denis

My flight from Amsterdam to Prague was delayed by 1 hour because of heavy flight traffic at the Prague airport. The new terminal 2 is now open. When we got to the Prague airport, there was only 1 person at immigration and it was an EU line. They apparently were not prepared for us. They shortly got more help, but it seems like they never have more than 3 people at immigration. It had snowed some in Prague when I first got there, but it soon melted. It was overcast while I was there, but still enjoyed my stay there. There were a lot of sales going on in the stores. I had flight back to Amsterdam on a sunday. I got to the airport around 9 in the morning. They have checkin and immigration also in the new terminal. There was no line at checkin. The new terminal is really nice. There was no line at immigration, but as soon as I got through immigration, there is a security check. It is about 20 foot from immigration and all lines were full. It was not bad to get through security. The flight left on time. I had an overnight stay in Amsterdam. I was able to get my checked in bag sent on to my flight the next day. I had a carry on bag and a bag of things that I had bought in Prague. My Prague bag I left in a locker at the airport. I took the train into Amsterdam for the first time. It was pretty easy to do. At ever stop into Amsterdam, there was an announcement to watch your bags. That there were pickpockets on board the train. I had no problems. I had a hotel near Central Station and the walk was not bad. They have construction going on in front of Central Station. It also looks like they have construction going on at the Victoria Hotel. The weather in Amsterdam was brutal. I could only stay out a short time. The wind coming off the sea was almost unbearable. I caught train back to airport and it was again easy. The flight home was delayed around 2 hours. They had to change a wheel. Overall it was a nice trip.

Travelnut

so what did you see..??

denis

This was just a relaxation trip from work. I did the usual sightseeing in old town and Josefov. I never know when I can get off from work. I usually don't have much time to plan a trip. I do a lot of shopping while I am in Prague. I also have my favorite restraunts that I go to.

milliondollarbbw

Would you recommend visiting Amsterdam? All my friends are suggesting going, but I don't know much about the area. Is it easy to traverse even if you don't speak the language?

starrsville

English.

denis

I have been to Amsterdam several times. I would recommend Amsterdam for a visit, but suggest you go there when it is warm. Most dutch people speak english. It is easy to get around the city.

Graziella5b

We have been very luck then because we stayed in Amsterdam between the 19 and 22 Feb and wether was just good, pleasant enough to walk around , taking a few trams here and there.
Regarding the problems that might arise in the train
from the airport to downtown, we were very happy with a little more expensive COnnextion van, round trip was 19 eur. door to door to our hotel.

Tiff

Hi Denis,

I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Prague. It's on my city wish list, ha.

You mentioned that you always go to some favorite restaurants. Which ones?

Thanks, Tiff

sylbea

We are going in June. What did you find that was interesting to shop for in Prague? I am glad you had a good time, we are very excited to go also.

denis

Amsterdam: I have taken the van from the airport. I prefer the van also. I had never taken the train and read where some people like to take the train. I stayed at the Hotel Rho which is near Central Station, so I thought that I would try the train. One of my favorite things in Amsterdam is the pastry shops.

Prague Restraunts: I like the Ztraty Nalezy on Vinohrady behind the museum one block on the right. Very good food moderately priced.
I like the Restraunt Meridian on Husitska near 1st bus stop from the Florence bus stop.
I like the Sklep Restraunt on Seifertova 1st tram stop Husinecka from main train station.
All 3 are not in city center but not far from. You are not likely to see tourists in these restraunts, but they have an english menu and waiters speak english.
Prague Shopping: I got some table cloths that had some decorative flower patterns on them. They were very nice and I got a good discount on them.
They have stores of amber and garnet jewelery but they also have other jewelry that is nice and cheaper.
They have lots of small interesting shops to browse in.
I also like to shop in the larger department stores Tesco and another down the street from the Municipal House which I don't remember the name.
They also have 2 malls - Andel and Flora. Both are at metro stops.
I like the Thun porcelan shop at old town square.
I like the larger crystal shops.
I like the open air market in Old Town near Tesco I believe on Michalska for paintings.
And a lot more.

amp322

The department store near the Municipal House is named "Kotva", (or "anchor").

Tweeter

Denis,

Do you have a recommendation on how long a first time visitor should spend in both cities? Obviously, it depends on your interests, but to see the "must sees", enjoy time relaxing for meals and drinks, and shopping? I know the question is subjective, so I am just looking for input (3 days? 5 days? or more?) Thanks for the info you have already provided!

Tiff

Great recs denis on restautants and where to shop, thanks!

denis

Thanks amp322 for the name of the department store in Prague. I never knew the name.

I would not spend more than 3 days in Amsterdam.

For a first time visitor, I would try for 5 days in Prague. I would look at the internet page for one of the tour operators such as Martin Tours. This will list the tours available, how long the tour last, the cost and the days that the tour is available. If you run out of things to do in the city, there are a lot of tours outside the city that you can take.

Libby123

Hi, I agree that three days in Amsterdam is plenty. As an additional thought, I really liked Haarlem. It is very convenient to reach by train, has a few good museums, a beautiful square, some nice shopping, etc. It'd make a nice day trip, or to save some $$, a nice place to stay. Just a suggestion

surfmom

When in Prague (about 9 years ago), I found the most beautiful hand-blown and painted easter eggs (xmas decorations). Some didn't make the trip home, but enough made it that I was able to have nice gifts for family and friends.

Also bought a wooden block set of Cesky Krumlov (I think) with unique wooden blocks for nephews. I only wish they had kept it in good condition that I could now have it for my children.

Amazing photographs of Prague.

Tweeter

Thanks Denis and Libby for your input!