Prague by the local - discover this beautiful city!

Are you sure you know Prague well? Let´s have a look at the different Prague areas. After reading this article you may find that Prague is still unknown place for you.

Let´s start with city center which is famous for its unique medieval architecture, fine-dining restaurants, cultural and real Prague life. My tip for you: start with a walk to discover the heart of Prague and get lost on the Kampa Island, walk throught the park to the famous Kampa Museum and think about the sense of life in front of the Lennon Wall.

Karlín has changed a lot in the recent years thanks to the ambitious development projects.This modern and progressive Prague disctrict is full of offices, cool restaurants and cafés. Do not miss this area because we are talking about the center of business in Prague. Karlín is super and hyper modern face of Prague.

Smichov is located on the west bank of Vltava river and there are two main reasons to visit this part of Prague: shopping centers Novy Smichov and Andel and the Staropramen Brewery. So do not hesitate to go for shopping and se the production of Czech beer.

In Holešovice you can try really unique experience: let the incredible water show Krizik Fountain enchant you, go to see modern art in Trade Fair Palace of National Gallery in Prague, have a cup of good coffee and some good snack in Bistro 8 and enjoy a movie night in art house cinema Bio Oko. Holešovice will show you the creativity of Prague city life.

Do you want to know where is the largest concentration of foreigns living in Prague? Dejvice – international district full of embassies and its gorgeous residences. From Dejvice district you can get directly to the Stromovka, the largest park in Prague. I am sure you will love it!

Enjoy Prague and have a great Advent time with a cup of spiced mulled wine in your hand.

Author: Jarka Kolářová

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Virtual reality for everybody!

Visit the world of virtual reality. Everything what you need are glassess for virtual reality and your smartphone. You can play games, watch videos, use applications or even browse the apartment that you want to rent, only with your mobile phone and special glasses for virtual reality.

Not so long ago, it was possible to buy the first glassess for virtual reality. and try the first VR games and applications. Unsurprisingly, Flatio also start to take an interest in this and now you can see the first virtual tour adapted to glassess for virtual reality.

"We are creating virtual tours of apartments from the beggining of Flatio and their adaptation to virtual reality with using these special glasses have been planned for a long time. Now it is technically possible. Currently we are recreating all virtual tours of apartments to special format for virtual reality. Everything what you need are glassess which combines two images into one and your smartphone which supports this format, " I found out from our dear ITs.

You can move in virtual world by movements of your head. In addition, modern phones have a built-in gyroscopes and know where are you looking. For example, if you want to get to another room you will look into the chosen icon or arrow for a longer time, mobile phone detects this and moves you to the next room. Simply magical.

Check our converted virtual tour. You need only a smartphone and glassess for virtual reality. On the phone you can see the icon in the lower left corner. Yout have to click on it to switch virtual tour to virtual reality. Then insert the phone into the glasses and that's it. Have a fun.

How much does it cost?

Special glassess for virtual reality with lots of gadgets can cost around 200 €. But don't cry. It is possible to buy it much cheaper. Quality glassess for virtual reality are available for 20 €. It is not everything, you can also buy for example Google cardboards glassess, which costs aroung 3 €. 

Welcome to the future!

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Taste of tradition. Discover an excellent Czech cuisine

If you visit a different country you will discover it through its artists, architects, design, art and food. And I think today is a perfect day to taste some of the Czech specialities.

First of all I introduce you some of the most famous and traditional dishes which are regularly prepared in almost all Czech families. I will not lie to you – traditional Czech cuisine is not light and diet. But when eating a heavier meal, you are supposed to have a beer, because it should help the digestion process. I´m Czech, I was born in the land of the best beer in the world, so you can trust me! A glass of beer can be great gastronomic complement to any Czech speciality.

We usually start with soup. Beginning a meal with a soup help us warm our body and prepare stomach for main course. I recommend you to try potato soup (bramboračka), traditional Christmas soup - carp soup (rybí polévka). And I reveal you a Czech secret – after drinking all night the best meal is garlic soup (česnečka).

