Prague Visitors Guide

Prague Visitors 30 Guide

celebrating years

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

1

WELCOME TO PRAGUE! Vítejte v Praze! We hope you are as excited to visit Prague as we are to welcome you to this beautiful city. We have compiled this guide to help you make the most of your time here. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Thank you, AAU Staff

“Prague never lets you go…this dear little mother has sharp claws.”

- Franz Kafka, born 1883, Prague

2

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

TRAVELING TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC Visa Information

If you are traveling to Prague and staying for less than 90 days, you may not need a visa. Check the website below for more information concerning a visa for your stay: schengenvisainfo.com.

Getting to Prague Traveling via airplane Prague’s international airport – Letiště Václava Havla Praha (Václav Havel Airport Prague) – is located 12 km west of the city center. You can take a bus followed by the metro to reach the center of town.

Traveling via car If traveling by car, please note that you should have the following documents with you at all times: ID documents (valid ID card or passport), valid driver’s license (national license if valid in Europe or international driving permit), certificate of license plate registration, and a car insurance certificate. Please note that before accessing the highway you must buy a highway permit. These are sold at border crossings or gas stations and must be placed on your windshield. For information regarding parking, visit parkujvklidu.cz/prague-parking/.

Traveling via train or bus The Czech Republic has an extensive railway network operated by three main railway companies: České dráhy, RegioJet, and Leo Express. There is also a large amount of national and international bus companies. You can reach Prague by train or bus from almost any small town around but also from major European centers. Most train passengers arrive either at the main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží, or Nádraží Praha-Holešovice. Both stations are located along Line C of the metro by which you can easily reach the city center by going to the metro station Muzeum. The main bus terminal, Florenc, is also located on Line C as well as Line A.

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

3

Getting to AAU (from the airport)

bus no. 119

Terminal 1 or Terminal 2

4

Petriny bus no. 191

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

Nádraží Veleslavín

towards Depo Hostivař

towards Depo Hostivař

Malostranská (Anglo-American University)

Can you find AAU on the map?

AAU

Closest stop: Malostranská

• Metro: A line (green) • Tram: 2, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, and 97 • Bus: 194 Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

5

Public transportation

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Prague is ranked among the top 10 cities worldwide for The Prague metro is very efficient and fast, operating daily sustainable public transport, coming in at number 5. The from 4:36 AM until 00:00 AM and consisting of three lines (the metro, trams, and buses are ubiquitous for mobility within the green Line A, the yellow Line B, and the red Line C). The lines city and its outskirts. intersect at metro stations Muzeum (A/C), Mustek (A/B), and Florenc (B/C)

AAU

Please be aware that all public transport tickets (not long-term have the right to check your tickets at all times, and if caught passes) need to be validated upon entering any metro station, without a ticket you will be forced to pay a fine of 800 CZK on bus, or tram; the same ticket is valid for all public transport for the spot. its duration from the time of validation. Badged inspectors

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

6

Transport Tickets and Passes* 30 minute ticket

Standard: 24 CZK

Reduced: 12 CZK (Children, 6–15 years) 90 minute ticket

Standard: 32 CZK

Reduced: 16 CZK (Children, 6–15 years) 24 hour pass

Standard: 110 CZK

Reduced: 55 CZK (Children, 6–15 years) 3 day (72 hour) pass: 310 CZK Month pass**

Standard: 550 CZK

Students: 260 CZK

*Children under 6 years ride for free. ** Issued with photo ID.

Types of transportation Enabling access to Prague’s downtown, trams can get you even to areas where other means of transportation are not allowed to operate. Trams operate throughout the city TRAMS center both day and night with the night tram service running from 00:00 AM – 4:30 AM. A uniform interval of 30 minutes applies to the night tram service. All of the night trams stop at a central stop, Lazarská, so you can catch any night tram to this stop and get home no matter where you’re staying in the city. The same ticketing rules apply to night transport as during the day.

BUSES

Buses tend to operate in areas which are not covered by trams or the metro. Daytime buses operate from 4:30 AM – 00:00 AM while night buses run from 00:00 AM – 4:30 AM at 30 – 60 minute intervals.

TAXIS No standard price is set for taxi fares. However, drivers are required to display their prices on the doors of their cars. It is highly recommended that you ask the driver about the cost prior to committing to any ride and make sure that the meter is running while you are in the taxi. It is also advisable to call your ride beforehand instead of catching a cab on the street. The following companies are known to be reliable: • Tick Tack Taxi: +420 721 300 300 • Phone apps: Liftago Taxi, Taxify Taxi

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

7

HOTELS Lovers of architecture and history will enjoy Prague when it comes to accommodation.

With hotels large and small operating in restored buildings of nearly every major era, from medieval to Baroque to Art Nouveau to Boho-chic. You can use comparison sites like Trivago to find your perfect fit.

