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Adéla recommends: Advivum Wine Bar

In the garden of the Slavic House, Na Příkopě 859/22, Prague 1

This is my favourite wine bar in the courtyard of Slovanský Dům, where the atmosphere is beautiful and the prices are absolutely adequate to the quality. The owners carefully select the best wines from regions in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and also the Czech Republic. They hold various events and tastings, but it’s very pleasant even if you just come for a drink.

Jitka adds a tip: In the same courtyard of Slovanský Dům you can also find the Praline Club with a great selection of pralines and chocolates.

Bára recommends: Café Restaurant Palanda

Zlatnická 1122, Prague 1

Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not a coffee lounge. This place not far from Náměstí Republiky has the best burgers in Prague! And if I say so, it must be true! You can also try the variously flavoured tartare. It’s a place for real foodies!

You could read about the steak tartare in our article Must Try Foods in the Czech Republic.

Anežka recommends: Joystick Bar

Jindřišská 5, Prague 1

I like going to this bar near Wenceslas Square because you don’t have to “just” sit there with a beer. This is a common Czech evening entertainment, but I like something more action-packed. That’s why it’s great that you can play a lot of retro arcade games in this bar! They have Pilsner and Únětice beer on tap, but ask the staff about the various daily specials as well.

Anna recommends: SatSang

Krymská 439/24, Prague 10

For me this is the best place in Prague with vegetarian food. And they have a happy hour discount on prosecco! Plus they do brunch every day until 3pm, which is great if you’re not exactly an early bird. 🙂

It’s a short walk from here to Grébovka Park, which we wrote about in our article Discover the Best Parks.

Jitka recommends: AnonymouS Shrink’s Office Bar

Jungmannova 23/11, Prague 1

You’ll pay a little extra for a drink here, but I promise the experience is worth it! You will be surprised at the entrance door that you have to ring the bell and wait to be invited into the bar by a man in a Guy Fawkes mask. Open the menu and you’ll find no drinks, but a rorschach test! Basically, your drink is a bit of a surprise as to what the local “shrink” will prescribe to you. But I can assure you that the tests are quite reliable and your drink is guaranteed to taste good. Plus, it’s around the corner from the ReloCare office, so we’re close to it. 🙂

Have you visited any of our favorite places? If you’re interested in more tips for places in Prague, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Adéla doporučuje: Advivum Wine Bar

V zahradě Slovanského domu, Na Příkopě 859/22, Praha 1

Je to má oblíbená vinárna ve vnitrobloku Slovanského domu, kde je krásná atmosféra a ceny naprosto odpovídají kvalitě. Majitelé totiž pečlivě vybírají ta nejlepší vína z oblastí ve Francii, Španělsku, Itálii, Německu i v Čechách. Pořádají různé akce a degustace, ale je tu moc příjemně, i když přijdete jen tak na skleničku.

 

Jitka přidává tip: Ve stejném vnitrobloku Slovanského domu najdete i Pralinkový Club s velikým výběrem pralinek a čokolády.

Bára doporučuje: Café Restaurant Palanda

Zlatnická 1122, Praha 1

Nenechte se zmást názvem, nejde o kavárnu. Tohle místo kousek od Náměstí Republiky má ty nejlepší burgery v Praze! A když to říkám já, musí to být pravda! Můžete tu vyzkoušet i třeba různě ochucený tatarák. Je to místo pro pravé foodies!

 

O tatarském bifteku jste se mohli dočíst v našem článku Must Try Foods in the Czech Republic.

Anežka doporučuje: Joystick Bar

Jindřišská 5, Praha 1

Do tohohle baru u Václaváku chodím ráda, protože tam člověk nemusí “jenom” sedět u piva. To je sice častá česká večerní zábava, ale já mám ráda něco akčnějšího. Proto je super, že si v tomhle baru můžete zahrát spoustu retro arkádových her! Točí tu Plzeň a Únětické pivo, ale zeptejte se obsluhy i na různé denní speciály.

