Prague is seeing a surge in Airbnb prices, prompting the government to plan new regulations. This year, tourists are expected to return to the Czech Republic in droves, with many using short-term rental platforms for their accommodation. This is confirmed by data from Seven Keys, a company managing 85 apartments in central Prague for Airbnb rentals. “Thanks to the high seasonal demand, we were able to raise prices by about 25%. We also had to increase cleaning fees due to rising costs,” says Zuzana Benešová, founder of Seven Keys. Despite the price hikes, tourists remain undeterred. “Over the past two years, we’ve reached 80% occupancy in April and May, which is 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels,” Benešová says. “Bookings for spring and summer are already strong, suggesting this will be our peak season since the pandemic.” Market Analysis Shows Price Rise Published statistics by AirDNA, a market research firm, confirm the rising cost of vacation rentals on short-term accommodation platforms. According to their data, the average daily rate in Prague alone has increased by about a third over the past two years. In April 2022, the average daily price for accommodation in Prague was CZK 2,500. This April, the average...
Czech regional airports are spreading their wings! In a historic first, Ostrava will offer direct flights to both Phuket, Thailand, and the idyllic island of Mauritius. Sun-seekers in Brno will also rejoice, as they’ll gain access to these same tropical paradises. While Brno already boasted direct Thailand flights last season, Mauritius is a brand new adventure for both airports. These exciting new routes will be operated as charter flights in collaboration with travel agency Čedok and Italian carrier Neos. “This winter season marks a new chapter not only for Čedok, but also for Ostrava and Brno airports,” says Čedok CEO Stanislav Zeman. “We’re committed to bringing the world closer to our clients, offering comfortable travel experiences that allow them to explore new horizons.” Zeman highlights Thailand’s enduring popularity as a top exotic destination for Čedok. This motivated the agency to offer direct flights to Phuket from both Brno and Ostrava during the winter months. For those seeking the allure of Mauritius, Čedok provides a convenient option with a short stopover. Both routes will utilize Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners operated by Neos. Looking back, Zeman expressed ambitious expansion plans for Ostrava Airport in 2024. This summer, Čedok will fly passengers from the...
Franz Kafka fans rejoice! A special tram decorated with a portrait of the author and quotes from his works is now cruising through the streets of Prague. This unique initiative aims to attract visitors to the Czech capital throughout 2024, marking the centenary of Kafka’s passing in June, 1924. The commemorative tram, which will run on various routes, displays illustrations of Kafka with philosophical quotes – both in English and Czech – scattered along its exterior. “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us,” reads along one side of the tram. “Do not waste time looking for an obstacle – maybe there is none,” reads another. “He who sees does not need to ask,” is also displayed in Czech. The inside of the tram comes with more quotes and information about Kafka’s life. The tram isn’t the only tribute planned. Prague, along with the Ministry of Culture, has lined up an exciting program of events to commemorate this literary giant. Art enthusiasts will be captivated by “Franz Kafka-Elevation,” a captivating illustration by Magdalena Jetelová gracing the New Mill Water Tower. Furthermore, the city is supporting 14 additional projects with a total investment of CZK 1.4 million....
The Czech government is investing in nuclear energy as a means to decarbonization. The Czech government wants the new units to gradually go into service between 2029 and 2040, and fully phase out from Coal and Lignite by 2033. The goal is for oil and gas to be phased out by 2050, according to the ambitious National Energy and Climate Plan. The Czech Republic is traditionally a carbon energy exporter, yet its government is seemingly ready to cut ties. In a speech made in March at a nuclear energy summit in Brussels, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, “From the Czech perspective, nuclear is a cost-effective way to decarbonization. It brings grid stability and security of supply. It is the only way to reach our energy independence.” According to an exclusive IPSOS and Euronews poll, the Czech people are the least concerned EU electors, after the Poles, by climate change. 34% agree that climate is a priority, whilst 21% do not. Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela said an assessment of the bids should be completed by the end of May. The Czech Republic already relies on six nuclear reactors to generate more than a third of its electricity. Besides...
