Where To Go When Looking For a Bit Different Night Out

In Prague it´s almost impossible to run out of ideas for your free time. If you want to try something a bit special and for sure away from the tourists than try cinema. In Prague you can find most of the cinemas play their movies in original language. The good thing is that in some cinemas they let you drink local beer too.

One of the cinemas I would like to recommend you today is art-house cinema Svetozor, situated right in the centre thru the passage off the Wenceslav square. Kino Svetozor, as would locals says for cinema. First screening took place back in 1918 and since then it went thru few changes. Being also cabaret and after rebuilt to panoramic cinema to be years later famous Kino Automat. Now, some ninety years later, this art-house cinema is beautifully renovated with new interior and new opening times focusing on first-rate European and non-European films.

This is what the say about themselves:

“…Cinema Svetozor does not want to become a fort of intellectuals, however, it wants to present entirely artistic film production. The spectrum of art films is so wide that there is something in the programme for everyone. Cinema Svetozor then becomes a unique alternative to common commercial offerings.

Each week is accompanied by a premiere of one art film, one evening in the week is stipulated for the presentation of documentary films and one night for the presentation of minor and experimental genres such as animation, video art, net art, commercials, video-clips, short films etc…”

Kino Svetozor consists of following: The Big Screening Hall, designed for premiers of Czech and foreign art films. The Small Screening Hall designed to project documentaries and animated films with Czech subtitles and of Digital Cinema equipped with digital projector for digital screening.


In the cinema you can find also Café and Bar for those not came just to see film. Apart of Prague´s best beer Staropramen, you can also find their own named beer called The Lager Svetozor made especially for this cinema.


I hope this tip for this different night out was helpful and that you enjoy its atmosphere by watching some authentic film and sipping the best beer in Prague. Enjoy!

Contact address: Vodickova 41, Prague 1, Tel: 224946824 or click here for map
For their program visit their webite here.

When Public Holidays and Shops Opening Times

Shop opening times

Public holidays in Prague would affect some opening times of the shops and therefore is quite important you are aware of those to avoid any “shopping fever” disappointments. Shops are generally open from Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Of course depending of what shops and where. In the center you can expect the shops to be open longer hours and working even on the weekend. Banks and post office would only open during the week so any posting or money dealing should have been done over the week. Most of the restaurants, clubs, bars and pubs will open longer hours and during the weekends as well. Normal business hours for most of the supermarkets are Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm or even longer. On Saturday will only larger supermarket remain open. Sundays most of the supermarkets stay close, so make sure you do your necessary shopping before then.

Public Holidays

In Czech Republic there are not so many Public Holidays in compare to other countries. During the Public Holidays majority of all the shops remain closed for the whole day. Some pubs and even restaurants will be open mostly in the centre as well as some fast food restaurants and stalls. Bellow is details dates for most Public Holidays in Czech Republic so try to remember them or write them down to avoid shops being closed when you need them. Even on those days you can still find some of the smaller food shops opened called “Vecerka”. Those are night shops which stay open after normal business hours and where food and drinks can be bought.

National Holidays Dates

January 1^st – New Year´s Day

Easter Monday – dates for this change depending the Easter

May 1^st – Labor Day

May 8^th – VE Day

July 5^th – Christianity Day

July 6^th – Death of Jan Hus (Upaleni Jana Husa)

September 28^th – Czech National Day

  

What is so typical about Czechs?

Czech Republic as a country is well known for a few things. Ask any Czech guy and his or her response will be the same. Try it. Most will also say that Czech Republic has the best woman, some than add the best Ice Hockey team. Others will add glass and porcelain, classical music, opera or jazz. Some years ago some would also say Football. The last one is long time gone.
But what is that everybody will agree on? Something everybody from Czech Republic and experts from around the world would say yes to. As a small country in the centre of Europe the Czechs have this to be proud of. An it is the best in the world. See the video bellow for yourself.


 


Like it? Well here is one more funny good ad for czech beer.



 

Clubbing in Prague - second part

Last time I had given you some hint of where to go clubbing in Prague. To give you some more ideas of where is cool to hang out. I decided to add some more of the club´s names this time to make it a good choice for those of you who like clubbing, good music and some fun.

Radost FX

Radost FX club hosts some of the best local DJ´s as well as foreign DJ´s. Club opens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Saturday being the best night. With it´s original programs, four bars, videoprojection and gogo dancers there is no way you wont have fun. Club is near the town´s centre (close to Vaclavske namesti - 15min walk) in I.P.Pavlova metro station. Apart of local audience there are many people form all over the world. Club itself is at the basement of the building and as a part of the property you have also a restaurant at the top. You can find styles of music anything from  House, Techno, Progressive House to Hip-Hop, Electro and Trance. Lots to choose from.
Adress: Belehradska 120, Praha 2, or click here to see on the map.
To see Radost FX´s program click here.

Ok and for those who like a bit of different style of music than Techno and House would find below club just right for them. Locals like to listen, what we call independent music, performed by local not necessary known artist, some having their first shot.

