Arrival ===== Upon arrival at the Pragueairport, problems had started. We didn't understand the language they spoke, obviously and when we went to the information counter, the person on duty was horrible at english. She couldn't understand what we were asking when it was only about 'how to get to the city'. Sadly, we thanked her (very fierce and unhelpful lady) and went to find more help. The second information counter we got to had someone who spoke better English, and she wrote down on paper instructions to follow and how to get to the city.
Transportation ============ We had to buy a bus ticket for ourselves and for our luggages as well. One bus ticket for an adult is 12ck, which is about 24p. 6ck for a piece of luggage (12p). We were very quickly told how to use the bus, which is to push the ticket into a slot machine on the bus, where it will stamp it. The ticket is valid for an hour, on any transportation,
tram or bus. The transportation in Prague is very efficient, thanks to the influence of communism back in the past. During your tour in Prague you should however be travelling by 'bus 11' (your two legs)
TIP OF THE DAY: Make sure you stamp your ticket. No one makes you do it, but if you don't and you are caught, saying that you are a tourist will not help. The officers are there to make money of tourists who do not know how to use the system.
Accomodation =========== We stayed at the World Student Hostel accomodation for about 15 pounds a night, including a modest breakfast every morning. We were there for 5 days, my boyfriend and I. Make sure you make bookings as early as you can. Prague looks as if it's made out of tourists, in my opinion. It's like a big market selling humans, so make sure you get places to stay as early as you can. During the peak times, summer especially, it's very hard to get good accomodation. Ideally get one which is in Old Town Square, that's where everything's happening.
Walking Tour =========== There are many walking tour packages available, run by many different companies. The way you should do this is to go to the tour guides, they will be in front of the astronomical clock tower and they will be holding different coloured umbrellas for different companies. Talk to the guide, see how well the speak and if you can understand them. Pick the guides you like, and pick the ones which has least people in them, because it gives you the best chance to ask questions and hear better. We went for the pub walk which included 3 pints of beer in 3 different pubs and a czech goulash meal in one of them. I wouldn't recommend the pub walk. Waste of money cuz there wasn't much story to be shared.
These are a few things you must do if you are in Prague. A MUST! ===================================== 1. Prague Castle. Go there, spend half a day there if you can. Climb up the tower and get a good view of Prague. Take the full package of the Prague Castle entrance which gives you access to the St Vitus cathedral tower, Golden Lane and few more. Will cost you about 350ck, (7 pounds)
2. Old Town Square is almost an inevitable place. Like it or not you WILL be there. It's one of the most populated areas in Prague and it's there where you'll fine the famous Astronomical Clock, which make sure you go under it anytime at an exact hour (5.00, 6.00..etc) and watch the free show :) It's cute.
3. Charles Bridge. This brige is one of the most gorgeously decorated one I've seen. It has 30 interesting (some ppl say it's disgusting) statues of saints and religious figures. Watch out of pick pockets.
4. Old Jewish Cemetary. This is a sad place. You will spend half a day in the museums and the galleries in this area and learn more about the sad ill treatments towards the Jew. Won't say anymore cause I'm feeling emotional thinking about it.
5. Wenceslas Square. You know when you enter a city, any city, you look at the roads and it sort of gives you the impression of how great the city is. Well over here you'll know immediately how powerful this city is. The wonderful view of the National Museum overlooking the Square is just spectacular. Also those hot dog stands sell really good fried cheese and sausages. Yummy!
6. Go to a jazz club. I'd recommend Renduta cause I went there and they were playing latin jazz. Wonderful stuff. Bill Clinton went to Renduta during his visit to Prague as well!
7. Go to charles bridge during the night. YOU HAVE TO. It's... simply magical.
----------------------------------------------------------------- Food: Goulash as the main traditional dish, which is strong in meat and gravy, accompanied with dumplings. If they serve vegetables on their goulash, it's no longer a czech meal. Come to think of it, if you find yourself eating vegetables at all in every meal, ask around if you're really in Prague! Something sneaky is going on... :)
Drink: Pillsneer is the most drank beer there I think. Very cheap as well! About 50p for a pint.
Basically I enjoyed my stay in Prague. I'd recommend 4 days to be honest, to get the essence of it. It's a cheap place to be, language might be a barrier but you'll survive. If you've been there you'll understand there's just way too many things in Prague for me to put it all in one review. I'd be better of writing a book if I did that. I'm just here to give my opinion on the best of the best in one of the best cities i've visited - Prague.
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Advantages: A very beautiful and historic city with plenty to keep you occupied Disadvantages: Can be very crowded and increasing in popularity with stag weekenders
fizzytom 02.02.2004 (28.04.2004)
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Review of Prague (Czech Republic)
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