A new report from the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) compares life in Prague with 11 other European cities, following a typical resident’s day—from housing and commuting to work, education, and leisure. Based on verified data collected directly from partner cities, the study highlights both Prague’s strengths and its biggest challenges. Prague Has Some of Europe’s Least Affordable Housing The report found that Prague has the least affordable owner-occupied housing among the cities compared. Buying an apartment requires more than 13 years of gross salary, placing Prague alongside cities such as Barcelona, Munich, and Amsterdam. Unlike many Western European cities, Prague also lacks relatively affordable rental housing. Renting a 60-square-meter apartment costs around 40% of the average salary in Prague. By comparison, the same apartment would consume about 28% of average income in Munich and just 14% in Vienna. Strong Job Market, But Lower Incomes Prague continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, making it relatively easy to find work. However, real incomes remain below those of most Western European capitals. Workers in Munich earn roughly 50% more than those in Prague, while wages in cities such as Copenhagen have grown steadily over the...
Prague’s growing pizza scene gained international attention after four local restaurants were recognized in the 50 Top Pizza Europa 2026 guide. The biggest success went to Pizza Nuova, which secured 30th place among the best pizzerias in Europe outside Italy. While the restaurant slipped a few places compared with last year’s ranking, it remains the only Czech establishment to appear in the guide’s main European list. Located near Prague’s Kotva department store, Pizza Nuova has built its reputation on authentic Neapolitan pizza made with premium Italian ingredients. The restaurant also holds certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organization that promotes traditional Neapolitan pizza-making standards. Prague’s recognition extended beyond a single restaurant. Three additional venues received the guide’s Excellent Pizzerias distinction, awarded to restaurants that consistently demonstrate outstanding quality. This year’s recipients are Da Pietro, Sasy The Original, and Diskotéka in Prague’s Dejvice district. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pizzeria Da Pietro Praha (@dapietropraha) Diskotéka is one of this year’s notable newcomers. Shortly after opening, the restaurant attracted attention for its distinctive interior, centered around a large silver pizza oven designed to resemble a disco ball. Alongside its food, the venue hosts DJ...
Czech women earn significantly less than men on average, with the annual difference estimated at CZK 109,000. New figures based on Eurostat data show the country’s gender pay gap remains above the EU average. Across the EU, employed women earn an estimated CZK 93,800 less annually than men on average. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which converted the hourly wage gap into annual earnings, estimates that the combined difference across the bloc amounts to more than CZK 8.65 trillion every year. Czech Republic exceeds the EU average According to Eurostat, women across the European Union earned 11.1% less per hour than men in 2024. In practical terms, women received CZK 88.90 for every CZK 100 earned by men. The figures cover companies with at least ten employees. Applying that methodology, the ETUC estimates that women in the Czech Republic earn roughly CZK 108,700 less per year than men, placing the country above the EU average. Only a handful of member states recorded larger estimated annual gaps. Finland ranked highest at around CZK 183,500, followed by Austria (CZK 165,600), Germany (CZK 146,200) and Sweden (CZK 123,600). At the opposite end of the scale, Luxembourg was the only EU country where...
Visitors in Prague and Stockholm will soon be able to communicate across borders through a pair of interactive public art installations designed to exchange anonymous messages between the two cities. The linked installations, created by the Czech initiative Praho! project and its Swedish partner Stockholm! project, will open in Stockholm on August 20 and in Prague on August 31. The installations are designed as private spaces intended for one visitor at a time. After entering, participants answer a series of questions before listening to an authentic audio recording left by someone in the other city. They are then invited to record their own message, creating an ongoing exchange between residents and visitors in Prague and Stockholm. According to the project team, the concept explores what happens when anonymous thoughts become personal through the human voice. “The installation creates a space where you first listen to someone else—and only then can you speak,” the organizers said. “We want to explore how connecting two different cities through shared experiences can foster understanding.” The initiative is part of Art & Design Without Borders, an international collaboration supported by the Erasmus+ programme. The project brings together organizations from the Czech Republic and Sweden to...
