About Prague
Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic remains one of the most popular destinations for students to participate in educational programs. Upon arrival, students will participate in an orientation session which includes a tour of Prague’s most famous sites: Prague Golden City tour including Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Mala Strana, the Prague Castle, the Gothic Cathedrals and Castle Gardens, Old Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, Vltava River, Prague Library, Loreto Church, and Alfons Mucha’s home. ESAC will provide Prague public transportation pass for the duration of the program so that students can revisit these and many other locations on their own.
Prague is the heart of the Czech Republic and it is the political, economic and cultural center of the state. The president, government and parliament residences are located here. Prague is the center of academic and vocational education, the seat of the Academy of Sciences and of a number of other research and scientific institutes. It is a significant European cultural center, which includes a number of theatres, museums, galleries and exhibition halls.
Prague contains an extremely large number of significant architectural buildings dating from all periods. The historic town center has been included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Scientific Heritage list since 1992. Prague is also one of nine cities, which were awarded the title of "European metropolis of culture in 2000" by the European Union.
Getting there:
The airport in Prague is Ruzyne International Airport (PRG), which is located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) outside of Prague’s historical center and has daily connection from/to major European cities. The Arrival Terminal has several restaurants and bars, a post office, bank and exchange counters, and car rental agencies counters. In the Departure Terminal are located shops, restaurants, fast food and airline agencies counters. For Airport Information dial 220-111-111. If you need assistance getting to Prague from your home country, we have a local travel provider on hand. To reach the city center use the taxis, shuttle vans or public buses leaving the airport. You may also wish to book in advance using the Prague Airport Shuttle Service which can be arranged via email at http://www.prague-airport-shuttle.com/
It is easy to get to the Czech Republic from all major European cities by train. Remember, in summer the international trains tend to be full and you should book your seat at least a few weeks ahead. Most international trains arrive at Praha Hlavni Nadrazi (Main Station). Other trains may arrive and depart in Praha Holesovice, Praha Smichov or Praha Masarykovo Nadrazi. All these stations have metro stops and are easy accessible. The best facilities are located at the Main Station Hlavni Nadrazi. There is an exchange office, accommodation agency, showers, left-luggage office, day-use lockers, and fast food.
A word of caution: Train and bus stations are known for being home to pickpockets. Try to avoid taking taxis from the train stations as drivers are notorious for over charging foreign tourists.
What to see in Prague:
Prague Castle and Hradcany
Prague Castle is one of the most popular sights visited in Prague. Take a stroll across Charles Bridge and make your way up the winding streets until you reach the largest ancient castle in the world. Constructed in the 9th century, Prague Castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa. On your way up, be sure to stop off in some of the hidden gardens called zahrady, and have a coffee in one of the small cafes.
Prague Lesser Town
The Lesser Town, founded in 1257, this section of Prague is a favorite for tourists. The small streets are spotted with wonderful gardens and cafes, a perfect area to spend an afternoon.
Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Prague’s Jewish Quarter lies at the base of Charles Bridge. It is just minutes away from the Vltava River; from the base of Charles bridge, turn left and walk past the Charles University Philosophy faculty until you reach the Old Jewish Cemetery. Many Jewish died during the WWII or were forced by the Communist regime to leave the country. There are two prominent figures synonymous with this part of the city, Franz Kafka (1883 – 1924) and the mystical humunculus Golem created by Jehuda ben Bezalel, also known as Rabi Löw.
Prague Old Town
Although this area is called Old Town, it boasts some of Prague’s most modern and most expensive shops and restaurants. From the Powder Gate, take Celetna Street into the Old Town Square. On the square you will find a host of traditional hand made Czech souvenirs and some of Prague’s best ice cream stands!
Prague New Town
The modern version of Prague lies in New Town. For young people, this is the area for exciting nightlife, including numerous casinos. Here you can find excellent shopping, pubs, and restaurants.
Places of Interest:
Post Offices 
There are numerous post offices around Prague’s center open on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm. The main post office at Jindrisska 14 (close to the metro station Mustek) is open daily from 7 am to 8 pm. In order to be served, you must use the Q-matic machine, located at the door to the huge hall, to get the queue up number slip. There are instructions in English, German, French, & Russian above each Q-matic machine. Choose the service, press button, take the slip and go inside the hall. Wait until your number on the display at the a counter and step up quickly.
The post office located next to the railway station Praha Masarykovo Nadrazi (close to the metro station Namesti Republiky) at Hybernska 15 is open 24 hours a day.
Hospitals and clinics 
In an emergency dial 155 otherwise make an appointment in some hospital or clinic. Some of the best are:
 |
Na Homolce Hospital, Roentgenova 2, Praha 5, dial 252 922 146, 252 922 191 (8 am - 4 pm) or 257 211 111 (after hours emergency). Directions: From metro station Andel, take bus No 167. This hospital provides medical and dental services and the staff and physicians speak English and German. Visits are relatively inexpensive and if you have a travel insurance policy, the costs are usually reimbursable. |
|
Canadian Medical Center, Veleslavinska 30, Praha 6, phone 235 360 133, 235 366 160 or 724 300 301 (after hours emergency). It is very small private clinic; you will pay upwards of $100 for an appointment. |
|
American Medical Center, Janovskeho 48, Praha 7. Small private upscale medical clinic, you will pay approximately $150 for an appointment. |
Non Stop Service Pharmacies 
Pharmacies in Prague are easy to identify by the bright green medical logo located outside the doors. Pharmacies are well-equipped with medicines for the common cold to prescriptions, all at reasonable prices.
|
Palackeho 5, Praha 1, phone 224 946 982 |
|
Belgicka 37, Praha 2, phone 222 513 396 |
|
Soukalova 3355, Praha 4, phone 241 770 498 |
|
Stefanikova 6, Praha 5, phone 257 320 194 |
|
Heydukova 10, Praha 8, phone 266 310 899 |
Internet Cafes and Pubs 
Internet cafes are on every street in Prague. They are usually well organized and provide other services such as telephones for making international calls, faxing services, photocopying, and printing.
Internet Cafe Spika
Internet Music Bar
Jama Pub
Helpful links:
expats.cz - Complete Prague directory and guide for English speakers in the Czech Republic
Prague Post -leading English-language information source in the Czech Republic
Prague City Search - guide to restaurants & pubs, sports & entertainment
Hotel guide - club listings, day trips, and more
Czech site - travel guide
Prague guide - find places the locals go
Prague Czech Republic - Culture, sport, tours, hotels, night life, weather and others in Prague.
Prague hotels: Prague accommodation - Various possibilities of accommodation in hotels, hostels, pensions and apartments in Prague and other towns of the Czech Republic. We offer also special bid with which you can save 20-50% from the price of accommodation.
My Czech Republic - Czech travel, culture, and community. Offers a large Prague guide, practical travel information, Czech traditions, personable columns, news, trivia with quizzes, a photo gallery, message boards, and more.