Art & culture – All our local tips

Art, design, science, history, psychology, travel, religion, mythology or fiction? I like it all. That’s why I enjoy coming to a lovely bookshop close to Old Town Square. According to Anagram’s website “words create worlds”. YES, they do! These words are also all in English so if you’re a bookstores fanatic and go to at least one in every city you visit (like I do), I’m sure you will find something interesting in this one as well. I don’t even have to buy anything. Looking at the different covers and smelling various types of paper is just as exciting as buying a certain book.

If you’re staying in Prague for a longer period of time and are upset with the book supply in local bookstores, Anagram can also order books for you. Even those that are rare of out of print.

It is actually not just books that makes me coming back. It’s also the music that they play which makes me want to dance between the shelves. And from there, it is just a few steps to my dearest Maitrea restaurant (check the Maitrea restaurant article)…

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Anagram Books | Art & culture, Shopping
Tyn 4 | Praha 1
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 20:00, Sun 10:00 – 19:00

Two storey underground venue and a centre for diverse contemporary stage art. And if it is specialized, then it’s towards the alternative end, and truly an Ark.

Archa is one of my favourite places to find some interesting and clever pieces of performance art and they are able to communicate this diversity to the public. Tickets are not the cheapest, but – do I look for quality or quantity?

The Programme of Archa Theatre is rich – from dance to drama, from live concerts to workshops. To show their broad scope just a few names include: Min Tanaka (who opened it in 1994), Butthole Surfers, The Residents, Václav Havel, Zappa plays Zappa, Amon Tobin, …Archa is not only a theatre, it is a production house too – they have many international projects. Also I should not forget the Archa.lab, a loose alliance of artists collected around the Archa Theatre who stress the importance of practical theatre activities, focusing on exploration, research and experiment.

The Guardian newspaper mentioned Archa as the country’s “alternative National Theatre”, and that fits – Archa is exceptionally well-equipped venue for all kinds of stage art: from drama to dance, for concerts as well as performances. All that including a café that serves hot and cold drinks and snacks. Archa feeds the soul and body at the same time.

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Archa Theatre | Art & culture, Music, Theaters
Na Poříčí 26 | Praha 1 | +420221716333
According the programme

There are two types of cafés I enjoy. First and more common one in Prague is a Viennese stylish café often with long history and Austro-Hungarian origin, lots of marble and brass, located in old palaces (like Café Lucerna). The second type is the Parisian type with small round tables reaching out into the sidewalks, where customers can closely watch what happens in the streets – very rare in Prague.

Café 35 is a part of the French Institute of Prague (Institut Français de Prague, IFP) and is located in its yard so unfortunately is has no direct acces to the street. But besides this fact it’s a true French style café, with fresh French pastry in the morning, French music playing, French specialities for lunch and even up-to-date French newspapers.

Free Wi-fi connection is available. Also cultural events like concerts, lectures or readings organized by the IFP take place there. To get into the café you first have to enter the IFP. It’s a great place for meeting  French speaking people because many expats come here as well as teachers and students from the IFP.

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Café 35 | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (French) | Café au lait CZK 35
Štěpánská 35 | Praha 1
Mon – Fri 08:30 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 14:00, Sun closed

This tearoom is very dear to me. Perhaps also because I had the possibility to work there and get to know the person who runs the place.

I like it mainly because its atmosphere, the tone of the colors the walls are painted with and the style in which the tearoom is furnished. And of course, not to be missed! It is situated in the tower. So after two cups of the finest tea it is hard to say if it is the height of the mysterious tower or the tea that you are feeling.

The tearoom also serves as a library so you can enjoy your tea with some of the books they offer (some of them are in English). Every Saturday there is a drum session that anybody can join.

The Tearoom in the Tower also has really good prices compared to other tearooms in Prague. So if you don’t mind going a little out of the city center, you will not be disappointed.

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Čajovna ve Věži | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Music | Pot of Tea CZK 60
Na Výšinách 1 | Praha 7
Summer 17:00 – 23:00 daily | Winter 16:00 – 22:00 daily

Get swallowed by a living mechanical organism, moving in the rhythm of ska-punk-rockabilly-techno-drone-dnb-jungle-hip hop-chill out.

Buy a drink in one the bars and then sit down. I tell you – that’s the best position to admire a fan made of scrap iron and car-exhaust pipes. Lights above the tables consisting of gearboxes, drain pipes and kinetic sculptures of many kinds. All polished and mounted with care, animated with extreme effort and unlimited imagination.