Traditional Czech main courses are primarily based on meat (pork, beef), seasonal vegetables nad potatoes. And dumplings – bread dumplings, potato dumplings. Let´s try roast sirloin in sour cream sauce with dumplings (svíčková). It´s usually served with a portion of whipping cream and cranberry compote. Other is roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut (vepřo knedlo zelo) and roast duck with dumplings and sauerkraut (pečená kachna se zelím a knedlíky). For vegetarian Czech cuisine can offer dill sauce with boiled egg and potatoes or dumplings. And of course with a glass of beer. alternatively enjoy a glass of Moravian wine. Our winemakers start to make great wines.

Roast sirloin in sour cream sauce with bread dumplings

Roast pork with potato dumplings and sauerkraut 

Do not leave the table without having a sweet taste to finish your meal. We are maybe a small country, but it is certainly plenty to choose from – potato cones with poppy seeds (bramborové šišky s mákem), semolina porridge with cinnamon or fruit dumplings filled with seasonal fruit.

Fruit dumplings

That´s not all. I prepared for you a list of 3 Prague restaurants with traditional Czech cuisine:

Enjoy a special occassion in the beautiful restaurant U Modré Kachničky: You can choose from the menu full of traditional and refined flavours. I absolutely recommend their degustation menu – I am sure you will fall in love with.

Enjoy a wide selection of beers and dishes in the smallest Czech restaurant brewery U Medvídků. Discover the atmosphere of the 15th century house with glass of their speciality – X-Beer 33, the strongest beer of the world.

Become a Prague citizen and try real pub atmosphere where are no tourists. Hotinec U Mrtvýho ptáka. Karlín district, closed to the Florenc station. Menu at reasonable prices, authentic atmosphere. You have to see it!

Enjoy your meal!

Author: Jarka Kolářová

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Interview with Mr. Adam Trávník about investment apartments and renting

Few days ago, I was doing interview with one of the owners who offer their flats on Flatio. Mr. Adam Trávník is the founder of company Friends Forever, which deals with private financial consultancy. Mr. Trávník is specialist in finances, which clearly illustrates the orientation of his own company and previous work experience. We talked about the topic of flats for investment and their experience with renting.

How long are you renting your flats?

In fact, I am renting only half a year. But one apartment where I grew up, is rented for two years. It is a long-term renting to my friend for no profit. So, it is half a year, I bought two apartments, and now I'm going to buy a third one.

Please, tell me more about your flats to rent (disposition or their location)?
I bought the first apartment in Vysočany (part of Prague). It's a studio apartment, 27 m2. Studios have usually constant value and it is very important for me. Additionally, it is ideal for renting, renovation or sale in the future. The studio was bought, then was reconstructed and rented in the week for long term. At that moment I also bought a second apartment that I offer on Flatio. It is a 2 bedroom apartment on the ground floor. I bought it for a very attractive price.

Your flats are primarily for investment. What is your opinion on buying the investment flats these days?

It depends on what do you want to buy. The apartments are for sale for extremely high prices now. You must have a luck, wait for the right moment and then be fast in the decision. Currently, housing prices grew mainly due to low interest rates of mortgages. In addition, it is not complicated to get mortage now. As I said, it depends on offer. But what I would recommend: "Don't be in a hurry!"

Do you expect some future improvement in this situation in Prague?

Yes, definitely. This period was strange. Almost everybody could get a mortgage. The situation is changing these days and that affects the price of some real estate. So prices may fall. I suppose this especially at block of flats. City apartments and studio apartments have their price usually stable.

You mentioned that you are going to buy another apartment. How does it look like? Where it is?

I will buy a third apartment in the center. I would like to rent it for short term on Airbnb. I don't have any experience with shorterm renting, so I am planning to give it to my friend who cares about more apartments. 

Is it easy for you to manage your flat to rent on Flatio?

Flatio is very interesting for me, because it is not so demanding. So it's no problem hanging on to manage myself.

