Summertime in Prague

Burning sun, hot air, people in streets looking for a place where to hide from the sun. Where to cool down? What to do in Prague during hot summer days? The best way how to spend your day would be by water – swimming pool or an outdoor swimming pool… and go out at the sunset. Live nightlife in Prague! The city offers many special outdoor events or open-air cinemas where to chill out during summer nights.

Summer Cinema

Prague has a wealth of options. One of the most popular summer cinemas is at ‘MeetFactory’. The MeetFactory summer cinema is for free and it screens with Czech or eventually English subtitles every Wednesday (at 9:30 p.m. in July, at 8:30 p.m. in August and September).
Another famous place is at ‘Kasárny Karlín’, there you are able to watch a movie under any weather conditions. The cinema projects each Thursday and Saturday for 80 CZK.
Žluté Lázně cinema screens a movie every Saturday and Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m.. The cinema is situated at ‘Podolské Nábřeží’ and you pay 50 CZK per ticket.
Romantic cinema under the stars lies by the riverside at Čertovka (in the garden of Werich Villa). The entry is 120 CZK apiece + 100 CZK refundable deposit for headphones, with films beginning at 9:30 p.m. on the 14th and 28th July, and on the 11st and 25th August.
Outdoor cultural centre Containall screen movies for free in 2 different locations. Mondays belong to Stromovka Park in the Royal deer-park and Thursdays belong to Containall Stalin in ‘Letná Parks’ (Letenské sady) – starts at 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. And not to forget, summer ‘Kinobus’ (Cinema-bus) is cruising the city during warm summer days, providing films for free at a different place each week. It screens all kinds of films for any type of film fans.

Open-air Theatre

At the end of June, The Kalich Theatre opened the open-air theatre at a very attractive place below the Žižkov television tower in Mahler Gardens in Prague 3. The audience can look forward to a ‘Starry summer below the Žižkov tower’. You will have fun with many elite actors from the theatre sphere. There will be as many theatre stars on the stage as nowhere else. The Kalich Theatre invited acting stars from many Prague theatres. You can enjoy the best of their staging under the stars. Thanks to a motorized retractable roof you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. You can truly enjoy an undisturbed sociable evening. Days and times might be different depending on each performance so please follow the programme of ‘The Starry summer’.

Another lovely place where you can spend an unforgettable evening is by Krizik Fountain in Prague Exhibition Grounds (‘Výstaviště’). Come to watch the incredible water show and the lighting effects with the background of the movie or classical music.

The Břetislavka residence team wishes you wonderful summertime in Prague and at Břetislavka.

9.5.2019

May tips for outing in Prague

Pražské jaro, Hvězdárna Ďáblice, Letecké muzeum Kbely

The May weather may not feel very springlike. The below-average temperatures are expected in the upcoming weeks. But don’t worry! You can enjoy Prague in any weather. Spend your Free time on these activities listed below and learn interesting things.

May belongs to Prague Spring

Spring in Prague is besides other things, a holiday of music. On the 12th of May 2019 the composition Má vlast by Bedřich Smetana opens the 74th International Music Festival Spring Prague. Do not miss the last chance to get the tickets for the Opening concert in Municipal House – Smetana Hall or live the festive atmosphere in an informal way at Kampa Island. The Festival lasts till 4 June and you can choose from up to 50 concerts which take place in various of important Prague theatres, churches and halls.

Ďáblice Observatory

In the north part of Prague on the rocky hill Ládví, there is a proud home of the Ďáblice Observatory.
But let’s begin a little differently. Not far away from this place there is the first Prague block of flats in the street U Prefy 771. The Ďáblice Observatory was created thanks to the astronomical enthusiasts from the rest of the panels coming from the construction of the high – rise block. Except Friday, the star sky aficionados can observe the day and the night sky 6 days a week. They can also take part in an interesting lectures.
When the conditions for observing are just right, we suggest you to do a short walk to a lookout point near the observatory which offers offers great views of the mountains in the border areas – the Krkonoše, Jizerské and Krušné Mountains.

Aviation Museum Kbely

Another notable place in the North part of Prague is the Aviation Museum Kbely. The seat of the museum complex is the historic military airport Prague – Kbely. Not only for military avation fans there is an exhibition of 275 aircrafts which most of them are the World’s most unique. By the quality and the quantity of collections it belongs to the largest aviation museum in the Europe and impress either kids or adults visitors.

