The City of Prague has approved the opening of three new contact centers for drug users, reigniting tensions across several city districts.

The move is part of a broader strategy to improve access to harm-reduction services — yet some of the proposed locations are already facing strong local opposition.

One center is set to be built in the metro vestibule below Jungmannovo náměstí, a high-traffic area near the Můstek station.

Another will be placed near Nádraží Holešovice, in repurposed containers located between the metro and railway stations.

The third center will be located somewhere in Prague 9, though the precise site remains under discussion. The project also includes a mobile unit modeled after a successful initiative in Brno.

Currently, only two such centers operate in Prague — Sananim in Prague 5 and Drop In on Karolíny Světlé Street in Prague 1. Experts argue this is far from sufficient for a city of over a million residents.

The proposed expansion aims to distribute these services more evenly and reduce health risks associated with drug use, such as infections and overdoses.

The issue has gained urgency since 2022, when Prague 5 authorities terminated the lease of a contact center operated by the Progressive organization in Smíchov. Since 2009, contact centers in Prague 1, 2, 7, and 11 have also shut down, further reducing service availability.

Why Metro Stations?

The city argues that metro stations offer a strategic advantage: they are easily accessible, already owned by the municipality or the transport authority, and close to areas where users often congregate. The goal, according to the city’s approved materials, is to select sites that are “ideally located in terms of public transport, minimize disruption to the public, and serve users from both central and peripheral areas.”

Former Prague Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS), now chairing the city’s anti-drug commission, is leading the negotiations. His team emphasizes the centers’ role in reducing public drug use, preventing the spread of disease, and connecting addicts with treatment options.

Prague 1 Pushes Back

But not all city districts are on board. Prague 1 officials have submitted a formal objection to the center planned at Jungmannovo náměstí, arguing that their district is already hosting more than its fair share of addiction-related services.

Mayor Terezie Radoměřská (TOP 09) criticized the city’s plan to introduce low-threshold substitution treatment, where addicts can receive methadone or buprenorphine without committing to long-term rehabilitation.

Radoměřská referenced negative experiences with a similar service on Ve Smečkách Street, which was shut down in 2010 following “repeated and well-founded complaints from residents.”

She added that Prague 1 has long advocated for a more balanced distribution of such services across the city, especially in districts that currently lack any form of harm-reduction infrastructure.

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Czechia is in for a rollercoaster week of weather, as heavy rain and thunderstorms continue in some regions, before temperatures climb back to 30°C over the weekend, according to meteorologists from ČHMÚ (Czech Hydrometeorological Institute).

After a tropical weekend that saw highs soar past 31°C, the country starts the new week with a sharp cooldown and widespread showers.

Monday‘s storms—some of them severe—followed a pattern seen across the country over the weekend. According to ČHMÚ, rainfall totals during these events could reach 30 mm, with wind gusts as high as 70 km/h.

By Tuesday, showers will become more scattered, and skies will begin to clear. Expect temperatures to reach 26°C, with light winds below 6 m/s.

Wednesday is expected to be mostly clear to partly cloudy, with isolated rain in the northern highlands. The daily high will push towards 28–29°C, signaling a return to summer conditions.

Thursday will see occasional light rain and cloudy intervals, mainly in the morning, but sunshine is expected later in the day. Temperatures will range from 11°C at night to 26°C during the day, with winds remaining gentle.

Looking ahead to Friday and the weekend, weather models predict mostly sunny mornings, followed by afternoon thunderstorms and intermittent showers, especially in western and central regions.

Nighttime lows will gradually rise from 9–13°C to 12–16°C, while daytime highs are forecast to reach between 27 and 31°C, particularly on Sunday.

By the start of next week, Czechia may once again face a mix of tropical heat and storms, with forecasts pointing to highs above 30°C and increased precipitation, especially in the late afternoons and evenings.

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The Czech government will dispatch a repatriation flight from Israel to Prague on Monday, following escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed the mission in a statement on Sunday, citing growing security concerns after a series of Iranian missile strikes overnight left at least ten people dead.

