Veteran diplomat and former Deputy Defense Minister Daniel Koštoval has been appointed and is expected to take up his responsibilities in early 2025, says Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky.

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The Prague Tomorrow? app gives users a detailed view of upcoming construction projects that will reshape the city’s landscape.

Prague is buzzing with major developments: the Nový Hlavák (Prague’s Main Train Station) terminal, the transformation of Rohanský and Libeňský ostrov, and a modernized Smíchov transport hub.

But how will these projects impact the city? What new bridges will span the Vltava River? And how will former industrial areas, or brownfields, be revitalized?

The Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) has launched a new app called Prague Tomorrow?, offering an interactive overview of both large and small-scale construction projects that will shape the future of the capital.

This app allows users to virtually explore these developments, gaining insight into how Prague will evolve.

Each project has a dedicated profile card with key details—from project status and location layouts to images and a brief description.

“I am delighted that we have successfully launched this application, which we have been developing for the past few years,” said Ondřej Boháč, Director of IPR. “We believe it will help residents stay informed about the changes happening in their neighborhoods and throughout the city.”

Boháč also pointed out that the app doesn’t just cover high-profile projects but also highlights smaller developments, such as tram line extensions and new footbridges or walkways, which can significantly improve the quality of life for locals.

“While large-scale projects often make headlines, it’s the smaller, more localized interventions that frequently have the most meaningful impact,” he added.

In addition to well-known projects, the app features a variety of other significant developments, such as the fourth quadrant of Vítězné náměstí, the Bubny-Výstaviště train line, and the Hradebni Korzo.

According to Štěpán Bärtl, head of the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP), “Our goal is to ensure that all the information in the app remains up-to-date. In the next phase, we plan to involve citizens and investors directly, allowing them to contribute to the planning of projects in their local areas.”

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Sony Interactive Entertainment, RoadCo Entertainment, GEA Live, and Live Nation Czech Republic are bringing “PlayStation: The Concert” to Prague—an event that brings the most famous video game soundtracks to the stage.

This unique show combines live music with advanced visual effects, paying tribute to some of the most legendary titles in gaming history.

Scheduled for May 20, 2025, at Prague’s O2 Arena, the concert will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets, starting from CZK 1,290, will go on sale on Friday, October 18, at 4:00 p.m. CEST via playstation.com/theconcert and Ticketmaster or Ticketportal.

Members of PlayStation, Live Nation, and O2 clubs will have access to pre-sale options before the general release.

The world tour will make its global debut on April 15, 2025, in Dublin, before traveling to more than 200 cities across Europe, the UK, the US, and beyond. F

ans in Prague can expect to be transported to the breathtaking worlds of iconic games like “God of War,” “The Last of Us,” “Ghost of Tsushima,” and “Horizon”—titles renowned for their emotional depth and award-winning soundtracks.

The concert will showcase visual effects, immersive surround sound, and an ensemble of musicians performing on both classical and modern instruments.

Audiences can expect to hear iconic compositions from renowned video game composers, whose music has shaped some of the industry’s most memorable games.

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A ban on organized pub crawls in Prague “will definitely backfire” and do nothing to deter stag parties from visiting, an industry expert believes.

Officials in Prague have announced that guided tours around the city’s pubs and clubs will be outlawed between 10 pm and 6 am in a move to attract “more cultured” tourists.

It comes months after the Czech capital attempted to ban fancy dress costumes in a move branded “ridiculous and slightly embarrassing” by Matt Mavir, who runs the UK’s leading stag and hen organizer, Last Night of Freedom.

Matt, whose company sends thousands of customers to Prague every year, believes the latest ban is a “desperate tactic” that simply will not work.

“Over-zealous policies like these are designed to create headlines but in reality, they won’t make a dent in the number of stag groups in Britain who want to visit cities like Prague,” said Matt to Prague Morning.

“The city council’s proposal to ban fancy dress earlier this year has done nothing to deter visitor numbers because they are unworkable and frankly, a bit embarrassing.

“Banning organized pub crawls will not stop people enjoying the fantastic beer in Prague, and under the terms of this ban, what’s to stop guides from just running them during the day?

“That would only lead to more people drinking earlier and affecting the businesses, locals, and wealthier tourists they say this ban is trying to protect.”

Announcing the new ban on Monday Jiri Pospisil, a deputy mayor in Prague, told a press conference that city hall was “seeking a more cultured, wealthier tourist… not one who comes for a short time only to get drunk”.

