amsterdam or prague
Apr 19th, 2011, 07:47 AM
#1
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amsterdam or prague
travelling with 2 older college age kids - suggestions on which city to visit? Do not want to rent cars but train day trips are fine. Amsterdam too druggy? Hotel/apt. suggestions welcome - ok up to $300 USD per night.
Apr 19th, 2011, 08:08 AM
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I would go with Prague, actually. I think there is more to do in Prague, and it's somewhat cheaper.
I'd be more uncomfortable with the sexuality of Amsterdam (with kids in tow) than its drugs. I just remember the sex as more in-your-face than the drugs. Though Amsterdam is a charming city even with its seedy pockets.
I could spend a week in Prague; I couldn't spend a week in Amsterdam.
I've spent about three days in each of them. Prague left me wanting more. Amsterdam was great and I'm glad I went, but I feel I've checked it off my list. But if you're only looking for a couple days or so, than go to Amsterdam. You won't be left with all these things to see left undone...
I'd be more uncomfortable with the sexuality of Amsterdam (with kids in tow) than its drugs. I just remember the sex as more in-your-face than the drugs. Though Amsterdam is a charming city even with its seedy pockets.
I could spend a week in Prague; I couldn't spend a week in Amsterdam.
I've spent about three days in each of them. Prague left me wanting more. Amsterdam was great and I'm glad I went, but I feel I've checked it off my list. But if you're only looking for a couple days or so, than go to Amsterdam. You won't be left with all these things to see left undone...
Apr 19th, 2011, 09:05 AM
#4
Ice cream or pie?
Both are heavily touristed cities and Amsterdam is more of a larger international city in tone. Both have lots to do and see and both have history and interesting architecture. How many days to you have? What are the kid's interests? BTW, I disagree with danon about Prague being more formal - IMO it is not formal at all. Don't concern yourself about drugs in Amsterdam - they are there, but not in your face unless you are staying in a hostel or cheap hotel.
Prague is unique in its beauty and has a lot to be discovered by the visitor - as mentioned, it's also less expensive. If you have time, there are a few places that make for good day or overnight trips from Prague. However, if you want to take day trips, Amsterdam is a rail hub and your choices are much wider and more convenient. If you have the time and finances, it doesn't take long to fly to Prague from Amsterdam - so, perhaps both?
At the risk of repeating my other posts about Amsterdam, we stayed in Haarlem and day tripped into Amsterdam. That allowed us to experience a delightful small Dutch city and the convenience of 4 trains per hour into Amsterdam - it is a fifteen minute ride. Hotels in Haarlem are a better value as well.
Both are heavily touristed cities and Amsterdam is more of a larger international city in tone. Both have lots to do and see and both have history and interesting architecture. How many days to you have? What are the kid's interests? BTW, I disagree with danon about Prague being more formal - IMO it is not formal at all. Don't concern yourself about drugs in Amsterdam - they are there, but not in your face unless you are staying in a hostel or cheap hotel.
Prague is unique in its beauty and has a lot to be discovered by the visitor - as mentioned, it's also less expensive. If you have time, there are a few places that make for good day or overnight trips from Prague. However, if you want to take day trips, Amsterdam is a rail hub and your choices are much wider and more convenient. If you have the time and finances, it doesn't take long to fly to Prague from Amsterdam - so, perhaps both?
At the risk of repeating my other posts about Amsterdam, we stayed in Haarlem and day tripped into Amsterdam. That allowed us to experience a delightful small Dutch city and the convenience of 4 trains per hour into Amsterdam - it is a fifteen minute ride. Hotels in Haarlem are a better value as well.
Apr 19th, 2011, 09:45 AM
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We went to Amsterdam a couple summers ago and are going to Prague this summer - so I can't compare and contrast the cities yet 
But I can say that we had a great time in Amsterdam - we spent almost a week there. It is a fun city with a lot going on. I wouldn't worry about the drugs - the most common drug is nicotine with pot as a distant second. Pot just gets a lot of press because of the novelty of being able to use it in public. You can't smoke it in most restaurants or bars - only coffeeshops and places where they have a specific license. And then outside, you can smoke. So unless you are particularly uptight about pot, I wouldn't worry about it. As for the RLD, it is a relatively small area that is easy to avoid if you want - although there are some good sites there too.
