The number of Chinese visitors to the Czech Republic is surging. Tourists, businesspeople, and students are once again making their way to Prague, marking a sharp contrast to the era of former President Miloš Zeman, whose efforts to attract Chinese investment largely failed. According to CzechTourism, nearly 174,000 Chinese visitors came to the Czech Republic last year, nearly doubling from the previous year. While this remains far below the 600,000-plus visitors recorded in 2019, the upward trend is clear and is expected to continue. The revival of direct air links has played a crucial role. Last June, Hainan Airlines resumed flights between Beijing and Prague after a multi-year hiatus. More routes are expected soon, with Prague Airport’s CEO Jiří Pos identifying a planned Shanghai-Prague connection via China Eastern Airlines as a top priority. CzechTourism Targets the Chinese Market CzechTourism is actively working to attract more Chinese travelers by expanding press trips and influencer collaborations to promote the country as a desirable destination. “We are increasing our focus on China by organizing media tours and influencer visits, which are key to building interest in Czechia,” said Lukáš Pokorný, head of CzechTourism’s China office. Czechia will also have a strong presence at...
The City of Prague has officially approved a new name for the planned transport hub in Prague 5. The current designation, Smíchovské Nádraží, will be replaced by Nádraží Smíchov, a name that will now be used across all navigation and information systems. “Since this hub will connect trains, the metro, city and intercity buses, and trams in one location, it’s essential to have a single, clear name to help passengers navigate easily. The name Nádraží Smíchov accurately reflects its significance while preserving the long-standing identity of Smíchov’s railway station. And now that we’ve secured the final permit, we can begin construction as early as next year! The new station will be a state-of-the-art 21st-century interchange that will not only transform Smíchov but also improve Prague’s overall transport network,” said Zdeněk Hřib, Deputy Mayor of Prague for Transport. The station is expected to handle tens of thousands of passengers daily, making it the third-busiest transport hub in Prague, following Hlavní nádraží (Main Station) and Masarykovo nádraží. “I am pleased that we finally have an official name. This is not just about transport infrastructure but also about clearly defining the city’s topography,” added Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Territorial and Strategic Development. The...
The German investment firm Union Investment is reportedly considering the sale of the Palladium shopping center in central Prague. According to Hospodářské noviny (HN), the company aims to secure approximately CZK 17.5 billion (around 700 million euros) — for the property. For context, Union Investment acquired Palladium in 2015 for 14.3 billion CZK (roughly 570 million euros at the current exchange rate). Fabian Hellbusch, head of marketing and communications at Union Investment, confirmed the possibility of selling the shopping complex. He explained that the recovery of retail markets after the Covid downturn has led to renewed buyer interest. “Buyers have returned and are prepared to pay competitive prices for quality assets,” he noted. The property owner has enlisted CBRE to manage the sale. The consulting firm, which played a role in the center’s previous sale a decade ago, now stands ready to facilitate this high-profile transaction. Additionally, Josef Karas, head of the investment department at Knight Frank, remarked that “the price reflects Palladium’s status as one of the top shopping centers in Central and Eastern Europe.” Palladium opened in 2007 and contains 170 shops and 30 restaurants, with a retail area of 39,000 square metres. There is also designated office...
A new amendment to the Tourism Act will require all accommodation providers, including hotels and private Airbnb rentals, to register in the upcoming eTurista system. The proposal has passed its first reading in the Chamber of Deputies, with implementation planned for hotels this year and private rentals next year. The amendment also grants municipalities the power to regulate short-term rentals in apartment buildings. Local governments will be able to set restrictions on rental periods, limit the number of days a property can be rented per year, and impose occupancy limits based on apartment size. “Hotels and other registered accommodations must follow strict regulations and are subject to inspections and potential sanctions. However, authorities often have no oversight over short-term rentals via digital platforms, allowing some hosts to operate in a legal gray zone,” said Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek (STAN). Kulhánek emphasized that the lack of regulation negatively affects popular tourist destinations like central Prague and the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains). Unregistered accommodations often fail to report foreign guests and avoid paying local accommodation fees. “Our estimates suggest that the state loses nearly CZK 800 million annually in unpaid taxes from unregistered accommodations, while municipalities lose another 55 million crowns in...
