Are you planning a European journey and trying to go to Prague sustainably? The Czech capital is steadily embracing inexperienced initiatives, eco-conscious lodging, and a thriving native meals motion. A part of accountable journey is educating your self concerning the native historical past and iconic structure and Prague has this in abundance.
A weekend in Prague or longer is well crammed with strolling by its cobblestone streets and inexperienced areas or uncovering the primary highlights and lesser-known sights. This sustainable journey information to Prague will show you how to benefit from your go to extra positively.
How sustainable is Prague?
Prague is progressing towards turning into a greener metropolis. Ranked eighth within the 2023 International Sustainable Improvement Targets Index, the capital goals to scale back CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, with a goal of reaching internet zero by 2050. The town has developed the “Respect Prague” technique for 2024 to 2027 to enchantment to cultural explorers as a substitute of alcohol-fuelled weekenders, and this focus has seen an increase in home tourism.
How will Prague attain its sustainability targets? The town has set bold plans, together with planting 1 million new timber, increasing the usage of renewable vitality, and enhancing waste administration and recycling applications. Prague can be dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation, whereas the town’s airport goals to attain carbon neutrality by 2030. Moreover, the town council supplies free public transport for convention delegates, and single-use plastic cups and containers will quickly be banned.
The way to go to Prague sustainably
Select Sustainable Lodging in Prague
Lodging is an enormous a part of sustainable journey to Prague and plenty of Praha resorts are taking the plunge into decreasing their environmental affect and carbon footprint.
The Julius Prague ($$$)
The Julius Lodge Prague provides fashionable luxurious with a minimalist design by Matteo Thun, impressed by Czech artists Alphonse Mucha and František Kupka. Centrally situated and awarded LEED and Gold Inexperienced Key certifications, the lodge combines comfort with sustainability by energy-efficient methods and eco-friendly supplies. Visitors can take pleasure in elegant rooms, a health centre and an elegant restaurant and bar, providing an environmentally aware keep in Prague. | BOOK The Julius Prague
Motel One Prague-Florentinum ($$)
Motel One Prague-Florentinum is a trendy 3-star lodge providing consolation and affordability. With stylish, fashionable decor, an inviting foyer bar, and spacious bedrooms. Motel One chain is Greek Key licensed and contributes to the group with The One Basis, a non-profit basis devoted to equal social and societal alternative. | BOOK Motel One Prague-Florentinum
Hostels in Prague ($)
Backpackers and price range travellers have a bunch of venues to select from that promote eco-friendly practices. a&o Prague Rhea is Inexperienced Key licensed however in case you are in search of a spot slightly extra central, take a look at the occasion hostel OneFam Outdated City, or a extra chilled vibe at Luma Terra.
The way to attain Prague sustainably
Reaching Prague sustainably entails selecting eco-friendly journey choices that minimise your carbon footprint. Relying on the place you’re coming from, there are a number of methods to journey to Prague whereas being aware of environmental affect.
One of the vital sustainable choices is travelling by prepare. Prague is effectively related by rail to many European cities, together with Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, and Munich. I travelled with European Sleeper which runs from Brussels through Amsterdam and Berlin to Prague.
Practice journey has a a lot decrease carbon footprint in comparison with flying or driving, and it means that you can take pleasure in scenic routes alongside the way in which. In case you are travelling internally utilizing the Czech Republic’s prepare community, you’ll uncover that’s dependable and environment friendly, making it a great alternative for sustainable travellers.
If prepare journey will not be possible, take into account bus journey. A number of worldwide bus corporations, comparable to FlixBus, supply routes to Prague from numerous European cities. Buses are extra sustainable than flying and infrequently supply direct routes at inexpensive costs.
For these travelling longer distances, flying could also be unavoidable. In that case, select airways with sustainable practices or go for direct flights to scale back emissions related to take-offs and landings. You may offset flights by buying Gold Customary-certified carbon credit that assist local weather safety tasks, which each scale back greenhouse gasoline emissions and produce sustainable improvement advantages to communities.
The way to get round Prague sustainably
Prague is a walkable metropolis, particularly in its historic centre, making it straightforward to discover the town’s structure, parks, and neighbourhoods on foot. If it is advisable to use transportation, listed here are some eco-friendly choices to contemplate:
Public Transport
- Trams: Prague has an in depth tram community, operating steadily and overlaying most components of the town. Trams are powered by electrical energy, making them an eco-friendly choice. A few of the trams operating on the classic 42 route date again to the period of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Metro: The metro system has three traces (A, B, C) and connects key components of the town. Just like the trams, it’s electrical, decreasing carbon emissions.
- Buses: Whereas some buses nonetheless run on diesel, the town is more and more introducing electrical and hybrid buses.
- Ferries: The town operates a number of ferry companies, a few of that are electrical, offering connections throughout the river as a part of the general public transport system.
