Thursday, September 3, 2015

How to spend September in Prague

Even though the main summer holidays are already over, Prague can still offer many events to enjoy the capital city differently than sightseeing only. We bring you our list of September events which are worth to visit. All events below are provided with links to the official information website.

SHOPPPING:

 Prague Fashion Night 23.9. 5PM- 10PM
Shops at Pařížská street and others around will be open till 10PM with their special programm. All shopping maniacs can enjoy discount, light snacks or Czech celebrities around.

           Prague Fashion Night / Image: krasna.nova.cz
FOOD & DRINK: 

BBQ party 12. - 13.9.
First year of the new festival of the American BBQ. Two days full of food, music and many more right in the city centre along the river. Entrance 50 CZK, children for free.

                                                                         BBQ party / Image: venuelook.com
Day of the Czech beer 27.9.
Day before the Saint Wenceslas, the National holiday, pubs and restaurants will offer special Saint Wencaslas beers, beer special. Click on the link and find out the nearest pubs.

               Day of the Czech beer / Image: mam.ihned.cz
Saint Wenceslas wine harvest 27. - 28.9.
Enjoy the wine in the oldest Czech wineyard at the Prague Castle. Have a seat and take a pleasure in the amazing view.

                                         Saint Wenceslas wine harvest / Image: villarichter.cz
Vinice na Kampě 10. - 13.9.
Discover the talent of the Czech and foreign vine-growers in beautiful Kampa area.


                                                        Vineyard on Kampa / Image: marmelady.info
CULTURE: 

 Dvořákova Praha 6. - 23.9.
International music festival is definitely recommended for all fans of the classical music. Programme is full of beautiful concerts this year.

                                                Dvořákova Praha / Image: czechbussinesclub.cz

SPECIAL: 

Blood Moon  - Total Lunar Eclipse 28.9.
Special blood moon will be possible to watch not only in Prague but in the whole Europe.

                                                                  Blood Moon / Image: digitaltrends.com

140th anniversary of the Prague public transport 
Prague public transport celebrates anniversary and special programme is prepared for all. You can visit the tram parade or have a ride with the historical metro coach (line C).

                          140 years of the public transport in Prague / Image: mhd140.cz

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Things to do in August

If you get a chance to spend August in Prague, see below the list of recommended events which we will be definitely visiting.

FOOD & DRINK events:

Restaurant Day Prague 16.8.
A food carnival when anyone can open a restaurant, cafe or a bar for a day. It can happen anywhere: at your home, at the office, on a street corner in your garden or at a park.

Restaurant Day Prague / Image: www.citybee.cz

Čajomír Fest = OpenAir Tea Festival 23.8.
Seventh year of this festival brings tea presentations from the tea enthusiats along with other delicatessen, music or ceramic exhibition.

Čajomír fest / Image: www.lidovky.cz

F.O.O.D. Picnic 29.8.
Another annual picnic from the Czech food magazine where you can sit, relax and enjoy all the food around. Admission free.

F.O.O.D. picnic / Image: www. delimano.cz

Naplavka Street Food Festival 29.8. 10AM - 9PM
Food trucks and cuisine from the whole world - indian, american, morrocan, spanish, dutch and many more. All you can taste at Naplavka and sit along the river. Admission is 30 CZK.

Prague Ice Cream Festival 30.8.
In this heat, we are certainly looking forward to this event. Come and have fun with family and friends to the celebration of all kinds of ice cream. Refresh yourself with favourite local and world manufacturers. Admission is 110 CZK.

Ice Cream Festival / Image: www.festaky.cz

MUSIC event:

Overtone festival 15.8.
The new music festival will be at beautiful Riegerovy sady. Overtone festival will be happening four times a year, always in different place in Prague or Brno. In this August edition you can look forward to German duo Milky Chance or the Dannich The Asteroid Galaxy Tour. Tickets are still available.

Overtone Festival / Image: www.festivaly.eu
OUTDOOR events:

Prague Pride Week 10. - 16.8. 
Prague Pride is not just the Saturday parade but a whole week of cultural, social, sport and spiritual activities. Programme for this year comprises of over 120 events, including concerts of Aneta Langerova or Austian Eurovision contest winner Conchita Wurst.