International drugstores, fashion retailers, discount chains and restaurant concepts are preparing to open their first locations in Czechia, adding new competition for established players. Here are some of the biggest brands expected to enter the Czech market. Müller German retailer Müller is preparing to launch in the Czech Republic. The company has already established a Czech branch and website, although it has not yet announced the opening date of its first store. Unlike traditional drugstores, Müller combines cosmetics and personal care products with toys, stationery, household goods, pet supplies and organic food. The chain operates nearly 1,000 stores across nine European countries and will compete with established Czech market leaders such as dm, Rossmann and Teta. Krispy Kreme American doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is reportedly searching for a location in central Prague and could open its first Czech store soon. Founded in North Carolina in 1937, the company became famous worldwide for its Original Glazed doughnuts and stores where customers can watch the production process. Ochnik Polish fashion brand Ochnik plans an ambitious expansion in the Czech Republic, with 15 to 20 stores expected by the end of 2026. The company specializes in leather jackets, footwear, luggage and accessories. It...
Passengers departing from Prague Airport this summer are being advised to plan ahead as the airport prepares for its busiest travel season in years. To help travelers avoid unnecessary delays, the airport has released a list of practical recommendations covering transport, security screening, travel documents and baggage rules. Leave Extra Time to Reach the Airport The biggest challenge this summer is expected to be road access to the terminals. Construction at the Aviatická–Lipská intersection may cause traffic congestion on routes leading to the airport. Airport officials recommend using public transport whenever possible, as buses are not affected by the roadworks. Travelers arriving by car should allow extra time to reach the terminals, particularly during peak holiday periods. Self-Service Check-In Can Save Time Passengers can speed up the departure process by using the airport’s self-service facilities. Prague Airport now offers 31 check-in kiosks and 32 self-service baggage drop counters, available for flights operated by 18 participating airlines. Before heading to the airport, travelers should also verify the entry requirements for their destination. Those flying to the United Kingdom, for example, now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Bring Physical Travel Documents Although many travelers rely on digital wallets and...
France is moving toward stricter rules on children’s use of social networks, while a similar debate is gaining attention in the Czech Republic. Lawmakers, educators and experts are increasingly discussing whether children should face age restrictions on social media and tighter limits on smartphone use in schools. The issue has grown across Europe amid concerns about excessive screen time, cyberbullying, online safety and children’s exposure to unsuitable content. France has become one of the first European countries to push forward with legislation that would prevent children under the age of 15 from creating accounts on social media platforms. The French Senate has approved the proposal, which still requires approval from the lower house of parliament before it can become law. If adopted, the measure would take effect on September 1 and require online platforms to introduce age verification systems. Companies would also have to remove accounts belonging to underage users within four months. The French proposal also includes restrictions on mobile phone use in secondary schools, reflecting a wider European discussion about the role of smartphones in children’s lives. Czech Republic considers stricter rules for smartphones in schools The Czech Republic has so far focused mainly on regulating mobile phone...
The Prague Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) has started regular maintenance work on Charles Bridge, with restorers and specialists currently removing algae, moss and unwanted vegetation. The work is aimed at protecting the bridge’s sandstone elements from long-term damage caused by moisture and biological growth. According to TSK, the maintenance will continue over the coming weeks and will not affect pedestrian access or tourism on one of Prague’s most visited landmarks. Specialists are carrying out the work using climbing equipment and a support boat, allowing them to reach areas that are difficult to access from the bridge itself. The method enables detailed cleaning while avoiding any need to close the bridge to visitors. Experts say removing vegetation is an essential part of preserving Charles Bridge. Plants and microorganisms growing on the stone surface can retain moisture, which gradually weakens the masonry and accelerates natural deterioration. Restorers use traditional cleaning techniques The maintenance is being carried out manually using traditional restoration methods. Workers remove algae and other growth with controlled water pressure, silicone brushes and specialised tools. After cleaning the stone surfaces, restorers inspect and repair the joints between individual blocks. Damaged sections are cleaned to a depth of around two...
