The Prague City Hall has disclosed the details of the New Year surprise it has in store for its citizens on January 1, 2024.

Earlier reports indicated that this surprise would serve as compensation for the decision to forgo fireworks, video mapping, and other mass celebrations on New Year’s Eve.

The authorities deemed large-scale festivities inappropriate given the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and the challenging economic situation.

Instead, Prague City Tourism plans to reduce the cost of visiting popular attractions for one day (January 1):

Prague Zoo and the Botanical Gardens in the Troja neighborhood will be open to everyone, with a visit costing only 1 crown.

An adult ticket to the Prague Public Transport Museum will cost 60 CZK, while a child’s ticket only 20 CZK.

Seven Prague towers, including the Petřín Tower, the Old Town Tower, both towers of the Charles Bridge, and the Powder Gate, among others, will offer a 50% discount on entry.

Proof of residence or daily travel to Prague will be required at the entrance. The most convenient means of verification is by presenting a Lítačka pass or ID card.

Tadeáš Prováznik, a spokesman for the Magistrate’s Office, highlighted, “This way, every Prague citizen can choose how to spend New Year’s Eve. Especially for families with children, it provides a pleasant opportunity amidst the general price increase.”

Czechia has the highest inflation rate in the entire European Union according to the latest report from the EU’s statistical office Eurostat.

Prices in the Czech Republic climbed by 8 percent year-on-year, while the average EU inflation rate fell by 0.5 percent in November to 3.1 percent, the lowest it has been in around two years.

In the Eurozone countries, inflation fell by 0.5 percent in November to 2.4 percent.

However, the Czech Republic stands out with the highest inflation rate in the EU, witnessing an 8 percent year-on-year surge. In contrast, Belgium is already grappling with deflation, experiencing a 0.8 percent decrease in prices year-on-year.

Within the euro area countries, November also witnessed a 2.4 percent inflation rate, confirming Eurostat’s initial estimate. Notably, EU-wide inflation is not factored into this estimate.

Comparatively, a year ago, the inflation rate in the euro area was 10.1 percent, rising to 11.1 percent across the entire Union.

The Czech Republic’s inflation surpasses that of other countries, such as Hungary, which historically held the highest inflation in the EU. Hungary now records a 7.7 percent inflation rate.

In Poland, the inflation rate remained stable at 6.3 percent in October, while Slovakia experienced a decrease to 6.9 percent.

In November of the previous year, inflation in the Czech Republic reached 17.2 percent, Hungary at 23.1 percent, Slovakia at 15.1 percent, and Poland at 16.1 percent.

Following Belgium, the EU country with the lowest inflation rate was Denmark, standing at three-tenths of a percent. Italy claimed the third position, experiencing a modest 0.6 percent year-on-year price increase.

Conversely, Hungary ranked as the second-worst country after the Czech Republic, with Slovakia and Romania sharing the third spot, both at 6.9 percent.

In comparison to October, inflation rates in 21 out of the 27 Member States eased, remained unchanged in three, and increased in three.

The population of Czechia increased by 54,700 to 10.88 million in the first three quarters of this year, according to data published by the Czech Statistics Office on Tuesday.

The increase is due to foreign migration, especially from Ukraine.

From January to the end of September, 116,700 people immigrated to Czechia, while 48,600 people left the country. The figures include Ukrainians granted temporary protection due to Russian military aggression.

According to the freshly released data, the first six months of 2022 saw 69,200 births, which is a drop of 11 percent year-on-year.

Moreover, there was a decrease of over 10 percent in marriages compared to the previous year, accompanied by fewer deaths and divorces.

Between January and September, 116,700 people moved to the country from abroad, while 48,600 people moved out.

Two-fifths of those who left were registered in September, reflecting the conclusion of the stay for individuals with temporary protection who failed to comply with the deadline for visa sticker affixation to their travel documents.

Czechia experienced a net loss of 13,300 residents through natural channels, marking an increase of 2,800 from the same period last year.

In the first three quarters of the year, 41,500 couples got married, a 14 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2022. Marriages declined for both single and divorced individuals at a similar rate, as highlighted by Michaela Němečková from the CSO’s demographic statistics department.

