The Czech Republic’s stunning capital will accommodate over 8,000 football fans over the next few days, with West Ham United and Fiorentina supporters heading over to watch the Conference League Final. Football will be the priority, but this European gem has a lot more to offer than just the beautiful game.
Prague’s history has made large contributions to Western European culture since the 1500s. Classic composers such as Mozart and Dvorak lived there, as did many famous Czech writers. The city’s many bridges and pathways connect the industrial, agricultural and historic parts of Prague. It also has well-known beers and food, notably the potato salad Tomáš Souček likes!
QUICK FACTS – CZECH REPUBLIC/CZECHIA
Population 10,500,000
Language Czech
Name in Official Language Česka Republika
Dialling Code +420
Currency Koruna/Kč (£1=27.45Kč)
WHERE IS PRAGUE?
Prague is located on Vltava River and has a population of over 1,300,000 residents. It has been a major city throughout many centuries; it served as the capital of Bohemia, remained a major political hub during the Habsburg monarchy, and was important to the Emperors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Prague is often defined for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, which consist of red-brick buildings and towering churches. After the fall of communism in 1989 and peaceful protest by the public, Prague was elected the new capital of the newly-founded Czech Republic. Globalization made Prague a key economic power in Europe and an increasingly popular tourist destination. It was the fifth most-visited city in Europe in 2017.
WHAT CAN I DO THERE?
Prague Orloj (Pražský Orloj)
The Prague Orloj is an astronomical clock attached to the Old Town Hall, and it is considered a major part of the city’s identity. It was installed in 1410 and is the only functioning astronomical clock still in operation.
The clock displays the time of day, and the positioning of the sun and moon in accordance to orbit. Statues of Catholic saints are decorated around the clock. A skeleton figure is also present to represent death, and a man holding a bag of money represents greed.
Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad)
Many Czechs are proud to have a building such as Prague Castle in their country for one main reason – it is officially in the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest ancient castle. It is 1,870 feet long, 430 feet wide, and takes up an area of 750,000 square feet. The kings of Bohemia and presidents of Czechoslovakia used the castle for political meetings, and today, it is home to the crown jewels of Bohemia.
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
You will most likely spend a lot of time here before the game on Wednesday, mainly because it houses many bars. It is the perfect place to try some locally-brewed beers and nationally-recognized lagers.
Old Town Square is located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. It is where you will find the above-mentioned clock. In the summer, tourists come to the square to eat outdoors and to visit the many churches within the surrounding area. In the winter, it hosts a famous Christmas market.
WHAT IS THE STADIUM LIKE?
Fortuna Arena
West Ham’s Czech mates called Fortuna Arena their second home for several years and saw many successes there. With a capacity of over 19,000, it is the biggest football stadium in the Czech Republic.
Fortuna Arena has been home to Slavia Prague and the Czech national team for 15 years. It has been developed to make match days more hospitable, and work was done on the North side of the stadium to accommodate pre-game needs. A bar, fast food restaurants and offices were built as a result. The stadium also hosts concerts and gymnastics events.
How To Get There
By Tram: The nearest tram stop is Slavia – Nádraží Eden, located near Prague’s Eden train station.
By Metro: If you are taking the metro, take Line A (Green) and exit at Želivského Station. The stadium is a 20-minute walk away.
Note: All public transit is free for those attending the game. You will need to present your ticket to get free access.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Report Crime Immediately
This sounds like it is stating the obvious, but you will need to know where to go if you are the victim of a crime in Prague. A 24-hour police station is located next to Mustek Station and is dedicated to foreign tourists. It is strongly advised that you keep a copy of the police report for your insurance provider.
Be Wary Of Fake Police Officers
Some individuals pose as off-duty police or plain-clothed officers. They may ask to see your money, cards or ID. You should ask to go to a police station to resolve any possible issues. If you are not sure who the individuals are, it is worth noting that Czech police officers carry identification numbers on their badges. Ask to see a badge.
Do Not Show Drunken Behaviour
Public inebriation is illegal under Czech law. Large groups of parties are often turned away from bars and nightclubs if they are believed to be severely under the influence, while others don’t allow entry to stag dos. Drunk and disorderly conduct is dealt with by local authorities and can result in arrests.