Now it will offer two days of breathtaking adrenaline experiences, entertainment for children and adults, and the best of the world of cycling. Following last year’s première, when four thousand visitors came to the event, the gates of Prague’s Výstaviště will once again open to all fans and lovers of cycling. On the weekend of 27 – 28 April 2024, all cycling enthusiasts can look forward to the biggest cycling holiday of the year: Prague Bike Fest. Over the course of two days, visitors will enjoy a heaping serving of adrenaline shows, exhibitions, workshops, organized rides with well-known athletes, bike testing, as well as an after-party and gastronomic delights. There will also be a presentation of renowned and new brands that represent the best the world of cycling has to offer. Children will also have something to look forward to. A brand new children’s test circuit will be prepared for them under the guidance of experienced instructors. The cherry on top will be the adrenaline-filled Big Air show starring Teodor Kováč. In the middle of Brussels Road, at a height of up to 7 meters, he will perform his most difficult tricks such as a double-back flip, front flip with...
Prague faces a significant challenge: skyrocketing apartment prices. The cost of living is impacting even the middle class. Apartment prices have jumped over 50% in just five years. Additionally, a third of Prague residents rely on rentals, which have also seen a 30% increase. This, coupled with a slowdown in construction due to recession, has created a critical situation. To address this, the Prague Development Company (PDS), a contributory organization of the capital city, plans to build up to 8,000 new apartments within the next 10 years. “Prague’s housing prices are comparable to Western Europe, but salaries here are much lower,” emphasizes Petr Hlaváček, deputy mayor for territorial development. “This creates tension within our society.” He adds, “We have the space for up to 80,000 new apartments. We can achieve this by revising spatial planning regulations.” The PDS currently has 50 projects in the pipeline, encompassing over 8,000 apartments spread across more than 800,000 square meters of land. These projects are expected to be completed within the next decade. “Many projects have already received approval, particularly those covering around 200,000 square meters designated for further investment preparation,” says Petr Urbánek, director of the Prague Development Company. “Others are still under...
Czech Railways (ČD), Siemens Mobility and Škoda Transportation unveiled the first fixed-formation ComfortJet push-pull train for cross-border services at Prague main station on April 9. Siemens and Škoda are supplying 20 nine-car 230km/h ComfortJet trains to ČD under a €500m contract awarded in March 2021. ČD also awarded Siemens a contract to supply 50 Vectron multi-voltage locomotives and agreed a 10-year full-service maintenance contract under which ČD maintenance staff will transfer to the manufacturer. The new trains will be maintained at the ČD Prague South facility near Prague Vršovice station, where the construction of a new maintenance building for the ComfortJet fleet is under consideration by ČD. The first ComfortJet unveiled in Prague was formed of eight coaches, rather than the standard formation of nine cars. The second class/bistro car and first class driving trailer were missing as deliveries of these coaches have yet to start. The first ComfortJet is currently running under temporary approval granted by national rail safety regulator Drážní úřad. ČD and the manufacturers are hopeful that the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) will soon grant the Authorisation to Place on the Market (APOM) that is required for the new train to enter passenger service. The...
Celebrated Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland has begun production on her latest project, a biographical look at Franz Kafka. This news comes after months of pre-development, with cameras officially rolling in April 2024. Titled “Franz,” the movie will delve into the life of the iconic writer, weaving a narrative tapestry from his birth in late 19th century Prague to his passing in Berlin decades later. Filming is primarily taking place in the heart of Prague, with locations chosen in Malá Strana and Old Town, areas close to Kafka’s birthplace in 1883. The screenplay, co-written by Holland and Czech collaborator Marek Epstein, aims to provide a fresh perspective on Kafka. Rather than a straightforward biography, the film promises a “kaleidoscopic mosaic” that incorporates not only factual elements but also interpretations and even glimpses into Kafka’s dreams and inner world, gleaned from his letters. German-Jewish actor Idan Weiss takes on the task of portraying Kafka in his feature film debut, as confirmed by casting information reported in Variety. Filming in Prague is expected to continue until May, with additional scenes planned for locations in Germany. “Kafka was a man of great sensitivity and ill-suited to his time,” says Holland. “We have a much...
