Prague is a city with a rich history, and its transportation is no exception. From the early days of horse-drawn carriages to the modern trams and buses that crisscross the city today, Prague’s transportation has evolved over the centuries.
The Unique Charm of Tram 91 in Prague
The only Prague tram that doesn’t accept Prague transport tickets is the Historic Tram No. 91, which is actually owned by the Prague Museum of Public Transport. Restored 1920s trams operate on this route, complete with conductors in period costume.
You will have to buy a separate ticket for the tram, but it is a fun way to see some of the sights, and you might also see the trams rattling around on private hires from time to time. In the summer it operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The fare is currently 35 CZK for adults and 20 CZK for children and seniors.
Exploring the Prague Museum of Public Transport
The Prague Museum of Public Transport, which is one of the terminus stops for the 91 tram, opened in 1993 and is now open to visitors from the 31st March to the 18th November, and like the trams, it is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The museum is housed in the former depot at Stresovice and contains a variety of trams, buses and other public vehicles as well as photographs, films, tickets and other exhibits related to the history of the city’s public transport. For more information visit Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy.
A Visit to the National Technical Museum in Prague
Another museum worth looking at if you are interested in transportation is the National Technical Museum, which is open every day except Monday, and is located on Kostelni Street in Letna.
The museum is devoted to the history of technology in general but also houses steam locomotives, vintage airplanes and vintage cars. Their exact opening hours, prices and directions to get there are given on the web.
Behind the Scenes: Open Days at Prague’s Transport Depots
Some of the depots often run open days for visitors as well, which can be an interesting way to get a behind the scenes view of Prague’s transport operations. Most recently, this was held at Depo Hostivar, right at the end of the green A line, but more information can be found on the website Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy.
Railway Kingdom: A Hidden Gem for Train Enthusiasts
Right in the city centre, however, there is a museum tucked away behind the shopping centres and cinemas in Andel that rail enthusiasts in particular might want to see. The Kralovstvi Zeleznic, or Railway Kingdom, is open every day and houses one of the largest model railways in the world.
The project is ongoing, with the aim being a complete representation of the Czech Republic, but already the displays are impressive. You’ll find the museum just across the street from the Novy Smichov shopping centre (Metro and tram stops: Andel) on Stroupeznickeho Street.
Inside the World of Model Railways and More
The museum has three floors and the main model railway covers over 115 square metres. There are also displays of model cars, tanks, fire engines and all manner of other vehicles all around the main exhibits, a small theatre where videos of scenic railway journeys in the Central Bohemian region are displayed, and an original ‘training cab’, used by Czech train drivers learning the ropes.
A Must-Visit for Families: Interactive Exhibits at Railway Kingdom
This museum is particular good if you’re travelling with kids, as there are also sections displaying popular construction toys, Lego, Thomas the Tank Engine etc, and other games, some of which are on sale.
Discovering Prague’s Past: The Detailed Model Map and Langweill’s Model
Also within the Railway Kingdom is a new exhibit, a complete model map of Prague, and although the models are unpainted and a little hard to see (the Old Town, for instance, is so far away from the walkways that it’s not easy to pick out the famous spires and landmarks), it is incredibly detailed. I even managed to find my house!
Finally, another interesting feature of the museum is Antonin Langweill’s model of Prague, built in 1826-1837. Langweill was a librarian at the Clementinum, and is an incredibly accurate representation of Prague at that time. It’s of interest now as many of the buildings he depicted no longer exist, after the renovations of the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, so it’s a good way to compare the modern and historical cities. For more information on the Railway Kingdom, you can visit their webisite, but if you also visit our office at Týnská 7 in the Old Town, you can find discount vouchers and save 10% on the price of entry!
Unwinding at the Unique Tram Cafe on Wenceslas Square
Finally, if you are a real enthusiast you might want somewhere to unwind after all your exploring, and a curious little cafe on Wenceslas Square might appeal. The Tram Cafe sits on the site of the former tram route that ran the length of the square until 1980 when they were removed, and only the lines crossing the square at Vodicková and Jindrisska Streets were left (although plans are in place to restore the other lines to the square).
The cafe is housed in two vintage tram cars, specially renovated for the purpose. Be warned though, it is a little chilly in winter, and a little expensive all year round, but a wonderful place to watch the world go by in the summer months.
Get In Touch for More Information
As always, if you have any questions, about Railway Kingdom or any of the other attractions in Prague, visit our website, ask us on our Facebook page, or visit us at our office, and our staff will be happy to help you make the most out of your stay here!
