The trip to the Czech Republic was my first trip to Europe. I had huge plans but exceeded all my expectations in every way. Except... shopping!
It seemed to me that elegant gentlemen and ladies in chic clothes should walk the streets in a European capital. Maybe, of course, they walk somewhere, but definitely not along the streets.
Local fashion or how to dress in Prague
Unlike us, where they "meet by clothes", in Prague no cult of materialism. Everything must be maximumsimple, convenient, sometimes even casually. Moreover, it is desirable cheap. This rule also applies to tourists. Forget evening dresses and stilettos at home, unless you have plans to visit the Prague Opera House. There, of course, all this is necessary. But, if you want to watch a play called , put on jeans-shorts, T-shirts- sweatshirts, sneakers, low-soled flip flopswithout heel and go to the show.
Where the paving stones are the city
The main attraction of Prague is its historical center: the lower old town with squares and cathedrals, the Upper Town with monasteries, gardens, steep slopes and the Charles Bridge connecting these two parts, decorated with many statues and majestic towers. Attention! Shame! All this is lined with paving stones! No matter how beautiful the shoes are on you, it will still make them take off. It doesn’t matter if you are French or Ukrainian, in Prague everyone differs only in the language in which the tour is conducted. By the way, the most visited city on earth is not, and not, but!
What to buy from clothes in Prague
So about shopping, I really wanted to bring something of Czech production. Yes, I have! It all turned out to be a match for the Czechs - good, strong, not very graceful but high quality and durable. Shoes of the Cebo type, if anyone remembers, are intact, lying on a shelf and probably waiting for a rainy day, I washed the floors with a T-shirt for another five years, and I wash the bag in a typewriter and still wear it.
And now tips for different seasons:
- in summer: shorts-dresses-shirts, ladies can easy sundress with comfortable shoes;
- in winter: (God forbid!) furs, only short down jackets and jackets with boots and sneakers, warm up in the brewery;
- off-season: sweaters, vests, scarves;
- big lungs backpack bags;
- umbrella for all occasions (rain, snow, sun);
- and the most important part of the wardrobe - camera well, how without it? How naked.
What to wear when visiting this amazing country? What do Czech fashionistas like to wear and where to buy the most stylish clothes in the Czech Republic? Prague fashion is distinguished by democracy, freedom and looseness, which you will feel when walking along the streets of ancient Czech cities.
The fashion of all large cities has an individual character. In its own way, it is also unique in Prague, albeit in one of the central, but at the same time closed from external influences, European cities. The almost absolute majority of Prague residents are not particularly interested in fashion. In this regard, two clearly expressed trends in the manner of dressing appeared in the city - democratic style and casual style. The first is good because a person does not waste a lot of time, racking his brains over thinking through his daily wardrobe.
Czechs almost never wear warm clothes, even on the coldest winter days. Even in the cold, they feel calm in a short light jacket with an open collar. In winter, you can see women in light shoes.
A person puts on what comes to hand and goes about his business, whether it is work, study or a store. Democratic clothing is, first of all, jeans, bikes, ordinary trousers and sweaters, or any other clothing that does not claim to be luxury and glamour. Simply put, this direction wins because it is as simple as possible and accessible to everyone. But democracy means freedom. The freedom to choose clothes, to desire something, to strive for a certain appearance. The inhabitants of Prague are free people, not dependent on the dictatorship of world fashion.
But let's talk about the second trend, which has become very relevant in Prague today. There are some things that are good in moderation, and one of them is negligence. Among the Hollywood stars, a vivid example of this is Keira Knightley. A young, accomplished, but not at all glamorous girl - it's all about her. She would, most likely, be impressed by the manner of dressing like the Prague girls.
Meanwhile, negligence borders on ordinary carelessness, and this is clearly seen when studying the wardrobe of local teenagers more closely.