Palac Akropolis

                              

This club and Theatre will be more suitable to those like more alternative music. Club is organizing over 900 action of all sorts a year! Club has won a numerous awards in Rock music scene hosting well known local and foreign interprets as well as supporting starting or less know bands. This is guite a large club divided to a several rooms with bars and space to rock´n´roll (dance). Palac Akropolis is for people like a bit underground and alternative touch to a new scene of music. Club is a bit away from the center but not too far off just by the tall TV Tower which you can spot from almost everywhere in Prague. In Palac Akropolic you can choose from many of the music styles like Rock, BreakBeat, Deep House, Jazz, Drum'n'Bass, Reggae, Down-Tempo, Dub, Hip-Hop, Ska or Punk.

Adress: Kubelikova 27, Praha 3, or click on the map here.

For the club´s program visit their website.

                                   

Czech Republic´s : Rock for People...Festival destination # 1

Even though it seems that summer is far over, recording to summer festival program there is still a lot to offer. Another great summer full of festivals! This is really becoming destination number one within europeans countries. This summer we could see and hear some ot the best names in the music industry in many of the festival across the Czech Republic. 

One of them to definitely mention was Rock for People 2010. This festival is considered as the biggest and most popular outdoor event of the year 2010. With many stages playing various but mostly Rock music and with famous artist, it´s a must go festival. This year was held again, after succesful previous years, in town called Hradec Kralove, not far from Prague. People from all over could hear loud music, in this open air festival, duration of four days. Just see the names for your self: Tricky, Skunk Anansie, Prodigy, Dreadzone, Suicidal Tendencies, NOFX, Morcheeba just a few to choose from. Ofcourse there were so many locals bands playing to. Just some to mention out of many were: Skyline, Horkyze Slize, Visaci Zamek, Kurtizany z 25.Avenue, Wohnout, Plexis, Divokej Bill, Cechomor and many many more, making every sigle day of this great open air event so special by giving people various bands to choose from on each day.

You could buy tickets for 1900 KC which is about 73 Euros, but concidering how much music one could hear and in fact that this price included full four-day access, it was still very good deal. Already now I am so sure and won´t be just speaking for myself but for all who are plannig to attend next year too, that we all cant wait for the 16th year of Rock for People next year in 2011. 
For more details on Rock for People and some cool videos click here.

Where to go clubbing in Prague

Club Roxy

This is a must once in Prague. This club with it´s long tradition offers a good atmosphere with a good music every night and lots of residential DJ´s and independent bands play in there. Event which takes place on every Moday of the week called Free Mondays can offer some of the good alternative music without paying a penny. Club is in the basement and divided into two like floors, with two bars and large dance floor and podium. It´s great center location making this club popular not just with locals but as well with Foreigners.
Adress of the club: Dlouha 33, Prague 1, for map click here.
For their program click Roxy website here




Mecca Club Prague

This club offering good night´s full of house and techno music. Not located in the center but still short tram or taxi ride from the centre. Interior is modern with long bar. Most of the nights are free to entre but on some nights you will be asked to pay for the entrance. Two large dance rooms and good atmosphere  with good barmans and good music make this place well worth of visiting.
Adress of the club: U Prulomu 3, Prague 7, for map click Club Mecca
For their program click on Club Mecca website




    

Good beer ... only in Prague than!!!

Where to drink a good Beer                                                                     
Here I like to mention a few places, where to go to drink good beers and enjoy a local pub atmosphere. Some of the places do food as well or serve at least some snacks with the beer if needed. There are my top tips while in Prague. Enjoy!!!


Novomestsky Pivovar

Franta - harmonique music every evening

This brewery in town centre has long history in making beers. Localy made Novomestsky dark or light beer is made in front of your eyes, and it tastes good! If you hungry, than some of the czech specialities coud be eaten here too. If hungry than, try their special roast pork knee. For a bigger beer drinkers or a larger group, you can order 10 liter barique of beer. Every evening life music from Franta, playing harmonique.
Adress: Vodickova 20, Prague 1, Tel: 222 232 448
Website: www.npivovar.cz.
Map of the brewery click on: Novomestky pivovar


U Fleku

Dark beer is a must at U Fleku

This brewery dates back to year 1499. No suprice than that this brewery is the oldest operational brewery in Czech. Speciality of the house is than Flek's dark beer 13 grades, which dates back to 1843 and it's inspired by Bavaria's style. From Monday - Friday you can also have a small tour around the brewery with some beer tasting. Beer is not the cheepest one in Prague but it's authentic atmoshphere is making this ideal place to sample local beer. Harmonique music almost every night. 
Adress: Kremencova 11, Prague 1, Tel: 224 934 019
Website: http://www.ufleku.cz/
For their map: Click here



