News

Traffic Alert: Full Closure of Plzeňská Street to Disrupt Prague 5

A major reconstruction of Plzeňská Street in Prague 5 will begin at the end of June, bringing a series of traffic restrictions and detours through the summer Starting July 16, the section between Kartouzská and Erbenova streets will be completely closed to all car and bus traffic, with disruptions expected to last through August 29. The reconstruction is being driven by the urgent need to repair a severely deteriorated gas pipeline, with other infrastructure improvements taking place simultaneously. The scope of the project has drawn criticism from the Prague 5 mayor, Lukáš Herold (ODS), who says the timing—overlapping with other large-scale repairs in the district—could create unmanageable traffic congestion. “We explicitly asked the city to postpone the Plzeňská reconstruction until after the full rebuild of Peroutkova Street. Now, all three major arteries in Prague 5—Plzeňská, Peroutkova, and Holečkova—are under construction simultaneously. This will cause total traffic chaos,” Herold said. The reconstruction will include repairs to the gas pipeline, managed by Pražská plynárenská distribuce, which dates back to the 1950s and 1970s. According to board vice-chair Andrej Prn, around 600 meters will be replaced this year, with the remainder of the two-kilometer pipeline scheduled for next year. “The condition of the...

 by Prague Morning May 26, 2025

Name Change Ahead? Českomoravská May Become Arena Libeň

The Českomoravská metro station in Prague could soon be renamed Arena Libeň following its ongoing reconstruction. The move has received backing from Prague 9 officials, Ropid—the city’s transport planning authority—and Prague City Hall’s topographic commission, according to Ropid spokesperson Filip Drápal. Českomoravská, located on Metro Line B, has been closed since January 6 for extensive renovations. It is the nearest metro stop to the O2 Arena, a major concert and sports venue. Drápal explained that the idea to rename the station came from the O2 Arena’s operator after the closure began. The original proposal suggested the name Arena Praha, which was accepted by Prague 9’s administration. Ropid also supported the initiative, presenting it to the topographic commission on May 21, which formally recommended renaming the station to Arena Libeň. This isn’t the first time the name change has been discussed. A similar proposal was put forward in 2018, but officials ultimately retained the Českomoravská designation. However, the proposed renaming has drawn sharp criticism from members of the public. Opponents argue the move is unnecessary, potentially confusing, and disregards historical and geographic significance. “We see the incorporation of corporate or promotional names into public transport as a dangerous precedent,” the petition...

 by Kathy Zabinski May 26, 2025

Fresh, Local, Cheaper: Where to Pick Strawberries in Czechia

Craving fresh strawberries for dumplings, jam, or homemade cakes? Good news: the 2025 strawberry season has officially started in the Czech Republic, and many farms are already opening their fields to the public for self-picking. Due to an unusually cold May followed by drought conditions, the season is off to a slower start this year. Some farms have already opened their gates, while others are waiting for the berries to fully ripen in early June. Either way, now is the time to grab a basket and head out. Self-picking strawberries might take more effort than buying them in the store, but the reward is worth it: lower prices, fresher fruit, and unbeatable flavor. Here’s a regional breakdown of where you can go strawberry picking and what you can expect to pay: Prague Kunratice: Picking begins between June 5–10, priced at approx. 100 CZK/kg Central Bohemian Region Sedlčánky Strawberry Farm: Opens May 23, approx. 79 CZK/kg Bříství Orchards: Opens May 24, approx. 99 CZK/kg Starokolínské Strawberries: Opens May 24, approx. 80 CZK/kg Pardubice Region Drahoš Farm: Opens June 10 Hradec Králové Region Lhota pod Libčany Agrodružstvo: Expected to open around late May to early June Ústí Region Brozany Strawberry Farm: Opens...

 by Prague Morning May 26, 2025

Heydrich Assassination Took Place 83 Years Ago

On the morning of May 27, 1942, around 10:30, two men, Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, waited in the sharp bend of a road near the Bulovka hospital in Prague 8. Bicycles were parked nearby for an escape and one was wearing a long coat to conceal his machine gun. These men were waiting to ambush one of the key men of the Third Reich, the butcher of Prague, Reinhard Heydrich. Operation Anthropoid Planned by British special operations and supported by the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, the preparation for Heydrich’s assassination, called Operation Anthropoid, involved officers Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš as the major players. They were airlifted from Great Britain to Czechoslovakia along with seven other Czech soldiers in December of 1941. After scratching plans to kill Heydrich on a train and in his car in a forest, the plan was to attack him at a sharp turn in the Libeň district of Prague on his way from his home in Panenské Březany. The assassination attempt Gabčík and Kubiš were positioned at the tram stop near Bulovka Hospital, where there was a bend in the road,d while their colleague Josef Valčík signaled with a mirror the arrival of Heydrich’s open-roofed Mercedes-Benz....

