Musée Grévin Prague
Where the Unbelievable Becomes Real! Unbelievable encounters become reality at Musée Grévin Prague. Welcome to the magical world of personalities, who created and are still creating history
Have you ever thought what it would be like to meet the Hollywood stars? Are you interested in how tall Brad Pitt or George Clooney are? Would you like to shake Barack Obama´s hand or take a closer look at Mozart, Mick Jagger and Miloš Forman? Enter the magical museum Grévin, and Czech and world-famous legends will be closer than you have ever dreamt of.
The wax figurine Museum Grévin Prague opened its doors last May in the very heart of the capital in Celetná Street by the Old Town Square. The enchanting world of Grévin brings the opportunity to take more than a one and a half hour trip into historical eras, as well as famous scenes of contemporary films. A 3-floor exhibition is spread out on an area of 3000m2, divided into thematic sections – worlds, where the impossible encounters with celebrities become reality.
The precise execution of all the Czech personalities’ figurines was carried out by the artistic team of the Grévin Paris specialists in cooperation with famous Czech celebrities, such as Karel Gott, Helena Vondráčková, Tereza Maxová and Petr Čech, but also the creators of the Little Mole and Spejbl and Hurvínek. Visitors can also look forward to meeting Hollywood stars amongst which shine names such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Michael Jackson, Jean Paul Belmondo, Cameron Diaz, George Clooney and Nicolas Cage. The unique concept of the Museum Grévin offers a spectacular tour through various time epochs, which are intensified by well worked-out scenography, perfect costumes, hairstyles and last but not least by music and light effects. The authentic experience is created by the flawless scenography that evokes the feelings from those particular eras in which the personalities lived. In one moment you can be strolling through the streets of old Prague together with Franz Kafka, and then in a heartbeat, be in the world of the fairytale characters or under the baton of the camera master Miloš Forman.
Welcome
to the second issue of the City Sightseeing Magazine.
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n the pages which follow, we will guide you through our world-renowned hop-on-hop-off Bus Tour and the various stops you will experience while you travel with us. We will also give you details about the other exciting and enlightening tours which our company offers here in the Czech capital. The magazine also includes recommendations and information about the best things to see and the best places to visit while you are here, so be sure to pay attention to our recommendations on subjects such as Eating Out, Nightlife and Attractions. At City Sightseeing Prague, we are passionate about our city and we try to act as ambassadors for Prague through our words and actions. Our bus tour is created around a carefully designed route that takes you to the key places of interest, and a hop-on, hop-off facility that lets you discover them. CONTENTS All tours offer an informative and entertaining commentary in various different languages. We carefully tailor the tour to showcase the buildings, monuments and attractions that make the city unique. Our goal is to make sure that you get the most out of your trip to Prague. It is a city of unique beauty and intrigue and we sincerelt hope you will enjoy your stay in the Czech capital.
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3 – City Sightseeing Information 8 – Stop1: Old Town Square 10 – Stop 2: Masarykovo Nádraží 12 – Stop 3: Malá Strana 14 – Stop 4: Prague Castle 16 – Stop 5: Strahov Monastery 18 – Stop 6: Strahov Stadium 20 – Stop 7: Kampa Island 22 – Stop 8: Hlavní Nádraží 24 –Essential Information 26 - Other Tours 30 - Meet The Guides 32 - Map
Meeting Points
Hitler welcomes ethnic Germans in Prague.
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Prague Through The Ages
rague has been in existence for around 11 centuries. The first inhabitants of what is today known as Prague were the Celts, who settled in the Vltava valley in 500 BC. Later they were driven out or assimilated by a Germanic tribe called the Marcomanni. In the 6th century AD, Marcomanni migrated westwards or were assimilated by the invading West Slavic people. According to legends, Prague was founded by Libuše and her husband, Přemysl, founder of the dynasty of the same name. The Přemyslids built two fortresses: Vyšehrad and the Prague Castle.
