Starting Monday, January 6, Prague will face significant metro service restrictions, with two stations closing for extensive renovations. Pankrác on Line C and Českomoravská on Line B will be shut down for approximately a year, impacting thousands of daily commuters. Pankrác Station: A Year-Long Closure for Line D Connection The Pankrác station will close for 12 months to facilitate the integration of the newly constructed Line D. To compensate, tram line 19—recently extended to the shopping center near Pankrác—will provide an alternative route. This tram connects Pankrác to the nearby Pražského povstání metro station, offering commuters a convenient detour. Českomoravská Station: Reconstruction Near O2 Arena The Českomoravská station near the O2 Arena will be reconstructed for the next 11 months. Passengers are advised to utilize surface transport alternatives from the Vysočanská metro station. Bus routes will connect key stops, including Poliklinika Vysočany, Divadlo Gong, and the Českomoravská bus interchange. Transport Adjustments During O2 Arena Events For events at the O2 Arena, Prague’s public transport authority plans to strengthen surface transport lines. Despite this, travelers are encouraged to walk from the Vysočanská station to avoid potential delays. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Four branches of Prague’s National Gallery will offer free entry for two consecutive days, February 8 and 9, 2025, as part of its birthday celebrations marking 229 years since its founding. On both days, visitors can enjoy free access to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The offer applies to all visitors, regardless of age or nationality, welcoming locals and tourists. The announcement was made on the National Gallery’s official website. Exhibitions Open to the Public The free entry promotion includes several exhibitions across four locations: Old Masters I (Staří Mistři I) – Schwarzenberg Palace Old Masters II (Staří Mistři II) – Sternberg Palace Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe (1200–1550) – Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia 1796–1918: Art of the Long Century – Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác) 1918–1938: The First Republic – Trade Fair Palace 1956–1989: Architecture for All – Trade Fair Palace 1939–2021: The End of the Black-and-White Era – Trade Fair Palace Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Prague Transport Company is gearing up to expand the city’s tram network significantly. Construction of a new tram line in Malešice is set to begin this year, alongside connecting tracks from Wenceslas Square to Vinohradská Street. By next year, work on three additional lines—Libuše to Nové Dvory, Malovanka to Strahov, and a route through the new district at the Žižkov Freight Station—will also commence, according to iDNES. The Malešice line will stretch 2.3 kilometers, running through the middle of Počernická Street from the existing Vinohradská tracks to a turning point at Sídliště Malešice. Six stops, provisionally named Hagibor, Na Palouku, Hostýnská, Plaňanská, Tuchorazská, and Sídliště Malešice, are planned along the route. The project, estimated at 1.75 billion crowns excluding VAT, is currently in the tender phase to select a construction company. In addition, DPP will start building tracks across Legerova Street near the National Museum. These tracks will connect the upper part of Wenceslas Square to Vinohradská Street. “We are finalizing the public tender for the contractor and expect construction to begin this spring,” said Daniel Šabík, the company’s spokesperson. Future Plans: Expansion Across Prague Next year, the Prague Transport Company will kick off construction on a 2-kilometer line...
Lidl has officially opened its first outlet store in the Czech Republic, offering customers significant discounts on clothes, tools, household goods, and other consumer items. The store, located in Prague’s Štěrboholy Retail Park, promises savings of 40% to 70% on its wide-ranging inventory. The new outlet spans 1,700 square meters, featuring only new and flawless goods at reduced prices. Lidl spokeswoman Eliška Froschová Stehlíková confirmed that the inventory will be restocked weekly based on demand. “Our aim is to establish a consistent sales channel for products that need to make way for new promotions in our standard stores. This concept draws inspiration from similar Lidl outlets successfully operating in countries like Hungary, Portugal, and Spain,” she explained. If the Štěrboholy outlet proves successful, Lidl plans to expand this concept to other locations across the country, providing more opportunities for shoppers to take advantage of discounted prices. The outlet store is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In addition to ample parking, visitors can enjoy a variety of drinks and coffee on-site, making their shopping experience more enjoyable. Lidl entered the Czech Republic in 2003, later than its main competitor, Tesco. Its launch was marred by controversies over the...