Prague Pride / Image: www.media4us.cz

Letní Letná 16.8. - 3.9.
A Prague tradition now in its 12th year, this contemporary circus festival is so much more with a staggering line-up of performances and activities on offer.

Letní Letná circus / Image: www.zena-in.cz

Saturday, July 11, 2015

What to do in July

Summer is here, in its full beauty so as hot days and pleasant nights. If you are visiting Prague this month, we prepared a list of events which you should not miss out. In most of them (if not all of them), we will be there as well. So what is happening in July in Prague?

FOOD & DRINK events:

Fair Fair = Finger Food Festival 11.7.

First year of this new food festival and we are very curious about it. Festival without forks, knifes, just snacks, tapas, sandwiches and many other finger food.
Dogs, children and food lovers are more than welcome.
Admission free.

                                              Finger Food festival/ Image: www.festivalguide.cz

French Market on Kampa 14. - 19.7. 

One of popular food events in Prague. Get a glass of wine or champagne, grab a few macaroons and enjoy Franch music playing around. Market is taking place in beautiful Kampa which is just a jump from the Old Town and you can actually see this market from the Charles Bridge.
If you do not want to lose your time, you can buy some French delicatesse and continue with your sightseeing.
Admission free.

                                                       French Market/ Image: www.praguepost.com

ART & THEATRE events:

Pure Vintage 12.7.

Exhibition and sale of Summer season Vintage Collections from the 1920s to 1980s. Hand-picked by some of Pragues leading collectors of vintage clothing and accessoried. Admission is free.

The Da Vinci Inventions

Inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci are being brought back to life in Prague. Experience Da Vinci as one of the greatest genius in history and be inspired by his unique work as an artist, scientist and inventor.

                                                    Da Vinci sketches/ Image: www.thinglink.com

Behind the Door Street Theatre Festival 13. - 18.7.

Street theatre is going to light up the streets of Prague! 7th year of Prague street theatre festival is called Behind the Door and will offer several novelties. You can look forward to seeing the stars of street theatre from all over the world. This year the festival will be held not only at usual places in Wenceslas and Jungmann Squares in the city centre but also on the premises of the Prague Exhibition Grounds.
                               Behind the Door Festival/ Image: www.tanecniaktuality.cz

FOR KIDS:

Knights Days 11. - 12.7. Gardens of the Prague Castle

Someone interested in the life of mediaeval knights? Event suitable for children and their parents and for everyone dreaming about the life in mediaeval period. Brave knights will show you their skills in the knight tournament (three times a day). Visitors can also visit camp of knights or listen the traditional music. Also, a place for the smallest ones. Children can enjoy different tasks in the camp of knights.

                                 Knight Days/ Image: www.kamsdetmi.com

MUSIC & FILM events:

Bohemia Jazz Fest 9. - 19.7. Old Town Square

Out-door concerts presenting world-class jazz acts in the stunning historical area of Prague.

                                                              Bohemia Jazz Fest/ Image: www.cma.cz
Lindsey Stirling 11.7.

Violin beauty and world sensation returns to Prague with her mix of dubstep, dance and classical music. Tickets are still available.

                                                  Lindsey Stirling/ Image: www.mmusicmag.com

Prague Film Summer 1.7. - 31.8.

You can enjoy summer open-air cinemas or this festival taking place in cinemas around the city centre. Admission is 40 CZK/ person.

Prague Folklore Days 23. - 25.7.

A colourful summer festival of folk dance troupes and folk choirs.

                                                        Prague Folklore Days/ Image: www.praha.eu

Saturday, June 6, 2015

What to do in June

June is getting warm, sun is shining and summer is starting. That is why the events are held mainly in outside. You can take a moment from all the sightseeing and enjoy one of the following events:

FOOD & DRINK events:
Del Gusto Italiano Festival 4.6. - 7.6.
First year of this Italian event. 3 days full of italian specialities and music. Italy in Prague :)

                                               Del Gusto Italiano / Image: www.mistnikultura.cz
Prague drinks wine (Praha pije víno) 6.6. - 7.6.
Any fans of wine here?
Pivo na Hrad 12. - 13.6. 14:00 - 20:00
Or beer fans? For those ones we have mini-brewery festival in the Prague Castle. Mini-brewery sometimes present different and tastes of our national drink, so this event we can highly recommend.
Apetit picnic 20.6. 10:00 - 22:00
Spend a day eating and tasting new flavours. As every year, you have a chance to buy food and drinks from the amateur or professional cooks. Admission free. We will be there!

