The Open House Prague festival is returning for its 11th edition, taking place from May 12 to 18.

Starting Monday, visitors can look forward to a diverse program of events, including debates, lectures, guided tours, city walks, exhibitions, and more across Prague.

The highlight of the festival comes on the weekend of May 17–18, when 125 usually inaccessible buildings and spaces across 13 districts of Prague will open their doors to the public for free.

While no registration is required for weekend building visits, some weekday events have limited capacity and require advance booking.

A new addition this year is a mobile app, where users can book tickets and plan their weekend routes through the open sites.

“This year, we’re offering the most extensive lineup of accompanying events in the festival’s history,” said director Klára Veselá.

“Not only have we expanded the program, but we’ve also focused on making it more accessible and engaging for the general public.”

The weekend program is a must for architecture lovers and curious explorers. Visitors are invited not only to Prague’s city center but also to lesser-known neighborhoods like Bohnice, Hrdlořezy, Veleslavín, and Suchdol.

Most locations are open from 10 AM to 6 PM on both days, though exceptions may apply.

 

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A truck transporting cans of Pilsner beer overturned on the D2 motorway early Wednesday morning, spilling its cargo across all lanes and severely disrupting traffic near Brno.

The accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on May 7 at the third kilometer of the D2 highway, heading toward Bratislava.

According to police, the vehicle first collided with a guardrail before slamming into an overhead information board, causing the trailer to tip onto its side.

As a result, hundreds of beer cans were scattered across the motorway, forcing authorities to shut down the area to clear the debris.

Two people were injured in the crash — the driver and a passenger. “One person suffered moderate injuries, the other more serious,” said Michaela Botová, spokesperson for the South Moravian emergency services.

“Paramedics treated both victims on-site. One was transported by ambulance, while the more seriously injured patient was airlifted to hospital.”

Police immediately began rerouting traffic, instructing drivers to exit at Olympia shopping center (Exit 3) to avoid the blockage.

Photos from the scene showed the motorway littered with crushed and unopened beer cans, while emergency crews worked to stabilize the trailer and clear the roadway.

 

Parukářka Park — one of Prague’s liveliest green spaces — is set to transform into a celebration of Czech brewing this June as Žižkovské Pivobraní 2025 returns for another year.

The two-day festival, a local favorite, runs from Friday, June 6 to Saturday, June 7, and features free admission, making it one of the city’s most accessible summer events.

This year’s lineup includes over 100 beers from 35 independent Czech breweries — everything from classic pale lagers to IPAs, wheat beers, and creative fruit infusions.

It’s a chance to sample the depth of the Czech brewing tradition far beyond the usual supermarket names.

“It’s not just a beer festival,” says Jan H., a Žižkov resident who’s attended for the past three years. “It feels like the whole neighborhood shows up — friends, families, even dogs. There’s music, food, and people dancing. It’s a great start to summer.”

The event isn’t only about what’s in your glass. The organizers from Prague 3 have curated a lineup of live music covering everything from folk and indie to rock and brass bands. Stages will be set up right in the park, with performances running throughout both days.

Food stalls will offer a full spread of festival snacks — think grilled sausages, pickled cheese, and other Czech classics that pair perfectly with a cold pint.

Festival Hours:

  • Friday, June 6 – 12:00 to 21:00
  • Saturday, June 7 – 10:00 to 21:00
  • Where: Parukářka Park, Prague 3
  • Brewery list to be announced soon on the official event page

The event is hosted by the Prague 3 municipal office. For updates and the full program, visit praha3.cz

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Prague councilors have approved subsidies worth 23.7 million CZK to support new greenery and the revitalization of water features in municipal districts across the city.

The funding will back projects including tree planting, the creation of flowery meadows, and the restoration of courtyards and ponds.

Sixteen projects across thirteen city districts will benefit from the subsidies. Selection followed an open call to all districts, with expert evaluations focusing on the readiness and feasibility of each project.

The initiatives form part of Prague’s wider environmental strategy under the Climate Plan, approved in 2021. According to the Prague Zero Emissions Mission website, the plan commits the city to a 45% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030, focusing on five key areas: energy, buildings, transport, the circular economy, and climate adaptation.

