GoSox

I cannot think of a way to say this that does not sound trite but this is a stunningly beautiful city. For those of you who have been going for years - I wonder about how much change you have seen in the last 15 years (judging from all the American influence I saw) and if you think this trend will make this Prague disappear before too long. I think it is the hilly topography, the color and the architecture - all sitting on top of itself which gives Prague its unique look.

It took some courage but I finally ventured into the metro on day 3 and found it was as easy to use as had been reported. Spotless and bright. One problem I was having was in getting my sense of direction. This was exacerbated by the fact that the metro map on the inside back cover of Fodor's guidebook is twisted to the wrong orientation.

On my second day in the city I took the tram from the outskirts - where I had gone for a lacrosse game - into the city to the castle. Although slower than the metro it gave me a chance to see people and places and get my bearings. After touring the castle and seeing all of the city below, I walked down to my hotel in the Old Town. I felt good about finding it and it gave me confidence to explore more.

Weather was very warm and too humid for my taste. I would not have been happy in a hotel without a/c.

I found the food to be very good and low in price. We were all having trouble with not tipping as we do in the states but then I figured no one would be insulted if we left too much.

I have a question for Jason - I bought a painting from a vendor at the market in Old Town Square. The artist was proported to be the best in Prague and I certainly believe that! Unfortunately the vendor had little English and no information about the artist. I though you might know something. The painting is signed "M.V." and the vendor told me that last name is Vladimir and he is from the Ukraine. Do you know who this might be?

I did feel safe for the most part as a solo woman traveler - actually there were times when I felt everyone on the street in central Pargue was a tourist. While taking a photo on the Charles Bridge a young man came much closer to me than he needed to. I pulled my bag in and moved away - he did also - but in that crowd, anything could happen. There was a bag stolen from the shoulder of someone just sitting down in the evening at one of the cafes just off Old Town Square. There appeared to be a well dressed woman accomplice who had engaged the victim in conversation just before the snatch was made. The guy was stopped and arrested.

That is it from here. Another adventure.

Cassandra

Asking for a friend: where did you stay?

(And I won't ask which "Sox&quot

elaine

so glad to hear you enjoyed your trip.

sandi_travelnut

There's been a lot of Prague questions posted recently..maybe you can jump in and help them out since the metro and such are fresh on your mind.

Maria_H

We first visited Prague in '91 and we have seen a lot of changes since then. On the good side, there has been a lot renovation since then but a lot of the changes haven't been quite so positive. There wasn't much for the tourist to buy back then, apart from cut glass, now there are too many tacky tourist shops. A lot of the restaurants were pretty indifferent but there was no McDonalds or other fast food outlets. It's always been a tourist destination but now there are often too many tourists, including the awful "stag" and "hen" parties. The people now have more freedom but freedom to make the same mistakes as other western countries too. Change is inevitable but Prague is still beautiful and unique and I hope it will not be spoilt in the future.

sassygirl

My husband and I fell in love with Prague on our first trip there in 2000. We returned in 2004, and it was a little more crowded, a little more touristy, but we still loved it. I would return in a minute.

amp322

I still remember my first trip there 8 years ago. I was staying in a friend's apartment, and had to travel across town on the metro to buy a lightbulb, because it was the weekend & no stores were open other than Kotva! These days, there are 24 hour hypermarts in every section. It's a little less exotic, now that all the commercial stores & corporations have infiltrated the city, but it's also more accessible, so you can explore with more confidence. Much has changed, but the beautiful architecture is always a treat, and will keep that city a jewel forever.

GoSox

I had a reservation for the Hotel Josef and also booked a driver to pick me up at the airport. It was not expensive and I knew I would be tired. As it turned out, the hotel was having trouble with smoke detectors going off. They booked me into the Hotel Paris and the driver took me there. This was a very lovely old hotel - the kind I usually choose - but I thought it would be fun to try something different. The second day the problems were solved and Hotel Josef took care of moving my luggage. So I ended up experiencing both places. Hotel Paris is prettier but costs more. I paid the Hotel Josef rate as though I had stayed there the whole time. Service at both places was very good. Better breakfast at Hotel Josef. Great linens in both. I would happily stay in either place again and I am fussy about where I stay.

nrpsydoc

Do you know anything about the Iron Gate Hotel? Your trip sounds wonderful.