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

Starting today (Jan. 6) two of Prague's metro lines begin a year-long shutdown due to ongoing construction projects. Prague's Českomoravská (Line B) and Pankrác (Line C) metro stations will close for about a year for renovations. Passengers are advised to use Vysočanská or Pražského povstání with tram Line 19 as alternatives. Tram services to Arkády Pankrác are extended, with peak service every five minutes. Read more here.

Build in extra travel time on your morning commute: Meteorologists continue to warn of icy conditions in the Highlands, Moravia, and parts of Bohemia, with morning temperatures near freezing. Czech Railways is facing disruption due to ice-covered traction lines and fallen trees with trains between Prague and Nymburk rerouted. Caution is advised for travelers, either on roads or foot, though temperatures are expected to rise above 10°C later, melting the ice quickly in most areas.

Whether decluttering is on your resolutions list or you simply want to unload some unsightly Christmas sweaters, an upcoming swap at Táborka community center in Prague 2 invites visitors to bring gently-used items to swap out for new things you need. A similar swap is taking place this evening at Husovka Coffee Shop in Old Town. In case you miss it, several swaps are planned in the coming weeks, including a "MegaDetox Swap" at Radlická - kulturní sportovna (Jan. 17) and a swap event at Ježkovy voči Bar & Tapas (Jan. 25).

The traditional Three Kings collection marks the beginning of epiphany celebrations and charity collection nationwide. The tradition began on Friday with a procession through Prague and continues this week with groups of carolers taking to the streets to sing carols, write blessings with chalk above doors and collect money for charity. You can read more about the Three Kings collection for 2025 and how to contribute at the official site for Caritas Czech Republic. You can also meet the kings at the Prague Zoo.

If 2025 is the year you decide to stop scrolling, you're in luck—several new books set in Prague are ready to replace your screen time. Among them is Helen Oyeyemi's latest novel, Parasol Against the Axe, featured on the BBC's list of 2024’s best novels. Oyeyemi, who has called Prague home for a decade, brings the city to life in her newest work. Pick it up at your favorite indie bookstore in Prague.