Cross club is truly one of the most original Prague clubs. Gives enough space for whatever I feel like doing. Two stages, a theater and two to three bars are open for all kinds of concerts, poetry readings, exhibitions, and I shall not forget to mention the Ghettolledge – a street university.

Be sure that by your next visit there something will have changed – because the world behind the looking glass is never the same, including the numerous corridors that made you feel like you were lost in the rabbit hole the very first time you entered.

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Cross club | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Theaters | Ticket from CZK 100
Plynární 23 | Praha 7
From 16:00 (until the barman is in sleep) daily

This building has been a significant mile-stone for Prague and its architecture. Designed by Vlado Milunic and Frank Ghery, it was one of the first projects of the 90’s with a big name in Prague. As such, it of course raised some controversy, since many people didn’t want such an extravagant piece to neighbour with older buildings.

The time has shown the beauty of the concept and Dancing house is as favourite as many old sights. There is also a reputable French restaurant Céleste on the top floor – the prices fit the exclusivness of the spot (500-700 CZK for mains), but are said to be worth the service and quality of meals.

But even as a poor chap you can enjoy the moving spirit of the building – the best spot is from the Palackého Bridge. As shown on the photo, it looks great at night (the photographer wasn’t fully satisfied with the photo as he finds it blurred, but I believe it actually fits very well).

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Dancing house | Art & culture
Rašínovo nábřeží 80 | Praha 2
24 hours daily

Finally, after spending six months in Brussels, the famous piece of art „Entropa” is in Prague! You can find it in DOX – gallery of modern art, in Holešovice (where there’s obviously a lot more to see than Entropa, but more about that later ). I guess that most of you have already heard at least something about it but if you haven’t, let me tell you the story.

Entropa is a sculpture created by a famous and great artist David Černý in honour of the Czech EU presidency. The creation itself, was a mystification – as Mr. Černý said that it is a common work of artists from all 27 countries of the EU. That later turned out to be a lie, but it was too late to cancel the project. And so Entropa was successfully installed in Brussels in January 2009.

This piece of art has caused a lot of controversy. It is a 16 x 16 meter plastic, showing the EU countries in a very satiric way. Each country is symbolised by some of its stereotypes, for instance Slovakia looks like a Hungarian sausage, France is covered by a sheet with the word „Gréve” (strike). Bulgaria, shown as a construction of Turkish toilets, even brought up an official protest and was dispatched later on (but is back on today).

The whole Entropa is very colourful and I could probably spent hours enjoying just the sight of it. However, many people dislike it and think that it is a humiliation of European nations. Go see it yourself and have your say – the exhibition is prolonged until the end of April, 2010!

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Entropa at DOX | Art & culture | Entry CZK 180
Osadní 739 | Praha 7
Wed – Fri 11:00 – 19:00, Sat – Mon 10:00 – 18:00

Langhans gallery is located in the historical premises of the Langhans palace, very close to Centrum FotoŠkoda (check the Centrum FotoŠkoda article).

It is relativelly small and modern, quite hidden in the complex building. It focuses on photography, mostly contemporary works from the 20th century, foreign as well as Czech.

Normally an exhibition lasts about two months so the gallery offers about 6 exhibitions a year. Sometimes you can find posters in the metro, especially in the station Můstek – the closest one to the gallery.

One floor of the gallery serves as a library or maybe more a reading room. Its collection now consists of more than six hundred contemporary titles from many renowned publishers. It’s nice to sit there for a moment after seeing the exhibition and just browse a couple of books for some additional inspiration.

How to get there? After finding Centrum FotoŠkoda (check the Centrum FotoŠkoda article) it’s easy. Centrum has two main entrances, between them there is a small yard with a third entrance to the store. On the right end of the yard you will see a narrow glass door. Go inside and follow the straight corridor. It leads to the inner yard where on the right side again you’ll find the gallery.

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Galerie Langhans | Art & culture | Entrance students CZK 30.00
Vodičkova 37 | Praha 1 | +420222929333
Tue – Sun 13:00 – 19:00

Mánes is definitely one of my favourite spots when I’m in an artistic mood. I usually visit this gallery without any planning in advance. The exhibitions have never let me down.

The building is technically located above the river, “filling the gap” between Slovanský ostrov (island) and Masarykovo nábreží (street on the riverbank). It comprises not only the gallery but also a restaurant, club and even a concert hall.

