A bar in Prague has made it onto the prestigious 50 Best Discovery list, which highlights the world’s most exciting establishments.

Alma, a unique venue known for its focus on seasonal and local ingredients, is one of only six Czech spots to have ever earned such recognition.

Alma’s appeal goes beyond its creative cocktails; the bar incorporates local herbs like Lamium (dead-nettles) and wild ingredients such as pickled pine cones, setting itself apart with unconventional flavors.

The bar is part of a wider gastronomic complex that operates from early morning to late night. It starts as a café, transitions into a restaurant for lunch and dinner, and in the evening, guests can unwind in the wine bar or basement nightclub.

Located in a renovated space that once housed a cinema on V Jirchářích Street near Prague’s National Theatre, Alma has become a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors.

The establishment’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and ingredient-focused menus has earned it praise from experts and visitors alike.

According to 50 Best Discovery, the cocktails at Alma “feature a wide range of unusual flavors” that reflect the bar’s respect for natural ingredients and seasonality.

 

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The Alma complex was created by Petr Němec and Vojta Václavík, building on their successful collaboration at the Kro Kitchen. Their work emphasizes collaboration with like-minded producers, from farmers to winemakers and coffee roasters, ensuring that Alma’s offerings always reflect the freshest and most authentic flavors.

Historically, five other Czech bars and two restaurants have appeared on the 50 Best list. In addition to Alma, Prague is represented by Black Angel’s, Hemingway, and L’Fleur, with La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise representing the restaurant scene.

The Super Panda Circus in Moravia is another notable Czech spot to have made the list.

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Spring-like warmth will be short-lived as temperatures drop this week, falling below 10°C, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ).

Monday

Expect partly cloudy skies, with increasing cloudiness from the southwest throughout the day. Rain or showers may develop in the afternoon and evening, particularly in Bohemia.

Nighttime lows will range from 9 to 5°C, with temperatures possibly dropping to 0°C in areas where winds weaken. Daytime highs will reach 14 to 18°C, with some parts of Moravia and Silesia experiencing up to 21°C.

Winds will be light and variable (up to 4 m/s), but in the east, a moderate southeast to south wind (3 to 7 m/s) may bring gusts around 15 m/s. Later in the day, winds in Bohemia will shift to southwest to west and strengthen slightly.

Tuesday

A cloudy to overcast day awaits, with occasional breaks of partly cloudy skies. Expect scattered rain showers.

Nighttime temperatures will range between 8 and 4°C, while daytime highs will be 13 to 17°C, though northern and western regions may only reach 11°C. Winds will be light from the southwest (2 to 6 m/s), weakening in the evening.

Wednesday

Another cloudy to overcast day, with sporadic rain showers. Nighttime temperatures will drop to 6 to 1°C, while daytime highs will be between 11 and 16°C.

Winds in Bohemia will be light and variable (1 to 4 m/s), while in Moravia and Silesia, expect a light southeast to south wind (2 to 5 m/s).

Thursday

Overcast skies will dominate, with rain or showers expected, particularly in northern and northwestern regions. Higher elevations above 1,100 meters could see snowfall.

Nighttime lows will range between 7 and 2°C, while daytime highs will be 9 to 13°C, reaching up to 16°C in the southeast. Light variable winds will be around 4 m/s.

Weekend (Friday – Sunday)

Expect overcast skies with intermittent rain showers. In mountainous areas, precipitation will likely fall as snow. As the cold spell intensifies, nighttime temperatures will range from 6 to 1°C, possibly dropping to -1°C by the end of the period. Daytime highs will be between 8 and 13°C, falling further to 4 to 9°C toward the end of the week.

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The Prague Beer Fest 2025 will take place on April 11-12, 2025, at Holešovice Market, marking its seventh year as the biggest beer tasting festival in Czechia.

This year’s event will feature 50 breweries from across the country and 15 foreign nations, including the USA, UK, Poland, Belgium, Latvia, the Basque Country, and Luxembourg.

The festival will be held in Hall 13 and its surrounding areas, offering a diverse program with a street food section catering to both beer enthusiasts and families.

The event is organized under the auspices of Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný, ensuring a strong industry presence.

Meet Brewers from Around the World

One of the festival’s key highlights is the opportunity to meet brewers in person. Many participating breweries will be represented by their owners or master brewers, allowing visitors to learn about the brewing process and the stories behind each beer.

For the second year in a row, a delegation of American brewers will attend, this time featuring five breweries from Philadelphia and Boston.

The UK craft beer scene will also be well represented, led by the renowned Verdant Brewery, with support from British Ambassador Matt Field. Additionally, new participants from the Basque Country and Latvia promise to bring fresh flavors to the festival.

