Monday, December 18, 2017

The Best Clubs, Pubs, Bars and Restaurants with Live Music in Prague


In the center of Prague locals and tourists can visit a large number of great restaurants, pubs and bars with perfect atmosphere, professional staff and delicious drinks or meals. But just a few of them offer live music, whether it's jazz, piano music, traditional Czech folklore music or others. You don't need to speak Czech because music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand... Some of them are more of a clubs, but all of them serve drinks.

Jazz/Blues/Swing

1. Reduta Jazz Club

Source: www.redutajazzclub.cz

Reduta Jazz Club, founded in 1957, is a traditional jazz club with a great atmosphere. Listen to live concerts every day and enjoy an unforgettable musical experience. The best performers from the Czech Republic and all over the world playing the best jazz music. In 2016 it was recognized  by The Guardian as one of the best jazz clubs in Europe. You will find in Národní street, just a few steps from the National Theatre and our Residence Karolina. The jazz hall is connected to the Saxophone Bar which opens usually half an hour before the concert. Visit their website to see the program.

Google Rating: 4,5

2. ART&FOOD Had

Source: www.art-food.cz

If you walk from the National Theatre, cross the Legion Bridge and go to Plaská street, near Újezd. It's home of a brilliant restaurant with a homely atmosphere offering live music every day from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. Listen to jazz, pop, blues, swing while enjoying delicious meals inspired by traditional Czech cuisine. Wine lovers can taste one of the fine wines and if you like beer, you won't be disappointed as they offer special beers from the Czech microbreweries. In the restaurant customers can admire more than 200 paintings from the best Czech artists.

Website: www.art-food.cz
Google Rating: 4,6

3. Jazz Republic

Source: www.jazzrepublic.cz

This jazz club/bar is one of the most popular live music venues in the center of Prague. It is situated in a Romanesque cellar, just a few feet from our Jilska Palace Apartments, not far from the Old Town Square. Almost every day visitors can enjoy a live concert, mostly jazz, funk and blues, but also world music, acid jazz, R&B or even latin music. Get a craft beer from Zemsky brewery, wine, nachos, club sandwich or a cheese plate and relax with a pleasant music.

Google Rating: 4,4

4. Blues Sklep

Source: www.bluessklep.cz

Blues Skep is a bar and club in the very center of Prague, not far from the Charles Bridge, Bethlehem Chapel and our Residence Karolina or Krizovnicka Apartments. The bar is open daily from 7 P.M. and almost every day guests can listen to live blues/jazz music. Get a beer for a reasonable price and enjoy a nice atmosphere. Blues Sklep is a really cozy place with nice staff where you can meet a lot of locals.

Google Rating: 4,5

5. Jazz Boat

Source: www.jazzboat.cz

A little different restaurant with live music. Enjoy this moving jazz stage with three of your senses, listen to great jazz musicians, taste a delicous dinner and see Prague from a different perspective. Check their website to see the programme and don't forget to book your spot in advance. The boat departs every day at 8.30 P.M. from the Gate 2 at the Čechův Bridge, a few steps from the Residence Brehova.

Website: www.jazzboat.cz
Google Rating: 4,2

6. AghaRTA Jazz Centrum

Source: www.agharta.cz

Not a place for a dinner (as they don't serve meals), but definitely a place for a nice drink and wonderful jazz. The club, named by the album from American jazz musician Miles Davis, is open every day from 7 P.M. You will find it in Železná street, on the way from the Old Town Square to the Wenceslas Square. The admission is 250 CZK (10 EUR). Spend a pleasant evening with the best jazz music in this relaxed and cozy venue.

Address: Železná 16, Prague 1
Website: www.agharta.cz
Google Rating: 4,5

Piano

7. CODA Restaurant

Source: www.codarestaurant.cz

CODA is an excellent restaurant with a stunning interior, very attentive service and delicious meals. Every week from Tuesday to Saturday you can listen to the live piano music in the evening. In summer visit their unique roof terrace with wonderful 360° view of Prague. The restaurant is located in the Lesser Town of Prague, close to the St. Nicholas Church.

Google Rating: 4,4

8. Black Angel's Bar

Source: www.blackangelsbar.com

You can hardly find a more stylish bar in Prague. The interior is made in the 1930´s style and the staff is dressed in period clothing. Every evening guests can listen to live piano and enjoy delicious cocktails. The bar is located in the unique Gothic cellars in the Old Town Square, in the very heart of Prague. The service is very professional and watching the cocktails being made is a nice experience.

