Since
the fall of communism, Prague has become as congested
as most other European cities, and finding a parking
spot, as well as driving around town, can be a challenge.
We recommend using public transportation as much
as possible to move about the center of Prague. If
you do have to drive (and park), here are some tips:
Street
Parking
If you do find a parking spot, you
will pay 20-40 Kč (0.70 - 1.30 EUR) per hour using the
parking meter. There are three parking zones in the city
center: orange - 2 hour parking (in effect 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.),green
- 6 hour parking (in effect 8 a.m. -
6 p.m.), and blue - reserved for residents and offices.
If you leave your car parked on the street, make sure
you don't leave any valuables inside that could attract
the attention of car burglars. Car burglary and theft
are common crimes in Prague and other bigger cities.
Parking Garages
You will have better luck finding a spot
in a parking garage where your car will also be safer.
These are some parking
garages in the center:
Divadelní Street (National Theater)
Králodvorská Street (Kotva department store)
The Renaissance Hotel
Hotel Prague Marriott
Hotel Intercontinental
Opletalova Street (near Wenceslas Square)
Bolzanova Street (near the main train station)
Wilsonova Street (Garage Helios)
Park & Ride Parking Lots
Unless you absolutely have to drive and
park in the city center, you will be better off leaving
your car at a
guarded parking lot on the outskirts. There are a number
of Park & Ride lots located at many metro stations
outside of the city center, e.g. at Skalka, Zličín, Nové
Butovice, Radlická, Opatov, Rajská
zahrada, Černý most,
Nádraží Holešovice. The purpose of these lots
is to encourage people to take public transportation
and therefore improve
the bad traffic situation in the center. The lots are
guarded and cost only 10 Kč (0.30 EUR) for the
day. They close after the metro stops running,
around 1 a.m.