Why visit Prague?
 

I am new to the international travel scene and have thus far only been to England and Scotland - but I've gotten hooked! It seems that Prague has become such a recommended place to visit and I just don't know much about it. I will get guidebooks, history books, and everything else once I decide to visit a place! The dilemma here is that I have a chance to go with a friend this March but have to let her know in a week. For those experienced travellers, please tell me a little about why this is a great place to visit. I have such limited time to travel so this will be my only chance to go anywhere next year. Thank you for your advice!

1. It was not bombed in the war and is intact.
2. It has wonderful architecture ranging from medieval to modern and some of the best beaux arts buildings that you will see anywhere. Prague is a feast for your eyes.
3. Although more expensive than it had been, it is still a pretty good bargain for Europe.
4. Might be some of the best beer anywhere. Inexpensive too.
5. Vibrant music scene, particularly jazz and classical.
6. Lots to see and lots to do.
These are just a few reasons. I am sure others will add to the list.

Prague received far less damage during WWII than other cities. The architecture in the old part is beautiful with a very interesting history. It is also interesting to see development following communist rule. I think hiring a good guide is madatory (it really made a difference for me, anyway). Cesky Krumlov, while filled with tourists, is a good side trip.
If you chose to rent a car, make sure to have all the proper permits. The rental company may not tell you all that is required.

Hi C4,

>I have a chance to go with a friend this March but have to let her know in a week.

Tell her, "yes".

You won't be disappointed.

((I))
Unless your other option is Paris.

Prague is one of my favourite destinations and i'd say go for all the reasons mentioned above and if its your only chance to travelnext year then definitely go!!

Don't hesitate-Go! I've only been twice and each time it was magical.

basingstoke2 summed it up very well but forgot to mention that the food and the beer are also superb.

I agree with basingstoke2. Praha is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Europe.

Hey, I didn't forget the beer (#4)! I am not much a beer drinker but in Prague it was so good that I had some with every meal except breakfast - it wasn't on the buffet. And it is true about the food. There is some fine eating to be had in Prague.

Please click on my name and read the trip report that I posted today. I have been to may places in Europe but Prague is my new favorite.

Additionally, the dollar is stong there so as an American the prices are pretty good.

During the sixties, I had a friend who loved Prague. He was the first person I heard refer to the city as "golden Prague." I didn't manage to visit Prague until just last year, and it was truly golden. I have never seen so many beautiful buildings in one city in my life. It seems that around every corner I turned there was another wonderful building.

Haven't been to Prague, so I can't advise you. It is on my short list for the next trip though. Why can't you go to your public library and check out some books on Eastern Europe and/or Prague and thumb through in the next few days? That is the route I took when researching my recently ended European adventure. I checked them out of the library and then decided which ones I found most useful and would want to own.

Having been to Prague three times it is my favorite city in Europe. All the comments on Prague are on 'target'. But for an independant opinion, keypunch Prague into the 'yahoo' web site and bring up WIKIPEDIA. This site will give you more information than any one person could. ENJOY Dick

What is the minimum number of days need to see the best of Prague?

I second adnil's suggestion for you to check her report: it is great, don't go to Prague without reading it.

I too have a trip report on Prague you might enjoy.

Cheers, the turnip

Thank you so much for your replies. I'll keep you posted. And I'll definitely read the reports.

Just got back yesterday from a 4 day first time trip to Prague. Second all of the above. Truly beautiful cityscape, plenty of interesting sights, good food and good beer at very reasonable prices, fine shopping opportunties and a vibrant atmosphere.

Four days was a decent amount of time but definitely left me wanting more. Go, you'll love it.

I agree with everyone who has said Prague is a beautiful city and well worth visiting. March is probably not the ideal time to go for weather but it would not be as crowded as the summer months.
One good way to get a good feel for the city and how beautiful it is would be to get a travel video from the library along with a guidebook. If you can find an Eyewitness Guide at the library or at a local bookstore with a good travel section, these books are full of pictures as well as good information.