From 9 July 2024, Václav Havel Airport Prague will, once again, handle direct flights to Cairo. The national carrier of Egypt, EGYPTAIR, will operate the connection to the Egyptian capital three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The route will also offer interesting options for catching connecting flights to another 75 destinations within EGYPTAIR’s network, including cities in Egypt and the whole of Africa, China, and India. Direct regular flights to Cairo will land in Prague for the first time since 2011 when Czech Airlines ceased its operation of the route. To service the connection, the carrier will deploy Boeing 737-800 aircraft with capacity for 154 passengers divided into 16 Business Class seats and 138 Economy Class seats. With a population of ten million, Cairo is the second most populous city in Africa after Lagos. The capital of Egypt is located on the right bank of the River Nile. Its dominant features are modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels, which are in a juxtaposition to the ancient pyramids located on the left bank in Giza. Cairo’s most visited sights include a number of important museums, the world-famous Khan al-Khalili market, and the 186-metre-high Burj al-Cairo tower, which in good...
Václav Havel Airport in Prague is shortening the amount of free time allowed for picking up or dropping off passengers at the terminals. Currently, drivers have 15 minutes to park, unload luggage, and say their goodbyes. However, this grace period will be reduced to 10 minutes starting May 2024. The change comes after data analysis by the airport revealed that 90% of drivers can manage their drop-off or pick-up within a 10-minute window. “This adjustment will only impact a small portion of our clientele,” said Jakub Puchalský, a member of the airport’s board of directors. For those who require more than 10 minutes, the airport will offer 15-minute extensions for 50 CZK in the P1 and P2 express car parks. This maintains the current total cost of parking for under an hour, as 30 minutes currently costs 100 CZK. The airport is also investing in upgrades to improve the parking experience. This includes new barrier systems, license plate recognition technology, and additional cameras in the parking garage. Additionally, Terminal 2 passengers will gain access to the PB Economy car park, which will be converted into a 70-space express car park in May. It will increase the total number of express...
Monday, April 8th, is International Roma Day. It draws attention to discrimination directed at Roma communities globally and calls for the human rights of all to be respected and observed. International Roma Day was established in 1990, but it is one of the few festivals shared by the Roma population the world over. Celebrations of this important day are also held in the Czech Republic every year, accompanied by a rich cultural program. In Brno, several organizations have joined together this year as they have in years past to organize the “Days of Romani Culture”, and celebrations will also take place in other cities such as Mělník, Jihlava, Ostrava, Plzeň, Nový Jičín, Breclav, and others. The main event in Prague takes place today. At 19:30 the gates of the ARCHA+ will open for the traditional gala evening. This year’s theme is Romaissance: the Future of Roma Art and Culture. “Romaissance” is a corruption of the word “reneissance”, i.e., “renaissance” (Czech for “revival”, “rebirth”), which refers to the historical period at the beginning of the modern era, when the man stood at the center of the action – as a free, educated and independent being. A person who turns to his...
On April 10th, commuters on the Prague metro can listen to free concerts at Náměstí Republiky, Muzeum, Můstek, Kačerov and Vltavská from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Prague Public Transit Company will mark the 50th anniversary of the metro with a musical event. DPP promises over 30 bands in 17 genres. “Come to listen and make your day more pleasant,” DPP said on X. They will perform both classical works and world hits of various genres. “Live music performances in metro stations are arranged annually by the Prague Public Transit Company and have always won very positive reactions from the passengers. Live music within the Prague metro is just a pleasant addition to their daily travel. On top of it, the artists have an opportunity to meet their potential fans and audience. We would like to keep this tradition going in future,” commented the general director of DPP. Passengers can listen various music genres, from old blues and soul rhythms to rock and funk beats, modern jazz and drum & bass. Modern jazz can be expected from Big Band VOŠ, a student group led by composer Milan Svoboda For fans of more traditional swing, Big Band KJJ will try their...