The Era of Charles IV
The city flourished during the 14th century reign (1346– 1378) of Charles IV. The so-called "Father of the Country" transformed
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Prague into an imperial capital. He ordered the building of the New Town and also The Charles Bridge. In 1347 he founded Charles University which is the oldest university in Central Europe. Prague was then the third largest city in Europe. Charles IV died in 1378. During the reign of his son, King Wenceslas IV (1378–1419), a period of intense turmoil ensued, as a result of economic depression and religious conflicts between the Catholics and the Reformists. During the years 1583 - 1612, the great art enthusiast Emperor Rudolph II of Habsburg selected Prague Castle as his permanent residence and thereby Prague became renowned as a centre of artists and scholars. The period when it flourished was brought to an abrupt end by the uprising of the estates during the years 1618 - 1620 which signalled
The Czech Workers Militia fight against Communism on Old Town Square. the start of the Thirty Years War, which relegated to a provincial city, forcefully brought back to the Catholic religion and the population decimated. In 1784 the Emperor Joseph II merged the Prague towns, which until then were independent (Old Town, New Town, Lesser Town and HradÄ?any) into a single Capital City of Prague. During the course of the 19th century it became the centre of the Czech national revival and on October 28th, 1918 it became the capital of the independent Czechoslovak Republic. By 1930, the population had risen to 850,000.
Second World War
Hitler ordered the German Army to enter Prague on 15 March 1939. In 1942, Prague was witness to the assassination of one of the most powerful men in Nazi Germany - Reinhard Heydrich. Hitler ordered bloody reprisals. At the end of the war, Prague suffered several bombing raids by the USAAF. Over 1,000 people
were killed and hundreds of buildings and historical landmarks were destroyed. Once it was known that Germany would surrender, the Prague uprising against the Nazi occupants occurred on 5 May 1945. After six years of occupation Prague gained liberty only to be promptly swept beneath the Iron Curtain. By 1968 the city once again began to blossom in what would become known as 'The Prague Spring'. Soviet style socialism gave way to liberal reform and democracy began to flower. However, Mother Russia wasn't happy and decided that a display of military might was needed. Everything went according to the Soviet plan until the toppling of the Berlin Wall signalled that their days were numbered. In 1989, after the riot police beat back a peaceful student demonstration, the Velvet Revolution crowded the streets of Prague to bring an end to communist rule. In 1993, after the split of Czechoslovakia, Prague became the capital city of the new Czech Republic.
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Stop 1
Old Town Square
One of the most famous squares in Europe and the world! Step onto Prague’s Old Town Square and journey back in time, 600 or 700 years.
As you stand in awe, the dramatic history of Prague permeates the air. Known in Czech as Staroměstské náměstí, it is one of two main squares in Prague (Wenceslas Square is the other, just 5 minutes walk away).
The Old Town Square dates from the 12th century and started life as the central marketplace for Prague. Over the centuries buildings of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles were erected around the market, each bringing with them stories of wealthy merchants and political intrigue. The most notable sights on the square are the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and St. Nicholas Church. So just sit back with a nice Czech beer and enjoy your visit to this amazing area.
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Prague’s stunning Old Town Square.
Our Tips
Caffrey’s Irish Pub
Staroměstské náměstí 10, Tel.: +420 224 828 031.
Caffrey’s offers a great selection of drinks (local and imported), and their food menu rivals the best restaurants in the city. It is also the perfect place to watch live sporting action. Guests can enjoy great service from friendly and helpful staff and you can also avail of an excellent beer garden. Gallery DollsLand
Rytířská 6, Tel.: +420 731 606 369. www.dollsland.eu
This venue boasts the largest private collection of Barbie dolls and Monster High dolls. The exhibition includes 1,200 Barbie dolls and Monster High dolls, together with more than 2200 models of cars and motorcycles. Open daily: Monday - Sunday 10:00 to 6:00 p.m. Choco Story
Celetná 10, Tel.: +420 224 242 953.
Choco Story Prague revives the 2,600-year-old history of chocolate in words, pictures and tastes. In the museum you will be absorbed by the exciting world of chocolate and using all your senses you will be travelling in time. It will be a pleasure for the eyes, nose and mouth.
