Prague

The “Mother of Towns”, “The Golden City”, or “The City of a Hundred Spires”, these are just a few of the many attributes that the Czech metropolis nestling above the river Vltava has earned for itself. Prague as a major destination for visitors arriving in the Czech Republic, with its appeal of architectural monuments of all styles, the traditional hospitality of its people and the excellent beer served in Czech pubs, as well as the remarkable mix of Czech, German and Jewish cultures, is considered one of the most beautiful cities, and not just in Europe.

The area where Prague was founded was settled as early as in the Paleolithic age. Around 200 BC the Celts had a settlement in the south, called Závist, but later they were replaced by the Marcomanni, a Germanic people and later by the West Slavic people.

According to legends, Prague was founded by Libuše and her husband, Přemysl, founder of the dynasty of the same name. Whether this legend is true or not, Prague's first nucleus was a castle on a hill commanding the left (western) bank of Vltava: this is known as Prague Castle, to differentiate from another castle, which was later, in the latter part of the 9th century erected on the opposite right (eastern) bank the Přemyslid fort Vyšehrad, which is now wrongly considered as the oldest one.

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Prague has become one of Europe's (and the world's) most popular tourist destinations. It is the sixth most-visited European city after London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin.

Prague suffered considerably less damage during World War II than some other major cities in the region, allowing most of its historic architecture to stay true to form.

It contains one of the world's most pristine and varied collections of architecture, from Gothic to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Art Nouveau, Neo-Classical and modern.

 

Václav Havel Airport Prague handles flights of most European carriers and also some overseas flights. It is located 30-45 minutes by car from the centre of Prague. There is a good connection between the airport and city centre by public transport (buses) and taxis.

You can easily get to the city centre using one of the public buses. For the quickest transport to the city centre or the nearest metro station we advise using routes 119 and 100.

 

No. 119 (Airport -> Metro A Dejvicka, every 5 to 20 minutes, travel time 25 min).

From station Dejvicka (green line) you can take the metro to the station Mustek, there you change for the line B (yellow line) and go to the station Vysocanska, which is next Clarion Congress hotel.

No.100 (Airport -> Metro B Zlicin, every 15 to 30 minutes, travel time 18 minutes).

From station Zlicin (yellow line) you can take the metro to the station Vysocanska, which is next Clarion Congress Hotel.

 

Unfortunately there is no subway or train connection to the city from the airport. You should buy a ticket before travelling - at ticket machines at the arrival hall or a bus stop or at the newsagents. If you arrive late and all shops are closed you can also buy a ticket from the driver, but in that case large banknotes are not accepted. Tickets cost 32 CZK (approx. 1,30 EUR). 

When buying a 32 CZK ticket for public transport you will receive a transferable ticket allowing you to travel for a 90-minute period.

 

Prague has a very sophisticated metro, tram and bus transport system. The Prague underground is quite new and efficient. At peak times, trains run every 1 or 2 minutes, and during off-peak hours at least every 10 minutes. 

You can find more information about Prague public transport on the web pages www.dpp.cz.

Short-term passes (unlimited travel within ticket validity)

Most visitors find travel passes effective and hassle free. If you use public transport more than a few times a day, definitely go for one. You can buy the passes for 1,3 or 5 days.

1-day ticket (24 hours): 110 CZK / 4,40 EUR

3-day ticket (72 hours): 310 CZK / 12,40 EUR

Only properly validated tickets are valid.

For more information about Prague Public transport visit www.dpp.cz