Discover the Vibrant Charm of New Town, Prague

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeNa shledanou
  [na shledanou]
• YesAno
  [ah-noh]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yi]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [proh-meen-tyeh]
• How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak se mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [doh-breh. ah tee]
• 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-dyel meh-noo, pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNejím maso
  [nyeem mah-soh]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [na zdra-vee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khtyel bikh zap-la-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 doktora!
  [zah-vo-leh-yeh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztra-teel yehm se]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [ysem ne-mo-tsnee]

• I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [khtyel bikh koh-peeht]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yen se dee-vahm]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh yeh pree-leesh drah-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moo-zheh-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [koh-leek yeh hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yed-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Půl jedenácté
  [pool yed-neh-ahnt-seh]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [ohd-poh-led-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chair]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-chair-ah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zhee-trah]
• 1Jedna
  [yed-nah]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tři
  [tree]
• 4Čtyři
  [tchee-tyr-zhee]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [ohsm]
• 9Devět
  [deh-vyet]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je ...?
  [kde yeh]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-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-zaht (nah mah-peh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdee yeh-deh dah-lshee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu jízdenku (do ....)
  [yed-noo yeez-dehn-koo (doh)]

New Town (Nové Město) was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. It was part of his grand vision to expand Prague, making it a cultural and economic center in Central Europe. The area was designed in a grid layout, a novel approach for medieval urban planning, emphasizing wide boulevards and spacious squares, which was a significant departure from the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town.

In the early 15th century, New Town became a pivotal location during the Hussite Wars, a series of conflicts stemming from religious reformist ideas. The area saw significant unrest and battles, with the followers of Jan Hus using the strategically located New Town as a base for their activities. This period marked a profound transformation in the social and political landscape of Prague.

The Renaissance period in the 16th century saw New Town thrive as a hub of culture and trade. The construction of important buildings, such as the majestic Church of St. Ignatius and the New Town Hall, reflected the architectural advancements of the time. This era also fostered the growth of education and the arts, with the establishment of institutions such as Charles University, which played a crucial role in the cultural development of the region.

The 19th century brought significant industrialization to New Town, aligning with broader trends across Europe. Factories, shops, and residential buildings rapidly filled the area, transforming its character. The introduction of the tram system in the late 19th century further integrated New Town with the wider city of Prague, enhancing its accessibility and economic vitality.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New Town became a focal point for the Czech National Revival movement. Cultural institutions, theaters, and galleries emerged, celebrating Czech language and heritage. The establishment of the National Museum in the area underscored the significance of New Town as a center for national identity and pride amidst the Austro-Hungarian Empire's dominance.

Following World War II, New Town experienced substantial changes under Communist rule. The government prioritized industrial growth, which often led to the neglect of historical architecture. However, this period also saw the construction of new residential complexes and cultural facilities. The Velvet Revolution of 1989 eventually brought a new wave of revitalization, focusing on preserving the rich historical legacy of New Town.

Today, New Town stands as a vibrant blend of history and modernity. It is home to significant cultural institutions, including the National Theater and the bustling Wenceslas Square, a site of historical protests and celebrations. The area continues to attract both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into Prague's dynamic past and its ongoing evolution in the heart of Czechia.

New Town (Nové Město) is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Prague. If you are arriving by plane, Václav Havel Airport Prague is about 20 km away. You can take the Airport Express bus to the city center and then transfer to metro lines B or C. If you're traveling by train, the main railway station (Hlavní nádraží) is located in New Town, providing easy access to domestic and international routes. Trams and buses connect New Town to other parts of the city, making it convenient to reach from areas like Old Town, Mala Strana, and Vinohrady.

New Town is well-served by Prague's public transport system. The metro (lines B and C) has several stations in the area, including Karlovo Náměstí and I.P. Pavlova. Trams also run frequently, with lines 3, 4, 10, and 24 providing access to various parts of the neighbourhood. Bicycles can be rented through local bike-sharing programs, and many streets are bike-friendly. Walking is a great way to explore, as many attractions are within a short distance of each other.

New Town is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas like Wenceslas Square and the shopping district around Národní třída. Pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots. Areas to be cautious in include the vicinity of the main train station and certain lesser-known side streets.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-urgent medical issues, visit a local hospital or clinic. Pharmacies (apoteka) are widely available and often have English-speaking staff. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy, handy.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately when visiting churches or formal establishments, avoiding overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious events. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and keep it until the end of your journey. Don’t use your phone loudly in public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and cafes. Don’t eat or drink on public transport or in sacred places.

To experience New Town like a local, explore the lesser-known cafes and bistros away from the tourist traps around Wenceslas Square. Attend a performance at the National Theatre or check out local art galleries. Participate in the local market scene at Náplavka, especially on weekends, where you can enjoy fresh produce and homemade goods. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their love for their city.