Tickets and Payments

Visitors can purchase either a one-day ticket or a discounted two-day pass at the official e-shop.

Each ticket includes a limited-edition tasting glass designed specifically for this year’s festival. Glasses will also be available for purchase at the venue.

The festival will operate cashless payments via NFCtron. Upon arrival, visitors will receive a bracelet with an NFC chip, which they can top up using a credit card or cash.

Any unused balance will be refunded after the event.

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Despite increasing tensions in Europe and widespread efforts to bolster military forces, the Czech Republic managed to grow its army by only 176 soldiers last year amid considerable recruitment challenges.

While European nations are ramping up defense spending and expanding their forces, Czechia’s struggle to attract new recruits raises concerns about its long-term military preparedness.

The Czech Army currently has around 24,000 personnel, but the government aims to increase that number to over 37,000 by 2030. However, as Chief of General Staff Karel Řehka pointed out last week, recruitment remains a major obstacle.

“We currently have fewer than 24,000 soldiers under my command. Our plan by 2030 is targeting 30,000, and despite this, we received so few soldiers to the army last year that the total increase is only 176,” he admitted.

Recruitment issues in the Czech military are part of a broader European trend. A Gallup poll from last year found that the willingness of citizens to defend their country with a weapon in hand has declined.

In 2014, 61 percent of respondents in select countries expressed readiness to fight; by 2023, that figure had dropped to 52 percent. While countries like Finland, Poland, and Sweden maintain relatively high levels of willingness to defend their nations, Czechia has struggled to inspire the same sense of urgency.

Some nations are addressing their recruitment shortfalls by adjusting service requirements. Ukraine, for instance, lowered its draft age from 27 to 25, while Israel extended mandatory military service.

However, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has dismissed the idea of implementing similar measures, favoring a voluntary, professional army model with an emphasis on active reserves.

“I am convinced that the only way is a modern professional army. We must utilize elements we already have here, such as active backups, to create space for all citizens who voluntarily want to participate in their country’s defense according to their abilities,” he said.

In an effort to boost recruitment, Czech military officials are introducing measures such as improving living conditions for troops, making service more compatible with family life, and digitizing recruitment processes.

They have also explored high school training programs and the concept of voluntary pre-enlistment, allowing individuals to undergo medical evaluations and commit to military service in case of a national emergency.

Former Defense Minister Lubomír Metnar has called for simplifying the recruitment process, increasing salaries for lower-ranking officers, and making military service more appealing. Meanwhile, a major amendment to the law on professional soldiers is currently under discussion in the Czech Senate to increase recruitment bonuses, allow for shorter service terms, ease criminal record restrictions for enlistment, and expand benefits such as housing and stabilization allowances.

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The owner of the Máj department store on Národní třída is considering requesting an extension for the moving butterfly installation on the building’s facade.

Karel Samec, spokesperson for Amadeus Group, which owns Máj, confirmed the possible request.

The installation, designed by artist David Černý, was originally approved for just one year by Prague’s heritage conservation office. The butterflies were placed on the building on May 18 and 19, 2024, and Černý supports extending the display.

“At the moment, we are evaluating whether to submit a request to extend the placement of David Černý’s butterflies on Máj. The artist supports the extension, and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors and the general public, including professionals,” Samec stated.

Not everyone welcomes the installation. The Klub Za Starou Prahu (Club for Old Prague), a civic association focused on heritage conservation, has been a vocal critic.

Its chairman, Richard Biegel, dismissed the artwork as “a typical example of kitsch.” Last year, the club criticized the city’s heritage office for approving the project despite the National Heritage Institute rejecting it.

The Máj department opened to the public on April 21, 1975, and in 2006, the Ministry of Culture designated it a cultural monument.

A massive renovation began in May 2022, costing 4.5 billion CZK. The store reopened to customers on June 24, 2024, offering nine floors of retail stores, restaurants, an interactive exhibition, and a rooftop observation terrace.

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Around 200 people gathered on Malostranské Square on Friday afternoon to protest against former US President Donald Trump.

The demonstration was sparked by concerns over Trump’s recent statements suggesting that Europe cannot depend on US support for Ukraine.

The protest was organized by Milion Chvilek, a civic group known for its pro-democracy activism.

“After Trump’s statement, it is clear that Europe can no longer rely on its traditional ally. We must show that we are strong, united, and ready to defend our future and Ukraine,” the group stated on its website.

The demonstration remained peaceful, with police monitoring the event but not needing to intervene.

