On Thursday, September 26, Lionsgate released the first trailer for the highly anticipated action film Ballerina, a spin-off of the popular John Wick series.

This action-packed movie was partially filmed in the Czech Republic during the autumn and winter of 2022, with some key scenes shot in Prague near the National Theatre.

The film is slated for release on June 6, 2025.

Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, Ballerina takes place between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, thrusting the focus on Eve’s origins and her relentless quest for vengeance. After her family’s brutal murder, Eve sets out to take down the ruthless hitmen responsible, utilising her skills as a ballerina and a lethal assassin.

The trailer showcases Eve’s precision and style, slicing through her enemies with ease, from ice skate-wielding attacks to dousing flamethrowers with a high-powered hose. But what’s most exciting is her encounter with the legendary Baba Yaga himself, John Wick (Keanu Reeves). Reeves reprises his iconic role, playing a substantial part in the film, as confirmed by writer Shay Hatten.

Keanu Reeves was spotted in Prague in November 2022, during the early stages of production. Fans even managed to capture photos with him, but after a few weeks of filming, he left the city and did not return for additional scenes.

Joining de Armas and Reeves in Ballerina are an impressive ensemble cast, including Norman Reedus, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick.

Fans are quite excited for the spinoff, especially seeing Ana de Armas back in an action avatar. They took to the comments section to express their love for the big movie release.

One fan wrote, “If this hits… we’ll get Ballerina part 2 and part 3,” Another fan wrote, “This is what the Black Widow movie should have been,” Another person commented, “Yes, Ana de Armas meets Keanu Reeves again, just like the knock knock movie,” Yet another person wrote, “Ana de Armas’ 5-minute action scene was the best part of the last James Bond movie. I’m so glad we’re going to get more of her.”

The film’s production is being handled by Czech Anglo Productions, a Prague-based company with a strong track record of working on major Hollywood projects.

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague has officially opened a new showroom in Strašnice.

The showroom has not only undergone an architectural transformation but has also been significantly expanded to better showcase Rolls-Royce’s exclusive portfolio.

The new facility is not only bigger but also features striking design elements inspired by the brand’s legacy.

The entrance, for example, is modeled after the famous Rolls-Royce radiator grille, giving the building a unique, recognizable look.

The showroom is located in Prague’s Strašnice district on Průběžná Street. The expanded space now includes the Cabinet of Curiosities, which showcases various rare objects linked to the brand’s history. The Atelier room displays the finest materials used in Rolls-Royce vehicles, from premium fabrics to high-quality lambswool.

Pavel Kalouš, Brand Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague, described the updated showroom: “The new space provides an experience that allows customers to explore luxury in a personal way. It’s an ideal setting for helping clients design their own custom car.”

Boris Weletzky, Regional Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the UK, Europe, and Central Asia, also attended the opening. He spoke about the long tradition of Rolls-Royce in setting standards for luxury:

“For more than 120 years, Rolls-Royce has set new standards for luxury. This showroom brings visitors closer to what the brand represents. I would like to thank Karl, Paul, and the team for their hard work in meeting the high expectations of our clients.”

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Pardubice (around 100 km from Prague) is planning to build a new hockey arena that can hold up to 22,296 spectators, which would make it the largest one in the world.

The ambitious project was unveiled by Dynamo’s owner, Petr Dědek, during a presentation to the Pardubice city councillors.

Initially, in December last year, the approved plan proposed a capacity of 15,000. However, the updated design will significantly exceed that number, with completion slated for August 2027, as reported by sport.cz.

“We outlined the economic benefits of the multifunctional hall for the city,” said Dědek on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “The arena will seat 22,000 hockey fans. Alongside the arena, the complex will include a smaller hall, hotel, and parking facilities, with a total investment of CZK 10.5 billion.” Dědek had previously estimated a lower investment of CZK 8 billion during earlier discussions in December.

The design includes multiple levels: the lower section will feature 7,518 seats, 2,207 standing spaces, and 44 spots for disabled spectators; the middle section will have 5,699 seats, 50 standing spaces, and 20 spots for the disabled; while the upper section will offer 5,512 seats and 22 disabled spots.