Address: Staroměstské nám. 29, Prague 1
Website: www.blackangelsbar.com
Google Rating: 4,4

Latin/Caribbean

9. La Casa de La Havana vieja

Source: www.casahavana.cz

If it's Wednesday or Thursday and you want to get a perfect Cuban cocktail while listening captivating live Cuban music in the center of Prague, visit La Casa de La Havana vieja. This stylish bar is located in a small street, a few minutes' walk from the National Theatre or our Residence Karolina. Once you enter the club, you feel like you are in Cuba in 1930s. Their selection of rum is admirable, don't forget to try one. 

Address: Opatovická 28, Prague 1
Website: www.casahavana.cz (Czech only)
Google Rating: 4,7

10. La Casa Argentina

Source: www.lacasaargentina.eu

If you like Latin music, go to Dlouhá street and visit La Casa Argentina. Every evening guests can listen to the Argentine music played by the authentic band. Choose from one of the 12 steaks and more than a hundred of wines and cocktails. Prices are bit higher, but it is definitely worth it, the meals are excellent and the atmosphere is brilliant. The restaurant is just 3 minutes' walk from our Residences Rybna and Masna. 

Address: Dlouhá 35, Prague 1
Website: www.lacasaargentina.eu
Google Rating: 4,2

Czech Folklore

11. Folklore Garden

Source: www.folkloregarden.cz

Wonderful place to get to know the Czech folklore. Folklore Garden is situated little further from the city center, in Hlubočepy district, but you can easily get there by tram no. 5 from Lazarská stop or they will arrange a transfer from our apartments or your hotel. You will enjoy a nice show in a pleasant atmosphere of a small castle. Just watch the show or join and dance/sing along with the artists. As a part of the show, you will get a four-course menu and delicious Czech wine!

Address: Nad konečnou 18, Prague 5
Website: www.folkloregarden.cz
Google Rating: 4,5

Rock

12. RedRoom Music Bar

Source: www.redroom.cz

In Myslíkova street, close to Charles Square, you will find this cozy bar offering four live concerts a week. Free entry and very reasonable prices make it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a pleasant place with good live music and fine drinks (no food). And don't hesitate to show your talent during open mic Sundays! They have everything you need, including a guitar.

Address: Myslíkova 28, Prague 2
Website: www.redroom.cz
Google Rating: 4,3

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Christmas and Christmas Markets in Prague


Christmas in the Czech Republic

Christmas is the most important holiday of the year for Christians and even non-Christians in the Czech Republic. The major day of Czech Christmas is December 24th, called Štědrý den (Christmas Day). On this day all family members get together and enjoy the relaxing and magical atmosphere. In the evening they have a festive dinner, mostly fried carp (or other fish) with cold potatoe salad.


After dinner they gather around the Christmas tree and unpack the presents they bought to each other. Kids believe that the presents are brought by Ježíšek (Baby Jesus) but nobody really knows what he looks like. People of all ages also like to watch fairy tales on TV and some families attend the Midnight Mass. Two other Christmas days are December 25th and 26th. That is time when people visit distant relatives and friends.


Czech Christmas traditions

Czech Christmas is very rich in traditions, some of them even hundreds of years old. A Christmas dinner, giving gifts or decorating a Christmas tree are just few of them. Kids are told that if they don't eat all day they will see a golden piglet in the evening. Unmarried girls throw a shoe over their shoulder towards the door and if the shoe lands with the toe pointing towards the door, the girl will marry within a year. Some families pour a melted lead into a water and then the shape should tell them their destiny.
Also cutting of an apple is very popular - all family members cut an apple in half and if the core has a star shape then everyone will get together next year in good health. Another nice tradition is to make little boats from empty walnut shells, put inside the water and place a burning candle inside them. If the shell makes it across the bowl, its owner will live a long and healthy life.
Most families bake vánočka (sweet Christmas bread) or kuba (mushroom dish). Very common is to buy a live carp before Christmas, place it in the bathtub for a day or two and kill (or release) it on the Christmas day.



Prague Christmas markets

The Christmas season begins four weeks before Christmas itself with the start of the Advent period. That's the time when people buy presents, adorn their homes with Christmas decorations and bake Christmas sweets, which is another hugely popular tradition in the Czech Republic.
Starting the last weekend of November in most Czech towns you can visit beautiful Advent markets. And the most popular Christmas markets are, of course, in Prague. Recently the beauty of Prague Christmas markets was appreciated by US News & World Report - it was voted the Best Christmas Vacation Destination, followed by Vienna, Taos, London and New York City: "For the month of December, the capital of the Czech Republic turns into a winter wonderland you've got to see to believe. Its medieval architecture is blanketed in twinkling lights and the Christmas markets are some of the best in the world."
But there is not just one Christmas market in Prague, you can visit more than 10 larger or smaller markets. If you stay with Prague City Apartments you will have all the beauty right at your doorstep as all the apartments are situated in the very center of Prague.


