Monday, January 30, 2017

7 Prague Microbreweries You Must Visit


The Czech Republic is a land of beer, everybody knows that. But the Czech beer is not all about Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser or Staropramen. There is more than 380 breweries in the country and this number increases every year, mostly thanks to microbreweries. These small breweries are very popular lately amongst Czechs, especially those who are tired of drinking same brands over and over and want to try something different. Good news for Prague visitors - you can even find microbreweries with their own restaurants in a center of Prague! Let's take a look at them.

1. Pivovar Národní


Just 2 minutes walk from our Residence Karolina, next to the National Theatre, you will find a new brewery Pivovar Národní opened in 2015. It brews its own beer Czech Lion - you can choose from 3 different beers - 11° pilsner pale lager, 11° unfiltered lager or special 13° semi-dark lager. With the beer you can order Czech specials and grilled meals like duck breast with cherry sauce, grilled pork neck steak marinated in beer or beef flank steak. Even though the interior is spacious and it has two floors it can get quite busy (mostly on Fridays and Saturdays) - table booking is recommended.


2. Pivovar U Medvídků


Famous brewery U Medvídků has been brewing its beer since the 15th century. They say they are the smallest brewery in Prague with the strongest beer in the world. Their beer selection is truly impressive - you can taste unfiltered lagers, 12° wheat beer, special dark beer with extra roast barley, 15° special light beer, 13° semi-dark lager Oldgott or the strongest beer in the world X-BEER 33 fermented in oak barrels for a period of 200 day. You should also try other specials - a beer ice-cream made from their Oldgott lager, a unique beer brandy Pivovice X40 or a beer chocolate. Of course you can also taste traditional Czech dishes or buy a bottled beer as a souvenir. What more, it is also very close to the Residence Karolina, just 4 minutes walk.


3. Pivovar U Fleků


U Fleků is probably the most famous Prague microbrewery and a very popular restaurant. Its history dates back to 1499 and it is the only brewery in central Europe which has been brewing beer for more than 500 years with no break. You can get their typical 13° lager "Flekovský ležák" and choose from a large selection of Czech meals - goulash with dumplings, beef in cream, roast pork with cabbage and many others. Very popular is also their Show U Fleků with old Czech folklore music, humorous skits and even a beer competition. Also not far from the Residence Karolina, only 6 minutes walk.

Website: www.ufleku.cz

4. Pivovar U Dobřenských


The brewery was founded in 2015 but it follows a tradition dating back to the 15th century. They brew their beer in four fermentation tanks on only 150 square feet. You must try a unique 14° ale Tribulus made of a plant tribulus terrestris also know as goat's head or devil's weed. Another special beer is a dark beer Salvia Stout 14° with sage (salvia officinalis). They also brews special beers for every season - in 2015/16 it was Mentha Summer Ale with mint for summer, Melissa Ale with balm for autumn and winter Hippophae Ale. We can recommend also Lemongrass Ale 11°. You will find it half way from the Residence Karolina to the Charles Bridge.


5. Novoměstský pivovar


Another brewery that is worth a visit is Novoměstský pivovar. You can enjoy traditional Czech dishes (garlic soup, goulash, pork knee and others) and of course a great beer - light or dark lager "Novoměstský ležák". Do not hesitate to try "pivní žirafa" (can be translated as "beer giraffe") - you will get a tall tube of beer and you can serve yourself. If you want to try  flavoured beers just order a beer tasting (4 different flavours - banana, ginger, coffee and caramel). They also make a beer spirit and a beer sparkling wine. For beer lovers there are also brewery tours where you will see how the beer is made.

Website: www.npivovar.cz

6. Pivovar U tří růží


This brewery is located in Husova street in a center of Prague, not far from the Charles Bridge or our luxury Krizovnicka Apartments. The beer has been brewing for more than 600 years in this very house. They brew various kinds of beer, both bottom and top-fermented - special dark beer Dark Rose, bavarian type Old Bavarian, special amber beer Smoked Amber, American style Weissbeer and others. Taste also delicious meals - roasted pork knee, spicy beef goulash, confit duck leg or roasted beef with creame sauce.

