Tips & advice needed for Prague

WicklowRover

I am bringing my wife to Prague for a 3 night stay in a fortnight's time. I haven't booked a hotel yet, as I am still browsing. Was considering the Buddha Bar Hotel, though it looks a tad over-priced. Also considering the Corinthia.

Ideally, I am looking for a 5 star hotel, close enough to the city centre, with a bar that doesn't do Celtic Tiger type of pricing! I have a hotel budget of €500 for the 3 nights - there are some great deals, but I want a good hotel, with friendly service. Also, a hotel that has large bathtubs (to fit 2 people) would be a nice bonus.

In terms of restaurants and bars, many boards are saying to stay away from Wenceslas square as the prices of food and drink are extortionate - any advice on places nearby to the centre with good quality food at reasonable prices? Likewise for bars - I don't really want to speand the equivalent of €8 per beer.

In terms of getting from Prague airport to my hotel, I would prefer to get a taxi/driver, to avoid the hassle of learning the ins-and-outs of the metro system as soon as I arrive - approx how much is a taxi to city centre? Also, are taxis easy to get late at night (in case we stay in a hotel a few km's from city centre) - are they available at, say 2am? Price? Do taxi drivers accept Euro?

Do Prague ATM's accept Visa debit or Maestro cards?

Lastly, where is the best place to change money - can you buy Czech money in Dublin airport? If not, is there a bureau de change in Prague airport?

Many thanks in advance for any of your tips/advice....

Omega28

500 euro for a hotel?! are u mad?! theres amazing 4 star hotels over there which are better than some of their 5 star! I question weather some are really 5 star of their just advertisin them as it! u could get an amazing centrally located hotel for around 200euro! Im going in Decemeber, done tons of hotel reserach and Iv found some lovely 4 star hotels. Go to 1800hotels.ie, Iv found it to be far cheaper than anywhere else! find a hotel, go to tripadvisior and see what ppl think of it. 500 is way too much unless u want to spend it on a very luxerious hotel.

P. Breathnach

I have nothing useful to offer on the hotel question, but would like to deal with some of the other questions.
- Avoid bureax de change as much as possible; they cost.
- Never accept a transaction denominated in Euros, whether in cash or on credit card; the exchange rate will be penal.
- Use ATMs to get local currency, starting at the airport. Maestro is fine, and I think Visa Debit also is, but I haven't used it.
- Be careful of taxis, as ripping tourists off is pretty well standard. Agree your fare in advance. Use AAA Taxis, whose reputation is built on a policy of fair dealing.
- Check all your restaurant and drinks bills. You may find items you did not order, prices not in accordance with the menu, or simply totals higher that the true sum of the numbers.
- I didn't find Wenceslas Square particularly extortionate. Neither did I think it particularly attractive. The general rule for good value applies: you will do better by getting away from the busiest tourism areas; a walk of even 100 metres can make a huge difference to price levels.
- I can't advise on where to go for beer, because my experience is not up to date and beer is not high on my agenda. You'll do a lot better than €8 a drink.

Extra advice: get up early at least one morning to see Charles Bridge and the related sights before the hordes descend on it.

aloevera

hi wicklow rover,

my boyfriend and i went there 2 years ago for a few days. we found it very cheap to be honest.

at the time, our flights were the killer, but we stayed here

http://www.panoramahotelprague.com/hotel/en/photo-gallery/lobby-lounge/

im always skeptical about accommodation and am always convinced it will be horrible, but this was just perfect. beautiful hotel, breakfast was grand - it was a buffet. staff were friendly, especially the man at the door. we were one min walk to metro station that brought us into town for a fair price. our room was only 47Euro per night including breakfast.!!!