Stop 2
Masarykovo Nádraží
In years gone by, the Stop 2 area (where the Masarykovo Nádraží train station now stands) was located on the outer walls of the old city and included a moat which protected Prague from any invading forces.
This area still maintains many of its old features, such as the Powder Gate - the original entrance in to the city.
However in recent years it has fallen victim to the expansion of the city and now hosts a train station which offers transport within the Czech Republic but no international service. Also in the area, you can find an excellent shopping complex called Slovanský dům which boasts some beautiful stores, a stunning outdoor garden and a cinema. Obecní dům *The Municipal House) can also be found in the area – it is a stunning art nouveau building which is well worth seeing.
If you look closely, you will still see traces of the old city around the Stop 2 area, so take your time and explore this area to its fullest.
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Our Tips Musée Grévin
Celetná 15. Tel: +420 226 776 776
Experience meeting Czech and international legends on an area of 3000 m2 of breathtaking space. During the 1,5 hour tour, visitors enter a world of unexpected meetings, mysterious times of history, and present Hollywood and Czech show business. The unique Grévin concept offers a spectacular expedition through various time epochs, which are intensified by wonderful scenography, perfect costumes and hairstyles, and last but not least by music and light effects. Slovanský dům,
Na Příkopě 22, www.slovanskydum.com
Shopping gallery Slovanský dům offers a multifarious scale of opportunities. You can find the world’s best-known brands. Apart from wonderful shops and restaurants, it also offers exquisite service for your body and mind and a French style garden which is unique in the city centre. Hotel U Prince
Staroměstské náměstí 29. Tel.: +420:737 261 842
This family-owned hotel hides on its roof top the Terrace Sky restaurant with the most spectacular view of the venerable Old Town Square. For the cocktail lovers there is also a prohibition bar called Black Angel´s ranked as TOP 10 Hotel bars in the World.
The Franz Kafka Museum can be found in the heart of Malá Strana.
Stop 3
Malá Strana Malá Strana (in English: Little Quarter) is one of its most historic districts in the Czech Republic and is well worth exploring. The area was founded by King Ottokar II of Bohemia in 1257. As a royal town (a town founded by the King), it received many privileges which are visible through the architecture and the stunning detail to design which is evident in many buildings. You will certainly need your camera when exploring some of these creations. However, when the area was being built, the original residents were expelled and many German craftsmen and merchants were invited by the king to live there and they transformed Malá Strana into a busy district, brimming with wealth. The vicinity hosts many great attractions such as Wallenstein Palace and Franz Kafka Museum. Just ask your bus host to tell you about the other hidden treasures of this amazing area.
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Our tips
Spa at Hotel Hoffmeister Pod Bruskou 7, Malá Strana Tel.: +420 251 017 111 www.hoffmeister.cz The spa at Hotel Hoffmeister is the perfect place for relaxation, rest and revitalisation. Among other things, they offer a unique Steam Ceremonial in a cave carved in the 15th century. Visitors will also be highly pleased with the professional team of masseurs, therapists and cosmeticians. Ecsotica Spa
Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa,Tržiště 19, , Tel.: +420 257 286 066 www.alchymisthotels.com The Ecsotica Spa & Health Club is the finest luxury spa, offering restful rejuvenation in unrivalled privacy and comfort, combining exclusive pampering treatments with extraordinary design elements. Mandarin Hotel Spa
Nebovidská 1, Tel.: +420 233 088 655 www.mandarinoriental.com The only spa in the world located in a former Renaissance chapel, they offer a unique spiritual space to begin your journey to equilibrium. Relax in tranquility and restore balance to your body, mind and soul.
Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa Tržiště 19, , Tel.: +420 257 286 066 www.alchymisthotels.com
The magnificent Prague Castle
Stop 4
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the official residence and office of the President of the Czech Republic and is without doubt the biggest tourist attraction in the city and indeed the country. Located in the Hradčany district of Prague and dating back to the ninth century, it has been a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic.
