PRAGUE PRIVATE GUIDES

Population

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About 1.3 million people

Density is about 2,500 people per km2 / 6,600 people per mile2

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Size

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496 km2 (192 sq mi) it’s about the size of San Diego with less people.

Elevation (highest)

399 m (1,309 ft)

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Time zone

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Please note that Prague is in the same time zone as Paris. For more info take a look at Time Zone Map.

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Language

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Czech - this is a Slavic language, similar to Slovak, Polisch, Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian, Ukranian and Russian

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Foreign languages

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English is tough in school as a mandatory second language so most people should be able to communicate with you.  This is especially true in the tourism industry. 

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German is also spoken and lately Russian has experienced a comeback due to the many Russians visiting.

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Asian languages are hard to find however we do have guides that speak Chinese (Mandarin), Korean and Japanese.

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Since the CR was a part of 2 German speaking empires (Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and the Austro-Hungarian Empire), German has a historical presence here.  For years both Czech and German were together part of the culture.  During the Soviet era, the Czechs were forced to learn Russian so many still do.  English has come in only after democracy came back in 1989.

 

Money 

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We are still on the Czech Crown – Koruna Ceska - CZK. Below are approximate rates at the beginning of 2016, however, please check for current rates at  www.oanda.com

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1 USD = 23,87 CZK

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1 EUR = 27 CZK

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1 GBP = 34,40 CZK

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Unfortunately, it is not known when and if we will be joining the EURO zone.

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Getting around

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Be prepared to walk, walk and walk some more.  Prague has had the advantage of not being damaged heavily during WWII, therefore, the quaint, magical, curvy, unspoiled, cobblestone streets are yours to discover and are original.  Most of the “must-see” place are accessible only on foot. This makes it challenging for people with walking difficulties.  However, even that can be overcome with “Oldtimer Tours” – tours of the inner parts with a small vintage car.  There are even some tours done with electric cars for those in need.  For the “inbetween-the-sights” parts, you can take a tram or subway “the Metro”.

 

Transportation

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Prague has an excellent, highly subsidized public transportation system.  Please see "Public Transportation in Prague" For details.  Our trams and the subway can take you to the important places.

 

Private Transportation

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Certainly.  For Prague(Prague Tours), we offer car, van or bus transport with a driver.  Outside of Prague, we have driver/guides.

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Why are there no driver/guides in Prague?  As mentioned, Prague has had little dammage during WWII and therefore the streets are narrow, intact and quaint.  There is no parking or the possibility to have the car wait unattended while you tour the Prague Castle, walk over the Charles Bridge or admire the Astronomical Clock, etc.  A driver must stay with the car, usually drives ahead to where you will be coming with your private guide for easy reboarding.  Unless we find Harry Potters magic wand which will miniturise the car to carry in the guides pocket, a driver is needed for a private tour of Prague done with a vehicle.  Also, traffic in Prague is so heavy and the streets are so narrow, driving and guiding simultaneously would be unsafe.

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It is very comfortable this way.  All the parts that can be done with the car, are.  Less walking, waiting or crowding.

 

Food

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Grandma used to cook delicious comfort food and that is the official Czech food.  Dumplings, pork, beef and pork stew (goulash), sausages and the like.  Very much like a German grandma would make.  We are historically related. 

 

However, with the world coming in, we have just about any other ethnic food you may want.  Italian, Japanese, Thai, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Tex-Mex, Fussion, vegetarian, vegan – you name it.  Your guide will be happy to help you find just the right place.  Dobrou Chut (enjoy your meal)

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Restrooms/WC

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Every restaurant has one but only for customers.  Larger souvenir shops have them.  However, when you are on the streets, finding a public restroom is sometimes a challenge.  Most cost money - anywhere from CZK 5 to CZK 10.  Have coins ready as well as tissue and be "all set".

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Safety

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Other then the proverbial pick pockets which plague every major city today and the unscrupulous taxis, Prague is a very safe city.  Watch your belongings at all times, don't carry your wallet in your back pocket or hang your purse over the back of your chair in a restaurant ... just be smart, and no harm will come your way.  Taxis are a bit more difficult to figure out.  Best not to catch a cab on the street.  Call a cab .... 00350 14014.  Ask for a receipt and the cost in advance.

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