The arena will also boast a VIP stand with 1,224 premium seats.

“This is an incredibly impressive project with a tight timeline, so let’s keep our fingers crossed,” commented Vít Ulrych (KDU-ČSL), a city councillor, after the presentation. 

Dědek estimates that the new arena will host around 100 events annually, with capacities of up to 26,000 for concerts.

Currently, the world’s largest hockey arena is located in St. Petersburg, with a capacity of 21,542 spectators, followed by the Bell Centre in Montreal, which can hold 21,273.

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A trip to Prague meant to be a source of joy turned into a tragedy for 31-year-old David “Dai” Richards from Wales, UK.

On Saturday night, he was fatally injured in Národní třída following an altercation with another tourist.

Police report that David was struck in the head with a vodka bottle. His family has described the attack as brutal and unexpected. Some relatives are currently in Prague awaiting the issuance of a death certificate, according to various British and Irish media outlets.

Mr. Richards was a partner to Jola Simms and father to Aurora, four, Bear, aged two, and one-year-old Vienna.

His family have shared their own tribute to “an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend”, who was the “glue of the family”.

“Two groups of tourists, visiting Prague for the weekend, encountered each other on Národní třída on Saturday night. Initially, the atmosphere was friendly, and conversations flowed. However, a disagreement escalated, leading one individual to strike another with a vodka bottle. The blow was so forceful that the victim collapsed immediately and tragically passed away in the hospital,” stated police spokesman Jan Daněk.

David’s family confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital after suffering a blow to the back of his head.

Originally from Mountain Ash in South Wales, David was a father to three young children and played football for Abercynon AFC.

His family learned about the incident from a friend who was with him in Prague. They also expressed their gratitude to a French tourist who promptly called for assistance.

They have now set up a fundraising page to help with the burden on Miss Sims who is now a young single mother of three.

16 Years in Prison for the Attacker

Law enforcement officials successfully apprehended the perpetrator.

“The 26-year-old man is facing charges of grievous bodily harm and rioting. If convicted, he could serve up to 16 years in prison, as the death resulted from his actions. Criminal investigators have submitted a petition to the prosecutor’s office to have him detained,” Daněk added.

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The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) has suspended operations of the Petřín cableway earlier than planned due to damage caused by recent heavy rains.

The rains severely impacted the track, primarily due to malfunctioning drainage systems and soil erosion, leaving the route unusable.

Repair costs are estimated to reach CZK 15 million, but the company has decided to wait for a complete overhaul scheduled for March next year.

“The extreme rainfall, which led to widespread flooding across many parts of the Czech Republic, has damaged the Petřín cableway to such an extent that it can no longer be safely operated without costly repairs,” the DPP stated on its website.

Jan Šurovský, a board member and technical director at DPP, explained that the recurring drainage issues on Petřín’s “constantly shifting hill” were the final straw.

“The track is damaged and unstable in many places. For instance, the fastening of numerous sleepers has failed, and a tree from the waterlogged ground has already fallen onto the track, worsening the situation. There’s also a heightened risk of additional trees falling,” he noted.

Given the severe damage and the scheduled complete reconstruction of the cableway—including the replacement of its cars, starting in March 2025—the DPP has decided to suspend operations indefinitely until the reconstruction is finished.

The projected cost of immediate repairs would have been between CZK 12 to 15 million.

Saying Goodbye to the Petřín Cableway

Despite the early closure, the DPP is planning a symbolic farewell to one of Prague’s most popular attractions. Throughout October, the company will offer guided tours every Saturday and hold open days at the cableway’s upper station on Sundays and the Czech National Day on October 28.

As for the timeline of the reconstruction, DPP has not provided a completion date, leaving it unclear when the cableway will be back in operation.

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A new bar has opened —or should we say, reopened— right next to Charles Bridge, taking over the space that once housed the legendary Zlatý Strom club.