The world’s best cities for exploring by foot have been revealed and it’s Rome that takes the crown with its charming plazas and cobblestone streets. It’s followed by runner-up Budapest, where tourists can explore ‘its every corner on foot’. The 100-strong list is based on booking and search data for 800 cities across 120 countries made on the GuruWalk website between April 2023 and April 2024. The company, which offers free walking tours worldwide, compared the number of bookings and page visits per destination in order to compile the list. Spain is the most walkable country, according to the findings, with 28 cities on the top 100 list. France features seven times while the UK appears three times along with Poland, Colombia and Vietnam. Only one U.S. city makes the cut. Prague is described as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ with the “Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Astronomical Clock being all points of interest that captivate visitors. And all three attractions are within a 30-minute walk from one another.” Porto, London, and Amsterdam are among the top 10 cities identified by GuruWalk for their walkability, offering visitors a diverse range of attractions and experiences within walking distance....
Prague is a city where bars are abundant in nearly every corner, however, for those more adventurous, there are only a handful of places that can offer both good drinks and a unique experience. The Magical Owl (Bar Magická Sova), is one of those places where you can enjoy a nice cocktail with a shot of fun and magic. Located in the beautiful Vinohrady, the bar offers a variety of magical potions and snacks for those daring. Customers have the unique chance to try specially prepared magical potion drinks while also having the opportunity to mix and concoct their own potions. To immerse into the magical world of spells, customers can also roam around the place borrowing hats, cloaks, or wands, to dress up in and get a first-hand experience of wizards and witches on a night out! These magical potions can also be complemented with thematic cupcakes or some quick witchy snacks. Those wanting to take on a challenge and make their own potions will receive a magical vessel (mini cauldron or flask) and a magical letter they unseal, with instructions on how to mix together their enchanted elixir. These drinks are not just limited to alcoholic options as...
Instead of the statue of Marshal Koněv, an interactive memorial will be created to honor the courage of those who participated in the Prague Uprising. The winning proposal recalls the first moments of the 1945 uprising. The work arose from an art-architecture competition organized by Czechdesign. The main architect, Bronislav Stratil, and sculptor Jakub Berdych Karpelis collaborated on the project, along with landscape architect Lucie Miovská. The monument includes a walkable green roof and an interactive point featuring a trumpeter with a golden talking head, embodying freedom of expression. The park space will offer cultural activities and serve as a reminder of the Prague Uprising, connecting with nearby parks. Mayor Jakub Starek lauds the competition’s quality, emphasizing its importance in maintaining public space. “The monument is primarily intended to be a reminder of the courage with which civil society was willing to stand up to evil. Symbolically, it should pay tribute to thousands of often nameless fighting men and women, who were often non-soldiers,” he said to Prague Morning. The Prague Uprising The Prague uprising (Pražské povstání) was a partially successful attempt by the Czech resistance movement to liberate the city of Prague from German occupation in May 1945, during...
Good news for walkers and cyclists in Prague! The Prague 8 municipality is working to improve the riverside path along the Vltava River in Libeň. They aim to create a peaceful and enjoyable space for everyone. The current walking path will be resurfaced with a mixture of mortar and stone paving, replacing the originally planned asphalt. This will create a quieter and more pleasant experience. The path will also be widened to 2.5 meters, and benches will be added for people to relax and enjoy the scenery. Greenery will be planted along the path to enhance the natural feel. The current bike lane is narrow, unsafe, and too close to traffic. To address this, a new, separate path will be built on the slope along Povltavská. “Together with the capital, we had a study prepared by TSK Praha, which is designed to make the cycle path wider, with a good surface and separated from the road. The project includes replacing the asphalt surface, moving the public lighting lamps and a new connection between the two levels with two staircases with space for parking bicycles,” explained Martin Jedlička (TOP 09 + STAN), chairman of the Prague 8 Transport Commission. This new...
Prague is to begin the ambitious urban development project that will transform the upper part of Wenceslas Square. This revitalization project, set to begin in June, involves the introduction of a new tram line as well as significant improvements in pedestrian infrastructure. The project, a collaboration between Prague’s Transport Company (DPP) and Eurovia CS, is set to reshape the landscape of this historic area over the next three years, with a budget set at CZK 1.24 billion. Daniel Šabík, who heads the Prague Transport Company’s press department explained, “We are currently finalizing the administrative and procedural groundwork necessary for commencing construction. This includes coordinating transport measures to facilitate the smooth progression of the project, slated to begin in June.” The trams in the upper part of the square ran until 1980, with their return being approved by the previous city management. In contrast to the original design, the new tram lines will give the historic square a modern look, being allocated to the sides of a pedestrian promenade that is also being outlined as part of the revitalization efforts. The goal of the project goes beyond laying down new tram tracks to connect Vinohradská Street with Vodičková and Jindřišská Streets....
Get ready for more burger options! Popular American fast food chains Wendy’s and Five Guys are setting their sights on the Czech Republic market. American fast food chains are setting their sights on the Czech Republic market. Wendy’s, the world’s third-largest hamburger chain with over 7,000 locations, and Rave Restaurant Group, which operates Pie Five and Pizza Inn, are seeking franchise partners to expand into Central Europe, including the Czech Republic. The announcement was made at the U.S. Embassy in Prague on Wednesday. Wendy’s is famous for its square hamburgers and spicy chicken sandwiches. “We’re looking for a franchisee to introduce our popular menu and exceptional dining experience to Czech customers,” the company stated in a press release on the embassy’s website. Pie Five, another brand under Rave Restaurant Group, offers customizable pizzas made with fresh ingredients, prepared to order in under five minutes. Following the successful launch of Louisiana-based Popeyes last year, another popular American chain, Five Guys, is expected to arrive in the Czech Republic this year. Five Guys focuses on offering juicy burgers with generous portions of meat, at slightly higher prices than other fast-food options. Their first branch is expected to open in Prague on Národní...
The City of Prague has joined forces with Prague City Tourism and the Prague Municipal Library to launch the Franz Kafka Year, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the author’s death. A rich program of events aimed at both children and adults has been curated, encompassing film, literature, theater, and music. A special website has been launched to provide information about the program’s offerings for Prague residents. Additionally, a “Kafka tram” adorned with illustrations by Czech artist Simona Lore will travel through the city throughout the year. Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda emphasizes the importance of commemorating Kafka’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the city. “We are committed to preserving the capital’s historical and cultural heritage,” he states. “This celebration of Franz Kafka is a unique event, and I believe it will resonate with both Prague residents and visitors from all over the Czech Republic and abroad.” The program features a project by illustrator Magdalena Jetelová titled “Franz Kafka-Elevation,” which showcases a striking visual transformation of the New Mill Water Tower (Novomlýn) in Prague 1 with engaging illustrations. This project represents a unique fusion of visual art and literature, with Prague contributing CZK 1.2 million to its realization. Beyond...
It is said that the Emperor Rudolf II left behind a treasure. A Czech adventure movie Code Name Maharal builds on this legend and takes you back to the Rudolphine era. An enthralling blend of history, humor, and suspense is screened on the 17th of April at Cinema Aero as part of the English-friendly “Some Like It Czech” series. Buy your tickets here. The movie Code Name Maharal (Maharal – Tajemství talismanu, 2006, watch the trailer here) delves into a legend that speaks of a treasure left behind by Emperor Rudolf II, waiting to be discovered 400 years after his death. The scenarists decided to set the story in 2002, the year of the most destructive floods in modern Czech history. The treasure hunters are in this case three curious children, a trio of daring historians who consider themselves Czech Indiana Joneses, and one policeman. Indeed, a diverse group whose interactions yield unexpected humor. Director Pavel Jandourek brings to life the Rudolphine Renaissance, a period of intellectual awakening and artistic brilliance. Rudolf II, known for his love of art, passion for science, and involvement in occultism, moved his seat to Prague, where he surrounded himself with eminent scientists, artists, and...
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