Commercial flights between Prague and Tel Aviv have been suspended since Friday due to the closure of Israeli airspace to civilian aircraft. By Sunday, all remaining direct connections were officially canceled for safety reasons.

“Anyone wishing to board Monday’s repatriation flight must contact our embassy in Tel Aviv in advance,” the ministry stated via its official account on the X platform. The government also issued a strong warning against travel to Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan, advising Czech citizens to refrain from visiting the region altogether.

Despite the current airspace shutdown, Czech authorities noted that overland departures from Israel are still possible. Travelers can exit via Jordan, through the Eilat–Aqaba and Allenby Bridge border crossings, or through Egypt via the Eilat–Taba checkpoint.

The ministry emphasized that passengers should stay in close contact with their airlines and monitor flight updates closely.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry urged all Czech nationals abroad to register in the DROZD system, which helps the government track and assist its citizens in foreign countries during emergencies.

The recent spike in violence began with a dramatic increase in missile attacks from Tehran, as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to spiral. In response, Israel has mobilized its defense systems, and several countries have begun repatriating their citizens.

 

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Seeing a ticket inspector step onto a tram or metro can instantly make any passenger nervous — especially if you’re riding without a valid ticket.

While those with a valid pass may breathe a sigh of relief, others start thinking fast: What now?

If you’re caught riding Prague’s public transport without a valid ticket, don’t panic. The fine is usually 1,500 CZK, but there’s a way to lower it to 800 CZK — legally.

The first rule: keep calm and respectful. Arguing or acting aggressively won’t help — inspectors have heard it all, and it only makes things worse. If the inspector catches you without a valid ticket, they’ll issue a fine, but you’re not required to pay immediately.

Here’s how to reduce that fine.

The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) offers a way for fare-dodgers to correct their mistake at a lower cost — if they act quickly.

Step 1: When you’re caught, allow the inspector to issue the fine — don’t pay on the spot. You’ll receive a written record of the violation.

Step 2: Buy an annual public transport coupon for 3,650 CZK. This must be tied to your PID Lítačka account or card, and your name must match what’s on the fine.

Step 3: Within five business days, take both the newly purchased annual coupon and the inspection record to the DPP surcharge office at Na Bojišti 5 (Prague 2), or settle the fine online via the DPP e-shop.

By proving that you’ve now paid for an annual pass, the fine is reduced to 800 CZK — a kind of “amnesty” offer for becoming a proper paying customer.

What If You Have a Ticket But Can’t Prove It?

Sometimes, people do pay — but can’t show it at the right moment. Here’s what to do in those cases:

You left your valid pass at home:

If your Lítačka or paper ticket is valid but you weren’t carrying it during the check, bring it later to the DPP office and pay a 50 CZK administrative fee. They can verify your pass and cancel the fine.

Your pass expired recently:

If your coupon is no longer valid, it’s treated the same as not having a ticket. But again, if you buy a new annual pass quickly, you may still qualify for the reduced 800 CZK fine.

You forgot to activate your mobile ticket:

Having a purchased pass in your app is not enough — it must be activated. If it’s not, it’s considered invalid. You’ll get a fine, but again, you may still qualify for the discount if you buy an annual coupon.

 

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As summer temperatures rise in Prague, public transport can quickly turn from a convenience into a challenge—especially for those sensitive to heat.

But there’s good news: Prague’s public transport company has shared a simple way to identify air-conditioned vehicles, helping commuters stay cool while navigating the city.

The most reliable way to ride in comfort is to board the Škoda 15T4 tram model. These newer trams come with fully functional climate control systems in the passenger cabin. They’re easy to spot thanks to the yellow plastic panels at the front—currently, 127 of these modern trams operate across Prague.

Older Škoda 15T models, on the other hand, typically have air conditioning only in the driver’s cabin. These trams feature a grey and red nose with no yellow inserts. However, there are two exceptions—trams numbered 9243 and 9285—which do have passenger cabin climate control installed as part of a test program.

