Prague, Czech Republic

MONEY:

• Kroner is currency
• Exchange – 18Ckr = 1USD, 1 CKr = $0.05 - $100 = 1800 CKr as of Nov 2007
• Tipping: round up to the nearest few crowns, about 10% for rest at fancier spots, 10% for cabs, not necessary for hotels, a little bit in hotels is ok

TRANSPORTATION:

• Taxis –10 % tip. Reserve in advance for airport and negotiate beforehand. AAA Taxi - 14 0 14/ 2211 0 2211/ 729 33 11 33 - dispatchers speak English
  
• Walking around town is very easy and recommended
  

Orientation:

Lodging:

• Maximilian Hotel, Hatalsk 14, CZ - 110 00 Praha 1 - spa in basement
  
• Hotel Josef - design hotel
  

Attractions

• Prague Castle – Prazsky Hrad: St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, several other attractions on the hill. Grounds are free. Castle open 9-4, gardens closed
• Jewish Museum – in Jewish Quarter, 9-4:30, 300 Ckr. – Maisel Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetary, Old New Synagogue – nJosefov – closed Sat.
• Charles Bridge
• Old Town Square – Astronomical Clock 8to8 on the hour, Wenceslas Square, Tyn Church 10-13, 15-17Karlstejn Castle – 18 mi south

Food - pork, dumplings, cabbage and beer are local fares. Make sure to ask before you eat what is on table. Restaurants will often charge for bread, nuts, etc on table. Always check bill carefully. Closer to center of town will be more expensive

• Bohemia Bagel - run by an expat - if you are looking for some familiar food this is your spot. Grab a bagel or sandwich for breakfast or lunch. Great cheesesteak.
• The Prague Post recently ran a Top Ten Restaurant Guide.
  
• Café Restaurant Louvre – coffee, cheap meal – meets and fish are better here
• Creperie Cafe Gallery Rest. – French, value, foot of Charles Bridge
• Hergetova Cihelna – good spot with great view, pizza
• Ponte – international
• Nostress - Asian fusion - great restaurant in cool area
• Klub architektu – 12^th cent cellar with Czech food,
• Jachymka – big meat spot, Restaurace u Parlamentu – business lunch spot, Velryba – art gallery with food
• Il Primo - Italian spot near the Jewish quarter - Elisky Krasnohorske 1, Praha 1 +420 222 320 734
  
• Bakeshop Praha - good local bakery /deli . Easy spot for take away or sit down.

• Cafes – Kavarna Slavia, Milena, Obecni dum, Dahab, Rybka, Ebel
• Pubs – Do Not wave for service, put a cardboard coster in front of you that you want a mug – U Fleku (famous beer hall), U Zlateho tygra, Vinarna U Sudu – cellars, Duende

Shopping – porcelain, glass, clothes

• Moser – glass and crystal – Na Prikope 12 or Male nam 11. 10-8 M-F, 10-7 S-
• Celetna Crystal – Celetna 15, Cristallino - Celetna 12 two stores with glass, crafts
• Manufaktura - great unique toys and crafts - several stores throughout town.
  
• Local Art - check out Galerie chez Annamarie - tucked in a courtyard at Mostecka 14, this is worth a stroll through
  

Havelsky trk – Havelska ulice, open air market M-F 7-6 local mkt

For some additional information click here.