I meet some owners, who care a lot about their flat equipment and design. Some owners managed it by themselves and some hired architect for flat design. What did you choose? How much did it cost?

The studio is completely refurbished (painting, flooring, bathroom, kitchen). Overall, it costs around 100 000 CZK. The second apartment was too much colorfull, green and purple walls, so it was completely repainted. There are also s new floors and furniture. Floors I solved a lot. Originally I wanted to lino, which I liked very much. Renovation of the second apartment wasn't so expensive, most of the money was invested in furniture and equipment. In the third apartment, I plan to hire a designer. It is a small space, so I wanted to somehow cleverly resolved it.

What don't you like in the process of renting (tours, passing the keys, contract cleaning ...)?

I'm tired of administration, rewriting energy and services. I never had some problem with untidy apartment or something like this.

On the contrary, what do you appreciate?

I like all the process, because it was so fast in every case. I hope it will be ok in the future too. 

Author: Lenka Libichová

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4 top shopping centres in Prague

Somebody likes shopping for everything. Many of us still have our favourite shops that we return to again. Or are you the type who has to go to shop because you need to find Christmas gift ideas for your friends and family? Do not worry. We already know each other so you can count on me. I am gonna to present you great Prague shopping malls that you can easily spend all day at.

 

PALLADIUM

Palladium is the largest shopping mall in the central Prague. You find it just few minutes walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square on Republic Square. Here you´ll find all kind of shops and numerous restaurants. During your shopping trip you can relax with cup of coffee in one of the cafés and enjoy the luxury to shop in the city center at good prices.

ČERNÁ RŮŽE

Černá Růže (in translation Black Rose) seems to be an insignificant shopping mall from outside. But appearance can be deceptive. You find Černá Růže also in the heart of the Prague city center, one minute walking from the Wenceslas Square in the street Na Poříčí. Inside you find all the right shops to buy some interesting brands of clothes, sholes, but here you find also a boutique of hand-made pralines or Moser, brand of luxury Bohemian crystal glass. 

  

 

PALÁC FLÓRA

This four floors shopping mall filled with 120 shops, many cafés and restaurants and Cinema City multiple theatre and IMAX. You find it in Prague 3 and it is easily available by public transportation. Palác Flóra is situated just at the Flóra metro station and you can walk into the mall right from the inside. It´s perfect place to spend many hours of shopping without getting tired. Maybe because of the open central lobby the environment is so airy and pleasing.

METROPOLE ZLIČÍN

For those who prefer to shop on the outskirts of Prague the shopping mall Metropole Zličín is the best choice. This large fashion and entertainment complex is located just at the Zličín metro station. Many shops mean many bags so I recommend you to come by car. Your shopping tour you can finish in 24-hour Tesco supermarket.

  

I wish you all the best shopping experience in Prague and enjoy these beatiful autumn colours. 

Jarka Kolářová

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How to park a car in Prague?

Do you come to Prague by car? No problem. Do you want to park in Prague? Maybe a small problem but don´t worry. We explain you where you can park your car like a Prague citizen. You can remeber in Prague there are 4 parking zones and believe me, sometimes it is hard to understand also for Prague drivers. 

 

Blue zone is resident´s parking zone where only people with valid parking permission can park. You can get this permission usually if you have a permanent residence in the concrete part of Prague, you are owner or a building or you have your place of business. Other motorists can park in this zone maximal for 3 hours after paying via the virtual parking clock.

Purple tone is a mixed zone which means that owners of a valid parking permit may use the purple zone without limitation. But don´t worry, you can park here also without permission by paying via the virtual parking clock or using the parking ticket machine which is usually located near every parking. Prague is divided into 3 price sectors and the valid pricelist you find on internet or indicated on the ticket machine.

Orange zone is for visitors and generally it is short-term parking. First 3 hours are for free, after you pay via the virtual parking clock or parking ticket machine. 

 

So if I did not convince you to come to the Prague city center by car I have for you other possibility where to park: Park and Ride (P+R) Parking are situated in proximity to stops of public transport, usually on the outskirts of the city. You park your car and to the center you continue by very well organised Prague public transport (metro, bus or tram). This type of parking zone is chargeable but the charge is commonly very token.

