Why does everyone like Prague so much?
 

We just returned from Prague last week and I'm at a loss of why everyone likes it so much. We drove from Berlin and as we were trying to find our hotel, it was difficult even with Garmin. There was a police car parked in a square so we pulled in next to it to ask direction and he put on his flashers and asked for our passports and drivers licence. With that, he asked for $$ to let us go. We were shocked and of course it was hard to communicate but we understand when he told us to go to a nearby bank and use the ATM to get money. Since we just go into town, we had no local currency but I offered him 5 euro because that was all I had. Ater several minutes, he threw the passports back at our and sped off in his car. Nice welcome!
The buildings were beautiful as was Prague Castle and the Town Center but I have never seen so many souvenir shops. We did have good food and our hotel was nice but I would never recommend this city to anyone.
What did we miss??

"What did we miss??"

Probably nothing.

You just encountered a moderately pretty European city when you were in a bad mood.

Prague has a great deal less of interest than Florence or even Cambridge. It's also got - from tourist tat to (at best) over-zealous police - a lot more that's unpleasant than most major European attractive cities. But it'#s still nice-looking.

It's actually a great deal easier to navigate than Oxford, Seville or Avignon: the secret is to get a proper street map and throw away your electronic toys. But no European city worth visiting is laid out on a gridplan. And there's no law, anywhere, requiring police to be welcoming.

I've never understood why people go ga-ga over Prague either. It's nice enough. "Beautiful" 's pushing it a bit - but if that's what you think it is, that's why some people recommend it. And it's hardly unique in having souvenir shopd

What did we miss??
Bavaria :-)

Prague suffered next to no damage during World War II. That said, we found it highly overrated, too. We noticed that it was a hanggout for German punks, lots of pickpockets, and overpriced shops.

carmar,

we spent 3 lovely nights [and days!] in Prague between Christmas and New year about 4 years ago. we loved the crisp cold weather, the hearty food, the great beer, the interesting buildings [especially the art nouveau], the reasonable prices, [the opera was a bargain], the Christmas market, the puppet show, the Christmas concert in the lovely municipal building, the....

I'm very sorry you didn't have the same experience. I too have been to places that others rave about but did little for me. I tend to blame myself!

Thinking of Prague, what comes to mind is cheap shopping, booze and the 30 years war. Shopping has come to an end with the steeply rising prices, food is still worth it, so much like home, yet cheap and good! Give me knödel and gravy until I burst!

Other than that? No, not at all, there are many better places in the vicinity.

A weekend eating an drinking however, anytime!!

I'm very disheartened to see this because my son is considering a 6 week study abroad program in Prague for this coming summer. If a few other things fall into place, he'll probably do it. The program itself is ideal for him and fits well into his schedule.

But I'd heard such good things about Prague...

There are places far worse than Prague! :-). Study during the day, eat and drink at night, he will love it! If I were that age, I'd have the time of my life with friend around! Not that bad at all.

It's just OK IMO

Lovely buildings
lots of tourists
Expensive
Awful food

I could eat nothing except this, until the day I die. So easy to make a Bavarian happy.

It is a mystery to me, too, why so many people rave about Prague. I have no urge to go there again. Probably must for business, though. Yuck.

Glad you enjoyed the East German cities, carmar ;-)

I.

Thank you, logos! That makes me feel somewhat better. I want him to get as much as possible out of this experience.

We spent three nights in Prague this April and loved it. I had read so much about the hoards of tourists, the stag and hen parties, getting ripped off at restaurants etc. that I was quite nervous about what we'd find--but I was also determined to do what I could to avoid that and have a good experience.

I found Prague absolutely beautiful (and so did my SO)--we stayed on the castle side (a bit quieter I think) and did as much as we could to avoid the crowds--got an early start on sight seeing (and we were there over Easter--it was crowded). I bought concert tickets to a performance that wouldn't interest the average tourist (Gregorian chants)--and I pretty well knew what restaurants we were going to eat at before we went--something I wouldn't normally do but it paid off because we only had good experiences.