The Guinness Book of Records lists Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle in the world. It occupies an area of almost 70,000 m2 (around 570 meters in length and around 130 metres wide). There are many wonderful sights to behold during your visit here, such as the amazing St. Vitus Cathedral.
We can supply you with your own personal Castle guide who will take you on a unique your own fact finding tour of the complex. Ask on board for details.
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Our Tips
Jízdárna Riding School Café-Gallery-Shop U Prašného mostu 53, Tel.: +420 224 372 453 On the road leading to the Prague Castle, there is the Baroque building of Prague Castle Riding School (Jízdárna), currently Prague’s largest exhibition hall. Here, you can buy artworks in the styles of Czech cubism and modernism, or you can just treat yourselves to a cup of excellent coffee and a home-made dessert in the garden, while enjoying a unique view of St Vitus’ Cathedral. The exhibition offers some stunning examples of fine art, photography, architecture and design, all of which can be purchased. Definitely worth a visit FREE WIFI Garden Restaurant Na Baště 4th courtyard Prague Castle, Tel.: +420 224 373 599 The café and restaurant found their place in the garden designed by the world-famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. The gardens were created in Italian and Japanese styles and have won international awards. You are invited to have your lunch or just relax far from the crowds of tourists.The restaurant offers a wide selection of hot meals, baguettes, sandwiches, salads and desserts, as well as various varieties of coffee and Pilsner Urquell beer on draft.
Stop 5
Strahov Monastery
The monastery is a premonstratensian abbey which was founded in 1149 by Bishop Jindřich Zdík, Bishop John of Prague, and Duke Vladislav II. It is located in the Strahov district of Prague, on the west side of Petrin Hill. Highlights of the monastery include the Theological Hall (with stucco decoration and paintings from 1720s) and the Philosophical Hall. The monastery itself still falls under the area of Prague Castle and has many great places to visit whiles you hop off at this stop.
The Monastic Restaurant and Brewery is one of the top spots to visit whilst here at Strahov. The first documentation of this brewery dates back to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. If it was good back then, just imagine how good it is now, having had so many years to perfect a brewing recipe for the most popular Czech beverage - so go on, enjoy!
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Our Tips
Segway For Ours Strahovské nádvoří 11. Tel.: +420 608 334 388 www.segwayforours.cz No more boring walking, now you can rent a Segway and see the best of Prague in just one hour. Segway for ours offers you three wonderful tours. Choose Nový Svět to see one of the first streets in Prague including Prague Castle and Strahov. Or choose a ride in Petřin Gardens. Or go to Charles Bridge and Kampa. Museum of Miniatures
Strahovské nádvoří 11. Tel.: +420 233 352 371 www.muzeumminiatur.cz Have you ever read a book on sizes 0.9 mm x 0.9 mm? Or ridden a bike made of gold which is 2 mm long? Or seen The Eiffel Tower inside a cherry stone? Well, this is not a myth. You can see it all and many more for real in the Museum of Miniatures in Strahov. Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM. Velká Klášterní Restaurace
Strahovské Nádvoří 302/11 Prague Czech Republic Tel.: + 420 242 451 188 This is the largest non-smoking restaurant in Prague with a capacity of 620 seats. Located near Prague Castle, it offers Czech and international cuisine, homemade beer from the Matuska brewery and folklore evenings with music and dancing. They have prepared a complimentary snack with a purchased beer for City Sightseeing guests.
“The largest non-smoking restaurant in Prague with a capacity of 620 seats�
The massive Strahov Stadium
Stop 6
Our Tips
Visually, this is one of our least appealing stops, due to the huge communist stadium that looms over the sky line. However, as you will find out, this place is immersed with history and is only a short walk away from Petrin - one of the most amazing parks in Prague, with is lookout tower and beautiful gardens with fantastic views over the city’s golden sky line.
The Petřín Lookout Tower which can be found on top of Petřín Hill is a 60-metre high steel framework tower which strongly resembles the Eiffel Tower.