The complex was built in functional style, typical for the 1930’s when the construction was finished. It was sponsored by the Mánes Union of Fine Arts (founded in 1887 and named after a Czech romantic painter Josef Mánes) which then organized many exhibitions and other artistic sessions there. The association was forcibly disbanded in 1956 when it became troublesome for the communist regime.

The exhibitions are mostly contemporary art; usually photographic but I have seen paintings there as well. I like that it is possible to see the exhibition hall from the street outside, so you can immediately “get a sample” of what is inside and eventually decide whether to go see it or not.

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Galerie Mánes | Art & culture
Masarykovo nábreží 250 | Praha 1 | +420224930754
Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

This is a high-class gallery. I have even noticed discussions with numerous voices claiming that there have been lately much better exhibitions in Rudolfinum than in the National Gallery. I’ll mention Gottfried Helnwein – Angels Sleeping and Gregory Crewdson which were really one of the best exhibitions I have ever seen.

The gallery is located in one of Prague’s most beautiful buildings – Rudolfinum. It is a Neo-Renaissance concert hall open in 1885 as a multifunctional cultural institution. The construction was organized by Ceská sporitelna (one of the main banks in Czech Republic) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

When walking by you will definitely be offered concert tickets by the street vendors. I must say that concerts of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in Rudolfinum are a great cultural experience as well.

As for the actual exhibitions, don’t hesitate to visit the gallery’s website to see what is on. Right now “Herbert Tobias (1924-1982)“ exhibition is on the program until March 23rd. More information here.

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Galerie Rudolfinum | Art & culture | Adults CZK 120.00
Alšovo nábreží 12 | Praha 1 | +420227059309
Tue – Wed + Fri – Sun 10:00 – 17:30, Thu 10:00 – 19:30

Hard de Core is an ideal place for interesting “souvenirs” from Prague, and heaven for those like me – who enjoy a salt shaker in the shape of a zeppelin or earrings that look more like light bulbs. I go there on regular basis – once or twice a month. Just to look, check-out, see what`s new, what`s up. Get my senses delighted. Have fun

Anyway, go in and have a look yourself. This shop is small in size but has some great things on offer. It is an art workshop, design studio and a boutique. Hard-de-Core also offers weekend art classes for adults and classes for kids from the age of 2.

Step inside – into the world of original Czech design in the form of fashion, accessories, ceramics, interior decorations, notebooks and jewelry. You find pieces by well-known names like Maxim Velčovský and there is also plenty of stuff from newly established designers and artists.

What they share is an unusual idea, originality, and cleverness in the final design. No matter what is it made of – porcelain, glass, metal, plastic or textile – you choose and your taste is the arbiter. Have a look at their gallery. But better is to go in yourselves.

Hard-de-Core is also good place for original hand-made Czech fashion. And if the size does not fit perfectly it is possible to have it adjusted, according  to your wishes.

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Hard-de-Core | Art & culture, Shopping | Free
Senovážné náměstí 10 | Praha 1 | +420777094421
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 19:00, Sat 11:00 – 17:00

Proudly standing on the corner of Celetná and Ovocný trh, the House at the Black Madonna is a true home of Czech Cubism. It is worth seeing as this art period was, in Czech, strong and fruitful. “Sharp points, slicing planes, crystalline shapes. These are the trademarks of the Czech Cubists – a unique, avant-garde group, feverishly active in Prague between 1910 and 1914.”, says Modernista. There is a stable exhibition of the artwork of e. g. Otto Guttfreund,  Emil Filla, Josef Čapek (brother of Karel Čapek, the writer) and Josef Gočár, of course, the author of this amazing bulding.

After the art-seeing, to revive your stamina, have a coffee or snack on the first floor, in the Grand Café Orient. You can choose from deserts and sandwiches, fresh juices and hot chocolate – and all will be served in design porcelain. Even the ashtrays and sugar bowl are cubist designs. And if you get trapped by the elegance of straight lines and edges, you can buy your own piece in the downstairs shop, Kubista.

If you want to know more about Czech cubism, there’s an article about Czech cubism on the Spotted by Locals main website.

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House at the Black Madonna | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Snacks | CZK 100
Ovocný trh 19 | Praha 1
Gallery Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 | Café Mon – Fri 09:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00 &source

Whenever I feel like going out at night, doing some culture thing, I check out jlbjlt.net. Concerts, exhibition openings, projections, theatre, performances, dance, workshops – jlbjlt.net is my virtual spot, where I always find something interesting.

