Prague itinerary advice

Old Feb 26th, 2017, 01:58 PM
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Prague itinerary advice

I am taking a short trip to Prague with a friend at the end of April. We are active mid 40 year olds so hiking or long walking tours will not be a problem for us. We are part of a group so we have some preselected tours but a little free time as well and we're looking for some advice on choices and what to do with one full day...we've always wanted to travel to Prague and have heard wonderful things so we'd like to maximize our short time there
Here is our itinerary right now:
Arrive mid afternoon Wednesday
Thursday free day after 11am we wanted to see if there were recommendations for this day either in Prague for must see things or would there be enough time to take a trip to either Chesky Krumlov or Kutna Hora?
Friday excursion to Terezin
Saturday a choice between Karlsteijn Castle, Nizbor factory, or Prague Castle
Right now we've chosen Karlsreijn Castle but if someone has another suggestion that could be better we are open to it... we also do not have to attend one of these excursions and could possibly go to Kutna Hora this day
What are must see things?
Thanks in advance!
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Old Feb 26th, 2017, 02:15 PM
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You're asking for stuff to see without telling us what's included on your tour.

Take the first step and then you won't get answers that would simply have you repeat what your tour will include.

And don't go to a bloody factory. Those tours are boring and simply a sales op for the factory and the tour company.
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Old Feb 26th, 2017, 03:15 PM
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I've been to Prague twice. The first time, I didn't make it to Kutna Hora and kicked myself for missing it - the bone church looked so cool! On the second visit, I made it to Kutna Hora - and was a bit disappointed. The bone church is really cool, for sure, but it's small, and it didn't really seem worth the extra effort to get out there and back from Prague (I stopped with a car which made it easier, but still not sure it was worth the effort).

You can check the bus schedules for Cesky Krumlov. It might be a short day visit if you have to leave after 11 and return late to Prague, but you might be able to squeeze it in, if you're willing to spend a lot of time on a bus in one day. Cesky Krumlov is a cute little town, though.

But my favorite thing about going to Prague is just WALKING AROUND. It's a charming town and a compact walking town. Try not to pack so much into your days there that you don't have time just to relax and wander around Prague itself. I thought Berlin just the opposite: it is a big, sprawling city that I didn't find particularly charming, but there are a ton of historical sites I wanted to. For me, Prague was more about the charm, the views, the walking - loved it, even though it is very touristy now!
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Old Feb 26th, 2017, 08:11 PM
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Sorry BigRuss I don't have more information than what I've listed for our itinerary thus far.
Andrew thanks for the input, in your opinion do you think Thursday would be enough to walk and explore or would you cancel
The excursion Saturday to Karlesteijn castle and stay in Prague proper?
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Old Feb 26th, 2017, 08:44 PM
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I loved exploring Prague on my own so if I were you I probably wouldn't overpack my time there with a bunch of tours that take you outside the city. But I'm guessing some of this stuff is pre-paid?

If I were you I'd make an effort to go to the castle complex. It will be mobbed but it's very interesting; I'd probably stay in the city and do this on Saturday and then you could add on other activities in town. The Municipal House (timed entry) is great. And I very much appreciated seeing the Jewish sites in Josefov.

Walking around Prague is a joy, as Andrew says--the city is quite beautiful. There are also many wonderful churches and museums. There's just a lot to do and see in Prague, in my estimation. Enjoy!
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Old Feb 26th, 2017, 09:04 PM
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I haven't been to Karlštejn Castle, but I'd hate to pre-book anything like that ahead of time. I'd rather have it as an option for Saturday - and if you feel by then you have seen enough of Prague to be satisfied, go to the castle. A quick google shows its easy to get there on your own by train.

However (because I was curious), I noticed reading Trip Advisor's page on the castle that the highlight, according to one reviewer, is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which isn't even open in April:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...view_462441604

I know what that reviewer is talking about about the inside of the castle being not that impressive otherwise; I had the same feeling about Burg Eltz in Germany: an impressive castle on the outside but not so much inside. Based on that review, personally I wouldn't waste my time on Karlštejn castle myself (at least in April), but I've also been to enough castles in my life now to be happy if I never see another one.
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Old Feb 26th, 2017, 10:14 PM
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Have to agree with the suggestions for more time in Prague and fewer day trips.

On Saturday mornings Prague's farmer's markets come alive; our favorites are the market beneath Vysehrad fortress (also worth seeing for its views) and at Holesovice. A market stroll in the morning and the castle in the afternoon might be a nice day. Yes, the castle complex will likely be crowded, but if you consider the significance of the complex in its entirety you'lll appreciate your visit much more.

The Jewish Quarter makes for a good walk; keep in mind the cemetery is closed on Saturdays.

Just my €0,02, but none of us found Kutna Hora to be a, "Must See" kind of place, and were glad we saved it for a subsequent visit to Prague. Our first visit to Cesky Krumlov was as a day trip from Prague and included a castle tour with time for lunch and a little bit of sightseeing in the town; though we enjoyed the day, we had a much better time on an overnight en route home and with our own itinerary.

I hope this is helpful.
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Old Feb 27th, 2017, 07:47 AM
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Thanks to everyone who has responded so far. It's all very helpful! If we skip the trip to karsteijn castle and stay closer to prahueproper many mentioned the castle complex, is this in Prague? And would we have to pre-arrange a tour? We both actually prefer to do things on our own versus going with a tour group so if it's something we can do on our own we'd be more than fine with that...
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Old Feb 27th, 2017, 09:46 AM
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Yes, it's in Prague, up on the hill.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Castle
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