Imagine the iconic Cotton Club, but transported into the orbit of Saturn, where burlesque meets space, jazz collides with acrobatics, and fantasy blurs with reality.

This is the essence of The Saturn Revue, a cabaret show set to debut on September 4, 2025, at the New Spirala theatre in Prague.

Bringing together art deco, retrofuturism, and vintage burlesque, this production offers a one-of-a-kind spectacle unprecedented in the Czech Republic.

Unlike traditional linear storytelling, The Saturn Revue is a kaleidoscope of dance, fantasy scenes, and performances designed to evoke feelings rather than convey a direct narrative.

The evening is framed by a narrator—alternating between Czech actors Jan Cina and Kryštof Krhovják—and a guiding character played by Jasmína Houf. The show unfolds in a 360° experience, surrounding the audience and filling the space above and around them.

Produced by Deep Side Production (David N. Jahn aka Sonny Vargas and Terézia Bělčáková aka Miss Cool Cat) in collaboration with Nová Spirála, The Saturn Revue brings together leading Czech and international cabaret artists.

More than 26 artists will share the stage, including the “Zodiac Dancers” ballet ensemble, singers, acrobats, and international guests.

Nová Spirála: Prague’s Futuristic Stage

Reopened after 22 years, Nová Spirála stands as one of Central Europe’s most advanced theatre spaces. Its rotating and vertically adjustable stage combined with a circular auditorium lets the production fully realize its visual and technical ambitions.

Cutting-edge lighting, sound, and mapping technology create a dreamlike atmosphere, fitting the show’s out-of-this-world theme.

Practical information

  • Premiere: September 4, 2025
  • Location: Nová Spirála, Výstaviště Prague
  • Performances: 1× per month until autumn 2026
  • Tickets: www.novaspirala.cz

 

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Visitors to Prague are being warned about extremely high prices in some shops and taxis around the city center.

A recent investigation by tvnoviny.sk, a Slovak news website, shows how easily travelers can pay far more than the usual rate for everyday items and short taxi rides.

The reporters started their test at Prague Main Station, looking for a taxi to Wenceslas Square. According to local taxi apps, the trip should cost around 120 CZK.

However, one driver refused to take such a short trip, while others offered the ride for at least 500 CZK, more than four times the normal price.

When asked for a receipt, one driver became nervous, lowered the price, but still refused to give any proof of payment. After the journalist revealed she worked for the media and started speaking Slovak, the driver returned the money and quickly left the scene.

900 CZK for Bottled Water, 150 CZK for Beer

The investigation also looked at prices in small shops near Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

In one store, a six-pack of bottled water was selling for 900 CZK. A single can of beer was priced at 150 CZK.

When the journalist asked why the water was so expensive, the shop assistant blamed the city center location. However, just a few streets away, the same products were available at much lower prices in regular grocery stores.

Journalist Janek Rubeš, who has spent years reporting on tourist scams in Prague, said the problem with taxi drivers and overpriced shops has been going on for more than a decade.

“I dealt with taxi drivers ten years ago,” Rubeš told tvnoviny.sk. “Unfortunately, it’s still something we’re dealing with.”

Travelers are advised to use official taxi apps, check prices in advance, and be cautious when shopping in the city center.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Czech Railways has begun testing high-speed satellite internet provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink network on its InterPanter trains in an attempt to improve onboard internet access for passengers across the country’s rail network.

The test phase will run for approximately three months, after which the state-owned company will assess the results and consider a broader rollout.

The announcement was made at a press conference on Tuesday by Transport Minister Martin Kupka. “We want Czech Railways to offer the best possible service for passengers. And I firmly believe that this is another step that will help it in the future,” Kupka said.

Michal Krapinec, Chairman and CEO of Czech Railways, explained the motivation behind the project. “We believe that satellite internet can be the answer to the question of how to provide our passengers with a stable and fast internet connection even where there is no quality signal from mobile operators available in the vicinity of the line. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of such white spots on the domestic railway network,” he said.

“Thanks to it, we will have a faster internet connection during the journey. We can work on the train, watch videos, or play games — just as a mobile office should be,” he added on X.

Passengers will be able to access the Starlink-powered internet for free via the ČD Wi-Fi network, with it expected to deliver speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second.

The trial will take place on routes such as the Svitava line between Brno, Česká Třebová, and Prague, and the Moravan line between Brno, Přerov, and Olomouc.

