People constantly praise Prague as an international hub and call Motol the best, most advanced hospital in the Czech Republic. My experience at their ER this week proved that if you don't speak Czech or aren't a local, you are treated with pure hostility—to the point of life-threatening negligence. And even having a friend in town won't help you in the emergency room, because they do not allow anyone except the patient into the examination areas. You will be completely alone.

Here is what happened:

Started having extreme stomach pain on Saturday night and vomited dinner immediately. Sunday morning, I couldn't even keep plain chicken soup down. surviving exclusively on hot water while the pain escalated. By Sunday evening, it was unbearable, so I dragged myself to Motol ER. The doctor didn't speak a word of English, and my phone battery was dead so I couldn't translate. She diagnosed me with gastritis, prescribed medication, and sent me off. The medication did nothing.

By Monday, it had been well over 48 hours since I had kept any food in my system. I was severely weak, and in agony, so I returned to Motol ER.

Before going in, I stopped by their Foreign Patients Department—literally the unit designated to help foreigners, to ask if an English-speaking doctor or someone who could help interpret was available so I could safely explain my condition.

The worker looked right at me and said:

"Go back to your country if you want English doctors."

At an international hospital's dedicated foreign department. While I was sick.

I swallowed my pride, went to the ER, and waited 2 hours. When they finally called me in, the nurse drew blood and asked for my allergies. I explicitly said: I have allergies and chronic urticaria. She looked visibly irritated that I didn't speak Czech and barely acknowledged it.

The doctor eventually after 2 hours ordered IV fluids for severe dehydration, followed by another bag containing glucose and IV pain meds.

Around 10:06, I started feeling off, an allergic reaction broke out across my fingertips. Both the nurse and doctor had walked out of the room. I saw a male nurse standing directly across the hallway, so I yelled for help. He glanced at me, and completely ignored my cries.

Within minutes, it became a full-blown medical emergency:

• My entire face puffed up.
• My eyes swelled completely shut.
• My throat began closing and I couldn't breathe.
• In my panic and physical distress, blood began backing up through the IV line, covering the tubing.

When my primary nurse finally came back into the room, her very first reaction was to scoff at the bloody line. Then she looked up at my face—airway shut, eyes swollen, on the verge of suffocating and passing out—and went into pure panic. If she had been 10 minutes later, I would not be here writing this.

Being decent doesn't cost a dime. I know people here don't smile, but ignoring medical care because you hate someone’s skin color or language is sickening. If they resent foreigners that much, they should just hang a sign at the entrance saying they refuse to treat us. This isn’t free healthcare or a charity either—they force foreigners to pay an immediate €100 / 2,500 CZK charge just to walk through the door, and then nickel-and-dime you with extra charges for blood tests, X-rays, and every single drip. Taking our money while actively neglecting us in a life-or-death situation is disgusting.

Even if you have friends or classmates, it doesn't matter: the ER staff will not let them past the waiting room doors. You are trapped alone in that room with medical staff who actively resent having to deal with you.

If you are choosing a study abroad or expat destination, seriously reconsider. The level of xenophobia and casual disregard for human life I experienced while dying on a hospital bed is something no one should ever go through.

EDIT:

Thanks for the advice, but I’m just an undergrad trying to finish my degree and move on. Taking legal action is way too much to deal with on top of school.

I was furious and terrified when I wrote this down this morning and posted it an hour ago. When you literally almost choke to death on an ER bed, you say harsh things in the heat of the moment. I retract the part about skipping the whole country, that was said out of pure shock and anger. But I stand by my warning: please be careful, have backups, and protect yourself if you end up in the ER here.

I am sure there are great doctors at motol, But this was a terrifying experience.

Visiting friends often ask me what to see in Prague in a couple of days, where to eat, where to get good beer, and where to go. I've lived here for six years, so I decided to put my recommendations together in one place. This isn't an attempt to list every attraction in the city, just my personal take on how to spend a few days here.

If you're only visiting for a weekend, start with the two-day itinerary below. After that, I've put together some extra recommendations: restaurants, cafés, bars, parks, and sights you can add to your trip depending on your interests.

Part 1: How to Spend Two Days in Prague

Day 1: Medieval Prague, the Castle, and Beer

On the first day, I'd focus on classic Prague: the historic centre, Charles Bridge, Malá Strana, and Prague Castle. It's a fairly packed day, so wear comfortable shoes and don't try to see absolutely everything.