All events are well described, I can filter them by choosing a city (e. g. Prague) or the kind of event I feel like (dance, exhibition, …). Each event is often accompanied by an downloadable invitation or flyer, you can link it with your iCal, Facebook (fcbk) or by clicking on the gmap link you will find the given place on … yes, Google map

Even though the original is in Czech, Google can provide a pretty understandable translation, so jlbjlt.net in english is available. Only a few mistakes can be found and it is still comprehensible.

So when in Prague, support a culture of marginal interest, but of considerable importance!

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JLBJLT.net | Art & culture, Festivals & events
http://jlbjlt.net/ | Praha 1
24 hours daily

The whole concept made a great impression on me the first time I entered the place. Find a great Lebanese cook, all possible activities around travelling and mix it with good humour and customer-oriented approach (eh, the last sounds horrible, but here they really mean it). There are always cool pictures from somebody’s travels everywhere, in fact, each piece of menu contains a lot of different photos – so just browsing it from front to the back is like an adventure.

The meals are tasty and everything but over-priced (lunch menu prices under 100 CZK). Karavanseráj specializes in Lebanese and Indian cuisine, you can mix various small meals into your very own set, there are of course many vegetarian meals. I can for example recommend some delicious pastry with lamb or cheese for a starter, then a kebab with salad and after the dinner: hookah (cigarettes are not allowed though). One room is a tea-room, and it also serves for various special events. Various photo exhibitions change often, you can grab a magazine (not only National Geographic, but many other) and not to forget – each Thursday belly-dancers!

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Karavanseráj | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (lebanese/Iindian) | Mutton Biriyani CZK 149
Masarykovo nábřeží 22 | Praha 1 | +420224930390
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 23:00, Fri 10:00 – 00:00, Sat 12:00 – 00:00, Sun 12:00 – 22:00

Or Kinsky garden, as named after Rudolf Kinský, who in 1827-1831 built the park in english style after Růžena Kinská bought the property in 1798 (more about the Kinsky family). Apart from a Musaion and many interesting and unusual trees there is a fountain, a lake and an arbour. Also there is a wooden church from the Ukraine, carefully moved and assembled there in 1927.

In medieval times there used to be gardens too, and vineyards. Also friars, the Kartouzští had their vineyards here. Later there were  farmhouses. But even today it a very pleasant park and a perfect way to walk from Smíchov to Malá Strana amongst trees and meadows.

Kinského garden is on the south slopes of Petřín, divided and connected with other gardens through openings or passages in the Hungry Wall. At the moment its’ nothern part is being reconstructed, so some routes might be closed.

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Kinského garden | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Kinského zahrada 98 | Praha 5
24 hours daily

Újezd is an area where many of the Prague locals spend their time. There aren’t many tourists, it’s in the centre, there’s number of nice bars and cafés, the Petřín hill is just across the road…

One of the best-known bars is (surprisingly) called Klub Újezd. Open since 1990, it is a night-life classic. It started as a music club but live music performance was forbidden some ten years ago. It’s no big deal, though – it is a great place to visit anyway.

Currently, Klub Újezd is a three-floor bar. In the basement there is a small bar, a few tables, a DJ’s stage and a table-football. The first floor is more spacious with a large bar. But, if you plan a party, you should definitely make a reservation to the second floor which feels somehow most comfortable of all. It, among other, offers a very nice sight at the street and Petřín hill.

What makes Klub Újezd unique, are the decorations and paintings. For instance, on the walls there are paintings of strange persons with disfigured faces – as well as many other, sometimes even more pleasant scenes. Plus, the whole club works also as a free gallery – of photography, usually.

Thanks to its very late closing-hours, Klub Újezd is a very common place for late-evening or early-morning chill-outs. Add very reasonable prices and you’ve got a place you have to visit!

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Klub Újezd | Art & culture, Bars | Pilsner, 0,5 l CZK 35.00
Újezd 18 | Praha 1 | +420257316537
First floor bar 11:00 – 04:00, The rest 18:00 – 04:00 daily

Half way between the Charles bridge and Národní třída, you will find a café I very much recommend visiting. It is called Krásný ztráty and it has become quite famous here, so famous in fact, that a regular TV talkshow is being recorded there. Krásný ztráty is a place where a lot of interesting people gather. It is one of the few places where you can find students, intellectuals and celebrities at once.