The technology was installed on the roof of one of the train’s front cars and integrated into the existing onboard Wi-Fi and multimedia systems. It features a heated, weather-resistant antenna capable of functioning in extreme conditions.

The project is being carried out in cooperation with Škoda Group, which managed the installation, along with AMiT Transportation, ČD-Telematika, and the Czech Telecommunication Office. These partners will evaluate key metrics such as stability, speed, and service quality, while also comparing Starlink’s performance with that of traditional mobile networks.

Czech Railways has already begun replacing outdated Wi-Fi routers across its fleet and is not alone in the push for better onboard internet. Other operators, such as Leo Express and RegioJet, are investing in 5G technology to enhance connectivity.

Starlink began implementation five years ago with the aim of delivering high-speed internet globally through a constellation of small satellites orbiting the Earth. The system currently accounts for roughly 60 percent of the approximately 7,500 artificial satellites in orbit and is the only functioning high-speed satellite internet service available in Czechia.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Summer in Prague isn’t just about sightseeing and crowded tourist spots. The city offers a wide range of free cultural events where both locals and visitors can enjoy theater, history, and music without spending a crown.

Here are five top picks for July 2025.

Puppets and Circus at Strossmayerovo náměstí – Every Wednesday

From July 2 to August 27, the space behind the Church of St. Anthony on Strossmayerovo náměstí will transform into a lively open-air stage. Starting at 4 PM every Wednesday, families can enjoy a series of puppet shows and creative performances. Expect everything from circus acts and vegetable ballets to magical cabarets and forest fairy tales designed for children but entertaining for adults too.

A Rare Glimpse Inside the Liechtenstein Palace – July 5

For one day only, on July 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM, the usually closed Liechtenstein Palace on Kampa Island will open its doors to the public. Normally reserved for government and diplomatic events, the historic 16th-century building will offer guided tours throughout the day.

Visitors will hear stories about the palace’s famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and Emperor Akihito of Japan. No registration is required, but tours are conducted in organized groups.

Prague Street Theatre Festival “Za dveřmi” – July 9–15

The Behind the Door Festival (Za dveřmi) returns for its 17th edition, bringing street theater, circus, and artistic performances to multiple locations across the city, including the Holešovice Market, Mariánské náměstí, Holport, and Štvanice Island.

Expect a mix of interactive shows, puppet fairy tales, improvised performances, and even workshops. One highlight is the traditional theater parade through Prague’s city center. All shows are held outdoors, and entry is voluntary donation-based, keeping the festival accessible to all.

Underground Secrets at the Folimanka Bunker – July 12

For those interested in Prague’s Cold War history, July 12 offers a chance to tour the Folimanka underground shelter, the largest civil defense bunker in Prague 2.

Open from 9 AM to 3 PM, the shelter is maintained, lit, and heated, making it suitable for families with children and seniors. Guided tours will explain the site’s history and strategic purpose, once kept hidden for decades. No reservations are needed.

Summer Festival at Střelecký Island – July 18–20

Rounding off the month is a three-day summer event at Střelecký Island. From July 18 to 20, visitors can enjoy live music, local wines, and a variety of street food in a relaxed, riverside setting.

The event runs on Friday from 2 PM to 9:30 PM, Saturday from noon to 9:30 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM. Perfect for soaking up the summer atmosphere without spending a fortune.

 

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

On Saturday, July 5, we celebrate the arrival of the Slavic evangelists Cyril and Methodius in the Czech lands, and on Sunday, July 6, we commemorate the Day of the Burning of Master Jan Hus.

On March 1, 2016, a law restricting sales in areas of more than 200 square meters was enacted. It typically applies to large shopping centers and supermarkets, excluding small convenience stores, “večerky,” gas stations, and pharmacies.

Will the shops be open this year? The answer is yes, for most. These public holidays are not subject to the Retail and Wholesale Sales Hours Act, which came into force on 1 October 2016.

According to this law, stores over 200 square meters must be closed during designated public holidays. In addition to stores, second-hand stores, pawnbrokers and similar shops must remain closed.

The law also divides public holidays into two categories according to whether or not the stores are closed.

Public holidays when stores must be closed:

January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 1 – Easter Monday
May 8 – Liberation Day
September 28 – Statehood Day
October 28 – Independence Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve (after 12:00 pm)
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – 2nd Day of Christmas

Public holidays when stores can be open:

March 29 – Good Friday
May 1 – May Day (or International Worker’s Day)
July 5 – St. Cyryl and St. Methodius Day
July 6 – Jan Hus Day
November 17 – Freedom and Democracy Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve (until 12:00 pm)

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Prague’s public transport network is set for a major upgrade in passenger comfort.