Whether the weather is sunny or cloudy, the Residence Team of Břetislavka wish you the loveliest impressions from the Capital.

20.9.20175.1.2018

Do you use Prague public transport on a regular basis? We recommend you get a monthly or annual pass

Getting around Prague by public transport is comfortable, convenient and efficient. It will get you pretty much anywhere in the capital without having to waste any time in traffic jams. In addition, Prague public transport is affordable, particularly if you use it regularly and purchase what locals call a “litacka” (lee-touch-kah), a season pass valid for 1-12 months.

Prague public transport system is one of the few of its kind that boast high degrees of punctuality. Also, its line network is pretty dense and departure/arrival frequencies are high, particularly at rush hour (7am – 10am and 2pm-7pm).

Public transport tickets

Prague public transport includes metro, trams, buses, ferries across the Vltava River, and a funnicular to Petřín. We described what fare zones the capital is divided into in our earlier article “Getting around Prague by public transport” and we also provided comprehensive information about what tickets (and at what prices) are available to get you comfortably and conveniently from and to Břetislavka.

The easiest way to get a public transport ticket is an SMS ticket

The cheapest one-off ticket costs CZK 24 and is valid for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a 90-minute ticket, which costs CZK 32, or a 24-hour ticket, which is CZK 110. Tickets are only valid if you stamp them.

If you have a Czech phone number, you can choose to obtain an SMS ticket.

All you need to do is have a premium SMS service activated. An SMS ticket is only valid in fare zone P and is not valid on PID trains or bus lines serving peri-urban areas (301-499 and 601-620). In addition, such a ticket is not valid in fare zones 0, B or peri-urban fare zones (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7).

Download a special ticket ordering application

available in Android Market for OS Android
available in AppStore for Apple products

Getting around the city economically with a “litacka”

If you use the local public transport on a regular basis, it’s a great idea to get what is called a “litacka”. You can use this to buy and upload electronic tokens which serve as tickets. You can apply for a “litacka” online (no charge) or obtain it in one of the designated contact places (metro stations) – delivery is 14 days, or you can request to have it issued instantly. A litacka as such will cost you between CZK 50 and 200.

Generally speaking, the longer the validity of an electronic token, the more you save with a litacka.

An annual pass (365 days) only costs CZK 3650. This means you can travel as much as you wish during the day and at night (by metro, trams, buses, trains, and ferries) for as little as CZK 10 a day.

Other options:

monthly pass – CZK 550
three months – CZK 1480
five months – CZK 2450

A validating machine that can be used to record an electronic token into your litacka.

Once you have a litacka, you can start ordering tokens online in the transportation company’s e-shop. If you pay by a card online, a token will be available to be uploaded within about 45 minutes. All you need to do is insert the card in a validating machine, which will record your tokens purchased into your litacka. You can also use the validating machines to check the validity/expiry date of tokens already purchased, making sure you will not be a stowaway without knowing it.

On top of that, you can bring your litacka along to the Municipal Library of Prague, where it can serve as a reader’s ID. Not bad, is it?

We will be happy to get you a litacka

If you don’t feel like spending time going through all of the actions necessary to get you a litacka, you don’t have to. Instead, you can use our application MůjByt (MyFlat) and request a litacka. We will be happy to arrange it for you.

An easy way to look for suitable connections:

If you need to travel somewhere, we recommend you use the transportation company’s website to find the best connection. If you’re standing at a stop and would like to find departure/arrival times of a specific tram, bus, metro line or ferry, the company also has an app that makes this possible.

Android app
iPhone app

The Břetislavka Residence team wish you comfortable, safe and efficient travel all over Prague.

4.7.20175.1.2018

Discover Prague’s beautiful sights from the seat of your bicycle

While packing stuff for your trip to the Czech capital, make sure you bring some sports clothes and a cycling helmet. If you can, it’s a great idea to take your bike with you (don’t worry if you can’t, you can hire one). There is a very dense network of cycle routes connecting virtually all parts of the city.

Check out the Prague cycle route map, choose the right route for you and pedal off to discover Prague.

