Prague

galwaybird

Hi there everyone... some help and advice would be greatly appreciated I am considering a break in late November for myself and my fella and I thought Prague would be nice as he has mentioned it as a place he would like to go, it's a surprise for him....so that's where you peeps come in

I would like your thoughts on going there that time of year, does it make any difference?

For those of you that have been there before, where to stay - somewhere comfortable clean and not overly expensive, what to see - sites, where to eat, where to hang out - have a few beers, where to shop (not much just to browse, markets etc).... Must do's and must very dont's. I suppose to make the most of the trip and experience a bit of the culture.

I haven't fully decided on Prague, I would be open to other options for a city break but I suppose I want to explore your opinions on Prague before I rule it out and think about another destination.

Thanks in advance.....

Stinicker

I've been to Prague twice before, nice city but one of the more expensive Eastern European Cities. Zlicin Mall is a good enough shopping centre. Wenceslas Square/Václavské náměstí is the main street a bit like O'Connell street in Dublin but prices around there are higher than say a few blocks away. T.G.I.F has a good restaurant there if your into American bbq's, burgers etc. but it is not overly cheap either.

In November it will be cold and probably snowing, I was there before in July and October and having visited in October it was not as nice compared to July.

There is excellent public transport in Prague with loads of trams and the underground metro. There are loads of Hotels and you can get nice clean rooms for €30 - €35 a night, However it is a good idea to book them soon as the same rooms are nearly triple the price if you were doing a last minute thing, and with Prague's brilliant public transport you'd don't have to be near the city centre as you can stay further out and save on hotel costs.

jos28

We stayed here and it was in a great location
http://www.goldentulipterminus.com/
You will find plenty to do in Prague, it is city that is well worth visiting. It will be cold in November, just remember to bring your woolies ! If Prague is working out too expensive just keep an eye on the airline sites and see what bargains come up. My recommendations at that time of year would include Kracow, Salzburg, Munich or Berlin.

Passenger

What's the best way to get from the airport to the city center in Prague?

pawrick

Got a taxi both times I was there from the Airport - forget the price but thought it was reasonable/cheap at the time, but the public transport is good too.

As other posters said be prepared for cold/wet weather. Even so I would highly recommend the city.

Avoid Wenceslas sq at night or try to keep to the busier areas - lots of open drug dealing going on and general dodgyness. Also the price of drink and food is crazy there compared to just a few streets away.

They do have an xmas market there btw but not sure when it opens - assume it starts December so might be worth waiting for?

Stinicker

pawrick wrote: »

Avoid Wenceslas sq at night or try to keep to the busier areas - lots of open drug dealing going on and general dodgyness. Also the price of drink and food is crazy there compared to just a few streets away.

Good advice, I got propositioned by a prostitute there one night! Dodgy and a bad feeling but not as dangerous as parts of Dublin and a lot less scum there than you'd experience on the Luas in Dublin for example.

MadsL

Hi, I spent three very happy years in Prague and have returned often.

November is an excellent time to visit, you might be lucky enough to have snow and the summer tourists are gone so it is a bit quieter.

A couple of recommendations;

Get a public transport travel pass for the time that you are there, the buses, trams and metro are fantastic for getting around and avoiding the sightseers legs. Prague is a compact city that you can walk around but after the third day walking up to the Castle loses it's appeal.

Hotels in the centre can be very expensive, look into Private accomodations, basically people renting flats (you have the whole flat to yourself) in central locations. You can get some bargains, I once rented a place 20 secs walk from Old Town Square for less than a 2* Hotel. If you can live without frills it is well worth it.

Try http://www.marys.cz/ as a starting point. If you see something you like post back here and I'll give you a rough guide to the area. Mary's has been in business for years and I've used them several times.

Here's one I've stayed in - €142 for a two night stay. As i said it is 20 sec from Old Town.
http://www.marys.cz/accommodation/prague/apartments/old-town/tynska-apartment/335/

Here's a repost below of something I posted in 2004. Just check that tram numbers haven't changed (doubt it) - have fun!!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

My favourite 'see Prague in an long afternoon' trip - always used to do this with vistors...