And while Vaclav Starek, head of the Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants, hailed the decision in comments reported by the Agence France Presse (AFP), he admitted: “I don’t think this will hurt our sales. Nobody will be banned from going to a pub but these nightly organised pub crawls… are nothing we would need.”

Prague is the latest European city trying to deter British tourists

Amsterdam has launched a so-far unsuccessful ‘stay-away’ campaign to try and clean up its image, while civic leaders in Spain and the Balearics are introducing strict new rules in response to anti-tourism protests from locals.

But Matt, whose Newcastle-based company has launched more than 50,000 stag and hen parties in its 25-year history, believes that if local leaders succeed in their quest to ban Brits, they’ll live to regret it.

“People who go to stag and hen parties are normal, everyday people – they spend their money and are a vibrant part of a healthy tourism ecosystem across Europe,” continued Matt, who revealed that Prague remains second only to the hedonistic hotspot of Benidorm for British stags abroad.

“The vast majority are respectful and go to Prague and other destinations to have fun, as it’s a beautiful and vibrant city where they can escape and let their hair down for a weekend. They’re potentially also the same ‘wealthier and more cultured’ tourists who might return with partners or families in the future, they type of business these destinations claim to want.

“Creating an unwelcome atmosphere won’t stop stag groups but will definitely backfire – by simply moving the problem elsewhere or harming a city’s long-term reputation,” Matt adds.

“Short-sighted officials should be careful not to demonise tourists and potentially jeopardise what a vital and very profitable industry is,” he concludes.

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First Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirate Party) recently showcased new waste bins, made using 3D printing technology.

These bins are designed to be durable, affordable, and easy to produce, providing a modern alternative to the city’s current green trash bins, which many residents have criticized for being ugly and easily damaged.

However, despite the positive presentation, not all feedback has been enthusiastic—critics argue the bins may encourage vandalism rather than prevent it.

In partnership with the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK), the bins are being produced by Prusa Research, a company specializing in 3D printing.

“We’re introducing a new plastic bin for Prague! It’s super durable, cost-effective, and can be easily printed with a 3D printer. The design is based on the current street furniture in Prague,” Hřib enthusiastically stated in a video he posted on Facebook.

In the video, Hřib goes further to demonstrate the bin’s durability—he throws it to the ground, kicks it, and even stands on top of it, all to show that it’s tough enough to endure the rigors of urban use.

Moreover, each bin will come with a QR code that links to the Změňmě.to app, allowing citizens to report any damage directly.

Despite the Deputy Mayor’s optimism, public opinion has been divided. In the comments on Hřib’s posts, many Prague residents raised concerns about the bins’ design.

One key issue is the bin’s articulated structure—people fear it will quickly become dirty, accumulating liquids and debris in the gaps, leading to increased maintenance costs.

Another common complaint was the volume of the bins. Observers noted that the new design appears smaller than the previous models, which may cause problems, especially in busy city areas.

“If these bins are smaller, they’ll need to be emptied more often, and it’s already an issue in the city center,” another commenter remarked.

One particular critique focused on the cost-effectiveness of 3D printing at scale.

“3D printing works for prototypes or small runs, but it’s much more expensive and time-consuming when done in high volumes. Traditional methods like mold pressing would be far cheaper and faster,” a commenter explained.

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Ever wondered if it’s time to switch to a better-paying job? This overview might help you find the position of your dreams.

In the Czech Republic, air traffic controllers hold the crown for the highest salaries. With the heavy burden of responsibility, they also enjoy substantial rewards, earning an average of 215,000 CZK per month.

By contrast, a courier can expect to earn less than a tenth of that amount. For a full breakdown, including over 300 different occupations, you can view the detailed infographic on Aktuálně.