AirBnB is a very popular alternative in Prague and offers a more intimate and authentic living experience to match your budget.

Staying in the historic center of Old Town, New Town, and Malá Strana puts most major sites and events within easy walking distance, but may also come with greater noise and higher prices. Neighborhoods outside the center like Dejvice, Letná, Vinohrady, and Žižkov are popular with expats and locals alike, with a more tranquil, settled atmosphere.

8

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

RESTAURANTS Prague’s low cost of living makes a meal at restaurants typically cost no more than 300 CZK (approx. 15 USD).

Traditional Czech food is heavy, featuring lots of meat, potatoes, bread, and cream.

Perfect for the winter months! Taste various Czech soups, as well as traditional Czech meals like svíčková, slices of roast beef with dumplings and gravy, roast duck (“kachna”), schnitzel with potato salad (“řízek a bramborový salát”), goulash (“guláš”) and for dessert, fruit dumplings (“ovocné knedlíky”)! The selection of food available in Prague has grown drastically in the last few years, with restaurants from all around the world opening in the city. If Czech food isn’t to your taste, you’ll be sure to find something that you will love.

Café des Taxis

Café des Taxis is at the heart of AAU’s on-campus social scene; it’s the perfect place to eat, chat, study or just relax after a long class. Food-wise, the café specializes in light breakfasts and lunches. A daily menu of soups, sandwiches, baked sweets, hot and cold drinks, and more is available Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM during the regular semester (Fall and Spring).

The café also serves as a hub for campus activities and events, including faculty and student parties, quiz nights, book launches, debates and spring/summer music and BBQ nights.

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

9

SHOPPING Palladium Shopping Mall

Náměstí Republiky 1078/1, Nové Město This large shopping mall has a little bit of everything, including top clothing and cosmetics brands as well as a food court and supermarket.

Tesco MY

Národní 63/26, Nové Město The largest supermarket chain in the city, this location also features a department store in the upper floors. There are several smaller branches throughout the city.

Nový Smíchov

Plzeňská 8, 150 00 Anděl Located just west of the center at tram and metro stop Anděl, Nový Smíchov is another large shopping mall. It features a supermarket, food court, bowling alley, and two cinemas.

For mid range brands, Na příkopě and Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) serve as Prague’s high street. Luxury brands can be found on Pařížská.

Farmer’s Markets

Farmers markets in Prague have the freshest produce as well as baked goods, fish and meat, specialty coffee, and are usually quite local. They’re a prime place to start a lovely morning in Prague. Below are some of our favorites.

Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad Žižkov - Wed.–Fri. 8 AM–6 PM, Sat. 8 AM–2 PM

The Náplavka riverbank

(between the bridges Jiráskův and Železniční), Nové Město - Sat. 8 AM–2 PM

10

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

EXCHANGE TIPS The Czech Republic has not adopted the euro and instead uses the Czech crown.

Many currency exchanges found throughout Prague’s central tourist areas tend to charge high fees. eXchange LTC (Kaprova 14/13, 110 00 Josefov) offers very good exchange rates and is located in Prague 1 close to AAU. We advise you to avoid Euronet ATMs as they charge high conversion fees and encourage the withdrawal of unnecessarily high amounts of cash. Credit cards are accepted at most establishments, but check in advance and try to have some cash on hand as this is not universal.

For reference as of October 2019: 1 USD = approx. 23 CZK 1 EUR = approx. 25 CZK

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

11

COST OF LIVING According to numbeo.com as of August 2018

Overview

The cost of living in Prague is considered affordable, but we recommend drafting a monthly budget and planning your expenses. The average living costs for students range from 400–750 USD/month including meals, accommodation, public transport, and entertainment. One should note that prices vary depending on accommodation choices and lifestyle.

Rent per month Student residences (shared room)

3,500 CZK

1 bedroom apartment in the city center

16,800 CZK

1 bedroom apartment outside the city center

12,700 CZK

Utilities for 1 month (heating, electricity, gas) for 1 person in a 1 bedroom apartment

4,160 CZK

Internet 8 MBps (1 month)

Supermarket

484 CZK

Milk

19 CZK

Tomatoes (1kg)

45 CZK

Loaf of white bread

23 CZK

Water (1 liter bottle)

13 CZK

Rice (1kg)

35 CZK

Bottle of wine

120 CZK

Eggs (regular 12)

48 CZK

35 CZK

Chicken breasts (500 gr)

72 CZK

Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle)

Apples (1kg)

33 CZK

Imported beer (0.3 liter bottle)

45 CZK

Local cheese (500 gr)

99 CZK

12

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

Entertainment Meal in an inexpensive restaurant

140 CZK

Meal in a mid-range restaurant

350 CZK

Glass of wine

60 CZK

Cappuccino

42 CZK

Ticket to the cinema (with an ISIC*)

130 CZK

Ticket to the theater

815 CZK

Monthly gym membership

794 CZK

Prepaid mobile tariff per minute (no plans or discounts)

3.3 CZK

*ISIC stands for International Student Identity Card and it can help you get some neat student discounts. You are issued one during registration.

