The Vltava Philharmonic, set to rise near the Vltavská metro station on Prague’s C Line, will cost an estimated 16.53 billion crowns (excluding VAT), according to documents approved by city councilors on Monday. This figure includes not only the construction of the concert hall itself but also infrastructure upgrades in the surrounding area. To help finance the project, the city has also approved the creation of an endowment fund to collect private and institutional contributions. The construction of the philharmonic is projected to cost 11.65 billion crowns, with work scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion expected by 2032. Multi-Phase Investment Plan The project will be divided into ten separate investments, managed by the city’s investment and transport departments along with the Prague Public Transport Company. Beyond the 11.65 billion crowns allocated for the concert hall, an additional one billion crowns has been earmarked to cover operational costs. The remaining budget will fund transport and public space improvements, including upgrades to roads, the Vltava embankment, and Vltavská metro station. The Bjarke Ingels Group, a Danish architectural firm, is responsible for designing the Philharmonic after winning an international competition. Developing the project documentation alone will cost one billion crowns before taxes....
Even during the cold winter months, construction on Prague’s Dvorecký Bridge, which will connect Podolí and Smíchov, has continued. The complex concreting process is progressing despite low temperatures. “Formwork, concrete, and prestressing reinforcement were recently installed on bridge span number three. This involved continuous concreting of approximately 1,000 cubic meters of concrete over 36 hours. To achieve this, two concrete pumps had to be positioned on pontoon assemblies in the Vltava River,” stated Metrostav TBR in its company magazine. The final bridge span, number four, remains to be completed, which is scheduled to be concreted by late summer. Cubist Shapes Make Construction Complex The Dvorecký Bridge stands out due to its distinctive architectural design, requiring each concrete element to be precisely custom-made. The cubist-inspired structures change shape throughout the bridge, making every section unique. Currently, around 150 workers are involved in the project. However, construction has faced significant delays due to unexpectedly complex geological conditions. Additionally, the supporting structure required more reinforcement than initially planned. As a result, the bridge’s completion date has been pushed to January 2026. Tram and Bus Lines to Use the Bridge Once finished, the bridge is expected to accommodate tram lines 2 and 20, along...
Crazy contraptions, creative costumes, adrenaline on the water, and a blast of summer energy! On Saturday, June 21, Prague will witness the first-ever Red Bull Kolo Molo, turning the Vltava River into an extreme cycling course. Speed, style, and perfect control will be key—because one wrong move means a spectacular plunge into the water. The event takes inspiration from a successful Dutch concept, which made its debut in The Hague in 2023. Teams of two will design and build their own tandem bicycles to navigate a challenging floating track over the Vltava River. The objective? Reach the finish line, ring the bell, and—ideally—stay dry. But speed alone won’t be enough. A jury will also judge creativity—including bike design, costumes, and performance—so teams are encouraged to go all out with choreography, props, and showmanship. The more entertaining, the better! How to Register? Putting your skills to the test is simple: Form a two-person team (both members must be at least 18 years old). Register online at redbull.cz/kolomolo by April 27, 2025. Submit a sketch of your custom tandem bike as part of the application. A panel of judges will select around 40 of the most creative teams, who will then bring...
Prague’s vibrant culinary scene continues to flourish with a host of exciting new establishments. Here are five recent openings that are generating buzz among locals and visitors alike. 1. Mexická: A Taste of Mexico in Holešovice Located in Holešovice, Mexická brings authentic Mexican flavors to Prague. The restaurant features three main kitchens, each dedicated to different aspects of Mexican cuisine. The first crafts fresh corn and wheat tortillas, the second specializes in soups and grilled dishes like steaks and whole roasted fish, and the third focuses on ceviche and aguachile. Address: U Pruhonu 13, Praha 7 Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da OKSANA OVSEENKO (@oksana.ovseenko) 2. Joy Bakery: Nordic-Inspired Artisanal Baking Joy Bakery is an independent boulangerie offering a delightful selection of handcrafted breads and pastries. Drawing inspiration from Nordic baking traditions, this second location in the city uses locally sourced, organic ingredients to create sourdough breads, croissants, cookies, and more. With everything baked daily on-site, patrons can enjoy fresh and delicious treats in a cozy setting. Address: Urxova 436/10, Praha 8-Karlín Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Joy Bakery (@joybakerycz) 3. Ba-Lăm Coffee: A Fusion of Asian...