Hundreds of guests attending the Czech Ball at Prague’s Municipal House were evacuated on Saturday evening after an anonymous caller reported a bomb in the historic building. Police and emergency services swiftly responded, closing off the area and conducting a thorough inspection. “We received a report via the emergency line about a possible explosive device inside the Municipal House,” police spokeswoman Eva Kropáčová told Novinky.cz. “Evacuation is underway, and the building is being searched.” Authorities cleared approximately 500 people from the venue and cordoned off the surrounding streets as a precaution. Bomb disposal experts were deployed to inspect the premises. A large emergency response team arrived at the scene, including police units, firefighters, and paramedics. Given the freezing temperatures of around -5°C, medical teams dispatched a special Fenix emergency vehicle to assist those waiting outside. Just after 11 p.m., police confirmed there was no danger, and the ball resumed after more than an hour. Authorities are now searching for the person behind the false alarm, who could face charges for spreading panic. The seventh edition of the Czech Ball is an annual high-society event held at the Municipal House, one of Prague’s most famous landmarks. Would you like us to...
SaSaZu, one of Prague’s most acclaimed restaurants, is hosting an exclusive dinner on March 17, 2025. Guests will have the rare chance to taste a menu inspired by the legendary Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse restaurant in Monte Carlo. The event will be led by Emmanuel Pilon, the head chef of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, alongside SaSaZu’s chefs, Ari Munandar and Andy Tan. The one-night-only experience will bring together some of the finest culinary minds, blending the best of French haute cuisine with Asian flavors. Emmanuel Pilon, who upholds the legacy of Alain Ducasse, is known for his dedication to authentic taste, precision, and innovation. Under Ducasse’s philosophy, dishes emphasize less salt, sugar, and fat, promoting a refined yet health-conscious approach to fine dining. Alain Ducasse is a culinary icon, having accumulated 21 Michelin stars throughout his career. His meticulous approach to cooking has shaped the modern fine-dining landscape, making this event a must-attend for food enthusiasts. Since its opening, SaSaZu has been at the forefront of Prague’s dining scene, renowned for its Asian fusion cuisine. The restaurant is known for combining authentic Asian flavors with modern culinary techniques, offering guests an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Thanks to its commitment to...
In a shocking act of vandalism, a man in Prague damaged 52 cars in a single evening on February 2. The incident took place in Vršovice, near the tennis courts on Magnitogorská Street and Baškirská Street. Police were alerted by an eyewitness who saw the suspect slashing car tires. When officers arrived, they realized the scale of the damage was much larger than expected. All the affected cars had been parked illegally—on sidewalks, lawns, or outside designated spaces—likely due to a football match at the nearby Eden stadium. A few minutes after the police arrived, they detained a 46-year-old man, who admitted to the crime during questioning. He expressed his frustration with football fans, explaining that he disliked how they often disregard parking rules. However, it was later revealed that some of the damaged cars belonged to the man’s neighbors. These cars were temporarily parked on the street after the owners had trouble finding space near their homes. According to police spokeswoman Eva Kropachová, the suspect had a history of setting fire to abandoned cars in his neighborhood, which homeless people had used. The suspect had consumed a large amount of alcohol before committing the act, with a breathalyzer reading...
On February 14, 1945, the American Air Force carried out an air raid over Prague which ranks as the most futile attack on Czech territory of the Second World War. Seventy-eight years later it is still not clear whether the attack was an accident caused by bad weather conditions and the fact Prague and Dresden looked similar from the air, or whether it was a deliberate attack. Due to low visibility, and some apparent similarity in the layout between the two cities from the air, the American forces dropped over 150 tons of bombs over the Czech capital, resulting in what was easily the worst destruction Prague saw during WWII – and perhaps, in its history. While much of the historical center was spared, the bombs hit nearby districts in New Town, Vinohrady, Vyšehrad, Vršovice, Nusle, and elsewhere. 701 people died during the attack, which wounded a further 1,184. While air raid sirens went off during the bombing, it has been theorized that many citizens ignored them, having become accustomed to the familiar sounds that ring out each month. Buildings such as the 14th-century Emmaus Monastery in Vyšehrad and the 17th-century Faust House by Karlovo náměstí were mostly destroyed and...