Payments

- parking ticket machine   
- virtual parking clock is web app and you can find it here: https://ke-utc.appspot.com/static/select.html?label=PRAHA

Zones:

BLUE – for residents with parking permit, you can park maximal for 3 hours, payment only via virtual parking clock web app.

PURPLE – for residents wth parking permit without limitation, for you maximal 24 hours, payment via virtual parking clock web app or ticket machine.

ORANGE – short-term parking, everybody can park here for a maximum of 3 hours, payment via virtual parking clock web app or ticket machine.

P+R Parking – large parking areas on the outskirts of the city, you pay minimum and to the center you arrive by public transport.

Let me wich you great experience from Prague and no troubles with parking and in case you would like to read more about parking in Prague I advice you to visit www.parkujvklidu.cz :)

Jarka Kolářová

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Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Prague

We all like good food. Some of us (and we are not a few) decided to eat vegetarian, some moved a bit forward by going vegan. It doesn´t matter if you are absolute vegans, or you just like to try new places and discover new tastes.

And the great news is that Prague is just in the middle of vegan revolution. You can be assured that we follow this very closely for you and we made a list of some very good vegan and vegetarian restaurants. And there certainly is plenty to choose from!

Dhaba Beas

Dhaba Beas is a chain of vegetarian self-service restaurants in Prague. A total of 8 restaurants in various locations of Prague, with minimalist, natural and nice interiors. An ideal place for those who would like to pop out from work or school to get something tasty to eat during the day. And how does it work?When you arrive, you také a tray and from self-service counter you choose what you prefer. The cost of food is based on the pay-by-weight system. Believe me there is a big choise of delicious meals. We regurarly visit Dhaba Beas during lunch time in Vladislavova street, just few steps from Národní třída. And we always leave with a feeling of gastronomical experience.

web: www.beas-dhaba.cz/en

Address (branch Vladislavova): Vladislavova street 6, 110 00 Prague 1

Type of restaurant: self-service buffe

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 11:00 – 21:00 , Saturday – Sunday 12:00 – 20:00

Average cost per meal: 150 - 200 CZK

Maitrea

You will love this place. The vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the heart of Prague in Týnská ulička, located just behind the Old Town square. Amazing interior design based on feng shui principles. Delicious food, indescribable atmosphere. Excellent place to díne and spend your time with friends, partner, family. Reservation is needed. If you would like to try the cuisine first with little money I advice you to go there during lunchtime. From Monday till Friday Maitrea restaurant offer special lunch menu for 125 CZK and it includes a soup, a main course and a glass of water. It´s absolutely worth to visit this restaurant.

web: www.restaurace-maitrea.cz/en_home.htm

Address: Týnská street 24, 110 00 Prague 1

Type of restaurant: menu

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 – 23:30, Saturday – Sunday 112:00 – 23:30

Cost per lunch: 125 CZK, average cost of 3-course lunch/dinner: 400 – 600 CZK

Restaurant Loving Hut and supermarket World Vegan

Loving Hut is a part of Internatinal Vegan Restaurant & Café chain. We absolutely recommend to visit a building closed to Florenc station and called Black Swan (Černá labuť). Renovation of this building made the opening of vegan temple possible. The restaurant Loving Hut is situated on the second floor, a fresh bar just on the first floor. In the back of the bulding there is a vegan supermarket World Vegan. And believe me you will not leave this place with an empty bag.

web:www.lovinghut.cz

Address: Na Poříčí street 25 (building Černá labuť), 110 00 Prague 1

Type of restaurant: self-service buffet

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 20:00 , Saturday – Sunday 12:00 – 19:00

Average cost per meal: 150 - 200 CZK

I wish you all only the best dining experience in the city and have fun exploring such a vibrant Prague vegetarian and vegan food scene. Because in Prague there is still so much to discover.

Jarka Kolářová

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Where do the locals meet in Brno?