**if you plan using metro which you prob will, you would be best buying a special ticket that lasts for a no of days etc. as far as i can remember these were available at the yellow ticket machines in the airport, thats where we got ours anyways.

when you come out of the above hotel entrance, turn right - up that road somewhere there is a fantastic chinese restaurant. top nosh! reasonable pricing too. the waiters took our coats and everything...

also, a nice italian restaurant on the 'main ' street . can remember the name . get the metro to Muezuem. standing outside the national muesuem walk over to the right hand footpath and its a good bit down there from my recallection.

charles bridge is well worth a visit, as is the torture musuem (for something different) and the astromonical clock. there is an alley behind the clock, with nice little shops - ice cream etc... and a SEX MUSUEM. now we just stumbed across it, and decided to go in for the laugh, but it was actually hilarious. the only good clothes shop there was was 'new york' and it wasnt even all that great to be honest.

the baby tower was fun, and has a restaurant on top, we ate there, it was nice, not fantastic.

we didnt make it to the castle

but i have to say we really enjoyed our stay there.

we got an airport transfer to the hotel and back, im thinking we did it for a reason - cant remember if there werent buses running at that itme or what the craic was. im nearly certain this is the site

http://www.prague-airport-shuttle.com/

it looks dodgey, but the girl was lovely, and it seemed all quite legit if you like.


we'd definitly go back to prague or 'praha' :cool:


i hope some of my post has been of help to you.

enjoy!

undo

As a previous poster said, Wencelas Square is not terribly expensive - and not very interesting either. You would be much better off going to one of the many restaurants in the Old Town. Yes, they charge a tourist mark-up but judging from your hotel budget, you can more than afford Czech toursit prices. The Old Town market and the cobblestone streets around it are beautiful and more than worth the extra few € spent.

Another equally stunning area with better prices is Mala Strana - the Little Quarter, just across Charles Bridge. After you have crossed the bridge, take the first right, walking down to the street that crosses under the bridge. There are some nice restaurants here. Or you can keep walking straight for another minute. There is a very affordable and very good restaurant on your left. I am not quite sure whether it is before or after the tram tracks. Once you reach the tram tracks, by the way, there is an Irish Pub on your left - in case you feel homesick .

As for hotels, I have no particular recommendation but one definite warning: Stay away from Grand Hotel Bohemia. My "non-smoking" room there stank of cigarettes and was nowhere near up to five star standard.

Staph

Hey,

I was in Prague at the beginning of the year and my sisters, mum and I stayed in the Icon Hotel http://www.iconhotel.eu/en/gallery.php

It was fab! They cook your breakfast at any time of the day you like and it is gorgeous!
The rooms are modern and the baths are quite big too. It is also in a nice location, quite close to the centre of the city- a few mins stroll. We decided to stay here, when we read reviews on tripadvisor.

I would recommend getting your money from the ATM or maybe ordering some from your bank here, the bureau de change there are expensive.

Overall, it is not an expensive city to eat and drink in. Especially if you go into the local places and avoid the touristy areas. I hope you enjoy it, it's a really beautiful place!

Staph

Sorry, repeat post.

netwhizkid

I was in Prague three weeks ago so have a few tips.

AAA taxis are both fine and I have used them a few times, last time however I took it from Wenceslas Sq. late at around 1.30am and I thought the charge was high. From previous experience thoughout eastern Europe I find the local type taxis which are usually vilified as rip-off merchants to be actually quite cheaper than the recommended ones. It is kind of the luck of the draw, Prague has great public transportation including night trams (metro stops at 12) so you shouldn't be left stuck.

As for Czech Crown get a bit here (small amount) especially if landing by night and take Euro with you and change it there. I was charged €10.15 for a Cirrus transaction on my Irish laser Maestro card from BOI for a withdrawal of just over €300 worth of Koruna. You get better rates to change Euro into Crown in Prague than in Ireland, just change it in a Bureau de change and Prague has dozens at better rates than irish banks, Never change money on the street or at a place where you are being canvassed to do so.

When using public transport get either a three or five day card from the "Tabak" (newsagents) and stamp it in the yellow machines upon entry once and it is valid from the date until expiry. You only have to stamp it once.

The Charles Bridge is essentially a massive building site at the moment as it is undergoing renovation work (and was in July 2008 when I was there before) so you will not be able to appreciate it fully.

Prague Airport like Dublin is not connected to the Metro but there is a bus (no. 119) service to and from Dejvická where you interconnect with the Metro, alternativly if you are staying somewhere in western Prague (unlikely) then Bus 100 to the Zličín Metro-Bus hook up is best.