Takes a good three hours and you will be pretty ready for a beer after this
1. Walk from Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti) to Narodni Trida metro (check the map here )

Basically walk downhill, and then turn left at the bottom of the square. Keep walking along 28 rijna which then becomes Narodni. Turn Left when you get to Tesco. You will see a Metro stop and a Tram stop, you need the trams on the Tesco side. Buy a ticket at the newsagent kiosk.
(maté jidenky, prosim? MA-TAY YIZ-DENKY, PRO-SEEM? - then hold up fingers for how may you want. Include your thumb when gesturing for how many. A peace sign will mean 3...)

2. Get on the 22 or 23 (NOT any others) and punch your tickets. ((You will get inspected and fined if you don't and it is not worth the hassle of maybe having passports confiscated etc) Try to either stand at the very back of the tram and look out of the back window, or sit on the right hand side of the trams (it is almost mandatory to give up a seat for babicky (grannies!) though....
look after your wallet especially if any disturbance, pushing, or distraction happens in front of you. An argument say, or someone falls. Prague trams are notorious for pickpockets. Best strategy is to have a small 'muggers wallet' with some small amount of money for the day and then wear a moneybelt, or special lining pocket in clothes, or leave the goodies in the hotel safe. Money clothes (special hidden pockets) are good too, my wife travelled the Silk Road with $5000 in cash sewn into her dress - It survived arrest in Kazakhstan! ...


3. The tramride will give you a great view of the Charles Bridge and the castle on the right. Later you can look out of the back of the tram as you pass through baroque arches, the tram will them start to climb the hill (After the Malostranská metro stop), you will go up a double hairpin bend with a brief but spectacular view of the city. Get off the tram at the next but one stop. Hradcanská (H-RAD-CHANCE-KA) Hrad means castle.

4. Cross the street, and walk into the castle. All the guide books tell you what to see here, so I won't bore you. Don't waste to much time (or money) on the Crown Jewels...unless you are into that kind of thing.

5. Exit the castle at the 'uphill' gates (the massive statues)

6. If you have time walk across to the monastery at Strahov. Great views of the city on the walk.

Alternatively walk across the square ...) (good places for lunch around here too - but a bit pricy) ...) bear right and follow this street (Kanovnicka) until you come to the wonderfully named Novy Svet (New World Street) on the right, probably the prettiest street in Prague. Follow this until the end, turn left and walk until you come to the church on the left and the massive palace on the right (now a govt building) Turn left and this street will bring you back to the castle.

7. Follow the steps (this is why you took the tram up!) to the right of the castle downhill to Malostranská. Turn right at the bottom. If you get lost ask for Malostranská (MALLOW-STRAN-SKA)

6. Once in Malostranska, grab a beer or a coffee etc and then follow the McDonalds signs :rolleyes to Mostecká and onto the Charles Bridge (wallet alert!!) Stroll across the bridge (or if it is Summer - fight your way through the crowds) If it is too mad and crowded, once across, do not continue down the very narrow street (Karlova) just tourist shops here anyway, instead follow the tramlines to the left and then take the next street on the right. this takes you past the library (featured in the latest Heineken ad) Keep left at the square and eventually you will arrive at The Old Town Square - Staromestske Nameste or Staromá in slang.

7. If it is close to the hour, wait to see the clock do it's stuff (Wallet Alert!!!) and then turn 180 degrees and 'walk' down Melantrichová (more crowds) which will bring you back to Wenceslas Square.


My Prague top ten tips;

1. Wherever you eat - the goulash is usually good and cheap. Perfect with a beer.

2. Don't expect service with a smile in a traditional pub, put a beermat in front of you and wait. Don't signal. A beer will either be brought to you or you will be asked which beer you want (light or dark, 10 degree or 12) It will be brought and dumped on your table, usually with a bang. This is not rude or surly, just how it is done. A piece of paper with a stroke on it will be put on your table. Don't lose it, or you will pay a big fine. You will be brought another and another until you ask to pay (zaplatim, prosim - ZA PLAT EEM PRO SEEM) Check the waiter's maths, they are often 'loose' in this respect, and then tip him a little extra (say the bill is 167 crowns - give him 180) Then you will get a smile. 200 will get you a big smile...The beer is cheap so why not be a good guy.