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The initiative, called “A Gift for Putin,” began crowdfunding for the Black Hawk helicopter in November 2023, with more than 20,642 donors contributing to the cause.

According to the initiative’s website, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) will use the helicopter for evacuating soldiers and conducting special operations.

Kyrylo Budanov, head the military intelligence service of the Ukrainian government, expressed gratitude for Czech support throughout the war with Russia, calling the fundraiser “an unprecedented event.”

The organizers wrote: “We did it! Czechs are sending a Black Hawk helicopter to Ukraine. We managed to get a cheaper and newer machine that Ukraine needs.”

“Let’s finish what we started together and send Čestmír to fight against the dark Empire,” they added, referring to the helicopter’s symbolic name ‘Čestmír,’ which means ‘one who values honor’ in Czech, while likening Vladimir Putin’s regime to a ‘dark empire.’

The statement continued: “Ukraine cannot win the war with drones or ammunition alone. It also needs tanks, aircraft, howitzers—and helicopters for special operations.”

Czechs have now become the first nation to purchase a military helicopter for Ukraine.

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The Czech-Irish Business and Cultural Association (CIBCA), in partnership with the Irish Embassy in the Czech Republic, announced that Prague’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back this year on March 16, and it’s the largest one ever in the city.

The procession will bring the heart of the Czech-Irish community from all over the country to life, featuring over 50 groups celebrating Irish culture, music, and dance.

In keeping with the past tradition, the parade will begin at Wenceslas Square at 14:15 (assembly from 14:00) and weave its way through the city, culminating in a gathering at Old Town Square, where the celebrations will continue.

Joining the procession will be an impressive lineup of Irish dance groups, including TJ Academy of Irish Dance & Sona Sól Veselá Kopýtka, Rinceoirí, Coiscéim, inSpiral, and Gall Tír.

The Irish Wolfhound Group will add a touch of Irish heritage, while Celtic bands such as Shannon and Foggy Dude will fill the streets with music.

Other notable participants include Prague Irish Set Dancers, Sally O’Brien Irish Pub, lead piper Chip Doehring, The Wild Geese Society, the Prague Kids GAA Club, and of course, St. Patrick himself, who will be there to meet with the people of Prague and even pose for a photograph or two.

“Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s day, and the best way to join in the celebrations this year is to dress in green, white and orange, the national colours of Ireland,” said Darragh Price of the CIBCA parade organising committee.

For more information on the parade and other Irish-themed events happening in Prague, visit this website.

Map of the parade route:

A new interactive experience is set to transport visitors through 1,200 years of Prague’s history.

The Back in Time museum, opening at the Máj shopping center, offers a 50-minute journey through key historical moments using state-of-the-art technology and physical installations.

A Journey Through Time

Back in Time presents pivotal events, myths, and figures from Prague’s history that have also shaped the Czech Republic’s national identity.

Visitors are guided by two fictional siblings, B (short for “Back,” played by actor Jakub Jenčík) and T (“Time,” played by actress Barbora Váchová).

The duo, children of a professor who invents a time machine, accidentally activate it, launching themselves and visitors into the 9th century, where they witness the legend of Libuše and the founding of Prague.

The adventure continues through the court of Charles IV, brought to life with advanced projection technology and period-accurate dialogues.

Visitors will discover the secrets behind the creation of the Astronomical Clock, encounter the legendary Golem, experience wartime Prague, and witness the battles for Czech Radio in 1945 and 1968.

The journey concludes in the Hall of Fame, where animated effects and mirrored displays celebrate notable Czech figures, including T. G. Masaryk, Václav Havel, Antonín Dvořák, Emil Zátopek, and Karel Gott.

Cutting-Edge Technology for an Unforgettable Experience

The audiovisual presentation is designed to engage all senses. The museum features holographic projections, 10-channel sound, and even scent simulations linked to specific time periods.

A 5D cinema with 180-degree projection and motion seats enhances the realism, making history come alive.

Practical Information

• Tour Duration: 50 minutes per session
• Capacity: Up to 28 people per session, with a daily limit of 1,200 visitors
• Accessibility: Fully barrier-free, suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility
• Languages: Available in Czech, English, and German, with upcoming support for Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, and Korean
• Tickets: Available online, on-site, or at kiosks in the entrance hall of Máj entertainment center

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Father of Czechoslovakia, the very first Czechoslovak president, philosopher and sociologist, humanist and democrat, the 2^nd Greatest Czech according to the national vote in 2005.

We can mention these things and much more while remembering the legendary professor Tomáš Garrique Masaryk.