Any more q's - fire away my good man!

praguepivo

aloevera wrote: »

hi wicklow rover,

my boyfriend and i went there 2 years ago for a few days. we found it very cheap to be honest.

at the time, our flights were the killer, but we stayed here

http://www.panoramahotelprague.com/hotel/en/photo-gallery/lobby-lounge/

im always skeptical about accommodation and am always convinced it will be horrible, but this was just perfect. beautiful hotel, breakfast was grand - it was a buffet. staff were friendly, especially the man at the door. we were one min walk to metro station that brought us into town for a fair price. our room was only 47Euro per night including breakfast.!!!

**if you plan using metro which you prob will, you would be best buying a special ticket that lasts for a no of days etc. as far as i can remember these were available at the yellow ticket machines in the airport, thats where we got ours anyways.

when you come out of the above hotel entrance, turn right - up that road somewhere there is a fantastic chinese restaurant. top nosh! reasonable pricing too. the waiters took our coats and everything...

also, a nice italian restaurant on the 'main ' street . can remember the name . get the metro to Muezuem. standing outside the national muesuem walk over to the right hand footpath and its a good bit down there from my recallection.

charles bridge is well worth a visit, as is the torture musuem (for something different) and the astromonical clock. there is an alley behind the clock, with nice little shops - ice cream etc... and a SEX MUSUEM. now we just stumbed across it, and decided to go in for the laugh, but it was actually hilarious. the only good clothes shop there was was 'new york' and it wasnt even all that great to be honest.

the baby tower was fun, and has a restaurant on top, we ate there, it was nice, not fantastic.

we didnt make it to the castle

but i have to say we really enjoyed our stay there.

we got an airport transfer to the hotel and back, im thinking we did it for a reason - cant remember if there werent buses running at that itme or what the craic was. im nearly certain this is the site

http://www.prague-airport-shuttle.com/

it looks dodgey, but the girl was lovely, and it seemed all quite legit if you like.


we'd definitly go back to prague or 'praha' :cool:


i hope some of my post has been of help to you.

enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I own http://www.prague-airport-shuttle.com/

I certainly want to thank you for mentioning my company and sorry if the website is "dodgey" I am the the webmaster <blush> and I just try to keep it simple. Mind you, the picture of me and Big Jack Charlton might be a bit iffy ;-).

Hotels are in a bad way at the moment, over the summer one out of every two rooms was empty so you can now get some really good deals!
Buddha Bar Hotel is a very nice hotel but indeed very pricey. why not try the Maximillian http://www.maximilianhotel.com/ or its sister hotel the Josef. great locations, just on the edge of old town is the new Jurys Inn http://www.jurysinns.com/ about EUR 120 for a double.

Get your money as soon as you land from the ATM machine in the arrivals hall, there are also ATM's everywhere in Prague and actually have good rates.

There are over 2000 restaurants in Prague, take a little bit of time and get off the main squares etc and you can find meals for EUR 10.00 - 15.00.

Have a good time!

Padraig Mor

+1 on Prague Airport Shuttle - have used them several times without problem.

WicklowRover

Wow - many thanks for all of your posts.

I have actually booked the Buddha Bar Hotel, and got a very good deal for the 3 days - myself and my wife have not been away together (as in, just the 2 of us, without kids) for over 3 years, and always like to splurge a bit on the hotel front. Our view is, you only live once, and it is nice to treat oneself to 5 star luxury from time to time - additionally, we are both mad Buddha Bar/World music fans, so this will be an extra treat for us.

However, we doubt we will eat there, owing to their high prices. Thanks to praguepivo for posting - I saw the website yesterday, and was slightly dubious about booking them for my airport - hotel transfer, but will definitely do so now.

Good tips re ATM and cash etc. I have also heard from someone that pick pocketing is a bit of an issue in Prague?

P. Breathnach

WicklowRover wrote: »

... I have also heard from someone that pick pocketing is a bit of an issue in Prague?

Pickpocketing is an issue anywhere there are lots of tourists. The petty criminals go where the (ahem) pickings are best. Do you want the standard lecture on security, or do you think you have enough cop-on?

My feeling about Prague is that the pickpocket threat is at a level normal for a popular destination (that means it's a real issue) but that the prevalence of scammers is remarkable. Recall what I posted earlier about padded bills, and note also what netwhizkid said about changing money on the street: you'll get lots of offers.

WicklowRover

Okay - point taken.

WicklowRover

Re: The Buddha Bar Hotel - I managed to get a great deal on this, for €474 for 3 nights - may sound pricey, but their full rack rate is €2175!!!