From Břetislavka down the Šárecké Údolí Valley

Let’s start right next to the Břetislavka Residence. A tranquil trail takes us down the Šárecké Údolí Valley all the way to Šárecký Park. It’s up to you to decide if you want to continue towards the centre of Prague or plunge into the countryside. Šárka – Lysolaje Park offers dozens of kilometres of cycle routes in a variety of difficulties and surroundings terrains ranging from lush green to rocky. Visitors may connect cycling with discovering the history of Prague and its legends (the hill called Dívčí skok – A Girl’s Jump). Tourists have a chance to discover Prague from the tops of a number of observation towers. Refreshments may be enjoyed in one of the restaurants. And if a refreshing bath is what you’re up to, we recommend dipping into Džbán, a natural lake situated nearby.

Cycling along the Vltava River

The Vltava River is just a stone’s throw away (3 minutes by bike) and both of its banks offer beautiful cycle routes.

Cycle Route A1 leads along the left bank of the Vltava River, connecting the towns of Roztoky (north of Prague) with Radotín (south of Prague) as well as a number of places within Prague.

Alternatively, one may take a ferry to the other bank and try Cycle Route A2. This route leads north all the way to the town of Mělník or south to Komořany and Hostivař Natural Park.

Cycle Routes in Prague 6

Cycle Route A171: Suchdol to Nebušice

This route starts next to the premises of the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague-Suchdol and leads through Lysolaje to the town of Nebušice. The terrain is hilly and the length is 5 kilometres. One of the ways of getting back to Břetislavka is across the Šárecké Údolí Valley.

Hvězda Game Preserve in Prague-Letná

If you want to see Hvězda Game Preserve, one of the ways to get there is to pedal across the Šárecké Údolí Valley and Lysolaje Park. If you feel like it, you can continue from here all the way to Letná, Strahov and Hradčany.

Cycle Route No. 201

Another tip for an exciting bike trip is taking Cycle Route 201. Leading along the White Mountain and cutting through Prague-Dejvice, this route connects the lowest and the highest places in Prague. That’s why one should prepare for some hill climbing. The route, which leads from Bubeneč to Zličín, is 13.6 kilometres long and is well marked.

Prague is a terrific place for cycling trips. There are relaxed routes in the country as well as routes leading down busy streets. The choice is yours.

The Břetislavka Residence team wish you exciting cycling trips in Prague.

30.6.20175.1.2018

No summer is complete without visiting an open-air cinema. In Prague, there are many to choose from

Lovely summer evenings can be spent in the Břetislavka Residence’s garden, whether with a book or a beer in your hand. Musically-minded visitors may grab a guitar and play a few tunes by the campfire. Alternatively, one can spend an evening by watching a great movie in one of a number of open-air cinemas in Prague.

Klubovna in Prague 6

The closest open-air cinema, Klubovna, can be found 3.5 km from Břetislavka (10 minutes’ drive) in Prague-Dejvice. Klubovna is a cultural and community centre focusing on concerts, films and theatre. One can see both young Prague bands and renowned guests from abroad perform here. There are regular film and theatre sessions here. Open-air cinema entrance fee is CZK 30.

Regina Open-Air Cinema in Prague-Karlín

Located in Prague-Karlín, the garden of Regina DAB Prague, a local radio station, offers 350 seats at CZK 50-90. You can get here by tram 3 or 8 (get off at “Urxova” stop) or metro B (get off at “Křižíkova” or “Invalidovna” stop).

MeetFactory Open-Air Cinema

If you’re seeking unusual experiences, this might be something for you. MeetFactory is a unique open-air cinema where films are screened between a railway and a motorway. Films by sixteen directors from the Czech Republic and abroad will be screened here between May and September. Entrance fee is CZK 80.

How to get there? Take tram 4, 5, 12 or 20 and get off at “Lihovar” stop. A number of public buses serve the stop as well. Once at the stop, it will only take you about 4 more minutes to get to the MeetFactory building. The closest metro station is Smíchovské Nádraží (B line). When a film has finished, one can get back home by tram 54 or bus 501 and 507. Alternatively, one can cross the Vltava River by ferry P3. Cars may be parked in Ke Sklárně Street.