Although it is called café, once again it has the character of a regular restaurant. They cook all day and the food is great, although the prices are quite high. I can particularly recommend visiting this place for a breakfast or a brunch. The place is calm with a very nice design of interior. So if you are in the centre and need to work a bit, you know where to go (they have free wireless LAN).

Apart from being a café, a bar and a restaurant, Krásný ztráty is also a wine shop a book shop, a gallery and an occasional music club or theatre stage. There are many events taking place there so you might want to check that out at their website.

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Krásný ztráty | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (General)
Náprstkova 10 | Praha 1
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 01:00, Sat – Sun 12:00 – 01:00

La Fabrika has shone like the Bethlehem star in the field of art for a couple of years now. A free space for art that is contemporary but comprehensible for a broader public.

La Fabrika does not have a static group of artists, so it is truly a „free space”, as it calls itself. I love to go there see some dance, La Putyka for instance last time (which is brilliant, but – to enjoy it in its fullness is better to be able to understand Czech – or have some Czech companion, who can translate some of the songs).

Or I also remember the festival of modern classical music, Contempuls, which was perfect – from free wine on the bar till the last note of the evening. There are also all kinds of visual art and other multimedia events. The scope of La Fabrika is really broad and always interesting.

Want to know what’s up tonight? Check the La Fabrika news!

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La Fabrika | Art & culture, Music, Theaters, Festivals & events
Komunardů 30 | Praha 7
depends on given programme

One of my favourite galleries in Prague is situated in Školská street, just a few meters above the Cafe Therapy restaurant (check the Café Therapy article). Leica Gallery Prague is run by a non-profitable company of the same name and its objective is not only organization of quality photographic exhibition, but also running workshops for public and other activities.

In process of the time that LGP is open, I have seen a number of great exhibitions held by them. Besides their own showroom (which they acquired two years ago), LGP has been using various exhibiton spaces (such as the Prague Castle in the past or Mánes). A recent exhibition that I really like was the retrospective of Robert Vano. I actually saw it twice – in Mánes and in LGP as well – it has been so successful that they decided to prolong it.

LGP has an added value – the café which is part of the showroom. The coffee there is surprisingly good. And if you are in the mood for something else, you can for sure enjoy a glass of wine and browse some of the art books and magazines they have there. One nice bonus – if you are the cafe´s visitor, you can enter the exhibition without the admission fee.

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Leica Gallery | Art & culture, Coffee & tea | Gallery entry CZK 50
Školská 28 | Praha 1 | +420608963523
14:00 – 22:00 daily

The first time I saw the Lennon’s Wall was when the picture of it was printed as a postcard and sold in one of the bookstores downtown. It could be a regular wall with graffiti on it (most not even that well done), but what I like about this place is the controversy, which the paintings and writings of complaints evoked during communism and also the location itself. After the death of John Lennon, this wall became a symbolic monument to him. Obviously, the communist government didn’t appreciate it quite as much as the people were painting and writing symbols of love and peace.

You can find the Wall off of Charles Bridge in the area called Kampa. This is an interesting juxtaposition because while both the Bridge and the Wall are historic, Lennon’s Wall is usually overlooked by the average tourist despite it being so close to Charles Bridge. Just walk down the stairs and share your message of love.

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Lennon’s Wall | Art & culture | Free
Velkopřevorské náměstí | Praha 1
24 hours daily

Lotus is a very special place. It is a yoga and meditation center, a shop and also a library. I often go there because of the last thing mentioned. Lotus is located in a building off of Old Town Square, on the third floor. You ring the bell at the door and by walking in, you enter a different world.The library offers various books on Buddhism, history, eastern philosophy, yoga and meditation. You can read both in Czech and English. You don’t have to borrow anything, you can just sit down for a minute and read whatever you’re interested in.

I’ve never tried a yoga lesson or meditation in Lotus so I can’t say too much about it. However, I’ve seen the spaces for yoga and for meditation and I have also practiced with some of the teachers who have classes there. Thus, I can put 2 and 2 together, and recommend a yoga class or a meditation session there.

I find this spot interesting and, if you’re concerned with yoga, meditation or books and are trying to find a yoga studio or a good bookstore in every city you go to (like I often do), you will be pleased as you can find all of it at once right here.

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Lotus Center | Art & culture, Relaxing, Festivals & events | Yoga class CZK 150
Dlouhá 2 | Praha 1
According to the schedule

In one the most famous Prague passages is the no less famous café Lucerna. Lucerna is in fact a whole complex of buildings belonging to Havel`s family – the one from which the first Czechoslovakian president Václav Havel comes from.

This architectural jewel in Art Noveau style was built by Stanislav Bechyně in years 1907-1921. It`s worth exploring the whole complex, and then relax in the café upstairs, which is literally just behind the statue of St. Wenceslav flogging the dead horse (made by enfant terrible of Czech art scene, David Černý, also the author of Entropa (check the Entropa article).

Why do I recommend this spot? Because it is one my most favourite places in the centre of Prague, Despite its lazy waiters and acid wine – which actually both got much better recently – it fulfills my need for an esthetic and stylish enviroment. I love sitting by the window, watching people passing underneath while sipping my coffee or wine. They also have a very useful free wi-fi spot.

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Lucerna café | Art & culture, Bars | glass of wine CZK 40.00
Vodičkova 36 | Praha 1 | +420224215495
10:00 – 00:00 daily

The fact that I am not originally from Prague probably gives me a slightly different perspective on things. Or, it just simply takes longer for me to realize where things are and especially what they are about. It was like that with the babies as well. Unlike other people living in Prague who probably noticed the babies crawling on a TV tower right after their installation, it took me almost two years.

From time to time I would hear people talking about them but would never connect the gossip with the real thing. When I saw them, I was pretty impressed. I honestly do not know what the real intention of the artist David Černý was, but for me it signifies a great metaphor of today’s modern world and the role that children play in it.

I think the babies’ sculptures should not be missed while visiting Prague. The best way to do this is to go to Kampa, where you can find three of them crawling by the river. Seeing the infants or literally touching them will add to the art experience. Coming up to their rather scary faces creates a shocking reaction both in me and other people looking into their nonexistent eyes.

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Miminka | Art & culture | Free
Kampa | Praha 1
24 hours daily

Just by the river, near Klárov, there is a place many tourist guides will lead you to. It is a nice small square where there is the famous Franz Kafka museum. I haven’t visited it once, although I am a fan of Kafka’s work. Maybe it actually is worth visiting but I want to draw your attention elsewhere.

What I am talking about is the strange-looking sculpture in the middle of the square. You will find there two cooper persons peeing into a strange bowl. Their waists move so that it looks even more life-like. The funniest part which a lot of people don’t realize, though, lays on the ground. Those guys pee into a bowl shaped like the Czech Republic. Once again, this proves David Černý’s (artist of Entropa i.e.) skills and vision.

We Czechs aren’t a particularly proud nation. On the other hand it seems that from time to time we don’t have a problem with making fun of ourselves, which I find quite appealing. Artist like Černý thus have many fans, me among them. Others might possibly find his work insulting or obscene.

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Miska Republika | Art & culture | Free
Cihelná 2 | Praha 1
24 hours daily

How? Buy a ticket to National Museum (Národní muzeum) at the top of Wenceslav square (Václavské náměstí) and visit their Mineralogical and Petrological Exposition in the 1st floor.

I love to dive into a collection of more than 10 000 unique gems, stones, tektites, meteorites, rocks and minerals of all kinds, from all over the world. In five halls I can travel through space and the centuries, while my breath draws little misty marks on the perfectly polished glass of vitrines.

Apart from the breathtaking colours, shapes and organic structures there are the original showcases, made dustproof in the 19th century, and still working.

This long-term exhibition is divided into a couple of sections: the first hall hosts minerals from the whole world. Here ae the minerals in very precise order  in between which I love to admire the very precious exhibits of silver sulphides. I remember them most because of the black board, that unveils their silverish beauty, that needs to be protected against the light.

Other sections include a world-significant assembly of meteorites and tektites plus moldavites (a Czech speciality); a systematic collection of rocks and a modern exposition of gemstones. Two whole halls are dedicated to Czech minerals and samples of Czech non-ore stones.

Their opening hours vary. Every first Monday of the month you get in for free.

P. S.: Smoking is prohibited in the whole building, although is now legal to have in your pocket up to 5 g of marihuana.

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National Museum | Art & culture, Relaxing | Basic admition fee CZK 150
Václavské náměstí 68 | Praha 1 | +420224497111
Check the website for opening times

I love going to the opera. I love all the rituals. It starts when buying the tickets. Then I dress up, do my make-up, hair style. And then, armed with my little Christian Dior purse, I slip into the shoes that I had on me in La Scala while visiting Milano. And I am ready to enjoy the glass of champagne during intermission, all those stand-ups and sit-backs while letting people pass to their seats, and leaving a tip for the person selling the programme. Of course you can get in in jeans and a sweater – but I think you definitely miss half of the fun.

