Just spent 10 days in Prague with a group of architects; first visit for most of us. I followed the advice offered in this forum from other travelers including innoculations and guarding my belongings. Despite my overly zealous (I thought) nature, someone managed to lift my new camera while I was in the post office buying stamps. My eyes couldn't have been averted more than 10 seconds. Prague is a splendid, if cold, city. She is rich in buildings, art, music, garnets and glass. Our weather was perfectly awful but reinforced the ambivalent nature of the city...bright sun for a few hours, then cold snow and rain. Our guide advised us to avoid the train station near Wenceslas Square, we did. Frankly if our hotel had not been near the square I would have avoided it at all costs at night. There is open prostitution and I saw drug use in the Muzeum metro stop (at the top of the square). There are tons of Americans and English in Prague; in fact, I heard English more than any language other than Czech (I expected it would be German). We bought the Prague Post and religiously referred to their restaurant suggestions...never off the mark. Food is a bargain and once you've had your fill of potato dumplings and lard-laced pancakes, there are lots of delicious options. Very glad I went, but a return trip probably isn't on the agenda. When we used taxis we established our destination ahead of time and agreed on the fare in advance...it worked out fine. I think the most moving thing I witnessed was the old Jewish Cemetery, it speaks volumes about humanity...the most amusing, all the goings on in Old Town Square. The Easter Egg tree was constructed and assembled...great fun to see all that color with snow as the backdrop. Service is inconsistent, some folks still linger in Socialist ways. I found Prague another sad beauty. WATCH THOSE PURSES AND CAMERAS!

Two years ago, we passed through Prague and stayed for a few days...and it was about the same as you described your trip, only our weather was warmer. An American woman had her purse slashed with a razor in the subway station in front of the Forum Hotel, the stop just before Museum. This despite our warnings to her to watch herself and her possessions. There appeared to be a lot of young drifters, druggies, and grungies about, especially around the Square at dusk. In shops, however, young persons who dealt with us could not have been nicer.
They told us many of those bums were not Czech, but drifted in and through Prague to places where the weather would fit their clothes. Quite a few, we found in talking with them were German (we speak the language) and had been paid by their families to get lost. Sad.

Al, whadd'ya think. After biking from Heidelberg to Fussen, we train to Munich and pick up a car. Being of a Teutonic bent I go from here to there,straight away. My wife likes side trips. OK, get the car in Munich, drive towards Linz and then north to Ceske Krumlov. Then Praha, we have a car where do we stay OUT of town, what do we see in town. We pick up the car in Munich on May 6 and return it to Frankfurt on May 12. I've made reservations for Weisbaden the night of May 11, which I've designated a driving day. I'm still formulating a plan, respect your suggestions. (I hate the word "input").

Sewers are being installed (in accordance with UNESCO) in Krumlov...much worth the trip, however. Ever heard the expression, "wouldn't be caught dead with a car in Praha." Truth is you might be...drivers never learned about brakes. Pedestrians could be considered obstacles; Karlstein is worthy also if you can ignore all the tourist stuff. Incredible view.

Have fun!

Hi, Reb,

Just read your note about your Prague experience. We're thinking about going there in May. It seems to be a real highlight for places to visit on this forum. I was wondering what innoculations you had to have to visit in the Czech republic. Could you tell me and also give some more info on clean and cheap B&B's?

Joyce

We stayed in a hotel booked through CEDOK...I recommend their services. It is owned by the govt I believe and I am told that booking through them saves a bundle of money. Find their number on the net or in any tour books...they have offices in New York.

I had Hep A, a Polio booster, Tetanus and Diptheria. They recommended that we carry the innoculation cert just in case of illness. It may seem like a over reaction, but I felt more comfortable.

I think, now that the dust has settled a bit, that I would return to Prague to tour on my own. It was immensely helpful to have had the guide on the first outing! I learned so much.

They will have elections soon; talk about different politics. Enjoy your trip! If I can offer more help, write to me directly.

Our daughter was an exchange student in H.S. staying in Prague for her Spring semester(last year). We arrived in Munich and took a train to Prague to visit her. First impressions were misleading, expecially in contrast to the modernism,efficiency and cleanliness of Munich. Prague is a beautiful city, gentle, and kind people(our Czech daughter is unselfish and appreciative of the smallest thing).Prague is rich in history-buildings are beautiful, cobble stone interwining streets, tons of tourists, cheap and good food(try the veal with cream and cranberry sauce), oplatky's (wavers sold on streets), leek soup, and blintze's. Because of Communism leaving, much is being restored. Charles Bridge and Praha castle are one of a kind-magical. She experienced no problems in 4 months there,but she warned us to beware of gypsies(a problem the govt is facing). Be sensible. In crowded areas, like the bottom of Charles Bridge, hold onto your bag in congested tourist areas. I spotted a gypsy teenager eyeing my pocketbook. I felt safe in Prague, so did my daughter. She spent many nights on the Bridge and in tea houses. She traveled the tram alone. Yes, Wenceslas square has prostitution, but so did Times Square. Prague is a beautiful city. I am sorry there are those that see or experienced it differently. This was our first trip to Europe, and I would go back to Prague. I wish them luck in their restoration. It will be a shinging jewel one
day. There are many parts that shine right now-the area by the clock that rotates is especially beautiful.

Our daughter was an exchange student in H.S. staying in Prague for her Spring semester(last year). We arrived in Munich and took a train to Prague to visit her. First impressions were misleading, expecially in contrast to the modernism,efficiency and cleanliness of Munich. Prague is a beautiful city, gentle, and kind people(our Czech daughter is unselfish and appreciative of the smallest thing).Prague is rich in history-buildings are beautiful, cobble stone interwining streets, tons of tourists, cheap and good food(try the veal with cream and cranberry sauce), oplatky's (wavers sold on streets), leek soup, and blintze's. Because of Communism leaving, much is being restored. Charles Bridge and Praha castle are one of a kind-magical. She experienced no problems in 4 months there,but she warned us to beware of gypsies(a problem the govt is facing). Be sensible. In crowded areas, like the bottom of Charles Bridge, hold onto your bag in congested tourist areas. I spotted a gypsy teenager eyeing my pocketbook. I felt safe in Prague, so did my daughter. She spent many nights on the Bridge and in tea houses. She traveled the tram alone. Yes, Wenceslas square has prostitution, but so did Times Square. Prague is a beautiful city. I am sorry there are those that see or experienced it differently. This was our first trip to Europe, and I would go back to Prague. I wish them luck in their restoration. It will be a shinging jewel one
day. There are many parts that shine right now-the area by the clock that rotates is especially beautiful.

The six weeks since I returned from Prague has softened my feelings about the stolen camera. The original point, however, is that this rich city contains some dishonest people (as every city)...BE CAREFUL. Prague has immense charm and history!

Perhaps I shall return someday!

I loved Pruge so much. It did remind me of something out of a horror movie. I loved that town center with alll the people seeling things and the St. Charles bridge with the musicans and shows. I loved how cheap the china and crystal was. I hope it is still like that because I am going back soon. If it is tell me. I need to get some china. Well i am glad that you had fun.

It is still just like that and the crystal (away of the center) is still reasonable albeit a little heavy to carry (we did anyway). Garnet jewelry is also a great deal!