MRIYA International Fundraising Film Festival, a unique celebration of Ukrainian cinema and culture, has announced its European debut with the first event in Prague. As a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian people, the festival showcases a series of short films crafted by talented Ukrainian directors, many of whom are actively volunteering or serving in territorial defense efforts within Ukraine. MRIYA, translating to “dream” or “inspiration” in Ukrainian, embodies the pride, hope, and dreams of the Ukrainian people. Named after the largest cargo plane ever built by Antonov’s Design Bureau in Soviet Ukraine, Mriya has historically represented the undying hope and belief in the best outcomes. Despite the devastating loss of this symbolic plane during a Russian air attack on Hostomel Airport in the early days of the war in Ukraine, the spirit of MRIYA remains unbroken. “At MRIYA, we are not just a film festival – we are a movement, a celebration of Ukrainian talent, and a force for positive change,” said Kateryna Horina, the founder of MRIYA. A passionate Ukrainian national who was living abroad prior to the full-scale invasion, Kateryna was inspired to create MRIYA in response to the struggle of her homeland,...
The Czech Republic has just marked a historic meteorological milestone with its earliest recorded tropical day. Across the nation, weather stations are buzzing with reports of unprecedented heat, breaking longstanding temperature records. This groundbreaking event has been confirmed by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI). “More than half of our monitoring stations are reporting summer-like conditions, with maximum temperatures soaring to 25°C or higher. Yet, in many towns, the mercury has already climbed higher, surpassing 30.6°C, officially marking a tropical day (30°C or above). These unseasonably high temperatures for early April are quite exceptional,” remarked meteorologists. The highest recorded temperature was in České Budějovice at a sweltering 30.9 degrees Celsius, knocking off the original record of 30.6 degrees, recorded earlier the same day in Prague. This warmth has shattered temperature records at numerous weather stations across the country with more than three decades of data, according to meteorological records. Previously, the earliest tropical day on record was April 17, 1934, when Vlašim recorded a sizzling 30 degrees Celsius. However, this longstanding record has now been surpassed, establishing April 7, 2024, as the earliest tropical day in Czech history. Weather forecasts indicate that the warmth will persist into Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures potentially reaching as high as...
Kenyan long-distance runner Sebastian Sawe has clinched victory at the Prague Half-Marathon smashing the course record with a sensational time of 58 minutes and 24 seconds. The reigning World Half Marathon champion outpaced a competitive field to secure his triumph improving his personal best and setting a new benchmark in the event’s history. Sawe, 29, entered the race on the back of a seventh-place finish at the recent World Athletics Cross Country Championships. Despite this, he arrived in Prague with confidence, buoyed by a previous personal best of 58:29 from his victory at the 2022 Bahrain Royal Night Half Marathon. His performance in Prague not only surpassed his own expectations but also broke the course record of 58:47 set by Ethiopia’s Atsedu Tsegay. The race saw Sawe taking a decisive lead from his compatriots, Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba and Patrick Kabirech Mosin, at the 10km mark. Kipchumba and Mosin, known for their performances in previous marathons, could not match Sawe’s pace, finishing second and third with times of 60:02 and 60:15 respectively, securing a Kenyan 1-2-3 finish. Before the race, Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee expressed his anticipation stating to Athletics Weekly. “Every year, star endurance athletes come...
Love amazing views? Then you’ll like our tips. Prague is known as the “city of a hundred spires”, so there’s no shortage of views! If you’re not afraid of heights, it’s definitely worth climbing one of these lookout towers and viewpoints we’ve picked out for you. So take a deep breath and look around! One good place to visit is the Astronomical Tower of the Baroque part of the Clementinum, which one of the tours takes you to. And what’s more, it also gives you a look into the Baroque library, acclaimed as the most beautiful library in the world! And, of course, we can’t forget the view from the almost 100-metre-high Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. On the way up, you’ll also see the largest and heaviest bell in the whole of Czechia, the Zikmund bell, which is more than 400 years old and weighs 15 tons. And what about a tip for a lookout tower? Clamber up all 299 steps of the Petřín Lookout Tower and enjoy views of the whole of Prague! Rooftops with views far and wide It’s not just Prague’s historical towers that offer some amazing views, but also...
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