Personal care Cold medicine (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex or equivalent brands)

151 CZK

12 doses of antibiotics

230 CZK

Short visit to the private doctor

566 CZK

1 box of 32 tampons

90 CZK

Deodorant (50 ml)

89 CZK

Tube of toothpaste

51 CZK

Shampoo (400 ml)

70 CZK

Standard haircut for men

365 CZK

Standard haircut for women

600 CZK

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

13

In case of emergency, call 112.

112 is the general emergency line throughout the European Union (similar to 911 in the US). It should be used for largescale emergencies, especially for those who don’t speak Czech – operators speak English and German as well as Czech. In the case of severe medical emergencies, an ambulance will be dispatched to take

the patient to the hospital best equipped for the medical concern. A mobile doctor can also be dispatched to the scene if the situation calls for a doctor to treat the victim on site. The 112 number may also be used for urgent help from the police or fire departments.

LOST/STOLEN PROPERTY In case of lost or stolen property, report the loss to any police station. The police should give you a standard crime report form to fill out, which they will stamp and return. They will contact you if they uncover your property. For stolen passports or wallets, you will need to go to the Malá Strana police station at Vlašská 3. They are open 24 hours a day and have English-speaking officers on hand.

Lost credit card If your credit card/debit card is stolen/lost, call your bank immediately to block it and order a new one, or call one of the following services to take care of it: Visa: American Express: MasterCard/Eurocard: Diners Club: 14

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

+420 224 125 353 +420 222 800 111 +420 222 412 230 +420 222 316 675

Lost residence permit/passport

In case your passport is lost/stolen/damaged, once you have a crime report, you can go to the consular department of your embassy and ask for a new passport. If this happens to your long-term residence permit, please follow these steps below:

STEP 1: REPORT TO THE POLICE STEP 2: REPORT TO THE MOI/CZ EMBASSY

STEP 3: APPLY FOR A NEW RESIDENCE CARD

In case your card is lost, destroyed, stolen, damaged, or has a dysfunctional biometric data carrier, please report to the police at the Malá Strana police station at Vlašská 3 within 3 days.

If the incident occured in the territory of the Czech Republic, you must announce it to the MOI office based on your address. If this event occurred abroad, a Czech embassy must be notified. Similarly, you are obliged to announce the finding or acquisition of a residence card that you previously declared lost or stolen. When reporting the loss of a residence card, an MOI worker is to provide you with a paper confirmation that the loss has been reported.

When applying for a new residence card, you must provide: a travel document/passport and the damaged permit or the biometric data carrier that is not working. In case of theft, you must add the police statement regarding the theft of the residence card.

A new biometric card is not issued on the spot and you will be called to visit the relevant office again to verify your biometric data and collect your card personally. When doing so, it is necessary to pay an administrative fee of 4,000 CZK in the form of revenue stamps (kolek).

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

15

MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS PRIVATE CLINICS CANADIAN MEDICAL CARE Veleslavínská 1, Prague 6 Phone: +420 235 360 133

POLIKLINIKA NA NÁRODNÍ Národní 9, Prague 1 Phone: +420 222 075 119

OG GROUP MEDICAL CENTRE Vodičkova 699/30, Prague 1 Phone: +420 224 220 037

UNICARE MEDICAL CENTER Na dlouhém lánu 11 Phone: +420 235 356 553

DENTISTS

OB/GYN

BIODENT Dental Clinic in Prague Uruguayska 13, Prague 2 Phone: +420 222 542 332

PRAGUE WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER Kartouzská 6, Prague 5 Phone: +420 251 614 686

DENTAL OFFICE H33 Hvězdova 1073/33, Prague 4 Phone: +420 241 410 001

GYNCENTRUM Hloubětínská 3/13, Prague 9 Phone: +420 225 000 888

Stomatologická Péče Vratislavova 11, Prague 2 Phone: +420 725 394 623

MEDICATION If you’re from the US, be aware that even over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, cough syrup, etc., must be purchased at a pharmacy and that some stronger over-thecounter drugs may require a prescription in the Czech Republic. At each pharmacy there is a counter for prescriptions (výdej na recept) and one for non-prescription medication (výdej bez receptu). Medication with a prescription is subsidized, whereas medication without prescription is not, and the patient must pay the full cost. Processing a prescription now costs 30 CZK.