Old Town Square

The Old Town Square market is definitely the most visited and most beautiful in Prague. In 2017 it starts on December 2nd and ends in early January. The square is full of cute little wooden stalls selling various products. Most visitors enjoy a mulled wine, typical hot beverage for most Christmas markets all over the Czech Republic. If you don't want to drink it from the recyclable cups, buy a nice ceramic mug with Czech motifs and use it over and over. Other popular beverages are hot mead (medovina) or grog (rum with hot water). Also don't forget to taste Czech Christmas sweets (cukroví)! Other popular products and goods are traditional Czech wooden toys, handmade cosmetics, clothing accessories or candles.
Enjoy a magical Christmas atmosphere while listening Czech carols and drinking mulled wine among the architectural treasures of the Old Town and a large Christmas tree! Every day numerous Czech and even foreign choirs sing Christmas carols and visitors can attend many concerts and other events.
But be careful, the Old Town Square can get very crowded, especially before the tree lighting (every hour from 5.30 P.M. to 8.30 P.M.). To beware of the worst tourist traps, check our post The Worst Tourist Traps in Prague. And if you like less crowded and more relaxing atmosphere, visit one of the smaller markets, further from the very center of Prague.

Stalls opening hours: every day 10 A.M. - 10 P.M. (food stalls until midnight)



Wenceslas Square

The second large Christmas market in the very center. You will find it in a lower part of the square. The offer is pretty similar to the Old Town square market - mulled wine and other hot beverages, wooden toys and other gifts or stalls with examples of traditional folk crafts. Same as the Old Town Square, this market can get very crowded, especially in the evening.

Stalls opening hours: every day 10 A.M. - 10 P.M. (food stalls until midnight)



Republic Square

The market at the Republic Square (Náměstí republiky) is the perfect place for those who seek less crowded Christmas market in the center of Prague. You will find it next to the Palladium shopping center. Stop by, feel the magical Christmas atmosphere, get a few cups of mulled wine to warm up and buy some handmade Czech gifts, wooden toys, candles or decorations. In 2017 the market is open until December 30th.
The market is within walking distance from the Old Town Square and just a few minutes' walk from our residences Masna and Rybna. Or you can use yellow "B" metro line (Náměstí Republiky station) and trams 5, 8, 24 and 26 (Náměstí Republiky stop).

Stalls opening hours: every day from 10 A.M.

Náměstí Míru

Another market close to the city center. Although it's not that centrally located as the ones mentioned before, this market is well accessible by tram 22 and green "A" metro (Náměstí Míru station). You will meet a lot of residents enjoying their time with friends and families at this market. The market is located just in front of the impressive Church of St. Ludmila.

Stalls opening hours: every day from 10 A.M



Tylovo Náměstí

Just a few minutes from the Náměstí Míru market there is another popular market. Tylovo Náměstí is situated right next to I.P. Pavlova metro and tram stops, easily accessible from the city center. Just go by tram No. 22 from the National Theatre, it takes less than 10 minutes.

Prague Castle

The market is organized in St. George's Square (náměstí U Svatého Jiří), right next to the majestic Prague Castle. More than 70 stalls with hot beverages, Czech Christmas sweets, traditional decorations and other products. Expect also accompanying program with carols, blacksmith, coinage or making decorations.

Other Christmas markets

If the markets mentioned above are still too large for you and you would like to visit even smaller one with more intimate atmosphere, don't worry, in Prague there are many other local ones. For example:
- Karlínské náměstí (Prague 8 - yellow "B" metro line, Křižíkova station)
- náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad (Prague 3 - green "A" metro line, Jiřího z Poděbrad station)
- Smíchov - Anděl (Prague 5 - yellow "B" metro line, Anděl station)
- Kulaťák (Prague 6 - green "A" metro line, Dejvická station)




Friday, November 24, 2017

The Best Wine Bars in Prague


Czech wine is not as famous as French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese or Chilean wine, but it has a rich history and it is a great part of Czech culture. If you like wine, you should definitely taste Czech wine! It is mostly grown in South Moravia, the most popular wine region of the Czech Republic. This region is divided into four sub-regions - Znojmo, Velké Pavlovice, Mikulov and Slovácko. Moravian wine is known for its top quality and Czech producers hold many international awards. They are even very successful in wine breeding so you can taste some new wine varieties - red Cabernet Moravia and André or white Muškát moravský. South Moravia is full of picturesque villages with hundreds of wine cellars. But you don't even need to go there and you can taste delicous Czech wine anyway, just visit one of the top wine bars in Prague! Check our list of the best wine bars in Prague - in most of them you can get also Czech wine.