Year-on-year, there were 300 fewer divorces, with authorities dissolving 14,400 marriages.

These population shifts shed light on the evolving demographic landscape of the Czech Republic, with migration playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s dynamics.

In a notable move, major retail chains Lidl and Billa in the Czech Republic have opted against selling live Christmas carp outside their stores, marking a significant shift in their approach.

The decision aims to prioritize both customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.

This isn’t the first time Lidl has taken such a stance. In 2022, the company emerged as the trailblazer in the Czech market by becoming the sole retail chain to refrain from live carp sales.

According to Lidl’s spokesperson Tomáš Myler, “Responsible business means offering customers the highest quality goods while ensuring our operations remain sustainable in the long term. That’s why we’ve chosen to ban the sale of carp outside our supermarkets. Fresh, already packaged fish will now be conveniently available in the sales area.”

Joining this ethical initiative for the first time, Billa’s decision aligns with their broader strategy to show respect for animals and the environment. Last year, the company also ceased selling amateur pyrotechnics as part of this commitment.

However, rival chains Tesco, Kaufland, Albert, and Penny are not following suit. They intend to continue selling live carp outside their supermarkets through partner companies.

It’s crucial to recognize that in the Czech Republic, carp holds a special place on the Christmas table, with its sale being a longstanding tradition.

The process typically begins a few days before the holiday, with live fish showcased on the streets in large basins with running water. Sellers prepare the fish, including killing and cutting it according to the buyer’s order, right on the spot.

This tradition has faced criticism from animal rights activists, who highlight the inhumanity of the method. Live fish often endure cramped conditions, oxygen deprivation, and extreme stress in overcrowded basins.

Fish farms and sellers defend the practice, emphasizing its integral role in Czech culture. They assert that the rules governing the keeping and killing of carp are strictly regulated by the Czech Veterinary Office.

Regular inspections by both the Veterinary Office and the Czech Trade Inspectorate ensure compliance with these regulations.

The Czech government has proposed a document that, among other ideas, includes making visa issuance for Russian diplomats more stringent as part of negotiations on the 12th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

The package is currently being debated by the Schengen countries and has yet to be approved by the respective governments.

According to Czech officials, Russian diplomats should be able to obtain visas and residence permits that allow them movement only within one Schengen country instead of the whole area. The same points out that the measure is aimed at countering espionage.

Over 70 Russian nationals were expelled from Czechia last year as an act of solidarity with Ukraine, which has been fully invaded by Russian troops ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In addition to restricting Russians to only one Schengen country, Czechia also believes that the EU should accept only biometric passports in hopes of harder-to-forge documentation and in an effort to limit links to fake identities.

One of the issues that Prague mentioned was related to Russian officials who were obtaining Austrian visas to work for UN agencies in Vienna and then travelling elsewhere in the Schengen Area.

By the middle of the month, the EU Diplomacy Chief Josep Borell, in cooperation with the European Commission, presented the proposal for a new package of sanctions against Russia, which would mark the 12th consecutive proposal for more stringent measures for this country and its population.

The debate is still ongoing, and the legal issues involved mean that any change is unlikely to be noticed in the package that is being discussed and revised by the respective authorities.

Earlier, media reports estimated that Vienna had become the “spy capital” of Europe due to the procedures of local legislation and the large staff of the Russian embassy there.

Italy and Finland were the other two main destinations for Russian applicants in 2022, with 117,167 and 112,737 applications, respectively.

Located in the heart of Prague’s historic centre, The Mozart Prague offers a particularly festive atmosphere during Christmas time. Expats, locals, and tourists seeking a blend of tradition and luxury are in the right place.

Commence your Christmas journey this year with the Charity Advent Market, occurring in the hotel’s courtyard from December 1 to 3. In collaboration with the charity organization ‘Act for Others,’ The Mozart Prague assures you a magical Christmas experience. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas and contribute to a good cause simultaneously.

The ticket price for Friday, December 1, is CZK 150 from 4 to 5 pm and CZK 250 from 5 to 10 pm (Jazz Night). On Saturday, December 2, admission costs CZK 150 from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Sunday, December 3, also CZK 150 from 11 am to 6 pm.