Occupation: air traffic controller

median salary in 2023: CZK 215,091

median salary in 2013: CZK 154,203

Occupation: electrical engineers of air traffic control

median salary in 2023: CZK 153,742

median salary in 2013: CZK 96,548

Occupation: managers in the field of financial and insurance services

median salary in 2023: CZK 121,127

median salary in 2013: CZK 73,127

Occupation: managers in the field of ICT

median salary in 2023: CZK 120,368

median salary in 2013: CZK 60,425

Occupation: managers in the field of strategy and policy of organizations

median salary in 2023: CZK 108,411

median salary in 2013: CZK 60,744

Occupation: pilots, navigators and flight technicians

median salary in 2023: CZK 104,242

median salary in 2013: CZK 64,069

Occupation: top representatives of companies

median salary in 2023: CZK 99,121

median salary in 2013: CZK 54,041

Occupation: managers in business, marketing and related areas

median salary in 2023: CZK 98,981

median salary in 2013: CZK 52,242

Occupation: managers in the field of finance (excluding financial and insurance services)

median salary in 2023: CZK 98,546

median salary in 2013: CZK 54,288

Occupation: managers in the field of research and development

median salary in 2023: CZK 95,396

median salary in 2013: CZK 60,222

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Melancholic and dream-like music from frosty Iceland interspersed with frontman Jónsí’s soft falsetto will return to the Czech Republic after long three years.

The giants Sigur Rós will play two concerts at the Prague Congress Center on September 3 and 4, 2025, accompanied by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

Over time, the band has become emblematic of cutting-edge music from Iceland. A long thirty years have passed this year since the release of their first album.

The last record called ÁTTA was released last year and received acclaim from critics and fans. Sigur Rós now consists of three core members, namely Jón Þór “Jónsi” Birgisson, Georg “Goggi” Hólm and Kjartan “Kjarri” Sveinsson, who returned to the band a couple of years ago.

Only as part of this tour, the band will also be accompanied by a symphony orchestra. In case of the Czech Republic, it will be the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

The band will perform songs from the latest album ÁTTA, but some tracks will also be a cross-section of the band’s previous work.

The Prague concerts on September 3 and 4 will start the European part of this unique tour, during which the group will also perform in venues like London’s Royal Albert Hall or Rome’s La Santa Cecilia.

The presale will start on the 18th of October at 10:00 via Ticketmaster and GoOut platforms.

The concerts are organized by Charmenko CZ.

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A 22-meter spruce has been selected to adorn the Czech capital’s famed Christmas market.

The perfectly shaped spruce tree (what the Czechs call Smrk) was found in the village of Krompach in the Liberec Region. The tree, a 65-year-old common spruce, stands an impressive 22 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of 230 centimeters.

It is located on a private property, where experts will test the tree’s health before it travels to the capital. This year’s spruce is much thicker than last year’s.

The tree’s owner, Roman Kubesh, had planned to cut it down, fearing it might fall onto his house during strong winds. When Taiko announced a contest to find the perfect Christmas tree, he submitted his spruce as a candidate.

His application was one of 45 entries, and his tree was selected as the winner. Kubesh will receive a cash prize of 10,000 CZK for his submission.

If all goes as planned, the spruce will be cut down on November 23. From there, the spruce will make its way to Prague, where it will be carefully decorated for several days in preparation for the lighting ceremony.

The Christmas tree lights will be illuminated for the first time on November 30, the same day the Christmas market at Old Town Square officially opens.

Useful info

Christmas markets in the lower part of the Wenceslas square start on November 30, 2024, and end on January 6, 2025. Stands with Christmas goods are open from from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and food stands close at 12 p.m.

Markets at Náměstí Republiky close to V Celnici Street will be held daily from November 25 to December 24, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Christmas markets at Náměstí Míru will take place in front of the Church of St. Ludmila from November 20 to December 24, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. About 60 stalls feature a great selection of traditional Christmas goods.

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Get ready to immerse yourself in Brazil’s rich and vibrant culture as the Kino Brasil Festival 2024 returns to Prague.

The film festival, running from October 15th to November 3rd, showcases a carefully curated selection of seven Brazilian films, all with subtitles in Czech, Portuguese, and English, making the event accessible to a broad audience.

The festival kicks off with a rich accompanying program weeks before the first screening. This includes lectures, debates, music and dance workshops, Brazilian coffee tastings, and parties that bring a slice of Brazil to the streets of Prague.

Expect to learn samba, sip authentic Brazilian coffee, and enjoy a Brazilian carnival experience right in the heart of the city. As Petra Pojerová, the project manager of Kino Brasil, explains:

“Through films, Brazil presents itself in all its beauty and depth, but we also want the festival to be about meeting people, discovering new things, and experiencing Brazil with all the senses.”

Highlighting Brazil’s Cultural Diversity

This year’s festival will not shy away from tackling serious topics. In addition to Brazilian cinematography, the impact of drought on Brazilian culture will be a key theme.