And here are the words of Zoryana Stehnovich, a designer by profession and the owner of two bridal boutiques in the Czech capital: “I myself am a big fan of elegance, which is more characteristic of Russians or Ukrainians than Czechs. A bride from Russia or Ukraine will almost certainly buy a chic wedding dress from us, a French woman will ask for something sophisticated, refined, but Czech women can only be pleased with the most ordinary models with almost no decoration and decorations.
Czechs' favorite shoes are flip-flops. They are sold in almost all stores and shopping centers. Frogs are offered in all colors and styles: Czech manufacturers even produce frogs… with fur!
Like their mentality, Czech clothing is as sporty and democratic as possible. The ideal for them is the simplest. What influenced such preferences of the inhabitants of the Prague capital so much? The fact is that after the collapse of the socialist system, fashion in the Czech Republic came into a state of a kind of crisis. After all, all the shoes and clothes that were produced in this country in Soviet times were exported to the countries of the Soviet Union. True, in our time, the Czechs themselves admit that there is not a trace left of the former quality. A lot of time has passed, a lot has changed. But even today the Czech Republic, despite certain difficulties, is actively working for export to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev.
Few people did not suffer from the collapse of the camp of socialism. In the textile industry, only true experts in their field have survived. Almost all Prague masters are middle-aged people, they never cease to be surprised at the young age of Russian designers. The age of fashion designers is also one of the prerequisites for the Czech style. After all, a thing invented by a young designer will be fundamentally different from a thing designed by an older designer.
Therefore, the products of Prague clothing stores are special in that cotton items (jeans, knitwear, jackets) predominate here, both in pure form and cotton mixed, for example, with wool. In addition, the prices for clothes in this country do not bite at all, so here you can choose and buy a fashionable wardrobe at budget prices.
Every September, Prague Fashion Weekend takes place on Prague's Hradcany Square. On the square, at the entrance to Prague Castle, there are fashion tents. Designers' collections are shown on the main runway and in showrooms. Fashion shows start at the square every full hour.
Fashion in Prague: history and modernity
It is generally accepted that a certain style of each city develops over the years and even centuries. This also applies to the fashion of the modern Czech Republic. The clothing of the Praguers is subject not only to recent trends. It has been influenced by all past centuries. As far back as the 16th century, there is evidence of how modest a Czech woman was in her attire: “She is dressed in coarse clothes made of cloth, decorated in places with a silk ribbon. She wears a short cloak of fur and a scarf over it. The underwear consists of wool, the skirt is ruched. Instead of shoes, she is shod with wooden shoes or boots. Her headdress is an ordinary, rather rough hat, from under which a white scarf peeks out, her head is wrapped in such a way that only her face is visible.
At home, the ladies took off the "walking skirt", which is a cloak worn over a dress, divided into a skirt and bodice. Through the bodice, a white insert of a shirt was visible, which was worn under the bottom. True, there were very few such shirts in Czech houses of that time. So, the bourgeois Marta Peskova from Prague inherited only one shirt (16th century). Another Prague woman in 1519 showed off three shirts. And only from the middle of the 16th century the number of shirts increased, but they were still few. So, the Czech Zikmund Freilich from Freidenfels, who died in 1582, left only 8 shirts in his rich inheritance, despite the fact that he owned four houses.
Czechs began to wear fashionable European clothes only after the resumption of ties with Western Europe. Business dress in the Czech Republic is less formal than in the West. However, the price and quality of clothing often directly depend on the official position of the employee.
True, with the Czech Republic today, not everything is so transparent. The number of shopping centers per capita in this country has already reached the European average. It is planned to build 3 more large-scale shopping centers with clothes from world manufacturers at low prices, and the first one has already begun to work.
With a significant discount (from 30 to 70%), goods in stores will be presented, although it is worth mentioning that this will be a product from somewhat outdated collections.
In everyday life, Czech men most often wear trousers with a sweater or shirt. Women dress the same or in soft dresses. If a trip to an expensive restaurant is planned, then it is customary to dress as if for a formal meeting.
Some analysts believe that the Czechs are copying the American model that was so popular in the 1980s, when a lot of outlet centers appeared everywhere in America. For the Czech Republic, such a project will be implemented for the first time.
