Andrea Plavčaniková |

5 great museums to visit in Prague

Museums in Prague, the Czech capital, typically have the country’s most valuable artefacts in their collections. Once you enjoy the city tour or in case of bad weather, you might want to look for some other attractions that will make your trip to Prague fun. We have chosen 5 museums for you, in which getting bored is not an option!

Public Transport Museum in Střešovice

Once you arrive to Prague, you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to get anywhere you want. The city has a great public transport network: 3 metro lines and buses and trams that will take you all around the city. Tram no. 22 will take you to their predecessors, which transported passengers in Prague in the past decades. The permanent exhibition of the Public Transport Museum counts more than 40 unique historical vehicles. History lovers will also enjoy the exhibited historical documents, plans, old tickets and photographs related to transportation in Prague. Definitely a cool experience for everyone who enjoy being on the road!

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LEGO Museum

The most attractive museum in Prague is definitely the National Museum but as it under reconstruction at the moment, we will not send you there. However, what we can do is offer you a great alternative! What about seeing the National Museum in its LEGO version? It was built using 100,000 bricks! Sounds like a childhood dream, doesn’t it? You will also see a model of the Charles Bridge with 1,000 LEGO tourists. Whatever your age, you will surely enjoy the world’s largest LEGO museum displaying breathtaking constructions built from the all-time favorite colorful bricks!

Museum of Communism

Even though the Czech Republic is geographically a part of Central Europe, many people from all around mistakenly associate it with Eastern Europe. This may have much to do with the fact that our country was under the influence of the communist Soviet Union for much of the 20^th century. Politics, art, architecture, sports… everything was governed by the Communist Party. The fascinating Museum of Communism will take you back into the time of secret police hunts, censorship and mass media propaganda and show you what everyday life for the Czechs looked like under the communist rule.

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Jewish Museum

One of the best preserved Jewish Museums in the world consists of five synagogues, the Robert Guttmann Gallery, Ceremonial Hall and the renowned Old Jewish Cemetery. The moving exhibition reminds the visitors of dark times in the history of Prague when the local Jews were aggressively repressed by the Nazis. More than 77,000 holocaust victims are commemorated by inscriptions on the walls of the Pinkas Synagogue. If you are interested in the Second World War and the history of Jewish people living in Prague from the first time they settled here to the present, then this is the right museum for you. Our friendly guides will gladly share their knowledge of this dark part of our history with you.

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Beer Museum

Anyone coming to the Czech Republic will immediately notice that Czech people are true beer lovers. Many foreigners agree on the fact that there is a good reason for that as our beer is simply really tasty☺. We should consider it a significant part of our culture. So why not visit the Prague Beer Museum? You will explore tens of different beers and much more! Don’t expect to just look from one exhibit to another – the museum is also a cosy pub where you can try all the different brands yourself. Don’t forget to say “čau” or “na zdraví“, which means “cheers” in Czech, because beer is mostly about getting together with friends and having a good time!

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5 facts you didn’t know about Charles IV

In 2016, the Czech Republic celebrates the 700^th anniversary of the most significant personality of Prague’s history – Charles IV. He was the man who ordered the construction of the bridge over the Vltava River known all over the world and founded the renowned Charles University in 1348, the first university in central Europe. The busy quarter New Town or the magnificent castle called Karlštejn were also founded during his reign. In his era, Prague was as a flourishing city and Charles was commonly known as the father of Prague. You can read about his reign and deeds in practically any Prague guidebook you can get your hands on. But you might not find there that Charles IV…

…got first married at the age of seven

Charles IV was married four times, which makes him the king with the most wives in the history of Bohemian kings. On the day of his wedding with the first one, Blanca, they were both seven years old. Due to their youth, they continued growing up separately and met again when they were around fifteen. Blanca died young, as well as Charles’s next two wives. The four women in his life gave birth to 12 children. Not bad, uh?