Anna doporučuje: SatSang

Krymská 439/24, Praha 10

Za mě je to nejlepší místo v Praze s vegetariánským jídlem. A mají happy hour slevu na prosecco! Navíc dělají brunch každý den až do 15:00, což je skvělé, pokud nejste zrovna ranní ptáče. 🙂

 

Odsud to máte kousek do parku Grébovka, o kterém jsme psali v článku Discover the Best Parks.

Jitka doporučuje: AnonymouS Shrink’s Office Bar

Jungmannova 23/11, Praha 1

Za drink si tu sice trochu připlatíte, ale slibuji, že ten zážitek stojí za to! Už u vstupních dveří vás překvapí, že musíte zazvonit a počkat, až budete do baru pozváni mužem v masce Guye Fawkese. Otevřete menu a nenajdete žádné drinky, ale rorschachův test! Váš drink je zkrátka tak trochu překvapení, co vám místní “cvokař” naordinuje. Můžu vás ale ujistit, že testy jsou spolehlivé a váš drink vám bude chutnat zaručeně. Navíc je to za rohem od kanceláře ReloCare, takže to tam máme blízko. 🙂

Navštívili jste některé z našich oblíbených míst? Pokud vás zajímají další tipy na místa v Praze, neváhejte nás kontaktovat.

The Czech Republic is well known for its beers and it’s no wonder, with over 400 active breweries in the country. However, what are its traditional foods? No dive into a country’s culture is complete without some knowledge of its cuisine.

So what is Czech cuisine like?

Czech cuisine has been influenced by its surrounding regions and mostly consists of very filling and heavy meals. Such meals are mostly centered around meats, starches and root vegetables, as the region’s climate did not allow for many fresh vegetables during the long winter months.

Let’s discover some of the must-try foods together!

Czech knedlíky

A staple in every traditional Czech restaurant as well as in any Czech home, Knedlíky can be translated as Czech Dumplings. 

These soft dumplings are made of flour, potatoes and eggs with varying fillings depending on the intended final results. Czech knedlíky, in fact, exist in both savoury and sweet variants. 

If enjoyed as a dessert, Czech knedlíky are usually filled with fruits and jams and topped with sour cream. In their savoury counterpart, smoked meat and onions are used instead. 

The most famous variant, served with many traditional Czech dishes, is houskové knedlíky. Made with the addition of bread crumbs to the original recipe, they are shaped in a cylinder roll and boiled or steamed. They are then served cut into slices.

Svíčková

One of the most famous dishes in Czech cuisine, Svíčková is a popular dish for celebrations, such as weddings or family reunions as its preparation can require between 3 to 6 hours. In fact, the dish tastes best when the meat is prepared and marinated a day in advance.

This dish consists of marinated sirloin beef boiled with vegetables and served with a creamy gravy made from root vegetables and sour cream. The dish is also accompanied by traditional knedlíky, whipped cream and cranberry sauce.

Early mentions of this recipe can be found in the Domácí kuchařka (A Household Cookery Book) written by Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová in 1826.

Vepřo knedlo zelo

This is another traditional dish you can definitely find in any Czech restaurant. The name is an abbreviation of the dish itself, which consists of roasted pork served with bread dumplings and pickled cabbage. 

Variations of this dish can be found in all of Central Europe.

Chlebíčky 

Chlebíčky were first invented in the 20th century. They are small open sandwiches made with white bread decorated with cheese, ham, tomatoes, pickles, potato salad, garlic spread or even parsley! Every family makes its own unique combination.

A staple at celebrations and festivities, they are also enjoyed by many as breakfast food or a snack. 

Tatarský biftek

The tartar steak is a Czech dish particularly popular during pub outings with friends. In fact, it’s usually made in a batch and enjoyed as a group. It consists of tartar made from ground sirloin beef topped with a raw egg and with raw garlic and fried bread (known as “topinky”) on the side.

To enjoy this dish, gently rub a piece of garlic on a bread slice and then put a portion of the mixed tartar on top. 

Extremely popular in Czech pubs, it is considered one of the best dishes to have together with beer.

