224 220 040 / 296 236 000. www.doctor-prague.cz/default.asp

Non Stop Service Pharmacies:
Palackeho 5, Praha 1, phone 224 946 982
Belgicka 37, Praha 2, phone 222 513 396
A. Drabikove 534, Praha 4, phone 272 912 743
Soukalova 3355, Praha 4, phone 241 770 498
Stefanikova 6, Praha 5, phone 257 320 194
Heydukova 10, Praha 8, phone 266 310 899

Post Office
The main post office at Jindrisska 14 (close to the metro station Mustek) is open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
Non-stop post office is located next to the railway station Masarykovo Nadrazi (close to the metro station Namesti Republiky) at Hybernska 15.

Laundry
Prague "Cyber" Laundromat. Open 8.00-20.00---7 days a week! 70 Kc wash, 70 Kc dry. English-speaking staff. Hot and cold drinks. Internet, 2 Kc/min. Korunni 12. Green Metro or Tram 10, 16, 22, 23 to Namesti Miru.

Laundry Kings. 80 Kc wash. 30 Kc/8 min. dry. Internet and soft drinks available. Metro or tram to Hradcanska. www.laundry.czweb.org

Laundryland Praha. Wash 70 Kc. Dry 20 Kc/8 min. Londynska 71. Red Metro or Tram to I.P.Pavlova.

THE NITTY-GRITTY

Embassies Locations and Visa Information
This website gives some basic information about entry visas and length of stays in the Czech Republic and has an easy-to-use pull down menu to find the whereabouts of the 172 foreign embassies in Prague.
www.czechsite.com/visas.htm

Money Exchange

Emergency Numbers
Police: dial 158
Ambulance: dial 155
Fire: dial 150
Car emergency service call the automobile and motorcycle club 24 hours a day at: 1230.

Emergency health service (24 hour): International Clinic Health Center Prague: 603 433 833 / 603 481 361


**************THE END********************
extra...
www.myczechrepublic.com
www.pragueexperience.cz
annual festivals:
gypsy culture: www.khamoro.cz

http://www.think.cz/issue/43/6.html vinohrady