…beat the most popular hockey player of the Czech Republic Jaromír Jágr

As you’ve probably guessed, not personally, but he did beat him! In 2005, the Czech public television broadcaster carried out a national survey, asking a very simple question: Who is the greatest Czech personality ever? More than 68,000 people voted for Charles IV putting him on the top of the list, closely followed by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. Apart from historical personalities, the top 100 included such names as inventor of contact lenses Otto Wichterle, director Forman (e.g. Flight vver the Cuckoo’s Nest), hockey player Jaromír Jágr, athlete Emil Zátopek, writer Franz Kafka (e.g. Metamorphosis) and many more personalities who represent the Czech Republic all over the world. Headed by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor.

…is actually Wenceslas

The son of Elisabeth Premyslid and John of Luxembourg was baptized as Wenceslas. He got his name Charles after his confirmation when he was seven. In the Czech Republic, everyone knows him as Karel, which is the Czech version of the name.

…could speak Czech, German, French, Italian and Latin

In the old times, most people, monarchs included, did not know how to read or write. In addition to these skills, Charles IV was also fluent in five languages. Such polyglots are rare even today, in the age of online language courses and movies with original sound. But Charles acquired these skills in the 14^th century! This is one of the reasons why he is considered as one of the smartest and most educated historical personalities.

…said “in vino veritas”

Have you ever heard the saying that at there is truth in wine? It means that after a couple of glasses of wine, you will say whatever is on your mind. It actually goes back to Charles IV, who was a true wine lover. He promoted wine production and strived to improve its quality and the wine making process. Cheers!

Does he deserve to be the greatest Czech personality ever? We say yes, if only because the other 99 winners would never walk across his beautiful bridge if it wasn’t for him. ☺

Perfect filmmaking destination in the Czech Republic? Bohemian Paradise!

In the years of 1990’s, the Czech Republic has been considered as one of the top destinations for filmmakers. Low production costs, professional staff and beautiful scenery, that sounds great even to foreign productions. Recently, there are big competitors in Europe as attractive filming locations. Namely Hungary or Greece provide distinct tax incentives, however, Bohemian Paradise is still a fairytale place, literally. Countless classic movie stories loved by children and adults, too, have been shot right among breathtaking sandstone rocks area, just 50 kilometers far from Prague. As well as numerous US films shot after 2000’s.

The first nature reserve in the Czech Republic magnetizes tourist, climbers, artists and all nature lovers by its splendid rock towns, chateaux and green hills. You could see the paradise in movie scenes of Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman, Hellboy with Selma Blair casting, Brothers Grimm with Matt Damon or Beautician and the Beast with Timothy Dalton starring. The frequently visited gothic Kost castle served as a backdrop while making of Hannibal Rising. Stunning Prachovské rocks can be found in The Last Knights where Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman act.

Just a step from the rock town area, you find yourself in the city of Mladá Boleslav, which is home to ŠKODA Auto Company, currently owned by Volkswagen Group. The local former prison gave place to Tom Cruise while shooting some scenes for Mission Impossible 4. What an event in Czechia, some of his die-hard fans were standing in front of a prison for over 11 hours, just to see him getting out of car!

Nowadays, the Bohemian Paradise Film Office supports the local tourism by promoting the region via movies. They help to filmmakers in all ways, from searching for attractive exteriors and chateaux interiors, arranging the accommodation or assisting while transporting, to providing services in marketing and public relations.

In additon to Hollywood movies, one of the most popular Czech cartoon characters lives in the Bohemian Paradise, too. It is nothing but a Highwayman Rumcajs and his family, created by significant Czech writer Václav Čtvrtek. The favorite cartoon series takes place in the forest situated in Jičín area – a part of the paradise. That is how this destination has contributed also in the Czech culture.

The gorgeousness of this story-book destination could be described also by adrenaline sport fans. High rocks serve as a favorite spot to climbers. These who are not equipped with climbing gear can enjoy adventurous walking tour on staircases built right in the rocks. Last but not least adventure sports buffs come every summer to support Kozakov Challenge longboard riders. The Kozakov hill, placed under the lookout tower is one of the destinations of World Championship in Longboarding. That is truly no chance to get bored in this well-preserved area, surrounded by forests.