- Fares and Timetables: Tickets are legitimate for all modes of public transport, are comparatively cheap and are included once you buy the Prague Guests Go. In any other case, you should purchase tickets at machines, through apps, or, through SMS. Test the timetables of public transport in Prague.
Biking & E-Scooters
- Bike Leases and Bike Sharing: Prague has been increasing its infrastructure and greenways to accommodate cyclists, with many devoted bike lanes and bike-sharing choices. Corporations like Rekola and Lime present shared bikes and e-bikes that may be rented by cellular apps.
- E-Scooters: Electrical scooters, supplied by corporations like Bolt, Lime, and Tier, are common for brief journeys. They’re electrical, fast to make use of and assist scale back automobile visitors.
Automotive Sharing and Electrical Vehicles
- Automotive Sharing: Apps like BlaBlaCar supply bus and car-sharing choices with vetted members across the metropolis and past.
- EV Automotive Rent: Should you plan to go on a street journey from Prague, many automobile rental corporations, comparable to Uncover Vehicles, provides you with the choice of hiring electrical or hybrid vehicles. Prague has an rising variety of charging stations for electrical autos, supporting a shift to EVs for locals and vacationers.
Eco-friendly excursions
- Eco-Excursions in Prague: Many corporations in Prague supply guided excursions by bike, or on foot permitting guests to discover the town sustainably whereas studying about its tradition and historical past.
- Electrical-Powered Boats: Some boats working on the Vltava River are electrical, and you’ll take a scenic Night Eco-Cruise with a glass of Prosecco.
Finest time to go to Prague with much less affect
The perfect time to go to Prague to scale back overcrowding and changeable climate is the shoulder durations throughout late spring (April to early June) or early autumn (September to mid-October). Throughout these durations, Prague sees fewer vacationers in comparison with the height summer season months, permitting you to discover the town’s sights with out the hustle and bustle of huge crowds and make use of higher costs.
In late spring, the climate is delicate, with temperatures starting from 10°C to twenty°C. The town’s parks and gardens come alive, and cultural occasions are in full swing. Equally, early autumn provides cooler temperatures, between 12°C and 18°C, with the added great thing about autumnal tones within the metropolis’s many devoted inexperienced areas. Though, I’d nonetheless convey a jacket or brolly as a rain bathe will not be completely off the playing cards!
Finest Issues To Do in Prague
Sustainable journey in Prague goes past decreasing your environmental affect with natural eating, eco-friendly transportation, and inexperienced lodging. It’s additionally about supporting native communities by connecting with native guides and artisans, in addition to studying concerning the historical past and heritage of Prague by its historic websites and museums.
Right here’s my information to sustainable actions in Prague, with additional particulars in my 2 day Prague itinerary. Longer keep itineraries will comply with—watch this house!
Dine in Sustainable Eateries in Prague
As extra folks grow to be aware of their environmental affect, Prague’s culinary scene is evolving to provide diners all kinds of eco-friendly choices. From plant-based cafes to eating places that prioritise domestically sourced, natural substances, discovering sustainable eateries in Prague has by no means been simpler. Should you’re a devoted vegan, a aware omnivore, or just interested in environmentally accountable eating, Prague’s sustainable meals scene provides scrumptious and moral choices for each palate.
My high suggestions for sustainable locations to eat in Prague are:
- The Artisan Prague – Seasonal do-it-yourself dishes with substances sourced from inside 200 km of Prague
- Střecha Restaurant – 100% vegan and co-op social enterprise
- Brasserie The Julius – Artistic seasonal menus with progressive methods like fermentation and house-made oils
- ESKA Bakery & Cafe – Notorious sourdough bread with natural flour, and artisan pastries with root-to-fruit methods
|| YOU MAY LIKE TO READ: Sustainable Cafes and Eating places in Prague
Be taught concerning the historical past of Prague
To really expertise a metropolis, it’s important to discover its historical past. Prague’s charming previous, from medieval occasions to the trendy period, is crammed with fascinating tales.
Begin with the Prague Citadel, a centuries-old complicated the place Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque kinds converge, and wander with landmarks like St. Vitus Cathedral, the Outdated Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. From there, cross the Charles Bridge, a 14th-century stone marvel adorned with statues, resulting in the Outdated City Sq. with its Astronomical Clock, which has charmed guests since 1410.
The Jewish Quarter is crucial for understanding Prague’s cultural heritage, with historic synagogues and the Outdated Jewish Cemetery. For extra insights, go to the Nationwide Museum, housed in an impressive neo-Renaissance constructing, and the Museum of Communism, each capturing pivotal moments in Czech historical past.
One other historic treasure to discover is the Vyšehrad Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. Generally known as the legendary birthplace of Prague, Vyšehrad provides a quieter but equally fascinating expertise in comparison with the bustling Outdated City. Wander by its historical fortress partitions, and go to St. Peter and Paul Basilica, a hanging neo-Gothic church with gorgeous inside mosaics. Close by is the Vyšehrad Cemetery, the ultimate resting place of notable Czech figures.