Bio Oko Open-Air Cinema (Prague Exhibition Grounds)

The most technologically advanced open-air cinema is situated in the Prague Exhibition Grounds (Výstaviště). It is completely up to you to decide if you want to enjoy contemporary Czech and international films with a pint of cold beer, wine, delicious coffee or homemade lemonade. Whether you choose to sit at a table, in a sitting bag or on a deckchair, you can be sure you will feel comfortable. Entrance fee is CZK 140. The use of headphones is necessary after 10pm in order for the facility to comply with night-time noise regulations.

Stalin/Containall

The major aim of the cultural centre Stalin is to present young local cultures. Every Thursday, you have a chance to see Czech films as well as films from abroad here. Aside from open-air cinema Thursdays, the centre offers a number of other things to see – concerts (Wednesday), electronic music (Friday, Saturday), workshops (Sunday). Entrance is free regardless of what sort of program you choose to see.

Located in Malá Strana (Lesser Town) in Prague, Containall is a one-of-a-kind cultural centre created by the transformation of a shipping container. It may be the most non-traditional place in Prague to see a film under the open sky.

The Břetislavka Residence team wish you lovely days and nights spent in Prague.

19.5.20175.1.2018

Go jogging in the vicinity of Břetislavka. There are countless running paths around the residence. Part 1 – Divoká Šárka

You might expect anything from the Břetislavka Residence but getting bored. What about jogging a little to keep in shape? There are a number of running paths around Břetislavka you can use while staying in Prague. You can run early in the morning, late in the evening or anytime in between. The choice is yours.

The Břetislavka Residence team have prepared a series of tips for you. You are going to find out where and when to run, what the distances and challenges are, and lots more.

Part 1: Divoká Šárka

The Divoká Šárka Park located close to Břetislavka offers a number of running paths of various difficulties and lengths. The highest spot in the park offers wonderful views of Prague one never tires of enjoying.

Short version – 1600 metres

If you only want to warm up, the shortest path will be fine for you. It starts at the dam of the Džbán Lake and follows the red sign up a steep hill. After around 400 metres, a rocky road will lead you, before it turns into a mere footpath, to a plateau which promises great views (what satisfaction after such a challenging ascent). The red sign then turns left and winds along the peak called Džbán to Dívčí skok, a panoramic site. After some 900 metres we reach a place where footpaths cross. If we turn right, run across a meadow and take the same road down, we will reach our proverbial finishing line.

Medium-length version – 3000 metres

The starting point of this running path is the Džbán Lake again. We run down from its dam and shortly start to go up a road. When we reach a turn we turn left and follow a paved road with the yellow sign. If we keep running for 700 more meters, we will reach a gazebo on the edge of a meadow. This is where we leave the yellow sign and take a footpath winding across the meadow. When we are in the valley, we run over a bridge to cross a brook and afterwards turn right, following a footpath winding along the brook. After about 600 meters, the footpath will take us to a lido. Now we are supposed to turn right and access a paved road. If we go up this gently rising road leading in between rock formations, we will get to the finish.

Long version – 4100 metres

We start at the dam of the Džbán Lake again. Afterwards we run down from the dam and shortly start to go up the same road again. When we reach a turn, what we are supposed to do is turn left and follow a paved road with the yellow sign. If we keep running for 700 more meters, we will reach a gazebo on the edge of a meadow. This is where we leave the yellow sign and take a road leading along the edge of the meadow. We cross a brook as well as a small wood and after about 700 meters from the gazebo – at this point we are on the edge of the wood – we take a path traversing it. After 700 more meters we reach a paved road which will take us down to the lido. All we have to do now is follow this gently rising valley road leading in between rock formations. If we do so, we will get to the finish shortly.

Once you are familiar with the whole park, you will discover a number of other alternatives such as jogging along the Šárecký potok brook. Alternatively, you can combine more paths.

If you are a competitive runner, Šárka is definitely a place for you to go. You can take part in the five-kilometre race called Šárecký kros (Šárka Cross) or Šárecko-Hanspaulský ŠUTR. These are both running competitions that are held on an annual basis in Šárka in Prague and its surrounding areas.

If you go the opposite direction towards Podbaba and use the ferry service across the river Vltava, there are a number of other running paths on the other bank. We will bring you more information about these in the next episode of our series “Prague Running Paths”. Stay tuned!

The Břetislavka team wish you a lovely time discovering Prague, whether on board a ship crossing the river or not.

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