Recently you may have read similar article about prague. But I couldn't forget my favourite Brno. So next article comes now. This time it is about Brno. Have a fun!

Under the clock on the main station

One of the most common places for meeting in Brno is under the clock on the main station. The reason is simple. It is the most important place for public transportation in Brno, where you can find almost all tram lines and train connections from Brno. These clock is located on the edge between the second and third tram platform. Quite a high number of people is the biggest disadvantage of this place. On the other hand you are very well seen and you can see almost everywhere. But I prefer waiting at the main station building in winter.

Under the clock on the street Čára

This is ideal place for meeting when you go "for one glass of beer". Lots of people from the centre and its surrounding prefer this place. Clock is located at the end of street Česká (Czech), which is called Čára (Line).

At horse

Have you heard about a new statue in Brno? So we have the new statue of Jošt from Luxembourg and it is also one of the newest places to meet in Brno. High transparency and low population per m2 are the biggest advantages. Additionally, this place is much closer to the city and to the pubs on Běhounská and Kozí. So it offers an alternative place for meeting near the street Čára.

At Parnas

This fountain Parnas on Zelný trh provides very good and calm place for meeting. You can also buy there fresh vegetable and fruits during the day. Farmer markets take place here every weekday from 6:00 to 18:00 and to 14:00  at the weekend (except winter). The fountain itself offers a small seating area. And there is perfect access to street Starobrněnská and Svoboda square from this place.

At astronomical clock

Yes, you read it correctly. One of the newest and most controversial statue in Brno (or I can say "astronomical clock") has become the ideal place for meeting with friends. You cannot overlook this place. Near the clock is a large number of benches foe waiting.

And where do you meet in Brno?

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Where do the locals meet in Prague?

When you move to Prague you probably meet with the locals. Sooner or later, you will plan a meeting with them - perhaps due to a cup of coffee, shopping or going to some club or pub. Where to find places where do the locals agree on the meeting with their friends in Prague? There are several places like this in Prague and this article will introduce the best of them!

The horse 

Monument  of St. Wenceslas - the patron saint of Bohemia and Moravia - is probably the most famous sculpture in the country. It was created by famous sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek and he had been working on it for more than 35 years. It stands on the top of Wenceslas Square and today, besides an interesting place for curious tourists, it also works as a meeting point, if you want to schedule a meeting with friends in the city center - just make sure to specify whether you meet at the head or tail. Due to its location it makes it an ideal place if you are going to the city – you can find a lot of places to go in the area, whether you want to go for a stroll through Prague, a coffee or a drink at the club. Best way to get to the horse is by metro C to the Museum station or tram to Wenceslas Square and then about 3 minutes walk towards the National Museum.

On Můstek 

If you head down the busy Wenceslas Square, at the corner of Na Můstku / Na Příkopě streets you will most likely encounter a group of impatiently standing people waiting for someone. Just like the horse, this place is popular especially because of its accessibility, shops and all sorts of fast foods  nearby and also its position in the city center. The easiest way to get there is from the Můstek metro station.

At Eliška

Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí) in Prague 2, which was established by Charles IV., is the largest square in Czech Republic and even one of the largest in Europe. It used to be called and was a Cattle Market. Its dominant feature in addition to a huge variety of rare trees and other memorials and statues is a statue of Eliška Krásnohorská, czech poet and writer, which works  well as a meeting point. Unlike Wenceslas Square, the park is not too busy – so if you are looking for a quiet place for a meeting, meet near the statue. The park is located at the tram stop Novoměstská radnice and metro B - Karlovo náměstí.

On Pavlák

I.P. Pavlova or also often called "Pavlák". The square has had 5 different names in its existence - the current name stayed unchanged since 1952. With the most important traffic roads in Prague, many tram lines passing here and along with metro station it is a convenient place to meet. The best connection is from a tram stop or metro station I. P. Pavlova.

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4 tips for the best picnic in Prague

In Prague, there are some really great places where you can enjoy a sunny afternoon picnic with friends. An advantage of some of them is the possibility of a campfire or the use of your own grill. Where to find these places?

