My husband and i are going to Prague the first week of December. We would love some recommendations on the weather, what to pack, what to buy, where to eat, and also what we MUST see. We only have 2 days there (Wednesday morning 12/6 to Friday morning 12/8), so we want to maximize it, but also not run ourselves ragged.

About us - we are mid/late 30s, no kids, love art/architecture, local food ("dives" included), shopping, swanky lounges. We usually spend our days grabbing breakfast at the hotel, sightseeing/shopping all day with a sit-down authentic local lunch, then winding down with a nice dinner (up to $150 for 2 with 2 courses dinner and drinks), followed by drinks at a swanky or colorful bar/lounge.

thank you so much for any and all advice!!

I did a few days in Prague last December. It was cold and dreary. Besides that city is amazing to see. Statues and amazing buildings galore. There is a nice chrismas market and I had great food. Just be careful of the pickpockets as I had an issue in the train station.

Heres a few pictures:
http://tinyurl.com/yhokp9
http://tinyurl.com/y5qntc
http://tinyurl.com/yj7skl

Have fun!

One unusual thing about 30min outside of Prague is the Bone Church. I mention it because you are into architecture...and this is certainly something you won't see anywhere else

The entire inside of the church is made of bones.

If you click on my name (and scroll down some), you'll see a trip report for Czech Republic and Austria. I have more info there.

You can also go to: http://www.kostnice.cz/

Enjoy

Kevin

bones museum looks interesting... and a bit creepy! thanks for the advice -- it's something we probably wouldn't have found on our own.

any other suggestions? thank you!

hehe...it really isn't that creepy Also, it is much smaller than it seems. Smaller than churches here in America.

Anyway, a few other comments...

1) Be careful eating in restaurants. You'll be given bread which you might think is free...it most likely is not. If you don't eat any I don't think you'll be charged, but if you have any you will be.

2) Walking up to the castle is pretty cool. Amazing views of the city and cool shops along the way.

3) St. Charles Bridge (esp. since you like architecture). Cool stuff looks down on you as you look up on it

Lostmymind, your images are fantastic! Cold and dreary has never looked so good

We have been to Prague twice in December. On our second trip, we visited the Bone Church at Sedlec. Unless you drive yourself, you can pretty much count on it taking a significant part of one day. There are several tour companies that run tours to the Bone Church, but it is typically included as one stop on a tour to Kutna Hora. The town of Kutna Hora is nice/interesting, and the Bone Church is, of course, a novelty. Many people suggest Cesky Krumlov as a nicer day trip, however.

With only two days in Prague, however, I would not suggest any day trips. I'd spend one day on each side of the river.

In the Old City, you should see the Old Town Square/Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter/Old Jewish Cemetary/Synagogues. There are several towers that you can climb for great views.

In the New Town (Mala Strana), the Castle is a must. This is a large complex, which includes the medieval cathedral of St. Vitus, the tiny old houses of the Golden Lane, and various palaces and museums. We saw a fabulous exhibit of Lucas Cranach when we were there in December 2005. The castle also has a changing of the guard every hour. The guards look great in their winter uniforms, which were designed by the costume designer from Amadeus.

Our favorite thing to do is stroll the Charles Bridge, looking at the wares and listening to the musicians.

Prague is on the Central european plain - so December can be chilly - but it can also be really cold and snowy. We were therer a couple of years ago and it was relatively pleasant but a couple of days after we left they had substantial snow. So - be prepared with warm layers and good waterproof shoes or boots.

Thank you Nutella!

Go to the Church of Our Lady Victorious and see the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, hear a concert, see a pantomime (Prague is famous for its pantomime theater), see the Mucha Museum, see Old Town Square, Tyne Church and the Astronomical Clock, Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathredral, the tiny old houses of the Golden Lane and Charles Bridge.

Buy Garnets! Buy a Russian military style fur hat!

Dress for cold and snow. That fur hat will come in handy!

We were there in spring, so I'm no help with suggestions about winter travel. I have a long file on Prague that I compiled when planning our trip three years ago. I think most of the info is still reliable and I'd be happy to send it to you. If you would like it, just e-mail me. Prague is a wonderful city and I imagine beautiful any time of year for different reasons!

www.livingprague.com is a very useful website
this website has a lot of Prague links
http://p104.ezboard.com/feuropetogof...picID=36.topic
Fodors under Destinations (see the top of this page) has a lot of good information on Prague

ttt

I think the idea to skip any day trips & spend 1 day in Mala Strana & 1 day in Old Town is the best use of time. Hit the castle one day. Start from the top, then walk down Nerudova Street, stopping in shops, eating & maybe visiting St Nicholas Church. Maybe grab dinner on Kampa Island. Top it off with a romantic stroll across the bridge at night.

The other day - explore Old Town. Check out the square, then either visit the synagogue area, or head towards the Municipal House for great architecture. Wander around the streets with a guide book & admire the facades of old buildings. Then catch a concert at the State Opera, or the Estates Theater, or the National Theater, or the Rudolfinum, or in a church. (Or at the Municipal House).

You might enjoy that "Fred & Ginger" building on the river (has a restaurant at the top). Look in the Old Town area or Wenceslas Square for hip places. The Prague Post is a must read (English newspaper, also online). Many tips on restaurants & happenings. Also, In Your Pocket has recommendations for food. Swanky places, like "Hot" on Wenceslas Square, or "Barock" on Parizska, are becoming more common.

Where will you be staying? Maybe I can suggest a bar near your hotel, for a nightcap!

Some of the best local restaurants that I've eaten at in Prague were just by accident (and could probably not find my way back to ;-). I would recommend wandering around (sometimes down small alleys) until you find one that suits you. I've also noted that generally the best local dishes are served where little or no English is spoken. So you might look for places that fit this description.

With your interest in art and architecture, you'll truly enjoy Prague. Have a great trip.

with the time you have and short hours of sunlight, don't do any daytrips, just enjoy the beauties of Prague