The interest of tourists in Prague shopping is growing every year, and the world-famous fashion houses have long seen the prospect of the Czech capital as an excellent sales market. There are those who already today take advantage of the fact that the Czech Republic is always full of tourists and try to please them with the latest fashion trends. It turns out that in the future Prague has every chance of becoming one of the most advanced and fashionable European capitals.
Winter comes to the Czech Republic slowly. The streets are getting cool, rainy, damp and grey. Although the dullness goes away already in the first days of December, when. In several days the city is changing: everywhere lights, lanterns, aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon. And from under the snow, red roofs and viburnum berries provocatively peek out ... Everything is like in Christmas films.
Snow falls just enough to cover the roofs of houses.
Does it make sense to go here in winter? How many Russian tourists frozen to death in a fierce Czech blizzard? Should I take a spare coat and high boots with me? Is it true that all museums are closed in winter, and shops in November close forever until spring? If you still go, where to go? What can you see in the capital of palaces and beer? Get comfortable, now we'll talk about everything in detail.
But first, for inspiration - a small video from winter Prague:
A few words about the weather
The Czech winter is very loyal to tourists: it does not indulge in heat, but it does not intimidate with frost either. The weather makes it possible to walk around the city and: the coldest night here will be -8 ° C, but during the day the temperature can rise to + 5 ° C. In December it gets dark already at 16.30, in February it is light until 17.30. Snow falls just enough to lightly decorate the houses. There are no blizzards, blizzards and snowdrifts in the Czech Republic.
The weather is mild even in January.
Winter in Prague cool, wet and damp. Sometimes the winds can blow up in earnest. Rains also happen frequently. By our standards, the weather resembles the end of a particularly rainy November. Therefore, a strong umbrella, a light hat, waterproof shoes and a windproof jacket are what necessarily you have to take it with you.
clothes you need to take warm, comfortable and versatile: so that you can walk along windy streets all day long and sit in a restaurant in the evening. Shoes it is desirable to choose on a thick and flat sole. Our young ladies, of course, are accustomed to wearing stilettos in the snow, and in the downpour, and in the midst of a tsunami, but you can’t run on slippery / wet paving stones for a long time in heels. Although if you decide to celebrate the New Year in the Czech Republic, then a pair of elegant shoes and a dress, of course, will be needed.
Excursions
The impressions of the trip will be incomplete without excursions. Tourists are increasingly ordering tours via the Internet. This is more convenient for several reasons. Can:
- take your time to read the description and reviews and choose what you like;
- not to fuss and not waste precious time in Prague searching and buying excursions;
- buy in advance from home, and pay by card;
- there is more choice online than in any agency or tour kiosk, and prices are 15-20% lower, because. no agency fee.
There are many options - from the simplest one for €14 (it is ideal for a first acquaintance with the city) to the most fashionable now excursions in the quest genre:
- - €60 for a group of 1-9 people;
- - €44 per group or €21 per person.
The choice is wide - from a trip to the sources (€30) to a trip to neighboring Germany: (€55), (€35) or even (for 2 days and with a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle - €125).
And how do you like the opportunity to see the sights of the Czech Republic from above? costs €186 - you choose the direction and program yourself.
The most popular excursions in 2019:
- - see and learn;
- - delicious food and drink beer;
- - to be surprised;
- - to see not only Prague;
- - to have something to remember.
And a few more points of the winter program in the Czech Republic:
- Ski resorts: in Šumava, Jizera Mountains, Krkonoše, Liberec.
- Carriage ride or vintage car.
- Winter forest in Stromovka or Letna.
- Festival classical music named after Boguslav Martinu.
- Czech carnival.
- Days of European Cinema(end of January -);
- Pancake week(meat empty).
- Fair Saint Matthew.
Ski resort Krkonose.
Some museums and attractions are closed before . If you want to watch something specific, you need to find out in advance if this is possible. Although those who travel to Prague for the first time will not have such a problem: most of the excursions and architectural monuments work as usual.