The drought, particularly in the northeast region known as Nordeste, significantly influences local literature, music, and religious traditions. In fact, the festival’s poster features a bird that local folklore associates with the arrival of rain—a symbol of the deep connection between climate and daily life in this region.

The theme of drought will be explored in Vidas Secas (Barren Lives), a Brazilian classic from the 1960s that serves as the festival’s opening film.

This powerful movie tells the story of a family struggling with the harsh realities of life in the drought-stricken northeast. Screening on October 29th at Ponrepo Cinema, this stark, black-and-white film remains relevant today, reflecting the ongoing hardships many families in Brazil face.

Line-up

The heart of Kino Brasil, of course, lies in its films, and this year’s line-up promises plenty of drama. From October 31st to November 3rd at Bio Oko, six contemporary films will be screened, including five dramas and one dramatic documentary.

One of the standout films is Pureza, a moving true story about a mother from Maranhão who fights against the exploitation of enslaved workers while searching for her missing son. Another highlight is the documentary Pictures of Ghosts, by renowned filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, which delves into the architecture and cultural history of Recife, blending personal memories with the city’s cinematic past.

Other films to look forward to include Portrait of a Certain Orient, a drama set in the Amazon rainforest that follows two siblings escaping war-torn Lebanon, and The Seeker, which tells the story of a young woman discovering her father’s involvement in a massive corruption scandal.

Check the full program and book tickets on the festival’s website.

Some events have free entry, while others require a ticket, so plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss out on this Brazilian experience right here in Prague!

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Prague is often a delight for both residents and tourists. Yet, even this city has areas that cast a shadow over its allure—places that are either eyesores or hotspots for criminal activity, making them uncomfortable or even dangerous for both locals and visitors.

Vrchlického Sady (Sherwood)

Prague’s main train station is a gateway for many travelers, but their first impression is often marred by Vrchlického Sady, a park that locals know as “Sherwood.” Here, the stench of urine lingers, and drug users and homeless individuals are a common sight on the benches.

In February 2023, a incident underscored the security concerns of the area when a couple attacked a defenseless woman in broad daylight, injuring her eye. Both attackers were heavily intoxicated, with blood alcohol levels exceeding 2.28, according to police reports.

Plans for revitalizing the park are in motion under the “Nový Hlavák” project, with construction slated for 2025-2026.

Anděl

Prague authorities have been making efforts to push drug users out of the city center. However, during the pandemic, many relocated to Anděl, and the area has since struggled with similar issues.

The metro station area has become less inviting, with locals feeling unsafe at all hours. In February, Prague 5 mayor Jaroslav Pašmik urged the city to take a more comprehensive approach to address the problems in the area.

Public space councilor Milan Vrkoč has suggested measures such as increasing police patrols, improving lighting, and playing classical music to discourage loitering.

Černý Most Bus Terminal

In addition to rundown train stations, Prague’s bus terminals are also in need of attention. The Černý Most bus station, which serves 50,000 passengers daily, is often referred to as a “terminal of horror.”

Built in 1998, the terminal has never been fully functional. However, in February, the city finally approved a long-awaited revitalization plan, which includes transforming the surrounding area into a public square and reconstructing the terminal as a single-story building. Deteriorating footbridges will be removed, but the entire project could take up to ten years.

In the meantime, incremental improvements are being made. Last year, drainage issues were fixed, resolving problems with leaks and hazardous icicles. New benches, trash bins, and electronic information boards have also been installed.

Veleslavín Castle

Prague also struggles with the preservation of historical buildings, such as once-grand villas and castles. Veleslavín Castle, unoccupied since 2018, is one example of a neglected heritage site.

The transfer of ownership from the state to the city is nearing completion, already having been approved by Prague’s new property committee.

“We see potential in using parts of the castle for educational purposes, such as housing a primary art school,” said Jiří Hannich, spokesperson for Prague 6. He also suggested that the site could host cultural and social events, with a multifunctional hall for concerts and smaller festivals.

Hotel Vaníček

The former Hotel Vaníček in Strahov is another ruin in the city. Ownership disputes have left the building in decay for the past 15 years. The structure became a shelter for homeless individuals and drug users, and in mid-February, a drug user was found dead inside.