1. Old Town Square and the surrounding area

Start at Old Town Square. See the Prague Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the historic buildings surrounding the square. Yes, it's full of tourists, but it's still one of those places you should see at least once.

Hidden just a short walk from the clock is Skautský institut (Scout Institute). It's a less obvious spot where you can grab a coffee or a beer and take a break from the tourist crowds. Locals hang out here too, including people on dates.

2. The Jewish Quarter, if you're interested in history

If you'd like to explore Prague's history a little further, take a detour through Josefov, the historic Jewish Quarter. You'll find the Old-New Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery here.

It's an important part of the city's history that's easy to miss if you stick to Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Keep in mind that visiting the historic sites may require separate tickets, and opening hours vary.

3. Charles Bridge

Next, head to Charles Bridge. Yes, it's almost always crowded, but the views of the Vltava River and the historic buildings are still worth it. If you have time on another day, try coming back early in the morning.

4. A beer at U Sedmi Švábů

If you're heading uphill from Charles Bridge towards Prague Castle, consider stopping at U Sedmi Švábů (The Seven Swabians).

Yes, there's a bit of a tourist markup, but it's a proper old-school tavern with a fireplace and the atmosphere of a medieval inn. It's especially cosy in winter, when you can warm up by the fire with a beer. Sometimes a place is worth visiting for the atmosphere alone, rather than the prices or the menu.

5. Malá Strana and St. Nicholas Church

On your way towards the Castle, stop by St. Nicholas Church in Malá Strana. It's one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Prague. The contrast with the Gothic buildings in the Old Town is particularly striking.

6. Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

The main highlight here is St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in the city. Take your time to admire the details and explore the Prague Castle complex.

If you want to visit the interiors and other parts of the complex, check ticket options and opening hours in advance.

7. Where to go after the Castle

Choose one of these options depending on how much energy you have left and what the weather is like.

• Petřín Hill and Strahov Monastery Brewery. Take a walk up the hill, enjoy the views, and stop for a beer at the brewery near Strahov Monastery. It's become quite touristy, but the beer is still tasty and interesting.
• Letná. If you'd rather relax and enjoy panoramic views of Prague, head to Letná Gardens. There's a beer garden here, and it's especially nice to walk around in the evening with views over the historic centre.

You don't have to rush through the entire route. It's better to see fewer places and actually enjoy them.

Day 2: Vyšehrad, the Riverside, and a Different Side of Prague

The second day is a little more relaxed. Instead of spending all your time in the historic centre again, I'd start with one of my favourite places in the city.

1. Vyšehrad

Take the metro to Vyšehrad station and explore the grounds of the historic fortress.

Things to see:

• The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.
• The old fortress walls and ramparts.
• The small Romanesque Rotunda of St. Martin.
• The viewpoints overlooking the city and the Vltava River.

Vyšehrad is connected to the early history of the Czech lands and legends about the founding of the state. But even if history isn't really your thing, it's worth visiting for the walk and the views. It's one of my favourite places in Prague.

2. Head down to the river and walk along Náplavka

After exploring Vyšehrad, make your way down towards the Vltava and follow the riverside in the direction of the Dancing House. It's a pleasant way to see another side of the city without constantly visiting museums and monuments.

You can stop for a beer at Bike 7 along the way.

3. The Dancing House

The Dancing House is one of Prague's most recognisable examples of modern architecture. It looks very different from the historic buildings around it, and that's exactly what makes it interesting.

4. The National Theatre and ice cream

Continue towards the National Theatre. The building is beautiful in its own right, but it's also historically significant: it became one of the symbols of the Czech National Revival in the 19th century.

Nearby, on Národní třída, you'll find Crème de la Crème ice cream parlour. I've tried ice cream in different countries, and this place is still one of my favourites.

I especially recommend two flavours: salted peanut and sea buckthorn with rosemary. If you like unusual flavours, give them a try.

5. Choose how to spend the rest of the day

Depending on your mood, you could head to one of these places:

• Vítkov Hill — an enormous equestrian statue of Jan Žižka and a great view over Prague. I especially recommend coming around sunset.
• Vinohrady — a beautiful residential neighbourhood. You can start at Náměstí Míru, see the Church of St. Ludmila, and continue to Grébovka Park, which has its own vineyard.
• Stromovka — a large green park where you can escape the busy streets and relax.
• Žižkov Television Tower — unusual modern architecture, famous for the crawling baby sculptures by David Černý.