 by Prague Morning May 26, 2025

Pro-Palestinian Protest Shadows Israeli Festival in Prague

A pro-Palestinian protest rally and a festival of Israeli culture took place almost side-by-side on Prague’s Štvanice island on Sunday.  The festival, celebrating Israeli culture, cuisine, music, and traditions, features dozens of stalls offering books, jewelry, snacks, and religious items such as the menorah. The day’s schedule included lectures, concerts, and workshops — even a program for children with activities like Hebrew lessons and craft stations. But beneath the festive atmosphere, tensions were palpable. Under the Štvanice footbridge, pro-Palestinian activists staged a demonstration, accusing the Israeli state of committing genocide in Gaza. Protesters displayed banners and waved flags just steps from the festival entrance. The bridge itself has become symbolic — with “Free Palestine” signs on one side and Israeli flags on the other, reflecting the broader geopolitical divide. The event area was fenced off and guarded by dozens of police officers and members of the anti-conflict team. Entry required passing through security checks, and demonstrators were kept at a distance by a heavy police presence. Nearby, another group attempted a quieter form of protest — a picnic. They spread out blankets and intended to raise Palestinian flags, but were instructed by police that any political expression must take place...

 by Pavel Páral May 25, 2025

Heading to Dubai? You’ll Soon Have More Flights from Prague

Flydubai is expanding its Prague–Dubai flight schedule, offering ten weekly connections between the two cities starting October through April. This move, announced by Prague Airport on Facebook, will introduce new morning departures from Prague every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, in addition to the airline’s existing evening flights. Currently, flydubai operates the route once daily, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The new schedule will significantly increase convenience for travelers heading to Dubai for business or leisure. Flydubai is not the only airline serving this popular route. Emirates continues to offer daily service between Prague and Dubai, using its Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. In addition, Smartwings will resume its winter service on the route. Tickets for the 2025/2026 winter season are already available. Flights will depart Prague’s Václav Havel Airport at 09:20 AM, also using Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Travelers heading to the United Arab Emirates will also have the option to fly to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways. Starting in June, Etihad will operate four weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning May 25, 2025

May Ends With Rain and Rising Temperatures in Czechia

Summer is on the doorstep in Czechia, and while temperatures are expected to rise, rain will be a steady companion for much of the week. According to forecasts from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, the final days of May will be marked by fluctuating weather, swinging between sunshine and storms. Monday suggests variable cloudiness, beginning with overcast skies and occasional clearing during the day. Showers will remain widespread, and thunderstorms may appear sporadically. The weather is expected to stabilize as the day progresses, with less precipitation and more sunshine. Night temperatures will hold between 8 and 12°C, and daytime highs will reach 17 to 22°C. Tuesday promises a calmer weather pattern, with skies mostly partly cloudy and only occasional showers, primarily in mountainous areas or the east. Wednesday begins with partly cloudy skies, but cloudiness will increase as the day unfolds. Expect evening showers or thunderstorms, especially from the northwest. Morning temperatures will sit between 8 and 12°C, with daytime highs climbing to 19 to 24°C. Expect a mostly rainy Thursday. Skies will be predominantly overcast, and showers or thunderstorms are likely across most regions. Morning lows will range from 9 to 14°C, with daily highs of 15 to 20°C. Looking...

 by Prague Morning May 25, 2025

Festival Celebrating Israeli Culture and Food Returns to Prague

Get to know Israeli culture up close – the third year of the Israel on the River festival returns to Strelecky Island on Sunday, May 25. The third edition of the Israel on Vltava event  will take place on Sunday, May 25. Strelecky Island will come alive with Israeli music, great cuisine and lots of talsk, workshops and entertainment. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a diverse lineup of live performances and interactive events. From traditional dance workshops and martial arts to photography exhibitions and language sessions, the program offers something for everyone — including a special area for children. Expect the sounds of Israeli Prague Allstars, the melodic DUO Flora, and the energetic Quarter to Africa, all performing live on the Main Stage, which will close the evening with a DJ set. Visitors can also explore thought-provoking discussions and artistic showcases under the Tent Stage, including talks by foreign correspondent Jakub Szántó and graffiti artist Benci. Meanwhile, the Children’s Stage will host interactive workshops led by the Jewish Museum and Hebrew lessons for younger attendees. And of course, no Israeli festival would be complete without food — expect picnic vibes with authentic Israeli dishes, as well as games like backgammon...