How to Check in Advance: Use the Live Map

To avoid waiting in the heat, passengers can check the official online map of Prague’s public transport system, which shows the real-time positions of all trams and buses.

By entering the route number into the search field, users can view all vehicles currently running on that line. Clicking on a specific tram or bus icon reveals detailed information—including a snowflake icon, which confirms whether air conditioning is available.

 

It’s important to understand how the climate control system operates. The system switches on automatically once the outside temperature rises above 22°C. Drivers cannot adjust the settings manually, as the regulation is fully automated.

Here’s how it works:

  • At outside temperatures between 22°C and 25°C, the interior cabin temperature is maintained between 20°C and 25°C.
  • When temperatures climb above 25°C, the air conditioning cools the cabin to 1–6°C below the outside temperature.

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The Prague Garden Party will return to the Royal Gardens from 20 to 22 June 2025, offering visitors a mix of European food, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Now in its second year, the event combines access to the historic Royal Gardens with food stalls from more than 30 exhibitors, cultural performances, and a full children’s programme.

The central part of the event focuses on gastronomy, with a wide range of stalls presenting regional specialities.

Offerings include grilled meats, cheeses, crêpes, charcuterie, seafood, and desserts. Among this year’s featured vendors are Fransyr (European cheeses), Bread Society (French pastries), Greek Delikatessy (Mediterranean cuisine), and Milleme (quiches and desserts).

A selection of European wines, ciders, beers, and crémants will also be available from both Czech and international producers.

Live Performances and Music

The festival includes a three-day live music programme, with genres ranging from flamenco and jazz to classical and swing. Performers include Flamenkeria, Jazzpot, Pragason, Kryštof Bartošek, Cancioneta Praga, and the Sophia Lamos Swing Band.

Most concerts will take place on the Míčovna stage and in the courtyard of Queen Anne’s Summer Palace.

 

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Activities for Families and Children

Daily programming for children will run throughout the festival. Children under 15 can enter for free, and primary school pupils will receive sweet treats in recognition of the end of the school year.

Venue and Tickets

The event is set in the Royal Gardens of Prague Castle, including the Belvedere terrace and views of the city. Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and enjoy the grounds picnic-style.

Opening hours are from 10:00 to 20:00 each day. Day tickets are priced at 150 CZK, while a three-day pass is available in advance for 200 CZK on goout.net until 15 June. After that, full-price passes cost 350 CZK.

The gardens are accessible via tram lines 22 and 23, or through the Prague Castle complex.

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In Czechia, eating out during the workday has become a growing luxury.

According to the latest Edenred Restaurant Index, the cost of lunch has risen steeply across the country – and nowhere more so than in Prague.

The average lunch menu in the capital now costs 220 CZK, making it the most expensive in the country. Just behind is Brno, where employees pay 208 CZK for a midday meal.

Meanwhile, cities like Zlín, Ústí nad Labem, and Olomouc remain on the more affordable end, with prices up to 55 crowns lower.

The national average for a lunch menu now stands at 196 CZK, highlighting a steady climb in prices that has outpaced wage growth. Since 2014, lunch prices have jumped by more than 130%, while average salaries rose by roughly 82% over the same period.

Back in 2020, workers in Prague paid just 149 CZK on average for lunch. In cities like Ostrava or Jihlava, it was even cheaper—hovering just over 120 CZK. But the most dramatic comparison goes further back. In 2014, Prague diners paid only 98 CZK, while in the Pardubice Region, lunch cost a mere 75 CZK. In a decade, the price of lunch has more than doubled across Czechia.

“It wasn’t that long ago that a lunch menu under 100 CZK was standard across the country. Now, that price is almost unimaginable in most places,” says Aneta Martišková from Edenred. She adds that the price hike has had a visible effect: the number of people eating out for lunch has dropped by 21% in recent months.

Despite the fall in customers, prices are expected to continue rising. Economic pressures, ingredient costs, and energy prices are pushing restaurants to adjust their lunch menus accordingly, Martišková warns.

