Leely2

Try to get over and into the big parks. I took several runs from our apartment (sounds like it was very near yours, ours was in Hastalska Square) along the river and up through Letenske Sady. Excellent views and very peaceful.

Have fun!

Leely2

Sorry, I guess it's Letna Park. I also liked Petrin Park and the library at the Strahov Monastery.

crosscheck

We saw all that today on a segway tour. Not as much exercise as jogging, but it was a fun eco-friendly way to see the city, marvel at the panoramic vistas and experience a bit of nature. Had a wonderful dinner tonight at Hergetova Cihelna, right on the river.

laurieco

@crosscheck, I hope you're having fun in Prague. If you see something fantastic off the beaten track, eat something great someplace, please let us know!

crosscheck

@leely2, We were on Hastalska Street right down the block from you - perfect area!
@laurieco, Prague is spectacular, but there is a tacky package tour vibe, so try to visit the top sights on weekdays and late in the day. Had to skip the Kafka museum because the line was too long. Will write a trip report when I return because I've received so much help here, but here are some highlights:

- pragueonsegway.com (sounds cheesy, but super fun and the best orientation to the city)
- Karlstejn Castle day trip (Czech friends took us, great to see the countryside)
- Mindmaze.com (truly off the beaten track...challenging alchemy game in nontouristy area)
- Library mentioned above by Leely2
And, the usual must-dos:
- Jewish quarter, get the audio guide
- Ascend clock tower at sunset (photographer's paradise, surprisingly not packed)
Restaurants:
Hergetova Cihelna, continental splurge next to the Charles Bridge - didn't feel touristy
Lokal (full of locals) - Czech cuisine in a cool beer hall
Bakeshop - I'm not a pastry person, but still dreaming of the chocolate croissants
And...if you get sick of Czech food:
Nostress (French/Asian fusion - delicious, amazing service, truly no stress)
Al Dente - like being in Italy for the evening

We're in Hvar, Croatia now - contender for the winning combo of beaches and architecture in Europe...and the best seafood on the planet. Having a blast, but sadly, like Prague, this place is not undiscovered. Fascinating mix of celebs on yachts and stylish backpackers. The new Italy? The new Greece?

Leely2

I had a mini ham and cheese croissant at Bakeshop that I still think about a year later.

The French patisserie kitty-corner from Bakeshop had one of the most delicious chocolate chip cookies ever, too. A kind of unusual interpretation but so good.

laurieco, if you like Modern art, you can escape the mobs of tourists by visiting Veletrzni Palace. I really enjoyed my visit there, interesting collection, a cool building, a/c!!!, and totally uncrowded. Would have liked to go to DOX too but ran out of time.

http://www.ngprague.cz/en/

Leely2

http://www.ngprague.cz/en/objekt-det...etrzni-palace/

A better link.

laurieco

Thanks crosscheck! It sounds like you are having a great time! And thanks Leely as well. I'm going to be printing out all these suggestions.

I'm hoping that since we're going at the end of October and will be there the first week of November, there won't be the hordes of tourists that are there now. At least I'm hoping that it will be less crowded.

Afrankel

Maximilian Hotel is amazing. It is located in the center of Prague and the staff are very friendly. There are also a lot of restaurants in that area as well as all of the bars. They also have a great buffet every morning for breakfast that is included in cost of the hotel.

Alex_Sha

There are hotel locations in Prague center on the map http://maps.furkl.com/?c=50.0878,14.421&z=16&t=lodging .
Zoom in and see more

crosscheck

The Maximilian was right down the block from our apartment. Perfect location and seemed like a very cool hotel.