It is awesome to finally be able to travel freely once again. There is no need for masks and life is back to normal. As a result, we expect hundreds of thousands of people to come to Prague for the Christmas markets again in 2022. Are you going to be one of them?
A picture from the fantastic Christmas market at the Old Town Square in Prague. Source: Pixabay
This year the Christmas markets will open on November 26th and they will remain open until January 6th. The day on which the Christmas markets close is the same every year, but there is always a little exciting to see the date on which they will open.
But, you don’t have to wait and look around anymore, because they will open on November 26th.
You should be aware, however, that it will be very crowded as they open. But, that is part of the magic and what brings the Christmas atmosphere to us all.
Would you like to know more about the Christmas markets in Prague?
Is the such a thing as a Czech Grand Prix? Can I watch a Formula 1 race in the Czech Republic?
Many of the countries near the Czech Republic arrange Formula 1 races. In Germany, they have a long history of arranging Formula 1 races. In Austria, they still arrange the annual Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. In Hungary, the Hungarian Grand Prix is arranged, and the Russian Grand Prix is arranged in Sochi.
But, what about the Czech Republic?
Formula 1 in the Czech Republic in 2020
There are no Formula 1 races arranged in the Czech Republic as of 2020. If you are a Formula 1 enthusiast, you better travel to Hungary or to Austria instead to watch a Formula 1 race there. It is also possible to watch all the Formula 1 races and other sports events online, but that can never be compared to actually watching the Formula 1 races at the Formula 1 track.
But, there was a time when they arranged Formula 1 races in the Czech Republic!
Czechoslovakian Grand Prix
Between 1930 and 1988, there were several Formula 1 races arranged at Masaryk Circuit, a track located in Brno. The name was later changed to Brno Circuit.
Since 1988, there have been no Formula 1 races in the Czech Republic, and nothing tells us that there will be any races arranged in the country in the near future.
But, Brno Circuit is still in use, and every year there are fantastic sports events held here. In other words, you cannot watch Formula 1 on the track, but you can watch other events.
The most important events at Brno Circuit
The most important event at Brno Circuit is the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Czech Republic. It has been arranged there since 1950, and it is the most famous race in the Czech Republic each year.
The venue has also used for the FIA World Touring Car Championship, FIA GT1 World Championship, Formula Two and the Superbike World Championship.
The entire world is speaking about the coronavirus at the moment. We read about people getting infected, people dying, and about big precautions made in order for people not to get infected. But, should you cancel your trip to Prague for that reason?
Please be aware of the fact that this is not health advice. This is simply about sharing information about the situation in Prague and in the Czech Republic. Your personal health is always more important than a trip to the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. But, should you cancel your trip to Prague?
The latest news on the coronavirus from Prague and the Czech Republic!
The coronavirus in the Czech Republic and in Prague
The Coronavirus in Prague and in the Czech Republic
What’s happening in Prague? – March 19.
People are only allowed to be outside if they visit family members, go to work, or if they visit a grocery store or a pharmacy. Only people from the Czech Republic are allowed to enter the country, and people from the Czech Republic are not allowed to leave the country.
89 new people were diagnosed with the coronavirus on March 16.
67 new people were diagnosed with the coronavirus on March 17.
72 new people were diagnosed with the coronavirus on March 18.
The total number (officially) of people with the Covid-19 virus in the Czech Republic is now 522.
25 new people were diagnosed with the virus on March 13.
48 new people were diagnosed with the virus on March 14.
109 new people were diagnosed with the virus on March 15.
Based on these numbers, the total number of people infected by the virus in the Czech Republic is now 253. As of today, people should only be outside as they travel to and from work, as they go to the grocery store, or as they visit family.
Stricter Rules – March 13.
22 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the Czech Republic yesterday. To stop it from spreading, they have declared a 30-day emergency. In this period, restaurants will only be open between 6.00 and 20.00, while swimming pools, galleries, and libraries will be closed. Events with more than 30 people are prohibited. Borders are closed, and people will only be allowed to enter the Czech Republic on 11 different border points. People from high-risk countries (including Germany and Austria) are not allowed to enter the Czech Republic, and the people in the Czech Republic are not allowed to visit those countries.
The Coronavirus in the Czech Republic – March 12.