For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel’s chef has curated a weekly changing menu from November 27 to December 26, inviting you to explore new flavor harmonies and offering a constantly new and exciting gastronomic adventure. Highlights include goose liver parfait, turkey breast roulade, and a special chef’s cheesecake.

The Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve is a celebration that combines tradition with luxury. Savor dishes such as pumpkin soup with black truffle, turkey roulade, and a varied dessert buffet. The menu is available for CZK 2,950 per person.

On December 26, relish a special Boxing Day brunch. In the opulent setting of the hotel restaurant, enjoy a sumptuous buffet, delicious soups, and a choice of three main courses. Prices are CZK 2,500 for the non-alcoholic package, CZK 2,990 for the alcoholic package, CZK 445 for children aged 5 to 11, and CZK 290 for children under 4.

The new year begins at The Mozart Prague with a Disco Fever-themed party. Alongside a sumptuous buffet and exquisite main courses, toast the New Year with a glass of champagne while enjoying a mesmerizing view of the city illuminated by fireworks. The price is CZK 4,800, including a glass of champagne.

Turn your festive season into an unforgettable event in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. For more information and reservations, visit the hotel’s website

Our best stories straight to your WhatsApp. Sign up here

A recent Ipsos study for Creditas Bank uncovered that every sixth person in the Czech Republic can only set aside a maximum of five hundred crowns each month.

Half of the respondents don’t save even CZK 2,000 a month, and a third of households have savings ranging from one CZK 100,000 to half a CZK 500,000.

The study also disclosed that almost half of the respondents admitted their savings wouldn’t cover a three-month interruption in income.

Approximately one in five are striving to save for housing. However, those who do often mishandle their savings, depriving themselves of potential returns. “Seven in ten respondents keep their savings in cash or a current account,” warned Ivana Pícková from Creditas.

She cautioned that a million crowns deposited in a non-interest-bearing current account would earn nothing in a year. Depositing the same amount in a savings account would yield around CZK 50,000 annually at today’s average interest rates.

The most popular saving tools are cash, with 71% of people having savings, and savings accounts used by 69% of respondents.

This is followed by state-subsidized products, such as pension savings, building savings, and investment funds. Pension insurance is held by 64% of respondents, and making savings by 39%.

The survey also found that women save less than men. Residents of Prague hold the highest savings. However, in the capital, there is also the highest proportion of those who do not save anything: every tenth Prague citizen.

The most frugal age group, in terms of monthly deposits and the volume of savings, is people between 45 and 53 years old.

Our best stories straight to your WhatsApp. Sign up here

Prague is currently experiencing an unusually warm autumn. Following the warmest September in recorded history, October also set a new record.

This information was reported on Wednesday by the weather station at Prague’s Clementinum, which has been maintaining statistics since 1775.

According to its data, the average monthly temperature in October was +14.1°C, surpassing the previous record set in 1795 by 0.3°C.

It is also 4.3°C higher than the long-term average for October (1775-2014) and 3.2°C above the recent climatic norm (1991-2020).

The coldest October in Prague’s history was in 1905, with an average monthly temperature of +5.6°C, as depicted on the graph.

The warmest day of October 2023 occurred on the 13th, with an average daily temperature of +19.8°C. In contrast, the coolest day was on the 17th, with an average daily temperature of +7.3°C.

Prague’s historical record for the hottest October day dates back to October 3, 1929, with a temperature of +21.9°C.

While the record for the coldest October day in the capital, set on October 30, 1776, with an average daily temperature of -3.1°C, remains unbroken, there is a possibility it might be surpassed in the future.

From 30 October to 9 November, tram tracks on the Lazarská – Jindřišská section in the centre of Prague will undergo repair works.

Trams 3, 5, 6, 9, 14, 24, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96 and 98 will have to divert their routes.

The compensatory bus route will not be introduced. Passengers are advised to use the metro as an alternative.

The Prague Transport Company has published a diversion scheme for trams affected by the restriction. Details can be found here.

 

Major repairs to tram tracks are also taking place in Holešovice. The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) said work will occur from October 27 to December 5 on the section of track between Bubenská and Na Zátorách streets. This spans the underpass beneath the railway to Kralupy.