Over the next six years, the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) will install air conditioning in 123 Škoda 15T trams that currently lack this feature.

The city has already issued a public contract for the work, with an estimated value of CZK 431.5 million (excluding VAT), according to DPP spokesperson Daniel Šabík.

At present, 127 of Prague’s 15T trams are air-conditioned, out of roughly 770 trams operating across the city. In addition, all new Škoda 52T trams, currently being tested on Prague’s tracks, will come equipped with air conditioning from the start.

“In the summer, tram travel will become much more comfortable,” said Zdeněk Hřib, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Transport (Pirates party).

“In the coming years, we expect to have up to 450 modern, air-conditioned, and barrier-free trams operating in Prague. Passenger comfort matters because public transport isn’t just about punctuality, but also about making the ride pleasant.”

The DPP plans to sign a six-year framework agreement with the winning contractor. Under the contract, the supplier will upgrade at least 20 trams annually. When evaluating bids, DPP will base 80 percent of the decision on price and 20 percent on the warranty period offered.

Originally, the Škoda 15T trams were delivered with air conditioning only for drivers, leaving passengers with basic ventilation. However, this proved insufficient. The design of the 15T, with its large glass surfaces, causes interior temperatures to rise quickly, even on moderately warm days.

Following passenger complaints and growing pressure, DPP struck a deal with the manufacturer in 2014 to include air conditioning in newly delivered units from that year onward.

New 52T Trams: More Comfort and Modern Features

The new generation 52T trams will also feature air conditioning as standard. DPP plans to purchase up to 200 of these units over the next few years, at a total cost of CZK 16.6 billion. The first 52T is already undergoing test operations on line 12, marking an important milestone for Prague’s tram modernization efforts.

According to DPP, around 66 percent of Prague’s 1,200 buses already have air conditioning installed for passengers. All newly introduced trolleybuses will also offer this comfort feature.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Prague locals and tourists were met with an unusual sight on the Vltava River over the weekend.

As part of a global promotion for the upcoming third season of Netflix’s Squid Game, two large inflatable dolls—resembling the show’s infamous Red Light, Green Light doll—floated down the river, drawing curious onlookers and dozens of pedal boat crews.

The figures, drifting past landmarks like the Charles Bridge, quickly became a photo magnet. Dozens of people on pedal boats steered closer to get selfies with the oversized dolls, which towered several meters above the water surface.

The Prague installation is part of a wider Netflix global marketing campaign for the new season of Squid Game. Similar pop-up events have appeared in recent weeks across cities including Tokyo, New York, Bangkok, Berlin, Rome, Jeddah, and Jakarta, according to Netflix’s official website.

One of the biggest gatherings took place in Seoul, South Korea, where thousands of fans assembled for a large-scale event. Although Prague’s floating dolls didn’t involve such crowds, the stunt still grabbed social media attention, with photos and videos circulating widely.

Poland’s capital Warsaw also joined in, showcasing Squid Game dolls and photo zones for fans. Meanwhile in Australia, viewers got the chance to play the notorious Red Light, Green Light game.

As reported by Netflixer.cz, Netflix is reportedly planning a dedicated Squid Game zone at the event, though full details have yet to be announced.

“Squid Game” will not be returning for another season. Series director, writer, and executive producer Hwang Dong-hyuk, in a letter to fans, had said Season 3 would be the series’ last.

Seasons 2 and 3 of the South Korean thriller were filmed back-to-back, hence the short six-month wait compared to the three-year hiatus between Seasons 1 and 2.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Karlovy Vary is preparing for nine days of cinema, conversation, and culture as the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) returns from July 4 to 12, 2025.

This year’s edition promises a packed schedule with over 200 films, celebrity guests, concerts, and public discussions, making the spa town once again a temporary capital of world cinema.

Hollywood Star Michael Douglas Joins the Celebration

A major highlight for 2025 will be the appearance of Michael Douglas, the American actor and producer. Douglas will visit Karlovy Vary to personally present a newly restored digital version of the classic “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” marking its 50th anniversary.

The screening will be a special tribute to director Miloš Forman, with members of the Forman family and Paul Zaentz, nephew of the film’s co-producer Saul Zaentz, joining Douglas at the event.

