Information needed about holiday to Prague

PinkPrincess

Hi,

My friend has just asked me to join her on a 5 night holiday to Prague for her birthday and as the deal was too good to miss, I accepted!

However, I'm now panicking because I'm trying to get everything organised before we go!

So far the flights and accommodation have been booked which includes breakfast. The hotel is located in the Smichov area but I don't have a clue how far that is from the main town centre or any famous sights etc.

I've also booked our return coach tickets to and from the airport.

I've checked that my passport hasn't expired (which it hasn't!) and from what I can tell, it seems it works out cheaper to exchange money when we get there but I don't know where?

I have no idea how much spending money I'll need? It's just myself and my friend going and we're both in our mid-twenties.

What are the best places to visit and which sights are a definite must see? Is their any decent nightlife anywhere?

I've been searching Google all evening but it's really hard to find the answers I'm looking for so am hoping someone will be able to answer me on here!

Also, we're travelling with Wizz Air - can anyone put my mind at rest and tell me that they're an OK company to fly with or am I just going to get horror stories?

As you can tell, I'm pretty clueless as I know nothing about Prague but I really want us to make the most of our time there and plan a realistic itinerary to cram in as much stuff as possible.

Thank you so much in advance!

spheric

WizzAir are OK to fly with, they operate a lot of routes in and around eastern europe, with just a handful to/from the UK. They may not be famous, but I wouldn't be worried. - I did hear some rumours about their financial stability a while back, though.

Personally, I'm not a fan of changing money once in a foreign city: it seems too easy to get ripped off. However, I normally travel with a friend who changes money once there (he uses my UK-changed money until he finds somewhere that has a decent rate and he's happy to trust, before paying me back) and he hasn't been caught out yet, after 6 or 7 trips in the past few years, one of which was to Prague.

There's some decent night-life near wenceslas square, but I can't make a specific recommendation: I'm more of a culture vulture.

The highlights for sightseeing are the Castle and the Charles Bridge - allow plenty of time for the castle, it really is worth taking your time and having a poke about the whole surrounding area.

The tram/underground system in Prague is particularly good, and particularly cheap... You could probably have gotten away without the coach tickets, I seem to remember using a public bus which was modern, clean and with a friendly driver who seemed patient with tourists.

McAzrael

Take your bank card and get money out of ATMs as you need it, just like at home. There's a whole page dedicated to holiday money on the main part of this website which will explain the costs.

As well as visiting the castle and its church and museums during the day, take time to go up there at night. The courtyards are open until 11 or midnight, it's peaceful, and the views across the city are stunning.

terryw

OK

A few points not in any order:

1. I find Wizzair smashing, better than other budget lines

2. There are still rip-off guys offering moneychange on the street particularly in the Old Town area. Do not touch with a bargepole....you will be ripped off. There are any amount of decent proper money change shops (often tobacco shops). Always ask the question: "If I give you £100 how amny crowns will you give me. "

3. The museum at the top of Wencelaus Square is a must. Cheap and full of interesting cabinets of curiosities. Including a Tasmanian Tiger! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thylacine

4. Money still goes a long way - beer is the best in the world. Cheaper obviously away from the tourist bits, but still not enough to break the bank in the most expensive places.

5. Loads of history and superb buildings. I like the WW2 stuff - check out Operation Daybreak and visit the location of the final confrontation.

6. Watch out for pickpockets!

7. Lots of nightlife for young people like yourselves. Loads of pubs have free listings mags in English. Here's a link:
http://www.pragueexperience.com/clubs_nightlife/clubs_nightlife.asp

A couple of years back, I was lucky to catch Bo Diddley at the Lucerna - a central venue.

8 Just enjoy probably the best city in the world!

misa.blue

Hi
Regarding night life, think most popular is 4 story club bar right by Charles Bridge, it is called Karlovy Lazne (Carls bad)
http://www.karlovylazne.cz/index2_en.php

d40eq6

I haven't been to Prague since I went a couple of times as a student in the mid-nineties and I gather it's changed a bit since then.

However I would totally endorse the previous comments. Whereas your average capital city has 3/4 buildings of note, Prague has ten times that- it's a beautiful place for architecture.

Even 15 years ago, I found it to be a safe place- albeit you should always have your wits about you.

Don't worry about your accomodation being not in the centre- public transport is excellent.

I recall the nightlife to be particularly good and fun.

You must try the excellent lager and the hotdogs!

ebbers

One thing not mentioned is taxis, be careful.

Try and agree on a set fare before you go anywhere, make sure they drop you off exactly where you want to be. Don't let them try and tell you the place you want is at the end of the street etc. I learn't that the hard way last time.

Multi storey nightclub used to be called the Music Club when I was there. It's pretty good, different music on each level. I assume it used to be some sort of baths as the dancefloor on each level is basically like a swimming pool.

The pub next door is also good, down a flight of stairs. The barmen will get up every now and again on the bar to juggle with flaming bottles.

I really liked Prague although some of the tourists are a bit odd. Wor lass rubbed one of the statues on the Charles Bridge just because everyone else was...

misa.blue

I agree about the taxis warning, they have very bad reputation. If you are stuck though, use AAA taxi, they are big company, less likely to rip you off.

terryw

d40eq6 wrote: »

You must try the excellent lager and the hotdogs!

Yep got to agree with you on both those things!

There are hot dog stalls all around the city and they are good and reasonably priced. However, be aware that ALL tourists will be short-changed at the hot dog stalls - it is imperative that you check your change, or better still pay with the exact money.

On the lager front, it is both strong and very cheap outside the tourist zone. On my last trip there, I stayed at a very cheap hotel outside the centre (the Luna), and on alighting from the tram I popped into the nearest local bar for a quick pint. Famous last words! There were only two other people in there and a barmaid.
The barmaid did not speak English so one of the customers a well-travelled Ukranian guy translated that I required a dark beer, so I bought the drinks for the entire company. They were ludicrously cheap and and I got us all some vodka chasers. The conversation flowed as well as the beer and I left two hours later having bought all the drinks for the company and certainly three sheets to the wind! I had spent less than £10 in total! The other customer there was a local senior citizen and he was very pleased with an afternoon of free beer. He still sends me emails and hopes that I return one day.

Pinkprincess, Prague is a superb city and you will have a superb time

ebbers

Mmmmm Budvar in a tankard for 50p.

Doesn't get much better than that.

pattycake

Smichov is on the same side of the river as Prague castle. It is easily walkable but the trams are cheap and very frequent. It is a steep climb up to the castle.

When you go to Old Town, you need to cross the river. Again you can use the trams or the underground. Again can be walked in around half an hour depending whereabouts in Smichov you are located.

I have lived in Prague on and off for the last ten years. I frequently wander around on my own whilst my husband is at work. I feel safer there then I do in my own little market town in the UK.

Another point not mentioned, if your trip is soon. It is COLD, COLD, COLD. I was there shortly before Christmas and it was freezing. The streets were also very treacherous with ice. You will need good footwear, lot of layers and a HAT. If you do not own one, you can buy one cheaply when you get there.

Another good item if you like shopping are the pashminas. Every colour and pattern and a real bargain. I must have at least 20 but I still buy another every time I get to Prague. Best of all, you can wear it whilst you are there. It will help with the cold!