Website: www.u3r.cz

7. Pivovar Marina Holešovice


Marina Brewery is not located in a very center of Prague but you shouldn't miss it anyway. You'll find it in Holešovice, Prague 7, in a beautiful building just next to the Vltava river. In a stylish interior you can order one of 4 kinds of beer - 10° light lager, 11° wheat lager, 12° lager and a dark lager. Local meals are made in an open kitchen and you can get goulash, roasted duck, grilled pork neck and many others.  To get here just take tram 6 or 14 and get off at Maniny stop. In summer you can even enjoy an outside seating with wooden tables.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Top 10 Things to Do in Prague in Winter


Snow and ice everywhere, temperatures dropping to -15 °C and you don't even want to leave your apartment? Prague City Apartments gathered 10 awesome tips for winter days in Prague you will love. Get your warmest clothing and let's start!

1. GO FOR A MORNING WALK ON THE CHARLES BRIDGE


Every local knows that nothing compares to the morning Charles Bridge. No people, no noise, just you and one of the most beautiful bridges in the world (and maybe a couple of other people who read this article). Believe it or not, in winter it is even more stunning. Everything looks so clean and magical covered by fresh snow. But be careful, in January it can get really cold in the morning so don't forget your scarf, gloves and a hat. We recommend to get up before 6 A.M., it will be definitely worth it. :)


2. WALK ALONG THE FROZEN VLTAVA RIVER TO THE NATIONAL THEATRE


From the Charles Bridge take a walk along the Vltava river. If you're lucky enough, Vltava will be frozen and you'll get an unforgettable view of the Prague Castle and the Lesser Quarter with white roofs (not red this time). You'll pass a number of monuments and famous sights like Kranner's Fountain or Manes Exhibition Hall. You can have a coffee in Café Slavia or continue to the Dancing House.


3. GET A PORK KNEE FOR A LUNCH


In a cold winter there is nothing better than a proper Czech meal for a lunch. It warms you for the rest of the day. Our recommendation? Definitely a pork knee served with dumplings and cabbage or with sauerkraut and potatoes. You can get it in Mlejnice restaurant in the Jewish Quarter (Zatecka 14 street), only 4 minutes walking from the Residence Brehova or just 1 minute from our apartments Maiselova 5 and Maiselova 17!


4. VISIT A BALLET IN THE NATIONAL THEATRE


The National Theatre is one of the most important cultural sights in the Czech Republic. This majestic building overlooks Vltava river since its reopening after a fire in 1883 and Czechs can't be more proud of it. In winter you can see Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and the Cuddly Mouse, La Bayadère or The Little Mermaid. Visit a theatre's website to see a detailed programme. The National Theatre is located just 3 minutes from our Residence Karolina!


5. GO SKIING TO THE CZECH MOUNTAINS


Well this is not exactly a thing to do in Prague but if you love skiing or snowboarding you can't miss this! Especially if you stay in Prague for more than a few days. You've never heard of the Czech mountains? They are not that high as the Alps but they are beutiful! Less than 2 hours drive and you can ski in Spindleruv Mlyn or Harrachov in Krkonose mountains, Klinovec or Bozi Dar in Krusne hory mountains or you can try even Moninec which is just an hour and half from the center of Prague! In every ski resort you can rent a ski set. A great one day trip!


6. GO TO THE KRIVOKLAT CASTLE


Just 40 minutes drive from Prague there is one of the most popular and most important castles in the Czech Republic, Krivoklat castle founded in the 12th century. Even though the castle's interiors are closed in January you should visit the sight because of its impressive exterior and surroundings. Krivoklatsko is an area with lovely nature, rolling hills and deep woods, great for a winter walk and a delicious lunch in one of the local pubs. If you really want to see the castle chambers and the museum, you can come every Saturday in February from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. 


7. WALK THROUGH THE LESSER TOWN AND GO TO THE PETRIN HILL


Lesser Town (Mala Strana in Czech) is a district that lies below the Prague Castle on the left bank of the Vltava River. It is connected to the Old Town by the Charles Bridge. There is a large number of notable buildings and interesting places – such as the baroque Church of St Nicholas. In winter you can just stroll around or go to the Petrin Hill - totally different experience in winter!


8. GO TO THE PRAGUE CASTLE


In the winter evening go to the Prague Castle. A walk from the Petrin Hill can be especially nice as you will see both the Lesser Town and the Old Town covered in snow! The Castle district has a magical atmosphere in the evening and when it's snowing it gets even better. There is not many tourists up there after 6 P.M. in winter which is a great plus!


