Prague, Czech Republic Hotels and City Guide

Prague - Going Out

Prague's Music Venues

Municipal House (Obecní Dùm)
Republic Square 5, Old Town

Built between 1905-1910 and brilliantly restored in the 1990s after the neglect of the communist years, this dazzling glass-domed Art Nouveau building next to the Powder Gate is another jewel in Prague’s crown. Frescoes, stained glass windows, tiled murals and detailed stonework executed by the major artists and sculptors of the time decorate the exterior.

Municipal House serves as a civic and cultural centre and is the home of the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Classical concerts are held in the grand Smetana Hall, the largest and most fabulous concert hall in Prague.

Rudolfinum Concert Hall
Alšovo nábřeží 12, Old Town
Open: Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00

Built between 1876-1884 down by the river as an art gallery, this superb neo-renaissance building with golden muse statues adorning its frontage, was the seat of the parliament during World War I and again briefly after World War II. Named in honour of Crown Prince Rudolf of Hapsburg, the Rudolfinum is home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, established in 1896, which performs concerts throughout the year in the magnificent Dvorák Hall.

The building also houses the Rudolfinum Art Gallery which showcases the works of international contemporary artists in temporary exhibitions.

St Jilji Church
Husova 8, Old Town

Close to Old Town Square, this 13th century church in a narrow street hosts classical concerts. St Jilji’s gothic exterior belies its lavish baroque interior featuring frescoed ceilings, an ornate altar and an enormous 1737 organ which is still played today.

Opera Houses

Prague State Opera
Legerova 75, New Town
Near the top end of Wenceslas Square

After the fall of communism, the opera house was revamped into the glittering theatre it is today. The opera season runs from September to June each year. The opera house is also home to the Prague State Opera Ballet. It hosts a gala ball on New Year’s Eve.

Prague National Theatre
Národní 2, New Town
Near Charles Bridge

On the banks of the Vltava River in a street of architectural delights, this majestic neo-renaissance building sporting a golden coronet and decorated with a bronze chariot pulled by three prancing horses, is regarded as the home of Czech culture. Its performances include opera, ballet, drama and concerts.

Estates Theatre
Ovocny trh 1, Old Town

Situated between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, the Estates Theatre is possibly one of Europe’s most beautiful opera houses. Built in 1783 it was famously the venue for Mozart’s premiere of Don Giovanni which he conducted. It is to this day known for the Mozart operas performed here.

Prague's Theatre

Black Light Theatre
For something totally different, attend a Black Light Theatre performance in a dark theatre where black-clad players are lit up by ultraviolet light. Only the ultraviolet lights can be seen in this magical fantasy. Several Black Light Theatre companies exist, including one of the same name, Jiri Grossmann Theatre and Laterna Magika.

Prague After Dark: Nightlife and Bars in Prague

Seemingly making up for lost time during the communist era, Prague has a lively nightlife which often continues until dawn. Strip shows are on the menu at nightclubs, live music is performed at music or jazz clubs, while dancing takes place at dance clubs and discos.

Being a beer drinking country, bars abound. Originally a brewery in medieval times U Medvidku Beerhall at Na Perštýně 7, Old Town, has earned the right to serve its knockout X Beer 33 lager having an alcohol content of almost 12%! Make sure to eat first!

For a unique experience, visit Bunkr Parukářka, an underground nuclear bunker hangover from the Cold War, now turned nightclub at Parukářka Park in upmarket Žižkov.

Annual Events

January
The International Festival of Wind Orchestras welcomes in the new year with a competition between amateur orchestras from around the world on 1 January.
The Prague Winter Festival takes place in the city’s finest concert halls offering classical music, opera and ballet from 2-7 January.
Prague’s Ball Season from January-March cheers up winter nights with waltzes danced at grand venues.

February
The Bohemian Carnival is spread over nearly two weeks throughout the city. It is one long masked fancy dress party. Costume balls, street parties with lanterns, parades, art shows and food feasts at designated restaurants are part of the festivities.

March
One World Festival is a documentary film festival on human rights.

April
The international Prague Half Marathon is run through the city (2 April 2011).
Easter Markets are found at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square selling delightful handicrafts including hand-painted Easter eggs. These are excellent places to find souvenirs.
Witches’ Night takes place on Petrin Hill on the last night of the month celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring with bonfires and the burning of an effigy of a witch.

May
Majales is a student parade on 1 May from the top of Wenceslas Square to Old Town Square in commemoration of the two student heroes Jan Palach and Jan Zajic who killed themselves in protest against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in the 1960s.
The Prague Marathon takes place on 8 May. Other runs are open to all ages over the weekend.
The Czech Beer Festival takes place from 12-28 May in marquees where you will be served by waiters dressed in traditional costumes. Delicious food and beer are on tap.
The Khamoro Festival celebrates Roma culture with music, theatre, dance, art and films.
The renowned Prague Spring International Festival takes place from 12 May-4 June in the many sublime concerts halls, opera houses, theatres and churches. It features world famous orchestras, operas and chamber music and will celebrate the Year of Mahler in 2011.

June/July
The New Prague Dance Festival is an international showcase for dancers and choreographers of all dance forms.
The Czech National Symphony Orchestra hosts the Prague Proms in Municipal House featuring popular classics, jazz and theme nights.

September/October
The famous Prague Autumn International Music Festival, like its spring counterpart, takes place over three weeks in many grand venues.
The Strings of Autumn Festival from September to November combines all forms of music from classical to jazz and takes place in a variety of concert halls, theatres, churches, the Spanish Synagogue and at Prague Castle.

October
The International Jazz Festival is held in the Lucerna Music Bar.

November
The International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music is a choral competition between dozens of choirs competing for the Petr Eben prize. It takes place at various churches and halls.
Musica Ludaica honours Jewish composers at various venues.

December
Santa strolls the streets on 5 December with an angel and a devil on St Nicholas Eve.
Bohuslav Martinu Festival celebrates the music of the 20th century composer. Chamber music and symphony concerts are also performed in the Bohuslav Martinu Hall at the Lichtenstein Palace and the Rudolfinum.
St Sylvester’s Eve features firework displays and much partying in the streets on 31 December.

Hotels in Prague, Czech Republic