All public events with more than 100 people attending are banned in the Czech Republic. All schools and universities are closed, and they are considering limiting the usage of public transportation. There are a total of 94 cases infected the virus in the Czech Republic. There are still no death cases caused by the virus.
People are recommended to stay indoor and travel as little as possible.
The number of people infected by the coronavirus in the Czech Republic has raised to 26. Everyone with the virus is doing fine. They have tested almost 800 people for the virus so far. All the infected people have gotten the virus in connection to Northern Italy (22) or in connection with Boston (4).
From Monday, they will do fever tests on all the people entering the country at more than 10 different border-sites (between the Czech Republic and Germany and between the Czech Republic and Austria).
March 5.
People are worried about traveling, not only to Prague, but to other destinations as well. Some people are canceling their planned trips to Prague, not because the situation is so bad in Prague, but simply to take precautions.
All activities in Prague proceed as normal, people use public transportation, and all the boats on the Vltava river travel with normal schedules. But, people wash their hands more carefully, not only tourists, but also the locals.
March 4.
There will be held a biathlon competition in Nove Mesto this weekend. The city is located 165km from Prague. The event will be arranged without spectators, due to fear that it could help spread the coronavirus.
March 3.
The number of people infected in the Czech Republic by the Coronavirus has been raised to five. Two of the people infected were students who traveled from Milano to Vienna, to Budapest, to Brno, and then to Prague, meaning that they may have infected others on their way to Prague.
March 2.
Today we received news of the first three people in the Czech Republic infected by the coronavirus. All of them had been to the territory of Northern Italy. A university in Brno has told all their students to study from home and watch online lectures, and flights between areas in Northern Italy and the Czech Republic have been canceled, and that is also so for flights between Southern Korea and the Czech Republic.
There are still lots of tourists in Prague and they enjoy tourist activities like on any normal day!
March 1.
A couple of people who had been to Italy were hospitalized due to their symptoms. However, nobody has tested positively on the coronavirus test yet. Life in Prague goes on as normal and all tourist programs are available.
Christmas is approaching, and to celebrate the festivities and joy of Christmas, we have lowered the prices of our airport transfer services in Prague.
An airport transfer is an ideal way to start your trip to Prague. It will take you quickly and efficiently to your hotel, and it will help you save time and get to your hotel as quickly as possible. Some people enjoy looking around at the airport and checking prices here and there, looking for public transportation possibilities, and then drinking a coffee, before they decide to go for one option or the other. But, if you want to get as quickly as possible to your hotel, a pre-booked airport transfer is an ideal solution.
Earlier, the price for an airport transfer for 1-3 persons was 873 CZK. We have now changed this price, making it 150 CZK cheaper, which means the final price now is 713 CZK (30 USD / 27 Euro / 279 NOK / 298 SEK).
Our previous price for a group of 4-8 persons was 1088 CZK. We have lowered this price with 150 CZK as well, making the new price for such kind of transfers 938 CZK ( 40 USD / 36 Euro / 373 NOK / 391 SEK ).
We hope you like the sound of these prices changes as you come to Prague. If you want to read more about our airport transfer service, make a booking, or just see the prices for even larger groups, visit our airport transfers page immediately.
Enjoy your stay in Prague. Do not forget, we can also help you with a booking of a river cruise, a beer dinner, or a guided tour of some sort. Look around at www.praguepraha.com and be inspired!
The Vltava River is an amazing river as it floats through the city of Prague. More than 30km of the river can be found within the borders of Prague as the river crosses under 18 bridges, including the Charles Bridge. But, is the Vltava River to be considered a dangerous river?
After the river cruise accident in Budapest in May 2019, many tourists have been worried. They are not worried only before visiting Budapest, but also before booking a river cruise in Prague. Should they be worried? Do they have any reason to cancel a reservation or book some other activity instead?
River cruise in Prague – is it safe?
The Vltava River is a beautiful river and it has flooded several times. During floods, the water level rises, and because of the increased amount of water, so does the speed of the water. During times of flooding, one should pay even more attention than normally.
But, if you have ever done a river cruise in Budapest and in Prague, you will notice one big difference – there are no locks/dams/canals in Budapest. Here the boat goes on and on for hours without ever stopping. In Prague, it is very different, and you will normally spend quite some time in the canals moving from one level to another. This can be annoying, but it also makes sure that the current of the river within the borders of Prague is much weaker than it is in Budapest.