Bublanina

Bublanina is a soft spongy traditional Czech cake made with cherries. It can also be commonly found in Slovakia. 

Similar to the French Clafoutis, Bublanina is a simple cake to bake as it does not require any special equipment and its ingredients are quite common. The cake, in fact, is prepared by mixing beaten eggs, flour, sugar and milk with seasonal fruits (most commonly cherries and blueberries in the Czech Republic).

The name Bublanina means “Bubble Cake”, as the batter while solidifying around the fruits makes small bubbles. It can be found in traditional Czech restaurants or markets, but the best ones are those made by grandmas. Try to ask your friend or colleague if they can share with you their family recipe: they will for sure have one!

Koláče

We couldn’t close this list without mentioning another traditional Czech sweet: Koláče. With its name deriving from “Kola” meaning “Wheels”, these round-shaped pastry rolls are typically topped with plums, cheese or poppy seeds. 

The origins of Koláče date all the way back to the XVIII Century, where round breeds were popular for ritualistic purposes, symbolizing the sun and the moon. Nowadays, they are usually baked for special occasions: small koláčky, for example, can be found at every wedding.

Curious to learn more about Czech traditions? You can check our article on Czech holidays.

If you are instead interested in moving to the Czech Republic, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you!

Czech is a language spoken by around 12 million people worldwide. Not only is it the national language of Czech Republic, but it is also a minority language recognized in Austria, Serbia, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

As a Slavic language, radically different from ones with Germanic or Romance origins, Czech is said to be a hard language to master for many foreigners. Not only does it have a completely unfamiliar vocabulary, but it also features a complex grammar that can leave first-time learners puzzled with its many exception cases. 

If, after mastering the basics, you are interested to know more about this language, we collected in this article a couple of facts for you!

• Czech cares about vowel length

In the Czech language, vowel length matters.  The letters á, é, í, ó, ú, ů, and ý (indicated with an acute accent or a ring) should be pronounced approximately 1.75 times longer than normal ones. If it sounds too hard, however, don’t worry!

Czech is a language where it is possible to find words containing no vowels at all! This is the case, for example, of the words hound (“chrt”), finger (“prst”) and neck (“krk”). 

• Czech is the only language with the letter ř

The most unique letter in the Czech alphabet has to be the letter ř. Pronounced as “rzh” but with a “r” rolling sound, it is a letter that is not present in any other officially recognized language.

It is, however, used in the Upper Sorbian languages of Germany and in certain Norwegian dialects close to Narvik.

• The Czech alphabet has 42 letters

The Czech alphabet comprises 42 letters, with two of them (q and w) used only in foreign words. If you are learning Czech, learning the correct pronunciation of the alphabet is extremely important, as it is a language in which words are read exactly as they are written.

Some of the most difficult letters to pronounce include:

• É é – pronounced like the “a” in care
• Ý ý – pronounced like the “ee” in seen
• Ě ě – pronounced like the “ye” in yes
• C c – pronounced like the “ts” in cats
• Č č – pronounced like the “ch” in church

Would you like to learn more on how to pronounce the entire alphabet? Then you may want to check this link. Happy learning!

• Czech Capitalization rules are complex

Czech has quite complex Capitalization rules that can be hard to respect also for native speakers!

Other than capitalizing the first letter of a sentence and names, in Czech you also capitalize:

• In you/You to show respect (for example “Děkuji Vám” if used to thank one person you respect, while “Děkuji vám” refers to more than one person)
• Headings
• Names of cities, towns and villages, as well as the names of other geographical locations. However, common words such as ulice (street), náměstí (square) or moře (sea) are not capitalized
• Nationalities and nation names
• Brands when used as trademarks or to refer to companies
• Official names of institutions
• Possessive adjectives from proper names

Be careful however when writing an email! Czech will start with a small letter on the first sentence on a letter or email after using a comma (i.e. Dear XYZ, let me know…).

• Czech is one of two languages to have its own unique word for kangaroo

This list wouldn’t be complete without a fun fact!