3. Only hit the Irish bars if you are desperate. Most young czechs speak great English and a very friendly (not to mention goodlooking) Irish bars are generally overpriced. Check the web for bar reviews (everything changes quickly) The Prague Post is a good place to start.
One legend though is Chateau (ask anyone where it is - walk through the archway behind the Old Town Square 'disneyland' church - and out the other side...) This bar was formerly known as Chapeau Rouge and most long term expats refer to it as such. It is a mad place. No tills and very little chance of getting the right change, drug dealers, visa-whores and tourists all mix and get drunk. Seedy-chic you could call it. I've known of face-slashings and mafia bustups. Drunk girls hurling pint glasses at the barmen. The bouncers will half-kill you if you get out of line here, but that means you can step in the door in relative safety. Most tourists don't see what goes on, but go along and have a look at the some of the characters here. Best chance of pulling too...(they are open until around 4.30am ) Get pissed, but be careful.

4. Roxy (on Dlouha 33 )

Wonderful club, cheap and with a real sense of 'when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro' Another legend in the world of Prague clubs.

Also don't miss Radost FX. Very hip, great veggie restaurant and small but cool club.
Was voted one of the Top Ten Clubs of the World by Ministry mag.

5. Learn some Czech. Four words are all you need, two for politeness
Prosim = please(PRO-SEEM)
díky = thanks (DEE-KY) or
and two to stop you looking like an idiot;
Tam = there (push)
Sem = here (pull)

6. Learn some history

Here's a 15 page quick history of everything czech. everything you see will make more sense.
http://archiv.radio.cz/history/history02.html

7. Be respectful.
Don't laugh at how cheap everything is, or tell people that they earn a pittance.
On the other hand don't be too suprised by how expensive some things have become (accommodation esp.)
Be generous when you tip but not so much that it seems money is no object.
Don't piss in the streets.
Don't freeload on the metro/trams. You will get caught.

8. Don't take taxis
Prague has a great 24hr public transport, get a map, or ask people on the street, Czechs are mostly very helpful.
Taxis will rip you off unless you agree a fare, and even then may try.

9. Go to the Opera.
If you have never thought that you could stand Opera, GO!
Everyone should experience Prague Opera houses once in their lives.

10. Book now to go back in Winter. Best. New. Years. Evar!

Enjoy - and post your trip report!!

syklops

Stinicker wrote: »

I've been to Prague twice before, nice city but one of the more expensive Eastern European Cities.

While it can be pricey in the touristy areas, its worth pointing out that Prague is not in Eastern Europe. Vienna is further east than Prague is. It just gets lumped in with Eastern Europe because they speak a slavic language.

Zlicin Mall is a good enough shopping centre.

Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic is totally the wrong place to go shopping in. The Czech people tend to be a bit smaller in stature so clothing in general tends to be a bit smaller than you can get in Ireland. The Czech Republic is also one of the most expensive countries in Europe to buy clothes, but as you said, its a holiday for him not you OP

Wenceslas Square/Václavské náměstí is the main street a bit like O'Connell street in Dublin but prices around there are higher than say a few blocks away.

Yes Wenceslas Square is definitely for site seeing not eating or drinking. A few blocks from there and prices will literally halve.

T.G.I.F has a good restaurant there if your into American bbq's, burgers etc. but it is not overly cheap either.

I dont want to be criticising everything Schtinker has written but to be honest, if you want American style burgers you will get much better in Dublin. Trust me, I live here, and finding decent burgers is a part time job. TGI Fridays is a worldwide brand so yes probably a safe bet, but the price will be the same pretty much as in Dublin(possibly more). Instead, if you venture into the city more you will get draft beer for 2 euros or less per pint, and a bowl of Goulash(Gulas) that will fill you up for around 8 or less.

In November it will be cold and probably snowing, I was there before in July and October and having visited in October it was not as nice compared to July.

November should be cold but dry. The summer tends to have more rain than in winter, unlike Ireland. So a warm coat and gloves would be suitable, but water proofs wont be needed.

Avoid Wenceslas sq at night or try to keep to the busier areas - lots of open drug dealing going on and general dodgyness. Also the price of drink and food is crazy there compared to just a few streets away.

