Prague city break basics
Prague tourist information on short city breaks
The Czech Republic sits at the centre of Europe and Prague, its capital city, has long been an important cultural centre.
A Communist state until 1989, the Czech Republic is now part of the European Union and NATO. Economically, it is the most successful of the former Communist states of central and eastern Europe.
The Czech lands, made up of Bohemia and Moravia, became part of the Habsburg Empire in 1526. Prague was its third city, after Vienna and Budapest. The Republic of Czechoslovakia was created in 1919 after the Great War and the collapse of the Habsburgs.
The country was taken over by Nazi Germany in 1938 and an oppressive occupation continued until Hitler's defeat in 1945. Shortly afterwards, the Communists invaded, repressing the national spirit, and in 1968 the “Prague Spring” uprising was ruthlessly put down by Soviet troops.
Communism was eventually rejected in 1989, followed by the break-up of the Soviet Union. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries: the Czech Republic to the west, and Slovakia to the east.
Today Prague has become one of the most sought after weekend break destinations in Europe. Demand for good holiday accommodation in Prague has never been greater. Get Ready Rentals offer a range of Prague apartments to match your taste and budget.
Czech is spoken in Prague and it's complicated by the large number of accented letters and a noticeable lack in vowels.
There are whole phrases without a vowel - although the likes of "Smrž pln skvrn zvlhl z mlh." meaning "More full of spots dampened from fogs" are unlikely to turn up on a city break. Such a shame.
As with any language, using a few Czech words is polite and welcomed in shops and restaurants. Most menus are in English and German as well as Czech and English is widely spoken in bars, restaurants, shops and hotels.
Prague is an extremely pleasant city to visit but precautions are needed. Pickpockets work the Metro and trams while the crowds on the Charles Bridge and at New Town Square are also favourite targets.
Few reputable bars open very late at night and those that do can attract a shady clientele. Herna bars, with slot machines, should also be avoided after dark.
There are many reports of one price for Czechs and another for tourists. It helps to know the real price or to become fluent in Czech - quite a challenge on a short city break.
Prague is peppered with strip and lap dancing clubs, brothels and massage parlours. It's one of the reasons - the other is cheap beer - why Prague is popular on the stag party circuit.
The Czech Crown (Kc or CZK) is the unit of currency with 100 Hellers (rarely used except for a 50 heller coin) making up a Crown. Banknotes range from Kc50 to Kc5,000 and coins from 50 Hellers to Kc50. Euros are also widely accepted.
Banks open 8am to 5pm and there are plenty of cash points, but take care using ATMs after dark. Whatever you do, don't be tempted by exchange rates touted by street traders. You rarely get the rate they offer.
The international code for the Czech Republic is +420. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the country code - 44 for the UK or 1 for the US. Most people use mobile phones - they can be rented at the airport. Payphones accept coins or phonecards telefonni karty which can be bought at Post Offices or news kiosks. If using a mobile abroad, always check that you won't be charged a fortune for a two minute call.
Call 158 for police; 155 for an ambulance or 150 in the event of fire. You can dial 112 for an English-speaking operator.
The word 'robot comes from the Czech word 'work'
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