Apetit picnic /Image: cizinka.cz

Mattoni cocktail  Festival 2015 21.6. 20:00 - 23:00
Do you want to try new drinks while watching bartenders competition or live music?
Visit then the Old Town Square on June 21st.

MUSIC & FILM events:
Aperol Spritz open air cinema 
During summer, you can visit and watch films in the area of Zlute lazne.
Evenings might be cold and full of mosquitos, so take a jacket and repellent with you.
The cinema starts of June 9th with film The Great Beauty.

                                                          Aperol Spritz cinema / Image: Media Guru

Respect Festival 2015 13.6. - 14.6.
Eighteenth edition of the longest running Czech world-music festival internationally known for its adventurous and innovative programming.  As traditionally festival will bring performances of artists from different parts of world, who are well known internationaly and will perform in Czech Republic for first time. Festival area will also serve as open-air gallery. Program for children is part of the festival as in the past.
Open air concert 2015 17.6. 20:20 - 22:00
Want to listen Smetana, Gerschwitz or Rachmaninov by the Czech Philharmonic? Do not miss out the closure of their season and visit open-air right in the city centre. We think it is a beautiful ending of the day after all the sightseeing. Admission free.

                                                      Open air concert / Image: Česká filharmonie

United Islands 2015 18.6. - 20.6.
International multi-genre festival in Prague is one the most popular events in the city.

SPORT events:
Prague riverside cross  16.6. 15:00 - 21:00
Exhibition race where you can see elite athletes from slalom canoeing battling against each other with unique connection with popular biathlon shooting range. Admission free. 
Riverside Cross / Image: www.redbull.com
Canoe slalom World Cup 19.6. - 21.6.
Canoe slalom is one of the olympic discipline and Prague is hosting the World Cup this year. Admission 70 CZK (3€).

 OTHER recommended events:
Holi open air Prague 20.6. 12:00 - 22:00
Music, fun and colours. That is the festival inspired by the Indian Holi.


Museum night 13.6. - 14.6. 19:00 - 01:00
Main mission is to offer visitors a chance to visit cultural sites at night (7.00 p. m to 1.00 a. m.) and provide free admission and transport.  
                                                          Museum night / Image: www.praguezones.cz
Open gardens weekend 13.6. - 14.6. 14:00 - 19:00
Gardens, parks and orchards which are normally closed, will be open for public during this weekend all over the country to enjoy the greens and summer. 

                                                    Open gardens weekend / Image: www.praha.eu

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Recommended events for April

April 11: Shopping Saturday - markets, bazaars all over Prague
This Saturday when the weather is finally nice, you can spend the day shopping. And we do not mean to go to the shopping centre and spend there a day in the shops without windows. We mean to visit Flea Market, Vintage bazar or Fashion market of Czech bloggers while discovering the city.
Perfect overview of all shopping sprees is done by expats.cz - here
April 12: Praha v pohybu/Prague in motion
One-day festival with the wide choice of sports is a perfect tip for sunny Sunday.
The main goal of Prague in Motion festival is to show tourists and natives which sports are popular now and that Prague is not only about sightseeing.

The visitors can try adrenaline sports (f.e. slackline), lessons of zumba or water sports or meet the sports teams. You can also win a beautiful price in one of the competitions. The festival takes place at the Old Town Square. For more info, visit this website or see the picture below.

source: www.pragueinmotion.eu


April 13: St. Matthew's Fair
Fair which celebrates 420th anniversary and which is the first one opened in Europe this year is an ideal event for family with small children. The small ones will enjoy the hounting house, the ferry wheel or just a candy floss from one of the many food stalls. Gentlemen, you can also try shooting from the air rifle and surprise your partner with the paper rose or a big teddy bear.
The Fair is opened until April 19, so you have only a week left to visit this famous Czech event.
For directions, just ask us at the Front Desk.

 April 14: Andy Warhol - I'm OK
American artist whose exhibition is right now in Prague is definitely worth to visit. The exhibition is held at the Gallery of Prague, close to the Old Town Square and visitors can see a unique collection of LP covers or try to create own work just like Warhol in a screen printing workshop.
For info and admissions, please click here.

