This is my DREAM! (help!) :)
Oct 30th, 2003 | 11:08 AM
#21
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 744
Likes: 0
Ira, Prague does not just have one castle.
And for someone visiting Europe for the first time, I would actually think less 'Western' places would be more interesting. If it's London or another city, I would definitely go somewhere else. Don't get me wrong, I love London, and it's definitely worth seeing...I am just partial to places that feel older to me, and Prague is such a place.
And for someone visiting Europe for the first time, I would actually think less 'Western' places would be more interesting. If it's London or another city, I would definitely go somewhere else. Don't get me wrong, I love London, and it's definitely worth seeing...I am just partial to places that feel older to me, and Prague is such a place.
Oct 30th, 2003 | 12:10 PM
#24
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 744
Likes: 0
If you want to get to know Prague, stay there for a whole trip. If you want to stay only for a few days, you can still see and do a lot.
The castle is worth a visit, even just walking through the castle grounds. Definitely go into St. Vitus cathedral (in the castle grounds) and walk through the castle gardens. As an itinerary, I would suggest walking up (or taking the cable car) Petrin hill (it's a beautiful park in Mala Strana) to the top, where you will have AMAZING views of the city, river, castles. Walk through the top of the park toward the castle, spend some time there, then walk down the steps (you should find your way to them--if not, ask someone) for great views of Prague and to end up at the bottom of the hill in Mala Strana.
Another don't miss is the trio of Jewish museums, and the cemetery. This is near Old Town Sq.
You should definitely walk around the Old Town, see the Horloj (clock on the Old Town Hall, in Old Town Sq.) when the hour strikes.
And of course...Charles Bridge. This connects Old Town (Staromestska) with Lesser Town (Mala Strana). I would recommend walking down the stairs near the end of the bridge on the Mala Strana side to Kampa, a lovely park.
I would recommend going out to Vysehrad as well. Take the subway to the Vysehrad stop (just 2 stops from Muzeum) and walk through the park to Vysehrad (it's a castle). There are nice views of Prague and the river, and it is, according to legend, where Libuse founded Prague.
You should definitely just walk around Old Town and Mala Strana, they're beautiful. If you want more info let me know.
The castle is worth a visit, even just walking through the castle grounds. Definitely go into St. Vitus cathedral (in the castle grounds) and walk through the castle gardens. As an itinerary, I would suggest walking up (or taking the cable car) Petrin hill (it's a beautiful park in Mala Strana) to the top, where you will have AMAZING views of the city, river, castles. Walk through the top of the park toward the castle, spend some time there, then walk down the steps (you should find your way to them--if not, ask someone) for great views of Prague and to end up at the bottom of the hill in Mala Strana.
Another don't miss is the trio of Jewish museums, and the cemetery. This is near Old Town Sq.
You should definitely walk around the Old Town, see the Horloj (clock on the Old Town Hall, in Old Town Sq.) when the hour strikes.
And of course...Charles Bridge. This connects Old Town (Staromestska) with Lesser Town (Mala Strana). I would recommend walking down the stairs near the end of the bridge on the Mala Strana side to Kampa, a lovely park.
I would recommend going out to Vysehrad as well. Take the subway to the Vysehrad stop (just 2 stops from Muzeum) and walk through the park to Vysehrad (it's a castle). There are nice views of Prague and the river, and it is, according to legend, where Libuse founded Prague.
You should definitely just walk around Old Town and Mala Strana, they're beautiful. If you want more info let me know.
Oct 30th, 2003 | 12:22 PM
#25
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 0
We did a week in London and a week in Paris in April 2002 (left the 15th returned the 30th) Lucked out with wonderful weather. Took the chunnel in between and it was fun. BUT, having lived in Chicago growing up, I'd suggest you would get more European flavor for your money by heading for Italy. Visit Florence (3 nights), rent a car and spend some time in Tuscany (maybe even IN a castle -- 4 nights) and finish up with Venice (3 nights) and Rome (4 nights). I love London and Paris enormously -- but Italy is probably tops on my list for history, architecture, landscape, art, food and wine 