U Sudu

U Sudu

This vinarna U Sudu is in old gothic basement pub, reminding more of a wine cellar. The whole pup had gained more space over the time, joining more cellers giving this huge place very original atmosphere. This pub have three bars with it's rooms to sit and even some table football to play. It's very ''free'' place with DJ's playing some nights. All the bars have their draft beer installed and good Pilsner Urquell 12 degrees can be drunk here. Big selection of local a foreign wines can be found too in the menu. 
Adress: Vodickova 10, Prague 1, Tel: 222 232 207
Website: http://www.usudu.cz/
For their map: Click here

   

 

INTRODUCTION

Well, well, so you decided to go to Prague, right? Very good choice you have made there. Here you find the best suggestions, tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your time in this prettiest city in Europe. Are you on a low budget? Are you looking for some fun, meeting new friends and culture or you just one of those looking to "relax" in one of the typical local pubs, finding yourself over a pint of the best beer? Relax, sit down and read some suggestions from a person actually been born there...

P.S: Please also feel free to add any suggestions and comments on any of the topics. End of the day this site is here for you to help so if there is anything you may want to know more about drop the comment and I will answer it as soon as I get a chance. Thank You!

WHERE TO CHANGE YOUR MONEY VS. USING YOUR BANK CARD

Czech Republic and therefore Prague as its capital city still using their own currency called Koruna (Czech Crown – CZ) and that’s for at least another 3 – 4 years, before they accept Euro. You may think… why they can’t have already Euro if they joined EU a long time ago? Well the good thing about all that is that not having Euro makes the prices of the gods (especially than food and drinks) still cheap comparing to some other EU countries, which accepted Euro as their main currency. So therefore you may find eating and drinking out still cheap (of course, depending where you eat and drink). But about that later in Food & Drink section.

Changing your money is always the same issue, isn’t it? Where shall I change my money to the local currency? Is it better to withdraw from the ATM (Bankomat) machine or bring cash with me? What it the best?

BANK CARDS

You may prefer to use your bank card to get your cash out, using your banks exchange rates as “guaranteed” rate you get. It may also be more comfortable way for you, rather than traveling with cash on you. Things you should have in mind are those charges you may be charged from your bank, withdrawing money abroad. Good is to check beforehand what these charges are from your bank direct as every bank charge different amounts. Some banks don’t even charge you for withdrawing money abroad (for example Nationwide in UK). ATM machines are than widely spread out all over Prague and you can find them also in Train or Bus stations or Airport so if you prefer using bank card to get cash out you can do it straight after your arrival to Prague. Check the link below as that’s exchange rate for foreign currencies used by most of the banks in Czech Republic.  

Click here for exchange rates 

So if you get that, plus any possible charges from your bank for withdrawing, than you get the amount of what it would costs you to get cash out from your bank card on any local ATM machines in Prague.

CASH

Alternative option for those not trusting all these bank charges calculations is cash exchange. Most of the travelers change their money once they arrive to Prague, instead of coming to Prague with money changed already. I agree with those changing their money in Prague as its easier way of getting to know the current exchange rate.

There are many exchange points, places and agencies to choose from but as local I can tell you they all not as good as they seems. You will see many of those eye catching signs offering 0% Commission in almost all of them. The trick in most of them is than there is 0% Commission, don’t get me wrong, but what you don’t see are all those hidden charges they add to your final amount. So what you may at first find as a fantastic deal will turn into rip off. To avoid all of that remember to ask before you change your money how much would it be in Czech Crowns (Czech Koruna – CZ) first. Say you want to change 100 Euros; you first ask how much CZ Koruna you get for that. Then compare the price given to the board with exchange rates and you will see exactly how much of hidden charges (if any) been added on.

Me as a local but as a person traveling a lot and living abroad, I as well do exchange my money to local Koruna using Money Changers. But after years of practice and being local I know where to go and only recommend two places to get your money changed.

One of my absolute favorites is a hidden place very near the town center. Place the locals know as “U Araba”. And as you may have guest by translation it’s a Exchange run by Arabic person, which guarantees the best deal on your exchange. It’s situated close to the Prague´s biggest shopping centre malls called Paladium (10 min walk from Vaclavske namesti. Opposite Paladium (cross the road) you can find another (communist looking) shopping mall called Kotva. On the right hand side from the entrance to Kotva you can find a small passage with a few kiosks and one Exchange which is the one. To be on the safe side do the same as you would do in the any other Money exchange place and that’s ask how much you would get for say 100 Euros.  See the link and picture bellow.

Click here for map of Kotva

The second place I often use is close to the Staromestske Namesti (Old Town Square) and not far from Staromestska Metro (green A line). Go to Kaprova ulice number 13/14 which is on the way from Metro towards Old town square (Staromestske namesti) or the opposite way from the Old Town Square towards Staromestska Metro (towards the river). See the map and picture bellow for directions and also their website link to see current exchange rates.

For directions:

For their website (only in Czech) check the link below:

http://www.exchange.cz/

Anyhow you decide I hope with these little tips on where to exchange your money, you won’t actually have to experience any troubles of being ripped off.