In the evening, pick one of the bars, cafés, or live music venues from the next section.

Part 2: Prague Recommendations for Every Occasion

Two days might not be enough, and everyone has different interests. Think of the following as a collection of extra recommendations you can mix and match to suit your trip.

Sights and Architecture

Clementinum

If you're interested in historic interiors, check out the Clementinum. It's famous for its Baroque Library and Astronomical Tower, which offers views over the city. Visits depend on guided tours and the current schedule, so check the details in advance.

Wallenstein Garden

Wallenstein Garden is a beautiful historic garden in Malá Strana. It's a great place to walk among Baroque architecture, greenery, and sculptures without going far from the centre. Check seasonal opening hours before visiting.

Žižkov Television Tower

If you're interested in modern architecture, take a look at the Žižkov Television Tower. It stands out from Prague's historic skyline and is known for the crawling baby sculptures by David Černý.

National Museum

The National Museum, located at the top of Wenceslas Square, is a good option if you want to spend some time in a museum, especially when the weather isn't great for walking around. There are several exhibitions, so check what's on before you go.

DOX Centre for Contemporary Art

DOX is a contemporary art centre. It's worth considering if you're more interested in modern culture, exhibitions, and unusual art projects than traditional historical displays.

Parks and Views

Letná Gardens

A great place for a walk and panoramic views of historic Prague. There's also a beer garden where you can relax after exploring the city.

Petřín Hill

A green hill with walking paths, an observation tower, and lovely views. You can combine it with a visit to Prague Castle and Strahov Monastery.

Stromovka

A large park where you can spend a few hours walking or having a picnic.

Divoká Šárka

If you want to get out into nature, head to Divoká Šárka. You'll find forests, rocky cliffs, hills, and walking trails. It's far removed from the classic tourist centre and gives you a chance to see Prague's more natural side.

Štvanice Island and Karlín

For a contrast with the historic centre, head towards Štvanice Island and the riverside spaces around it, such as Baden Baden Štvanice. The atmosphere is different here: the river, modern urban spaces, and bars.

Nearby, you'll find Karlín, a neighbourhood with modern architecture, cafés, restaurants, and glass-fronted buildings. It's a good choice if you want to see a more contemporary side of Prague.

Where to Eat 🍽️

Czech Food

If you want to try Czech cuisine, consider these places:

• Pilsnerka Národní
• Vinohradský Parlament

Pilsnerka Národní is a good option if you're looking for Czech food and beer in the city centre, although it's not necessarily the cheapest choice.

Some traditional dishes worth trying:

• Svíčková — beef served with a creamy vegetable sauce and Czech dumplings.
• Smažený sýr — fried cheese.
• Roast duck with cabbage and dumplings.

Vietnamese Food

Prague has plenty of Vietnamese restaurants, and they're a reliable option if you want a tasty meal without necessarily paying extra for a tourist-friendly location. I don't have one single favourite that I'd recommend to everyone, so I'd choose a place based on recent reviews and location.

Burgers

If you're in the mood for a burger, check out:

• Sad Man’s Tongue
• Dish
• Želva Burgers

Mexican Food and Ramen

For Mexican food, consider Las Adelitas.

For ramen, try Takumi Ramen.

Kebab

In my opinion, one of the best options in Prague is Gemüse Corner Kebab.

A Student Atmosphere: Klub AVU

If you're looking for a younger crowd, try Klub AVU. It can get pretty loud, but the atmosphere is lively and there are plenty of young people around. Beer with fries and chipotle mayo is a great deal for the money.

Coffee, Tea, and Ice Cream

Prague has plenty of good cafés. Here are some places I'd recommend checking out:

• EMA Espresso Bar — try the pumpkin spandauer with goat cheese if it's available.
• Format
• Café Hrnek
• Acid Coffee
• Moe
• Ticho před bouří
• Kafemat
• La Forme
• Vnitroblock — a spacious café and bar where it's also comfortable to sit and work.
• Osada
• Typika
• Version Coffee

I'd also recommend One Poem Tea Room. If you're into Chinese tea, it's a nice place to sit down and enjoy a proper cup.

Crème de la Crème

I've tried ice cream in different countries, and Crème de la Crème remains one of my favourite places.

They have a large location on Národní třída. My personal favourites are salted peanut and sea buckthorn with rosemary.

Where to Drink Beer and Spend an Evening

It's usually hard to go wrong with a standard draft beer in Czechia. The beer is good in many places, although the selection might be limited. Finding a place with the right atmosphere is another matter.