While most foreign languages have adopted variations of the Aboriginal Guugu Yimithirr people’s original name “Gangurru”, Czech and Croatian have created their own word for it.

Where English calls it a “Kangaroo”, Italian a “Canguro” and French a “Kangourou”, Czech refers to it as “Klokan”. The word was created in the 19th century by language reformers during the Czech National Revival.

Moving to a new country presents many exciting opportunities, but also a number of challenges, some of which we might not have envisaged before embarking on our journey. While being away from family, having to learn a new language and lots of paperwork are expected obstacles, we often tend to overlook how much harder little things can become in a new environment.

How do people purchase produce in supermarkets? Where can you buy a specific house product? How do pharmacies work? And especially, where can you throw your trash?

Waste management rules can differ greatly from country to country, from their breadth to how they are enforced. For example, where in one country paper might be thrown into mixed waste, it may need to be separated into different types in another. At the same time, a blue bin can be used for plastic collection in one place and for cans in another. 

As the city of Prague is increasingly attentive to the care of the environment and sorting waste correctly, there exists a wide set of well-encoded rules. With over 3000 collection bins around the city for paper, glass and plastic, it is easy to dispose of trash thoughtfully and do your part in keeping the city beautiful.

How to sort trash correctly in Prague?

At the time of the writing of this article, according to the valid Ordinance of the Capital City of Prague No. 24/2001, waste should be sorted as follows: 

• Paper and Cardboard (blue containers)
• Glass (white containers for clear glass, green for colored glass)
• Plastics (yellow containers)
• Cans (grey containers)
• Bulky waste (high-capacity containers in selected locations)
• Hazardous waste (only at selected collection points)
• Mixed waste (black containers)

The city is also testing a separate collection of packages for beverages (orange containers) and biological waste.

Other important collections sites

Of course, from time to time we might need to dispose of less common items like expired medicines or small electronics. Where can we do so?

• Pharmacies

You can bring to pharmacies around Prague any expired or unused drug/medicine, old mercury-filled thermometers and used syringes.

• Red Containers

Small electronic waste, batteries and lightbulbs can be disposed of at specific red bins. Such containers are also available in every elementary school and in every secondary school.

• Collecting yards

Any type of waste (with the exception of mixed waste) can be disposed of at the collecting yards of the city of Prague. Other than pneumatics, every type of waste can be disposed of free of charge. Please note, however, that to use the collecting yards the person needs to verify themselves as a permanent resident in Prague with a valid identity card.

Items hard or impossible to recycle

Unfortunately, not every item can be recycled. Currently, in Prague it is impossible to recycle the following items:

• CDs
• Tapes
• Vinyls
• Any item featuring C/ on the label, as they are a composite material (with the exception of beverage containers that can be recycled in the orange bin as mentioned above)
• Cigarette Butts

If possible, try to down-cycle such items or include them in creative projects. Otherwise, all of them need to be disposed of in mixed waste containers.

You are now ready to take on the waste sorting challenge in Prague! If you still need a little help, you can use the following website to find the appropriate collection point near you for any material: https://www.kamsnim.cz/ 

Happy sorting!

Prague’s history is rich and varied. This translates into a city that has a lot to offer from a cultural standpoint, with several unique and outstanding museums scattered all over Prague.

Let’s discover some together!

• National Museum – Národní Muzeum

Founded in 1818, the National Museum is the oldest museum in the Czech Republic. It houses important collections representing a variety of fields such as mineralogy, zoology, anthropology and archaeology. The entomology collection alone numbers more than 5 million specimens! 

The historical building of the National Museum was declared a national cultural monument in 1962 and now offers a stunning architectural contrast with the new building, which presents a unique modern look thanks to the addition, in the 1960s, of a superstructure to its mainframe (originally built in 1938).

Its wide breadth of permanent and temporary exhibitions, united with its rich history, make the National Museum a definite must-visit in Prague.

