Since the fall of communism in 1989 and the opening up of Central and Eastern Europe, Prague has evolved into one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. The city offers an intact medieval core that transports you back 500 years. The 14th-century Charles Bridge, traversing two historic neighbourhoods, is one of the continent’s most beautiful sights. The city is not just about history. It’s a vital urban centre with a rich array of cultural offerings. Outside the capital, castles and palaces abound – including the audacious hilltop chateau at Český Krumlov – which illuminate the stories of powerful dynasties whose influence was felt throughout Europe.
Area 78,866 sq km
Capital Prague
Country Code 420
Currency Crown (Kč)
Emergency 112
Language Czech
Money ATMs all over; banks open Monday to Friday
Population 10.5 million
Visas Schengen rules apply; visas not required for most nationalities
BUSINESS HOURS
ABanks 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday
ABars 11am to midnight or later
AMuseums & castles Usually closed Monday year-round
ARestaurants 11am to 10pm
AShops 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to noon Saturday
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
Homosexuality is legal in the Czech Republic and attitudes are relatively open.
For online information including links to accommodation and bars see thePrague Gay Guide (www.prague.gayguide.net).
INTERNET RESOURCES
ACzech Tourism (www.czechtourism.com)
ANational Bus & Train Timetable (http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz)
APrague City Tourism (www.praguecitytourism.cz)
APrague City Transport (www.dpp.cz)
ARadio Prague News (www.radio.cz)
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