Ahoj, Monday! 5 tips for surviving the week ahead in Czechia

Heating bills are landing, and many households are owed refunds, while others face surprises. Always double-check your energy bill, especially if your usage seems off. Self-reading your meters and photographing them can help avoid surprises. If you disagree with your bill, first contact your supplier. If that fails, escalate to the Energy Regulatory Office. Proactive monitoring can save you both stress and money. Deposits matter: setting the right amount can save you trouble—and money—next season. Read more here.

Spring cleaning is here, and just in time for donating worn-out coats and sweaters, a new campaign encourages residents to recycle textiles instead of tossing them. Launched by Oděvní banka with city and government support, the Dress Prague project helps people give clothes a second life through donation, upcycling, or resale. Visit oblecprahu.cz to find nearby collection points, eco tips, and charitable outlets. With 14 percent of residents still throwing clothes in the trash, this initiative aims to cut textile waste and support those in need.

On May 20, catch a military show along the Vltava’s Rašínovo and Hořejší embankments marking 80 years since WWII’s end. Expect helicopters, combat demos, armored vehicles, and river rescues all for free. On May 23, the Night of Churches opens hundreds of churches, towers, and crypts nationwide for free tours, concerts, and talks at select sites. Over 1,800 locations took part last year—don’t miss the chance to explore usually closed spaces after dark. May 19 is the last day you can peek at the construction of the first section of the Prague Metro D for free. 

If your day starts before the city does, you’ll be glad to know a handful of great Prague cafés open their doors before 8 a.m.—perfect for a pre-commute pick-me-up or a quiet coffee before the crowd. Spots like Kafe Francin (Holešovice), Eska Letná, La Forme (Vinohrady), Tvoje máma (Vršovice), and Kofárna Café (Smíchov) are ready to caffeinate you by 7:30. Czech publication Proti šedi has put together this handy list of early-opening cafés. Bookmark it before your next morning meeting or jetlagged stroll.

English-language books can be pricey in Czechia. Audiobooks offer a free and effortless way to enjoy classic and contemporary literature in English—perfect for your daily commute, dog walk, or winding down at night. With platforms like LibriVox, Loyal Books, and Internet Archive, you can stream or download thousands of titles without spending a single crown. Read a full list (updated for 2025) of where to stream audiobooks for free here.