The wifey and I are heading to Prague during the first week of August. We are staying in the Jewish Quarter and are supposed to be right in the thick of things. Anyone been and can offer some advice? Places to go, things to see, where to eat, etc.?
For single american dudes, Prague has ...um... some wonderful things to offer. As it is, I don't really even know where to start. There is an amazing amount of stuff to see, primarily because Prague was not wholly obliterated during WW2 like many other major cities in Europe. There is the enormous castle, the ancient synagogues, and the most ridiculously cool clock in the old town square. I was only there two days - I don't remember specific locations very well anymore.
Agreed about it being a singles city. It's getting a reputation as the Vegas of Europe. There are many cultural sites though: (Just a few) Prague Castle - don't pay for the handheld audio tour though it's a ripoff (or maybe that's because I was on a college budget). Astronomical Clock Tower - in old town square. Definitely get some food from the square here, it's cheap and great considering it's like ordering from a hot dog stand in the states. Sedlec Ossuary - the church of bones. It's in Kutna Hora which requires a train to get to but it's worth it. For food and beer I'd say just wander around until you find somewhere with a good view or that's near the river. Food and beer are really cheap and you should try Svičková - pronounced svitch-co-va. Basically meat with sauce and dumplings on the side, which doesn't sound too exciting but is actually great.
I am ridiculously jealous. I have to travel before the year is up and Prague is one of my top 5 places I need to go. Post pics on your return!
I went to Prague back in 2005...amazing city. We drove in a rental car from Vienna, Austria, which was an adventure in itself.
The Astronomical Clock Some friends and I were playing Hacky Sack in the square, and a bunch of other Americans came by to chill. At the time I thought it was funny that kicking around a bean bag showed our nationality.
My favorite beer & restaurant in prague (by far): Pivovar Bulovky http://www.pivovarubulovky.cz/cz/homebrewing/vybaveni.php You'll need to take a cab there. Trust me, it's worth it. Also, they have some really cool marionettes (wooden puppets). You can sign up for a class to learn how to make one or go to a puppet show, too here: http://www.mozart.cz/. I am not generally a fan of puppets, but they have some amazing pieces of art in Prague. The beer in Prague is the best in the world. This bar is also verry good (and authentic): www.ufleku.cz Be careful and deliberate about where you eat and shop. There are many crappy (and expensive) tourist traps in the main tourist areas. Do your research on Chowhound and elsewhere. Have fun and enjoy!
try and get out of the thick of things if you have time. the old town is a bit contrived and so full of tourists it's almost like disneyland. try and visit some of the other neighborhoods as well to get a real idea of prague.
I'd love to go and my brother has been bugging the ***** out of me and wanting to go... Vegas of Europe huh....hmmmm.
If you get a chance for a day trip, take one to Cesky Krumlov. It is a beautiful town worth seeing for an afternoon. If I remember correctly it is a 140 km drive from Prague, we took the bus which was about a 2 hr trip.
I loved Prague (went it 1998 and 2001). It's a beautiful city that can be enjoyed by simply wandering it and admiring the beautiful little sidestreets and shops. There are some highlights like the castle and the clock tower and the bridges. I ate at a great restaurant called Reykjavik in 2001 and thought it was incredible, but that was 10 years ago and before my palate became more advanced. Some of my best memories are hanging out in the main square enjoying beer and small bits of food for hours while reading and watching the traffic by the clock tower. I also enjoyed a few picnics on little islands on the river that you could get to by stairways on the bridges. There were also some fun tours at night that kicked off by the main square. Hope you have a great time. I'm very envious.
Went to Prague a few years back on a high school trip. When we went to the Jewish quarters, some guy tried to sell us prostis - at 10 in the morning on a weekday, with our chaperones right there. Crazy place... On a more serious note, while it's probably more of a singles thing, I'd recommend a pub crawl. It's a great deal and good way to find some neat places.