During the project, several tram lines will be diverted from their normal routes through the area. Lines 6, 12, 14, 17, 93 and 94 will all see temporary adjustments.

Today, Lonely Planet, the global travel authority, unveils its top destinations for the upcoming year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024.

To honor the brand’s 50th anniversary, this special edition of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel returns to its best-selling print format, in addition to its popular digital and social media content, offering an expanded list of 50 must-visit destinations from all around the globe.

Prague has been named among the best cities in the world and is now ranked eighth in the top 10 cities, with the list headed by Kenya’s Nairobi.

The authors of the report describe Prague as a pulsating capital cloaked in a Gothic cityscape and say the attractions such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge “almost feel too beautiful to be real”.

To mark its 50th anniversary, Best in Travel 2024 has expanded from the top 10 best cities, countries, and regions to include two new categories of best value and best sustainable destinations, recognising a total of 50 locations across the globe offering amazing experiences to enjoy in 2024.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel hotlist is voted for by their global community of staff, local writers, and publishing partners, and provides expert insight into lesser-known destinations and new takes on popular places.

Nitya Chamber, SVP Content and Executive Editor commented: “Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s heart and soul of travel inspiration, responding to the enthusiasm of travellers who want to explore the world in a way that is authentic, led by local guidance and has sustainable values at its core. With new takes on iconic destinations and 50 fresh ideas across five categories, we’re confident Best in Travel opens-up a year of incredible adventures.”

If you’re planning a short holiday and you want to discover places from behind the bars we have a tip for a great, but yet very simple bike trip Prague – Dresden.

This bike ride is around 250 km long but is very flat and the majority of the time you will cycle on dedicated cycling paths. There is a system of long-distance cycle routes called EuroVelo. Prague – Dresden follows route number seven.

You start following the river Moldau north on its right bank. The first town on the way is Kralupy Nad Vltavou, from there you’ll continue towards the beautiful castle Veltrusy from where you continue to Mělník where Moldau flows into the Elbe.

If you´re not in a rush we recommend climbing up to the castle from where there is a beautiful view down to the rivers. This is also a great opportunity for a lunch or coffee break if you fancy a restaurant over cycling path food stands.

The next stretch between Mělník and Litoměřice is around 50 km long and follows the river via other historical towns Roudnice and Terezín.

Terezín is worth stopping. The town is a former military fortress composed of the citadel and adjacent walled garrison town. The town center is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument reservation. Terezin is most infamously the location of the Nazi’s notorious Theresienstadt Ghetto.

From here it’s not far toLitoměřice. This stretch goes NorthWest and is beautiful in the summer afternoons. Litoměřice is a bigger town and is a good place to spend a night, you can choose from a variety of hotels or even camps.

Another approximately 50 km long stretch goes from Litoměřice do Děčín. Until this point everywhere you look you see lowlands surrounding the river, now comes the change, you are entering a valley in which you will spend the next 50 km or so, but don´t worry, the path still follows the rivers so there is no big climb ahead.

Once you arrive at Děčín, you’re close to the border. The hills surrounding Děčín are known as a great climbing area, so if you’re into rock climbing it’s definitely worth a stop. Once you pass the city, you´re entering the largest sandstone valley in Europe.

Everywhere you look at this point, you’ll see beautiful rock formations, the cycling path is quiet, there are no cars on this side of the river and it stays this way all the way to Bad Schandau. From there you’re slowly leaving the valley and in front of you is the last town before Dresden, Pirna.

Pirna is a historic town with a well-preserved square. I highly recommend stopping there for a coffee. After Pirna, it’s just 20 km to Dresden, The cycling path will lead you straight into the old town.

At the time of writing, there are several trains connecting Dresden with Prague. On Sunday, you can take the train at 11:10, 13:10, and 15:10. The train goes two and half hours and costs 350 Czk. Just remember as we mentioned in one of the previous articles.

You need to have a reservation for your bicycle to get on the train. In the summer season, it’s recommended to do so 24h before the train’s departure.

 

 

About Me

I’m a lifelong cyclist who runs a small independent bike shop in Prague’s Žižkov. My riding abilities range from mountain biking all the way to BMX. I spent several years living in one of Europe’s cycling capitals, Copenhagen. Together with my friend I attempted to cycle from Europe to Japan and had to stop due to the pandemics.