In adopting the Climate Plan, Prague has pledged to move away from fossil fuels in energy production, transport, and industry.

“The Climate Plan requires collaboration across multiple sectors, and city districts are key partners in this effort,” said Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Climate Plan Jana Komrsková. “Thanks to the subsidies, districts can implement projects that residents will soon see and appreciate. These include a new water feature in Jezerka Park in Prague 4, as well as the revitalization of courtyards, tree planting, and the creation of meadows for pollinators.”

One of the major projects is the restoration of a dysfunctional pond and stream in Jezerka Park, with an estimated cost of 8 million CZK. According to the Strategy for Adaptation of the Capital City of Prague to Climate Change, the revitalization will help cool the surrounding environment naturally, manage rainwater more efficiently, and enhance the park’s recreational value.

Other districts have already begun similar efforts. Flower meadows have been established in Prague 2, 4, and 12, and new trees were planted last year in Prague 2 and Prague 7.

Looking ahead, City Hall plans to plant 900 new trees, selecting species more resilient to heatwaves and droughts, conditions expected to become more frequent with climate change. According to a City Hall press release, the selection includes species not commonly planted in the Czech Republic, chosen specifically for their climate resilience.

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Holešovice is set to shine this summer with the launch of Areál7, a new multipurpose venue opening on May 2 and 3.

The launch will feature the grand opening of its Beer Garden, with free entry and a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Areál7 joins a dynamic network of cultural spaces like the Holešovice Market, Výstaviště, Vnitroblock, and the iconic Cross Club, all helping turn the neighborhood into a hub for summer culture, music, and sports.

From May 9 to 25, Areál7’s Beer Garden will screen the Ice Hockey World Championship on large outdoor displays, creating a stadium-style vibe for fans of the Czech national team and international matches alike.

“We’ve been in this industry for years and long searched for an ideal open-air venue that wouldn’t disturb neighbors but could still host world-class acts,” said Filip Lipovský, managing director of Areál7. “We finally built it here in Holešovice.”

The team behind Areál7 has published a code of ethics on its website, emphasizing priorities like noise control, public safety, ecological responsibility, and transparent communication with residents.

 

This summer, Holešovice will be buzzing with events at the Market, which celebrates 130 years since the founding of the former royal slaughterhouse.

Festivities include a pop-up in Hall 17 featuring concerts, talks, and a café with inventive displays, plus a multi-sensory gastro-performance titled BEEF, serving 11 courses in a theatrical setting.

At the Water Tower, visitors can explore a detailed reconstruction of the market as it looked at the time of its creation.

 

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The Easter markets have returned to Prague, filling the city’s main squares with food stalls, live music, and clusters of tourists snapping photos under blooming trees.

While the markets remain a seasonal tradition for locals, many are finding them harder to enjoy — not because of the crowds, but because of the prices. What used to be an affordable afternoon out now feels more like a splurge, with even simple snacks reaching restaurant-level costs.

At Old Town Square, the offerings are familiar: roasted ham, trdelník, and langoš. But the price tags have shifted.

A small portion of Prague ham costs 129 CZK per 100 grams, and vendors rarely serve less than 300 grams. A basic langoš goes for 180 CZK. A trdelník costs 100 CZK plain, with versions filled with ice cream or Nutella selling for up to 160 CZK.

More international fare is also on offer this year, including grilled octopus at 289 CZK per 100 grams and yuzu lemonade at 120 CZK a glass.

Stalls along Wenceslas Square and Republic Square offer similarly steep prices, with burgers priced at 250 CZK, hot dogs at 200 CZK, and fries at 150 CZK. Green beer, a seasonal specialty, is poured for 89 CZK per 400 ml.

For many Czechs, especially those who remember more modest Easter markets, the experience has become harder to justify. A few snacks and drinks can quickly run into several hundred crowns, especially for families with children.

Even at smaller, less tourist-heavy spots like Náměstí Míru, the costs remain high. A fried cheese sandwich sells for 219 CZK. Potato pancakes and other traditional snacks are priced between 100 and 150 CZK. A langoš with pulled meat and toppings costs 180 CZK — prices that have surprised even regular marketgoers.

