Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, and beautifully preserved city with amazing architecture and an impressive number of stunning old buildings, winding streets and famous sights. In 1992 the historical core of the city covering 866 hectares was listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register.
The Czech Republic is in Central European time zone - GMT+1.
Usually the winter in the Czech Republic is mild; the average winter temperature is between +5 C0 and -5 C0.
The currency is Czech koruna (CZK). 1 EUR is equal to about 24 CZK, 1 US dollar – about 18 CZK. You can exchange any freely convertible currency for Czech koruna and back in Czech banks or exchange offices that appeared in a large number in recent years in places most visited by foreign tourists. It is also possible to exchange currency at the airport, railway stations, main post office and in big hotels. In the central part of any city in the Czech Republic and in the lobbies of many metro stations in Prague exchange machines are installed, issuing Czech koruna. Almost all shops, restaurants and hotels in the Czech Republic accept credit cards as a means of payment.
The line voltage and frequency is 220 volt, 50 hertz. Sockets and plugs are European.
International telephone code is +420 (or 00 420)
Transport
Prague Metro is a speedy way to get around Prague, it is rather clean. The tickets can be bought at any station or hotel, for a trip you need to stamp a ticket in a special device. The metro consists of 3 lines indicated by letters and colours (A - green, B - yellow, C – red) and 54 stations, three of which are change ones – Můstek, Muzeum and Florenc. Prague Trams may be a little slower way to get around, but you can see much more. Each tram stop gives a list of stops for each tram route and a timetable for it.
Language
The official language in the Czech Republic is Czech, which is spoken by 96 % of the population. However you can make yourself understood in English relatively easily. Older generations of Czechs can speak Russian.
Frequently used words and expressions
Tourist information centres
* The Old Town Hall – Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí); Open: MON – SUN 9am-7pm
* The Main Railway Station lobby (Hlavní nádraží, Wilsonova 8); Open: MON – FRI 9am – 6pm, SAT, SUN – closed
* Rytířská street 31, Old Town; Open: MON – FRI 9am – 6pm, SAT, SUN – closed
* Prague Airport (Letiětě Praha), Terminal 2 (transit area); Open: MON – SUN 8am – 8pm
Sight:
In Prague, there are three areas that need to be visit for sure: Castle District, Lesser Town and Old Town.
In Prague Castle you should visit St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George’s Basilica, and pass the small picturesque houses in Golden Lane, visit the Royal Garden.
In the Lesser Town you’ll find ancient burgher houses and the Baroque copper-domed St. Nicolas Church. On the Malostranske square you can have a traditional Czech meal at one of the numerous pubs and restaurants. You can go up by the funicular to Petřín hill. This is a great place for leisurely strolls along the quiet gardens with stunning views over the city. For more spectacular views, do not forget to visit the Petřín observation tower. You can continue to walk from the Petřín hill to the Pohorelec square (Pohorelec in Hradcany) and visit the Strahov Monastery.
Making your way across the Charles Bridge can take as little or as much time as you like. If you enjoy souvenir stands, street performers, artists, musicians, or just beautiful city views, you may like to linger a while. If you want to feel even more the romantic atmosphere of the city you might wish to jump on the Venice Boat Cruise. During this short boat cruise (approx. 40 min) you will have a chance to see Prague’s architectural gems from the Vltava river. The boat departure pier is just under Charles Bridge, accessible from Certovka, Kampa Island.
Continue walking to the Old Town Square, surele see the Astronomical Clock and watch ‘The Walk of the Apostles’ (performing on every hour) and visit the beautiful Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Tyn or the baroque Church of St. Nicholas. From there continue your walk towards Celetna street where you can see quite a few architecturally and historically important houses, such as at the Three Kings, the White Lion, the Black Sun and the Black Madonna. The most interesting one, which is worth a visit, is the House of the Black Madonna, which dates from 1912 and houses a branch of the Czech Museum of Fine Arts with a permanent exhibition on Czech Cubism. Celetna street will eventually take you to the Powder Tower. Next to the Tower is the Municipal House. It is Prague’s most prominent Art Nouveau building, built between 1906 and 1912. It is a popular stop for visitors drawn in by the Art Nouveau gold trimmings, stained glass, sculpture, and the regular exhibitions and concerts.
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