A word on crime: dealing of weed is ignored by the police(ive never been offered anything stronger), and prostitution and other sex services are legal and are often advertised openly. The only crime I worry about, and the only one I would advise you to be aware of is pickpocketing. Don't carry a lot of cash on you, keep your plastic in a nice deep pocket somewhere, and keep a general eye out, just like in any city.

What's the best way to get from the airport to the city center in Prague?

Get a taxi. They are safe. Should cost about 40 euro. There are busses etc, but they can be confusing. Especially when your just off a plane and your tired. As for somewhere to stay i can recommend Jurys Inn at Florenc(pronounced Florence). Its right in the centre of town, near the main train and bus station, so you could take trips to other parts of the country or even other parts of Europe. Its also not right in the touristy spot, so prices will be down a bit. Last time I looked a room there cost about 40 euro.

Let me know if you want any more help.

Stinicker

Another tip, I took the bus to and from the airport from Dejvicka station allowing to connect to the Metro, I did this on my second trip there as I was familiar with the transport system but on my first trip I used a taxi from AAA Taxi which were yellow Skodas.

MadsL

syklops wrote: »

I dont want to be criticising everything Schtinker has written but to be honest, if you want American style burgers you will get much better in Dublin. Trust me, I live here, and finding decent burgers is a part time job. TGI Fridays is a worldwide brand so yes probably a safe bet, but the price will be the same pretty much as in Dublin(possibly more). Instead, if you venture into the city more you will get draft beer for 2 euros or less per pint, and a bowl of Goulash(Gulas) that will fill you up for around 8 or less.

Eat in the pubs, much the same food as in restaurants, but at cheaper prices.
Go in, sit down. If there are no free tables, sit at table with someone else - it is normal practice (it is also polite to ask, YE TU VOL-NO? Is it free here?) and you will be gestured to sit, and also probably have a good conversation.

If you want to eat - ask for a menu - Jídelní lístek (MATAY JE-DEL-KNEE LIS-TEK PRO-SEEM) - most city centre places have menus in English and German.

A word on crime: dealing of weed is ignored by the police(ive never been offered anything stronger), and prostitution and other sex services are legal and are often advertised openly.

All drugs are legal for possession too, so if you want to party go ahead.

The only crime I worry about, and the only one I would advise you to be aware of is pickpocketing. Don't carry a lot of cash on you, keep your plastic in a nice deep pocket somewhere, and keep a general eye out, just like in any city.

Cannot emphasise that enough. Also do not put your handbag under the seats/table in bars/restaurants, use a seat where you can keep an eye on it or put it on the table.

Get a taxi. They are safe. Should cost about 40 euro. There are busses etc, but they can be confusing. Especially when your just off a plane and your tired.

Airport taxis are fine, just agree the fare. If you have a dispute ask for a receipt. If they refuse you don't have to pay the fare.
Be wary of late night taxis in the city centre. Agree a fare.

MadsL

Stinicker wrote: »

Another tip, I took the bus to and from the airport from Dejvicka station allowing to connect to the Metro, I did this on my second trip there as I was familiar with the transport system but on my first trip I used a taxi from AAA Taxi which were yellow Skodas.

Triple A are the only taxi service I ever trusted - highly reliable.

syklops

MadsL wrote: »

Triple A are the only taxi service I ever trusted - highly reliable.

And it should be said, the taxi should really only be used for to and from the airport(its 40 euro-ish). The transport for every where else is so terrific, there is no need.

Le_Dieux

I can't find anyone else mentioning this up to now, but there is one other thing I would suggest: A good pair of walking shoes. There are a LOT of cobbled streets in Prague, and they take a toll on the legs and feet ( at my age anyhow ;-)).

MadsL

Le_Dieux wrote: »

I can't find anyone else mentioning this up to now, but there is one other thing I would suggest: A good pair of walking shoes. There are a LOT of cobbled streets in Prague, and they take a toll on the legs and feet ( at my age anyhow ;-)).

Lost track of the amount of times I ended up on my arse in winter too. Little iced over concave dips are the worst. Good shoes are essential.