Address: National Museum, Václavské náměstí 68, 115 79 Praha 1- Nové Město

Website: http://www.nm.cz 

• Franz Kafka Museum – Muzeum Franze Kafky

Opened in 2005 in the Lesser-Town bank of the Vltava River, it provides a full immersion into the world of Czech writer Franz Kafka. Kafka was born in Prague in 1883 and lived a very lonely life before his death in 1924, due to tuberculosis, in Austria. His life turmoils were expressed through his novels, which explored themes such as existential anxiety, guilt, absurdity and alienation.

Few of his works were published during his lifetime, however, he is today best known for the novels “Die Verwandlung” (“The Metamorphosis”), Der Process (The Trial), and Das Schloss (The Castle). 

The museum to him dedicated is divided into two parts. The first illustrates how the city or Prague impacted the author via his diaries and his correspondence with family and friends, while the second one focuses on Kafka’s use of imaginary topography in his works and how this has been applied to the city of Prague itself.

This exhibition also showcases many unique pieces, such as most of the first editions of Kafka’s works as well as 3D installations and audiovisual pieces specially created for the exhibition.

Address: Franz Kafka Museum, Cihelná 2b, 118 00 Praha 1- Malá Strana

Website: https://kafkamuseum.cz/ 

• The Museum of Decorative Arts – Uměleckoprůmyslové Muzeum v Praze (UPM)

The Museum of Decorative Arts was first opened in the late 1800s in an effort to preserve art and hand-made objects after the advent of industrialization. The building today hosts a variety of exhibitions, from goldsmithing and lace manufacturing to bell-founding. It also administers collections of fashion and design, furniture, toys as well as written and picture documentation.

Especially remarkable is the glass collection, which is one of the most extensive in the world. This is thanks to one of the museum’s benefactors, knight Vojtěch Lanna, who donated half of his own private glass collection to the museum.

Address: Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague (Uměleckoprůmyslové museum), 17. listopadu 2, 110 00 Praha 1- Staré Město

Website: http://www.upm.cz 

• Museum of Public Transport – Muzeum Městské Hromadné Dopravy

Located in the Střešovice tram depot, this museum tells history from a unique perspective: that of public transport. Opened in 1993 by the DPP (Prague’s Public Transport Company) it includes a permanent collection of 40 historical vehicles as well as models, maps, photographs and tickets.

The depot itself is a historical monument, as it dates back to 1909 and represents what a typical depot building of the time would look like. As a number of historical vehicles are fully operational, they are often used for special private and public tours around the city. In the summer, it is possible on weekends and holidays to ride on the historic tram line 41. A true immersion in the past!

Address: Public Transport Museum – Střešovice Depot (Muzeum městské hromadné dopravy), Patočkova 4, 160 00 Praha 6- Střešovice

Website: https://www.dpp.cz/zabava-a-zazitky/historie-dpp/muzeum-mhd 

• Staropramen Center – Návštěvnické Centrum Staropramen

Beer is an important part of Czech culture. With Czech people drinking an average of 160 liters of beer per person each year, over 1000 years in brewing history and 400 active breweries in the country, this fact is not surprising. Therefore, visiting a Czech Brewery is a must for anyone interested in learning more about Czech culture and traditions.

On this note, we have to talk about the Staropramen Center. The second-largest beer producer in the Czech Republic, Staropramen has opened its Center to guide visitors through the history of beer brewing since its founding in 1869 till today. 

The interactive tour also includes a beer tasting in beer glasses crafted by Czech Glassmakers.

Located in its original Brewery in Smíchov, the Staropramen Center is a definite “must-visit” location in Prague.

Address: Staropramen Brewery, Nádražní 84, 150 00 Praha 5- Smíchov

Website:https://www.centrumstaropramen.cz/en/ 

• Strahov Monastery – Strahovský Klášter

Strahov Monastery Library

Strahov Monastery is a Premonstratensian monastery that was founded in 1140. ⠀

It includes numerous attractions, among which the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the rare Strahov Library with a collection of medieval manuscripts, maps and globes. This library contains over 200,000 books and it was chosen as one of the 8 most beautiful libraries in the world.