The market organizers defend the pricing, pointing to increased costs for ingredients, staff, and logistics. Vendors pay high fees for their spots and must contend with rising inflation and energy costs.

Still, the perception remains that these markets are now geared more toward tourists than locals.

Most of Prague’s Easter markets will continue through April 27, with the exception of Náměstí Míru, which closes on April 21.

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Unemployment in Prague rose to 3% in March 2025, up from 2.9% in February, according to newly released data from the Czech Labour Office.

The capital was the only region in the country to record a month-on-month increase in unemployment. However, it continues to hold the lowest jobless rate in the Czech Republic.

A year ago, in March 2024, the unemployment rate in Prague stood at 2.8%. Despite the current slight increase, the city’s labor market remains the strongest nationwide.

At the end of March, a total of 30,009 people were registered as job seekers at Prague’s labor offices—643 more than the previous month. During the same period, the number of job openings rose by 1,618, reaching 23,480 vacancies.

Since January, Czech labor offices have been removing listings for positions that remain unfilled for over six months. In March, there were approximately 1.3 job seekers per open position in the capital.

“In a regional comparison, unemployment increased only in Prague, by 0.1 percentage point,” said a spokesperson for the Czech Labour Office.

Out of the 30,000 unemployed in Prague, 27,261 were immediately available for work, classified as “reachable unemployed.” This group excludes individuals on sick leave, undergoing retraining, on maternity leave, or in pre-trial detention. Compared to February, the number of reachable job seekers rose by about 600.

Nationwide, unemployment in Czechia fell slightly to 4.3% in March, down from 4.4% in February, marking the first decline after four consecutive months of growth. The Ústí nad Labem Region continues to report the highest unemployment rate, now at 6.6%.

The Czech Labour Office noted that seasonal employment—especially in construction and service sectors—began to appear in March. However, there are still challenges: in many areas, the qualifications of job seekers don’t match the needs of employers.

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On Friday, April 4, in the Hrubý Jeseník mountains, one of the most beautiful observation towers in Czechia, Dalimil’s Lookout Tower, will reopen after the winter break.

Visitors can now enjoy its stunning vistas until late autumn.

Perched atop Větrov Hill at an elevation of 918 meters, the tower boasts a recent construction date, having opened in the summer of 2021. Its unique design, characterized by its isolation and charming appearance, has drawn comparisons to the tower featured in Disney’s Rapunzel.

The lookout tower is made of cast concrete and stone and consists of two towers that are closely adjacent to each other. Their total height is 34 m, with the upper viewing platform at 28 m and the lower one at 17 m. 170 steps lead to the top.

A restaurant and hotel apartments are located on the ground floor in an adjacent building.

How to get to the lookout tower?

The site is only accessible on foot. Motorists can drive from the Old Town to the parking lot in Velké Vrbno at the lower station of the cable car to Paprsek, from where it is 1.5 km to walk, or to the parking lot at the mountain hotel Paprsek (1010 m above sea level) and from there follow the green sign for 2 km.

The railway line 294 from Hanušovice also ends in Staré Město pod Sněžníkem. From the local railway station, it is 5 km to the lookout tower by the green mark with an elevation of 400 m.

The tower will be open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (including Easter) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. These hours will be extended later in the summer season.

The entrance fee is CZK 120, with free admission for children under six years old.

More information can be found on the official website

 

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Residents and tourists will have the opportunity to visit four branches of the National Gallery in Prague for free.

The event will take place on Sunday, 17 November, from 10:00 to 18:00, coinciding with the bank holidays – the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy.

This special offer is applicable to all age categories, including Czech citizens and foreigners alike, as stated on the gallery’s official website.

The following exhibitions will be accessible without charge:

  • Staří Mistři I (Schwarzenberský palác) – Old Masters I (Schwarzenberg Palace)
  • Staří Mistři II (Šternberský palác) – Old Masters II (Šternberg Palace)
  • Středověké umění v Čechách a střední Evropa 1200-1550 (Klášter sv. Anežky České) – Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe 1200-1550 (Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia)
  • 1796-1918: Umění dlouhého století (Veletržní palác) – 1796-1918: Art of the Long Century (Trade Fair Palace)
  • 1918-1938: První republika (Veletržní palác) – 1918-1938: First Republic (Trade Fair Palace)
  • 1956-1989: Architektura všem (Veletržní palác) – 1956-1989: Architecture for All (Trade Fair Palace)
  • 1939-2021: Konec černobílé doby (Veletržní palác) – 1939-2021: End of the Black and White Era (Trade Fair Palace)

 

 

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By Wednesday, hot temperatures will return, with summer weather peaking over the weekend. Meteorologists predict temperatures reaching up to 33°C, according to the weekly weather forecast.

