After years of planning, Prague is on the cusp of a transformation. New districts are beginning to emerge, famous squares are getting facelifts, major railway stations are expanding, and a new bridge will soon span the Vltava River. According to the Institute of Planning and Development, Prague’s population could reach 1.67 million by 2050. The number of foreign residents is expected to nearly double, and tourism is likely to keep growing. To accommodate this, the city will need to expand its housing, public transport, and cultural amenities—and this is no distant future. Entire new districts with residential and office spaces are already under construction in Smíchov and Rohanský ostrov, with potential developments in Bubny and Žižkov on the horizon. Wenceslas Square: Trams are making a comeback to the upper part of Wenceslas Square. The new tracks will link the Main Railway Station with Vinohradská Street, offering residents another option for traversing the city’s districts, which were once divided by a major thoroughfare. Work on the 550-meter-long tram line from the National Museum to the middle of the square began this summer and is expected to take three years, with an estimated cost of CZK 1.24 billion. Savarin Palace: Located...
Former North Dakota lawmaker Ray Holmberg pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a charge that he traveled to Europe with the intent to pay for sex with a minor. Ray Holmberg, 80, admitted in court that he had paid young male masseuses, with some of whom he had sexual contact, during multiple visits to Prague, though he said he did not know for certain how old they were. Holmberg was indicted in October 2023 for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity and receipt and attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material. The Republican served more than 45 years in the North Dakota Senate before resigning in 2022. Under a plea agreement he signed in June, Holmberg agreed to plead guilty to the former charge, and prosecutors would move to dismiss the latter and recommend a sentence at the low end of the guideline range. Judge Daniel Hovland accepted his plea and allowed Holmberg to remain released, with restrictions, until a later sentencing hearing. Wearing a dark suit, the disgraced former lawmaker declined to comment after the hearing. The travel charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervised release....
Manifesto Market Anděl is excited to announce a lineup of entertaining events and cultural festivals for August. Guests can look forward to a summer full of live music, cultural celebrations, and unique themed parties in an energetic and vibrant atmosphere. Gay Pride Week (August 8–11) Celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity with a series of events at Manifesto Market Anděl. ● Drag Queen show by Queendom.cz (Thursday 20:00–22:00) ● Performers: Fatale Vanity, Monstera Meduza, Melancholia Blackbile, Janny Jill ● DJ Lil Autotune (Friday 19:00–21:00) ● Disco Hits Party (Saturday 18:00–22:00) ● Pop-up stalls from LGBTQ stores: Blackbile, Queendom Adopt a Shelter Dog (August 18) A local shelter will bring some of their adorable dogs that you can cuddle and register for adoption. We will also have shops selling various pet products. ● Dočasky Dede shelter will present their dogs (11:00 – 17:00) ● Pop-up shop from ZOLLY DOG BAKERY – Fantastic bakery for dog treats Street Food Weekend (August 23–25) Get ready for an unforgettable gastronomic experience during our Street Food Weekend. The event includes: ● DJ Zolan (Friday 19:00–21:00) ● Dance performances (Saturday) ● Live music (Sunday) ● Specialties like Neapolitan pizza, Turkish and American grill specialties, Takoyaki...
The B line of the Prague metro is currently interrupted after a tragic accident at Křižíkova station. A blind man in his 50s fell onto the tracks and was fatally struck by an oncoming train. The incident occurred around 5:47 PM, and metro service between Florenc and Českomoravská has been suspended. An alternative tram service, XB, is now operating between Florenc and Vysočanská. The Prague transport company has not provided an estimated time for when regular metro service will resume. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with rescue teams confirming that the man did not survive his injuries. A medical examiner has been called to the site. Police spokesman Jan Daněk stated that investigators are working to determine whether the incident was an accident or a suicide. Prague firefighters were also alerted to the scene shortly after 6 PM. The exact circumstances of the man’s fall are still under investigation. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
A tragic incident occurred on Lazarská Street in Prague 1, where a piece of a building’s ledge fell on a man waiting at a tram stop. Despite the quick response from rescue services, the man died on the scene. Firefighters later secured approximately 100 kilograms of additional loose material that posed a further risk. The street was closed for nearly two hours. The Prague Police reported the incident on the social media platform X, stating, “We are currently responding to an incident on Lazarská Street in Prague 1, where a piece of cornice has likely fallen from a roof. Resuscitation efforts were made on the spot, but tragically, they were not successful.” Jana Poštová, a spokeswoman for the rescue services, confirmed that a team of paramedics, a doctor, and an inspector were on the scene within four minutes of receiving the call. The victim, a man in his fifties, suffered severe head injuries. Despite all efforts, his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to police spokesman Jan Daněk, five to six people were present at the tram stop when the ledge fell. Criminal investigators are currently examining the scene to determine whether...