 by Prague Morning May 24, 2025

Prague Pool Denies Entry to Woman in Burkini Over Hygiene Rule

A woman wearing a burkini was denied access to a Prague swimming pool this spring, despite the swimwear being allowed during the summer months. The incident occurred at the wellness facility of Hotel Step and has since gained attention after a video surfaced on social media, drawing criticism and raising questions about discrimination and hygiene policies. The video, initially posted on TikTok in April by an English-speaking user who identified the woman as his sister, showed a group of Muslim women at the pool entrance. It then cuts to a sign listing approved swimwear, which includes full-body suits such as burkinis. However, the pool’s rules only allow such attire during July and August, citing hygiene reasons. According to Josef Vítovský, director of the Prague branch of Infinit, which operates the hotel’s wellness center, the staff acted according to established rules. “Yes, we were aware of the situation. Our staff notified their supervisors immediately, and we reviewed it internally,” he said. Vítovský explained that the rule banning full-body swimsuits during most of the year stems from hygiene standards aimed at preserving water quality. “These swimsuits cover a larger surface area, which can trap more dirt or contaminants. Additionally, it’s impossible to...

 by Prague Morning May 23, 2025

Iron Maiden Launches First Official Fan Bar in Prague

Prague will host the world premiere of Iron Maiden’s official fan bar, Eddie’s Dive Bar, kicking off a weekend of metal, beer, and celebration. The iconic British band is launching the first-ever fan zone of its kind on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, as part of its global “Run for Your Lives” anniversary tour. The celebration will coincide with Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary concert at Letňany Airport on May 31, drawing thousands of fans from across Europe. The venue for this milestone is Prague’s Riegrovy Sady. The bar will feature exclusive merchandise, limited-edition posters, and drinks crafted for the occasion—including the fan-favorite Trooper beer and a specially branded Eddie’s Darkest Red Wine. “When Iron Maiden celebrates, the whole world celebrates,” said David Salomon, spokesperson for Riegrovy Sady. “We’re honored that our Energy Pub was chosen for this official fan zone. This will be an unforgettable party with beer, music, and pure metal energy.” Alongside Iron Maiden-themed beverages, the fan bar will offer beer from ten Czech microbreweries and a Pilsner Urquell taproom, giving international fans a taste of local brewing traditions. Food lovers will also get to sample Czech gastronomy, with food stalls complementing the drink selection. The two-day...

 by Prague Morning May 23, 2025

Prague Church to Ring Bell Forged from Ukraine War Weapons

A bell partly made from weapons used in the war in Ukraine will soon ring in the heart of Prague. Cast by the renowned Dutch foundry Royal Eijsbouts, the bell will be installed in the Church of the Most Holy Savior and consecrated during a special ceremony on Thursday, June 5. Both the Czech presidential couple and the Dutch royal couple are expected to attend. The bell, 69 centimeters in diameter and weighing over 220 kilograms, cost approximately CZK 550,000. It is already completed and currently housed at the Royal Eijsbouts factory in the Netherlands, awaiting its transport to Prague next week. The idea behind the bell is deeply symbolic. Its material — recycled fragments of artillery shells, rockets, and other weaponry used during the Russian invasion of Ukraine — was collected in Ukraine and brought to the Netherlands in February with the help of the Ukrainian embassy. This wasn’t a routine project. Using war metal presented technical challenges, particularly in predicting how it would affect the bell’s sound quality and casting properties. The bell is more than a musical instrument. It’s a diplomatic symbol, designed to reinforce the solidarity between the Czech Republic and the Netherlands in their support...

 by Prague Morning May 23, 2025

John Malkovich Brings Intimate Drama to Prague’s Hybernia Theatre

Oscar-nominated actor John Malkovich is coming to Prague, performing live at the Hybernia Theatre in a rare and intimate stage production. Alongside renowned Lithuanian actress Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė—recognizable to many from Mission: Impossible—Malkovich will take on the lead role in In the Solitude of Cotton Fields, a powerful existential drama by French playwright Bernard-Marie Koltès. The performance, presented in English with Czech subtitles, will run for two nights only—Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22—offering a unique opportunity for local audiences to experience world-class theatre in the heart of Prague. Directed by Russian director Timofey Kuljabin, who previously visited Prague with the opera Distant Sound in 2022, the production explores themes of desire, isolation, and power dynamics through a hypnotic dialogue between two unnamed characters—a dealer and a client. Their interaction, filled with unspoken tension, rejection, and fascination, forms the emotional core of Koltès’s script. “This is a very strong and contemporary piece,” says Malkovich, speaking about his return to the Czech stage. “We’ve had the privilege of working with incredible people connected to the local theatre scene. Timofey’s work at the State Opera made a real impact here.” Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning May 23, 2025

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