Experience Czech culture through the magic of film with the latest lineup from “Some Like It Czech.” Hosted at Prague’s legendary Aero cinema, this beloved screening series continues to bring English-friendly screenings of Czech classics to local expats. With a mix of historical epics, heartfelt dramas, and New Wave masterpieces, the upcoming screenings promise an unforgettable journey through Czech cinema. Learn more. March 19th – Kolya (1996) Starting off strong with the Academy Award-winning “Kolya” (watch the trailer). This gem by the legendary father-son duo, Zdeněk and Jan Svěrák, is guaranteed to make you both laugh and cry. A story of a bachelor unexpectedly caring for a five-year-old Russian boy blends humor, warmth, and a glimpse into Czechoslovakia’s complex past with Russia. Tickets are already on sale. April 23rd – A Night at Karlštejn (1973) Come on over and enjoy your five star stay at the most famous castle in the Czech republic. “A Night at Karlštejn” is a beloved classic that brings to life the legendary King Charles IV., his court, and the age-old battle between rules and the heart’s desires. Packed with catchy songs every Czech knows by heart, this enchanting historical comedy blends history with humor, and...
Holešovice is quickly emerging as Prague’s new hotspot for food lovers, rivaling even Karlín. The district is seeing a wave of new restaurants, street food vendors, and fine dining establishments, solidifying its reputation as a culinary destination. A Flourishing Food Scene in Holešovice Several new venues have already opened in Holešovice, with more on the way. The Holešovice Market, celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, is set to become the district’s busiest gastronomic hub in the coming months. Ambiente group is set introduce three new establishments this autumn: a branch of the iconic Myšák pastry shop in Halls 27 and 28, another Naše maso butcher shop with its own smokehouse, and a brand-new Slovak restaurant. The project, designed in part by renowned architect Josef Pleskot, aims to transform the market into a lively gathering space where visitors can enjoy food and drinks throughout the day. The restaurant will have 30 seats and will focus on simple Slovak cuisine using local and Slovak ingredients. The wine list will offer a varied selection of wines that will perfectly complement the menu. Street Food and International Cuisine Arrive Beyond high-end dining, street food events and pop-ups are adding to the district’s vibrant scene. On...
Eighty-six years ago today, on March 15, 1939, Hitler gave Czechoslovak President Emil Hácha a stark choice: accept becoming a protectorate or face destruction. After Hácha reluctantly agreed to give up his country’s independence, the German army started moving in. It was the beginning of six long years of occupation. On September 30, 1938, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, French Premier Edouard Daladier, and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed the Munich Pact, which sealed the fate of Czechoslovakia, virtually handing it over to Germany in the name of peace. Although the agreement was to give into Hitler’s hands only the Sudentenland, that part of Czechoslovakia where 3 million ethnic Germans lived, it also handed over to the Nazi war machine 66 percent of Czechoslovakia’s coal, 70 percent of its iron and steel, and 70 percent of its electrical power. Without those resources, the Czech nation was left vulnerable to complete German domination. No matter what concessions the Czech government attempted to make to appease Hitler, whether dissolving the Communist Party or suspending all Jewish teachers in ethnic-German majority schools, rumors continued to circulate about “the incorporation of Czechoslovakia into the Reich.” In fact, as early as October 1938, Hitler made it clear...
If you love K-pop, Korean food, or just want to experience a bit of Seoul without leaving Prague, Manifesto Market has you covered. From March 28 to 30, the market is throwing a South Korean Weekend, packed with food, music, dance, and pop-up shops celebrating all things Korean. The party kicks off on Friday, March 28, with DJ CAO spinning K-pop and K-hiphop hits from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Expect plenty of energy and a crowd ready to dance. On Saturday, March 29, the Moante Dance Group will take the stage at 4:30 and 5:00 PM for some live K-pop performances, followed by DJ ANKY keeping the vibes going from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The fun continues on Sunday, March 30, with more dance shows between 3:00 and 5:00 PM. Korean Street Food You Don’t Want to Miss If you’re here for the food (who isn’t?), there’s plenty to try. Bab Rýže will be serving up classics like Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and Kimchi Jjigae (hearty kimchi stew). Cafe Banhada is bringing Bungeoppang, a sweet, fish-shaped pastry, while Basak is frying up Korean corndogs in Classic, Potato, and Sweet Potato styles. Over at Matzip, you’ll find Jokbal (braised pork trotters),...