Since we have been charmed by a place personally, we had to put together a guided tour around the Bohemian Paradise for foreign friends, who would like to see the pure Czech nature. Easy day trip with nice views to the landscape is a great way to discover the country from different point of view, compared to Capital Prague. With Tom Cruise or not, you will certainly turn your video camera on while seeing that picturesque scenery!

What did the grey communist era bring to the people of Prague?

Today, it is no problem to buy premium food and clothes or to verify information from different sources. However, the situation in the country was very different during the communist era from 1948 to 1989. The truth is that when something is readily available, you do not appreciate it as much as the under-the-counter stuff. On the one hand, we will never experience what our parents felt when they bought the Beatles’ Long Play Album, watched their first movie in the cinema or when they bought their first jeans in TUZEX, which was a chain of stores that sold luxury goods manufactured in the West, otherwise unavailable to Czech customers. On the other hand, luckily enough we will also never know the feeling of being rejected to study at university on the basis of our family’s political opinions.

Moreover, we also do not need to be close friends with the nearby butcher just to get fresh meat for Saturday lunch. We can set up our own businesses and travel, without having to get permission from the state officials. Thirty years ago, life in Czechoslovakia was completely different. Prague, as the capital city, was the seat of the Communist party, whose political decisions were dictated by the Soviet Union. Freedom would be the last word you could use to describe the then situation. Employment would be much more fitting. Everyone had to have a job. The resulting construction boom left us a number of industrial buildings, factories, and monuments from this period in Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic. Some of them have been reconstructed, other remain as they were.

Architect Petr Kučera describes the famous Wenceslas Square as a “monument to communism” and for the last five years, he has been working on its revitalization. He thinks that square is a good reflection of today’s Czech society and that change is necessary in order to transform Prague into a West European metropolis. Well, we just have to wait to see what happens.

An example of a successful reconstruction of Soviet architecture and art would be the controversial statue of a big metronome in the park Letenské sady. It replaced Stalin’s statue, for which the place used to be called “meat queue“, referring to the lack of fresh food being brought to local stores.

One of the most important venues during the Communist era was the Strahov Stadium. In its time, it was the largest stadium ever built, with the capacity of 220,000 people. Its main purpose was to host the mass synchronized gymnastics shows called Spartakiáda. It now serves as a concert venue and is in desperate need of reconstruction.

Although the country has gone through massive changes since Czechoslovakia was divided into two independent countries in 1993, you can still see that it is only recovering from the dark totalitarian period. Brutal political trials, prosecution by the secret police and large-scale media censorship are just a few examples of what Czech people will never forget. Despite all of this, members of the Communist party are still represented in the government. Many socialist buildings can also be found in Prague.

With our new guided tour called Retro ŠKODA Cars, you get a chance to discover the most significant monuments of the Soviet times in Prague. As authenticity is the most important element when trying to experience the atmosphere of times long gone, you will sit behind the wheel of a retro ŠKODA automobile, one of the symbols of life under the communist regime. Since this was the most popular Czech car in the 70s, you could hardly look for a better time machine that would take you behind the Iron Curtain and allowed you to make up your own mind about it.

Want to go Into the Wild right now? Just take the bus.

From 2001 to 2013, the population of Prague’s suburbs increased more doubled. The reason for that is quite obvious: who wouldn’t like to live with their family in nice natural environment while staying close to the city centre, where you have a well-paid job? However, this urban sprawl is not only about building family houses. It is necessary to take into account all the related services, such as water and electricity networks, infrastructure or waste management. Then you also need schools, healthcare facilities, shops and restaurants. Moreover, lower taxes in the suburbs compared to the city centre attract companies and businessmen. As a result, more and more industrial warehouses of all kinds, new factories and large shopping centres are being built on places, which used to be green…

According to the Prague Institute of Planning and Development, the city will not continue to expand in the following years. The goal is rather to renovate existing unused areas also called brownfields. A perfect example of this is the DOX Centre of Contemporary Art situated in the Prague district Holešovice. The abandoned factory was reconstructed into a multi-functional building, where contemporary art, architecture and design are exhibited. The Phaidon Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture ranked it among the best architectural projects in the world. Instead of destroying the original landscape by building another new complex, an old one was cleverly reconstructed. How cool is that?