St. Nicolas day. Walk to Prague.
Elina (32 years old, Tallinn):
“Gone for the winter holidays. Still, a sharp change in climate is not very suitable for kids, so they chose the Czech Republic: you can walk for a long time, it still won’t come to frostbite.
Several times they took the children to the skating rinks: 30-60 crowns and three tons of children's happiness. My husband and I really liked the skating rink on the roof (Arfa Gallery) - we have never seen anything like this before. By the way, admission there is free, we paid only for renting skates. If you want to save money - bring your own, because. rent costs 40-60 CZK per hour.
You can also take the kids to the Toy Museum (Jiřská 4, Prague 1) and the Lego Museum (Národní 31, Prague 1). My daughter was simply stunned when she saw the Barbie collection, and even her husband was interested in the Lego Museum. I want to note another point: in the toy museum you can take pictures for free, but in the Lego museum you will have to pay extra for a photo.
Czech meatloaf. Why not our mummers?
What is shopping in Czech?
Best in winter: just right here sales start. The first wave - from mid-December to January 1-3. The beginning of the second wave falls on, and it will end in mid-February.
Winter sales are the most profitable for the whole year. Clothes, shoes, electronics and all sorts of New Year and Christmas souvenirs can be bought literally at half price. Discounts are up to 80%.
Czech online stores such as Kasa.cz, Alza.cz, Mall.cz also participate in the sales. The only caveat: it is desirable to know the approximate prices before sale. Tourist reviews say that some sellers put up a 75% discount sign, but the price does not change at all.
During the winter sales, almost the entire population of the Czech Republic starts shopping.
Varvara (28 years old, Moscow):
“Winter Prague, of course, is beautiful and all that, but my friends and I were only on a sightseeing tour. All the rest of the time - . We bought sweaters at C&A Moda: there were 50% discounts, how to resist? Mommy and mother-in-law for gifts. It turns out that there are also discounts on porcelain in winter! Well, of course, your beloved, you had to pamper yourself:.
Another similar trip is planned for 2015: I want to choose a handbag for myself, and with it shoes, a coat - everything is as it should be.
It is simply impossible to pass by.
Where to eat after a long excursion?
Here it is, real happiness for the male stomach! , juicy meat, fragrant sauces, smoked meats, ... What else do you need after the frosty air on the next excursion? And the famous Czech beer? You tell your wife that you are thirsty to know the original Czech traditions and calmly go to the bar. Now at your disposal there are a few hours until the wife suspects something is wrong. And during this time you can do so much…
The interior of the restaurant Michal.
It is very convenient to satisfy your stomach in such establishments:
- restaurants:"Michal", "U Modre Kachnicky", "U Bansethů", "Klášterní pivovar", "Zvonařka", "U dvou kocek";
Meat platter "Česká bašta", "Brewer's goulash according to the cook's Douša's recipe" is the best place to try it. - budget cafes:"Peklo" on the street. Vodičkova, 39, "Steak Hračanská", "V Cipu", "Lokal";
- canteens:"Obcerstveni", "Jidelna", "Lahudky";
Here you can feed on 100-200 crowns per day. First courses - from 25 kroons, the second - from 45 kroons. - breweries:"Pivovar U Medvídků", "U Kalicha", "U svateho Tomase", "Pivovarský dům".
Does the meal come with live music? Keep in mind this will add 30-50 crowns to your total bill.
Grigory (29 years old, Nizhny Novgorod):
“Tourists, of course, spoiled Prague. Already decent establishments, such as Pivovarský dům, do not hesitate to add extra dishes to the bill. Now it's better not to go to hyped restaurants with all sorts of shows and discharged staff - it will be beautiful, it will be expensive too, but it's unlikely that it will be tasty.
Most establishments will have a persistent amber of beer and cigarettes, so you should get out for lunch with children in advance - until you find a suitable place, you will work up an appetite a hundred times.
