Prague survival guide: 5 things you should do in Prague

So, you’re studying at the University of New York in Prague and basking in the glory that the city has to offer. Of course, you’re fully aware of the breathtaking architecture in the city, such the Prague Castle, National Theater, Charles Bridge and various monasteries, but still have yet to find your niche. Here’s a short survival guide on how to, inexpensively, make the most of your time in Prague.

Farmer’s Markets

We have to admit, the grocery stores in Prague are nothing to write home about. Luckily, if you’re looking for fresh veggies and meat from local farmers, the Farmer’s Markets are the way to go. 

The market at Jiřiho z Poděbrad (or Jiřák) is a relatively short walk away from UNYP’s building on Londynská.  You also have the option to take the 11 or 13 tram 4 stops up from I.P Pavlova, the closest transportation hub from campus.  The market meets every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the summertime.  You can find pastries, pastas, raw and smoked meats, eggs, fish, honeys, cheeses, beverages, and an assortment of vegetables.  If you’re hungry, you can also grab a meal and a lemonade from one of the food stands in the market.

The Farmer’s Market at Náplavka (at the Vltava River bank) meets each Saturday.  They also offer a large variety of fresh groceries and cooked foods for you to enjoy while strolling next to the river. 

Music Venues

For those who enjoy live music, there are a number of music venues for all types of sounds.  Palác Lucerna has a music hall for larger performances and a smaller club for a more up-close-and-personal setting.  The Meet Factory is known for putting on trendier performances from hip or underground bands.  Klub 007 is located in the basement of a student dorm in Strahov, and though the sound is great and the nights may get wild, the fun ends at promptly at 10 pm.  For jazz lovers, Jazz Dock frequently invites the current jazz greats to perform in their club.  Roxy, Palać Akropolis, Klubovna, Cross Club, Cafe V Lese, and Rock Café are other music venues you might want to keep an eye out for.

Café Culture

Prague has a beautiful café culture.  Many people meet to spend hours studying, discussing work, or just enjoying each other’s company in one of the numerous amount of cafés strewn throughout the city. 

Café Louvre, though exceptionally loud and a bit crowded, is still a must-see.  The café offers a full menu that changes with the season, an array of sweet pastries, beautiful decor and billiards tables.  Besides, Karel Čapek, Franz Kafka, and Albert Einstein were among some of the famous guests of the café! Who doesn’t want to dine where the greats once visited?

Just a short walk down Národní Street toward the river, you can find Café NoNa.  This café is located on the third floor of the glass building, Laterna Magika next to the National Theater. Many students and young people meet at this café to socialize, and oftentimes the café puts on events during the nighttime.

Krástný ztráty is another student favorite.  But beware, if you’re simply looking for a quiet place to grab a tea and study, you might want to avoid this rowdy hang out.

If you need to study or meet your friends, you shouldn’t forget to visit AnonymouS Coffee, La Boheme Café or other cafés located close to UNYP.

Cinemas

Film lovers should check out some of Prague’s independent cinemas.  Aside, from showing the occasional Blockbuster hit, these cinemas show independent films from all over the world and host the many film festivals held throughout the year in Prague.  Bio Oko, Kino Lucerna, Kino Aero, and Atlas are known for their special film programs, and if you get to Aero early, you might be lucky enough to watch one of their hand-picked films in a hollowed-out car.  If you are a classic film buff, Pon Repo is the place for you.  On occasion, they will play silent movies with a live organ accompaniment.

Do you want to watch movie outside? Check Výletní kino  and MeetFactory located in Smichov, or Žluté lázně – a manmade beach on the Vltava River.

Free Museums

The National Gallery provides temporary and permanent exhibitions from a variety of artistic periods, styles, and mediums.  The museum is located about half a mile or so from UNYP, or one tram stop away. As an added bonus, the gallery offers entry for children, young people up to 18 years old, and students up to 26 years of age with a valid student ID, for free!  The Veletrzni Palace is an extension of the National Gallery, but hosts more contemporary, provocative art. The same admission offer applies to Veletrzni Palac, in addition to Kinský Palace, Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, Schwarzenberg Palace, Salm Palace, and Sternberg Palace.

Want to know what to do in Prague this summer to beat the heat? We’ve brought you some tips