I am thinking of taking some people to Prague in June....instead of Zurich.....anyone with some suggestions as to which city would be favored over the other?

We have never been to Zurich so cannot speak for it, but have been to Prague. You do not indicate what you enjoy seeing/doing and you have chosen to diverse cities (East vs West) 12th Century Prague over Alpine. Prague has history in its castle St. Vitus, concerts, old town square, reasonable shopping for crystal, the jewish quarter, inexpensive food, Charles Bridge, day trips, etc. A lot of walking too. Figure out what you like then choose.

Margaux <BR>Prague,prague,Prague. <BR>Spend at least 3 days. Bring plenty of film

Prague is one of my favorite cities in Europe, second only to Paris. Having been to both (Zurich vs. Prague), this is a very easy choice: PRAGUE, PRAGUE, PRAGUE. Strongly recommend you have a cup of tea/coffee at one of the main cafes on their old square (the ones across the Astronomical Clock). You will feel you are in a time machine.

We passed through Zurich but stayed 4 nights in Prague (it wasn't enough). <BR> <BR>I'd say Prague, Prague, Prague.. if you're into history and culture. A quaint storybook city. A lot cheaper too. <BR> <BR>Zurich from the brief impression I got was another BIG city. <BR> <BR>amanda

We just went to Zurich this past weekend. Everything there is so very expensive, and not a whole lot to do in the city center. I went to Prague last year and loved all the history and the simple way of life. Crystal is a good buy there and the food is super cheep. I would definately go to Prague over Zurich any day. Have fun. JGarrison

Prague of course. Anyday, anyway. <BR>need advice? <BR>www.travelguide.cz

Janice, <BR> <BR>I feel a bit vindicated - - when you asked "what is there to do in Zurich?" and my answers were: <BR> <BR>1. go to another country, and <BR> <BR>2. be sure and take a lot of money. <BR> <BR>I sure caught hell from a few people who said I must have been in a bad mood when I wrote that! <BR> <BR>...but I promised to always something nice - - can I repeat that the Swiss lent us their name for a very easy-to-read typeface!? <BR> <BR>Have a great time in Amsterdam - - and try the (Hotel) Pulitzer for a wonderful lunch while you are there. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Zurich is a very nice town but Prague is much better--the architecture (not bombed during war so the old buildings still exist), very inexpensive, good food, excellent bargains on crystal, garnets, etc. We stayed at Penzion Balbin, which is a 5-10 minute walk from just about anywhere you want to go. It is on the top floors of an apartment building & outside door is locked. The Opera/Symphony House is redone & very nice & less than $20.

Spent 3 days in Prague in August. It's a very beautiful city, but the buildings definately need cleaned. Skip the museum, was very dusty and even with the English headphones it was not easy to navigate -very confusing. Watch the taxi drivers as we got ripped off coming from the train station to our hotel - over charged by 3 times. Watch your pockets - one of our party was relieved of his billfold on the subway. Get the correct change for the subway and ask a tourist for the right ticket, as the man at the booth would not help us or give us change - had to make 3 trips to McDonalds to get change for everyone. People there do not speak as much English as other countries, but other tourists were helpful. Charles Bridge, castle and clock were the highlights of our trip there - will not go again.

It's people like Dianna who make it a sad experience to participate in this forum. Is everywhere in the world expected to be zippy, clean, English-speaking, and neatly arranged for the tourist's convenience? What happened to learning about the subway fares before getting on the subway? Or picking up change just like you would back home before getting in the subway? Or reading this forum and knowing that taxis in Prague are risky and making arrangements to preclude rip-offs? Maybe I'm just having a bad day, but the rest of the world doesn't really live for the kind of ultra-convenience that Americans are used to - and that's no crime.