9. GET A ROAST DUCK WITH CABBAGE AND DUMPLINGS


After a long winter day you will need another delicious Czech meal! It's time for dinner and the best idea is to find a good pub with even better roast duck and the best Czech beer. Not far from the Prague Castle you'll find a medieval-style traditional Czech restaurant "U Modre kachnicky" located in Nebovidska 6 street. They have another restaurant in Michalska 16 street, just 1 minute walk from the Old Town Square and not more than 10 minutes walking from all our apartments!


10. VISIT KAMPA ISLAND AT NIGHT


And finally after a good dinner a night walk comes in useful. You will love a quiet stroll through the romantic corners of the Kampa island. The northern part of the island, the Certovka stream is called the Prague Venice. Definitely visit also the Lennon's Wall or a famous water mill and don't forget to look around at all the beautiful historical buildings.

We hope you liked our 10 tips and don't forget to add some more in comments below! What do you like to do in Prague in winter?

Monday, July 11, 2016

Meet Our Staff - Mary


Apartment in Prague
We met with Mary on a bright and sunny day. Lovely old city views, loads of space and modern equipment - this is how Residence Karlova can be described. While Mary was answering the questions below, we took pictures of apartments no. 42 and 33 and the location. Check out our result in this post. 

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Meet Our Staff - Wendy


Jak bys ses popsala 5 slovy?
Ambiciózní, loajální, organizovaná, přátelská, respektující
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Ambitious, loyal, organized, friendly and respectful.
Jaká je Tvá pozice u Prague City Apartments?
V Prague City Apartments pracuji na pozici Rezervační Agent a Recepční
What's your position at Prague City Apartments?
I work as the Reservation agent and Receptionist. 



Jak obvykle probíhá Tvůj pracovní den?
Ráno se snažím brzy vstávat. Někdy díky svým zálibám musím, jindy jen proto, abych si vychutnala ranní kávu v kavárně. Ve tři hodiny odpoledne začíná moje směna na rezervačním oddělení, přebírám důležité informace od kolegyně, která se chystá domů. S recepční dáváme dohromady co je potřeba ještě během dne zařídit a jaké zbývají check-iny. Pracovní čas trávím odpovídáním na emaily, zprávy a telefonické hovory od klientu. Často také pomáhám s check-iny, za což jsem opravdu rada, těší mě setkání s hosty, se kterými jsem před nedávnem komunikovala online a teď sedí na druhé straně recepčního stolu a já se nemohu dočkat, jak se jim bude líbit apartmán, který jsem jim doporučila :) Pracovní den končím v jedenáct hodin večer, natěšena na další den ještě stihnu menší procházku večerní Prahou a hurá nanovo.
How does your work day usually look like?
I try to get up early in the morning. Sometimes I have to because of my hobbies, sometimes I just want to enjoy a cup of coffee at café. At 3 o'clock I'm starting my shift at work. I'm taking over all necessary information from my colleague who is going home. Together with reception, we are getting all staff together of what has to be done and how many check-ins we are expecting that day. I'm spending my work time answering emails, messages and on the phone with clients. Sometimes, I help out with check-ins, which I do like. I like meeting people to which I've been online talking to and now they are sitting on the other side of the table. I'm always excited to find out how they like the apartment which I recommend them. :) I finish my working day at 11PM and before going home I manage to walk a bit through the night Prague and the next day it is all over again. 

Dokázalo Tě v práci něco potěšit v poslední době?
Nedávno jsem ubytovala dva businessmany ze Švýcarska, povídali jsme si o jejich zemi, kterou dobře znám, o jejich jazyce, zvycích a jídle. Ráda hostům předám informace o České republice a Praze, ale také se ráda dozvím něco nového o jejich zemi. Po check-inu jsem se vrátila zpět do kanceláře a v tom mě volá recepční, že se po mně někdo ptá. Na recepci jsem pak našla právě tyto klienty, kteří mi přinesli (mojí oblíbenou) švýcarskou čokoládu. PS: Ještě jednou děkuji!
Is there something what pleased you at work recently?
I recently checked-in two businessmen from Switzerland. We talked about their country which I know very well, about their language, habits and food as well. I like talking with our guests about Czech republic and Prague, but on the other hand, it's nice to find out something new about their country. After check-in, I got back to the office and receptionist is telling me that someone is asking for at me at reception. These two gentlemen came back and brought me (my favourite) Swiss chocolate.
P.S.: Thank you very much again!