In 2024, a total of 83 new luxury stores were opened on 20 key premium streets in Europe in 16 cities and 12 countries, according to a study by real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield titled European Luxury Retail 2025. Pařížská Street welcomed five new luxury stores, and 2025 is expected to be a record year in this regard. Pařížská Street hosts over 50 stores of well-known brands, most of which are directly represented. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Celine, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., and many others have their flagship stores for the region here. In 2024, five new luxury stores were opened on the street and its immediate surroundings, including the flagship store of Patrizia Pepe at Pařížská 21, The Brands on Maiselova Street, Le Labo and The Ingredients on Vězeňská Street, and the first Czech boutique of Tudor on Old Town Square. In 2025, Cartier is also expanding its store. Outside Pařížská Street, Prague’s position as a key luxury goods market is further strengthened by the opening of Balmain Hair Couture on Dlouhá Street. Two other major development projects, to be completed in 2025, will significantly expand this area. The conversion of the former InterContinental Hotel...
The Prague City Council has approved a budget of CZK 22 million for marketing campaigns aimed at boosting inbound tourism in 2025. The initiative, managed by Prague City Tourism a.s., seeks to attract a sophisticated and high-spending clientele to the Czech capital. The campaigns will launch in March and run through December, focusing on long-haul markets. Prague will be promoted as a hub of education, research, and science through platforms like Touchpoint, which positions the city as a premium tourist destination. Additionally, the initiative will support congress tourism and other high-potential projects, with backing from the Prague Audiovisual Endowment Fund. “A structured approach to supporting tourism is the final step in effectively utilizing funds from the local residence fee. By allocating 50% of annual revenue from this fee, we can invest in campaigns that promote Prague as a cultivated and sophisticated destination. I am confident this will enhance the city’s appeal and boost its global competitiveness,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism, Monuments, National Minorities, Exhibitions, and Animal Welfare. Plans for Increased Residence Fees The tourism strategy aligns with Prague’s Inbound Tourism Strategy 2024–2027 and anticipates future increases in the residence fee. The fee was already raised from...
Prague 1 has put forward a proposal to name the unnamed section of the embankment in Malá Strana, located between Charles Bridge and Liechtenstein Palace, after the late politician and diplomat Karel Schwarzenberg, who passed away in 2023. The Prague 1 council approved the initiative, but the final decision rests with the Prague City Council, which evaluates street and square names based on recommendations from local districts and the topographic commission. Terezie Radoměřská (TOP 09), mayor of Prague 1 and a relative of Schwarzenberg, emphasized the significance of the location. “This stretch of the embankment is one of the most beautiful spots in our district, right at the heart of Malá Strana, at the foot of Charles Bridge,” she said. She believes the naming would reflect Schwarzenberg’s deep connection to Prague 1 while also respecting his modesty. A key reason for selecting this site is its practicality—since the embankment currently has no official name, the change would not cause administrative complications for residents. Schwarzenberg’s son Jan Schwarzenberg, head of the noble family, has already granted permission for the use of his father’s name. Public Support and Opposition However, the proposal has not been universally accepted. Pavel Čižinský and Valerie Talacková...
The Czech Republic and Slovakia are set to be connected by a high-speed railway, with both countries now in discussions to map out the project. According to iRozhlas, Slovakia has finalized a feasibility study for a high-speed rail link between Bratislava and the Czech border. The study now requires approval from local authorities. Meanwhile, the Czech side has already prepared its own documentation, allowing for joint planning to begin. “A completely new line will be built from Bratislava-západ station, designed for speeds of 300 to 400 km/h, connecting to the Czech Republic,” said Miroslav Garaj, director of the Strategy Department of Slovak Railways, in an interview with Radiožurnál. However, the railway’s completion is still far off. “Since this is a new line, the process will take two to three years just for preparation. The project is expected to be ready around 2029 or 2030, but construction is unlikely to begin before 2036 to 2040,” Garaj added. The planned high-speed rail will extend from Brno to Břeclav and then continue toward the border. The first section is scheduled for construction in 2028, with the Railway Administration aiming to launch operations by 2033. This means passengers could take a high-speed train between...
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