Andy Warhol Exhibition, source: http://www.goap.cz/andy-warhol-en

 April 15: The Castle Guard Parade Show
One of the most popular events (not only in Prague) is connected with changing of guards. On Wednesday at 2PM you have chance to see the whole Parade Show of the Prague Castle Guard. This Parade Show is being held every month. We can only recommend to arrive earlier to have a good spot for watching. More info can be found here.

The Castle Guard Parade Show, source: http://www.prague.eu/en/event/632/the-castle-guard-parade-shows?back=1

April 16: Prague Fashion Night
Let's go shopping! PFN (shortly) is a successful event in connection with Prague Fashion Week. Shops at Pařížská Street, Rytířská, Na Příkopě or Wenceslas Square and their surroundings are specially opened for this event until 10PM. The main goal of PFN is a presentation of all fashion boutiques, shops and fashion designers. The city centre will be for one evening full of fashion. Each shop or boutique has prepared a special programme, little catering, exhibits of making own clothes or special offers for visitors.

    Monday, February 23, 2015

    Meet our staff - Eliška

    Děkujeme za Vaše pozitivní hodnocení našeho prvního článku. Jelikož měsíc únor se chýlí ke konci, představíme Vám dnes naší další zaměstnankyni. Tu sice běžně nevídáte, ale do kontaktu s ní se dostane spousta hostů ještě před příjezdem. Pojďme tedy poznat Elišku.

    Thank you for your all positive reactions to our first Meet our staff article. As February is approaching its end, it's time to introduce other employee. You can't really see her, but we bet you were in touch with her prior to your arrival. So let's meet Eliška. 


    Jak bys ses popsala 5 slovy?
    Přátelská, optimistická, spolehlivá, zodpovědná a pro každou srandu.
    How would you describe yourself in five words?
    Friendly, optimistic, reliable, responsible and for every joke. 

    Jaká je Tvá pozice u Prague City Apartments?
    Rezervační
    What's Your Position at Prague City Apartments?
    Reservations
    Jak obvykle probíhá Tvůj pracovní den?
    Většina mých směn je odpoledních a začínají zpravidla přebráním důležitých informací či úkolů od předchozího rezervačního. Po usazení do křesla si otevřu chat (live help) a mailbox, kam nám chodí většina poptávek. Mým úkolem je každému klientovi nabídnout apartmán, který nejvíce odpovídá jeho požadavkům (ať už jde o lokaci, styl či cenu). Emailovou komunikaci často střídám nasazováním sluchátek a na dotazy odpovídám telefonicky. Jednou z dalších povinností je také update kalendářů obsazenosti na všech stránkách, kde můžou klienti naše apartmány najít. 
    How does your working day usually look like? 
    Most of my shifts are in the afternoon and they begin with getting all important information or tasks from my morning colleague. After seating into my chair, I open a chat (live help) and mailbox to which we receive the majority of all enquiries. My job is to offer each client the apartment which has to fit to his/her specific requirements (whether it is location, style or rate). I often swap to headset and answer the questions via phone. One of our duties is also an update of availability on all websites where we can be found. 

    Dokáže Tě na práci něco překvapit? Vybavíš si nějakou veselou situaci z práce?
    Myslím, že práce v rezervačního je jedno velké překvapení =). Denně člověk komunikuje s různými lidmi a setkává se s novými požadavky, které jsou mnohdy nepředvídatelné.
    Veselé situace mě zatím provázejí stále a jsem za ně ráda, práce pak není nuda. Zmínila bych například tu, kdy jsem v PCA začínala a ještě jsem si nebyla ve všem úplně jistá. Zazvonil mi tenkrát telefon a na druhém konci byl klient mluvící rusky. Ruštinu jsem měla 4 roky na střední a tak jsem se snažila dotaz zodpovědět, bohužel jsem ale zjistila, že telefonická komunikace není tak jednoduchá. V celé té nervozitě ze mě nakonec vylezla věta zkombinovaná z češtiny, ruštiny a angličtiny. Na druhé straně jsem pak slyšela pouze smích, který ihned rozesmál i mě. Po chvíli společného telefonního smíchu se na druhé straně naštěstí ozval někdo, kdo mluvil anglicky, omluvila jsem se a nakonec vyřešila, co bylo potřeba.
    Is there something what can surprise you at work? Do you recall any funny moments?
    I think that working in reservations is one big surprise =). Every day, you communicate with different people with the new requirements, which are many times unpredictible.
    Funny situations are around me all the time and I am glad for them, because the work is not boring then. I would mention the one from my beginning at the company when I wasn    't sure with everything.
    A phone rang and on the other end was a Russian speaking client. I studied Russian 4 years at highschool so I tried to answer the phone call. Unfortunately, I found out that phone communication is not that easy. As I was nervous at that moment, a mixed Czech-Russian-English sentence came out of my mouth. All I could hear on the other end was a laughter which made me laugh as well. After a while of laughing together, an English speaking person replied, I apologised and sorted our everything. 