If you're looking for a relaxed place to have a beer or a glass of wine, consider:

• Campus Hybernská
• Čítárna Unijazz
• KOLEKTOR
• Station 6
• Klub AVU

If you're more interested in craft beer and a wider selection of brews, check out:

• Beer Geek
• Sibeeria Tap Room
• Automat Matuška

Bars and Live Music

If you want to see some live music, I'd recommend Café V lese. They host smaller European bands and artists, so check their official website for upcoming shows and tickets.

Jazz Republic is another option for jazz lovers in the city centre. Check the schedule and entry conditions before visiting, as these can change.

.

That’s it for my little Prague guide! I hope you find something useful here and enjoy your time in the city.

And if you have a favourite spot in Prague that I haven’t mentioned, feel free to share it in the comments! I’d love to discover some new places myself.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy Prague! 🏰

What a beautiful city.

If you get the chance, I strongly encourage you to go.

One of the highlights was the Trade Fair Palace National Art gallery.

Wonderful works of art and away from the crowds.

Buying a 70m2 apartment now requires 17 years of average salary.

Not only that but also 3 of the cities in that Top-10 list are Czech cities.

I mean housing situation wise Czechia/Prague is doomed without any exaggeration.

Thank you for so many (not so hidden) cool pearls! Beautiful city with very friendly people!

Hey, I'm studying in Prague and I don't know the city all too well yet, i'm trying to buy an electric guitar and an amp. Stores i checked, kytary cz and muziker, seem to have more of the expensive equipment, while i'm looking for budget options, around 10000-13000 Kc for the guitar and the amp together. I looked at the used market, and it seems to be scarce too - can't really find anything in my price range on bazos cz, and facebook marketplace yeah the filters don't even work properly.

So i'd love to hear your suggestions, how and where you bought your gear. My closest next guess would probably be bazars and zastavarnas, then maybe flea markets, which i'm planning to check

P.S., I'm looking at something like ESP LTD MT-130 or like a 5000-6000Kc Ibanez/Jackson and not really sure about the amp yet, perhaps a line 6 spider, or maybe a used boss katana 50, but again i couldn't find the latter on used marketplaces, and the same goes for the mt130

I am due to be visiting Prague soon and love being able to take part in fitness classes - mainly dance and yoga, but open to anything!

Are there any popular classes in Prague city centre I could get involved with whilst visiting?

Thank you in advance!

https://rooternal.com/

Ahoj,

v rámci práce se věnuju tématu kremace a pohřbívání mazlíčků a momentálně se snažíme ověřit, jestli by mezi lidmi vůbec byl zájem o trochu jiný typ urniček.

Narazili jsme na koncept urniček z mycélia, tedy podhoubí. Jde o přírodní materiál, který se po zasazení do půdy postupně rozloží. Pokud ale urnička zůstane v suchu doma, měla by vydržet dlouhodobě bez známek rozkladu.

Myšlenka je taková, že si člověk může urničku nejdřív nechat doma tak dlouho, jak potřebuje, a až bude připravený, zasadit ji do země nebo do většího květináče. Součástí by byla i semínka, takže by na místě mohla časem vyrůst rostlina jako živá vzpomínka na mazlíčka.

Urničky jsou jednoduché a působí trochu jako ručně vyráběné. Dá se na ně také malovat, takže si je člověk může přikrášlit nebo tímto způsobem zapojit do rozloučení i dítě.

Pokud vás zajímá víc, tady je naše stránka, kde je celý princip popsaný:

https://rooternal.com/

Zajímá mě hlavně váš upřímný názor. Dokázali byste si představit, že byste pro svého psa, kočku nebo jiného mazlíčka něco takového zvolili?

Co vám na tom dává smysl a co by vás naopak odradilo? Klidně i cena, materiál, vzhled, představa zasazení urničky nebo cokoliv dalšího.

I am here on a trip and needed a monitor for remote work. The company accidentally delivered a massive gaming monitor instead of the basic one I ordered.

Any suggestions on ways I could donate it somewhere or give it to a gamer in need of an upgrade when I leave?

Was considering just rocking up to a lan cafe but I'm guessing they are not much of a thing anymore

I would love to get myself a Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross frame. However, the shipping rates are insane for a 44" × 8" × 27" box. I’ve tried all the package forwarding services as well.

