kovsie

We are planning to spend 8 nights in Prague over Christmas, house-sitting for somebody. Then, for the next 4 nights, we have a choice: should we go to one or two of the smaller towns in the Czech Republic, or should we rather go on to a city such as Warsaw in Poland? I realize that this is a very broad question, but would really appreciate some guidance from you who had been there.

adrienne

If you're choosing a Polish city, I would visit either Wroclaw or Krakow as I liked both of them much better than Warsaw. They both have beautiful central squares with cafes and restaurants. Krakow has enough sightseeing to keep you busy for 4 days.

Cities are best for providing activity, especially during the winter. I've visited several small Czech towns off season (May) when the weather was better than in winter and there was not much going on.

Christina

I really love Krakow, and liked Wroclaw a lot, also. Warsaw is pretty far away, I wouldn't go all the way there, and it may not have charm if that's what you want (obviously, it was pretty destroyed and may be rebuilt well, but it's not the same thing).

Or, you could go south in the CR and stay in some nice places, it's up to you. People like Cesky Krumlov, I stayed in Olomouc a couple days and enjoyed it (in Moravia). Depends on your interests. I also found Ceske Budejovice rather interesting, but I didn't stay there overnight.

adrienne

<< Warsaw...may not have charm if that's what you want >>

Other than the old town square area, which was rebuilt, Warsaw is mostly full of Communist era buildings and is fairly ugly. Even the newer buildings are not at all charming and the new stadium is a blight on the landscape. It's also quite spread out so doesn't have the same feel of the other towns mentioned. There are few hotels around the old square (I only know of one hotel) so you'll need to stay elsewhere, unlike Wroclaw and Krakow where you can center yourself near or on the square.

fourfortravel

Another vote for either Krakow or Wroclaw. Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice are both charming, but with 8 days in Prague you should be able to fit in a couple of day trips to other Czech cities to balance your itinerary. And having been to both Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice, you may find the cities too small and with little to do, especially in winter.

rhkkmk

I think cesky krumlov would be beautiful in winter.. it would be nice for 2 nights I think... can do as a day trip also from P..

kja

What are your interests?

kovsie

My interests: people, nature, music, art, history, interesting buildings, old squares, local food, slow travel ...
I am NOT into: shopping, crowds, bling, touristy stuff, having to see it all.
Thanks for the wise words above. I realise now that Warsaw will not be a good choice. I also think a city with ample public transport and indoor stuff will be better in winter. Somebody recommended the spa towns in the west of CR, but my fear is that it will not be good if you cannot go for long walks, etc (with temperatures between 2 and -2C). So it seems as if either Krakow or Wroclaw will be much better. Now: to choose between these two places ... which is your favourite? Adrianne - it seems as if you prefer Krakow?
rhkkmk - I think I will plan a day trip to Chesky Krumlov. Maybe we can spend one night there, then return 'home' to Prague. It feels just a little too much for a daytrip. What do you think?

adrienne

Krakow has more sightseeing than Wroclaw (and more interesting sightseeing) and you can easily fill 4 nights/3 days. If you stay near the main square you'll be able to walk to most sights or take a tram to places a bit farther out if it's too cold to walk.

BTW - it's Cesky Krumlov (not Chesky).

JulieVikmanis

Another vote for Krakow.

JulieVikmanis

Another vote for Krakow.

adrienne

Looks like Julie is giving Krakow Two Thumbs Up!

kovsie

OK thanks a lot Julie and adrienne (x2) and everybody else! CESKY Krumlov and Krakow seem like the places to go to. Any recommendations on where to stay in Krakow - near city centre, middle-of-the-range? Did you have any memorably meals in Prague, Cesky Krumlov or Krakow? Where? adrienne I found your trip report of Sept 2011 - thanks for that too.

kja

Yes, Krakow will be a good choice for you. Given that you have an interest in art, make sure you see Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine." She is currently at Wawel Castle, but check again before you go as that is a temporary residence.
https://www.wawel.krakow.pl/en/index.php?op=13

Leely2

Krakow!

kovsie

Yes, I did think that I would love to visit the particular lady kja! Any recommendations of a central place to stay in Krakow?

kovsie

I am back with new questions. Last time I wrote here, I was sure we would go to Krakow. In the mean time I had an unplanned trip to London (yes, very lucky me). Now I have to make final decisions regarding our Christmas trip. I do know that it is very late.

First problem: there are no direct flights between Krakow and Dubai (where I live) - flights take 11 and more hours, a direct flight from Prague takes 6h30min. So, with reluctance I have to accept that Krakow will have to wait for a next time.

With the renewed plans, I think I will stay in Prague 22- 29 December, visit one smaller town 30 - 31 Dec, go back to Prague on 1 Jan, and fly back from there on 2 Jan.

Question: I have read a bit more on Cesky Krumlov. It seems small (which is good) but very busy (which is not so good for me). One TR describes it as having "shoulder to shoulder tourists" in August. Can anybody recommend another great small town within striking distance of Prague, on the direct train or bus line? Or should I accept that C Krumlov is the answer to this particular question?

Thanks for your patience with this muddled traveller!

maitaitom

Check out (or Czech out) my 2008 trip report (with photos). It might give you some ideas. If you go to Český Krumlov, and the Katakomby restaurant is open, give it a shot. Great food in a unique environment (it's in the report...with photos)

First five days are Prague
Then one day in Český Krumlov (we loved CK by the way)
One night in Olomouc
Four nights in Kraków (loved it there, too)

Have a great trip!

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/Tom_...nice_2008.html

adrienne

I've seen Karlovy Vary mentioned as a town that looks more German than Czech. I've not been there but do a search for some information. This might be a possible town for you.

I visited Cesky Krumlov in May a couple of years ago and the only place I saw a lot of tourists was at the castle area (lots of tour groups). There were few people in the rest of the town and it was dead at night. I can't imagine that there would be many tourists in December. Before planning a trip you should check opening times as it's the holiday season. You can't compare August and December in small towns.

Too bad about Krakow. Can't you get a short flight there from Prague?