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| | | Prague tourist information:
Prague Experience is the No1 Prague tourist information guide. Here we list some important visitor information, to help your Prague trip run as smoothly as possible. |
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 PRAGUE TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
The two main Prague tourist information offices are in the Old Town:
Old Town Hall, Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1
Apr-Oct: Daily 09:00-20:00.
Nov-Mar: Daily 09:00-18:00
Rytírská 31, Old Town, Prague 1
Apr-Oct: Daily 09:00-19:00.
Nov-Mar: Daily 09:00-18:00
Two smaller Prague tourist information offices are at:
Main Train Station (Hlavni Nadrazi),
Wilsonova 8,
New Town, Prague 2
Apr-Oct: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-16:00.
Nov-Mar: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-16:00
Mala Strana Bridge Tower,
Mala Strana,
Prague 1
Apr-Sep: Daily 10:00-18:00.
Oct-Mar: Closed. | | |  MONEY INFORMATION
Cost of living in Prague
Food and drink in ordinary shops and restaurants in Prague is generally cheaper than in Western Europe. Beer and wine in ordinary pubs is markedly cheaper. Clothes and other consumer goods have similar prices.
Currency: Czech Crown
The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (czk). The Czech Republic hopes to adopt the Euro (€) around 2015.
Some restaurants, hotels and shops accept the Euro now, but most only take Czech Crowns. |
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Currency: Czech Crown |
Czech banknotes are issued in these denominations:
50/100/200/500/1000/2000/5000.
Currency exchange
Visitors will normally receive a better exchange rate for the Czech Crown in Prague than in their home country, provided you observe the following guidelines:
(i) Cash points (ATM's) in Prague
The simplest means of obtaining currency in Prague is to withdraw Czech Crowns from a cash point machine (ATM). They accept debit/credit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard/EuroCard, Maestro and American Express. You normally get an excellent exchange rate, but check with your own bank what their card transaction fees are.
Prague Airport (Terminal 1): as you exit customs, cash point machines (ATM's) are located to the left of the exit doors, inside the airport terminal building - Prague Airport.
Prague City Centre: cash points (ATM's) are located at Czech and International banks; most commonly found around Wenceslas Square and en-route to the Old Town Square.
(ii) Best places to change money in Prague
Another means of obtaining currency in Prague is to exchange cash for Czech Crowns, but be careful where. Our top tip is the eXchange bureau de change, near the Old Town Square, which generally offers the best rates in Prague for tourist and business currency exchange.
Czech and International banks also offer good exchange rates. These are most commonly found around Wenceslas Square and en-route to the Old Town Square.
Avoid the small currency exchange booths scattered around Prague. Offers of 0% commission and confusing signs mask a poor exchange rate. If you are tempted to use them, ask what the total amount you will receive is before you hand over your money.
Credit card acceptance in Prague
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, international shops and more expensive restaurants. Many local shops and cheaper restaurants do not accept credit cards.
If you have a choice of paying in cash or by credit card, cash is always preferred. | | |  WEATHER IN PRAGUE - weather forecast for the next 10 days
Prague weather |
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Weather: Prague, located in Central Europe, has extreme variations in weather between the seasons. As a rough guide, the weather in Prague in spring is warm & fairly dry; summer is hot & sunny; autumn is cool and often sunny; winter can be pretty cold, sometimes with snow. The average temperature in June/July is 30C (86F). For December/January it is -5C (23F).
When to visit: Prague is a lovely city to visit all year round. Such contrasts in weather only add to its romantic appeal. Tourist facilities - restaurants, hotels, shops, opera and theatre, and tourist attractions - are well-equipped for visitors at all times. Places are heated in the winter, and many are air-conditioned in the summer. |
Clothes to wear: As with many European cities, the weather can be highly changeable. At most times of the year, bring a warm jumper and a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case of a cold spell. Conversely, in the spring, summer and autumn, if the weather turns warm, shorts, skirts and dresses can be very welcome. Sunscreen and hats can also be important.
Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot and a comfortable pair of shoes is highly recommended, particularly if you are taking one of our walking tours. The city centre has many cobbled streets and it is compact, making it possible to walk between almost every place we feature on PragueExperience.com. | | |  PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN PRAGUE
Prague's public transportation network is cheap, efficient and well integrated. Public transport runs frequently day and night, and a single ticket permits travel on all trams, buses and the metro:
Prague public transportation information. | | |  COMMUNICATIONS - TELEPHONE, POST & INTERNET ACCESS
Telephone
Most public telephone boxes accept phone cards. These cost 200czk and 300czk, available from post offices, newsstands, tobacconists and hotels.
International Dialling Code for Czech Republic: 00420
Emergency telephone numbers
General emergency number 112
Fire 150 - Ambulance 155
Municipal police 156 - Police 158
First aid
141 23 - Pharmacy first aid
141 24
Dental first aid
141 22
Telephone enquiries
Directory enquiries for the Czech Republic - 1180
Directory enquiries for International calls - 1181
National operator - 133 002
Post office (Central Prague Post Office)
Jindrisska 14 (just off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1
Open daily 2am-midnight.
Tel. 221 131 111
Postage rates
Domestic letters & postcards: 10czk (50g)
International letters & postcards: Europe 17czk (20g) 21czk (50g)
Internet access in Prague
Prague is a well connected city, with fast internet access widely available. Many hotels and apartments offer wired and/or wireless internet access (WiFi). There are also cafes and bars which offer free wireless internet access (WiFi) for the price of a drink.
The following are a few examples:
WiFi:
Jama Pub, V Jame 7, near Wenceslas Square
Internet cafes: Bohemia Bagel, Ujezd 16, Mala Strana;
Bohemia Bagel, Masna 2, near Old Town Square. |
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Prague Post Office | | | |  MEDICAL INFORMATION
Doctor - 24 hour tourist service
Doctor Prague Health Centre:
Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1
Tel: 224 220 040 or 24hr: 603 433 833/603 481 361
Web:
www.doctor-prague.cz
Pharmacy - 24 hour tourist services
Palackeho 5, Prague 1 - Tel: 224 946 982
Belgicka 37, Prague 2 - Tel: 222 519 731
Dentists - 24 hour tourist service
European Dental Centre:
Wenceslas Square 33, Prague 1
Languages: English, French, German, Russian, Czech
Open: Mon-Fri 08:30-20:00, Sat 09:00-18:00
24 hour on-call emergency service
Tel: 224 228 993/224 228 994/224 228 984
Web: www.edcdental.cz |
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Prague Medical Information |
American Dental Associates:
V Celnici 4, Prague 1
Open: Mon-Thu 08:00-20:00
Tel: 221 181 121. Web: www.americandental.cz
Emergency dental service - Palackeho 5, Prague 1
Open: Mon-Fri 19:00-06:30, Sat-Sun 24hrs
Tel: 224 235 085. | | |  LOST PROPERTY OFFICE
Prague 1, Karoliny Svetle 5.
Tel: 224 235 085. | | |  VISA & PASSPORT INFORMATION
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. Nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, USA and other countries can visit Prague without a visa. Some travelers do require a visa though, issued before travel: visa & passport information. | | |  FOREIGN EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Foreign Embassies in Prague: Foreign embassies in Prague
Czech Embassy in London: Czech Embassy in London
Czech Embassies Worldwide: Czech embassies worldwide. | | |  ELECTRICITY IN PRAGUE
As in most of continental Europe, the electricity supply in Prague is 220v. Electrical sockets take standard European two-pin plugs. British, North American and other non-European tourists are advised to bring adaptors with them, which can usually be purchased at your departure airport. If you arrive in Prague without one, try Tesco's. | | |  TIPPING IN PRAGUE
Tips are welcomed by staff working in the tourist industry in Prague, although generally tipping is relaxed and workers do not chase them. 5%-10% is appropriate. The one exception is the very touristy restaurants in the city centre. Prague Experience do not list these and to avoid them, we recommend reserving a restaurant from our listings: Prague restaurants. | | |  DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Prague is a very safe city to walk around. Public transport, even at night, is used by everyone, young and old alike. Assaults are extremely rare. As in any city though, the tourist is a target for the unscrupulous: Pickpockets are skillful, so keep a close eye on valuables at all times - don't use your back pocket for your wallet and avoid hanging your handbag on your chair in public places. Use the safe at your accommodation. Beware over-charging in restaurants by checking the bill thoroughly. In taxis, insist the taxi driver puts the meter on or refuse the ride. If you really want to take one without a meter, agree a price before you enter the taxi.