SEORG

WicklowRover wrote: »

Re: The Buddha Bar Hotel - I managed to get a great deal on this, for €474 for 3 nights - may sound pricey, but their full rack rate is €2175!!!

Did you get this direct from the hotel?

WicklowRover

Yes, I emailed them directly - Simona is the front office manageress - very efficient and helpful.

Eat at the pravda restaurant-ask your hotel concierge for directions-it's near enough to the square up a few side streets afair.

Great food,not dear and good music while you eat,that isn't too loud to stop you talking

http://www.pravdarestaurant.cz/en/home.php

WicklowRover

Deleted User wrote: »

Eat at the pravda restaurant-ask your hotel concierge for directions-it's near enough to the square up a few side streets afair.

Great food,not dear and good music while you eat,that isn't too loud to stop you talking

http://www.pravdarestaurant.cz/en/home.php

Just looked at their menu - prices are higher than Dublin during the Celtic Tiger, for what looks like, basic cuisine. Think I'll pass on this one.

Unshelved

For the taste of an Old Prague Beerhall eat at U Medvidku - www.umedvidku.cz/ or U Pinkasu - www.upinkasu.com/pe-home/ . Both located centrally and both great value.

For something more upmarket try Hergetova Cihelna (in the grounds of the Kafka Museum) - great views of the Old Town from here - www.kampagroup.com/en/restaurant.php?rid=1 . Not cheap but worth it for the view.

A nice cafe is Cafe Louvre (nice pool tables too if you're at a loose end) - www.cafelouvre.cz/cs/ .

Avoid "Irish" bars like the plague, unless you want to be ripped off to drink inferior beer.

netwhizkid

Unshelved wrote: »

Avoid "Irish" bars like the plague, unless you want to be ripped off to drink inferior beer.

The Prague Pub Crawl can be good craic though!

WicklowRover

WicklowRover wrote: »

Just looked at their menu - prices are higher than Dublin during the Celtic Tiger, for what looks like, basic cuisine. Think I'll pass on this one.

It ain't that basic when it's put on a plate in front of you.I don't recognize the prices on that menu-what I can tell you is we got out of there for about 40 euro for two including 2 bottles of beer.
But hey do what you like-you asked for suggestions

Padraig Mor

Unshelved wrote: »

For the taste of an Old Prague Beerhall eat at U Medvidku - www.umedvidku.cz/ or U Pinkasu - www.upinkasu.com/pe-home/ . Both located centrally and both great value.

For something more upmarket try Hergetova Cihelna (in the grounds of the Kafka Museum) - great views of the Old Town from here - www.kampagroup.com/en/restaurant.php?rid=1 . Not cheap but worth it for the view.

A nice cafe is Cafe Louvre (nice pool tables too if you're at a loose end) - www.cafelouvre.cz/cs/ .

Avoid "Irish" bars like the plague, unless you want to be ripped off to drink inferior beer.

Listen to this man - he talks sense! Cafe Louvre is a great spot to while away a few hours.

maynooth_rules

So what are peoples opinion on this city. Me and the girlfriend are going to get three cities in next year, and we are between two different routes.
Berlin ---- Prague

---

Munich

or

Berlin---- Munich

---

Rome

I cant really decide me. I have worries about Prague though. A son of a man that works with my father was beaten to death there about 5 years ago.

interlocked

Prague is just a beautiful beautiful city, I've been there about a dozen times and I'd go again in the morning.

I've never had a bit of bother in the place

Here are a few tips.

I can’t really comment about hotels as we rent an apartment when we go, these guys have brilliant apartments, http://www.prague-hotel.co.uk/if you want they'll pick you up at the airport and drop you back on your return for an extra charge. The only hotel that I've stayed in is http://www.hotel-pav.cz/en/?gclid=CJnX756fmp4CFRCY2AodPgjKlQ behind the opera house, very clean and modern and beside http://en.ufleku.cz/ U Fleku, a Czech beer hall, bit of a tourist trap but worth a few pints of their own beer. Actually this are is a nice spot it has small quiet streets and lots of places to eat and drink, and it’s about 5-10 minutes to the main thoroughfares

Look up. The buildings are fantastic; some of them are so over the top ornate that they'll make you laugh.

