Nove Mesto: The New Town Charm of Prague

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeNashledanou
  [nash-led-an-oh]
• YesAno
  [ah-noh]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yee]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [pro-meen-tyeh]
• How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak se mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [dobr-zhe. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-te ahng-lee-tskee]
• 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
  [nay-eem mah-soh]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [nah zdra-vee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khtyel bikh zap-la-teet, pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [po-moats]
• Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preets]
• Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [za-vo-ley-teh po-lit-see-ee]
• Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora!
  [za-vo-ley-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztra-teel ysem seh]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [ysem neh-mo-tsnee]

• I'd like to buy...Rád bych koupit...
  [rahd bikh koh-peeht]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yen seh dee-vaam]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoy-ee]
• That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh ye pr-ee-lee-sh 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-na hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Půl desáté
  [pool des-aht-eh]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [od-pol-ed-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-cheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zee-tra]
• 1Jedna
  [yed-na]
• 2Dva
  [dva]
• 3Tři
  [tree]
• 4Čtyři
  [cht-yer-zhee]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [osm]
• 9Devět
  [deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...?
  [kdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-kah yeh ah-deh-srah]
• 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 dal-shee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenka (do ....)
  [yed-noh yeez-dehn-kah doh]

Nové Město, or New Town, was founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV as part of his vision to expand Prague and enhance its significance as a cultural and economic hub in Central Europe. The area was designed with a grid layout, featuring wide streets and large squares, which was advanced for its time. This development marked a significant shift in urban planning, contributing to Prague's growth in the late Middle Ages.

In the early 15th century, Nové Město became a focal point during the Hussite Wars, a series of religious conflicts stemming from the teachings of Jan Hus. The city witnessed significant unrest and was the site of many battles and protests, reflecting the broader social and political upheaval occurring in Bohemia. The Hussite movement, which emphasized reform and opposition to the Catholic Church, gained considerable support in Prague, leading to a lasting impact on the region's religious landscape.

In the 19th century, Nové Město played a crucial role in the Czech National Revival. The construction of the National Theatre began in 1868 and was completed in 1881, symbolizing the cultural awakening and national pride of the Czech people. The theatre became a center for Czech literature, drama, and music, reflecting the aspirations for independence and cultural identity amidst the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Nové Město also served as a significant site during the Velvet Revolution in 1989, a peaceful protest movement that led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Demonstrations and gatherings took place in Wenceslas Square, which is a crucial part of Nové Město, where citizens rallied for democracy and human rights. This historical moment is commemorated in various monuments and memorials throughout the neighborhood.

Today, Nové Město is a vibrant neighborhood that blends historical significance with modern urban life. It is home to numerous cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants, embodying the dynamic spirit of Prague. The area hosts various festivals and events that celebrate Czech culture, including the Prague Spring Festival, further solidifying its role as a cultural hub in the city.

Nove Mesto is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Prague. If you are arriving by train, the main railway station, Hlavní Nádraží, is located in Nove Mesto. The metro (line C) and several tram lines connect it to other parts of the city. For those coming from the airport, the Airport Express bus runs directly to the city center, with a stop at Hlavní Nádraží. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available.

Nove Mesto is well-served by public transport. The metro stations at Muzeum (lines A and C) and I.P. Pavlova (line C) provide quick access to the rest of Prague. Trams are frequent, with several lines operating throughout the neighborhood. Bicycles can be rented from various services, and cycling paths are available. Walking is also a great way to explore, as many attractions are within a short distance.

Nove Mesto is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advisable. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious with personal belongings, especially in crowded places like Wenceslas Square. Areas around the railway station can experience petty crime, so stay vigilant. It is best to avoid engaging with aggressive panhandlers.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The main hospital in Nove Mesto is the Bulovka Hospital, which provides comprehensive care. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues, and many speak English.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; locals dress smart-casual. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs; be quiet and respectful in places of worship. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding; don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with 'Dobrý den' (Good day); don't interrupt when locals are speaking. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Czech dishes and local beers; don’t refuse invitations to join locals for drinks, as it is considered rude.

To experience Nove Mesto like a local, venture into the lesser-known cafes and bakeries that offer authentic Czech pastries. Visit the Náplavka Riverbank farmers' market on Saturdays for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with local musicians or artists performing in the square for a taste of the vibrant culture. Take a walk along the Vltava River for scenic views, and don’t miss the opportunity to explore hidden courtyards and gardens throughout the neighborhood.