Still, you shouldn’t ever go for a swim in the river, and you should stay on board the boat. If you ever end up in the river, make sure to get back on the boat or to dry land as quickly as possible. All boats are equipped with life vests and other necessary safety equipment, in order to make you feel safe all along the way.
Always be cautious, but you don’t really need to worry!
A river might sound scary when you read about it or hear about an accident here or there. But, if you think of flying around 10,000 meters above the ground, it does sound scary as well. Luckily, the plane is keeping you safe up in the air, and the boat is keeping you safe while you enjoy a river cruise in Prague.
It does sound scary to travel on a train, traveling at a speed of 300km per hour (in case of an accident), but luckily, accidents rarely happen. And if they do, they might just as well happen on the way to the train as you walk across the road as during the actual train ride.
The Vltava River in Prague
In the same way, river cruise accidents rarely happen, and if they do, the boats and the personel are there to help you out. In addition, the currents in Prague are much “nicer” than they are in Budapest, meaning that you have a much bigger chance of surviving with basic swimming skills in Prague (compared to Budapest). But once again – stay clear of the water!
Conclusion about river cruises in Prague
Enjoy life, and book a river cruise in Prague today. You shouldn’t worry, and you do not have to worry. Of course, you can live life worried and skip out on any program that has a sense of danger to them. But, if that is so, you should most likely stay in your room (which might be dangerous as well), because accidents can happen anywhere.
If you first visit Prague, make sure to enjoy the city and the view from a river cruise, and maybe especially in the evening when the city is more beautiful than ever.
Do you have any thoughts or questions about the river cruises in Prague, related to safety, or about the Vltava river? Ask your question or write your comment beneath this text!
The Wenceslas Square and the Old Town square are very popular squares in the capital of the Czech Republic. They are also popular locations for the annual Christmas markets. But, what is the distance between the two squares? It is easy to walk from the Old Town square to the Wenceslas square on foot? Do you need to use public transportation to move between the squares?
If you haven’t been to Prague before, you might be nervous about the distances. Maybe you want to book a hotel located on the Wenceslas square, but you are worried that is will be far away from the Old Town square? Well, here we will give you the answers you have been looking for.
Map showing the walking distance between Wenceslas Square and the Old Town square
But, it is very important to notice that the final destination on the Wenceslas square is already far into the square. So, if we do the search again, but this time we only want to walk to the Merchants Crown Hotel. This is located at the very beginning of the Wenceslas square, the location of the square nearest to the Old Town Square.
Now the distance between the Old Town Square and the Wenceslas square is only 500 meters.
As you can see, the ideal distance is 500 meters. So, if you walk the shortest path between the two squares, it should take you about 6 minutes and a 500-meter walk to get from the one square to the other square. And then you can still walk for 6 minutes to get to the other and of the Wenceslas square, but at least you are there.
It can also be nice to know that the annual Christmas market at the Wenceslas square is arranged at the start of the square, the part closest to the Old Town square.
Other cool things to do in the area!
If you are in the area of the Wenceslas square, why not enjoy our authentic Czech Beer dinner which is arranged only a few hundred meters from the square? You can read more about the beer dinner here.
Another idea is to join in on a river cruise in Prague. The tours we can help you arrange have their pick-up point in Na Prikope (the street at the start of the Wenceslas square), meaning they are also very close to the Wenceslas square.
Look around in the Prague Guide and be inspired as you plan your trip to Prague!
One of the biggest and most popular festivals in Prague is the Czech Beer Festival. This has been an event lasting for 2 1/2 week every year in Prague, and it has brought tens of thousands of people to the city. It has also been listed as one of the top 40 festivals to experience in Europe and it has been featured in Lonely Planet and other travel magazines. So, why was the Czech Beer festival canceled in 2019?
There was quite a lot of information available about the cancelation to those who understand the Czech language, but if you don’t, you have probably had a hard time finding information about what happened in 2019, and whether or not it will influence the beer festival in 2020 or not.
Information about the Czech Beer Festival 2017
So, what happened with the Beer Festival in 2019?
