Czech Republic / Prague ideas?

[FlamesFanStrandedInEDM]

I went when the World Juniors were over there. Spent most of the time in Pardubice(about a 2 hour train ride), I would recommend spending a day there, some GREAT food and less flooded with Tourists.

[Flame Of Liberty]

Originally Posted by Kswiss

I actually lived in Czech Repulic for a while....super awesome country! Like someone said before you must check out teplice, lednice (super amazing castle), ostrava (crazy party street called stodolni that makes the red mile look hilarious...60 bars in a few blocks, with of course gorgeous Czech Repulic girls) brno, olomouc......

haha yeah stodolni is legendary, and so cheap (well at least it used to be) compared to Prague

[mykalberta]

so its getting to 3 weeks before I leave, for those that have been there, what is the money situation like. Should I just to to Stephen Avenue and convery $600 CDN into CZ or do they take credit cards?

Thank you.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

so its getting to 3 weeks before I leave, for those that have been there, what is the money situation like. Should I just to to Stephen Avenue and convery $600 CDN into CZ or do they take credit cards?

Thank you.

I am sure your bank card would work there. I have now idea if that is a cost effective approach, but would be easier. I have used by bank card all over the world, and never had it rejected.

[Jimmy Stang]

I too have used my bank card in various countries and it has never failed me, although I don't specifically remember if I used it in the Czech Republic. I believe that there is an extra fee for international withdrawals and the exchange rate isn't as favourable (which you won't find out until you check your statement when you get home), but the plus side is that you don't have to carry a bunch of cash around.

That being said, I usually hit up Calforex before I go and get a good amount of the necessary currency. I'm not sure if they take credit cards, but they definitely do take debit, and if you give either of the locations a call they will be able to tell you if they've got enough of what you're looking for (good for some of the lesser-used currencies). They will also buy back any unused currency within 30 days (with receipt) at the same rate that they sold it to you.

[Jimmy Stang]

And more thing that you may have already though about: let your credit card company know that you'll be travelling in order to prevent any difficulties while you're away. Even if you don't plan on using your credit card, you never know what might happen and you may need to whip it out for something, and occasionally international transactions can look suspiscious and might trigger a block. Or if you are running low on cash you can always buy dinner on your card and keep the cash in your pocket for later, for example.

[P-Rugby]

Visit the Lennon wall!! its just around the corner from Charles bridge a very beautiful and cool piece of constantly changing street art.

[mykalberta]

I heard from a few people who just came back from France and Italy that alot of merchants are asking for cash and giving big discounts I assume to dodge income taxes so figured cash might be king over there.

Considering our hotel/apartment is only 60/night I dont mind spending cash on something like that.

[Glass n Out]

I spent a few days in Prague and loved the city!
Beware of the change given to you by the markets, they'll short you every time because it's not the euro. Go on the drunkin monkey club crawl if your into that, free beer (light though) for the first 4 hours.
Beautiful city and can be done in a short period of time.

[mykalberta]

Yah I wont be taking Euros with me except for the 2 nights in Vienna.

I am going with someone who can speak Czech so hopefully I dont get screwed to bad over there with the tourist price.

[Suave]

Most of the restuarants only take cash. I didn't have any problems taking money out from ATM's with my bank cards.

Here is a old post of mine:

I’ll do something a little different for Prague since most of the basic stuff has been covered. Here are a couple of good places to eat and go have a beer or two.

http://www.umedvidku.cz/
Is an old style pub with good Czech food and a brewery onsite. The prices are really reasonable considering its in Old Town. The wild bore with dumplings and sauerkraut is really good, as well as the duck. They also have their own beer that has really high alcohol content and they have beer ice cream.

http://www.uzlatehotygra.cz/uvod_e.htm
This is more of a pub then a restaurant but you have to check it out. Every table in there is reserved, everyday, for the locals who come there everyday. I think it opens at 3 or 4 so you have to get there around that time before the reservation time for the tables kicks in. As soon as you site down they bring you a beer and start a tab, so make sure you are ready to drink. We had the pleasure of sitting at a table with an 80 something year old lady who has been going there everyday for the past 61 years. She had 3 pints in the hour or so that we were there. It’s also located on a side street just off of Charles Bridge (on the old Town Side) so it’s always close by.