The historic center of Prague came alive with New Year celebrations as thousands of people gathered to welcome 2025. Old Town Square and parts of Wenceslas Square were the main hotspots, despite ongoing construction limiting access in certain areas. While the atmosphere was festive, emergency services were on high alert, responding to fires and minor injuries throughout the night. Crowds Fill Old Town Square Amid Construction Challenges In the evening, Old Town Square saw a steady influx of tourists. The usual New Year hub, Wenceslas Square, was less crowded this year due to construction work in its upper section, which limited pedestrian movement and discouraged large gatherings. Security forces noted a higher number of visitors at Old Town Square compared to previous years. According to Prague City Tourism, approximately 100,000 tourists arrived in the city for the celebrations, a slight increase from last year’s 90,000. Visitors from countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Ukraine filled the streets, joined later by locals braving the cold for the festivities. Emergency Services Handle Dozens of Incidents Emergency responders were kept busy throughout the night. Firefighters attended eight fires by 10 p.m., mostly involving garbage bins and vegetation. A more serious...
The first baby of 2025 born in Prague is a boy named Artur. He was born 26 minutes after midnight at Motol University Hospital, according to hospital spokeswoman Jana Merxbauerová. Shortly after, at the Institute for Mother and Child Care in Podolí, another boy was born at 12:41 AM. Named Matěj, he weighed 3,240 grams, said spokeswoman Gabriela Hošková. Two births were also expected during the night at Thomayer University Hospital in Krč, with another newborn anticipated after midnight at Královské Vinohrady University Hospital. Prague’s first baby of 2024 was a girl named Lara, born just eight minutes after midnight at Bulovka University Hospital. The first baby of the new year in the Czech Republic was born just after midnight. A girl named Tereza was delivered at the Písek maternity hospital two minutes past midnight. A Reward for New Year’s Day Babies Prague maintains a long-standing tradition of rewarding babies born on New Year’s Day. Every child born on January 1 to mothers with permanent residence in the capital receives a 15,000 CZK gift from the city. According to municipal records, this practice likely began in the 1960s. Initially, only the first baby of the year received a gift, but...
Prague is gearing up for the New Year’s Eve celebration, with an estimated 100,000 tourists arriving from the Czech Republic and abroad. In response, hundreds of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters will be on duty to ensure public safety and maintain order during the festivities. Heightened Security Across the City Police forces from various departments will patrol the streets, focusing on enforcing regulations and preventing disturbances. Officers will particularly monitor compliance with local decrees that ban the use of pyrotechnics in specific areas, such as the city center, embankments, parks, hospitals, the zoo, and shelters. Violators face fines of up to CZK 10,000 on the spot, or as high as CZK 100,000 through administrative proceedings. The use of sky lanterns is prohibited across the capital. Eva Kropáčová, a police spokesperson, emphasized the importance of adhering to these restrictions: “Officers will be on the lookout for violations in restricted areas to ensure a safe environment for all residents and visitors.” Police have assured the public that, while there are no known security threats, patrols will be visible in areas with large crowds and so-called “soft targets.” Emergency Services on High Alert From 3 p.m., medical personnel will be stationed at key...
Thanks to a recent solar eruption, astronomy enthusiasts might be able to witness the aurora borealis on New Year’s Eve. According to astronomers, a plasma cloud of charged particles ejected by the Sun last Thursday is expected to hit Earth on the evening of December 31. This could trigger a geomagnetic storm strong enough to make the northern lights visible even in the Czech Republic, says Petr Horálek from the Institute of Physics at the Silesian University in Opava. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a geomagnetic storm of up to class G3, likely starting in the second half of New Year’s Eve. However, the occurrence of the phenomenon isn’t guaranteed, as predicting solar wind behavior is highly complex,” Horálek explains. To increase your chances of seeing the aurora, Horálek recommends finding a clear view of the northern horizon, far from light pollution, and keeping an eye on real-time aurora monitors. The University of Opava has also released a video guide with detailed instructions for viewing the northern lights. While the aurora remains uncertain, skywatchers can already spot Venus, which is shining brightly in the southwestern sky at dusk. Venus, often referred to as the “Evening Star,”...
