Prague/East
From Wikitravel
Europe : Central Europe : Czech Republic : Bohemia : Prague : East
The East of Prague is on the east side of the Vlatava River beside the Old Town and New Town districts. It consists of the numbered districts of Praha 3, Praha 10, Praha 11 and Praha 12. Most of the sites listed are in the Casadral district of Žižkov, which roughly corresponds to Praha 3. Like many districts of the city, Prague 3 is socioeconomically diverse. The western part of Žižkov is known for its high concentration of brothels, strip clubs and cheap bars. Yet only a short distance away are nice apartments and a new shopping mall with expensive stores.
[edit] Get in
- Metro
Praha 3 is mainly served by the green line, which stops at Jiřího z Poděbrad, Flora and Želivského.
- Tram
Praha 3 is on the number 1, 5, 9, 10, 11, 16, 19 & 26 tram routes. From midnight it can be reached by the No. 51, 55 and 58 night trams.
[edit][add listing] See
- Žižkov Television Tower, Mahlerovy sady 1, Praha 3, tel. +42/0 267 005 778, info@tower.cz, [1]. Open 10AM-11PM every day. Famously built by the communists in order to jam foreign radio signals the most hideous building in Prague offers spectacular views of the city. The cafe at the top is a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy the view. Lookout for the giant metallic alien babies that have been added to the tower. Admission is 150Kč for adults and 120Kč/60Kč for students/children under 14.
- Kafka's Grave, Olsany Hrbitovy, Praha 3. Take the metro to Zelivskeho on the green line and follow the signs to the New Jewish Cemetery. Kafka's grave is signposted around 100m along the path to your right from the entrance. Men should cover their heads. The cemetery is closed on Saturdays.
- FK Viktoria Žižkov, [2]. At Husinecka tram stop (trams 5, 9, 26). Very old football team who have seen better days, including knocking Glasgow Rangers out of the UEFA cup in 2002. After a corruption scandal and a string of poor results they were relegated to the second division, but have recently been promoted back into the top flight.
- Žižkov Monument, located at the top of Žižkov Hill (formerly Vitkov hill). This immense equestrian statue was erected in 1950 to commemorate Czech national hero Jan Žižkov, who fought his most famous battle on this site and later had the hill and the neighbouring city renamed after himself. The scale of the monument is impressive enough in itself, but the views of Žižkov from the top of the hill really make the climb worthwhile.
[edit][add listing] Do
- Masopust, Annual Mardi Gras parade around the streets of Žižkov, [3], Check local media in the proceeding weeks for more information.
[edit][add listing] Buy
- Palac Flora, Vinohradská 151, Praha 3, tel +420 255 741 712. [4]. Modern shopping mall with IMAX cinema. At Flora station on the green metro line.
[edit][add listing] Eat
- U Houdku, Borivojova 110, Praha 3. Traditional (and inexpensive) Czech Restaurant with beer garden in summer. Lucnchtime specials are particularly good value.
- Strudel, Jeseniova 29 13000 Prague 3. Home baked Apple Strudel. Locally run, so there may be a language barrier. Great value.
[edit][add listing] Drink
- Palác Akropolis, Kubelíkova 27, Praha 3, tel. +42/0 296 330 911, fax. +42 296 330 912, info@palacakropolis.cz, [5]. An alternative club that often hosts international rock acts.
- Blind Eye, Vlkova 26, Praha 3, [6]. Popular expat bar and former speakeasy, usually open until the early hours of the morning.
- U Sadu [7] Beer, wine, drinks, food and free WiFi. Close to the TV-tower.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Budget
- Hostel Elf, Husitska 11, Žižkov, Prague 3, tel. +42/0 222 540 963, info@hostelelf.com, [8]. Smokey common area, free internet and wacky rooms. The train station is a long walk but it's doable. Breakfast and free tea and coffee all day are included. Dorms start from 260Kč (more for smaller dorms) and singles/doubles/triples are 550/380/350 per person. Rooms with private shower are available also. Add 20% during peak season.
- Clown and Bard Hostel, Borivojova 102, Žižkov, Prague 3, tel. +42/0 222 716 453, reservations@clownandbard.com, [9]. The C&B is a short tram ride from the main station and only 15 minutes walk from Old Town. With a lively vibe and a bar in the basement there's always something going on at the hostel too, though it's not the cleanest or newest in town. Free breakfast and internet is available for all guests and rooms in the very large dorm start at 300Kč. For those who want a little privacy, five bed dorms, six bed privates and doubles are available for 380czk, 400Kč and 500Kč respectively.
- Hostel Olet Prague, Havlíckovo nám 10, Praha 3, +42/0 222 781 340, info@olet.cz, [10]. Olet has English speaking staff, a bar downstairs and an internet cafe next door. A kitchen, car parking and bike rental are available for guests. However, you must check in before 11.30am or your reservation will be cancelled. Special arrangements may be possible. No curfew or lockout. Dorms 300Kč, Quads/Triples 350Kč. Save 20Kč if you don't have breakfast.
- Apartment Flora, cnr. Chrudimska Street & Baranova Street, tel +42/0 602 328 737, fax. +42/0 281 914 971, ftir@ftir.cz, [11]. These three basic apartments close to metro stations are available for €28 per night for two persons. The apartments are capable of sleeping up to approximately 8 people (for short term stays) for an extra cost of €14 per person per night (€7 for children under 12). Discounts for longer term stays. Each apartment has a PC with dialup internet access (€3 per hour). You will need to book in advance as there is no reception. On arrival you will be met in the apartment.
[edit] Mid-range
- Hotel Amadeus, Dalimilova 10, Praha 3. 1.5 km from city centre, easily accessed by tram. Double rooms starting from 50€.
- Art Residence, Pribyslavska 5, Prague 3, tel +420 724 124 838, info@artresidence.cz, [12]. Newly renovated apartments for 2 up to 8 people. Each apartment has free Wi-Fi and 24 hour ADSL connection. Easily accessed by tram, close to the Old Town. Price from 50 EUR per apartment per night.