Now rebranded as “Bar you don’t know” (Bar, který neznáte…) this iconic venue has undergone a complete transformation, marking a new chapter for the location that was a staple of the city’s nightlife for three decades.

The bar’s redesign has been led by Pavel “Pavka” Šíma, the creator of Black Angel’s bar on Old Town Square, renowned for its globally recognized cocktail craftsmanship.

Under his vision, the new Zlatý Strom has been entirely revamped, with a bold interior that mixes shimmering gold accents, velvet tones, crystal chandeliers, and mirrored surfaces.

The result is a space that blends glamour with modern minimalism, offering a stylish yet accessible atmosphere.

“We’ve elevated the space for our guests’ experiences and stories to an entirely new level, and we believe that our new concept will resonate with them and leave its mark on their lives, just as Zlatý Strom has done since its inception,” says Šíma.

Bartenders from Black Angel’s have joined the project, bringing their expertise to this new venture.

Guests can expect a wide selection of spirits, including Gins, Whiskies, Rums, Vodkas, Tequilas, and Champagne. The high-quality drinks are paired with music aimed at creating a vibrant, energetic environment.

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On Wednesday, 25 September, Prague authorities began the forced removal of unsightly restaurant verandas from Old Town Square.

The removal comes after a lengthy legal battle with the owner, K.V.P. Gastro, which had refused to comply with a terminated lease agreement.

The city initially cancelled the lease with K.V.P. Gastro over two years ago, on 14 June 2022, citing aesthetic concerns and the impact on the cultural value of the square.

Despite the termination, the company pursued legal action, allowing it to continue operating the verandas while the court proceedings were ongoing.

However, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the city, paving the way for the dismantling, which is now being carried out under police supervision.

Specialists from the Prague Technical Communications Authority have been on-site, disconnecting the verandas from electrical systems to ensure a safe removal process.

Under the original lease agreement, K.V.P. Gastro was required to remove the structures at its own expense following the cancellation. Yet, despite numerous appeals from city officials, the company failed to act.

As per the terms of the agreement, K.V.P. Gastro faces fines of 10,000 CZK per day for delaying the removal. Over the past two years, the fines have accumulated to more than 8 million CZK. The city is now seeking to recover these funds.

Investigations by iRozhlas.cz revealed that K.V.P. Gastro operates with anonymous shares, preventing the identification of its owner, even through the Register of Beneficial Owners. No representative from the company has responded to requests for comment on the issue.

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The five-party centre-right Czech governing coalition weakened on Wednesday as the small centrist Pirate Party said it had been “ousted” over a personnel dispute.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Tuesday he would dismiss Pirate Party chairman Ivan Bartos as regional development minister over his failure to introduce a digital building permit procedure.

Prague Municipal Police had to rescue a 35-year-old man who climbed a tree under the influence of severe hallucinations.

Medical professionals are now investigating whether these hallucinations were induced by drugs or a potential mental health disorder.

The unusual incident took place on Na Havránce Street (Prague 12), close to a local kindergarten. Eyewitnesses quickly alerted the police after spotting the man in a precarious situation.

“The man was standing on branches about four metres high,” the police statement reads. “He was dressed only in a torn T-shirt and shorts, without any shoes. His body was covered in bloody scratches, and he appeared disoriented, uncoordinated, and clearly suffering from hallucinations.”

The situation was especially dangerous as there was a slope and scattered building materials beneath the tree, making a potential fall even more hazardous.

Despite attempts to coax him down safely, the police were only able to lower the man with the assistance of a ladder and the fire brigade.

After being safely brought to the ground, the man received first aid on-site and was immediately transported to a specialized medical facility for further evaluation.

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A new Chocolate Art Museum has opened in the heart of Prague, offering visitors the chance to see iconic city landmarks recreated in chocolate.

Located at Husova Street, the museum showcases intricately crafted chocolate exhibits, including famous Prague landmarks, and invites visitors to create their own confections in a hands-on chocolate workshop.

Alongside these activities, a shop allows visitors to taste up to 80 types of chocolate from across the globe.

The Chocolate Art Museum Prague serves as a natural extension of their passion, combining a chocolaterie, café, and gallery under one roof.