Just take yourself wandering, it’s very easygoing and you'll get a feel for the place.

Your mother or granny is going to want a statue of the Child of Prague . The best place to get one is in the actual church in which it’s located, it's across the river in a small non descript church on the castle side, it’s worth the visit for curiosity sake alone
http://www.pragjesu.info/en/


The castle is huge and a bit of a tourist trap have a look in St Vitus cathedral, it took them 800 years to build it!, there are parts of it that require admission charges, great view from it though.


The beer is fantastic,

Stay away from Wenceslas Square at night, its a glorified rip off strip with hustlers trying to get you into clubs or knocking shops, hit the side streets and quieter areas instead, you'll get better value.

AVOID the Irish bars, especially Rocky O Reilly’s full of stags and loud tossers. I can't conceive why anybody would goo to Prague and drink in an Irish bar, BUT if you're desperate for a big fry up, try Murphy’s about a tenner.

Did I mention that the beer is fantastic?:p

Ah just go, you wont regret it.

metalfest

interlocked wrote: »

The beer is fantastic,

Did I mention that the beer is fantastic?:p

how much is it?

killbillvol2

interlocked wrote: »

Prague is just a beautiful beautiful city, I've been there about a dozen times and I'd go again in the morning.

I've never had a bit of bother in the place

Here are a few tips.

I can’t really comment about hotels as we rent an apartment when we go, these guys have brilliant apartments, http://www.prague-hotel.co.uk/if you want they'll pick you up at the airport and drop you back on your return for an extra charge. The only hotel that I've stayed in is http://www.hotel-pav.cz/en/?gclid=CJnX756fmp4CFRCY2AodPgjKlQ behind the opera house, very clean and modern and beside http://en.ufleku.cz/ U Fleku, a Czech beer hall, bit of a tourist trap but worth a few pints of their own beer. Actually this are is a nice spot it has small quiet streets and lots of places to eat and drink, and it’s about 5-10 minutes to the main thoroughfares

Look up. The buildings are fantastic; some of them are so over the top ornate that they'll make you laugh.

Just take yourself wandering, it’s very easygoing and you'll get a feel for the place.

Your mother or granny is going to want a statue of the Child of Prague . The best place to get one is in the actual church in which it’s located, it's across the river in a small non descript church on the castle side, it’s worth the visit for curiosity sake alone
http://www.pragjesu.info/en/


The castle is huge and a bit of a tourist trap have a look in St Vitus cathedral, it took them 800 years to build it!, there are parts of it that require admission charges, great view from it though.


The beer is fantastic,

Stay away from Wenceslas Square at night, its a glorified rip off strip with hustlers trying to get you into clubs or knocking shops, hit the side streets and quieter areas instead, you'll get better value.

AVOID the Irish bars, especially Rocky O Reilly’s full of stags and loud tossers. I can't conceive why anybody would goo to Prague and drink in an Irish bar, BUT if you're desperate for a big fry up, try Murphy’s about a tenner.

Did I mention that the beer is fantastic?:p

Ah just go, you wont regret it.

Good link for the accommodation there, thanks. Going back in February. I was last there when it was still communist! Beautiful city.

I remember U Fleku well. I see they have a menu now! Back then you could have beer or goulash, full stop.

LionelNashe

WicklowRover wrote: »

Just looked at their menu - prices are higher than Dublin during the Celtic Tiger, for what looks like, basic cuisine. Think I'll pass on this one.

Deleted User wrote: »

It ain't that basic when it's put on a plate in front of you.I don't recognize the prices on that menu-what I can tell you is we got out of there for about 40 euro for two including 2 bottles of beer.
But hey do what you like-you asked for suggestions

Main courses 615 CZK = 23 Euro. I don't eat out much but I would have thought that this is an ok price for a steak meal.

WicklowRover

Ok, firstly, many thanks to everyone who replied to my first thread on this.

I have just returned from Prague after having spent a thoroughly enjoyable 4 day break there. We pre-booked Prague Airport Shuttle ( http://www.prague-airport-shuttle.com ) which was superb. We got great advice and tips from the driver (I cannot remember his name now, for the life of me). This cost only €22 which is money very well spent if, like me, you don't need the hassle of taking public transport upon arrival, especially since we had to get up at 3:30am to catch our red eye Ryanair flight over!