The National Theatre, has an impressive exterior while inside it is all cloaked in king crimson velvet, gold and rich stucco ornaments. National Theatre is is one of the symbols of national pride, mirroring itself in the Vltava river. And it does have an interesting history. The support for building the theatre that came from the whole nation was more like a political proclamation. And when it got burned down in 1881, in 47 days (!) there were all the money and resources collected again, to be reopened 1883.

Tickets for today’s programme can be bought 45 minutes before the beginning of each performance at the evening box office, which is at the back of the theatre in the narrow corridor leading to Ostrovní street between the old/historical building and Laterna Magica (the glassy cube).

Spotted by Locals tip: If you love ballet, choose one with choreography by Petr Zuska (this season it is Extreme or Solo for Three). You won’t regret it.

Also there is a Čapek’s Makropulos turned into an opera by Leoš Janáček in cooperation with English National Opera London. I do recommend that!

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National Theatre | Art & culture, Music, Theaters | Ticket from CZK 50.00
Ostrovní 1 | Praha 1 | +420224901448
Box office 10:00 – 18:00 & 45 min. before the beginning of a performance

Have a drink or two and maybe meet some friends. That’s one of the reasons why I pop into the NoD bar time to time. The  other important reasons are the concerts, exhibition openings, and performances.

Experimental space NoD is connected with Roxy (see this article), a famous Prague club, and one of the oldest. Roxy downstairs, NoD upstairs. A perfect combination for those who feel frisky day`n`night.  NoD defines three subdivisions: theatre NoD, gallery NoD, and multimedia NoLab. They are connected by their openness to any good quality projects, efforts to uncover strange juxtapositions and dialogs.

When you arrive, get a drink first. The huge bar cannot be overlooked. Do not worry where to sit, there will always be a space, by the bar itself or on the platform next to the bar, or by the alcoves with jungle plants. And let me know, if you manage to work out any sensible connection between the neo-classical stuccos on the ceiling and the crazy paintings on the walls!

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NoD | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Snacks, Theaters | Show from CZK 100
Dlouhá 33 | Praha 1
14:00 – 22:00 daily

One of my top viewpoints of Prague. Nested in the greenery of Petřín gardens, just below the Strahov monastery, with Prague castle on the left, the Vltava river valley in front, and a miniature Eiffel tower on the right -  stands this pure white statue of Panna Marie z Exilu (Our Lady of Exile).

You can reach it either by walking down through Úvoz street, taking the very first gate into Petřín on your right hand side (if walking up Úvoz, then it would be on your left). Take the asphalt path leading up and on the next crossing take the one following the contour line – sooner or later you will see a brown-white sign “SOCHA PANNY MARIE Z EXILU”. The way up to the statue is just a dirt path.

The second route means walking through the garden of a restaurant just below the Strahov monastery. At the very far end of the garden will be the above described sign. Do not be confused if you cannot see the statue untill the last moment!

The name of this statue can be interpreted in two ways: 1/ it was financed by emigrate Czechs living in the U.S. or 2/ there is a group of people who want to reestablish a marian column that used to be in Old Town square – and this statue should have been on top of it. So today’s placement can be understood as a kind of exile – from its home at Old Town square.

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Panna Maria z Exilu | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Strahov, Petřínské sady | Praha 1
24 hours daily

This is a bridge without an official name. Local people give it a proper one  – The Railway Bridge. A piece of true industrial art is in proper use every day – trains from Smíchov to Vyšehrad and back are crossing, while their hooting wafts all the way down the Vltava stream.

And you can walk it too. Do not miss this chance while being in Prague. You will get one of the best views of both banks and Prague castle at the same time. Not to mention numerous bridges. I love it especially when train comes by – the whole structure is shaking, the noise is extreme – and my industrial heart is in heaven.

The Railway Bridge was built in 1900-1901, in a place of much narrower one – for only one railway. In maps it is marked as “railway bridge / železniční most” or “the Vyšehrad railway bridge / vyšehradský železniční most”.

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Railway Bridge | Art & culture, Relaxing
Railway Bridge | Praha 2
24 hours daily

When I think about the times when Roxy was one of the very few options in Prague for a decent evening, when I felt like some dancing, it makes me feel like I am getting old. Hush, that`s not the topic

Opened in 1992 under the name of Roxy, after a thorough reconstruction led by architect Jan Mayer, this place become alive again. In 20`s and 30`s it was a shining pearl at the Old Town, full of people in its restaurant, cinema and a ballroom.