The café serves a wide variety of pralines made from milk, white, dark, and even the rare “ruby” chocolate, which has a naturally pink hue. The chocolates come in flavors both traditional and adventurous, featuring nuts, nougat, caramel, and even more exotic ingredients like chilli, champagne, and herbs.

For those looking for healthier options, some pralines are sweetened with stevia. In addition to the chocolates, the café also offers freshly baked desserts and a selection of coffees and teas, sourced from specific origins for the highest quality.

The museum’s exhibits features everything from small sculptures to life-sized masterpieces. Some of the standout pieces include chocolate recreations of Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock, the National Theatre, and Charles Bridge, complete with its iconic towers.

Other displays include the Crown Jewels, a chocolate version of the Prague Tram, and the Dancing House. Even beyond local landmarks, visitors will find international icons like the Eiffel Tower, and a fully functional revolving carousel made entirely from chocolate.

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In recent years, mid-term rentals have gained significant traction, particularly among corporate clients and international tenants.

This trend is part of the flexible living concept, which enables individuals to live temporarily in various cities and countries without long-term commitments.

The rise in demand for mid-term rentals reflects a shift in the housing market, providing a practical solution for business travelers, remote workers, freelancers, and students. In cities like Prague, however, this segment is still developing and has yet to fully match the range of options available in other European metropolises. Despite its growing popularity, mid-term rental options remain limited in Prague, where short-term rentals and long-term contracts dominate the market.

What is Mid-Term Rental and Why Is It Attractive?

Mid-term rental refers to leases that last anywhere from 30 days to 12 months. This type of rental is particularly suitable for people visiting Prague for work assignments, internships, or corporate projects. For tenants like international employees, freelancers, and students, the need for fully furnished, comfortable accommodation is crucial. Mid-term rentals provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive hotel stays while offering the convenience and quality not always available in short-term vacation rentals, which are often designed with tourists in mind.

Prague’s mid-term rental market, though in demand, is still underdeveloped. Most rental services in the city cater either to short-term tourists or long-term residents, leaving mid-term renters with fewer options. This creates a gap in the market, where quality service and reliable offerings are hard to find.

Why Airbnb and Similar Platforms Are Not Optimal for Longer Stays

While Airbnb and other similar platforms offer an alternative for short-term stays, they are not always the best option for people looking for accommodation over a more extended period. Let’s take, for instance, a business traveler arriving in Prague for a month and a half.

Hotels, though known for their high-quality service, are often too expensive for long stays and lack the space and privacy necessary for a comfortable extended stay. Living in a 20-square-meter hotel room for weeks is far from ideal. On the other hand, platforms like Airbnb often cater to short-term tourists, with properties located in noisy tourist districts. This makes them less suitable for people seeking quiet, longer-term accommodation. Additionally, there can be a mismatch between advertised and actual conditions, leaving renters dissatisfied with the quality and amenities of their rental.

While Prague has a well-developed long-term rental market, finding mid-term housing can be challenging. Most landlords prefer long-term contracts, leaving a gap in the market for those needing accommodation for a shorter duration.

Enter Blueground: A Global Leader in Mid-Term Rentals Expands to Prague

Blueground, a well-established international player in the mid-term rental market, recently made its debut in Prague. Already operating successfully in major European cities like Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, Blueground has earned its reputation as a global leader in corporate housing. The company aims to bring its high service standards to Prague, offering tenants the convenience, quality, and reliability that they expect.

Blueground stands out for its innovative approach to rental housing, offering fully furnished, thoughtfully designed apartments for stays of one month or longer. Operating in key cities worldwide, its mission is to provide a seamless and flexible living experience for business travelers, remote workers, and anyone in need of temporary housing. Blueground’s arrival in Prague is an exciting development, opening up new possibilities for the Czech rental market.

A Focus on Comfort and Convenience

Mid-term rentals bridge the gap by offering fully furnished, high-quality apartments with the convenience of a home-like environment. Tenants can enjoy professionally managed apartments equipped with everything from high-speed internet and smart TVs to dedicated workspaces. Blueground provides an enhanced living experience, with a focus on comfort, convenience, and international service standards.