    Co Tě baví ve volném čase?
    Svůj volný čas se vždy snažím strávit s těmi, kteří jsou mi blízcí. Ráda se setkávám s přáteli, trávím čas se svojí mladší sestrou, jezdím na výlety, jako každá jiná slečna chodím na “procházky“ do nákupních středisek a musím přiznat, že velice ráda spím =).
    What do you do in your free time?
    I try to spend my free time with my close ones. I like meeting my friends, spending time with my younger sister, going to the trips and like every other lady I like going for "walks" to shopping centres and I have to admit I like sleeping a lot =). 

    Čím jsi chtěla být jako dítě?
    Jako malá jsem snila o tom být princeznou, když jsem ale později zjistila, že to není povolání, vystřídala to kariéra zpěvačky =).
    What was your dream job as a child?
    As a child, I dreamt about being a princess. But later, when I found out that it's not a job, I wanted to be a singer =). 

    Jaké je Tve oblíbené místo v Praze? Co bys doporučila našim hostům navštívit?
    V Praze je více míst, které mám moc ráda, ale vyhrává u mě jednoznačně Petřín, kde je krásně především v létě, kdy si člověk může lehnout do trávy a jen tak relaxovat. Klientům bych doporučila samozřejmě památky, jako jsou Vyšehrad, Pražský Hrad a v jarních či letních měsících také ZOO nebo Křižíkovu Fontánu.
    What is your favourite spot in Prague? Which place would you recommend to guests of Prague City Apartments?
    There is many places in Prague, which I like but my winner is Petřín, especially in summer, where you can lay down to grass and just relax. I would also recommend all the sights, like Vyšehrad, Prague Castle and in spring/summer the ZOO or     Křižík's Fountain. 

    Křižíkova fontána

    Děkujeme Eliško a budeme se těšít na viděnou v březnu s našim dalším odvážlivcem.
    Thank you Eliška and we are looking forward to another brave employee in March. 

    Wednesday, January 28, 2015

    Meet our staff - Michaela

    Úkol je jednoduchý. Jednou měsíčně vybereme zaměstnance z jakéhokoliv oddělení, který dostane pár otázek a zároveň ho vyfotíme přímo z pracovního prostředí. Tento výsledek pak můžete sledovat zde, počínaje dneškem!
    První odvážlivec je Michaela, která nasadila laťku vysoko. :) Pojďte se s námi společně podívat na její odpovědi. 

    The task is simple. Each month we will choose one employee who will get several questions and also his/her actual photo from the working day will be taken. You can see the results, here, on our blog, starting from today! 
    The first one is Michaela who set the bar high :) Now, let's all have a look how she dealt with the questions. 



    Jak by ses popsala 5 slovy?
    Ambiciózní, pracovitá, nekonfliktní, tvrdohlavá žena.
    How would you desribe yourself in five words?
    An Ambitious, hardworking, non-conflictual, stubborn woman. 