Prague is horribly crowded and touristy but I think if you do some preplanning you can still make it seem almost magical. It gave me hope about Venice (somewhere I've never been, but want to--another place where I constantly read about the hoards of tourists)--

I know that everyone has different tastes, but I found Prague to be one of the most beautiful European cities that I have visited (Over the past twenty-three years, I've visited most of Europe). I was in Prague last year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The weather was gorgeous. I was there on St. Nicholas Eve and enjoyed the festivities in the Old Town Square—families, Christmas market, street food. Yes, there are many shops that cater to tourists. Most cities that attract tourism have many shops. As USNR said, Prague had very little damage during WWII. Its buildings are the originals and are not reconstructed.

I went to Prague last December and liked it very much. I had a lovely hotel, met many lovely locals and liked the food(especially the prices). I also enjoyed the Christmas markets and found that the city had great energy-lots of live music and entertainment.

I love Prague -- won't go into reasons, many of which have already been given. Just want to encourage CAPH52's son to go ahead with his plans. My daughter was there for four weeks on a study program and had a wonderful time. (Just one highlight -- coming out of a great concert and looking up at the well-lit Prague Castle sparkling against a dark sky -- just unbelievably gorgeous!)

Spent some days there earlier this year...I must say that I agree with the OP. Lovely architecture, but overrun with tourists, overcrowded with kitschy souvenir shops, and ridden with restaurants whose business practices verged on the piratical.

I came away also without much affection for the Czechs...they seemed, on the whole, a dour, unfriendly lot. I could have understood this in the more touristy parts of Prague, but their attitude didn't change much when we got into the smaller towns and villages. My son summed it up when he observed in disgust..."Should have let the Russians keep them". Perhaps this reserve originates from the days...not that long ago...when it wasn't really safe for the Czech man or woman on the street to be seen talking to foreigners in general and Westerners in particular.

There were many exceptions to this gross generalization, certainly, but I found the people in Austria, France, Mexico and Argentina (our most recent travel venues) to be on the whole much more sympathetic than those of the Czech Republic.

Thank you very much, Kristinelaine! That's what I want to hear! :)

I found a lot to like about Prague:

--amazing architecture (one of the rare cities in this area whose buildings got through WWI, WWII, and Soviet occupation pretty much unscathed).

--some world-class attractions (Prague Castle complex, Vysehrad, several churches, Jewish Quarter attractions, Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, etc.).

--some good restaurants (just watch for shenanigans with the check, etc.).

--a strong tradition of music and concerts.

One needs to be careful to avoid getting ripped off by taxi drivers and at restaurants, and the place is no secret with tourists worldwide and thus likely to be mobbed with such folks. But that can be said about other cities as well.

Sorry to hear about the police problem you had. Makes one wonder if this was a phony or not. I didn't encounter a problem of this sort.

To each their own.

We visited Prague in October 2008 and had a great time. We're not shoppers, so it was easy for us to ignore the tourist-oriented shops. We loved our hotel (Savic) and, without doing any research, had good luck with all of our meals. We enoyed a classical concert, a band that played in a restaurant/bar and several street performers. We spent a lot of time in the Prague Castle complex and wandering the different areas of the historical center, following the Royal Road. Loved all the different architectural styles throughout the city. We didn't get a chance to see everything, so I'd love to go back sometime.

To each his own...

We spent 3 days in Prague last summer and we asked ourselves exact the same question.

It's overdone in every regards. Nice buildings yes! But the souvenir shops, the rip of by taxis, restaurants and hotels ....for us a "once in a lifetime" experience, for sure.

SV

It sounds like you let one unfortunate incident color your entire view of a fantastic city.

I've been to Prague 3 times and would head back in a heartbeat. It's unique in europe - the only major city to avoid destruction in WWII and retain much of it's ancient character. There is an incredible music seen, a host of wonderful sights and museums and tons of great (and inexpensive restaurants). Yes, the tourist center of town has a lot of tourist shops (the same is true of the tourist areas of any major city).

I can;t comment on the police issue - except if it had been me I would have reported them to the local precinct (but then I tend not to let people get away with things). Oh - and we always use maps - not electronic devices that IMHO are often inaccurate. (Some of the ones on car service cars here in NYC are frighteningly wrong at times - ignoring much faster routes to take you in circles and leading you into making illegal turns or driving on roads when they're closed to traffic, etc.)