Prokop Valley - Klukovice

Nature trails, playground for children, lakes, and quarries is what Prokop valley gives us. It is located in Prague 5. If you wish to combine picnic with a pleasant stroll, head to Klukovice. Space reserved for picnic is near the playground. There is a peaceful environment and a possibility of a campfire (assuming you follow the conditions and visitor rules). Klukovice can easily be reached by bus 230 from Barrandov.

Vyšehrad

It is the most favourite place for picnics and other events. Availability, plenty of space and views of Vltava makes it the „picnic favorite“ place in Prague. If you are looking for a place in the city centre and want to enjoy the beauty of Prague, then go to Vyšehrad. The fastest way to get there is from the metro station C - Vyšehrad.

Stromovka

A several specified places for a picnic and even the possibility of renting a picnic basket and fill it with food, peaceful environment full of greenery – that’s what Stromovka offers.It can be found in Prague - Bubeneč. Among other things mentioned, there is a nature trail, several restaurants and playgrounds and you can combine your picnic with a visit to the summer residence or Planetarium at Výstaviště. It can be reached from tram station Výstaviště.

Ladronka

Large Ladronka homestead is located in Prague 6. In addition to trails for skaters, restaurants, a basketball and volleyball field and a playground for children, you can also enjoy bowling and there are also a lot of events happening all year long. There is something for everyone. For a picnic you can use a large meadow situated throughout the whole area. The fastest way to Ladronka is by bus 191 to the station U Ladronky. Apart from the above mentioned places, you can also visit Obora Hvězda in Prague – Vypich, Náplavka or Divoká Šárka. Where you go is up to you.

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Visit the Louvre in the center of Prague

I had a breakfast in the very interesting place at the our children’s day. Already around eight o’clock a.m., when cafe opens, there were a lot of people.

Café Louvre is situated on the first floor one of the many houses standing on the street named Národní třída, a few steps from metro station called Národní třída, metro line B.

Café Louvre is a very pleasant place, It looks almost luxuriously - high ceilings, padded chairs, great job! If you want to impress someone at first date, anniversary or business meeting, this place is your opportunity.

Moreover, from the first floor of the building, it’s calming feeling to observe hurrying people down the street and meditate with a cup of tea or coffee. Even though, the cafe door almost stops and people still goes through, there isn’t an excessive noise. So, if you don’t mind slight noise, you can go to work there. Free Wi-Fi is a matter of course here.

Place in the cafe is divided into two parts: smoking and nonsmoking. You can choose according to your own preferences. Both parts are separated only by bar – smoking part is the right of the bar and nonsmoking is the left of the bar. Smoke doesn’t smell in nonsmoking department, because there is a very good air conditioning.

I spent enjoyable morning in this cafe and I would like to recommend this place as a good start of a new day. But, I think it’s better to make a reservation beforehand because a lot of people attend this place. It’s quite popular, I think.

You can choose from its rich breakfast’s menu at reasonable prices. Every morning you can choose daily Press from varied menu too. Interest is that there is also the foreign press. Not only Czech. You can read your favorite newspaper with cup of black tea, cup of coffee or only with some fresh juice. Drink offer is varied and you don’t eat here if you don’t want. But their home made cakes are always fresh and so delicious! So I just recommend to try one of its. Whether you’re dieting, no problem. You just replace cakes for salads. And it’s done!

Café Louvre differs from the other cafe by its cosmopolitan ambience. Its waiters can speak several foreign languages and it’s the main reason, why foreigners like to come here – it’s comfortable for them.

Look at the full menu of Café Louvre. Cafe also offers lunch menu, usually cheaper than food from its fixed menu. This “lunch offer” you can watch on their website too. 

If you’re planning a trip, you can visit Café Louvre for example when you’re going to a show at the National Theatre or when you’re going to go shopping to a nearby shopping center named Qadrio or when you’re going to ride in a pedal boat on the river Vltava, around the Charles Bridge.

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