⠀

The complex also includes the Strahov Gallery, one of the most significant Central European collections of Gothic paintings, Rudolfian art, Baroque and Rococo paintings. ⠀

Address: Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter), Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00 Praha 1- Hradčany

Website: http://www.strahovskyklaster.cz 

• National Technical Museum – Národní Technické Muzeum

Established in 1908 in a functionalist building located near Letná Park, this museum features a unique collection consisting of 14 permanent exhibitions and several temporary ones.

Its permanent exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from Architecture to Printing, from Transportation to Gaming Technologies. This museum also contains a section on the Measuring of Time and it showcases the developments of chronometry as well as that of local watchmaking, which became prominent during the reign of the Luxembourgs in the country.

The National Technical Museum is truly a place where wonder and technology walk hand in hand.

Address: National Technical Museum (Národní technické muzeum), Kostelní 42, 170 00 Praha 7- Holešovice

Website: https://www.ntm.cz/en 

If you enjoyed these museums, you would probably also love Prague Museum Night, a great event that allows for one night to visit selected museums for free! It is usually a very popular event, which takes place on the second Saturday of June every year,

Unfortunately, for 2021, this event has been canceled due to COVID. However, we encourage you to visit their website and hope to have it back next year!

Each country has its own holidays, celebrations and cultural traditions. The Czech Republic is no different and while they follow some commonly celebrated holidays (like Christmas and Easter) they also have their very own.

Let’s discover them together!

February 2: Hromnice

Hromnice is related to Czech folklore. This festivity falls on the same day as the US Groundhog day tradition and it stems from the same Celtic custom: according to tradition, how long winter will be is determined by the weather on that day.

If the day is clear and sunny, it is said that winter will last 6 more weeks. If not, spring instead should be close.

The name of this holiday comes from the name given to the candles that would be lit on the night of February 2nd in case of a storm (storm = “Hrom” in Czech). 

While a festivity, Hromnice is not a bank holiday so on this day you can expect all establishments to operate normally.

April 30: The Burning of the Witches (Pálení čarodějnic)

A centuries-old tradition, the Burning of Witches takes place on the evening of April 30th. This tradition is said to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. 

The date is not chosen randomly: according to folklore, April 30th was the day in which evil forces would be at their peak after festering for the entirety of winter. People believed that witches would gather together to enchant cattle and damage the soil on this night, so they would prepare bonfires to protect them against this threat. They would also burn an effigy to warn these evil forces away.

Today, this celebration is a big festivity, with multiple events organized around the country often accompanied by food, beer and music.

May 1: The Day of Love (Svátek zamilovaných)

On May 1st, Czech people celebrate the day of love: on this day, couples all around the country share a kiss under cherry blossoms. There is also a saying that girls who will not be kissed on this day under the cherry blossoms will dry out.

The festivity comes from the romantic poem written by Czech poet Karel Hynek Mácha entitled “May” which is set on May 1st. Because of this, on the day, many couples also visit the statue of Mácha in Petrin Park to lay flowers.

July 5: Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje)

Cyril and Methodius were two Greek-Byzantine brothers who left a deep impression on the Czech land. In 863 they brought Christianity to the country and also the liturgical Slavonic language and Glagolitic alphabet (which then went on to become the Cyrillic Alphabet), helping with the spread of the old Slavonic language in Great Moravia.

The historical significance of their work is admired and respected to this day.

July 6: Jan Hus Commemoration (Den upálení mistra Jana Husa)

Jan Hus was a priest who started a reform movement against the corruption of the Catholic church. His sermons were conducted in Czech, to be understood by commoners, in Prague’s Bethlehem Chapel. As his ideology was not liked by the Church, he was burned at the stake in 1415. His death sparked a rebellion in Bohemia which became known as the Hussite wars.

Today, Czech Republic remembers Jan Hus via the main statue in the Old Town Square and commemorates his martyrdom every year on July 6th.

