Regional Information
Prague
At a Glance
Currency: Czech Kroner (CZK, Kc)
Population: 1.2 million
Language: Czech, English spoken
Local Time: Irish time +1 hour
Voltage: 220V - continental adaptors purchased in Ireland can be used
Flight Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
Airport: Prague Ruzyne airport is located 20km (12 miles) northwest of Prague. Journey time to the city centre is approximately 30 minutes.
Climate: Summers are warm and can be damp and winters are quite cold, though snow is rare. May and September have the most pleasant weather.
Overview
Prague sits amid the gentle landscapes of the Bohemian plateau straddling the Vltava River, the Czech Republic's longest river. It has been the political, cultural, and economic centre of the Czech state for more than 1100 years, during which time the city grew from the Vysehrad Castle to the multicultural capital of a modern European state, the Czech Republic. For most of its history Prague had been a multiethnic city with important Czech, German and Jewish populations. This multicultural history is felt when walking on the streets of today’s city. Central Prague consists of five historical towns: Hradcany, the castle district, Mala Strana, the 13th century 'Little Quarter', Stare Mesto, the gothic 'Old Town', Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto, and Nove Mesto or 'New Town' (new in the 14th century). Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. According to Guinness World Records Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.
Highlights
Old Town Square - The centrepiece of Stare Mesto is the huge 1.7 hectare Old Town Square. It has been Prague's working heart since the 10th century and hosted its largest market until the beginning of the 20th century. It's surrounded by a maze of alleys and is home to some of Prague's most famous monuments.
Prague Castle - With a magnificent cliff-top outlook, a 1000 year history going back to a simple walled-in compound in the 9th century and an enormous scale that qualifies it as the biggest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle is the indisputable centrepiece of the Czech capital.
Josefov (Old Jewish Quarter) - This slice of Stare Mesto contains the remains of the once-thriving neighbourhood of Josefov, Prague's former Jewish ghetto. The half-dozen old synagogues, a ceremonial hall and the powerfully melancholic Old Jewish Cemetery were perversely preserved by Nazi leaders, who declared them to be a 'museum of an extinct race'. Instead, all have survived as a memorial to seven centuries of oppression.
Petrin Hill - This 318m (1043ft) hill is topped with a network of eight parks. It is great for brisk walks and postcard-perfect views of the 'City of 100 Spires.'
Getting Around
Prague's compact historic centre is best appreciated on foot, with the help of cheap, widespread public transportation.
Health/Security
As in most big cities, pick-pocketing and petty thefts occur at the main tourist attractions, the main railway station and on public transport, particularly, on routes to major tourist sites. There are also a few scams around. Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any major city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended. Tap water is safe to drink although many travellers do choose to buy bottled water instead because they are unaccustomed to the taste of the local water.
Passport/Visa:
The Czech Republic is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish/UK citizens. A valid passport is required.
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy: Velvyslanectvi Irska, Trziste 13, 118 00 Praha
Tel: + 420 257 530 061, Fax: + 420 257 531 387
Email: irishembassy@iol.cz
Web: www.embassyofireland.cz
British Embassy: Thunovska 14, 118 00 Prague 1
Tel: + 420 257 402 111, Fax: + 420 25740 2296
Email: info@britain.cz
Web: www.ukinczechrepublic.fco.gov.uk/en
Local Emergency Services: General 112 / Ambulance 155 / Fire 150 / Police 158
Calling Prague from Irl/UK: 00 + 420 + 2 + the number
Calling Ireland from Prague: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling the UK from Prague: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Local Tourist Offices: Old Town Square: Staromestake Radnice,
Old Town Hall, Old Town Square,
Prague 1
Useful Websites
www.prague-info.cz
www.prague.cz
www.pragueexperience.com