USE-IT guidebooks will help guests of the Czech capital get to interesting places in Prague
Guests of the Czech capital planning a low-budget trip are unlikely to get to all these places without advice from Prague friends or the compilers of the guidebook from the ranks of volunteers of the public organization Jůzit. Currently, as reported by Radio Prague, volunteers are already working on a new informal guidebook, so we will try to find out their plans for the future.
The first guide to 'living' Prague for young travelers (and everyone young at heart) in the form of the USE-IT publication (in the Czech version Jůzit – the publisher is the non-profit organization of the same name) appeared six years ago. A year later, the Prague example inspired volunteers from Ostrava to publish a guidebook capable of bringing closer to foreigners (especially those who are not in a hurry to stay in five-star hotels) the multifaceted life of their hometown.
'The initiative was gradually taken up by other cities. In Brno, USE-IT has been publishing a guidebook since 2013, annually, just like in Ostrava. In 2013, we managed to publish two maps 'in one bottle' – of České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. We released an informal guidebook for Plzeň in 2014, when it became the cultural center for all of Europe. In 2015, through our efforts, a similar map of Olomouc appeared, which we plan to update after a year's break. Now we are working on an updated map of České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. It must be said that many other Czech cities have also expressed their desire to appear 'in the USE-IT format' and ask us to advise and help them at least at the initial stage,' Anna Horačková, a member of the public organization Jůzit, told Radio Prague.
Kutná Hora and Liberec are also thinking about their alternative map. Currently, the compilers of the guidebook are choosing the main theme for the map. And this year, when selecting materials, they are ready to listen to the opinions of representatives of different age groups and all those who believe that their advice will help tourists discover the true face of the city.
What attracts people in Prague at every turn? 'Most often we chose from three or four themes proposed to us,' says Anna Horačková. 'In previous years, we presented magical Prague from the time of Rudolf II and the alchemist Kelly, Prague from the period of Charles IV. We also considered the possibility of presenting musical Prague, but the idea ultimately could not be realized. The Vltava River also played a leading role. I honestly already have a feeling which theme could tip the scales, but for now we have agreed not to disclose it. In any case, it will be adequate to what is characteristic of Prague and what can be found here literally on every corner.'
As in past years, the map compilers are obsessed with the desire to help those who crave it blend in with locals, to feel the authentic, unpretentious flavor of the city.
'In previous years, we wanted to introduce Prague guests primarily to such interesting districts as Karlín or Vinohrady,' says the Jůzit representative. 'We have not yet chosen the favorite district for the 2018 map, however, from our point of view, not only the aforementioned Karlín, where the cultural pier (Přístav 18600 venue) opened relatively recently, but also Vítkov with its hill and surroundings remain almost unexplored. We would like to attract travelers to Parukářka, generally to Žižkov, where there are so many interesting parks, bars and venues for various events. At the same time, Žižkov is just a few stops from the center of Prague, but many tourists simply do not think to go there. Visiting farmer's markets in various squares of Prague and on the embankment is also fascinating for many.'
Some attractions and recommendations appear in the USE-IT map repeatedly. One of them, quite possibly in 2018, will be the advice on where it is more convenient to feed the winged inhabitants of Prague's waters.
'Often Praguers, taking slices of stale bread with them, go to feed the swans. Therefore, in the past, we marked on the map places where this is allowed – for example, on the Kampa peninsula, a visit to which will certainly impress for a number of other reasons. I would advise visiting the Rieger Gardens in Vinohrady, which offer a magnificent view of Prague, which many tourists are completely unaware of, because the gardens are located very close to the main railway station,' says Anna Horačková. 'We also show on the map less known parts of Letná Hill. A walk and rest in the recently restored park near the Výstaviště exhibition complex can bring great pleasure.'
We are talking, to clarify, about Stromovka Park in the Holešovice district, named after Julius Fučík during the communist regime – the name of this publicist turned into an ideological symbol. Locals familiarly nicknamed the park 'Julda Fulda' in the last century.
The alternative guidebook for 2018 will appear in May or June. In the new edition, as before, you will be able to find, among other things, information about which interesting places, which events (mostly summer) and at what time you can visit for free.