What’s on the Screen: Competitions and Premieres

The heart of the festival is the Main Competition, where twelve films will vie for the Crystal Globe. Entries include a mix of French and Iranian dramas, standout Czech productions, and independent voices from around the globe.

Representing Czech cinema is the drama “Sbormistr” (The Choirmaster) by Ondřej Provazník, inspired by real events surrounding choirmaster Bohumil Kulínský and the famous Bambini di Praga children’s choir.

Neighboring Slovakia will compete with the documentary “Raději zešílet v divízník” (I’d Rather Go Crazy in the Wild) by Miro Remo, offering an intimate look at men choosing to live as modern-day hermits, far from civilization.

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Karlovy Vary IFF (@kviff)

Proxima Section: Bold Debuts and Creative Risks

For those seeking innovation, the Proxima section offers a selection of thirteen experimental and debut films, focusing on new narrative approaches. One highlight is “On the Other Side of Summer” by Vojtěch Strakatý, a melancholic Czech entry. This year also brings a strong lineup of Latin American films.

Special Screenings and Czech Premieres

The Special Screenings section will showcase major festival favorites and Czech premieres. Audiences can expect the Sundance-acclaimed drama “All That’s Left of You” and the British feature “Dragonfly,” starring Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn.

From the Czech side, two anticipated titles are “Caravan” featuring Anna Geislerová, fresh from its Cannes debut, and “Summer School, 2001,” a coming-of-age story by Dužan Duong about the first generation of Vietnamese youth in Czechia.

How to Attend: Tickets, Passes, and Walk-In Options

Accessing the screenings is straightforward. Visitors can choose between individual tickets or the more flexible Festival Pass, available at festival box offices.

The Festival Pass includes:

  • Reservation rights for up to three screenings per day
  • Access to KVIFF Talks with actors and directors
  • Entry to press conferences (space permitting)
  • Free rides on festival shuttle buses and shared bikes around Karlovy Vary

For those without tickets, there’s a chance to attend screenings via last-minute entry. Five minutes before each film starts, any remaining seats are released on a first-come, first-served basis, though entry is not guaranteed.

Screening Venues Across Karlovy Vary

Most festival screenings happen at the Thermal Hotel, with six different halls including:

  • Velký sál (1,131 seats)
  • Malý sál (243 seats)
  • Congress Hall (264 seats)
  • Cinema A, B, C (each around 60–70 seats)

Additional venues across the city include:

  • Drahomíra Cinema (123 seats)
  • Cinema Čas (218 seats)
  • Karlovy Vary City Theatre (296 seats)
  • Husovka Theatre (96 seats)
  • Pupp Cinema (416 seats)
  • Lázně III (198 seats)
  • Imperial Spa Cinema (283 seats)

All locations are within walking distance from each other, making it easy to enjoy multiple screenings in a single day.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

If you’re commuting in Prague, consider yourself lucky.

A new European comparison shows that the Czech capital ranks among the cheapest cities for public transport, while German cities dominate the top of the price charts.

According to a survey by the HousingAnywhere platform, which analyzed ticket prices in 54 European cities, Munich leads the list as the most expensive place to buy a single public transport ticket, charging €4.10 per ride within the city center.

Other German cities also rank high for cost. Stockholm came second at €3.94, followed by Hamburg (€3.90), with Berlin and Frankfurt (both €3.80) in joint fourth. The top ten also includes Cologne, Hanover, Essen, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund, where single fares range between €3.60 and €3.80, according to the German daily Bild.

By comparison, Prague stands out at the affordable end, with a single ticket costing just €1.20. This places it alongside Athens, and below cities like Budapest, Vilnius, and several Polish cities including Warsaw, Wrocław, and Kraków.

The cheapest tickets in Europe are found in Zagreb (€0.53), Bucharest (€0.60), Warsaw (€0.80), and Sofia (€0.82).

The study notes that up to 12.5% of a household’s monthly budget in the EU goes toward mobility, making transport costs a major part of living expenses. To compare costs, the platform looked at both single-ticket fares within city centers and the price of standard monthly passes.

When it comes to monthly subscriptions, London is the most expensive, with commuters paying €204.32 per month. German cities again appear high on the list: Cologne (€137.90), Frankfurt (€110.30), Berlin (€106.50), and Leipzig (€104.90) all rank among the top five.

In contrast, Prague’s monthly pass costs just €22.05, making it one of the most affordable capitals for regular commuters. Bucharest (€16), Seville (€17.70), and Barcelona (€22) also offer low-cost monthly transport.

