CZECH REPUBLIC - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 85

• Ruzyně Airport, in Terminal 2, open 0800-2000 daily.
• Prague Main Station, Main Lobby, open 1000-1800 Monday-Saturday.
Getting Around in Prague
The most economical and convenient way to discover Prague is with the Prague
Card. The card provides free access to Prague's public transportation, plus free
entry at 44 attractions with discounts at more than 50 museums and attractions,
concerts, shops, theaters, restaurants, cafes, and tours. All the benefits are de-
scribed in the 150-page Prague Card coupon book. The card is 880 CZK for
48 hours, 990 CZK for 72 hours, and 1200 CZK for 96 hours, with discounted
student rates also available. Purchase in any Tourist Office, or online at
www.praguecitycard.com .
Prague has an efficient public transport system, including subway, trams, busses
and ferries. All work on the same fare system, based around the time you need
the pass rather than the route you are taking. The basic 90-minute pass is 32
CZK, with 24-hour passes 110 CZK. Tickets can be purchased from machines at
all metro stops and many bus stops, as well as tourist offices and some tobacco
shops. Using public transport in Prague is highly recommended, as unlicensed tax-
is that horribly overcharge tourists are notorious in the city. Prague is working hard
to counter this problem, but you can easily avoid it by taking the bus or metro.
Sights/Attractions/Tours
Dominating the west bank of the Vltava is the enormous Prague Castle. Generally
recognized as the largest castle in the world, parts of it were constructed from the
9th century, while major additions and alterations continued over the next 1,000
years. Built over this time frame, the castle represents almost every major style
of architecture of the last millennium. The castle can easily be a full trip, as it
now also houses museums dedicated to art, Czech history, and toys, and regularly
hosts festivals, including the Summer Shakespeare Festival. The castle grounds
are open summer tourist season April 1-October 31 0500-2400; premise regular
tickets 0900-1700. Gardens open April and October 1000-1800 daily; May and
September 1000-1900; June and July 1000-2100; and August 1000-2000. Winter
tourist season is January 1-March 31, 0600-2300 daily. Premise regular tickets
0900-1600. Tickets are required for Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, the
National Gallery, Cathederal of St. Vitus, Golden Lane, Powder Tower, and Rosed-