Prague residents can expect higher water and sewage bills in 2025. The city council approved a price hike during its final meeting of the year, citing inflation and infrastructure investments as key reasons for the increase. Starting in January, the price of water per cubic meter, including VAT, will rise by 4.4%, from 144.88 CZK to 151.27 CZK. This translates to an increase of 6.39 CZK per cubic meter. “Based on average water consumption, the rise should cost about 20 CZK more per person each month, or 240 CZK annually,” said Infrastructure Councilor Michal Hroza (TOP 09). He added that despite the adjustment, Prague’s water and sewage prices remain well below the socially acceptable limit defined by the OECD. The OECD sets this threshold at 2% of a household’s annual net income. For Prague, this benchmark corresponds to a water price of 243.83 CZK per cubic meter. A Gradual Price Strategy Through 2035 The price increase aligns with a city strategy approved through 2035, designed to secure funds for the development and modernization of infrastructure. This plan allows for annual price adjustments by the average inflation rate plus 2% until 2028. After that, increases will align only with inflation. While...
Czechia, with its diverse mountain ranges and well-developed ski infrastructure, offers a variety of options for winter sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the top ski resorts to consider for your next winter getaway: 1. SkiResort Černá hora – Pec Located in the Krkonoše Mountains, this is the largest ski resort in Czechia, boasting over 50 kilometers of slopes. It offers modern facilities, including cable cars and chairlifts, and caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. The interconnected areas provide a diverse skiing experience. Buy your ski pass at home You need just one ski pass to have an access to all the 50 kilometres of slopes. You can buy it on-line and pick it up at any of the 9 sKiosk vending machines. 2. Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort Also situated in the Krkonoše Mountains, Špindlerův Mlýn is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the country. With approximately 25 kilometers of slopes, it offers a variety of runs for all skill levels. The resort is known for its vibrant après-ski scene and regularly hosts international competitions. Choose one of the 5 ski areas. The best-known area is Svatý Petr (St. Peter), followed by Medvědín, Hromovka, Labská, and finally...
The end of the year in the Czech Republic will bring unpredictable weather, with rain, snow, and icy conditions. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as roads may become hazardous. Meteorologists have issued warnings for icy conditions overnight and into Monday morning, especially where freezing fog persists. Monday’s forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies across the country. In the southern regions, skies may clear partially, but fog—potentially freezing—will linger in places. Light snow or drizzle is expected intermittently. Daytime temperatures will range from -1°C to 3°C, with occasional peaks of up to 5°C. Tuesday promises slight relief with clear to partly cloudy skies. Daytime temperatures will climb to between 2°C and 7°C, though areas affected by prolonged fog will remain colder, around 0°C. Wednesday will bring more cloud cover, particularly in northern areas where rain and snowfall are forecast. Snowfall will primarily occur at elevations above 800 meters. Freezing fog may also appear intermittently. Temperatures will range from 3°C to 7°C, but areas with fog will stay around 1°C. A moderate southwest wind of 2–6 m/s is expected, with gusts in parts of Bohemia and Silesia reaching up to 15 m/s. By Thursday, skies will become predominantly cloudy to overcast. Rain...
Prague is gearing up for a surge of tourists this New Year’s Eve, with at least 100,000 visitors expected to arrive in the city on December 31 and January 1. These travelers will include both Czechs and international tourists, mainly from Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, Spain, the UK, the USA, and several Asian countries. This figure marks a 10% increase compared to last year. The projection comes from Prague City Tourism, the city’s tourism development agency, and is supported by data from the Czech Hotel and Restaurant Association. According to their findings, the city’s hotels, hostels, and other accommodations are already 85% booked for the upcoming festive period. In December 2023, Prague welcomed 709,607 domestic and international visitors. This year, the number is expected to rise to 750,000, solidifying Prague’s position as a key travel destination during the holiday season. Changing Tourism Trends Prague has historically been a favored destination for Russian tourists during December and January. However, following the Czech Republic’s decision to suspend tourist visas for Russian nationals due to the war in Ukraine, the flow of Russian travelers has significantly diminished. This gap has been filled by increased visitors from the United States, neighboring European countries, and...
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