1. Vinárna Na šikmé ploše

Source: www.facebook.com/VinarnaNaSikmePlose

In Mikulanská street, only 3 minutes' walk from our Residence Karolina you can find this winebar with a poetic name (can be translated as "Winebar on a sloping surface"). They serve top quality Moravian wines on tap and a great choice of bottled wine from small Czech producers. But you can also get wines from other countries or wine snacks - pickled cheese, variations of salami and sausage, olives or sandwiches.

Google Rating: 4,5


2. Vinograf Wine Bar

Source: www.facebook.com/vinograf

There are three Vinograf Wine Bars in Prague - one in Anděl district, one in Lesser Town (close to the Charles Bridge) and one in the New Town, not far from the Main railway station. The last one is located in Senovážné Square and is also called Velký Vinograf (the Large Vinograf). It was awarded as the Best Czech wine bar in Czech bar awards 2014. They offer almost 1000 bottled wines and you can get more than 20 wines by the glass every day. Malý Vinograf (the Small Vinograf in Míšeňská street) is focused on the Czech wines.

Website: www.vinograf.cz
Google Rating: 4,4

3. RED Pif


Source: www.facebook.com/redpifrestaurant

If you like delicious wine and gourmet food, this is the place for you. Wine bar and restaurant with an amazing atmosphere, only a few steps from the Bethlehem Chapel and our Residence Karolina. The selection of wine is amazing, the staff is very attentive and professional. You can order bottled wine from all over the world, same as a single glass.

Website: www.redpif.cz
Google Rating: 4,6

4. Koštovna u Počtů


Source: www.kostovna.cz

Koštovna u Počtů is not located in a very center of Prague but it is definitely worth a visit! You can easily get there by tram no. 17 from Národní divadlo or Staroměstská stop. They serve the best wines from Moravia and other parts of the world. Get a wine on tap or one of the bottled wines. You can also taste their strong fruit spirits and wine snacks - cheese, tapas, sausages or steak tartare. 

Website: www.kostovna.cz (only in Czech)
Google Rating: 4,4

5. Bokovka


Source: www.bokovka.com

Bokovka is a very special place with a unique atmosphere which guarantees an unforgettable visit! This charming place offers a large choice of the best wines. Service is perfect - very friendly and knowledgeable. If you like cheese with your wine, you won't be dissapointed. They have their own fromagerie with delicous cheese from around the world. You will find it in Dlouhá street, hidden in a courtyard of an old building. 

Website: www.bokovka.com
Google Rating: 4,6

6. Na břehu Rhôny


Source: www.nabrehurhony.cz

Na břehu Rhôny is not excatly a Czech wine lover's dream but definitely a wine lover's dream! They have four wine bars with the same name in Prague but we will focus on the one in Výtoň, Na Hrobci street, on the Vltava river bank. You can visit it on your way to Vyšehrad or take a nice walk along the river (20 minutes' walk from the Residence Karolina). They serve the best French wines, mostly from the small wine growers from the valley of the Rhône river. Charming place.

Website: www.nabrehurhony.cz (Czech only)
Google Rating: 4,7

7. U Staré studny


Source: www.ustarestudny.cz

In this stylish wine bar you can enjoy the best wines by glass. Every day guests choose from eight to ten white, red, rosé and sparkling wines from all over the world and also the best Czech wines from Moravia. Or get one of the bottles, if you like. This bar, however, does not only specialize in wine, they also love cognac - try one of 100 types of congnac! As always, you can pair your wine with delicous cheese, olives, pates and other snacks. The bar is located in the Lesser Town, not far from the St. Nicholas Church.

Google Rating: 4,7

8. Veltlin


Source: www.veltlin.cz

Veltlin wine bar is located little further from the city center, but you can easily get there by metro, take the yellow "B" line to Křižíkova station. You can taste authentic European (mostly Czech, Moravian and Central European) wines from growers focusing on organic wine production without chemical treatment. Very knowledgeable staff will recommend the best local wines!

Website: www.veltlin.cz
Google Rating: 4,7

9. Bresto Restaurant & Wine Bar


Source: www.veltlin.cz

If you want to taste top wines together with delicous Italian meals, visit Bresto. This restaurant and wine bar is situated in the New Town, in Štěpánská street, not far from the very center of Prague. They offer excellent wines from all over the world by the glass, mostly French and Italian, but also top wines from the Czech Republic. On top of that they serve lovely meals, fresh fish, pasta, steaks or desserts.