Strahov Stadium
The stadium is one of the biggest in the world, seating over 250.000 people. Construction began based on plans by the architect Alois Dryák, on a wooden stadium in 1926, which was replaced by concrete grandstands in 1932.
Today, it is no longer in use for competitive sporting events. It is a training centre for Sparta Prague sports club, and is also used to host concerts. If you are lucky, a world famous band could be performing here during your stay in Prague.
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Petřín Lookout Tower
In 1889, members of The Club of Czech Tourists visited the world exposition in Paris and were inspired by the Eiffel Tower. Later, they collected a sufficient amount of money and in March, 1891 the building of the tower started. It was finished in only 4 months. If you go up the hard way, the hill is roughly a half-hour walk. However, the hill is also served by a frequent funicular (cable car) and the tower has an elevator for disabled persons.
On clear days, the tower offers an excellent view of the Prague skyline. It is open from 9am until 11pm every day. The Observation Tower is set in landscaped gardens that dominate the summit of Petřín Hill. These make for a very pleasant stroll anytime of the year, as an excursion from the city centre.
Visit the ‘younger sister’ of the Eiffel Tower
Stop 7
Kampa Island
Kampa is an island on the Vltava River, which is located on the Malá Strana side of the city centre. Charles Bridge crosses its northern tip and is connected to the island by the street Ulice na Kampě. It is separated from Malá Strana by a narrow artificial channel to the west called the Devil's Stream - a waterway constructed to power water mills.
It is supposedly named after a sharp-tongued woman who lived in a local home called the Seven Devils (let’s hope she still in not around). This area is one of the most amazing in the city, as it hosts many great monuments such as Charles Bridge, the Child of Prague Church and the National Theatre. Kampa is also home to Museum Kampa, a modern art gallery showcasing Czech and central European works. In summer time you can rent pedal boats and take a nice relaxing trip on the Vltava.
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A view of Kampa Island.
Our Tips
Sushi Place Zborovská 49. Tel.: +420 603 244 882 This sushi bar, established in 1999, was the first of its kind in the Czech Republic and is still going strong. Located just off the Legií bridge on the edge of the Lesser Quarter, it is a must-go place for lovers of sushi and Japanese cuisine. Museum Kampa U Sovových mlýnů 2. Tel.: +420 257 286 147 www.museumkampa.cz The permanent exhibition presents art works from the second half of the 20th century. The majority of these works were created during the Communist era by artists, who were not supported by the regime. In addition, they also feature various short-term exhibitions.
Reduta Jazz Club Národní 20. Tel.: +420 224 933 487 A legendary music club in the heart of Europe. Since 1958 it has been Prague`s meeting place for the best musicians and respectable personalities from cultural and political life – Bill Clinton, Vaclev Havel and other figures of the Velvet Revolution have visited. Czech and international artists perform daily.
Stop 8
Hlavni Nadrazi
We have now returned back to New Town, an area which has a misleading name, because it was actually founded by Charles IV in 1348, following his coronation as king under the Holy Roman Empire.
Just a 10-minute walk from our stop you will come to the second most famous square in the city - Wenceslas Square, which lies at the heart of New Town, and is a vibrant area of hotels, shopping outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues and nightlife hotspots. More a boulevard than a square, it has the shape of a very long (750 m, total area 45,000 m²) rectangle. At the top, it is dominated by the grand neoclassical Czech National Museum.
The area has an intriguing history, but is graced with more modern amenities than elsewhere in the city. It also has excellent metro and tram connections. So we really hope you enjoy our last stop.
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Wenceslas Square dominates the New Town.
Our Tips
National Museum
Václavské náměstí 68.
This stunning and historical building was created according to the proposal of architect Josef Schulz. It was built between 1885 and 1891. The building is currently closed for reconstruction, but you can visit various other buildings of the National Museum which offer interesting exhibitions which will intrigue you and educate you about Prague’s decorated past.