Despite the high prices in German cities, Germany does offer the Deutschlandticket, a nationwide monthly pass for €58, valid across the country. However, many cities still maintain much higher local ticket prices.

Munich’s transport operator MVV, for example, recently raised fares by 4.9%, citing rising wage and material costs. The company recommends passengers use the “Streifenkarta,” a strip ticket option, which brings the per-ride price down to €3.56.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The Czech Republic is heading into one of the hottest weeks of the year, with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) issuing a heat warning that could remain in effect for several days.

A large high-pressure system moving eastward from Central Europe is driving the extreme temperatures. While the current heat alert was initially issued through Monday, meteorologists expect it will likely be extended into the middle and possibly the end of the week.

According to ČHMÚ, Monday and Tuesday will bring daytime highs between 27°C and 32°C, with slightly cooler conditions in the northeast, where temperatures will range between 24°C and 27°C.

The situation is expected to worsen from Wednesday, with temperatures climbing to 35°C, followed by Thursday, when parts of the country could experience up to 37°C. Skies will remain clear and sunny throughout the day, further increasing the risk of heat-related health issues.

In response to the soaring temperatures, ČHMÚ has issued clear advice for the public.

“It’s important to follow a proper drinking regimen, preferably by increasing the intake of unsweetened soft drinks and mineral water,” the institute said. “People should also limit physical activities, especially during the afternoon hours, when the heat peaks.”

By Friday, a slight drop in temperatures is forecasted. The country can expect cloudy to overcast skies, with showers and thunderstorms likely in some areas. Daytime temperatures should fall back to a range of 24°C to 29°C, bringing some much-needed relief after the intense heat.

While Czechia will feel the heat, the Iberian Peninsula is forecasted to experience even more extreme conditions, with temperatures soaring to 45°C in parts of Spain and Portugal.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Work on converting Prague’s historic Bubny railway station into a Holocaust Memorial and Dialogue Center is set to begin this summer.

The Railway Administration has selected Metrostav DIZ as the contractor, with a winning bid of 186.9 million CZK. The project is expected to take two years to complete.

The renovated building will serve as a space for education, commemoration, and cultural programs, aiming to connect the history of the Holocaust with present-day discussions on human rights and social responsibility.

Between 1941 and 1945, nearly 50,000 Czechoslovak Jews, along with others identified as Jews under the Nuremberg Laws, were deported from Bubny station to Łódź and Terezín ghettos. The station, originally built in 1873 and rebuilt in the 1920s, ceased operations for passengers and railway staff in 2022.

The architectural design for the new memorial comes from ARN STUDIO, based in Hradec Králové and led by architects Jiří and Michal Krejčík. The project will include exhibition halls, multipurpose spaces, a café, and a revitalized public area surrounding the station.

Pavlína Šulcová, Director of the Bubny Memory and Dialogue Center, said the reconstruction marks the beginning of a new phase for the site. “We want to create a space that will commemorate Holocaust victims and also encourage a thoughtful understanding of the present and a responsible approach to the future,” she said.

This reconstruction coincides with the completion of a modernized railway line from the new Bubny station to Výstaviště, part of the future Prague–Airport–Kladno rail link.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

More than three decades after the Velvet Revolution, Václav Havel remains the most respected post-1989 president of the Czech Republic, according to a recent STEM/MARK survey.

The research, conducted between May 14 and June 1, shows that Havel tops the list, followed by Václav Klaus in second place and current president Petr Pavel in third.

The survey reveals that Czech citizens continue to value Havel’s humanitarian legacy, especially among respondents under 30. Younger people largely credit him for his defense of human rights and democratic values.

In contrast, older and less formally educated voters are more likely to favor Miloš Zeman, who ranked fourth.

The study highlights how education level, age, and socio-economic status strongly influence presidential preferences. “People without a high school diploma are more inclined toward Zeman, while Havel dominates among high school and university graduates,” the STEM/MARK agency stated.

When looking at Václav Klaus, the second-ranked president, the survey found that he enjoys broad and consistent support across demographic groups, unlike the others whose approval varies significantly with age or education.

Respondents praised Pavel’s communication style and public appearances, especially his regular visits to Czech regions and his defense of Czech interests abroad. The president also earned higher marks for his use of presidential powers, which analysts link to his fast adaptation to the role despite lacking previous political experience.

The research further indicates that Pavel enjoys stronger support among university-educated voters, Prague residents, and citizens under 30.

A total of 1,013 respondents over the age of 18 participated in the poll.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Search