Co Tě baví ve volném čase?
Nejvíce se věnuji hlídání dětí, což je skvělé na odpočinek. Krasobruslím, lyžuji, v létě jezdím na in-line bruslích. Vždy ráda posedím s přáteli u skleničky dobrého cocktailu nebo jídla. Mám ráda procházky a pohodovou hudbu (Pink Floyd jsou moje závislost). Miluji návštěvy kaváren a ráda se v tomto oboru vzdělávám.
What do you do in your free time?
Most of the time I'm babysitting which is great for relaxing. I like figure skating, skiing or inline skating during summer. I always like sitting with my friends over the cocktail or nice meal. I like walking and cool music (Pink Floyd is my addiction). I like going to cafés and educating myself in that area. 




Jaké předměty Tě ve škole bavily a jaké ne?
Na střední mě hodně bavila pedagogika, na vysoké škole to je marketing a ekonomie. Nebavilo mě (bohužel důležité) účetnictví. Vůbec.
What school subjects did you like or not?
I liked pedagogy at high school, marketing and economics at college. I didn't like, unfortunately important, accounting. Not at all. 

Jaké je Tvé oblíbené místo v Praze? Co bys doporučil klientům PCA navštívit?
Ulice Řásnovka. Neznám krásnější a tajemnější místo v Praze.
Pro klienty, kterým nevadí si přivstat, mám doporučení – sobotní farmářské trhy na Náplavce. Spousty dobrého jídla a pití a v neposlední řadě skvělých lidí na břehu Vltavy.
What's your favourite place in Prague? What you recommend to our guests?
Řásnovka Street. I don't know more beautiful and mysterious place in Prague. For clients who don't mind waking up early, I can recommend Farmer's markets at Náplavka on Saturdays. Loads of great food and drinks and last but no least, great people along the Vltava river. 



Monday, March 7, 2016

How to spend March in Prague

One World - 7.-16.3.2016
One World Festival, organised by People in Need has become the biggest human rights film festival in the world. Every year, more than 100 movies are offered to viewers. Topic for this year is: We are looking for home. Tickets are still available.

                                                    One World Festival/ Image: www.jedensvet.cz

Easter Markets at the Old Town Square and other places in Prague - 12.3. - 3.4.2016
Find more than 90 stands at the Old Town Square with beautifully decorated Czech traditional Easter eggs, laces, wooden toys. And the best thing? The entrance is free. :)

                                                                                           Image: www.trhypraha.cz

Flea Market - 13.3.2016
Any fans of second-hands? This event is right for you! Second-hands clother, vinyls or books are waiting for right here.

                                                                              Image: www.prazskypatriot.cz

Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week - 16.-23.3.2016
MBPFW is a commercial, cultural and social event modelled on world fashion weeks. The organisors alter the rules of Czech fashion scene, support local designers and discover new talents. Check the schedule and visit of the fashion shows.

                                                                              Image: www.czechtourism.com

Febiofest 2016 - 17.-25.3.
The festival is oriented towards full lenght films, bringing to audience the best films of the last year, as well as distribution premieres, retrospectives and tributes. It also discovers new territories and unknown filmakers. Febiofest is very popular among Czechs.

                                                                                      Image: www.informuji.cz

Green lighted Petřín's Tower - 17.3.
Happy St. Patrick's Day :))

                                                                                              Image: praha.idnes.cz
World Water Day - 22.3. - the lower part of the Wenceslas Square
Find out how the hygiene is important is our lifes. Theme of the World Water Day is Water and Jobs.
                                                                                     Image: www.zakulturou.cz


Teachers' Day - 28.3.
Celebrate this day with lowered entrance fee (50CZK) at the National Technical Museum and educate yourself or your children.

                                                                                          Image: www.vyletnik.cz

Monday, February 22, 2016

Meet our Staff - Robert


Jak by ses popsal pěti slovy?
Přátelský, empatický, vstřícný, pracovitý...těžko říct...hodný?
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Friendly, emphatic, down to earth, hardworking....hard to say...kind?

Jaká je Tvá pozice u Prague City Apartments?
Pracuji jako noční recepční.
What's your position at Prague City Apartments?
I work as the night receptionist.


