Tourists return to Prague for Christmas. They are mainly Czechs, says the guide – ČT24 – Czech Television
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and government measures, tourists disappeared from the capital in the spring. They returned in large numbers in the summer and also now before Christmas. These are mostly families who came on a trip. He does not speak English or German, but Czech. The guide Andrea Zimová tries to bring them closer to the history and corners of Prague, while a year ago she took groups of tourists from abroad around the metropolis.
“Prague in the pre-Christmas period is beautiful and was really very popular among foreign tourists. I probably won’t speak for myself when I say that I performed Czech groups rather exceptionally, “said Zimová.
In addition, due to government restrictions, she and her daughter had to limit the number of people in the group to six this year. Interest in tours in small groups is surprised. “We mainly accompany families with children and we try to present the history of Prague in a fun and playful way. There is definitely interest in this program, but the epidemic situation, when one does not know what will happen tomorrow, complicates everything, “explains the guide.
The people of Prague are also interested in the history of the metropolis
More than half of the families that Zimová runs around the capital are Praguers themselves or people from the surrounding area. “They praise the quiet city without tourists. In recent years, they have not had the opportunity to experience something like this and they welcome this opportunity, “says the guide.
Due to the ever-changing government measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, Zimová is trying to give families the opportunity to see as much of the capital as possible. These include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Old Town, Hradčany with the New World, Vyšehrad and the Lesser Town. “Originally, we designed these walks for children with parents and a little differently for adults. In the end, we came to adapt each walk to the clients who come. It depends on the depth of their interest in history and especially on the age and playfulness of the children, “Zimová specified, adding that they have games ready for the children to diversify their walk.
Zimová has been working as a guide since 1998. According to her, children most often have surprising questions. According to the guide, adults are interested in which celebrities lived or are living in a certain part of Prague. Her favorite is Zimová Nový Svět and the part of Malá Strana that is not so well known among tourists.
And what place would she recommend to Czech visitors to Prague? “Probably Malá Strana pod Petřínem. It is beautiful there in every season, “said Zimová.