What's New

The best parts of Prague have remained unchanged for hundreds of years, but fortunately for visitors, the quality and the number of available services have improved steadily since the 1989 revolution. The Internet age has also made the city more accessible. Below are some of the best new ways to plug into Prague, as well as other notable changes of interest to visitors.

Planning a Trip to Prague

The Prague-based firm E-Travel has developed a website, www.travel.cz, for general Czech tourist information and accommodations. They've also developed www.apartments.cz for booking private apartments online. Start any trip planning here. Helpful information can also be found on the official site of the Czech Republic at www.czech.cz or the Czech Foreign Ministry site at www.mzv.cz. For general tips, check out the Prague Information Service at www.pis.cz or www.prague-info.cz.

Documents: Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand need no visa for stays less than 90 days. Their passports must be valid for a period of at least 90 days beyond the expected length of stay in the Czech Republic.

Nationals from the United Kingdom and Ireland (and all European Union countries) can travel to the Czech Republic with passports (validity is not limited) and they are allowed to stay for an unlimited period of time.

Children inscribed in their parents' passports can travel with their parents up to the age of 15. Once the child has reached the age of 15, a separate passport is necessary.

After 40 years the city's Prague Information Service (PIS) has closed its location at Na Príkope 20, Praha 1. The new one will welcome tourists and visitors at Rytírská 31, Praha 1 (tel. 12 444; www.pis.cz), and will offer travel advice, tickets, souvenirs, and maps.

Where to Stay

The latest addition to Prague's list of affordable pensions is the Pension Museum, Mezibranská 15, Praha 1 (tel. 296-325-186). Situated just around the corner from Václavské námestí, this place offers comfortable accommodations in a very convenient location just steps from the National Museum at the top of the square. The staff here are friendly and extremely helpful. Overall, this pension is a good value for your money.

In the luxury category, the Mandarin Oriental adds Prague to its world brand of hotels. Built in a former monastery, the decor has nods to the Far East, and the two-story spa offers a relaxing escape from the bustle of the city. It is centrally located in Malá Strana, at Nebovidská 459/1, Praha 1 (tel. 233-088-888).

The former Renaissance Prague has now been transformed into the Hilton Prague Old Town, at V Celnici 7, Praha 1 (tel. 221-821-111). The second Hilton hotel to open in town, it features the Gordon Ramsay restaurant maze Prague, modeled on his acclaimed restaurant in London of the same name.

Where to Dine

In Nové Mesto, at Na Porící 2, Praha 2, the famous Café Imperial (tel. 246-011-440) has been completely renovated, but is still a memorable throwback to the First Republic era. Come for coffee and a doughnut at this newly reopened space, where its full Art Deco beauty is on display once again.

If you are looking to kick back at a relaxing cafe, visit Sahara Café at námestí Míru 6, Praha 2 (tel. 222-574-987). This newly reconstructed corner building across from the Theater Na Vinohradech houses a distinctive, tastefully furnished, and modern cafe where you can enjoy coffee and international cuisine.

One of Prague's most exciting arrivals has been La Degustation, Hastalská 18, Praha 1 (tel. 222-311-234). This restaurant in Old Town has elevated Czech cuisine to new heights, with creative tasting menus and skilled sommeliers.

Exploring Prague

Before you start strolling around the city, consider buying an all-inclusive ticket, the Prague Card, to save money on entrance fees. It is valid for 4 days and allows you to visit up to 55 attractions, including Prague Castle. You'll find a full list of sights and more information at www.praguecard.biz. The Prague Card is available at the Cedok office, Na Príkope 18, Praha 1, or at the PIS office, at Rytírská 31, Praha 1, and from many travel agents and hotels as well.

On the embankment of the Vltava, in the reconstructed Hergetova Cihelna building, the Franz Kafka Museum, Cihelná 2b, Praha 1 (tel. 257-535-507), shows manuscripts, photographs, and letters of this enigmatic author of the 20th century. The exhibition focuses mainly on the enormous influence of Prague on Kafka's life and work.

Shopping

The brand-new shopping gallery Palladium, námestí Republiky 1, Praha 1 (tel. 225-770-250), opened in late 2007. Its five floors offer nearly 200 shops and 30 restaurants, framed by notable art and architecture by some of the Czech Republic's finest.

In Bohemia

Where to Dine in Karlovy Vary -- The dining options in spa towns can sometimes get a bit tiring. Mix things up at XXX long, at Vrídelní 23 (tel. 353-224-232). Despite the odd name, this is a fresh addition to the restaurants in Karlovy Vary. They serve Italian and international dishes, along with pizza, at this modern spot decked out in white.

Where to Dine in Ceské Budejovice

The chain of restaurants owned by the Prague brewery Staropramen has spread to southern Bohemia. Its Potrefená husa can be now found also at Ceská 29 (tel. 387-420-560). And as in Prague, no one will be disappointed here since there is always a wide selection at reasonable prices. Also, the renowned local pub Masné Krámy (Meat Shops) at Krajinská 29 is soon opening doors after a long renovation of its historic beer halls.