President Petr Pavel and Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil will attend a commemorative event in Lány, where they will lay wreaths at Masaryk’s tomb. Vystrčil, along with other senators, will also participate in a ceremony at Masaryk’s statue on Prague’s Hradčany Square.

TGM was born on March 7th, 1850 in Hodonín, South Moravia, close to the Slovak border as Tomáš Masárik. He was the oldest of three sons born to a Slovak father and a Czech mother with roots in Germany.

Educated in Vienna and Leipzig, Masaryk spent decades advocating Czech statehood.

Masaryk’s literary activities were extensive, including being the editor-in-chief for various magazines, an editor for a new Czech encyclopaedia, and translating literary works by such greats as Dostojevsky into Czech.

Masaryk’s priority was obtaining independence before any peace conference would take place. He feared the victors would redraw the map of Europe in a way unfavorable to Czechs and Slovaks.

When the Austrians split with Germany in October 1918 and proposed negotiations to decentralize decision-making within the monarchy, Masaryk turned his independence campaign into overdrive. He was adamant that the Austro-Hungarian empire must be abolished.

That is how it came about that, on October 26, 1918, Masaryk declared Czechoslovak independence in Philadelphia. Its text closely modeled on its American precursor.

Independence was similarly declared two days later in Prague. While still in America awaiting a ship home, Masaryk was elected president by the national assembly in Prague.

During his nearly 17 years as president, Masaryk played the stoic grandfather of the new republic.

Interesting facts:

• He liked to use a pen name – Vlastimil (Countrylover)
• He changed his original last name Masárik to Masaryk at the age of 22
• He felt like a Czechoslovakian, but the idea of one Czechoslovakian nation never worked – Slovaks did not want to accept it
• Because of his activities leading to the reformation of the Austro–Hungarian Empire he was accused of high treason and threatened by a death sentence
• In honor of the US president, W. Wilson, supporting the emancipation of Czechs and Slovaks Francis Josef I. railway station was renamed to W. Wilson station
• During communism, it was forbidden to teach about the era of Masaryk
• On March 7th, when TGM was born, every Czech named Tomáš can celebrate a name day

A major transformation is coming to Florenc, one of Prague’s key transportation hubs.

The project has attracted unprecedented international interest, with 157 architectural studios from 33 countries competing to design four new residential and commercial blocks. The winners are expected to be announced this autumn.

The project focuses on a strategic site west of the Florenc bus station, a key transit point in Prague. The area is bordered by a major roadway, a railway line to the south, and Na Florenci Street to the west.

The current competition builds on a previous urban design contest that established the layout of streets, building blocks, and height regulations.

Four Architectural Competitions for Four Blocks

At the end of last year, Penta Group launched four parallel architectural competitions for the planned blocks. The development will be primarily residential, but will also include shops, offices, and potentially a hotel.

“This new district will bridge the heart of Prague—bustling with business and tourism—with Karlín, a neighborhood known for its livability and work-life balance,” said David Musil, head of Penta Real Estate, about the Florenc 21 project. City officials and representatives from Prague 1 and Prague 8 have also praised the investor’s approach.

A jury of experts, led by German architect Stefan Behnisch, has selected eight teams per competition to participate in a series of three workshops.

These sessions, involving jury members, city representatives, and other stakeholders, will help refine their designs. In total, 25 studios are competing, with some participating in more than one category. The final selections for each of the four competitions are expected in October.

Penta’s Expanding Role in Prague’s Urban Development

The Florenc development is closely tied to Penta’s projects around Masaryk Station, where the company has built large office complexes—a move that has faced criticism from some civic groups and opposition politicians in Prague 1. Penta is also part of CR-City, a joint venture with Czech Railways, which aims to cover train platforms and build new structures at Prague’s Main Station.

According to David Musil, the entire Florenc project is expected to cost 20 billion CZK (approximately €800 million).

The construction could be completed in five years.

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The Czech government has decided to gradually raise its defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product by 2030, from around 2% now, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday.

Defence expenditure should rise by 0.2% of GDP each year starting in 2026, when it should reach 2.2%, he said.

Fiala has said defence spending must grow to meet new geopolitical realities.

“Increasing defence spending is important for security, it is necessary and essential,” Fiala said, adding it was also an opportunity for the economy.

European leaders have been moving quickly to plan higher defence spending after the return of Donald Trump as U.S. president raised fears in Europe that it can no longer be sure of U.S. protection.

Czech defence spending reached 2% of GDP in 2024, in line with its commitments as a NATO member.

The government faces a general election in the autumn, and the main ruling parties are trailing in polls to the party of former prime minister Andrej Babis, who has said spending at current targets already means more money going to defence due to rising GDP.