About Jana Pilna | Absolutely Prague

Jana Pilna portrait in warm natural light

Hello, I am Jana Pilna (nee Markova), the founder and head guide of Absolutely Prague, and I've been guiding travelers through my home city since 2014. But my connection to Prague and to the art of storytelling goes back much further than that.

I was literally born to do this.

Not just because I grew up wandering the cobblestoned streets of Prague's Old Town, or because my mother was a tour guide before me, making me the third generation in my family to fall in love with sharing this city, a tradition that started with my great-aunt and my godmother Leopoldina. But because I was actually born on February 21st, International Tour Guide Day. Some people might call that coincidence. I call it destiny.

As a little girl, I'd tag along on my mom's tours, watching her bring Prague's legends to life for travelers from around the world. I didn't know it then, but those cobblestoned streets and their stories were shaping my future. By the time I officially became a licensed guide in 2014, it felt natural.

Over the years, what started as a job became a passion. I earned two master's degrees, one in Tourism from the University of Economics in Prague (with a semester at the University of Northern Colorado), and another in Theater Studies from Charles University, one of the world's oldest universities.

I've represented the Czech Republic at the New York Times Travel Show during my internship with Czech Tourism in New York. I've guided everyone from individual travelers to university groups, from Venice Simplon-Orient-Express guests to Pittsburgh and NYU students on study tours.

When tourism stopped during COVID, it crystallized something I'd always known: guiding isn't just what I do. It's who I am. In a world of apps and audio guides, I offer something technology can't, a human connection, stories told with passion, and the kind of insider access that comes from a lifetime of loving this city.

Jana at the entrance to the Estates Theatre

What Makes My Tours Different

I'm not just licensed to guide Prague and the Czech Republic. I'm also an official guide of the Jewish Museum in Prague, which requires a specialized exam in Jewish traditions, religion, and Czech Jewish history. Beyond that, I've built long-term partnerships as a trusted guide at some of Prague's most prestigious cultural institutions—the Czech National Theatre, the Estates Theatre, the State Opera, and the Municipal House. These places aren't just on my itinerary; they're woven into my life, and I know their stories intimately.

But I offer more than just tours. I help orchestrate your entire Prague experience—from airport pickups and transfers to restaurant reservations, theatre tickets, and connections to other European cities like Vienna, Munich, or Berlin. And throughout your stay, I'm available via WhatsApp for any questions, recommendations, or support you might need. Think of me as your Prague concierge, not just your guide.

I've traveled to the US, Canada, Israel, China, Australia, Fiji, Egypt, the Maldives, and across Europe, so I understand what you need when you're exploring a new city. I know what it's like to be a traveler. And I know what it feels like to come home to the place you love most (and to my beloved pets, who are always thrilled when I return).

Jana enjoying free time in the Czech countryside

When I'm Not Guiding

You'll find me at the theater (my favorite escape), hiking through the beautiful Czech countryside, or exploring Prague's newest cafes and restaurants with my husband—I have a notoriously sweet tooth, so we're always on the hunt for the best desserts and coffee. At home, I love to cook and bake, read, and preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables. And of course, there's plenty of time devoted to spoiling our beloved pets.

Let's Explore Together

Whether you're here for a day or a week, whether you want to dive deep into history and culture or explore as much as possible, taste authentic Czech cuisine or have hands-on experiences discovering local crafts, I'd love to show you my Prague. The one that shaped me. The one I'm still discovering. The one that's waiting for you.

Design Your Itinerary With Me