You don’t need a plane ticket to experience the rhythms of Brazil—just a train to Brno. Brno will once again become a hub of Brazilian culture as the city welcomes the return of Brasil Fest Brno, the largest event of its kind in Central Europe. The three-day festival kicks off on Thursday, with a full schedule of concerts, dance performances, and street parades bringing a tropical flair to Brno’s historic center. On Saturday, the festival’s main parade will move through the city center, joined by hundreds of dancers and musicians from across Europe and Latin America. The route starts at Moravské náměstí and ends at Zelný trh. This year, for the first time, the parade will include a five-meter puppet of the Brno dragon, decorated in the Brazilian national colors. The festival’s programme will open on Thursday, July 30, with a special concert by Hamilton de Holanda Trio at Špilberk Castle’s Summer Cinema. The Brazilian mandolinist, winner of the 2025 Latin Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album, is one of the leading figures of contemporary Brazilian music. On Friday, the festival will move to the city centre with free performances at Moravské náměstí and náměstí Svobody. Visitors can look forward...
Looking to swap your car for something more adventurous? Take a step back in time aboard the narrow-gauge railway that winds through the Osoblaha region in the Bruntál district, near the Czech-Polish border. This charming line, originally opened in 1898, still runs today, offering passengers a scenic ride through rolling countryside, forests, and quaint villages. The railway stretches just over 20 kilometers, connecting Třemešná ve Slezsku to Osoblaha, and is the only narrow-gauge track of its kind in Czechia still in regular seasonal use. From May to November, visitors can hop aboard historic steam or motor locomotives. With windows down and the rhythm of the train echoing across the fields, it’s a peaceful way to experience this remote corner of the Moravian-Silesian Region. Find more info here View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kolej na Brochowie (@kolejnabrochowieofficial) History The railway was built with a narrow 760 mm gauge, and its construction began in the spring of 1898. The first official train ran later that same year, on December 14. After World War I, it became part of the newly formed Czechoslovak State Railways (ČSD). During World War II, in 1938, the line was seized by...
Five trade unions at Václav Havel Prague Airport and ČSA Handling have announced strike readiness over the appointment of Radomír Lašák as the new head of Letiště Praha. The unions’ announcement does not currently affect airport operations. Prague Airport confirmed that all flights are operating normally and passengers should not expect disruptions, delays, or cancellations. The labour groups oppose Lašák’s appointment, pointing to his previous role in the management of Czech Airlines before the carrier entered bankruptcy proceedings. They have also raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process for the airport’s top executive position. Trade union representatives are seeking more information about possible future changes to the airport’s management structure, financial strategy, and personnel policy. They argue that employees have not received sufficient guarantees about the company’s future direction. Additional concerns emerged after Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the government was considering a possible stock market listing of part of Prague Airport’s shares. Unions fear that such a move could bring changes to the airport’s operations and affect job security. Finance Minister Alena Šillerová rejected the concerns, saying there was no reason for employees to worry. According to her, Lašák was selected as the strongest candidate through an...
Passengers using the iconic Petřín Cable Car will pay more when the service resumes in September. The city council has approved a new fare of 100 CZK for a single ride, up from the previous 60 CZK. The increase comes after a two-year shutdown during which the historic line underwent major reconstruction. The cable car has been out of operation since September 2024, with new vehicles built in Switzerland now undergoing final testing before returning to service. The first passengers are expected to board the renewed cable car in September, but the experience will come at a higher cost. Passengers who purchase tickets electronically will pay a discounted fare of 90 CZK. Children under 15 and seniors over 65 will continue to travel free of charge. The ride will also remain included in Prague’s 24-hour and 72-hour public transport tickets, as well as long-term travel passes. The Petřín Cable Car, one of Prague’s most popular attractions, connects the Újezd area with Petřín Hill and provides access to one of the city’s most visited viewpoints. The service has been closed while the track, technology and vehicles were being upgraded. The newly manufactured cars feature a modern design and are currently completing...
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