June 11, 2009
Prague Advice needed
Reader submitted question: I'm heading to Prague in about a week and a half. My girlfriend is playing for Team Canada in the Women's Lacrosse World Cup. Other than the games out at the stadium that I will be attending, I was hoping anybody who has been there could give me good recommendations on restaurants, pubs, sites to see, etc.
Also, if anybody has any advice on things and places to avoid that would also be great. I'm real excited, but I have very little idea of what to expect from Prague.
To do in Prague:
Check out the old town square, which has an open market every day. The John Lennon wall is kinda neat and easy to get to if you are interested. Definitely go to Prague Castle. You walk up to the top and can look out over the whole city. Walk across the Charles Bridge. They also have the biggest dance club in Europe too which might be worth checking out even if you aren't into dancing, just for the ridiculousness of it. Do a cruise on the Vlatava river. The Jewish cemetery is also a must.
Also, if you're interested in a day trip head to the Sedlec ossuary which is an hour train ride outside of Prague - pretty neat place with a chapel with structures inside made from human bones. Creepy too.
You must drink Kozel Dark, one of the greatest beers I have had in my entire life. I would say it somewhat resembles Guinness. Less creamy than Guinness, slightly sweeter, but also with a slight hint of coffee flavor. You have to try it.
Check out the Budvar Restaurant/Brewery - Home of the "real" Budweiser beer. Great brews, sausages, etc. Also U Fleku has had great beer since 1499. It's at Křemencova 11 in New Town.
A few things to consider:
Restaurants bring you bread then charge you for it. Unlicensed taxis might try to rip you off. Don't ride the trams without a ticket and just assume you'd get away with that. I was on a tram and this girl whips out a ticket and I start making fun of her, saying how easy it is to just ride it for free, and you'd have to be a huge pussy to buy a ticket. 30 seconds later, a plainclothes officer throws my friend and I off, and made us go to the nearest ATM and pay the fine.
Please note: these are not my personal stories - I've never been to Prague. I collected them people who have been there.
Posted by James Trotta at June 11, 2009 10:54 PM
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Hello,
I am born and raised in the Czech Republic. I think all mentioned above is good. You can also visit the Petrin hill which has a copy of Eiffel tower and the views are great from up there. There is a huge park which is nice too. Strahov monastery is also nice, has a library with historical paintings and books. You can even just walk around Prague and the history is everywhere.
The best way to move around Prague is the subway and the public transport system -you can buy a day or week ticket and then ride any public transportation within Prague on that ticket it is great because you don't have to think about looking for a place to buy a ticket or be scared to be kicked out and fined.
One thing to worry about - eventhough I'm Czech I have to admit this: Please, be aware of the surroundings there are many pickpockets everywhere especially in the public transport system in the rush hour! When they hear other language than Czech especially English you are an immediate target! They aren't violent many times you won't even notice that you were robbed till you need your wallet or documents, so keeping everything on you under zippers helps. Have fun I wish I could go! Dasha
i visited czech 2 yrs ago and thought it was one of the most amazing places. you cant turn around and not see something beautiful. thank god for digital cameras!!! you'll be busy just walking around. bring comfy shoes. one place i really wanted to visit but the line was long and expensive was the tiny jewish section and its cemetery in prague, read up on the history and you may want to do that. very interesting. i hope to one day go back to visit, my mom was a german refugee from a small town just and hour away and the countryside is very quaint. ENJOY!!!!
Posted by: diane at June 14, 2009 2:23 AMBelieve it or not, the 'Free Walking Tour" in Prague is GREAT. You get a quick look at all the must see locations in a short period of time and the guide was very good. They ask for a tip at the end, but no pressure -- so it fits every budget.
Posted by: Liz Bailey at June 14, 2009 10:47 AMif the weather is nice, a few beers and a sausage with mustard at one of the many outdoor beer gardens is a great way to spend some time. i like riegrovy sady best (get off at jiriho z podebrad metro station and walk back in the direction of downtown), but letenske, on a hill above the central city (near the giant metronome) has amazing views.
Posted by: jane at June 15, 2009 11:19 AM