Website: www.bresto.cz
Google Rating: 4,3

10. Vinit Bar


Source: www.facebook.com/vinitbar

On the way from the Wenceslas Square to the Republic Square, don't hesitate to visit this lovely wine bar. Located in Na Příkopě street it offers a large choice of European wines and snacks, including Prosciutto, almonds or French sausages. Sommeliers are very knowledgeable and ready to help you with choosing the right wine. The interior is really stylish making a pleasant atmosphere. Stop by and enjoy a few glasses or even a bottle.

Website: www.vinitbar.cz (Czech only)
Google Rating: 4,6


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Interview with Interior Designer


Have you ever wondered who designs all our beautiful apartments? The answer is simple, our residential manager and interior designer - Lenka Petrová. For our interview we met in the Jilska Palace dating back to the 15th century, where you can find brand new apartments freshly designed by Lenka. They are located very close to the main management office, just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town Square.

Can you describe your job at Prague City Apartments? How long have you been working here?
I work as a residential manager, that means I am responsible for the operational department and the technical management of our apartments. And I also design new apartments. I have been working here for 4 years.

Jilska Palace Apartments - Studio Apartment Type 1


How did you get to the interior design?
It was a complete coincidence. I simply applied for the job (interior design was a part of the job description) and I was hired. :) Personally, I do not consider myself a professional home designer, but it's something I love and it brings me joy. It is great to give a "piece of myself" to a new apartment. And a positive feedback from our clients is even better!

What apartments have you designed in Prague City Apartments? What was your first project?
My very first project was Art Residence Krocinova, Apartment No. 52. I love this apartment because that's when I realized I liked interior designed so much. My other projects are for example Maiselova 5 Apartment, Konvikt Apartment, Krizovnicka Apartments, Jilska Palace Apartments or Milosrdnych Apartments.

Art Residence Krocinova - Two Bedroom Apartment No. 52


What is your favorite apartment?
Definitely Krizovnicka Apartments, apartment No. 11 or 12. I fell in love with both of them during my very first visit. It was really a love at first sight. :) I like its excellent layout and the preservation of interesting architectural features. I am also very pleased that both apartments are popular with our long-term clients.

Krizovnicka Apartments - Two Bedroom Apartment No. 12


Who do you work with when designing apartments?
If I should name all the people I work with when designing an apartment, you would need to write another post. :) I'll mention just a few of them. I work with furniture manufacturers a lot because a large part of the furnishing is tailor-made for the given apartment. I also work with a seamstress who sews curtains, with technicians who adjust electrical engineer, with painters and many others... and I would like to thank them all for their willingness and patience, I know it's not always easy to work with me. :)

Where do you find inspiration for your projects?
Certainly in magazines or on the internet, for example Instagram, Pinterest etc. I'm often ispired by the overall concept of the apartment as well.

Milosrdnych Apartments - Two Bedroom Apartment Type 1


Do you prefer functionality or appearance when designing apartments?
I'd say it's a combination of both. The fact that these are rental apartments, of course, brings certain restrictions. For example, I can not work with decorations so much and I need to think about the materials - endurance and safety play a big part. The most important thing is our clients to feel "at home" in their apartment.

Konvikt Apartment - Two Bedroom Apartment No. 21


Is interior design more of a science or art?
Again, I think it's a combination of both. It's not just about aesthetic feelings, but also about the ability to work with the floor plan and apartment layout. You also need to be familiar with many architectural and technical issues. It is definitely a field in which one should constantly educate.

What interior would you like to design? What would be your dream design project?
Well, because me and my husband are building a house, the interior, which I'm looking forward to doing the most, is ours! :) And my dream design project? I think I will figure this out later, so far I really need to gather experience and work really hard in my current job. :)

Maiselova 5 Apartment - Three Bedroom Apartment No. 31


Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Printable Packing Checklist



Going to Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Budapest or another similar city? Download and print our useful packing checklist! It works great for all seasons!

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

The Worst Tourist Traps in Prague


Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. World-known sights, panoramic views, excellent beer and good prices make it a very popular destination. But unfortunately there are also many things spoiling Prague's reputation... These tourist traps are all over the city center, mostly run by foreigners who want to make easy money and don't care about tourists or Prague at all. Let's take a look at the worst tourist traps in Prague!

1. Money Exchange


When it comes to currency exchange in Prague, be very careful! The Czech Republic has its own currency, the Czech koruna (crown). You can see them in the picture above.