The gap between the capital and other regions also seems unlikely to close soon. While Prague’s business districts sustain higher prices, cities like Zlín remain more affordable, partly due to lower operational costs and different consumer habits.

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Amid rising military tension in the Middle East, Prague’s Václav Havel Airport has suspended all flights to and from Israel.

The cancellations were confirmed early Friday morning via the airport’s official account on the X social media platform.

Airport authorities cited security concerns due to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, urging travelers to monitor the airport’s website for updates and to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest information.

“There is a gradual cancellation of all flights with Israel due to the deteriorating political situation,” said the airport, located in Prague’s Ruzyně district. Direct connections between Prague and Tel Aviv—Israel’s second-largest city—have been suspended until further notice.

According to the airport’s schedule, four outbound flights to Tel Aviv were originally planned for Friday. One has already been canceled, and all five incoming flights from Tel Aviv to Prague have also been called off.

The decision follows a major Israeli aerial offensive launched overnight, during which over 200 aircraft dropped more than 330 munitions on roughly 100 targets across Iran, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.

In response, Iran deployed over 100 drones aimed at Israeli territory—some of which are expected to reach their targets within hours.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation was intended to strike nuclear scientists allegedly working on a bomb, the Natanz nuclear facility, and Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure.

Analysts suggest the scale of the Israeli assault could mark the largest military strike against Iran since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.

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Michael Douglas will present a newly restored print of Miloš Forman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Karlovy Vary Film Festival next month.

The 1975 classic, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will screen as part of the festival’s Out of the Past section. The film was restored by the Academy Film Archive.

Douglas will be joined at the Gala Screening by Paul Zaentz — nephew of the late Saul Zaentz, who produced the film with Douglas — as well as members of Forman’s family.

The film made Oscar history as only the second to win all five major Academy Award categories: picture (Douglas and Zaentz), director (Forman), actor (Jack Nicholson), actress (Louise Fletcher), and adapted screenplay (Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman).

The screening also honors Karlovy Vary’s ties to the film. Forman was a loyal supporter of the festival, and he, along with Douglas, Zaentz and actor Danny DeVito, who also appeared in the film, are all recipients of the festival’s Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema.

“We are truly honored to present ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ on its 50th anniversary,” said the festival’s executive director Kryštof Mucha. “The presence of Michael Douglas, Paul Zaentz and the Forman family will make this an unforgettable moment in the festival’s history.”

Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” follows Randle McMurphy, a rebellious gambler whose defiance of authority challenges the rigid confines of a mental institution. A powerful parable of freedom versus control, the film marked a turning point in Forman’s career and paved the way for his later international successes.

Douglas last visited Karlovy Vary in 1998, when he and Saul Zaentz were honored with the Crystal Globe.

Paul Zaentz worked closely with Forman on “Amadeus” (1984) and “Goya’s Ghosts” (2006), and produced acclaimed titles including “The English Patient” (1996) and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999).

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The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the Czech Republic violated the rights of a non-binary person by requiring sterilisation as a precondition for legal gender recognition.

The case was brought by T.H., a non-binary person who has spent over a decade fighting for the right to change their legal gender and personal identification number without being forced to undergo sterilisation.

Czech authorities consistently rejected the request, citing national law, which still mandates surgical sterilisation for legal gender changes.

In today’s judgment, the Strasbourg-based court declared that this requirement breaches Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to private life. The Court emphasized that the Czech Republic must provide a clear legal framework that allows trans people to update their gender marker without invasive medical procedures.

While the Czech Constitutional Court overturned the sterilisation mandate in 2024, it delayed the change until July 1, 2025, giving the government time to prepare a new law. However, no viable legislation has been passed. The issue now hangs on non-binding ministerial guidelines, which have yet to be published and could be easily reversed after elections later this year.

T.H., the claimant in the case, welcomed the decision. “This is a great day for non-binary and trans people,” she said. “It’s essential that Europe follows a path of dignity, equality, and human rights — especially amid global efforts to roll back trans rights.”