The hotel is now strewn with trash, used syringes, and a makeshift fireplace on the terrace, offering squatters a view of Prague. “There are more rats here than ever,” one remaining resident told reporters during a February inspection.

Vila Milada

An even more notorious squat is Vila Milada in Libeň, located next to Charles University’s Faculty of Humanities and its nearby dormitories. The building has been abandoned since 1988, and squatters moved in during the 1990s.

Though police cleared the building in June 2009, squatters returned three years later to mark the anniversary of their eviction. This led to a lawsuit over alleged police violence, which the European Court of Justice dismissed in November 2022.

In early 2021, Charles University purchased Vila Milada, the neighboring Vila Miluška, and surrounding land for CZK 57 million. The university plans to expand its Faculty of Humanities campus but has yet to decide whether to restore or demolish the derelict buildings.

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It will showcase the best of what the Czech Republic has given to the world.

It resembles a submarine periscope, has a crank, and once turned, it speaks and sings—about the place where it stands, about important people and events.

Václav Havel Airport Prague will be the first airport in the world to present travelers with a unique attraction—the so-called Poesiomat (Poetry Jukebox).

While waiting for their flight, people will be able to listen to poems, songs, and stories about significant figures in Czech culture.

Since 2015 Ondřej Kobza has been installing Poetry Machines in public spaces. The poetic speaker engages passersby in dozens of Czech and foreign cities. However, it will be the first time it tells poems and stories at an airport.

„Every airport is a gateway in and out of a country. At the same time, it’s like a modern-day square where people stop and have time to think and observe every detail of the space. We thought it was a great idea for people to fill that time by listening to Dvořák’s symphony or Seifert’s poem,” explains the project’s creator, Ondřej Kobza.

Čapek, Kundera, Havel, and others

The Poetry Machine at Václav Havel Airport Prague will feature 20 pieces, introducing travelers to various important Czech figures from the worlds of culture, politics, and sports. Visitors will learn fascinating information about Václav Havel, Milan Kundera, Karel Čapek, Eliška Junková, and other notable personalities.

„The primary language will be English, but the Poetry Machine will also recite or sing in French, German, and Spanish. Our goal is to bring Czech culture as close as possible to foreign visitors,” adds Kobza.

The unveiling of the Poetry Machine at Václav Havel Airport will symbolically follow the installation of pianos, which have been available at Terminals 1 and 2 since 2013.

The official unveiling of the Poetry Machine will take place on Tuesday, October 15, at 10 a.m. in the Terminal 2 area. The Poetry Machine will be introduced by the project’s creator, Ondřej Kobza, and Jakub Puchalský, a board member of Václav Havel Airport Prague.

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As Prague braces for the last stretch of autumn, residents can look forward to some welcome sunshine this week.

Following the early morning mists, the weather will clear up, offering a pleasant break from the typical fall gloom. However, locals should be prepared for significant temperature swings—while mornings are expected to be chilly, even frosty, afternoon temperatures may rise to around 20°C.

Your Day-by-Day Weather Forecast

Monday:
After the morning fog clears, expect mostly sunny skies. Afternoon highs will hover between 13 and 15°C. The fog, though infrequent, may create chilly morning conditions.

Tuesday:
The day will be partly cloudy, with occasional morning fog and low clouds. Early temperatures will range from 3 to 5°C, with the possibility of light ground frost in certain areas. By afternoon, expect temperatures to rise to 11 to 15°C.

Wednesday:
Look forward to clear to partly cloudy skies. Morning fog and ground frost are again possible, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 4°C. Afternoon highs should reach 14 to 16°C.

Thursday:
The day will be mostly sunny, although morning fog and low clouds may linger. Early temperatures will be slightly warmer at 4 to 6°C, with afternoon highs between 15 and 17°C.

Friday:
Another day of clear skies, but morning fog could keep temperatures lower in some spots. Morning lows will range from 6 to 8°C, and afternoon temperatures should climb to 16 to 18°C. In areas where the fog persists, expect cooler highs around 10°C.

Saturday:
Expect more clear skies, with a chance of fog and low clouds in the morning. Early temperatures will again range from 6 to 8°C, while afternoon highs could hit 17 to 19°C.

Sunday:
A change in the weather will likely start on Sunday. The day will begin with fog and low clouds, but as the day progresses, clouds will increase, bringing rain or showers from the west. Morning temperatures will be 6 to 8°C, with afternoon highs reaching 14 to 16°C.

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