Prague is heading into a year that will shape its political leadership, transport network and cultural calendar.

From municipal elections and long-awaited infrastructure projects to global sporting events and major urban development, the Czech capital faces a series of milestones that will affect daily life across the city.

Political decisions

Residents of Prague will return to the polls next year to elect new municipal and district representatives, marking the end of the current four-year term. At the national level, voters across Czechia will also take part in Senate elections. These votes come at a time when the city is preparing to approve key strategic documents that will guide development for decades.

Dvorecký Bridge Nears Completion

One of Prague’s most closely watched construction projects is nearing completion. The Dvorecký Bridge, connecting Prague 4 and Prague 5, is expected to open in the first months of the year after repeated delays. Construction began in 2022 and was originally scheduled to finish earlier.

The bridge, which cost around CZK 1.5 billion, is designed exclusively for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians. Private cars will not be allowed.

Another delayed project from the same period is the reconstruction of the Industrial Palace at the Výstaviště exhibition grounds. The rebuilding of the fire-damaged wing, with a budget of roughly CZK 2.6 billion, is now expected to be completed by June, opening the historic structure to the public once again.

Roads, railways and unfinished links

Transport infrastructure remains one of Prague’s biggest challenges. Toward the end of the year, geotechnical surveys are expected to begin for the missing section of the inner city ring road. The unfinished eleven-kilometre stretch between Pelc-Tyrolka and Štěrboholy, including the Libeň connection to the D8 motorway, has been debated for years.

Construction will also continue on section 511 of the outer ring road, a state-funded project scheduled for completion in 2027. City officials argue that finishing both rings is essential to divert transit traffic away from residential areas.

Uncertainty still surrounds the second phase of Metro Line D. The Prague Public Transit Company has been unable to award the contract due to repeated appeals filed with the antimonopoly authority by participants in the tender process. As a result, timelines remain unclear.

Trams, trains and station closures

Rail and tram projects are also moving forward. The Railway Administration plans to begin modernising the Prague–Kladno rail line, including a branch to Václav Havel Airport. Construction is expected to start in 2027, following preparatory work next year.

In the city itself, new tram lines are planned toward Strahov and through the former Žižkov freight station area to Jarov. Work will continue on tram routes across Wenceslas Square and toward Malešice. Several disruptions are expected, including the temporary closure of Flora metro station from February for less than a year and the closure of Hradčanská station during the summer months.

Culture, theatres and landmarks

Prague’s cultural institutions will also undergo major changes. Reconstruction of the Vinohrady Theatre, with a budget of CZK 2.2 billion, is expected to begin after delays. During the renovation, the theatre ensemble will relocate to a temporary stage at the Radio Palace in Vinohrady for several years.

The city also plans to start repairs on the Petřín Lookout Tower and its surroundings. The Prague transport authority expects to complete renovations of the Petřín funicular by mid-year, introducing new carriages for passengers.

World events come to Prague

Sport and culture will bring international attention to the city. At the end of March, the O2 Arena will host the World Figure Skating Championships, returning to Czechia for the first time in 33 years.

Prague will also host the Children and Youth Olympics for the first time, from June 21 to 25. Around 4,500 young athletes will compete in 23 sports at venues across the capital.

From April 23 to 28, the city will also host the Composers Summit Prague, a festival focused on film and television music.

New neighbourhoods on former industrial land

Housing development remains a central issue. Construction continues on former industrial sites, with new residential districts taking shape in Smíchov, Rohanský Island in Prague 8, Bubny-Zátory in Prague 7 and the former Žižkov freight station area.

Developer Penta Real Estate plans to begin construction on the first phase of its Žižkov Station project next year, adding hundreds of new apartments as the city looks to address long-term housing shortages.

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