Always check the right exchange rate before you go and compare it with the rate on the exchange list (all offices must display the rates by law). Also make sure the exchange office offers 0% commission, some of them can take almost 30%!

Most tourists are used to change their money right after landing at the airport. Don't do this in Prague... All exchange offices at the airport are owned by Interchange. This company offers very bad exchange rates and you will be ripped off.

In the city center you will find many other dishonest places. Chequepoint at the Old Town Square is the worst of them. Athough they offer 0% commission, their exchange rate is so bad you will lose almost half of your money! Another Chequepoint is located in Kaprova street, close to one of the best exchange offices in Prague. We can't make a list of all the bad exchange places because there is too many of them and they change almost every month.

Simply check the rate and commission at any time and you will be fine. Or visit Exchange in Kaprova street 13 (corner of Kaprova and Maiselova). This is the place where most locals change their money and where you'll get one of the best rates.

The best idea is to pay with your card or use ATMs. But always choose ATM of a Czech bank, don't use weird ATMs without a bank name.

Also never ever change your money on the street! Foreginers try to trick tourists and sell them worthless foreign money.

Avoid:
- airport exchange offices
- Chequepoint at the Old Town Square and other offices with a commission or bad rate
- changing money on the street

Visit/Do:
- Exchange in Kaprova 13
- large banks ATMs
- pay with your card

2. Taxi


You may have already heard of taxi in Prague... Yes, it has an awful reputation. We are not proud of it, many people try to change it but you can still find taxi drivers that will totally rip you off.

Please avoid taxis in front of the airport. If you stay with Prague City Apartments you can use our airport transfers for honest price or for free when your stay is longer. You can also use apps like Uber or Liftago to be sure you won't pay more than you have to. Ask for an estimated price before the ride at any time. You should never pay more than 600 CZK when going from the aiport! You should always get a printed receipt. If you want to take a cab anyway, call for one ahead. For example AAA Taxi is one of the good services (+420 222 333 222). Never try to catch taxi on the street.

The cheapest way to get from the airport is to use a public transport. Buy 90 minutes (32 CZK) ticket, catch the bus 119, exit the bus at the last stop (Nádraží Veleslavín), use the green metro line and go to the Můstek station. Make sure to validate your ticket on the bus. 

Avoid:
- taxis in front of the airport
- catching a taxi on the street

Use:
- public transport
- Prague City Apartments transfers
- Uber, Liftago and other apps
- AAA Taxi

3. The Royal Way - strange shops and services


Most visitors of Prague want to see at least a part of the Royal Way, the traditional coronation route of Czech kings, leading through the city center, from the Powder Tower to the Prague Castle. It is full of the world-known sights (the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and many more) but also full of tourist traps, strange shops which have nothing to do with Prague or the Czech Republic.

Especially Karlova street is known for the largest concetration of tasteless shops offering China made goods with Czech motifs of poor quality, Thai massages or Russian dolls... Do you want to buy a matryoshka? Well, you should go to Moscow. For a Thai massages, go to Bangkok. The historical center of Prague is just not the right place. Also avoid absinthe stores (Czech absinthe is a fake, the real absinthe is French).

And what is the right souvenir from Prague? What about a can of Czech beer (Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar, Staropramen, Bernard and many more), bottle of slivovice (plum brandy) or Becherovka (traditional herbal liqueur), Kofola (soft drink), wooden toys and marionettes or traditional spa wafers? If you are brave enough, you can buy a traditional smelly curd cheese from the city of Olomouc - tvarůžky. You can also go for high quality hand-made cosmetics from Manufactura or traditional Czech glass and Czech garnet (make sure to check its the genuine Czech garnet before you buy).

Avoid:
- China made goods of poor quality
- matryoshkas, Thai massages, fake absinthe and other nonsense

Buy:
- traditional Czech drinks and foods mentioned above
- genuine Czech goods (toys, marionettes, cosmetics, garnet, glass and others)

4. Fake/overpriced food and drinks


If you travel a lot, you probably know how hard it is to find good places serving genuine food, typical for a visited country. In Prague you will see many tourists buying and eating trdelník. A traditional pastry? As you could read in our previous post (The Best Sweets and Pastries in Prague), it's fake, it's expensive, it's not traditional at all and it's not even that good...

In the busiest parts of the city (the Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square) you can also see stalls with old Prague ham offered by weight. That means you don't know the exact price before and you can be surprised when they ask for more than 40 EUR for one serving! Please avoid these stalls...