VOCABULARY

• • • • •

Emergency – Naléhavý případ Help – Pomoc Sick – Nemocný Doctor – Doktor, Lékař Hospital – Nemocnice 16

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

• • • • •

Child – Dítě Poison – Jed Dentist – Zubař Tooth – Zub Pharmacy – Lékárna

SIGHTSEEINGS IN PRAGUE

No traveler returns from Prague without being entranced by its beauty, thanks to the city’s rich history, art, and architecture. Although some of your time will be spent at the elegant 18th-century Thurn-Taxis Palace, AAU, we encourage you to explore the major sights of Prague and discover your own treasures in the city. Here are a few easily accessible favorites: Wallenstein Gardens: This 17th-century garden of Wallenstein Palace is the prettiest in Prague. It’s also AAU’s neighbor (2-minute walk from AAU).

Franz Kafka Museum: One of Prague’s brightest literary stars gets tribute at this museum filled with correspondence, diaries, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, and more (3-minute walk from AAU).

Vrtba Garden: This Baroque garden on the slope of Petřín Hill remains a secret to even seasoned Prague veterans. Established with the palace in the early 18th century for the Count of Vrtba, the terraced garden looks every bit the fairy tale (7-minute walk from AAU) Charles Bridge: This 14th-century bridge is the most famous sight of Prague, and for good reason, with romantic views (and many tourists) in all directions (8-minute walk from AAU).

John Lennon Wall: What started in the late 1980s as a way for young Czechs to air grievances has become a graffiti-slathered wall filled with pictures and slogans dedicated to peace, love, and the spirit of John Lennon (9-minute walk from AAU).

Letná Park: One of Praguers’ favorite perches, this 128-acre park occupies a hill just north of the Vltava River, offering sweeping views of old Prague, soft green lawns, shady trees, and one of the city’s best beer gardens (10-minute walk from AAU) Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

17

Jewish Museum: In a grotesque turn of fate, the Nazi efforts to preserve Prague’s Jewish quarter as a “museum of an extinct race” kept many of the community’s synagogues and artifacts intact throughout World War II. Prague’s rich—and tragic— Jewish history is chronicled in these seven sites in Josefov (10-minute walk from AAU).

Prague Castle: Looming over the campus of AAU and the entire Malá Strana neighborhood is the famous castle, which accounts for the long lines at peak times.

Inside the complex are St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane (15-minute walk from AAU).

Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square: Another major stop on the tourist route, this vast square is as fairytale as they get, particularly the world famous astronomical clock (12-minute walk from AAU).

LEARN CZECH ETIQUETTE Greetings

• You will typically be greeted when entering stores with “dobrý den/dobrý večer” meaning “good day/good evening.”

• When leaving, it is common courtesy to say “na shledanou” (goodbye). The idea is to acknowledge the presence of people near you.

18

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

Public Transportation

• When on public transportation, it is courteous to step out if in the way to allow someone to get off at their designated stop.

• On escalators, you should stand on the right side to let people walk through on the left.

Eating Out

• Tipping at restaurants is common. It is typically suitable to round the total amount to a nicer number. For example, if the bill is 379 CZK you might round it to 400 CZK when adding the tip.

• Paying separately is also quite common and usually results in the waiter asking you to pay at the cash register. When paying for the bill, tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay (including the rounded tip) while handing them the cash or paying by card.

• It is useful to carry cash as not all establishments take credit cards.

Visiting Homes

• A bottle of wine and/or flowers are deemed to be ideal small gifts when visiting homes and are always appreciated.

• Visitors are expected to remove their shoes when entering a Czech home and hosts will often provide their guests with slippers.

Master Some Common Czech Phrases • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hello (formal) = Dobrý den (dobree den) Hello (informal) = Ahoj/Čau (Ahoi, Chao) Good morning = Dobré ráno (dobreh rahno) Good evening = Dobrý večer (dobree vecher) Good night = Dobrou noc (dobrow nots) Goodbye = Na shledanou (naskhledanow) Please = Prosím (proseem) Thank You = Děkuji (dyekuyi) Excuse me = Promiňte (prominteh) Yes = Ano (ano) No = Ne (neh) Do you speak English? = Mluvíte anglicky? (mluveete anglitsky?)

I don’t understand = Nerozumím (nerozumeem) Bathroom = Toaleta/Záchod (toaleta, zaahkod) Men = Muži/Páni (muzhi, pahnyi) Women = Ženy/Dámy (zheny, dahmy) How much does it cost? = Kolik to stojí (kolik to stoyee) Cheers! (when drinking) = Na zdraví! (Na zdravee) Can I pay, please? = Můžu zaplatit, prosím? (muju zaplatit proseem)

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague

19

Join us in Prague! #AAUPrague ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AAUPRAGUE ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AAUPRAGUE ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Anglo-americká vysoká škola, z.ú.

Letenská 120/5, 118 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic Tel.: +420 257 530 202, E-mail: admissions@aauni.edu www.aauni.edu 20

Welcome Guide Anglo-American University in Prague