Blueground’s Prague properties include fully furnished apartments with modern design and all essential amenities. These accommodations meet the highest standards, offering tenants a comfortable work-from-home setup, high-speed internet, and smart home features. For corporate clients and international tenants, multilingual support is available, ensuring that any issues or concerns are resolved quickly and efficiently.

The Blueground Guest App: Enhancing the Tenant Experience

Blueground offers more than just a rental—it offers a service. The company’s innovative Guest App allows tenants to manage their entire stay, from booking to requesting services like cleaning or additional amenities. Through the app, tenants can request repairs, get extra towels or keys, and receive real-time updates on their requests. Problems like equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs can be reported directly through the app, with a guaranteed response within 24 hours. This digital solution ensures a hassle-free living experience, unlike traditional rentals where communication with landlords can be slow and unstructured.

In addition to these services, Blueground is continually improving the app’s functionality by adding new partner services. For example, tenants can access discount codes for parking spaces, conference room bookings, or fitness club memberships at competitive rates. This enhances the convenience of mid-term living, offering added value through exclusive services that make life in a new city more enjoyable and affordable.

The Future of Mid-Term Rentals in Prague: A Vision from Blueground’s Leadership

Vladimir Serebrennikov, Managing Director of Blueground Prague, emphasized the company’s vision for the Czech market: “We recently launched Blueground in Prague and are already seeing positive feedback from clients and strong interest from corporate companies looking to partner with us. What we offer is more than just an apartment; we offer a service. Our goal is to make our guests feel at home by providing them  with a seamless living experience”

Blueground caters primarily to corporate clients visiting Prague for business, as well as digital nomads, Erasmus students, and individuals needing temporary housing while waiting for long-term options. The company offers apartments of various sizes, from compact 1-bedroom units to spacious 3-bedroom homes, located in different neighborhoods across Prague. Regardless of the budget, tenants can expect the highest standards in both the apartments and the support services provided during their stay.

Blueground is actively working on expanding its portfolio in Prague, planning to renovate and rebrand over 100 apartments by the end of the year. This will not only provide more options for renters but also allow the company to cover new areas of the city. Prospective tenants can explore the first available properties on the Blueground website, where the current offerings range from modern flats in the trendy Holešovice district to beautifully restored historical apartments in Vršovice, capturing the charm of old Prague.

With plans to add more apartments and expand its service offering, Blueground aims to become the leading provider of mid-term housing in the Czech Republic, offering tenants an unparalleled living experience with international standards of comfort and service.

Get in touch with Blueground:

 

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According to a recent study by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), the city’s population could grow to 1.97 million residents by 2050.

This growth will necessitate significant expansion of public services and infrastructure, particularly in areas such as healthcare, social services, education, and burial facilities.

A key element of the report is its forecast of Prague’s population dynamics, offering five potential scenarios based on factors such as migration, economic conditions, and residential development.

The lowest scenario predicts 1.66 million inhabitants by 2050, while the highest projection reaches 1.97 million. In addition to population predictions, the study highlights current gaps in public services and projects future demands across eight essential sectors: education, healthcare, social services, burial, commerce, recreation, culture, and sport.

Alexandra Udženija, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs and Healthcare, underscored the urgency of increasing healthcare facilities and services:

“This forecast confirms that Prague will require a dramatic increase in healthcare services and social facilities in the coming decades. More hospitals, homes for the elderly, and social service centers will be critical, and the city must start preparing now.”

The study also provides valuable insights for the education sector, with Councillor for Education, Antonín Klecanda, stressing the importance of aligning school capacity with demographic trends:

“This population data is crucial for planning our educational infrastructure. To ensure that every child has access to quality education, we need to strategically develop schools and adjust to these demographic changes over the coming decades.”

The study now also covers selected municipalities in the Central Bohemian Region, whose residents frequently utilize Prague’s services. These updates ensure that the city’s planning reflects both current realities and long-term forecasts.

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