Those two months on the bike gave me an understanding of bike-packing. If you’re new to cycling, looking for cycling partners, or need anything related to cycling, you can text me or stop by my shop Pavé Cycles for coffee or a public bike ride.

You won’t see many Amsterdam-style bikes in the streets of Prague nor a lot of fixed gear bikes. What can be a perfect bike to cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen will most likely not be the best bike for Prague.

Prague is fairly hilly. There are plenty of cobblestones, which especially in the old town are far from smooth. That, together with the tram lines are factors you should consider while choosing your new bike. 

During the communist era, the only bikes you could get were road or city bikes. In the early 90s Czech brand Author saw potential in the off-road market.

They brought mountain bikes to the market with which they dominated the market in the 90s and early 2000s. That’s one of the reasons Czechs love mountain biking. If you’d gone to a bike shop a few years ago, chances are, you’d be leaving with a mountain bike. But the times are changing, you’ll see a lot more people getting into the road and gravel biking. Especially in the last two years. 

So what is the best bike for you?

First and foremost, it’s important to consider what are your expectations from the bike. Is your bike going to be a commuter? Do you want to use the bike as a tool to get in shape? Will you store the bike in your apartment or outside?

Once you have a clear vision, I recommend setting up a budget. That means how much you are willing to spend on cycling. That’s important because you’re most likely not going to buy just the bike. You will need a helmet, lights, lock, you might need glasses, etc.  

When you have a clear idea about your expectations from cycling, it’s time to get the bike. Most of the bikes on the market are made from aluminum, steel, or carbon. Each of the materials will have pros and cons. For example, if you choose to buy a carbon bike. The bike will be lighter than the other two, so if you need to carry the bike up the stairs this might be a criteria for you as well.

Stiffness is another characteristic of carbon, you will feel how quickly the bike accelerates, the downside of the bike will be the stiffness again. You will feel the bumps on the road as well as the cobblestones. On the other hand, a steel bike will make for a much more comfortable ride because of its tendency to flex a little bit. It will be heavier than carbon and probably not that responsive. Aluminum bikes are similar to steel bikes, but they don’t stand the test of time, as well as steel, does.

When it comes to the types of bikes, the chances are you will be choosing from mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes and cross bikes. Mountain bikes these days tend to have 29” wheels so they are relatively fast on the tarmac as well. They have wide handlebars for good stability which can be an issue while carrying the bike in the buildings on trains etc. Mountain bikes are generally more difficult to maintain, here and there you will need to service the suspension as well as brakes. I would choose a mountain bike only if I’d know that going off-road is what I am after.

In general, I recommend choosing a bike that you can push a bit to its limit. This way you will improve your cycling skills. So if your argument for choosing an MTB is that it gives you an option to go off-road, but it’s not your bread and butter, I’d go with gravel or cross bike. These bikes can take off-road as well and will be smoother on the tarmac. The main difference between the two are handlebars, cross bikes will most likely have straight handlebars and a more upright position which will be more comfortable for a not-so-flexible person.

A road bike is a great option if you enjoy speed. You need to be a bit more careful while riding a road bike in the city center, but once you leave the city, the road bike will be the fastest of the bikes mentioned above. There are also quite a few groups rides that ride road bikes, so if socialization is important for you, this might be an argument for a road bike as well.

If you’re looking for a bike and you’re not sure what bike to get. You can stop by our shop. We are an independent bike shop, without any deals with bike brands. This gives us the freedom in choosing the right bike for our customers. So if you’re in doubt, stop by for a coffee, or give me a call and I will be happy to help you choose the right bike for your needs.

 

About Me

I’m a lifelong cyclist who runs a small independent bike shop in Prague’s Žižkov. My riding abilities range from mountain biking all the way to BMX. I spent several years living in one of Europe’s cycling capitals, Copenhagen. Together with my friend I attempted to cycle from Europe to Japan and had to stop due to the pandemics.

Those two months on the bike gave me an understanding of bike-packing. If you’re new to cycling, looking for cycling partners, or need anything related to cycling, you can text me or stop by my shop Pavé Cycles for coffee or a public bike ride.