On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, the PIZZA! PIZZA! Pop Up festival will take over Holešovice Market from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This one-day event offers the best of Italian cuisine, featuring everything from traditional pizzas to lesser-known delicacies like baked piadina, fresh pasta, and fried stuffed olives. The festival is free to enter and promises a day filled with authentic Italian tastes, great coffee, fine wines, cocktails, and live music, all in the open air. “We aim to offer visitors a taste of something authentic, something new, all within a relaxed atmosphere,” says Aleš Víšek from the Holešovice Market program team. “PIZZA! PIZZA! Pop Up embodies this, providing an opportunity to enjoy the flavors of Italy and escape the daily grind, even if just for a while.” Authentic Italian Street Food MATE’S pizza truck will serve up true Neapolitan pizza, while the team from Pizza Therapy will showcase their passion for this iconic dish. Picoška food truck will also serve pizzas made from traditional Napoletana dough, known for its long fermentation process resulting in a light and digestible crust. Francesco Gallucci from Le Pizze di Frankie will bring his expertise, preparing both classic and pizzas right from his bistro...
Prague’s hotels and other accommodations hosted more than 2 million guests in the second quarter of this year, a 6.8 percent increase compared to last year. While foreign visitors increased, domestic tourist numbers fell. Total overnight stays rose by five percent, reaching 4.64 million nights, as reported by the Czech Statistical Office (CSO). This growth was largely due to the World Hockey Championship held in Prague and Ostrava in May. In the second quarter, about 405,000 domestic guests stayed in Prague’s hotels, guesthouses, campsites, and other public facilities, a two percent decrease year-on-year. In contrast, foreign tourists numbered around 1.68 million, marking a 9.2 percent increase from the same period last year. Foreigners accounted for 3.97 million of the total overnight stays, while Czech citizens accounted for approximately 671,600 nights. On average, each guest stayed for 2.2 nights. Foreign tourists stayed an average of 2.4 nights, compared to 1.7 nights for Czech guests. Germany provided the largest number of foreign visitors, with over 290,800 guests. The United States followed with about 138,760 visitors, and Poland with 110,580. The hockey championship in May drew many international sports fans to Prague. According to statistics, the countries with the highest year-on-year increase in...
Starting in 2025, Airbnb landlords in the Czech Republic will face stricter regulations. They will be required to register their guests through the e-Turista portal, and municipalities will gain more authority to regulate short-term accommodations via online platforms. “Municipalities could enforce stricter regulations, such as limiting the months when short-term rentals are allowed. This approach is already in place in other parts of the world,” says Regional Development Minister Ivan Bartoš. Prague has previously tried to regulate Airbnb and similar platforms without success. “This is a significant change. The government recognizes that the state loses nearly CZK 800 million in taxes annually due to insufficient regulation. Additionally, municipalities lose about CZK 55 million annually in residence fees,” explains tax consultant Michal Dvořáček. Although exact figures are unavailable, the Ministry of Industry and Trade estimates that 40 to 70 percent of stays on these platforms go unreported in the Czech Republic. Besides Airbnb, international companies such as Wimdu, Booking.com, and Vrbo operate in the local short-term rental market, while Czech companies like E-chalupy and Chata.cz focus on out-of-town stays. Registration via the e-Turista Portal The new amendment will require short-term accommodation providers to register guests through the e-Turista portal. Each accommodation...