In Prague (same as any other popular destination) you will also see many overpriced restaurants with terrible food. Most of them are located around the Prague Castle and in the Old Town. Of course we can't mention them all. We can just recommend to check the reviews in advance (on Google, TripAdvisor or other sites) or ask locals for some good tips. Or check our blog posts to see 8 Places to Taste the Best Traditional Czech Cuisine in the Old Town of Prague. Don't forget to book a table in advance.

Some restaurants use another unfair trick. They charge you a "service fee" which is mentioned in a menu but well hidden. This fee can be very high so watch out and visit just the best rated places.

Also don't pay too much for a beer. A large glass of Pilsner Urquell or Budweiser Budvar should cost no more than 80 CZK (3 EUR). But you can see these beers for less than 40 CZK (1,5 EUR) as well. If you want to taste special beers from Czech microbreweries, they can cost more. The most expensive ones even more than 100 CZK (4 EUR) or 150 CZK (6 EUR).

Avoid:
- trdelník
- old Prague ham and other food offered by weight
- fake absinthe
- suspiciously looking and empty restaurants
- too expensive beer

Visit:
- pubs, bars and restaurants recommended by locals, our staff and blog posts
- highly rated places on Google, TripAdvisor and other sites

5. Electric scooters, segways and fake vintage cars


These are not necessarily tourist traps but definitely useless services ruining the center of Prague for other visitors and locals. Don't waste your money on them. The historical center of Prague is a unique place featuring stunning, hundreds of years old sights, beautiful architecture and epic views. It is pretty small, from one side to another you can easily get in no more than 30 minutes on foot. You really don't need to rent overpriced electric scooters (segways were banned in a city center), you will just annoy other visitors and locals who just want to peacefully enjoy their time in the city.

You also don't need to take bus tours or vintage cars tours (most of the cars just look old, they are fake) as you can easily discover all the famous places on foot. Walking is the only way to fully enjoy the city and not to miss all the hidden gems. To see more distant places for a reasonable price you can use Prague's great public transport system. Just buy a one day ticket and you can use it for trams, metro and buses. Don't forget to validate your ticket!

Avoid:
- electric scooters and segways rentals
- bus tours and fake vintage cars tours through the city center

Use:
- walking
- public transport

6. Prague Airport


Prague Airport unfortunately offers most of the mentioned tourist traps combined. Unfair exchange offices with bad rates, crooked taxi drivers or overpriced goods, food and drinks. We suggest to ignore all these things and buy anything you need somewhere else. Change your money in Exchange in Kaprova street, use Prague City Apartments transfer or Uber/Liftago and buy your souvenirs in geunine Czech shops selling high quality goods.

Avoid:
- exchange offices
- taxis in front of the terminals
- overpriced goods and food

Result

Prague is a beautiful and picturesque city that has a lot to offer. Don't let anyone ruin your experience. If you follow our tips and you are careful about what you're buying, you always check the right exchange rate and don't waste your money on useless/fake things or overpriced food/drinks and you will be fine and you will love this city. Please share these tips with all your friends or family members going to Prague so they can enjoy their vacation. Have a great time in Prague!

Friday, October 6, 2017

The Best Sweets and Pastries in Prague


In the historic center of Prague you can see thousands of tourists falling into a tourist trap every day. And they just want to taste that traditional pastry everybody talks about - trdelník. Traditional? Not really... In fact, trdelník is just an overpriced piece of dough. Ten years ago hardly anyone knew about it. It's fake, it's expensive, it's not traditional at all and it's not even that good... The real trdelník comes from Romania. Then Hungarians made it famous and named it Kürtőskalács. For good and genuine trdelník go to Hungary or Slovakia. If you don't want to pay more than 2 euros for nothing (or even more than 4 euros for nothing with a bad ice-cream in it) check our tips for the best sweets and pastries in Prague! You will taste the best koláč, bábovka, zákusky, chlebíčky, ice-cream and many more!

1. Cacao Prague

Source: cacaoprague.cz

Just a few steps from the Powder Tower and Municipal House you will find this lovely cafe with nice interior serving delicious desserts, ice-cream or coffee. You can also get a breakfast or lunch every day. Their selection of cakes is amazing, you will regret you can't try them all.

Address: V Celnici 4, Prague 1
Website: www.cacaoprague.cz
Google rating: 4,5

2. Ovocný Světozor

Source: ovocnysvetozor.cz

One of the places to taste probably the most typical Czech snack - chlebíček. This open sandwich is a real legend in the Czech Republic, prepared for every event or celebration. You can also get great curd or fruit cakes, mini desserts, sundaes and many more. Visit their shop in Vodičkova street, not far from the Wenceslas Square.

