Oliver Buxton shares his top tips for business trips to Prague
How do you get to Prague? Is there a hub airport nearby, good road and rail connections?
By virtue of its location at ‘the cross-roads’ of Europe, Prague is extremely accessible by both air and land, with well-integrated road and rail links. It is also home to the modern Vaclav Havel airport which has connections to more than 150 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
Is the city well-served by public transport and taxi services? Are there any interesting ways of getting around?
Thanks to its efficient and extensive public infrastructure, Prague boasts of top-notch public transport, with an affordable metro, tram and bus network. You can also take the charming Petřín funicular uphill to enjoy unparalleled views over the entire city.
Could you recommend any business hotels in Prague?
Hotel Corinthia is perfect for business travellers due to its relatively central location and excellent transport links, both in and out of the city centre. It is also located right next to the Prague Congress Centre and is close to the high-rise Pankrác business district, where many businesses have their offices.
What accommodation options are there for those travelling on a shoestring?
Thanks to the Czech government’s relaxed approach to the growth of the shared economy, many of Prague’s most desirable apartments are available to rent via Airbnb, where it’s possible to find unbeatable comfort and location for a fraction of the price of a hotel room.
Could you suggest any shared working venues for business visitors or coffee shops where they could catch up on paperwork?
The Impact Hub is a fantastic co-working space, with conference rooms available to rent for group events, or simply for individuals seeking a modern, comfortable place to work.
With which industries is Prague associated?
The service sector is dominant, with financial and commercial services, trade, restaurants, hospitality, and public administration being the most significant fields. It’s also an important industry centre for pharmaceuticals, printing, food processing, computer technology and electrical engineering.
What interesting businesses and organisations are based in Prague?
Prague’s status as a thriving, cutting-edge business location is exemplified by the cybersecurity company Avast Software and its glistening new high-rise HQ building in the south of the city.
Could you recommend a venue for a lunch meeting in Prague?
Head to the timeless Café Slavia where you can enjoy the stylish décor, stunning views of Prague Castle, and an excellent menu of Czech and international cuisine while you do business.
And where would you suggest holding a client dinner?
Conveniently located in the thriving business district of Karlín, Nejen Bistro offers a modern take on classic dishes in a relaxed, urban environment and is the perfect setting for a successful client dinner.
Where could visitors have drinks with colleagues after a day of meetings in Prague?
During the summer months, go to the Letná Beer Garden and sip a worldfamous Czech beer, while taking in panoramic views of the city. If cocktails are more your thing, then look no further than Hemingway Bar on the quaint medieval ‘Karoliny Svĕtlé’ passageway.
Are there any challenging aspects or downsides to Prague for business travellers that should be taken into account?
Prague is used to tourists and business visitors, and nearly everyone speaks at least some English. The city is generally a very affordable, easy and hospitable place to visit, but do watch out for taxi scams – only take officially licensed or metered cabs. You can also use Uber or its Eastern-European competitor Taxify.
Tell us a bit about Prague’sunmissable attractions.
Start in the Old Town, and take in its wealth of must-see medieval attractions such as the Powder Gate, Astronomical clock, and Týn Church. Then cross the river via the famous Charles Bridge, and soak up the Baroque wonders of the Lesser Town. If you have time, walk uphill and explore the sprawling castle complex, or take the funicular up Petřín hill for spectacular views.
Can you give some insider information about some hidden treasures outside the tourist haunts?
Don’t miss the Cyril and Methodius cathedral, an orthodox church where Heydrich’s assassins made their last stand in 1942, which is now commemorated by a tasteful and informative museum.
Are there any unmissable activities business travellers should incorporate into their visit?
The Czech Republic’s diverse countryside is a sporting paradise for cycling, hiking, and kayaking. During the winter there is also skiing! The country is small enough that everything is within fairly easy reach of Prague by road or rail, so why not take the opportunity to get some fresh air while you’re here?
Are there any local dishes that visitors should try?
For an authentic taste of traditional Czech cuisine, visit a pub away from the main tourist hot spots. I would personally recommend U Kroka or U Dvou Koček. Once there, you should order either a Guláš stew, or Svíčková, which is braised beef in a thick vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings, whipped cream, cranberry sauce, and a slice of lemon.
What do you love about Prague?
I love Prague because it’s perfectly balanced: big enough to have everything you need with that vibrant cosmopolitan buzz, but small enough that it hasn’t lost its quaint, historic charm. It’s extremely affordable and generally offers a really good quality and pace of life.
Why would you recommend Prague as a place to do business?
Prague enjoys a ‘best of both worlds’ situation due to its position at the juncture between East and West. Although it benefits from a stable political system, mature and effective institutions, good infrastructure and, of course, the European single market, the Czech Republic is still a transitioning economy, offering exciting opportunities with rates of economic growth that cannot be found anywhere in Western Europe.
Oliver Buxton is Programme Leader at university education resource InterActive Pro and Edology.com