The answer can be found in a blog post posted in January 2019, written by the creator and mastermind behind the festival, In the post, she wrote something as follows:
“I am sorry that I have to write it, but I decided to cancel the Czech Beer Festival 2019 after careful consideration.
Prague 7 City District has long disagreed with the festival on Letna Plain and last week the festival was rejected by the new management of the City of Prague. I cannot or do not want to organize the festival again without the support of these two institutions.
When I started the festival, I had a clear idea where to go and what it was. My goal was to build a unique event, which will be the annual holiday of Czech beer. Because, as one of the festival visitors once told me:
„There is only one word you need to know in Czech… BEER!“
Beer is not a rich alcohol that produces drunks and educates alcoholics. It is our tradition (however it has been abused and distorted for years), our legacy. It is a cultural drink that determines our country so much. Thousands of Czechs take care of his cooking and tens of thousands, perhaps more, take care of him. And they all do it with love and the belief that beer is much more.
That’s why we drew beer in glasses (including the tasting ones), that’s why there was never a single plastic cup at the festival, so we stored the cask in cool containers, so we worked with great Czech breweries of all sizes, flying breweries and even home owners The festival was visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the Czech Republic and around the world. That is why a visit to the Czech Beer Festival is recommended by the famous Lonely Planet travel guide. Because this festival is (was) something more.
I thank all visitors, fans and supporters of the festival, all breweries and other partners for the beautiful years, for all the little things and nice memories!”
So, it has been a matter of politics, about noise, about acceptance from the local government and the neighborhood… and it seems like she (YES, the main organizer is a SHE) got tired and fed up with it. And, she would rather cancel it, than to create an event somewhere else that is very different from the picture and dream she had on her inside.
Other beer programs in Prague
Would you like to taste some Czech beer still? Did you know that you can taste the strongest beer produced in Prague on our traditional and authentic Czech Beer Dinner? Look around here in our Prague Guide for lots of information, good pieces of advice, recommendations, and tips for exciting activities.
There are still other beer festivals taking place in Prague, and in October 2019, you can check the Oktoberfest which is a nice event as well. It cannot be compared to the Czech Beer Festival, but still… it might be worth checking out!
Are you planning a trip to Prague, but you are worried about it being dirty? Have you heard people complaining about the city? What is the truth? Is Prague floating in garbage, or is it really a nice looking and clean city?
There are cities where you walk around and it almost feels as if you are walking on garbage. That might be especially true about Saturday and Sunday morning when the party people have thrown all their garbage on the streets the evening before. Other cities simply doesn’t have a well working litter removal policy, meaning that the garbage cans are packed and the garbage is floating on the street nearby the garbage cans, simply because they are full and people have nowhere else to throw the litter. But, what’s up with Prague? What should you expect in the Czech capital?
Is it much pollution and dirt in Prague? Source: Pixabay
Prague and garbage
Many people think that Eastern Europe equals dirt and garbage. But, the fact is that it is often the very opposite that is the truth. How come? In rich nations and in popular nations, they do not really have to do anything, because the tourists will keep coming no matter what.
But, in cities like Prague and other cities in the Eastern Europe, there is a much bigger fight for the tourists. This isn’t only true about the cities themselves, but when you visit a restaurant you will experience the same. The quality and the look of the restaurants is often way cleaner, simply because there is a struggle to survive, and therefore, they feel the need of making it look nice and clean (including the bathrooms).
When you walk the streets of Prague, you will quickly discover that it is almost free of garbage. This has to do with people throwing less garbage on the streets, and also the fact that no garbage on the street makes people watch out so that they do not throw garbage on the street. It is strange, but that is how it works. If you have some garbage in your pocket and it falls on the street next to a cigarette and a chocolate paper, you will leave it there. But, if it falls out of your pocket to the street and it is completely clean, you will most likely pick it up and throw it in a garbage can on the next corner.
Once again – Is Prague a dirty city?
The answer is no! It is, in fact, the very opposite of dirty. Things are clean, the streets are clean, and it looks very nice no matter what time of the year you come. Even during the Christmas markets at the Old Town Square and at the Wenceslas square, they manage to keep the city clean and without much garbage falling to the street.
There is, of course, pollution in Prague. As a result, some of the buildings starts to look a bit dirty and black, even though they might have been shining and beautiful a few decades ago. That is natural and it comes with all the traffic and airport transfers bringing hundreds of thousands of people to and from the city center of Prague every single day.