Jak obvykle probíhá Tvůj pracovní den?
Po příchodu do práce následuje více méně sled administrativních činností, případně ubytování "opozdilců". Většinu noci pak strávím odpovídáním na emaily a řeším krizové situace typu vypadlé pojistky, ztracené vstupní karty,...
How does your working day usually looks like?
After starting my shift, it is more or less about the administrative work, eventually checking-in "latecomers". Most of the night I spend answering email and solving crisis situations such as problems with safety fuse or lost entrance cards...

Dokáže Tě na práci něco překvapit? Vybavíš si nějakou veselou situaci z práce?
Nedá se říct, že by mě v práci něco překvapovalo. Spíš jsou věci, co mi zvednou náladu a věci, co mi ji zkazí.
Veselo jsem na recepci měl například tehdy, když se mi tu jeden "lehce" připitý kolemjdoucí rozhodl předvést umění jógy :-)
Is there something what can surprise you at work? Any funny moments?
I can't say that I get surprised at work. It's more about thing which makes me feel better or worse.
I remember one funny situation when one "slightly" drunk passer-by decided to show me the art of yoga. :-)


Co Tě baví ve volném čase?
Rád čtu, brouzdám po internetu, sem tam si i zacvičím.
What do you do in your free time?
I like reading, browsing the internet or doing some workout from time to time. 


Jaké předměty Tě ve škole bavily a jaké ne?
Jak se říká: "Když nemůžeš o něčem říct nic dobrého, neříkej nic", alespoň pokud mluvíme o střední škole. Na vysoké mě baví historie, filozofie a nebaví třeba taková antropologie.
What were your favourite school subjects and what not?
There is one saying: "If you can't tell anything nice about something, don't say anything", this applies to my studies at high school. Now, at university I like history, philosophy and don't like anthropology. 

Jaké je Tvé oblíbené místo v Praze? Co bys doporučil hostům Prague City Apartments doporučit?
Například Břevnov (Praha 6), kde bydlím, což je jedna z těch zelenějších částí Prahy.
Určitě bych doporučil Staroměstské náměstí a Karlův most. Ale ne odpoledne nebo večer, kdy je to tam hlava na hlavě. Přivstaňte si a vyražte za svítání, kdy většina města ještě spí. Ten pocit, že máte tato místa prakticky jen sami pro sebe, je k nezaplacení.
What's your favourite spot in Prague? Which place would you recommend to guests of Prague City Apartments?
For example, Břevnov (Prague 6), where I live, is one the greenest parts of Prague.
I would definitely recommend the Old Town Square and the Charle's Bridge. But not in the afternoon or evening, when these places are incredibly crowded. Get up early and leave the apartment during sunrise when the city still sleeps. That feeling, that you almost own these places, is priceless. 

Friday, February 5, 2016

What to do in February in Prague

Farmer's Markets at Náplavka - 6.2. - 31.12.

Popular markets are starting this week, hooray! Every Saturday from 8AM - 2PM you have a chance to buy local vegetables, fruits, homemade pastry or sausages or just a bouquet or tulips. Markets are very popular among Czech who take their own wicker baskets and head here to buy grocery for the whole week.

                                                                                             Image: www.praha3.cz
Czech Grand Design - 23.2. - 10.5.

Annual awards regularly help to draw the attention to both professionals and the public to exceptional individuals and events in a specific field. They also enable us to appreciate and bring fame to works of specific creators. From February 23 you can visit the National Technical Museum to see finalists of CGD and their creations.

                                                Image: www.earch.cz
Titanic Exhibition - 10.2. - 30.6.

Fascinating exhibition which will introduce you the destiny of Titanic and its story as well. Exhibition is full of the ship's equipment, the furniture, costumes or even the luggage of the passengers. The whole exhibition is very rare and unique, all artefacts are priceless. Therefore, it is forbidden to use flash in your camera or mobile phone. Tickets are still available.

                                                                                Image: www.vystavatitanic.cz

Festival of Nordic Movies - 15.2. - 15.3.
Nordic Film Club brings to people Nordic cinematography which might not be well known in Czech. You can look forward to almost 20 films, famous or not, all of them provided with Czech/English subtitles. Tickets and programm is available here.

St. Matthew's Fair - 20.2. - 17.4.
One of the traditions in Prague. Would you like some candy floss, riding on carousel or have fun with your children. Take them to the Exhibition area in Holešovice and spent a day here.