PRAGUE DESTINATION GUIDE 1 CONTENT 1. WELCOME TO PRAGUE .............................................................................................. 4 2. PRAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE ............................................................................. 5 Prague Information Service – Your Partner in Prague ........................................................ 5 3. GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 7 Prague in History ............................................................................................................... 7 Basic Data ......................................................................................................................... 9 National Holidays in the Czech Republic ............................................................................ 9 Important Telephone Numbers .........................................................................................10 Currency ...........................................................................................................................10 Post ..................................................................................................................................11 Health Service Information ................................................................................................11 Travel Documents and Customs Regulations ...................................................................14 Foreign Embassies - selection ..........................................................................................15 4. TRAVEL TO AND IN PRAGUE .....................................................................................18 Public Transport ................................................................................................................18 Taxi ...................................................................................................................................21 Road Traffic ......................................................................................................................21 Car Parks for Buses – selection ........................................................................................24 Bus and Railway Transport ...............................................................................................25 Air Transport .....................................................................................................................26 Road distances .................................................................................................................27 5. PRAGUE MONUMENTS AND ATTRACTIONS ............................................................28 The most significant places of interest in Prague ..............................................................29 Prague Gardens ...............................................................................................................47 Nature ...............................................................................................................................50 Prague in one, two or three days - Top sightseeing tours .................................................52 Famous persons in Prague ...............................................................................................55 Tourist Services ................................................................................................................57 Excursions ........................................................................................................................61 6. CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT .............................................................................65 Museums ..........................................................................................................................65 Galleries ...........................................................................................................................69 2 Theatres and Concerts .....................................................................................................73 Music Clubs, Dancing Clubs, Cabarets, Casinos ..............................................................78 Sport and Relax ................................................................................................................82 7. ACCOMMODATION .....................................................................................................90 Hotels ***** .......................................................................................................................90 Hotels **** .........................................................................................................................93 Hotels *** ........................................................................................................................ 105 8. GASTRONOMY .......................................................................................................... 119 Restaurants .................................................................................................................... 119 Beerhouses .................................................................................................................... 133 Cafés .............................................................................................................................. 134 Bars ................................................................................................................................ 136 9. SHOPPING ................................................................................................................. 137 Gifts ................................................................................................................................ 137 Glass, Porcelain .............................................................................................................. 138 Design ............................................................................................................................ 139 Jewellery ......................................................................................................................... 140 Antiques .......................................................................................................................... 140 Second–hand Bookshops ............................................................................................... 141 Books ............................................................................................................................. 142 Musical Instruments ........................................................................................................ 142 Czech Fashion ................................................................................................................ 143 Department Stores and Shopping Malls in the City Centre .............................................. 144 Markets and Flea Markets............................................................................................... 145 10. CONTACTS FOR TOUROPERATORS ...................................................................... 146 Professional Travel-Related Organizations ..................................................................... 146 Selected Congress and Conference Facilities ................................................................. 147 Transport Agencies ......................................................................................................... 150 Incoming Travel Agencies ............................................................................................... 151 Prague Meeting Planner´s Guide .................................................................................... 157 3 1. WELCOME TO PRAGUE Prague - historical pearl of Europe - is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the political, economic and cultural centre of the Czech Republic. Its historical centre reflecting eleven centuries of history and dominated by Prague Castle has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992. This vibrant and culturally rich city filled with great architecture has also a world class cultural offering with countless museums, galleries and theatres and a wonderful selection of places to eat. Unique atmosphere and superb natural position combine to make any stay here a memorable and exciting experience. In terms of tourism, Prague is one of the most successful European destinations. Thanks to its strategic position as a crossroads of central Europe, Prague is easily reachable by individual tourists as well as tourist groups. Over 5 million tourists come to Prague each year, spending 2.7 nights, i.e. 3.5 days here on average. The top 10 visitors are tourists from Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, USA, France, Spain, Poland, Slovakia and the Netherlands. The number of tourists from Japan is also significant. And what are the reasons to visit Prague? Prague is ancient, beautiful and unique, Prague is cultural, modern, entertaining and active city that has something for everybody, Prague is variable, Prague is not expensive, Prague is well-equipped and multicultural, Prague is a congress city, Prague is Prague – a city shaped by the currents of history yet ever looking forward! 4 2. PRAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE PRAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE – YOUR PARTNER IN PRAGUE www.praguewelcome.com We know Prague best * Comprehensive, up-to-date tourist information * Professional travel services *