Is anyone traveling from California to Prague, or to a nearby EU country such as Germany, who would be so kind to take the frame as an extra piece of checked sports baggage?

Does Starbucks in Prague hire Non-Czech Speakers as part time? I am looking for a job as a part-time barista.

Hi! I’m going to Prague with my boyfriend and he LOVES kingdom come deliverance. The problem is that i know nothing about the games… Where should i take him? Places that inspired the game, merch etc :)

I had a friend who got caught without a ticket last week. She lives in Prague although her Czech language is the basics at best. She doesn’t use the subway often and thus buys tickets when she needs to. Apparently last week she got caught for having a ticket that was a minute or so after its expiration.

Naturally, she was asked to pay a fine, which she didn’t argue. However, controllers were asking that she pay 2000 CZK on the spot. Her knowing the rules, she knew it wasn’t supposed to be that high. She just asked that they give her the fine and she’ll pay later.

Controllers were getting visibly annoyed and eventually police was even called (my friend’s demand) after which she was handed the ticket. Ticket was paid by the end of last week and she did indeed pay like 1200. According to that office, 1200 or so is in fact what should also be paid on the spot.

Question therefore is: is it ‘business as usual’ for officers to demand 2000 CZK? Is this specific to tourists? Is it a ‘clever’ way for them to pocket the extra money, ie. officially fine 1200, demand 2000 and pocket the 800 extra? Did she just stumble upon the ‘bad apples’?

Ahoj, jsem zahraniční studentka v Praze a hledám doporučení na advokáta, který se zabývá zdravotnickým právem, právy pacientů a náhradou nemajetkové újmy. Ideálně někoho, s kým bych mohla komunikovat anglicky.

V říjnu 2025 jsem byla nedobrovolně hospitalizována v Psychiatrické nemocnici Bohnice po intoxikaci léky. Během přijetí jsem podle své vzpomínky zažila hrubé zacházení: personál mě proti mé vůli svlékal, včetně stažení kalhot, a jedna sestra mě strčila na postel. Byla jsem vyděšená, nerozuměla jsem dobře česky a následně jsem se psychicky zhroutila a začala zoufale plakat.

Poté byly použity ochranné pásy a injekční medikace. Podle mé vzpomínky omezení trvalo přibližně dva dny, ale přesný průběh a délku potřebuji ověřit z úplné dokumentace.

Mám část zdravotnické dokumentace, která potvrzuje použití pásů a podání haloperidolu a Rivotrilu. Je v ní také zaznamenáno, že jsem už tehdy uvedla, že mě sestra napadla. Současně dokumentace popisuje neklid a sebepoškozující chování. Uvědomuji si proto, že je nutné nezávisle posoudit celý kontext, nikoli předem uzavřít, že personál postupoval protiprávně.

Ráda bych zjistila, zda byly zásahy a délka omezení nezbytné a přiměřené a zda existuje reálný základ pro žádost o odškodnění.

Máte prosím osobní zkušenost s advokátem nebo organizací, která podobné případy řeší? Uvítám i informace o ceně úvodní konzultace nebo dostupnosti právní pomoci pro studenty.

Citlivou dokumentaci nechci zveřejňovat na Redditu, ale mohu ji předložit advokátovi při konzultaci. Děkuji za věcná doporučení.

The good, the bad and the ugly:
-Amazing architecture (most beautiful city in Europe), great Vietnamese food, perfect city scale (not too big, not too small), extremely walkable, chill lifestyle, specialty coffee, so many parks in the city
-Gloomy winter way too long
-Cold March and April

What are your favourite places to use them in Prague? I usually play badminton and table tennis around Palmovka step centrum, but I’m looking to try some new hobbies and find more ways to make use of my card. Are there any places or activities you’d recommend? I’m open to trying something new!

I (24M) have just moved to Prague recently and I would like to make some friends with likeminded interests. While I am learning Czech but I still am no where near conversational levels of understanding so English is really my only language i can converse with, and a little bit of Spanish.

I have a degree in political science and history and am considering on going to get my masters in war archeology in two years.

Hey! I’m (they/them/26) solo travelling Prague this week and was wondering if anyone here would like to grab some drinks/spend an evening together these days? Open to a group hangout! Just REALLY wanna find some people to vibe with. Just feel most comfortable in queer spaces so anyone from there would be sweet. I’m kind of having trouble finding people, so I’m also very grateful for any recommendations!

Have a nice evening everyone ✨✨