Orientation
Prague
Prague sits amid the gentle landscapes of the Bohemian plateau, straddling the Vltava River, the Czech Republic's longest river. Central Prague consists of five historical towns: Hradčany, the castle district, on a hill above the west bank; Malá Strana, the 13th-century 'Little Quarter', between the river and castle; Staré Mêsto, the gothic 'Old Town' on the Vltava's east bank; adjacent Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto; and Nové Mêsto or 'New Town,' (new in the 14th century), to the south and east of Staré Mêsto.
Within these historical districts - linked by the landmark Charles Bridge - are most of the city's attractions. The whole compact maze is best appreciated on foot, aided by Prague's fine public transportation system. Beyond the centre is 19th- and 20th-century Prague, many of whose districts began as separate towns.
Visas Overview
Nationals of all western European countries, Japan, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can visit the Czech Republic for up to 90 days, and UK citizens for up to 180 days, without a visa. Nationals of South Africa and many other countries must obtain a visa, which is good for a stay of between 30 and 90 days depending on your nationality. Note that although the Czech Republic is now part of the EU, the visas issued by the Czech Republic are national and not Schengen visas. When the Czech Republic joined the European Union they did not become part of the Schengen area. Therefore valid Schengen visas cannot be used for entering the Czech Republic. Note also that Czech visas do not allow aliens to enter the territories of other EU member states. All aliens who require a visa when travelling to the Czech Republic must therefore have a valid Czech visa, corresponding to the purpose and length of their stay in the country.
Customs Overview
You can import - tax and duty-free - personal effects and up to 6000 CZK worth of gifts and other `non-commercial' goods. If you're over 18, you can bring in 2L of wine, 1L of spirits and 200 cigarettes (or equivalent other tobacco products). Pets can be brought into the republics with a rabies vaccination certificate and an examination certificate made out within three days of departure.
You cannot export genuine antiques. If you have any doubt about what you're taking out, talk to the curatorial staff at the National Museum or the Museum of Decorative Arts (both in Prague), or go to the customs post office (Pošta celnice in Czech and Poštovní colnicain Slovak) in Prague. Anything that looks like an antique will need a certificate declaring that it is not an 'article of national cultural heritage'; the antique dealer should be able to help.
In the Czech Republic you can import or export unlimited amounts of Czech and foreign currency, but amounts exceeding 350,000 CZK must be declared.
Getting There and Away
Getting in and out of Prague is a snap, thanks to the cheap and well-run trains of Czech Railways (ČD) and the buses, which are even cheaper still, run more frequently and are quite comfortable. The budget prices and convenience of these modes of transports mean that air travellers to Prague are comparatively rare; if you do fly into the city, you'll fetch up in Ruzyně, the international airport.
Getting to Prague and Away by Plane
Prague's Ruzyně airport, 17km (11mi) northwest of the city centre, is the Czech Republic's only international airport. It's served by dozens of international carriers, including Česke aerolinie (ČSA), the state airline. Departure tax is included in the price of the ticket. Smaller Karlovy Vary airport primarily serves domestic travellers, but has regular flights to Moscow.
Getting to Prague and Away by Train
Trains run daily between Prague and most major European cities; Paris, Amsterdam, Munich and Vienna are some major hubs. Within the Czech Republic, Czech Railways (ČD) provides cheap, efficient service. Various passes are available.
Getting to Prague and Away by Bus
Buses tend to be faster, more frequent and marginally cheaper than the train. All domestic long-distance buses and most regional services depart the Florenc station, though many regional buses depart other terminals scattered throughout the city.
Getting Around
Prague's compact historic centre is best appreciated on foot, with the help of cheap, widespread public transportation. To think of driving is just foolhardy - the city's not set up too well for cars (or, for that matter, for bicycles). If you take taxis, beware of inflated fares; your best bet is a radio taxi.
Getting Around Prague by Car
Driving through the narrow, winding cobbled streets of Old Town, particularly during rush hour, should be attempted only by masochists. However, if you can handle the parking, trams, pedestrianised zones, other cars, cyclists and police looking for a handout, at least you get to stay on your own schedule, as opposed to the city's timetables.
Getting Around Prague by Taxi
Prague is plagued with unscrupulous cabbies; a 2002 crackdown exposed the extent of the problem and introduced harsher penalties, but hailing a taxi on the street, at least in a tourist zone, still holds the risk of an inflated fare. Calling a radio taxi will probably be better value.
Getting Around Prague by Bicycle
Bicycling is somewhat problematic, as traffic is heavy and there are few bicycle lanes. Be sure to lock both your frame and tyres!
Getting Around Prague by Water
Weather and water levels permitting, various outfits ply boats up and down the Vltava River. These are more sightseeing cruises than transport.