Prague is definitely one of my favorite cities in Europe. But I'm one of those people who prefers atmosphere to "sites" or museums. I just loved the feel of the place - I can't even explain why. The town square took my breath away the first time I walked into it, and I made an effort to walk back through the square whenever I coming or going. I definitely will return to Prague.

Overflowing with tourists? Definitely. The Charles Bridge during the day and in the evening is obnoxious, annoying to walk over - but in the morning, you can enjoy it almost entirely alone. Very worth waking up early to see it then.

Another vote for love Prague and for the same reaons others have stated. I thought Stare Mesto was charming and I appreciate what Vaclav Havel did as an intellectual, dissident, and president. How often are a people wise enough to divide a country into two peacefully?

I was not overwhelmed by Prague. (But then again, I live in Paris.) It is charming, but in my opinion, it has been overrun by tourists more as a herd instinct than by genuine interest in the city. People want to go to at least one city in "Eastern Europe" and Prague is usually the place.

I disagree, kerouac, about the reasons people visit Prague. Just the other day, while resting my feet near the Arc de Triomphe, I was chatting with some American tourists sitting near me. The woman said she had heard Prague was wonderful and had hoped to visit (she never mentioned eastern Europe). I concurred, but I added how overrun with tourists it is, as a qualifier. I have had this conversation before.

I think that people have heard Prague is such a wonderful place that they feel compelled to visit. That's why I did, and I was not disappointed. I didn't care what part of Europe it was in.

'Annhig' has got it right: Prague is an amazing, wonderful city. If it's too 'Americanized' for you (a legit complaint), try Bulgaria...especially Plovdiv and the towns along the Black Sea. Most Americans have discovered Prague; not so for Bulgaria--altho that won't last long, I'm sure.

We visited Prague for 4 nights last year. We enjoyed our stay, and found it a gorgeouls little city. But in terms of cities I've visited and loved, I'd rate it somewhere in the middle.

This is a case of "not everybody has to like the same thing," as I tell my kids. We enjoyed the architecture, music, culture, and people (no, they weren't as friendly as the Italians, but we didn't expect them to be). We didn't enjoy the food, but we expected that, too. We really like art and museums, which Prague doesn't have so much of. A four-night visit was just right for us, then we were off to the Czech countryside, which we also enjoyed. We're all glad we went, but have other places on our list for future vacations (that's ok; given finite time and money, there aren't many places we return to).

I think it's more difficult to like Prague if you don't have any friends who live there. Czech people are not cold, mean, unfriendly, or out there to rip you off. They just don't laugh in public, think out loud, and make small talk as much as Americans do.

It is a struggle to live in Prague, but once you understand the Czech Mentality, it's a lot easier to find endearing.

Redstater...with an attitude like that, I think it's best for everyone if your son's passport is confiscated.No, make that destroyed. The world doesn't need attitudes like that.
If you had bothered to find out anything about the Czechs, their history and culture you might have understood a little more about them and their attitudes/reactions. Don't tell me a Finn has the same outlook on life as a Spaniard or a Thai...

As for Prague, its attractions are obvious and apart from that the culture is worth getting to know; straying from the centre brings rewards, as it does in any great tourist city. And this is a city bursting with artistic overtones, from painting and sculpture to an unrivalled canon of 19th and 20th (and 21st) century writers and poets. If you want to know about Prague as it was and is, read Jaroslav Hasek, Karel Capek, Milan Kundera (for a lite version) and above all, Ivan Klima.

I'd rather go to Prague than Munich.

For me, Prague was much more charming when I first encountered it in '93. The more it is "discovered" the less I like it. Of course, that makes me part of the problem, not part of the solution....

Rick

I was lucky enough to have made my first visit to Prague in the early 90s, before the mass trappings of tourism and have been several times since. It is true there are now many more tourists and of course the trappings that go with them but it is also true that a great many beautiful but dilapidated buildings have now been restored to their former glory with the revenue these bring in. It is a beautiful city (my favourite) and I will return but for the moment I will make room for the others who wish to visit. The Czechs are not generally rude but often quiet, thoughtful and reserved people.

At the end of the day it is a good job we don't all like the same thing.

<<Redstater...with an attitude like that, I think it's best for everyone if your son's passport is confiscated.No, make that destroyed. The world doesn't need attitudes like that.>>

Thank you, Portuense, for your eloquent statement supporting tolerance, diversity, and respect for others' points of view.