But I can say that we had a great time in Amsterdam - we spent almost a week there. It is a fun city with a lot going on. I wouldn't worry about the drugs - the most common drug is nicotine with pot as a distant second. Pot just gets a lot of press because of the novelty of being able to use it in public. You can't smoke it in most restaurants or bars - only coffeeshops and places where they have a specific license. And then outside, you can smoke. So unless you are particularly uptight about pot, I wouldn't worry about it. As for the RLD, it is a relatively small area that is easy to avoid if you want - although there are some good sites there too.
Apr 19th, 2011, 10:18 AM
#6
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IMHO while Amsterdam is charming Prague is fascinating. both have been mobbed with students forever.
Amsterdam is not druggy unless that's what the kids focus on. Prague is not formal - but is a well-preserved midieval city (full of students, bars, pubs, music and everything students would want).
the only substantive differences are:
English is almost universally spoken in Amsterdam - and widely but not universally in Prague
Amsterdam is more expensive than Prageu
Amsterdam is not druggy unless that's what the kids focus on. Prague is not formal - but is a well-preserved midieval city (full of students, bars, pubs, music and everything students would want).
the only substantive differences are:
English is almost universally spoken in Amsterdam - and widely but not universally in Prague
Amsterdam is more expensive than Prageu
Apr 19th, 2011, 10:25 AM
#7
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Thanks! Any suggestions of where to stay in either city? We are leaning towards Prague but will take a family vote! We need 2 bedrooms - like luxury but looking to spend $300-350 usd per night.
Apr 19th, 2011, 11:04 AM
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There are lots of day trips from Prague - Kutna Hora, Krivoklat Castle, Konopiste Castle, Karlstejn Castle - or with one night away, somewhere very special, try Cesky Krumlov. Amsterdam is a lovely city but I think Prague (and the Czech Republic) win on variety, price and beer!
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/kutna_hora_1.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/czech_republic_krivoklat.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/czech_rep...ste_castle.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/cesky_krumlov_photos.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/kutna_hora_1.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/czech_republic_krivoklat.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/czech_rep...ste_castle.htm
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/cesky_krumlov_photos.htm
Apr 19th, 2011, 11:14 AM
#10
A good download for Prague. www.inyourpocket.com/czech-republic/prague Click on instant.
Apr 19th, 2011, 11:40 AM
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Liked Prague,<i>love</i> Amsterdam. Amsterdam has a hip young vibe that I like (and no, I'm not into drugs )
If you search these boards, you will find many discussions on Prague. Many people love it and think it has a fairy-tale quality. Others think it is overrated. I fall somewhere in-between. Either city would be a good choice--just a matter of personal preference.
If you choose Prague, I recommend staying in or near Old Town.
http://goo.gl/Xf8ap
http://goo.gl/zSXP2
) If you search these boards, you will find many discussions on Prague. Many people love it and think it has a fairy-tale quality. Others think it is overrated. I fall somewhere in-between. Either city would be a good choice--just a matter of personal preference.
If you choose Prague, I recommend staying in or near Old Town.
http://goo.gl/Xf8ap
http://goo.gl/zSXP2
Apr 19th, 2011, 12:07 PM
#12
For example in Prague, the Hotel Metamorphis - a fine upscale hotel in a prime old town location would cost somewhere between $350 and $400/night before taxes in mid May total for two rooms. Somewhat less if using the non refundable internet special pricing. The room rate includes breakfast and wi-fi.
Apr 19th, 2011, 12:26 PM
#13
I also liked Prague and loved Amsterdam. Spent a week in Amsterdam and can't wait to return. I found Prague mobbed with toursits and hawkers selling tourists all kinds of shows, excursions, etc.I'm glad I saw prague but have no desire to go back there.
Apr 19th, 2011, 02:18 PM
#14
Been to each city three times and would go back to both. We were there during the summer months and I found it very busy in both cities. However, we love to meet tourists, so don't concern ourselves with too many. We are there to see the architecture and they are both lovely cities, Prague being the oldest. Richard A little history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam
Apr 23rd, 2011, 07:17 AM
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My husband and I are going to both Prague (4 nights) and Amsterdam (3 nights) as part of our visit to see friends in Mainz and Berlin Germany this summer. You can save tons of $ if you get an apartment, or bid on Priceline name your own price. The Amsterdam tripadvisor forum has tons of information on how to bid, as well as which hotels and for what prices people are winning on Priceline name your own price. This is the first time that we have bid on Priceline name your own price and got the 5 star Prague Marriott for $79 per night and the 4 star NH Amsterdam City Centre for $85 per night for early-mid August. Both get good reviews. You can bid for more than one room at a time so can stay together in the same hotel. You can also bid on a 5 star for both cities if interested.