To choose places for breakfast or dinner, I constantly read reviews on travel sites. The main thing here is to always look at the date, because In recent years, something has changed both in terms of prices and quality. My best finds are the Ebel Coffee House and the old beer house U Cerneho Vola, I highly recommend!”
Winter prices: when to go to save money?
As soon as it starts, tours to the Czech Republic leave with a bang. And they cost at this time accordingly. Want to save? Then go see the Charles Bridge at the end of winter. February, for example - time of discounts and "burning" vouchers(discounts 30-40%). The influx of tourists subsides, therefore. But on New Year's Eve, the cost of the tour increases by about 100 EUR per person.
Gingerbread houses are real.
To prolong the charm, buy for the way back book by Alena Yezhkova "77 Prague Legends". Firstly, a book is much better than a magnet. And secondly, with her at any time you can briefly return to the Czech Republic.
It is generally accepted to return to this country. Prague is like a parent's home: it's cozy here, always delicious smells and hearty food, but everything is so ... old. Believe here worth a visit in winter. At the very least, in order to
- Trynd..? Tyrn..? Trd… what?!
- Come here and find out.
So, if you are from Prague, you:
1. Know what it means to meet under the tail (pod ocasem). The vast majority of Prague residents know that the meeting is scheduled on Wenceslas Square - at the statue of the bronze horse of St. Vaclav.
2. Don't drink absinthe (never).
3. Drink beer (after all, beer is cheaper in Prague than soft drinks).
4. Wear blue jeans (Pragueans love blue jeans and wear them everywhere: to the office, to parties, and even to awards shows).
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5. Use public transport.
6. You know transport etiquette (give way to the elderly and pregnant women in the tram).
7. Tell someone that he is on the wrong side of the escalator (you need to stand on the right side so that everyone can freely go down the left side).
8. On the subway train, try to get as close to the door as possible.
9. Watch or have watched the television series Ulice (an endless story about Czech "real life").
10. Love sarcasm (Prague people like to play pranks on themselves and their friends in a peculiar manner).
11. Don't go to parties in Lucerne and Karlovy Lazne.
12. Speak softly (Pragueans like to resent the fact that tourists speak very loudly).
13. Understand the difference between Karlak and Charles Bridge.
14. Hate those who ride Segways.
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15. Avoid the main tourist streets on your route (try to walk along quiet streets or courtyards).
16. Prefer bio/vegan/healthy food (many Praguers don't even know how to cook goulash and chops).
17. Be careful not to step into dog poop (especially in the Zizkov area).
18. Do not go to shops/cafes/clubs on Wenceslas Square (only when absolutely necessary).
19. Call a taxi by phone (Pragueans do not get into a taxi on the street because of inflated prices. By the way, the other day in Prague I passed over taxi drivers who overcharged tourists. You need to know that the maximum Prague fare is 28 crowns per 1 km).
20. Keep the dog (Pragueans walk their dogs to keep fit, or carry small dogs in bags).
21. Read free Metro newspapers in the morning (you can pick them up at metro stations until 9 am).
22. Always find a reason to celebrate something (holiday, name day, birthday, divorce, wedding - it doesn't matter).
23. Do not show your emotions in public, no matter what happens (for example, you make an indifferent face if you meet a celebrity on the street).
24. Leave less than 10% of the amount in the bill for the waiters (for example, if the bill was brought for 340 kroons, you will leave 350 kroons).
25. Go to Letna for a picnic (but still think it's a good place for sports).
26. Watch matches of Sparta or Slavia (you need to choose one of these teams and be sure of your choice).
27. Pay with a contactless card and wonder if it can't be done.
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28. Take advantage at crosswalks (and don't want to wait for a passing car to stop and let you through).
29. Hate if someone calls you "Eastern European" (Pragueans are not Eastern Europeans, they are Central Europeans. Prague is further west than Vienna).
30. Look tired / unhappy / important under any circumstances.
When planning a vacation, experienced travelers make a special list, where they enter things that may be needed point by point. Today's article will tell you what to take to the Czech Republic, about the features of recreation and weather conditions.