Address: Vodičkova 39, Prague 1
Website: www.ovocnysvetozor.cz
Google rating: 4,5

3. Crème de la Crème

Source: facebook.com/cremedelacremeprague/

If you want to get an amazing craft ice-cream (not that cheap wannabe ice-cream in trdelník) go to Crème de la Crème in Husova street, close to the Old Town Square. The owners learned to make the best gelato from Italian masters and now they serve maybe the best gelato in Prague. And try their cakes and pastries as well!

Address: Husova 12, Prague 1
Website: www.cremecreme.cz
Google rating: 4,9

4. Café Savoy

Source: cafesavoy.ambi.cz

You can hardly find a more stylish café in Prague. You will be amazed by the interior with a Neo-Renaissance ceiling from the 19th century. You can get many delicious desserts, cakes and pastries or have a breakfast or lunch. The café is located in the Lesser Town, in Vítězná street, just across the river from our Residence Karolina.

Address: Vítězná 5, Prague 1
Website: www.cafesavoy.ambi.cz
Google rating: 4,4

5. Cukrárna Saint Tropez

Source: cukrarnatropez.cz

Saint Tropez is a coffee and sweet shop in a center of Prague. You will find it in Vodičkova street, just a stone's throw from the Wenceslas Square. They make some of the best cakes and desserts in Prague using only first-class fresh ingredients and avoiding conservants or artificial ingredients.

Address: Vodičkova 30, Prague 1
Website: www.cukrarnatropez.cz
Google rating: 4,5

6. Puro Gelato


Source: purogelato.cz

Another perfect place to get a great gelato. They have two shops, one close to Vyšehrad, the other is located in the very center, in Kaprova street. Their high quality craft gelato is made from the best ingredients and you can taste a number of original flavors every day.


Address: Kaprova 11, Prague 1
Website: www.purogelato
Google rating: 4,7

7. Cafe~Cafe

Source: facebook.com/cafecafeprague

In Rytířská street, on the way from the Wenceslas Square to Old Town Square, you can visit this café with lovely interior, nice staff and amazing desserts. This place is also perfect for a luxury breakfast and brunch. Must visit in Prague!

Address: Rytířská 10, Prague 1
Website: www.facebook.com/cafecafeprague
Google rating: 4,5

8. Bakeshop

Source: facebook.com/BAKESHOP-343197155945

Bakeshop is a café and bistro selling excellent sweets and pastries. It is perfect not just for breakfast but also for lunch or dinner. Try their muffins, croissants, pies or cakes. It is located in Kozí street, close to the Old Town Square or our Residence Masna.

Address: Kozí 1, Prague 1
Website: https://www.bakeshop.cz/en/
Google rating: 4,3

9. Kavárna Šlágr

Source: kavarnaslagr.cz

Šlágr is an original café and sweet-shop with a nice atmosphere of the First Czechoslovak Republic between 1918 and 1938. Although its located a little further from a city center, it's worth it. Take a tram No. 22 and go to Krymská stop. They serve delicous pies, cakes, desserts and other sweets and pastries.

Address: Francouzská 72, Prague 10
Website: www.kavarnaslagr.cz
Google rating: 4,5

10. Erhart Café

Source: erhartovacukrarna.cz

Erhartova cukrárna is the right place to taste typical Czech desserts as větrník, rohlíček, košíček, linecké kolečko or bábovka. You must go by metro because it's not in a very center, but you won't regret. Use green (A) metro line from Staroměstská. They also make great pies and cakes.

Address: Vinohradská 125, Prague 3
Website: www.erhartovacukrarna.cz
Google rating: 4,5

11. Angelato


Another great ice-cream place in the center of Prague. Angelato is situated in Rytířská street, same as Cafe~Cafe. They have another shop in Újezd, next to the funicular station. You can get classic gelatos (chocolate, vanilla and others), sorbets from seasonal fruits or unique and original flavors like pumpkin, rice, olive, lavender and many others. Delicious!

Address: Rytířská 27, Prague 1
Website: www.angelato.cz
Google rating: 4,7

12. Oh Deer Bakery

Source: facebook.com/ohdeerbakeryprague

Have you ever heard of cronuts? This pastry resembles a doughnut but it is made from croissant-like dough filled with cream and fried. If you want to taste the best cronuts in Prague, you must take a tram 6 or 14 and go to Bělehradská street in Vinohrady district. Oh Deer, it's so good...

Address: Rytířská 27, Prague 1
Website: www.ohdeerbakery.cz
Google rating: 4,8


Do you know any other great places to get the best sweets and pastries in Prague? Let us know in comments!