News

Vendor City Guide: Prague, Czech Republic

Street secrets revealed by the people who know them best. This week we head to the streets of Prague with Novy Prostor seller Slavko Ševčík

Our guide this week: Slavko Ševčík, 55, has lived in Prague for 36 years. Slavko has vision problems which make it difficult for him to find work so he began selling Czech street paper Novy Prostor [meaning New Space] seven years ago. “The magazine’s sales help me exist, but also mentally,” he says. “I realise that even a person with such a disability can have a decent job.”

Why I like living in Prague

It’s comfortable

I not only love its beauty and culture, but also the comfort it offers. It is important for me that Prague is accommodating for people like myself who are disabled and therefore require everything to be as simple as possible. Prague offers comfort and convenience. Everyone will also love the cultural diversity here. One can go to exhibitions, events and performances. You never get tired of anything, every day you will be surprised by something new.

Not in the guidebooks

The Petřín

Prague hides many secret places that you will not learn from the guidebooks. For example, under the Petřín, a hill in the centre of the city, where I once ended up by mistake, I found secret places. There is a beautiful garden behind one of the walls. You will also find a hidden garden if you search around in the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle.

The best cafe

Café Slavia 

If you ever come to Prague, it would be a sin to skip Café Slavia, located opposite the National Theatre. Founded more than a century ago, it is an important part of our history. The unique fountain, which adds pizzazz to the place, has been preserved in the entrance. Be sure not to miss it while visiting, it’s worth a visit. And don’t forget to order pancakes! You will be absolutely satisfied.

My favourite place to eat

U Seminaristy

I have a lot of favourite restaurants all over Prague but if I can recommend the best one, it is U Seminaristy. It is located right in the centre, and besides having excellent cuisine you can sit on their terrace, which is open all year round. It is all wooden and decorated with dozens of flowers. If you visit in the summer months you feel that you are in a charming garden rather than in the middle of the city.

Don’t miss

Old Castle Stairs 

I like the unique view from the Old Castle Stairs, which you could never get tired of. You can enjoy a completely different view of all the buildings that are otherwise in alignment. Then you can rent a pedal boat and ride on the Vltava river. You can go to the Zoological Garden or around Hradčany, the Castle District. What a view!

To escape city life

Modřany Gully

I recommend everyone buys some goodies like sausages then goes to Modřany Gully. There are public barbecues so you can cook anything you fancy. You are amongst nature, but at the same time close to the city. You can enjoy time with friends at the campfire enjoying a warm meal, and it is just beautiful.

READ ALL OF OUR VENDOR CITY GUIDES HERE

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
I started doing crime by age 6. I didn't know any other life – all my birthdays were in prison
Crime

I started doing crime by age 6. I didn't know any other life – all my birthdays were in prison

Local housing allowance is finally going up. But is it anything more than just a short-term fix?
Jeremy Hunt announced local housing allowance rise
Benefits

Local housing allowance is finally going up. But is it anything more than just a short-term fix?

Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'
Water bills

Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?
Free school meals/ Easter holidays
Free school meals

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know