We are going to Prague in March and looking forward to it. This past summer we were in Zurich as part of a trip(had free tickets in/out of Zurich) and foud it to be much nicer than expected. It is a very pretty city but very expensive! Anyway...we are holding a reservation in Prague at the Hotel U Zlateho Stromu --anyone familiar with it? We can still change. Looking for central location(most important) and preferably a hotel with a bit of charm. We are trying to keep the cost under $115usd night. <BR>I know it can get frustrating in other countries with the language difficulties etc, but that is actually one of the things I love about travel. When I finally figure something out I feel a bit victorious. Imagine how difficult it must be for someone who speaks no English to visit the US(where hardly anyone speaks anything but English-and many do that poorly. <BR>I've done quite a bit of searching for Prague info, but any tips would be most welcome. Thanks

In Prague, be sure to see the puppet performance of Mozart's opera, Don Giovanni. It's hysterical. Also see a black theater performance. It is a highly creative art form that does not require knowledge of the language. We saw the black theater, "Alice in Wonderland" which was definitely not for children, but featured some wonderful dance, a little comedy, and wonderful special effects. The architecture and history in Prague are fabulous, but we didn't care for the food.

I was just stating my experiences of Prague, isn't this about sharing real experiences - I didn't know you had to have subway lessons ahead of time. I have ridden many subways in many different countries and never experienced such difficulty in purchasing tickets or in getting change. The man in the booth had no change and could not tell us what ticket to buy. There are also men (not in uniform or any badges displayed) who check if you have the right tickets. If not it is about a $6 fine. We also ran into 200 irrate soccer fans in the subway who were being escorted by police in full riot gear out of town. I did enjoy the city despite the challenges. I think "sigh" maybe you are having a bad day.

Yeah, yeah. You folks are sraight up silly somtimes. This forum is about advice, no? Prague is a great town, never had an experience their as harmful as things I encountered while living in Philadelphia and NYC. If you would like to find further info on your hotels checkout www.travelguide.cz. <BR>

Dianna--- My take on "Sigh"'s reply is how the things that prevented you on absorbing/having a better experience at Prague, were in fact preventable (a valid point...). Been so negative about a city because people don't speak YOUR native tongue, had a bad experience with pocket change, and got ripped off by a cab (this forum has about a dozen warnings to this effect!), is a bit narrow-minded. The statues and buildings are covered with coal smog, but intense efforts to clean them is hindered by the impact it has on the artistry itself (as we were explained by a local). I guess, it is a bit confusing to read your praises about the city's main sights, yet dismissing the whole experience because you failed to be better prepared. <BR> <BR>Again, just my opinion.

I visited both Zurich and Prague last summer and I have to say that Zurich is the better city. However, if you decide to go to Prague, use "AAA" taxi only (tel# 1080). Do not hail a cab that is just waiting for a passenger, unless you don't mind paying a few extra dollars. <BR>Be very carefull with the Metro in Prague. My husband and I had to fight off an attempted strong arm robbery. I have been taking the New York City subway for the past 30 years and have never witnessed a team of about 10 men trying to forcibly remove my husband's wallet from his pockets. In NYC, the most I witnessed were three young men snatching a handbag from a woman on the 34th Street subway station and that was 12 years ago. I was told by a friend who lives in Prague that most of the criminals working the metro and the tourist spots are Ukrainians. <BR>In Zurich we did not encounter any criminal activities and we had a trouble free vacation. <BR>

Prague Prague Prague Prague and 10 times over Prague... I just got back from there last night actually, and can't wait to go back. I have also been to Zurich and while these are 2 beautiful cities, nothing at all compares to the skyline in Prague and also the prices! This is probably the cheapest city that I have ever visited! I stayed at the Ambassador Hotel which is right in the center of the old city and was able to either walk or metro everywhere. it has a great night life too! I don't think you could ask for anything more in a city. Plus you will be there at a much warmer time of year too Have fun!

Prague! Despite the taxi drivers (yes they can be ridiculous - take the tram instead) and the pickpockets (not unique to Prague), it is a fabulous city. Beautiful architecture, tons of history, and good shopping too. Of the ten or so major European cities that I have visited, it only rates behind Paris for me.

I travelled to Prague in Oct.'99 w/ a friend who's an experienced traveller. She commented that Prague was the most beautiful city she's ever seen. It is incredible and full of life. Hope you go..I can't wait to go back.