September 28: Czech Statehood Day (Den české státnosti)

Czech Statehood Day has been celebrated since the year 2000. The choice of this day, however, was not casual.

On September 28th, 935 A.D. Czech Prince Wenceslav of the Přemyslid dynasty was murdered in a plot orchestrated by his brother Boleslav, in a bid for power. Later on, his remains were brought to Prague where Boleslav himself insisted on Wensceslav’s canonization as a saint.

This started the cult of St. Wenceslas, who is now one of the most celebrated Czech saints as a patron saint, martyr and key figure in the emancipation of the Czech State.

October 28: Independence Day (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu)

Czechoslovak independence was declared on October 28th, 1918 starting an important historical chapter for two nations that until then had been under the Austro-Hungarian empire for half a century.

November 17: Freedom and Democracy Day (Den boje za svobodu a demokracii)

The origins of this holiday are on November 17, 1939. On this day, Nazi forces stormed Czech Universities following organized demonstrations due to the killings of student Jan Opletal and worker Václav Sedláček. On this occasion, nine Czech students and professors were executed while 1,200 were sent to concentration camps.

The event is now remembered with a National Holiday on November 17, which also became known as International Students’ Day.

The day is also a reminder of the brutal police intervention against student demonstrations in Prague on November 17th, 1989, during the 50th anniversary of the events of 1939. 

This sparked a series of demonstrations against the communist party, which led to the rebirth of Czechoslovakia as a democratic country. These events are now known as the Velvet Revolution.

Language barriers can be one of the main stressors when moving to a new country. Especially when the language is as complex as Czech!

We’ve put together an essential 10 words and phrases to get you started upon your arrival to the Czech Republic. Knowing these will help you arrive and settle into your new home with just a little extra confidence and ease!

• Dobrý den – Hello

The most useful phrase, dobrý den is a formal hello that can be used when entering a shop or restaurant, or joining someone in the elevator. When greeting friends, however, you can use the informal ahoj. 

• Děkuju/Děkuji – Thank you

An essential polite word that will make a good impression.

• Na shledanou – Good bye

When leaving a store, restaurant, or ending a conversation with a clerk, it’s good to use the formal good bye. When saying bye to friends, colleagues or any informal encounter, you can use ahoj.

• Mluvíte anglicky? – Do you speak English?

• Nemluvím česky – I don’t speak Czech

Though we’re sure this won’t be true for long, it can be very useful to know how to say you don’t actually speak Czech! Most people in Prague speak good English, so letting them know in a friendly manner that you’re still a learner is a great way to earn some points for effort whilst staying comfortable in English.

•  Napište mi to, prosím – Write it down for me, please

If you find yourself in a situation where English is not an option, it will be useful to have the other person write down what they’re saying. This way you can translate it later with the help of a friend or online. Asking this will be especially useful at various ministries during appointments to not forget dates, addresses and other important details.

• Zaplatím – I will pay

• Kartou/Hotově – Card/Cash

When asking for the bill at a restaurant, the easiest thing to say is zaplatím or zaplatíme for plural, if there are more of you. Learning the difference between kartou and hotově will be very useful, as the waiter may ask you this expecting a quick response.

• Chcete tašku? – Do you need a bag?

• Mám tašku – I have a bag

A classic checkout interaction. The cashier will probably ask you if you need a bag, so learning the word bag – taška is very important. Extra points if you bring your own bag!

• Ano/Jo – Yes

• Ne – No

When speaking informally, jo (pronounced io) can also be used for yes. However, ano is never wrong and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Ženy – Women

• Muži – Men

Two key words especially when it comes to public toilets! Sometimes, the alternative páni for gentlemen and dámy for ladies may be used.

• Otevřeno – Open

• Zavřeno – Closed

Knowing these two will also help you understand opening hours – otevírací doba. 

• Pomoc – Help

• Pozor – Attention/Beware

These two words may look similar but have slightly different meanings. 

If someone tells you pomoc they are asking for help. It may not necessarily mean they need SOS help, but they might be asking for support: carrying a heavy bag or crossing the road. You can also use this word yourself if you need assistance.

