Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
oVErVIEW
Prague unnerves many travelers—it's behind the former Iron
Curtain, and you've heard stories of rip-offs and sky-high hotel
prices (both are real problems,
but avoidable if you're smart).
Despite your fears, Prague is
charming, safe, and ready to
show you a good time. The lan-
guage barrier is tiny. It seems
like every well-educated young
person speaks English.
Locals call their town
“Praha” (PRAH-hah). It's big,
with 1.2 million people, but
focus on its relatively compact
old center during a quick visit.
As you wander, take advantage
of brown street signs directing you to tourist landmarks. Self-
deprecating Czechs note that while the signs are designed to help
tourists (locals never use them), they're only printed in Czech.
Still—thanks to the little icons—the signs can help smart visitors
who are sightseeing on foot.
The Vltava River divides the west side (Castle Quarter and
Little Quarter) from the east side (New Town, Old Town, Jewish
Quarter, Main Train Station, and most of the recommended
hotels).
Prague addresses come with references to a general zone.
Praha 1 is in the old center on either side of the river. Praha 2 is in
the new city, southeast of Wenceslas Square. Praha 3 and higher
indicate a location farther from the center. Virtually everything I
list is in Praha 1 (unless noted otherwise).
Tourist Information
TIs are at several key locations:
Old Town Square
(in the Old
Town Hall, just to the left of the Astronomical Clock; Easter-Oct
Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 9:00-18:00; Nov-Easter Mon-Fri
9:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 9:00-17:00; tel. 224-482-018),
Main Train
Station
(generally same hours as Old Town Square TI, but closed
Sun), and the castle side of
Charles Bridge
(Easter-Oct daily
10:00-18:00, closed Nov-Easter). For general tourist information
in English, dial 12444 (Mon-Fri 8:00-19:00) or check the TIs'
useful website: www.prague-info.cz.
The TIs offer maps, phone cards, a useful transit guide, infor-
mation on guided walks and bus tours, and bookings for private
guides, concerts, hotel rooms, and rooms in private homes.
