Prague: The City of a Hundred Spires

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeNa shledanou
  [na shledanou]
• YesAno
  [ah-no]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yee]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [proh-meen-tyeh]
• How are you?Jak se máte?
  [yak seh mah-teh]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A vy?
  [dob-zheh. ah vee]
• Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-teh ahn-gleet-skee]
• I don't understandNerozumím
  [neh-roh-zoo-meem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseRád bych viděl menu, prosím
  [rahd bikh vee-dyehl meh-noo, pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNemám maso
  [neh-mahm mah-soh]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [na zdrah-vee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khteel bikh zah-pla-teet, pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
• Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preets]
• Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [zah-vo-leh-yeh poh-lee-tsee]
• Call a doctor!Zavolejte lékaře!
  [zah-vo-leh-yeh lay-kar-zheh]
• I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztrah-teel yehm seh]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [yehm neh-mohts-nee]

• I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [khteel bikh koh-oo-peet]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yehn seh dee-vaam]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [ko-leek toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh yeh przh-leezh dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moo-zheh-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [ko-leek yeh hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yehd-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Půl jedenácté
  [pool yeh-de-nyahk-theh]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [ohd-poh-lehd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-cheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zheet-rah]
• 1Jedna
  [yehd-nah]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tři
  [trzhee]
• 4Čtyři
  [chtih-zhee]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shest]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [oh-sm]
• 9Devět
  [deh-vyet]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...
  [kdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [ya-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi to ukázat (na mapě)?
  [moo-zheh-teh mee toh oo-kah-zat (nah mah-peh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdee yeh-deh dah-lee-shee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenka (do ....)
  [yed-noh yeez-dehn-kah (doh)]

Prague's origins date back to the 9th century when it was established as a fortified settlement. According to legend, Princess Libuše, a mythical figure, foretold the city's founding, proclaiming that Prague would become a 'great city whose glory will touch the stars.'

The 14th century marked the beginning of Prague's golden age under the reign of Charles IV. He transformed the city into an imperial capital, establishing Charles University in 1348, the oldest university in Central Europe. He also commissioned architectural masterpieces like the Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral.

In the early 15th century, Prague became the center of the Hussite Wars, a series of conflicts initiated by religious reformer Jan Hus. Hus's followers, known as Hussites, sought to reform the Catholic Church, leading to significant social and religious upheaval in the city and beyond.

The Defenestration of Prague in 1618 was a pivotal event that ignited the Thirty Years' War. Protestant nobles threw two Catholic officials out of a window at Prague Castle, symbolizing the growing tensions between Protestant and Catholic factions in the Holy Roman Empire.

Following the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, Prague fell under Habsburg rule. The city experienced significant Baroque architectural development during this time, with landmarks like St. Nicholas Church and the Loreta complex being constructed.

In the 19th century, Prague was at the heart of the Czech National Revival, a cultural movement aimed at reviving Czech language and identity. Key figures like Josef Jungmann and František Palacký played crucial roles in promoting Czech literature, history, and education.

Prague endured harsh times during World War II, suffering under Nazi occupation from 1939 to 1945. The city witnessed significant resistance efforts, including the assassination of high-ranking Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich by Czech resistance fighters.

The Prague Spring of 1968 was a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia under the leadership of Alexander Dubček. The movement sought to create 'socialism with a human face,' but was abruptly ended by the Warsaw Pact invasion, which restored hardline communist control.

In 1989, the Velvet Revolution marked the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Peaceful protests and civic movements led by figures like Václav Havel culminated in the establishment of a democratic government, restoring political and cultural freedoms to Prague and the nation.

Today, Prague is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern innovation. Known for its stunning architecture, thriving arts scene, and lively cultural festivals, Prague continues to enchant visitors from around the world.

Prague is well-connected to major cities around the world. Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the main international gateway, located about 17 kilometers west of the city center. Direct flights are available from numerous European cities, as well as some destinations in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. From the airport, you can reach the city center by bus, taxi, or airport shuttle services. Alternatively, Prague is accessible by train and bus from various European cities, with Prague's main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží) and main bus station (Florenc) being key transit hubs.

Prague boasts an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro network. The metro operates from 5 AM to midnight, while trams and buses have night services. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, newsstands, or via mobile apps and must be validated before use. Taxis are available but it's advisable to use reputable companies or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging. For a scenic experience, consider renting a bike or walking, especially in the historic city center.

The official currency in Prague is the Czech Koruna (CZK). While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, it is wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Be cautious of currency exchange offices; opt for banks or reputable exchange services to avoid unfavorable rates and hidden fees.

Prague is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to stay vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and public transportation. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, particularly around Wenceslas Square and certain parts of Žižkov. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of scams targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number in the EU. For police assistance, dial 158; for fire services, dial 150; and for medical emergencies, dial 155. Major hospitals like the General University Hospital in Prague offer emergency services. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants and cultural venues. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and observing silence. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid speaking loudly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly 'Dobrý den' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as goulash and trdelník. Don't forget to tip (around 10%) in restaurants if the service is good.

To experience Prague like a local, visit farmers' markets such as Náplavka for fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore less touristy neighborhoods like Vinohrady and Letná for vibrant cafes and parks. Attend cultural events and festivals, particularly those featuring traditional Czech music and dance. For a unique view of the city, take a walk along the Vltava River or visit one of the many beer gardens scattered across the city.