These buildings include: National Museum New Building (Vinohradská 1,Prague 1); Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures (Betlémské náměstí 1, Prague 1); Czech Museum of Music (Karmelitská 2/4, Prague 1); Bedřich Smetana Museum (Novotného lávka 1, Prague 1); Antonín Dvořák Museum (Ke Karlovu 20, 120 00 Prague 2); National Memorial on the Vítkov Hill (U Památníku 1900, Prague 3).
For information on some of the wonderful exhibitions which takes place at these venues and others, please visit the impressive National Museum website at: www.nm.cz (The site is also available in English).
Essential Information Currency
The main currency in Czech Republic is Czech Crown (Česká Koruna) which is represented by the Czech symbol ‘Kč’ and the international symbol ‘CZK’. The currency is made up of coins with values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 CZK; and bank notes with values of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 CZK. At the time of print, one Euro was worth around 27 CZK. Foreign Currency
In some of the bigger and more touristic bars, restaurants and shops, payment in Euro, British Pounds or dollars is accepted. Telephone
Country code: +420. There is no area code, because it is already included in every local telephone number.
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Czech bank notes.
Post
The Main Post Office is located at Jindřišká 14, Praha 1 and is open every day from 02.00-24.00. It is one of the most beautiful post offices you will ever see and is worth visiting even if you don’t require postal services. Pharmacy
A pharmacy (Lekarna in Czech), which is available around the clock, can be found at: Palackého 720/5, Prague 1 (Tel.: +420 224 946 982). Emergency Numbers
150 - Fire Department
155 - Medical Emergency 156 - City Police 158 - Police
Operators speak mostly Czech, so better to ask someone to explain your problem instead of you talking to them directly.
Tourist Traps Tourist Traps
Like every other city in the world, there are certain things which visitors must look out for, and also certain things that prove to be very annoying. Check out the text below: Exchanging Money
Never exchange money from people on the streets. These people are constantly trying to con travellers with outrageous rates and counterfeit money. Also be careful when changing your money in exchange offices and find out exactly how much you are getting before you pass your money over. Some can be rip-offs. One company which is ultrareliable and always offer the best rates is the Alfa Currency Exchange which can be found at Na Příkopě 23 (inside the Panska Passage) or also outside the Palladium Shopping Centre at Náměstí Republiky. Visit their website: www.alfaprague.cz. Taxis
Some taxis have a terrible reputation for ripping people off.
Tick Tack Taxi
Don’t go with private cabs. If you really need to take a taxi, make sure you take a company cab. If you prefer to travel in some style, we recommend the wonderful Tick Tack Taxi company. They offer a professional and reliable service and put customer satisfaction and quality at the top of their list of priorities. They can be contacted by dialling: 14144 or +420 721 300 300. Pick-Pocketing
This is one of Prague's most common crimes. Don't underestimate Prague pickpockets and don't think you can outsmart them. Many of them are highly skilled "professionals". Never leave your wallet or phone etc lying faree on a table or anywhere else. Best to keep it is in a closed pocket. Over-priced Bills.
Some places view foreign customers as easy prey for a rip-off. They may add a 20% commission on your bill for no reason at all, or can also add a service charge which they invent themselves and can be as high as 40%. Always check your bill and ask if you have a question about it.