The annual NeverMore 68 festival, centered around themes of freedom and truth. This year’s sub-theme, “Women of Dissent,” offers a poignant look back at the brave women who stood against the totalitarian regime. The aim is to engage in candid and factual discussions about historical events, both ancient and recent, ensuring they are remembered accurately and not distorted. The third edition of the cultural and social festival is scheduled for August 21st, marking the 56th anniversary of the occupation of former Czechoslovakia. The event will unfold from 16:00 to 22:00 at the Exhibition Grounds. NeverMore 68 encompasses a series of concerts, discussions, exhibitions, and screenings, and, above all, serves as a platform for communal dialogue and the celebration of freedom and truth. Czech Radio’s Director of News and Editor-in-Chief of Radiožurnál, Ondřej Suchan, reflects, “August 21st holds deep significance for Czech Radio, not only due to Czechoslovak Radio’s pivotal role during the early hours and days of the occupation. Commemorating these events is crucial.” The festival’s program and panel discussions also involve organizations like Gulag.cz, Against Memory Loss, Decommunization,.z.s., the Museum on the Demarcation Line in Rokycany, and Political Prisoners.cz. Exhibits span thematic photographs and substantial artifacts, including a T-55...
Today marks the 137th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the history of Prague, as the district of Královské Vinohrady was officially renamed Žižkov. A District Reimagined Nestled in the heart of Prague, Královské Vinohrady, or “Royal Vineyards,” had long been associated with the affluent and the elite. Its elegant avenues, picturesque gardens, and grand architecture lent an air of aristocracy to the area, attracting a discerning populace. However, beneath the veneer of opulence, there simmered an undercurrent of dissent. With the onset of industrialization and urbanization, social inequality had become increasingly apparent. The working class, who toiled tirelessly to fuel the city’s growth, were relegated to cramped quarters and endured harsh living conditions. This stark contrast in living standards created a palpable divide within the district, with discontent gradually reaching its boiling point. Jan Žižka: A Symbol of Defiance To understand the significance of the renaming, one must delve into the rich tapestry of Czech history and uncover the identity of the man behind the new name – Jan Žižka. A medieval military leader and a prominent figure during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, Žižka is revered as a national hero in Czech lore. His unwavering commitment...
Prague police are searching for a man who engaged in a baffling act on a city street. The man was seen masturbating in public for nearly an hour, while calmly smoking a cigarette and sipping coffee. The incident occurred on Marie Cibulkova Street in Prague 4 on Friday, August 2nd, shortly after 6 a.m. “The man stood on the pavement, holding his exposed genitals in his right hand, masturbating while quietly drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette,” said police spokesman Richard Hrdina. Despite the early hour, many people were already in the area and witnessed the incident. “Officers from the local Pankrác police station responded immediately after receiving the report. They have secured CCTV footage of the incident but have not yet identified the man. They are asking the public for assistance,” Hrdina added. If you recognize the man from the CCTV footage or have any information about his whereabouts, please call 158. The unidentified man is suspected of disorderly conduct, a crime that could result in up to two years in prison if he is convicted. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
All that glitters is not gold. This saying holds true for the findings reported by inspectors following an inspection of a bistro and café in Prague’s Old Town. On August 1st, the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) shut down the production facility of Bakeshop café on Kozí Street in Prague 1. According to their project website Potraviny na pranýři (Food Pillory), inspectors discovered insects, mold in refrigeration units, neglected cleaning, accumulated garbage, and substantial contamination, including dirty floors. These conditions were deemed a serious risk for food contamination. While the entire establishment wasn’t closed, the hot kitchen, cold kitchen, bakery, and pastry production areas were shut down for the day. After repeated inspections, the authority lifted the ban. “We have lifted the ban based on the results of the re-inspection conducted on August 1,” SZPI announced on Instagram. On Saturday, Bakeshop operators issued an apology on social media. “Our establishment was closed from Wednesday to Thursday. During this time, we addressed all the deficiencies, and we are now open again. We are committed to ensuring everything is up to standard,” they wrote. This incident mirrors a similar situation from 2015 when inspectors closed the renowned Jan Paukert delicatessen...
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