But, for you as a tourist walking the streets of Prague, you shouldn’t have to suffer much because of pollution or garbage in the streets.
When it comes to the polluted buildings, there is a constant work on renewing and cleaning these buildings, giving them all back their former glory. Besides this, as more and more electric cards and hybrid cars are used in the Czech capital, there is a hope that things will look better and better for every year passing by.
For those worried about the quality of the air in Prague, there isn’t that much to worry about. Luckily, the Old Town is well sealed off from traffic, meaning that you will not bump into a lot of car traffic during your stay (hopefully). If you leave the old town, you will, but as long as you walk around in the walking area of the city, you should be safe!
Would you like to experience a real Oktoberfest in 2020? Would you like to experience it in Prague and not in Munchen? Well, you have the chance! The dates are not set for the Oktoberfest in Prague yet, but you can still start your preparations.
The Oktoberfest is based on a German tradition that was started before the wedding of Crown Prince Louis of Bavaria with Teresa of Saxony. The celebration was a big part of the wedding, but after the wedding, the Oktoberfest tradition has kept going.
Oktoberfest in Prague in 2019
This article will be updated once again when we get the dates for the Oktoberfest in Prague in 2020!
As you would expect at an Oktoberfest, this place will be packed with sausages and tasty beer. But, not the traditional Czech sausages, but those white sausages so famous from Germany. Besides the sausages, you will also be able to taste grilled pig, pretzels and lots of other snacks.
Have you ever dreamt of dressing yourself up in a traditional Bavarian costume? You will get the chance to do so if you visit the Oktoberfest in Prague in 2019. But, you will also get the chance to listen to traditional Oktoberfest music at the stage of the festival area.
Where is Oktoberfest arranged?
Oktoberfest is arranged in the Andelu district of Prague. It is a bit outside the city center, but it is still very easy to get there. You can easily go by trams from the city center to the area.
The location of the Oktoberfest in Prague
It is completely free to visit the Oktoberfest area in Prague and it is open on October 2nd and October 3rd from 8.00 till 20.00 every single day. I guess the fact that it will close at 20.00 every day is one of the biggest differences from the festival in München, but I guess we will have to live with that.
Other stuff worth doing in Prague
When you come to Prague, make sure to look around here at www.praguepraha.com to get inspiration and find information about other cool events. Did you know that we can help you with private airport transfers from Prague airport? We can also help you taste the strongest beer produced in Prague at our Czech Beer Dinner.
That is why we recommend that you look around here for more information and inspiration.
Would you like to experience a fantastic mixture of cultures and food at one and the same place in Prague? Come to the city and visit Žluté lázně between October 11th and October 13th, and you will for sure have fun and be able to taste lots of food.
The dates for the International Food Festival in Prague in 2020 aren’t official yet. Come back later for the updated dates and information!
Prague International Food Festival
As you visit the festival area during the International Food Festival, you will be able to eat a slice of real Italian pizza in one place. But, as you move on, you can suddenly taste some real delicious Asian food, before you move on and eat a juice American burger, and then go ahead and try some real Czech cuisine. If you come to the International Food Festival, you can try it all!
The center of the festival is a big stage on which you can listen to all sorts of music. Here you can listen to Mexican Mariachi music, followed by some Chanson music from France, and then some interesting dulcimer music. But, there will also be samba dancing and more going on at the stage. And, we almost forgot… here you will be able to learn how to throw the pizza around as you prepare it, there will be competition (who can eat a hamburger fastest), and lots of other stuff. There will also be animators taking care of kids, and several children-friendly activities on the spot.
Where is the festival arranged?
The International Food Festival is arranged at Žluté lázně, an area in the fourth district of Prague, located next to the Vltava river, but a bit outside the main city center. So, you will not bump into the festival while walking around in the old town of Prague, but it is sure worth a visit if you want to taste and drink and enjoy an area most tourists never visit!
The location of Prague International Food Festival
We hope you will have a great time as you visit this festival in Prague. If you want to enjoy the city, even more, read about all the river cruises in Prague, our awesome authentic Czech beer dinner, our private airport transfer service and much more here at www.praguepraha.com.