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Other Recommendations Hard Rock Cafe Prague Malé Náměstí 3, Tel.: +420-224-229-529. www.hardrock.com
Hard Rock Cafe Prague is one of the largest in Europe and is situated in a historically significant building located in the heart of Old Prague. Offering more than just great food and exceptional service, it`s also a rock`n`roll restaurant as well as a museum of popular culture, with authentic memorabilia from the rock legends covering the walls. In addition to our signature cocktails, for which there is a Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 17:30 to 19:30, we also offer the traditional Czech beer Pilsner Urquell and a delicious breakfast menu. Our guest may look forward to several nights of Live Music and DJs every week! Hard Rock Cafe features 2 semi-private rooms, an outside terrace open from April until October, and two vibrant bars. Black Angel’s Bar
Staroměstské náměstí 29 Tel.: +420 224 213 807. www.blackangelsbar.cz
Black Angel‘s Bar is designed in the prohibition style of 1930s restaurants, the so-called ‘public houses‘. Its atmosphere will immerse you into the mood of black and white films, where the
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names of cocktails are not just empty names. Guests are welcomed to discover that the impossible is possible at Black Angel’s Bar. We respect the privacy of our guests, for this reason photography is not allowed. Black Angel´s Bar was ranked among top 10 hotel bars in the World by prestigious bar awards “The Tales of The Cocktail” in New Orleans in 2013. ICEPUB PRAGUE
Smetanovo nábřeží 1. Tel.: +420 739 054 641 www.icepubprague.com
ICEPUB PRAGUE offers the ultimate ice experience as visitors are invited to sip some of the finest cocktails in a stunning visual setting. As the name already suggests, almost everything is made out of ice (even your glass) and to embrace the cold, every visitor receives special thermal clothing before entering the Ice Bar. The temperature is kept at -7 degrees all year round. ICEPUB PRAGUE is situated in the largest music club in central Europe – KARLOVY LÁZNĚ, so after a visit to the Ice bar, you can also enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the most visited music club in Czech Republic! ICEPUB PRAGUE opens daily from midday until 5am. Be cool and don’t miss this unforgettable experience.
Getting Around Public Transport
Public transport in the city is reliable, punctual and cheap. The same tickets are used for trams, busses and the subway. Tickets prices increase from July 1st when a ticket for 30 minutes will cost 26CZK and a 90-minute ticket will cost 32 CZK. However, these prices include changeovers, so you can travel as far as you want for that price which was not the case in the past. Children under-5 and over65s travel for free. Tickets must be validated before travel and don’t forget to do it, because checks are carried out regularly.
on 3 colour-coded lines (Red, Green and Yellow). It provides an efficient, safe and reliable way to get around the city. Trams
Prague trams are an entertaining way around the city and popular with visitors. The Prague tram system is extensive, efficient and very cheap. The 22 and 23 go to Prague Castle, the National Theatre and Strahov Monastery. The 17 runs along the river. Prague trams run to most parts of the city. The old-fashioned trams are still in operation but are gradually being replaced by more modern vehicles.
Ticket prices increased last year with the price of a 30minute ticket going to 24 CZK, while a 90-minute ticket went to 32 CZK. Tickets can be purchased in tobacco shops and ticket vending machines. Trams, busses and subway operate daily from 4am to 12.15am. More info at: www.dpp.cz. Metro
The Prague metro is based
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The Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov.
Tour of Prague's Jewish Quarter A Walk Through History, Heartbreak and Hope
The history of the Jewish people in the city is almost as old as the city itself. The historical walk in the Prague's Jewish Quarter which is offered by City Sightseeing is both intriguing and educational, as visitors are invited to relive a number of historic events and to gain a sense of what it was like to live in this famed area. The Jewish people are believed to have arrived in the city as early as the 10th century. Shortly after their arrival, the first crusade took place and ever since then, the Jewish people were forced to live within a Ghetto which remained for around 600 years. Conditions in the Ghetto were hard to bare, because no matter how big the community got, the space of
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the Ghetto remained the same and for most of its time, it was a labyrinth of old buildings and poor living standards. In the mid-18th century, Joseph II, the Habsburg king signed the Dicta of Tolerance to the Community, meaning that finally after centuries of being limited with the walls of the Ghetto they were finally able to buy land, acquire property, get involved in the administration of the city, and also take part in arts, science, economics and politics, all of which led to the golden age of the community in the 19th century. Prague’s Jewish Ghetto had a separate flag from the city and is known to be the first flag in history to use the Star of David as a symbol to identify the Jewish people. It is made up of a yellow star on a red background. The beginning of the 20th century changed the face of Josefov forever, and in the space of a few decades, the most miserable part of the historical area of the city became the most elegant one.
The Franz Kafka statue at the entrances of the Jewish Quarter.