If, instead, you see the word pozor, it means  attention/beware. For example, crossroads can say “Pozor Tram”, inviting you to pay attention to trams passing by (as they have precedence, also over pedestrians!). 

• Promiňte / Pardon – Sorry/ Excuse me

Accidentally bumping into someone or asking for space when getting off a tram, these two words are extremely useful.

Prague is one of the greenest cities in the World. According to the HUGSI Index, an AI-powered satellite solution that quantifies the greenness of cities around the world, Prague is ranked 13th globally and 9th in Europe in terms of availability of public green spaces. In fact, they represent 56% of the city’s urban area.

The city has a lot to offer to its inhabitants, with 179.8 square meters of green space per person divided in numerous parks, all designed with proper running paths and all welcoming dogs as well (even though sometimes only on a leash).

So, which are the most famous parks in Prague?

Letná Park

Letná park was established in 1860 in Prague 7, one bridge away from the city center. It is actually located on the site of a former vineyard and is one of the biggest parks in Prague. Today it’s a prime stop for relaxation and entertainment with its beer gardens and its stunning view over the city.

Between 1955 and 1962 it was the home of the world’s largest monument to Josef Stalin. The monument measured 15.5 meters (51ft) in height and was 22 meters (72ft) long. It was taken down with 800 kilograms of explosive. Letna Park’s signature monument, the ticking metronome, now sits on the remains of the Stalin one. The area around the ticking metronome is also a popular spot for skateboarding and rollerblading.

The park is also the home of the oldest preserved carousel in Europe, currently under renovation and, every August, of the Letni Letna circus festival.

Stromovka Park

Known as Prague’s Central Park, Stromovka is also its biggest park at almost 250 acres. Also located in Prague 7, it was founded in 1268 by King Přemysl Otakar II as a royal hunting ground for his summerhouse.

Today it is a popular place for runners, bikers, and bladers: it is the perfect place to be active or to just relax, away from the hustle of the city.
One of its main attractions is the Dubový pahorek, a raised island where several oak trees grow.

Riegrovy Sady

Located in Prague 2 on the site of a former wine-yard, Riegovy Sady offers a striking view of Prague Castle. At sunset, it is the perfect place to have a nice date or enjoy a drink from its beer garden!

As it is located on a steep hill, it’s also the perfect place for runners looking to get an intense workout or for families wanting to have a delightful picnic.

Petřín Hill

As many other parks in Prague, Petřín Hill is also located on the site of a former wine yard. It is also the park with the greatest elevation in the city of Prague: in fact, it is located 320 meters above sea level!

As it is the home of the famous Petřín Lookout Tower, it offers one of the most stunning views of the city. Visiting the park, however, can be quite a hike. If you would like to avoid the long walk, you can also take the Funicular to Petrin, which can be ridden using regular public transport tickets. However, please be aware that long lines can be expected during the touristy season.

When visiting Petrin Hill during Spring and Summer, we also recommend a stop in the nearby “Angelato” for a refreshing artisanal gelato.

Havlíček Park (Grebovka)

As it faces away from the city center, Grebovka can offer a unique outlook on the city. It is located in the Vršovice neighborhood, on the site of a vineyard which is still fully operational to this day, being open every Friday evening. This vineyard is all that remains of the one originally founded by Charles IV in the 14th century.

This park is quite unique as it was inspired by the Italian Renaissance. It thus features several pavilions, fountains and statues. We would also advise you to visit the artificial cave present in the park.

Divoká Šárka

Divoká Šárka is located at the outskirts of the city, in Prague 6. More than a park, it is actually a huge natural reserve that offers a variety of sights and activities to its visitors and is the perfect place for a hike during the weekend.

Its history starts in the 9th century, with the first fortified township of Prague, of which the remains can still be admired in the park.

In the middle of the reserve one can find a swimming pool and a small bistro, where it is possible to stop for a small lunch, beer or ice cream. During hot days, one can also put their legs into the steam running through the park to enjoy the refreshing water.