If you live in the centre of Prague, you are happy to have at least a balcony with flowers or a park nearby to compensate for the lack of greenery around. But nothing is black-and-white and there are undoubtedly pros and cons when it comes to living in the Czech capital. All the amazing social events, fun activities and breath-taking architecture are in sharp contrast with the hectic lifestyle, busy traffic and grey urban environment.

The good news is that within spitting distance of the city centre, you will find the fairy-tale Průhonice Chateau surrounded by a picturesque park. The local fauna and flora invite all those who like to spend time outside for a nice walk along streams and meadows. All exotic and local plant species are dispersed over the area so that the walk is magical all year round. This Czech National Historical Landmark is also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List, which inspired us to put this beautiful place on our list of ThinkPrague guided tours. It is a quick and easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go into the wild. In the second part of the tour, there will be time to visit the Prague Environmental Education Centre Toulcův Dvůr.

Just at the imaginary border of the city, you may explore a farm with cows, sheep, horses, goats and chickens. It also includes listed buildings, such as the old stable, where both children and adults can get into closer contact with the farm animals. It is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the surrounding countryside. You can also buy fresh herbs and other local products. No car noise, no rush, no crowds. Instead of impersonal industrial zones, only forests and meadows as if you weren’t even in Prague. So despite of being in a capital city with more than a million inhabitants, countryside and beautiful views are within your reach. Thumbs up for all similar projects preventing Prague from looking like a successfully completed SimCity!

Things to do in Prague if you hate tourist traps

In the last three months of the year 2015, the Prague accommodation facilities signed 1, 385, 210 of incoming non-residents. That is more than a tenth of the entire population of the Czech Republic. And the number does not even include couchsurfers and people staying at their friends, so the actual number is even higher!

Wenceslas Square, unique Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, National Theatre… it is mainly these historical monuments that make Prague one of most popular European destinations. But if you live, study or work in the centre of the Czech capital, the list of your favourite places usually includes something else than the Old Town Square. Let us take a closer look at where a Prague local would go….

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the country embraced the new opportunities, and creative people began coming up with new art and business ideas. As a result, nearly 30 years later, there are countless restaurants offering different cuisines, alternative cafés, design clothes shops, galleries of fine art (our personal favourite) or graffiti walls all around Prague.

This is why we created a new tour called Street Vibes. We want to show you around the city we call home from our own perspective and tell you what it is like to live in Prague today. We are glad that we can present to you David Černý’s statues. This artist is probably the first Czech person that we think of when it comes to “controversial artists”. He is either loved or hated for his extraordinary works of art. His first project that caught the attention of the public was when he painted an old Soviet tank pink.

The tank was exhibited in Smíchov since 1945 as a memorial of the liberation of Prague by the Soviet Red Army. On the night of 28 April 1991, the art student David Černý painted the military green tank in pink. His sassy night action provoked a huge response, both positive and negative. His opponents considered it an act of vandalism, while his supporters said it had been a cool expression of art. Černý was later charged with a small fine, which was paid by his supporters in the end. The pink tank was then transported to various museums and today, it is exhibited in the Prague Meet Factory Art Centre.

This is how David’s career of a controversial sculptor started. Today, all Czech people know his giant babies crawling up the Žižkov TV Tower, as well as his Entropa. The sculpture depicts European countries in a slightly racial way, therefore it has been criticised by many European politicians.

Whether you belong to the camp of his admirers or his critics, we would love to discuss your view on contemporary art in Prague with you. And there is no better place to do that than in our favourite stylish Café Neustadt, run by Ondřej Kobza. This urban entrepreneur says that his goal is to encourage spontaneity – that is why he installed pianos and chess tables in many different places in Prague. You can just sit down and play on the street, how cool is that?

So if you want to enjoy Prague, explore the real Prague of today, do not waste your opportunity to meet young local people and see it all for yourself with Street Vibes!