For one brief, shining moment in early 1990 (after the Wall came down), Prague was a vibrant city celebrating new-found freedom. Citizens flocked to the streets, queing-up to make purchases from sidewalk venders! Everything was cheap. Everyone was friendly. Americans, especially, were welcomed and warmly greeted. Sadly, this didn't last very long.

I still enjoy going back.

Jinx Hoover

<<For one brief, shining moment in early 1990 (after the Wall came down), Prague was a vibrant city celebrating new-found freedom.>>

I wish I'd gone then instead of the late 90s. I thought the city was beautiful and enjoyed the food, but the crowds and the plethora of shops and money exchange facilities did color my impression. Plus, someone trying to pull me into a money exchange scam. I think I was offended that he thought I looked dumb enough to fall for it. I had to tell him twice that I don't carry dollars but use ATMs and when he got it, he melted into the crowd.

Caph52, your son will be fine if he decides to go. He won't be a tourist and will have time enough to get to know the place and some people.

I love Prague. I visited last October and found it beautiful.

Yes, there were lots of tourists, but I was one of them. Given that fact, is is hard to legitimately complain about crowds. There were lots of souvenir shops as well, but it is easy to ascertain that from outside without feeling a compulsion to enter if one does not wish to do so. I actually found some very nice crystal stores though. I also enjoyed the food I had in Prague, and found that it was certainly less expensive than some of the other places I have visited (Italy, Switzerland, Paris spring to mind). I did not have a car, so that was one less hassle to deal with. For the most part I walked (my hotel was very centrally located), but on the occasions I used taxis I was not ripped off.

I find it helpful to have a small amount of local currency before I arrive, just for emergency situations, like that of the original poster. Once I am situated I use ATM machines & my Cap One card.

Also, regarding comments that the Czech people are rude, one can find rude people in every country. I did not encounter any rudeness, but I also made it a point to learn basic pleasantries and other useful expressions in Czech. It's amazing what a tiny bit of effort will do.

I'm sorry the original poster had such a bad experience, but one bad apple shouldn't be a reflection on an entire city (or country).

Hmm. Evidently Redstater's son needs a history lesson because thanks to FDR's fecklessness, the Russians "got" a 44-year lease on the Czechs anyway. The notion that "we" should have let the Soviets "keep" anyone is rather distasteful.

So Prague has tons of tourists and some scammers. BFD. Welcome to a large European city with great historical significance. Barcelona has innumerable tourists and scam artists. Florence and Paris have various Roma groups who prey upon tourists time and again. London has ridiculous numbers of tourists, and a great deal of street crime. Why travelers to Central Europe desire some sort of immediate-post-Iron Curtain pristine preservation of gray and dingy misery is beyond me -- I prefer seeing how these cities have adjusted to the new economy and investment now that the Soviet boot is off their necks.

And the notion that Czechs are rude is pretty laughable when considering how many tourists to Prague are Germans, Russians and weekender English on bachelor party excursions -- three groups of tourists not known for their politesse. Has the OP been anywhere else in Central Europe? Other than in Germany or Kaliningrad, Germans and Russians are generally not well liked in Central Europe for obvious historical reasons.

We absolutely LOVE Prague and the Czech Republic and we have been there twice - in 2003 and just this past August. The architecture is amazing at every turn, it is simply a beautiful, gorgeous city, etc. We hardly ever encountered any rude Czechs, didn't have problems with pickpockets, etc. and the crowds were not that bad, even in August.

to the poster whose son wants to study there - he should definitely go!!! My duaghter studied in prague for 4 months in 2003 and loved it!!! She tells me she dreams of Prague every day & that is one reason why we returned this past August. I will always treasure the view from the Charles Bridge of the castle lit up at night!!! And we also like the food and the great beer!!!

I agree with Delaine - there are rude people everywhere!

"My son summed it up when he observed in disgust..."Should have let the Russians keep them".

That's why I'm glad we only have cats.

We loved Prague. The people were cordial, the architecture was interesting and we had a few really good meals, so to the person who said the food is awful, I must disagree. Oh yeah, the pivo!!!!!!!

Oh well, everyone is different. I dislike Aix-en-Provence, and I seem to be in the minority.

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