Despite the fact that the Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, it has not yet switched to payments in euros. The official currency is . In 2019, it equals ~0.04 euros.
Tour operators and tourists recommend taking euros with you. The euro exchange rate is higher than the ruble. In large shops and restaurants, both currencies are accepted for payment, but it is more profitable to pay in crowns. Bank cards of international systems MasterCard and Visa will become an alternative to cash.
Gift: 2100 rubles for housing!
When registering via the link in AirBnB, you will receive 2100 rubles to your account.
For this money you can rent good apartments for 1 day abroad or in Russia. The bonus only works for new accounts.
Weather
Depending on the season, the climate of the Czech Republic is quite mild. Its only drawback is unpredictability. On a hot July day, a heavy downpour with a thunderstorm can pass, and gloomy October weekdays give way to summer sunshine. Locals recommend that tourists take an umbrella and a jacket with them without fail.
Winter
Wet but not cold. The average temperature is -5 degrees. Snow is rare, it mostly rains. In late December-early January, light fluffy snow falls, but does not stay for a long time.
Spring
Starts in mid-March. The average temperature is 7-8 degrees. Warm summer days are possible. Rainy days are not uncommon.
Summer
Comfortable, average temperature 20 degrees. In June it is still cool in the mornings, about 10-11 degrees. July is the hottest month of the year, the temperature reaches 30 degrees, there are stuffy days. And August is characterized by frequent thunderstorms.
September and October are warm days, but there are strong winds, heavy rains and thunderstorms. And in November there are frosts at night.
Cloth
Casual style will come in handy: jeans, loose skirts, T-shirts and sweaters. To comfortably walk and enjoy excursions, you need comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and a warm sweater.
You don't have to take a lot of clothes. In August and November, large-scale sales are held, shopping lovers will be able to update their wardrobe. Yes, even without discounts, many things in the Czech Republic are cheaper than in Moscow, and the quantity and quality are higher.
Shoes
Co. 
Of course, it takes up a lot of space, but it's worth taking a few pairs. Sneakers, low-heeled shoes, open sandals in summer. The main criterion is convenience. Even if you don't plan to run marathons, you won't be able to avoid long walks.
The Czech Republic is famous for its architecture. Every street in Prague, Karlovy Vary and other big and small towns and even villages is a work of art. Numerous parks, gardens, museums will not leave anyone indifferent.
To fully enjoy the beauty, you should take care of the health and comfort of your feet.
The documents
Medicines in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, most medicines can only be bought at pharmacies with a prescription.. And over-the-counter drugs without knowing the language are also hard to buy - it's hard to explain exactly what you need. In addition, local analogues may differ in composition, so it is better not to take risks and take the necessary minimum from home.
What else is needed
For a child
Supermarkets have the necessary baby products: diapers, bottles, mixtures. Take a few diapers from home to last until you find a store. It is also worth bringing your own infant formula, especially if your baby has a sensitive digestive system.
For a child under 3-4 years old, you should definitely take a stroller. Many hours of walking cannot be avoided; slings and other carriers will not help here. After 2 hours, both the parent and the child will get tired. They load the spine. In the stroller, the baby will sleep comfortably without returning to the hotel.
What to take for a car trip
- The rights. As previously written, it is better to issue an international driver's license. Experienced motorists claim that there are no problems with ordinary Russian rights issued after 2010, but it is better to play it safe and make an IDP.
- Certificate of ownership of the vehicle. Or a power of attorney from the owner, translated into English or Czech.
- Insurance that covers liability to third parties. But it is better not to save money, and take out a full-fledged insurance policy. In this case, you can be sure that a tow truck will come to you and there will be no problems with the police and other participants in the accident. At auto forums, it is recommended to join an international automobile organization. Its members help each other in critical situations.
- To drive on intercity highways in the Czech Republic, you will need a special sticker - a vignette. It is purchased at the border checkpoint or gas station.