However, the consequences of WWII still echo today in the Jewish Quarter. At the outbreak of World War II, over 92,000 Jews lived in Prague, but at least twothirds of them perished in the Holocaust. More than a quarter of a million Czechoslovak Jews were murdered in the Holocaust and more than 60 synagogues in the Czech lands were destroyed. Following the war, about 15,000 Czech Jews remained. Many who returned after the war ended up in a homeless state and during the time of communism, everything was of course state owned, so their former properties remained lost. Only after the very long and hard decades of communism, the Jewish people got the chance to get back the property that belonged to them as the original owners before World War II, but even then the
community encountered difficulties as not many war survivors had survived the 45years of communism. Today only 12% of Jewish property has been reinstituted to the community. The rest was sold during the process of liberalisation of the country leaving the Jewish people a minority even in their own historical quarter. The Ghetto in centuries gone by, and indeed the modern ghetto hold a very rich history which involved influential Jewish figures such as Rabi Lev, Maisel, Franz Kafka and Max Brod. Among the most important buildings in the area are the six synagogues, the old Cemetery, and the Jewish town hall. Please ask your guide for more details of the City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Josefov – it truly is a must !
Please ask your guide or the driver for more details on how to experience our other tours. 27
Prague Castle Tour
Operated by City Sightseeing The City of a Thousand Spires has seen it all. Centuries of Bohemian kings, invading Nazis, Soviet tanks and Velvet Revolutionaries have passed over Prague's cobblestones, and the spires survived it all, creating one of Europe's most romantic and beautiful skylines. One of the most noticeable sights on this skyline is the stunning Prague castle and the spires of its magnificent Cathedral. Prague Castle is an ancient symbol of the Czech lands and is the most significant monument in the Czech Republic. On the basis of archaeological research and the oldest written sources it is thought that Prague Castle was founded around the year 880 by Prince Borivoj of the House of Premyslides. Today Prague Castle (besides being the seat of the head of state) is an important cultural and historical monument. The crown jewels are kept there, as are the relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian relics, art treasures and historical documents.
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One of the courtyards of Prague Castle.
While you are there, why not let our City Sightseeing Prague guide show you the wonders the Castle has to offer with our great and highly recommended tour. You will see sights such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the great court yards as well as many more fantastic spectacles. It truly is a wonderful experience, and our resident Castle guide has gained international acclaim for his knowledge and friendliness. Basic Information The Castle is open daily from 5.00 to 24.00 (April to October) and from 6.00 to 24.00 (November to March). The historical monuments are open daily except on December 24th. The ceremonial Changing of the Guard including a fanfare and flag ceremony takes place daily at 12.00 in the first courtyard. The Changing of the Guard by the Castle gates takes place every hour on the hour from 7.00 to 22.00 (April to October) and from 7.00 to 18.00 (November to March). *Tickets for the Prague Castle Tour can be purchased at Stop 4 on our Bus Tour. Castle tours run daily at: 10.40, 12.10 and 13.40. Ask your bus guide for more info.
Vltava River Cruise Offered by City Sightseeing
If you want to combine sightseeing with comfort and relaxation, then we recommend the Vltava River Cruise which is operated by the City Sightseeing Company.
Many of the city’s most famous sights can be witnessed during the one-hour cruise onboard our excellent boat. These sights include Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town, Little Quarter/Lesser Town, The Dancing House and many more.
During the cruise, you can also enjoy hot and cold drinks and snacks courtesy of our onboard bar. Beverages and refreshments are served on the upper deck (sundeck) and also at the interior salon which
The City Sightseeing Boat Tour
is air-conditioned or heated according to the season. The River
The Vltava is the most famous river in the Czech Republic. It is 433km long which makes it the longest river in the country. The river’s spring is situated in Šumava in Southern Bohemia, the Vltava then runs through Český Krumlov, České Budějovice, through Prague and it merges with the Laber River at the town of Mělník. There are nine dams on the river, the first of which was built in the 1930s. The largest one is the Lipno Dam, but most water is being held in the Orlík Dam. There are 107 bridges over the Vltava River and 17 of these can be found in Prague. Charles Bridge is by far the most famous and beautiful, but there are many others that are worth seeing, such as Čechův Bridge or Mánes Bridge.