Prague - Jewel In The Crown Of The Former Eastern Block Capital Cities (Prague)

Member Name: geebobuk

Product:	Prague
Date:	25/08/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful Buildings. Variety of things to do. Good hotels at decent prices.

Disadvantages: Pickpockets

I would never buy one of those tacky tee-shirts proclaiming "I Love Prague" but I do love Prague, so much so that I have been there either eight or nine times now for short breaks. I may have lost count of the number of visits but each time I have been back I have found something new to enjoy.

If you enjoy a quiet drink in classy surroundings or a trip to a castle or shall we say the more adult side of life then Prague has it all.

The only word of warning I would give you in terms of going to the castle is that it used to be closed on a Monday so please check before visiting as it is a long walk up a steep hill to be disappointed. Having said that there are some wonderful views looking back down the hill.

Other reviewers have mentioned the weather and yes it does rain and it can be cold, even in May, but in my opinion Prague is not somewhere to go for the weather. Having said that I have not been in mid winter but I am sure it is very picturesque when there is snow lying on the ground.

The architecture is absolutely superb. The National Opera House is a good example but there are so many wonderful buildings to look at. Even if you are not interested in architecture you will find it difficult not to be impressed by what you see.

There are numerous restaurants and bars to visit. Whether you wish to visit one of the many traditional Czech bars or one of the themed tourist bars such as "Caffrey Bar" or the "George & Dragon", both of which are just off the main old town square, you will be made welcome.

If you want to spend a little less on drinks you are still better off using the traditional bars as opposed to the aforementioned theme bars where the prices are typically similar to what you would expect to see in the UK.

For other entertainment I would certainly recommend a boat trip down the Vltava followed by lunch in one of the cafe bars that stand alongside the river. Both are easily accessible by crossing the Charles Bridge and taking a trip down one of the numerous sets of staircases that shoot off from the bridge.

Whilst on the bridge you may wish to listen to one of the many buskers or have your portrait drawn by an artist. On an evening you will often see fire-eaters & the occasional sword swallower. Imagine a foreign version of Covent Garden and this will give you a good idea of what to expect on the Charles Bridge.

Whilst my travels have been so far confined to Europe, I have visited quite a few capital cities and this is the best so far.

A couple of final things to watch out for. Be careful of pickpockets & don't exchange money in the street. If you are going to use the excellent tram service or the metro, do buy a ticket. If you don't and get caught you will be fined, I've seen it happen!

If you get the opportunity to go, whatever time of year, you must go.

Summary: Prague is somewhere you must go before you die.