TAKE A TOUR WITH A LOCAL GUIDE | Finest Cultural Excursions | Free Strolling Excursions
Discover Prague’s inexperienced areas
Prague’s inexperienced areas are an exquisite method to escape from the town’s historic landmarks and the throngs of vacationers, though, on sunny days, these are common locations to hang around. From sprawling parks to hidden gardens, make the most of the gorgeous views from Prague Citadel Gardens, Kampa Park, Letná Park and the Vojan Gardens (Vojanovy sady).
Petřín Hill is a peaceable escape in Prague with sweeping views of the town, together with the TV Tower within the distance. Stroll by its beautiful gardens and woodland, climb the Petřín Tower, or discover historic websites just like the Starvation Wall. Although the funicular is below ongoing upkeep, the climb is effectively value. Don’t miss the Memorial to the Victims of Communism on the hill’s base, a poignant collection of statues by sculptor Olbram Zoubek, honouring those that suffered through the communist period from 1948 to 1989.
When you have extra time in your journey, stroll as much as Reiger Park and look forward to the sundown behind the fortress or Prague’s Botanical Backyard is a brief journey away on public transport.
Should you fancy a dip, why not go to Prague’s biotope swimming swimming pools? |They’re man-made reservoirs surrounded by grassy areas, and so they use organic, chemical-free strategies to wash water, comparable to aquatic crops, algae and pure filters. Discover them Lhotka and Radotín, which has the bonus of a Finnish sauna!
Discover the Beer Tradition respectfully
Czech beer has an extended historical past courting again to the tenth century, with brewing deeply embedded in native tradition. Identified for creating the world’s first pilsner in 1842, Czech brewing traditions have fun craftsmanship, group, and a nationwide satisfaction in beer-making. So, how will you immerse your self within the beer tradition?
Prague’s beer tradition is deeply rooted, with the Czech Republic holding the world file for the very best beer consumption per capita. To immerse your self into this custom, begin with a go to to U Fleků, one of many oldest breweries in Prague, working since 1499, or Lokál, recognized for its recent, tank-poured Pilsner Urquell, or have a glass of Saint Norbert in Strahov Monastic Brewery. Expertise the basic Czech pairing of beer with hearty dishes like goulash or pork with dumplings and sauerkraut.
It’s also possible to be part of a guided beer tour, which covers a number of breweries and pubs, to pattern basic Czech lagers and study concerning the historical past of brewing in Prague. Or discover out extra from the Prague Beer Museum and Pilsner Urquell Expertise that finishes with a style of golden beer.
For a singular twist on Prague’s beer tradition, unwind at a beer spa, the place you’ll be able to soak in a heat tub of hops, brewer’s yeast and malt, recognized for his or her pores and skin advantages while having fun with a chilly pint!
It’s value noting that below the Respect Prague marketing campaign, ingesting alcohol in public areas inside Prague’s metropolis centre is prohibited, besides in bars and eating places. Quiet hours start at 10 pm, and a €400 nice could also be issued for disturbing the peace.
BOOK Beer Tasting and Brewery Excursions in Prague
Discover Artwork in Prague
Prague’s surreal artwork is on show across the metropolis’s panorama, some extra hidden than others, and each bit telling distinctive tales about its historical past, politics, and other people. Iconic works by artist David Černý stand out for his or her provocative model—if you happen to haven’t observed his sculptures across the metropolis, you have to be strolling together with your eyes shut! From the hanging determine of Sigmund Freud to the crawling infants on Žižkov TV Tower, Černý’s artwork challenges the norms, sparking conversations about Communism, censorship and consumerism.
|| YOU MAY LIKE TO READ: Surreal Artwork in Prague
Store sustainably in Prague
Vacationers love souvenirs however please keep away from the plastic tat and take into consideration buying sustainably in Prague. Search for conventional gadgets like hand-blown glass from Moser or Bohemia Crystal, each recognized for beautiful Czech glasswork. You’ll additionally discover fantastically designed Marionettes, a beloved Czech custom, handmade with intricate element.
For genuine items, Manufaktura provides pure cosmetics and spa merchandise impressed by Czech folks tradition. Czech garnet jewelry, typically sourced responsibly, is one other native treasure, whereas Modrotisk (blueprint textiles) celebrates conventional Czech dyeing methods.
Discover native markets in Prague for seasonal produce, recent honey, handmade jewelry, artwork, and basic wood toys. Take a look at Havel Market, open day by day, for a mixture of souvenirs and recent gadgets. For a real style of native life, head to Naplavka Farmers’ Market on Saturdays or go to the Farmers’ Market on Náměstí Republiky midweek.
Discover past Prague
To alleviate overcrowding in Prague and unfold your spending, take into account taking a day journey or extending your keep to close by locations. Exploring picturesque cities like Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora is a superb manner to absorb the spectacular surroundings and native tradition whereas redistributing vacationer exercise past the town centre.
PIN to Go to Prague Sustainably
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