Cantina
Újezd 38, Prague 1
Was a good Mexican place if you want to change it up. The fajitas were the best thing that we had there along with the very strong margarita pitcher. Though it is busy, so either go for an earlier dinner or make a reservation.

http://www.npivovar.cz/en/index.php
Another pub type place that to check out.

As for things to eat, I would recommend any of the more “wild game” meats, since they are good, cheap and something you don’t get here too much. Duck is usually my favorite along with wild bore, but you also see lots of deer, pheasant and rabbit on the menu. Most of these dishes will be served with dumplings (there are three types, bread, ones with stuff (like sausage) in it and my favorite, potato) and a side of sauerkraut. Czech potato salad is also really good. Other good stuff to eat is the trout, schnitzel and you have to try some garlic soup (it’s especially great if you are hung over). Actually most of the soups are good, another favorite sauerkraut soup. And there is actually a forth type of dumpling, fruit, which is really good if you are looking for something sweet (it’s better if you can find a place that has real fruit inside instead of jam). Good pub food to go along with you beer would be potato pancakes, beef shank with is served with mustard and rye bread or roasted pork knee, also served with mustard and rye bread.

[gargamel]

If there are open container laws, they aren't enforced, so grab a beer and wander all around the city.

Go to Pivovarsky Klub (featured on No Reservations) and sample several of the microbrews that they have on tap. Their South Bohemian platter is pretty good if I remember correctly, but I had so much beer that I wouldn't fully trust my judgment on that.

I dont know anything about Troutman's spa town, but if you're looking for that kind of entertainment, just stay in Prague and go to Darling Cabaret if you have cash to burn, Showpark if you're on a budget or Goldfingers if you just want to do some adult sightseeing.

I assume the major planning is complete at this point, but a few days in Berlin are definitely do-able if you have a full week in Prague. I went to Prague last year and caught a train to Berlin to see the NHL Premier game and do a day of WWII sightseeing, and it was completely worth it. I only had 4 days, so I went back and did the same two cities a few months later, but a week should be enough time for you to do both. And if you do find yourself in Berlin and are looking for some adult entertainment, go to Artemis. It's amazing.

[mykalberta]

The only thing I have booked is 2 nights in Austria and 5 nights in prague, the rest of the 9 days are wide open. I thought about taking a side trip to Germany but I have been to Germany twice (never to Berlin though) but with the prices high there I sort of poo poo'd it. I am really thinking about Croatia.

We have alot of Engineerings/drafers/random works at one of the manufacturing facilities and they keep saying how Croatia is soo beeeeeuuuuuteeefull

[gargamel]

Geographically, Budapest would make more sense than Croatia if you're coming from Vienna. Budapest is an awesome city with a good mix of sights and nightlife, and it really feels less touristy than a lot of the other popular destinations in that part of the world. I was there for 3 nights and that seemed about right, but you could do it in 2 if you need to. The Budapest to Prague train will take you right through Bratislava, but I'd skip it.

[Komskies]

I've heard Croatia has some of the best beaches in Europe, if that's your thing.

[undercoverbrother]

Budapest, that is all.

I had 48 hours in the town that lasted a lifetime. The bars never close and when I was there, 1993, it appeared the bra had been outlawed.

I wouldn't go back to Croatia if my life depended on it.

[Kswiss]

Originally Posted by Komskies

I've heard Croatia has some of the best beaches in Europe, if that's your thing.

That my friend is true! The coast is so beautiful!

[Kswiss]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Budapest, that is all.

I had 48 hours in the town that lasted a lifetime. The bars never close and when I was there, 1993, it appeared the bra had been outlawed.

I wouldn't go back to Croatia if my life depended on it.

Why not Croatia? It perfect there. Its the Mexican resort of Europe. Zagreb, Split...its awesome there...

[LIP MAN]

Jagr's Bar!

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguid...s_bar_prague-i

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Kswiss

Why not Croatia? It perfect there. Its the Mexican resort of Europe. Zagreb, Split...its awesome there...

Countries with a history of state sponsored genocide in my lifetime don't rank very high with me.

Killing women, children and the elderly....I would rather not thanks.