Around the world people are celebrating St Valentine’s Day, the traditional day of lovers. But did you know that the Church of SS Peter and Paul in Prague’s Vyšehrad may be home to a relic of the famous saint? The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, located in the complex of the Vyšehrad fortress, is one of the Czech capital’s most prominent churches alongside Prague Castle’s St. Vitus Cathedral. Located atop the hill in Vyšehrad, the neo-gothic church is not only a prominent fixture in the central Prague skyline, but also the resting place of many famous Czechs, including author Karel Čapek and composer Antonín Dvorák. But the church also claims to be the final resting place of at least part of another very famous figure: Saint Valentine himself. In 2002, while sorting through the basement at the Basilica, members of the church stumbled upon several relics, one of which was labeled as the shoulder blade of St. Valentine. It is believed to have been brought to Prague in the 1300s by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who lived in Vyšehrad, the castle that houses the church. St. Valentine’s bone is now on permanent display and celebrated with a...
The Prague Technical Administration of Communications has signed a contract for the design and planning of a major renovation of Čech Bridge, which spans the Vltava River, connecting the Old Town with Letná. The engineering firms Pontex and Pragoprojekt, along with experts from the Czech Technical University, will oversee the project’s documentation and preparation. The last major renovation of Čech Bridge took place between 2000 and 2001, when tram traffic was disrupted for ten months. At the time, road and sidewalk surfaces were removed, and the steel structure was insulated and repaired. Now, based on a recent diagnostic survey, a complete replacement of the bridge deck is planned. The new deck will be constructed using ultra-high-performance concrete, a material increasingly used in Prague due to its durability. The project will also include anti-corrosion treatment of the supporting structure and general maintenance. Since the bridge deck replacement affects tram tracks and railings, the existing structures will be temporarily removed and later reinstalled. Utility networks will also be relocated, including a temporary transfer to a separate structure during the repairs. The reconstruction aims to extend the lifespan of Čech Bridge while preserving its historical significance. The project will be coordinated with the...
Construction work has officially begun on the renovation of the legendary Kotva department store in Prague, exactly 50 years after its grand opening. The project, led by Generali Real Estate, aims to modernize the brutalist landmark while preserving its architectural integrity. The completion is scheduled for the final quarter of 2027. Kotva, designed by architects Vladimír and Věra Machoninová, has been closed since February 1 of last year. Since then, workers have been preparing the site for reconstruction, while the owners navigated the necessary permitting process. Modernization While Preserving a Brutalist Icon The updated building will feature six floors of retail and services, along with two floors of office space. A key aspect of the renovation is the replacement of the façade shell, ensuring the preservation of Kotva’s iconic hexagonal structures and brutalist concrete communication towers. Heritage Protection and Architectural Significance The reconstruction project also involves revitalizing the surrounding area. The complete approval process, including consultations with state authorities, was finalized last July. Alongside the original architects, the Prague City Hall’s Department of Monument Preservation and the National Heritage Institute played a role in the project’s development. Kotva originally opened its doors on February 10, 1975, as one of the...
Bolt has introduced a new ride category in Prague, exclusively connecting female drivers with female passengers, aiming to enhance safety and comfort. The Women for Women service is now available in the Czech capital, with plans for expansion to other cities. Hundreds of female drivers are already operating in Prague, offering women a safer and more comfortable travel option starting today. “The launch of Women for Women is our next step in increasing safety for both passengers and drivers. Safety and comfort remain our top priorities. We already offer features such as route sharing, audio recording, and real-time driver verification. Now, this new category also supports women considering becoming driver partners,” said Josef Rückl, Bolt’s General Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Enhanced Security Measures for Women A key feature of the Women for Women category is stricter security to ensure that only women use the service. To achieve this, Bolt has introduced Rider Verification, requiring female passengers to verify their identity by uploading an ID card and a selfie before requesting a ride. The system then automatically compares the images for authentication. Bolt has also implemented additional safeguards to prevent misuse. If a driver finds that a passenger...
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