The aim of Prague Experience is to help make your trip to Prague as enjoyable and hassle free as possible; to avoid the pitfalls. Tourist services listed on this website have been thoroughly tested and any falling short of our expectations are removed. Our Prague airport transfers use polite, honest drivers. Our accommodation is safe and secure. Our restaurants are trustworthy. And, we genuinely do sell the best sightseeing tours, and the best seats at the best Prague opera houses. | | |  WHEELCHAIR USERS & DISABLED ACCESS IN PRAGUE
Wheelchair users will be pleased to note that Prague is a compact city, so distances between sights and attractions are fairly short. Cobbled streets in many areas however, notably in the Old Town and the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) can be hard going on wheelchairs, although can be overcome with some effort.
The main challenge wheelchair users face is the lack of disabled toilets. Most buildings in the city centre are old, and almost no toilets have been adapted for the disabled.
Accessibility for disabled passengers in public transport is improving: Around half of Prague metro stations offer wheelchair access. Hlavní Nádraží and Nádraží Holešovice train stations have self-operating lifts. Most trams and buses however do not have wheelchair access, but newer ones are slowly being introduced - pubic transport.
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, so are a good option for traveling around. For your arrival in Prague, our Prague airport taxis service will arrange a suitable vehicle.
For accommodation, the New Town is the best area to stay in. Road surfaces are more even and there are more modern hotels and apartments, restaurants, international shops and entertainment. That said, the Hilton Hotel, located on the outskirts of the city centre, is the best equipped hotel for the disabled, with 15 barrier-free rooms.
Some restaurants and cafes are located at street level, others have lifts to cellar restaurants and roof terraces. Prague Experience list restaurants accessible to wheelchair users, although special disabled toilets are almost non-existent: Prague restaurants with wheelchair access.
Most Prague opera houses & concert halls offer wheelchair access, but few theatres.
Many Prague sights and attractions are accessible to wheelchairs.
Some sightseeing tours are open to wheelchair users: Prague Dinner River Cruise and City Tour, Karlovy Vary, Terezin, Czech Folk Night, Medieval Experience and Krizik's Fountain with Music. A companion is needed to help with getting on and off the coach.
For river cruises access to the quay side is via a ramp. All vessels except the Prague Jazz Boat accommodate wheelchairs - although there are no disabled toilets onboard.
Prague Experience is committed to helping wheelchair users wherever possible with their travel plans. Use the normal booking forms to book any of the tourist services we list on our website, and let us know your requirements in the special requests box. | | |  CHILDREN ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION FOR FAMILY TRIPS TO PRAGUE
Prague is a very safe city to walk around and to travel on public transport. Parents need have no extra concerns for their children, over the normal care one would take in a city. Just watch out for the trams on the streets if you are not used to them.
There are many activities for children to enjoy in Prague. There are Gothic towers, swimming pools, parks and outdoor areas, Petrin Hill, Prague Zoo, river cruises and a host of puppet and theatre performances to choose from: children activities in Prague
Restaurants, bars and cafes happily allow children to accompany adults; some restaurants even have high chairs for babies. Smoking can often be the main deterrent to taking children somewhere, so look for restaurants with non-smoking areas. Kids' menus are rare, but waiters will offer useful advice on food suitable for children. | | |  CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Arriving in Prague: If you come directly from another EU country, you can bring an unlimited amount of most goods into Prague, including alcohol and tobacco, as long as they are for your own use and transported by you.
Leaving Prague:
If you travel from Prague to another EU country, you can take an unlimited amount of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, if they are for your own use and transported by you. For those returning to the UK, the official line is that customs officers are more likely to ask questions if you have more than the following:
3200 cigarettes. 400 cigarillos. 200 cigars. 3kg of smoking tobacco. 110 litres of beer. 90 litres of wine. 20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry). 10 litres of spirits. | | |  MORE TOURIST INFORMATION
For a useful introduction to Prague: Prague tourism information. | | | | If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences: contact us. | | |
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