T.H. has never identified with the male gender assigned at birth and uses she/her pronouns. For medical and personal reasons, she does not wish to undergo sterilisation.

Since 2012, she has filed multiple requests with the Czech Ministry of the Interior, all of which were denied due to her refusal to undergo surgery. After exhausting domestic legal options — including a failed appeal to the Constitutional Court in 2021 — she took her case to the European Court.

The 2024 Constitutional Court ruling, which came in a separate case involving a trans man, struck down the sterilisation requirement, calling it incompatible with human dignity. Yet, the absence of a new legal framework has left many in limbo. Without clear rules, decisions about gender recognition could shift with each new administration.

“This is one of the most serious human rights issues of the last decade in Czechia,” said Maroš Matiaško, T.H.’s lawyer. “The Court’s judgment not only provides closure, but also sends a strong message to the Czech government: adopt a safe, accessible, and dignified legal process.”

The ruling reflects broader European trends. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 90% of Czech trans people oppose the sterilisation requirement.

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Get ready for a stage experience like no other — an intense, immersive retelling of A Clockwork Orange is coming to Prague this June.

It will be performed at Rock Café on June 13 and 15 at 19:00, this adaptation blends ballet, opera, and physical theatre with the dark, dystopian world of Anthony Burgess’s cult classic.

The result is an artistic collision between beauty and violence, refinement and raw brutality.

At the center of the story is Alex, a teenage gang leader whose descent into crime, incarceration, and state-sponsored reform forces the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about power, control, free will, and redemption.

This version of A Clockwork Orange isn’t just theatre — it’s a sensory assault. Expect Beethoven, “a bit of the old ultra-violence,” and a jarring mix of classical and contemporary forms, all brought to life by an international creative team.

Directed by Christopher Adamson, co-founder and artistic director of D’Prompt Theatre, the show features choreography by Jade Becker of the First International Ballet School in Prague, with vocal coaching by Sav Bea, founder of Sav Bea Academy.

The production is led by Gordon L. Schmitz and his collective, The Mad and Merry Men.

Schmitz believes the story’s relevance has never been greater.

“There’s a strange absence of political counterculture today — either it’s been mainstreamed or replaced with the idolisation of corporate power. But then something shocking happens — a CEO is assassinated in New York and the killer is hailed as a folk hero. We’re closer to this dystopia than we think,” he says.

First published in 1962, A Clockwork Orange has left a lasting mark on literature, cinema, and music.

Its themes — the fight between the individual and the state, the moral cost of control, and the question of whether true reform is possible — remain as relevant now as they were over 60 years ago.

Tickets available here

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Prague is no longer just a destination — it’s now a game.

Prague City Tourism (PCT) has released a mobile puzzle game called Playing Prague, aiming to promote the city through a blend of interactive storytelling, architecture, and local legends.

Created by independent studio Charles Games for 1.5 million CZK, the project is at the heart of this year’s Prague.eu and In Prague Like Home marketing campaigns.

According to PCT spokeswoman Klára Janderová, the game is now available for free in three languages — Czech, English, and German — on Google Play and the App Store.

Players solve strategic puzzles as they build iconic Prague monuments across different city districts. Each level highlights a different neighborhood and increases in difficulty. Along the way, users meet historical and cultural figures — from Mozart to Věra Čáslavská — all of whom have shaped Prague’s identity.

Charles Games’ developer Lukáš Kolek explains that the gameplay merges relaxation with challenge: “You build the city by combining tiles, unlocking levels dedicated to famous locations like the Powder Tower, Charles Bridge, or Petřín.”

He adds, “We tried to capture Prague’s distinct atmosphere — a city we love deeply. At the same time, we wanted to offer players the chance to build their own version of Prague.”

“We spent a whole year building this tribute to Prague,” said a representative from Charles Games. The game currently includes six levels, but future expansions are planned.

Players will explore Prague’s house signs, uncover the meaning behind each symbol, and reconstruct the city’s most iconic landmarks — all while learning about the personalities that shaped it.

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