We booked the Buddha Bar Hotel, which is conveniently located beside the old town square - excellent location. We booked this directly with the hotel and got 3 nights, room (suite) only for €474, a drop in the ocean considering their full rate is over €800 per night! The suite was simply fantastic, decorated in reds and gold with a real Eastern theme. The bed was vast, as were the pillows - it was, without doubt, the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. Complimentary espresso machine, spring water, turn down service, chocolates etc. was nice. The large Bang & Olufsen TV had a motorised/remote control stand, incorporated full surround sound, as well as having radio, and a full library of the Buddha Bar box sets at our disposal. External ports for laptops, cameras etc all included. Touch screen phone etc., with additional hand portable. More light switches and dimmer settings than you could shake a stick at!!! Massive 2 drawer minibar, which we used to chill our own drinks - more of this later!!

The bathroom has a huge stone bath in the middle of the floor, with a built in TV in the mirror, as well as a large rainwater shower. Remote control curtains throughout. Separate WC room with remote control toilet - interesting, to say the least!

I suppose you could say there was probably a bit too much technology in the room, but, it wasn't an issue. Now, the Siddharta Cafe on the ground floor, which served breakfast, coffees, lunch and drinks was very expensive - full Temple-Bar-prices-during-Celtic-Tiger, so we didn't eat there at all - a good selection of little cafes within 1 minute walk of the hotel compensated for this.

On the Friday night, we ventured down to the basement where the Buddha Bar & Restaurant is located. Once again, dinner for 2 would have set us back the equivalent of well over €100, so we just went to the bar and treated ourselves to a few cocktails. Resident DJ was playing traditional Buddha Bar music. Lovely setting.

The hotel overall was beautiful, great location, very relaxing, but our only gripe was the fact that the staff were far from friendly. In any 5 star hotel I have stayed in the past, I have experienced extremely friendly staff - lacking badly in Buddha Bar Hotel.......however, I had read some similar reports about this.

Prague is a beautiful city with incredible architecture throughout. All of the streets are cobble locked, and we walked the legs off ourselves - good, comfy walking shoes are a MUST!!! We went on a 1 hour bus tour of the city, just to familiarise ourselves with the place - worthwhile, if you like walking, as we do.

The modern part of the city (Wenceslas Square) is disappointing - reminded me of O'Connell Street, but the old town and Mala Strana is fantastic. Crime is quite low - we felt very safe walking through the streets and alleyways. No knife crime or muggings there, but pickpocketting an issue - so we were told.

Hundreds of souvenir shops selling everything from crystal tat to Russian dolls, painted enamel pots/cups etc. One thing we quickly noticed - everything is considerably cheaper on quieter, less touristy streets. In Old Town Square, restaurants and souvenir shops were up to 50% higher than similar shops etc just off the main square area.

Our driver from Prague Airport Shuttle gave us a great tip - when looking at restaurant menus in the windows, simply check the price of a beer. A 50cl beer will cost anything from CZK35 to CZK100 (€1.20 - €4) - for the most part, the cheaper the beer, the cheaper the food menu is. Dinner for 2 including drips, averaged CZK850 (€42) for us, in the places we dined in. For lunch, there are many pizzerias selling huge slices of pizza for next to nothing, as well as little cafes selling Goulash Soup, which is inexpensive, delicious, and warm.

We managed to see a jazz band for free in the U Prince Hotel on Old Town Square - there are other jazz clubs that charge a hefty entrance fee in. Likewise, classical music concerts in churches are abundant, with ticket sellers everywhere - we didn't have the time to go and see a classical concert, unfortunately.

Just up the road from our hotel was a famous bar called Chapeau Rouge - we went for a drink there on our first evening, before dinner, and was surprised to see many people rolling joints at the tables, and walking outside the front door to smoke them! Also, many drug dealers in the corridor to the toilets. We were surprised at this, but subsequently heard that the police turn a blind eye to this establishment, as it has been there for many many years. Not our thing, but a bit of an eye opener all the same!!!

The lights of the churches in the evening time are spectacular, and it is lovely to walk around, taking it all in.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our short break to Prague, and yes, I would definitely return!

I have uploaded some photos here, of our trip: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmeagher/