Prague drivers will bid farewell to free parking for electric vehicles on Wednesday. Starting January, owners of electric cars will pay half the fee charged to conventional combustion-engine vehicles, while plug-in hybrid owners will lose all previous parking concessions. The change aims to free up parking spaces for local residents, a move strongly supported by several city districts. Deputy Mayor for Transport Jaromír Beránek, representing the Pirate Party, says the measure is part of Prague’s broader effort to reduce the number of vehicles on city streets. “Central districts have reported that many drivers, including those from outside Prague, occupy parking spaces meant for residents. This adjustment will help address that issue,” Beránek said. Drivers of plug-in hybrids—vehicles combining combustion and electric engines—will also lose their parking perks. “From January 1, benefits for plug-in hybrids will end. We now require zero CO2 emissions per kilometer to qualify for discounts. Purely battery or hydrogen-powered vehicles will continue to enjoy a 50 percent discount on both short-term and long-term parking permits,” Beránek added. Electric car owners across Prague will no longer enjoy citywide free parking. Discussions on introducing a Prague-wide parking card for electric vehicles are ongoing, with technical details still being finalized....
As Prague prepares to welcome the New Year, the city’s public transport network will operate under a special regime designed to handle increased night-time demand. Trams, buses, and the metro will run more frequently late into the night, allowing residents and visitors to move around the city well past midnight. Commuters travelling beyond Prague, however, will face earlier last departures. On Wednesday, December 31, daytime public transport will follow holiday schedules, meaning longer waiting times between services. The situation changes in the evening, when night transport takes priority. From around 10 p.m., night tram services will be reinforced, operating every 15 minutes instead of the usual longer intervals. Vehicles will also run with higher capacity to accommodate New Year’s Eve crowds. Bus services will see similar adjustments. Several daytime bus lines will continue operating into the early hours of January 1, with some routes running until approximately 2:30 a.m. Night buses will operate throughout the city at 30-minute intervals, ensuring basic coverage until morning. Metro passengers can expect extended service as well. Trains will run every 10 minutes, with the final services passing through the city centre around 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. This extension is intended to support...
As the end of the year approaches, shoppers across Czechia often face uncertainty about when stores are open. While New Year’s Eve remains a regular working day, New Year’s Day is governed by strict legal limits that affect most large retailers. In practical terms, the difference between the two dates is clear. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, shops are legally allowed to operate without restrictions. Czech law does not impose mandatory closures or shortened hours on New Year’s Eve. However, many retail chains voluntarily reduce their opening times, citing internal policies and employee considerations. Most major supermarkets typically close earlier than usual on the final day of the year. Large chains such as Albert, Kaufland, Globus, Tesco, and MAKRO usually shut their doors around 6 p.m., while Billa, Lidl, and Penny tend to close at approximately 5 p.m. Customers are therefore advised to check individual store schedules in advance, as hours may vary by location. The situation changes completely on Thursday, January 1, 2026. New Year’s Day is a public holiday officially known as the Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State and New Year’s Day. Under Czech law, retail outlets with a sales area exceeding 200 square meters must...
Prague will welcome the first day of 2026 with reduced admission to several major cultural and leisure venues, offering residents and visitors an alternative to the city’s former New Year’s fireworks. On Thursday, January 1, nine institutions across the capital will take part in the city-backed initiative known as the New Year’s Gift for residents, making museums, galleries, and popular attractions more accessible on the public holiday. One of the strongest draws is Prague Zoo, which will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a flat admission fee of 100 CZK for all visitors. The offer applies throughout the day and does not require proof of permanent residence. The zoo’s participation continues a tradition that has made New Year’s Day one of its busiest winter dates. A similar price applies at the Museum of Public Transport in Střešovice, where entry will cost 100 CZK during opening hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum, housed in historic tram depots, documents the development of Prague’s public transport network and is a frequent choice for families with children. Nature lovers can head to the Botanical Garden in Troja, which will offer a 50 percent discount on standard admission when tickets...
Prague will once again invite residents to stay active during the holiday period with the 17th edition of Free Sports Week. The event will run from Thursday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025, offering free access to dozens of sports facilities across the capital. The initiative is aimed at encouraging people to spend the final days of the year moving rather than sitting at home. Swimming pools, ice rinks, gyms and outdoor sports grounds throughout Prague will open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to try a broad range of activities without paying an entrance fee. A detailed and regularly updated overview of venues, dates and conditions is available at prahasportovni.cz. More than 40 different sports are expected to be available during the week. In Prague 4, the Podolí Swimming Stadium will offer free access to both indoor and outdoor pools, while the HAMR sports complex in Braník will open its football pitches. Baseball and softball activities will be available at Eagles Park, and public skating will take place at the HC Kobra Prague rink. Prague 5 will join with free swimming at the newly renovated SK Motorlet swimming pool. In Prague 6, residents can use beach volleyball...
Most shops across Czechia will close on December 25 under national retail regulations. The law affects all large stores and many online services, leaving only a limited number of places where people can still buy food, essentials, or last-minute items. While the law targets large retail chains, several exceptions remain in place. Smaller shops are allowed to open without restrictions, and the decision is left to individual owners. In practice, many convenience stores stay open, while others choose to close for the holiday. Retail outlets located at transport hubs are also exempt. Shops at railway stations and airports can operate, although those inside metro stations are not covered by the exception. Gas stations are permitted to stay open as well, including those selling food and groceries. Some major chains operate under these exemptions Selected Tesco stores at petrol stations will open on December 25, typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to company representatives. At Prague’s main railway station, Albert will close completely for both December 25 and 26, while Billa will remain open until 5 p.m. The same applies to Billa at Brno’s main station. At Václav Havel Airport in Prague, Billa will operate until 9 p.m. Pharmacies...
Deciding where to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Prague offers a variety of spots, from lively themed parties to cozy restaurants, perfect for enjoying fireworks, food, and festive drinks. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy celebration or an intimate evening with great food, Prague has an option to suit every taste. 1. W Hotel New Year’s Eve at W Prague usually means a chic, modern celebration with multi-course dining, champagne, and DJ-led parties in the hotel’s signature stylish setting. The New Year’s Eve dinner features a three-course sharing menu served with oysters and a glass of bubbles to start the night. Price: 7,500 CZK per person* Time: 6 PM – 11 PM 2. Night Jungle NYE Party – Falkensteiner Hotel Step into a lush, jungle-themed setting at the Falkensteiner Hotel Prague and celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. Hosted by The Monkey Bar, guests can look forward to: Duo DJs, Laser Shows, Masquerade, live cooking stations, rich buffet, bottomless drinks, cocktails, bubbles, and more. The main party runs from 7 PM to 12 AM, followed by an afterparty from 12 AM to 3 AM. 3. Agave Restaurant Located at Masná 620/2 Staré Město, Avage Restaurant brings the vibrant flavors...
A short video filmed in central Prague late on Sunday night has led to a criminal investigation and could send a young woman to prison. Police say a 26-year-old damaged a police car on Vodičkova Street, just outside the Lucerna arcade, after climbing onto the vehicle and posing for a camera held by her friend. The incident happened between 3 and 4 a.m. According to police, the woman climbed onto the hood of the parked car and began performing explicit poses while her companion filmed and encouraged her. The footage was later shared online and quickly drew attention. In the recording, the woman can be seen kneeling on the hood, turning toward the camera, and later lying across the vehicle. As the situation escalates, a police officer approaches and warns her to get off the car. By that point, however, damage had already been done. Police spokesman Jan Daněk said the woman caused damage estimated at around 20,000 crowns. Officers later confirmed that she is already known to police and has several previous entries in the criminal register. Because of her prior record, the case is being treated as damage to another person’s property, a criminal offense under Czech law....
As Christmas approaches, charitable organisations in Prague are once again preparing special events for people living on the streets. Several organisations are stepping in to offer food, shelter, and a sense of shared celebration. One of the organisations involved is Naděje, which plans to distribute meals at selected locations on December 24. According to the organisation’s director, Aleš Strnad, Christmas is often marked by loneliness for people experiencing homelessness. “For most people, these days mean meeting with family. That is usually not the case for homeless people,” he says. Naděje aims to ease that burden by creating a modest Christmas atmosphere through shared meals and contact with staff and volunteers. The organisation also prepares a traditional Christmas Eve dinner for its clients. The menu includes soup, potato salad, and schnitzel, followed by Christmas cookies. Some of the sweets are donated, while others are baked by clients themselves within Naděje’s residential services. For Strnad, the gesture is simple but important: helping people feel that the holidays have not passed them by entirely. Another major Christmas event is organised by the Archdiocese of Prague, which hosts around 200 people facing difficult life situations on Christmas Eve each year. Guests are served duck...
Nerd Alert, a board game bistro and store in Prague’s Vršovice, has been creating a vibrant space for fun, art, and meaningful human connections since opening in October. Dagmar and her husband left their corporate jobs to turn their lifetime dream into reality. They created Nerd Alert, a space where people can connect, unwind, and play. A place to play Nerd Alert welcomes both locals and expats to relax, play, and truly be themselves. As owner, Victor Duke says, “Don’t forget to be yourself when you visit us. We welcome everybody.” The bistro introduces a fresh concept for social gatherings, offering board games in both English and Czech. Whether you’re a long-term resident or new to the city, Nerd Alert provides a welcoming space to meet people, and enjoy a fun night by playing board games from all over the world. Visitors often describe Nerd Alert as feeling like a living room, with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and tasty snacks that make it easy to linger for hours. The space blends a board game bistro — with a kitchen and a bar — with a friendly local game store, offering a curated selection of games, art books, and specialty items,...
Cable theft on a key rail section in Prague caused widespread disruption to train services across the Czech Republic on Sunday, delaying dozens of connections and forcing some regional routes to be canceled. Long-distance and international trains departing the capital were among the hardest hit, with delays exceeding three hours by early afternoon. The incident occurred on the busy stretch between Prague-Vršovice and Prague Main Station, one of the most important rail corridors in the country. Traffic on the line was reduced to a single track, significantly limiting capacity. According to the national carrier České dráhy, the disruption began at around 5:20 a.m. and was expected to last until approximately 3 p.m., when repairs were scheduled to be completed. By midday, delays at Prague Main Station had reached more than 200 minutes on routes heading east and southeast, including services via Pardubice to Brno and Břeclav, as well as connections continuing to Olomouc and Ostrava. Both local commuter trains and express services were affected, with some regional connections canceled altogether. ‼️ Praha ‼️ Kvůli krádeži kabelů zabezpečovacího zařízení je aktuálně výrazně omezen provoz vlaků v úseku Praha-Vršovice a Praha hl. n. Vlaky projíždějící zmíněným úsekem mohou navýšit svá zpoždění až...
Viva Sports, Prague’s largest sports and social club, is inviting players to stay active this winter with the launch of its indoor beach volleyball and basketball leagues. Known for bringing people together through leagues, tournaments, and social events across the city, Viva Sports focuses on a friendly, social atmosphere that welcomes both experienced players and complete newcomers. The winter leagues are open to full teams as well as individuals. Many participants join on their own and are placed into teams, making it easy to meet new people and become part of the community. Viva Sports is offering two indoor social beach volleyball leagues at Sports Centrum Koráb in Prague 8. Both leagues run for eight weeks in a 5v5 social format, with matches played from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. The Wednesday league takes place midweek, while the Friday league is scheduled for the end of the week. Registration for both leagues closes on 12 January 2026. Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da VIVA Sports (@vivasports.cz) Basketball players can join the winter basketball league at Sports Centrum Řepy in Prague 17. The league runs for seven weeks, with 5v5 games played on Mondays from 9:00 to...
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