Today, after another rebirth in 2002  after being damaged by the enormous floods, the Experimental Area Roxy/NoD now offers a full variety of concerts, dance music, gallery presentations, internet café with wi-fi connection, theatre, films, performances and workshops. For some of their best gigs have a look yourself.

If you are into clubbing and are in Prague for couple days, Roxy is definitely the place to go – next to Radost FX (see this article). Have a look at the programme to see if anything interests you. They have regular Free Mondays and Midweek Lounge, where entry is free.

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Roxy | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Music, Theaters
Dlouhá 33 | Praha 1 | +420224826296
Depends on given programme

Built by count František Antonín Nostic-Rieneck in classicist style, was opened in 1783 with 1000 seats. Later, to make it more comfortable, the number of seats were lowered to today’s 659. After the count`s death, the theatre was given to Czech estates, and renamed from the ‚Nostic Theatre’ to the ‚Estates Theatre’.

As the history of this one is very different from that of The National Theatre (check the National theatre article), the atmosphere of the Estates Theatre is also different. All furnished in white, pale blue and gold, I feel like I am in a cultural paradise of the high-class Prague bourgeoisie from the end of 18th century. All cherubic bottoms are perfectly rounded

Once I was taken behind the scenes, where the singers and orchestra were preparing for Die Zauberflote  (The Magic Flute). Seeing the Queen of Night sipping her drink, Sarastros chatting with Tamino and the First Violin smoking her last cigarette before the show, that was something I will never forget.

And then there was the show – their production of The Magic Flute is truly breathtaking. Maybe what counts here is the enormous success that W. A. Mozart experienced with his opera buffa Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro). Afterwards which he wrote Don Giovanni especially for this theatre, and for those he named as “my Praguers who understand me.”

Have a look at their programme and choose your evening tale!

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The Estates Theatre | Art & culture, Music, Theaters | Tickets from CZK 50.00
Ovocný trh | Praha 1 | +420224228503
Box office 10:00 – 18:00 & 45 min. before the beginning of a performance

I admit writing about this “moving spot” is quite self-centered. I also admit this tram terminates pretty much right in front of my house. And it is also true that I can jump on it a few steps from the office where I work. BUT! This tram is still very dear to me not only because of the facts mentioned above.

I especially like it when it’s not overcrowded and I can take a seat that will provide me with a great view of the Prague castle when crossing the Štefánik’s Bridge.

The tram then continues alongside the Vltava river and turns left passing a pseudo-Gothic church that is worth seeing. If you’d rather walk around, you can do so and get off the tram at Výstaviště stop, which is really close to a beautiful park Stromovka.

The tram then goes on to the river again and climbs up a steep hill. If you are standing at that point I would recommend finding a seat if you don’t want to fly around the handle.

The uphill ride can get pretty intense. If you manage to look out of the window you will enjoy a view of one of Prague’s residential areas. Once you get to the top you can take a subway from Kobylisy back downtown.

Did you not have enough adrenaline? There’s still the downhill ride waiting for you!

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Tram 14 | Art & culture, Relaxing | A tram ticket CZK 18
Na Poříčí | Praha 1
According to the schedule

It is a place you will probably find in all regular city-guides. However, as it is not directly in the center, many people (even the locals) just miss the opportunity to visit it, which is definitely a shame. Vyšehrad is an important place in Czech history, appearing in many national myths and legends (most of which appear in this book).

There are basically two ways to get there. Either you can take the Metro „C” and get out at the stop „Vyšehrad” – it is still a small walk, but that shouldn’t bother you. Or – and I prefer that one – you can take the tram to the stop „Podolská vodárna” and walk up the hill. Up there, there is not only the majestic and huge church and an ancient rotunda, but most importantly a spacious and calm park.

Vyšehrad is nut just a summer place. Thanks to all the trees, it is very beautiful in the fall. And when its freezing and the city rests under a pillow of snow, Vyšehrad is a place for a nice silent walk. The great view of the city (from different places at Vyšehrad, you can see different parts of the city and get a complete picture) makes it a somewhat relaxing spot.

Up on the hill, there is also a cemetery called „Slavín” at which the Czech heroes and heroins of the past two centuries rest. Surely worth seeing!

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Vyšehrad castle | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Vyšehrad | Praha 2
Park: 24 hours daily