Today, August 6th is expected to be the coolest day of the week, with daytime highs rarely reaching 25°C.

“It may rain during the day in Moravia and Silesia, and possibly in the Šumava region in the morning and forenoon,” meteorologists reported on Facebook.

“Cloudiness will gradually decrease throughout the day, giving us a fair amount of afternoon sunshine, although temperatures will still not feel very summer-like,” they added.

Nighttime lows will range from 16 to 12°C, while daytime highs will be between 22 and 26°C, around 20°C in the northeast.

On Wednesday, the weather will start clear to partly cloudy, but showers or storms are expected in the evening in Bohemia. Nighttime lows will be between 15 and 11°C, with daytime highs from 27 to 31°C.

“Wednesday will also be sunny, but cloudiness will increase in the evening from the west in Bohemia. Showers or storms could appear, especially in Bohemia, but significant rainfall is not expected,” the weekly forecast adds.

Thursday will see a brief cooling in Bohemia, though temperatures in Moravia will remain above 30°C.

“The mild cooling won’t last long, as temperatures will start to rise again from Friday,” meteorologists predict.

The weekend will be sunny and tropical, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 33°C.

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Archaeologists in the Czech Republic have found a hoard of buried weapons and jewelry dating to around 1600 BC, a rare discovery that could shed more light on life in central Europe during the Bronze Age.

Researchers surveying a site in the town of Budyně nad Ohří stumbled upon bronze artifacts, including eight axes and pieces of jewelry, from over 3,600 years ago.

The site, 40km northwest of Prague, was first found a year ago by an archaeologist using a metal detector.

A series of excavations since have unearthed eight arm rings, as many axes, two pins, and one spearhead, all dating to the Bronze Age.

Researchers suspect the artifacts were part of a collection that was purposefully buried underground. While researchers are still not quite sure why the objects were hidden in that place, they have three theories.

Researchers have analyzed the artifacts uncovered over the past year and are certain about their age but suspect one of the axes is much older.

During the Bronze Age, which spanned from 3,300 BC to 1,200 BC, people in Europe made the shift from fashioning tools from stones to using bronze, an alloy that was made by melting and mixing tin and copper.

Around 1,200 BC, archaeological evidence suggests, most of the Bronze Age societies collapsed and were abandoned, likely due to conflicts.

Towards the end of the Bronze Age, entire kingdoms, empires, cities and societies collapsed within just a few decades throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.

Although similar hoards of Bronze Age artifacts have been discovered elsewhere, researchers described the latest find in the Czech Republic as “still quite rare.”

The bracelets discovered at the site were worn as forearm ornaments just as they would be today while the pins were likely used to fasten clothing or to style women’s hair, scientists said.

The artifacts would go on display at the Podřipské Museum in Roudnice nad Labem in the near future.

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Prague will, once again, have a direct connection with China.

Effective 24 June, Hainan Airlines is resuming its direct route to Beijing, which the carrier will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Flights will be served by an Airbus A330.

Flights will depart Beijing at 2:30 am, arriving in Prague at 6:45 am. The return flights will leave Prague at 2:00 pm, touching down in Beijing at 5:20 am the following day.

Ticket sales are yet to be announced.

Hainan Airlines holds the distinction of being the first Chinese carrier to connect Prague with Beijing. The inaugural flight took place in September 2015.

Then-President Miloš Zeman hailed the route’s launch as a significant achievement of Czech-Chinese relations. Initially, due to passenger loads, the Airbus A330-300 deployed on the route continued onwards to Belgrade after serving Prague for three years.

Prior to the pandemic, other Chinese airlines operating flights from Prague to China included Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu) and China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai and Xi’an).

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