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Street smarts

Prague is a simple city to get around, especially in the centre, which is relatively small and compact. The best way to get an idea of the city is to take the above ground trams or just walk. And remember if you are new to a city, you can never really be lost. You just haven't got there (wherever that may be) yet.

The street signs are reliable and fairly conspicuous. The red sign will give you the street name and the district number (Praha 1, Praha 2, etc). The building numbers (cislo popisne) are marked on blue plaques at the front of the building, usually above the main door. But they can be difficult to spot and they to make matters worse they do not have to be in consecutive order. Ignore the red numbers (cislo orientacne) which are city map references.

The Czech word for street is ulice, but most streets are known simply by the name. For example Prague In Your Pocket offices are at V jámě 1, not at V jámě ulice 1. Bridges (most), embankments and squares (náměstí) are named after famous individuals or places.

A word of warning, don't be disappointed that the most famous square in the country, Václavské nám. (Wenceslas Square), is actually not a square but a wide boulevard with heavy traffic on both sides.

Cars usually stop at pedestrian crossings, but be warned, trams do not stop for anything except the tram stop - drivers get the rest of the day off if they hit a car or a person.

Czech women may be able to bravely stride along cobbled streets in stilettos, but they have had years of practice. You will walk long and far while in Prague, so comfortable shoes are thoroughly recommended.