    Jaká je Tvoje pozice u Prague City Apartments?
    Denní recepční.
    What's Your Position at Prague City Apartments?
    Day receptionist

    Jak obvykle probíhá Tvůj pracovní den?
    Problémovým vstáváním :-). Po příchodu do práce mne čeká předání směny od nočního recepčního
    a osobní příprava na nájezdy našich klientů. Práce denních recepčních však mimo check-in a check-out hostů zahrnuje telefonní či emailovou komunikaci a informativní činnost. Nyní v nízké sezoně však zaznamenáváme velmi klidný pracovní den. S příchodem jara nás ovšem čeká více hostů, a tím
    i více práce.
    How does your working day usually look like?
    It starts with a problem waking up. :) After the arrival at work, I get the shift changeover from the night receptionist and I will prepare for the new arrivals of the guests. Apart from check-in and check-out, the job of day receptionist includes phone and email communication and providing information. Now in low season we have a peaceful and calm working day. But as soon as the spring starts, more guests will arrive, which means more work as well. 

    Dokáže Tě na práci něco překvapit? Vybavíš si nějakou veselou situaci z práce?
    Na práci mě občas překvapí specifické požadavky hostů. Veselých historek máme spoustu. Jednou odpoledne přišla rezervace na apartmán v Residenci Karlova. Po několika hodinách nám volala recepční z nejmenovaného hotelu blízko ulice Karlova, že má na recepci naše hosty. Klienti si zapomněli přečíst informaci, že check-in probíhá na jiné adrese, než se nachází daný apartmán. Hosty jsem vyzvedla v hotelu a společně jsme se vydali na apartmán. Po pár minutách jsme však zjistili, že je byt obsazený, a že v našem systému došlo k chybě. Byla to poměrně nepříjemná a trapná situace, nicméně danými hosty byli mladí Američané, kteří v takové situaci neviděli žádný problém. Kluky jsem tedy ubytovala v apartmánu v Dušní – byli nadšení a pobyt si ihned prodloužili. Na druhý den mne navštívili na recepci, vyprávěli jsme asi hodinu a nyní stále udržujeme přátelské vztahy
    a plánujeme společný výlet do zahraničí.
    Is there something which can surprise you at work? Do you recall any funny moments?
    Sometimes I get surprised by the specific requirements of the clients. We have many funny stories. One afternoon we got a new reservation for the apartment at Residence Karlova. After several hours, we got a phone call from one hotel situated near the Karlova street, that our guests are standing at their reception. The clients forgot to read the information, that check-in is made in our office, which is not located at Residence Karlova. I picked-up the guests and we went together to see the apartment. Unfortunately, we found out that the apartment was occupied and some sort of mistake had been made in our system. It was an unpleasant and awkward situation, however the clients were young Americans so they were cool with this. I accommodated the boys at Dušní apartment and they were so excited and prolonged their stay immediately. They visited me the day after at the reception, we chatted for an hour and we are still in touch and plan together a trip abroad. 

    Co Tě baví ve volném čase?
    Ve volném čase studuji, sportuji, ráda čtu, cestuji a také s přáteli rádi chodíme do čajoven či po barech a užíváme studentského života.
    What do you do in your free time?
    I study, do some sports, read, travel and go out with my friends to tea-rooms or bars to enjoy our student's life. 

    Jaké je Tvoje oblíbené místo v Praze? Co bys doporučila našim hostům navštívit?
    V letních měsících ráda s kamarády chodím na Náplavku a do Riegrových sadů. Oblíbených podniků mám mnoho, jsou jimi například Vzorkovna, Chilli Bar nebo La Bodeguita. Klientům bych určitě doporučila navštívit nějaké mimopražské město. Praha je krásná a v její poměrně blízké vzdálenosti nabízí i jiná krásná místa k vidění. Dle motivu a věkové kategorie doporučuji například návštěvu města a pivovaru v Plzni, Karlovy Vary jakožto lázeňské město, Český Krumlov, Kutnou horu, případně Terezín.
    What is your favourite spot in Prague? Which place would you recommend to the guests of Prague City Aparments?
    I like going to Náplavka or Riegers Gardens in summer with my friends. I have many favourite places – for example Vzorkovna, Chilli Bar or La Bodeguita. I can also recommend to our clients to go out from Prague. Prague is beautiful and in its close distance you can go to Plzeň (Pilsen) to see the city and the brewery, Thermal City Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora or Terezín. 

    Děkuji, Míšo. :) Je ve firmě někdo, koho byste chtěli poznat? Nebo určitě oddělení? Podělte se s námi
    v komentářích.
    Thank you Míša. :) Is there someone in our company, who you would like to meet? Or a specific department? Share with us your ideas in comments.