On my way to Prague

[Recursion]

Anybody up to be defenestrated?

Also, anything I should see while in the Czech Republic?

[harmonicon]

1. Oh, man, it depends on what sort of things you're into.

I've spent a lot of time in Prague and some other places in CZR.

Without knowing what sort of specifics you like in terms of culture (type of music, art, etc.) it's hard to say, but in general I'd suggest you get out of the town center at least a bit. For one, the prices are grossly inflated around Old Town because of the tourists. For instance, there's a great beer garden inside a lovely park in Vino Hrady. It's not far from the center, but it's not something you'd be likely to stumble upon if you didn't know it was there either.

[MiddleFingerMom]

2. If you're a carnivore, definitely go for goulash with a side of bread dumplings.

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I'da been happy with just the dumplings just smothered in the goulash gravy.
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The only Czech that I remember is all you'll ever need:
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(phonetically) Prozhimtee mewzhesh meer dot yedno peevo.
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Please bring me another beer.
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[HappyMe]

3. Safe travels.

[DFW]

4. Two "must eat at" places in Prague

Restaurant Ariana (Afghan food)
Ramova 6
One visit there, and you'll be using Schwarzenegger's favorite line.

There is also a fabulous Burmese-Thai-Indian restaurant right across the street (Ramova 5) called "Orange Moon." The street is a leisurely 10 to 15 minute walk from the center of town. The decor is nothing to brag about. The food is.

Both are tiny out of the way places on a small side street (Ramova): cheap and we have never had to wait for a table.

If you can stand the fat content, there is an ice cream place called "Cream Dream" near the Charles Bridge (Karlovy Most). That stuff is TO DIE FOR. I once steered Howard Dean to that place when he was in Prague, and he raved about it, so you can say you have something in common with the good doctor if you find it.


Friends who have been to Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad in German) have raved about it, but we have never been (yet). There are SO many places right around the corner from us that we should have seen, but haven't gotten around to. It's close to the German border, but even so, shouldn't be more than a 2 hour train ride form Prague.

[harmonicon]

6. I've also heard that Karlovy Vary is lovely.

I just never have the combination of time and money it would take to go somewhere not for work.

[Victor_c3]

7. I've been to both several times

When I was in Germany, I lived 20 minutes from Pilsen (right on the border of Czech Republic and Germany).

My wife really liked Karlovy Vary and Prague a lot. Karlovy Vary has the feel of a town that hit its prime in the late 1800s, early 1900s. There are a lot of victorian era buildings and architecture if I recall correctly.

To me, the most interesting part of visiting Czech Republic was riding on the train and stopping in some of the no-name non touristy towns on the way. When you get away from the tourist stuff, you can feel the Soviet Era-ness and to me it is fascinating.

Be sure to drink a Budweiser when you are there. It is made by a totally different company than the Budweiser in the US.

[harmonicon]

9. Oh, you don't have to school me about these things - Tell the OP!!

I've been to the eastern part of the country several times, and it's fantastic, in part because of that Soviet/Eastern connection. They still embrace Socialist Realism and fondly remember the Soviets for liberating them during the war.

I first went to CZR in the mid/late 90's, when it was really not the west yet. Now, places like Prague are just a continuation of Western European countries, albeit with a different language (which is mostly good for the citizens), but in the east (and probably more remote western parts) there remains a great character from a disappearing world.

I've spent more than enough nights of my life on Stodolni street in Ostrava, getting hammered and patronizing the burger stands.

[SwissTony]

11. I was introduced to Czech Budweiser in England.

I laughed when my friend suggested Bud. She told me to shut up and stuck a pint down in front of me. It was gorgeous.

[DFW]

12. As it is, I steal time to breathe

My trips down to Prague were strictly long weekends with my wife. It's only a 70 minute flight from here, but we never found the time until 7 years ago. I would spend a LOT more time traveling, but I have painted myself into a corner jobwise. My wife is taking off for a 6 day trip to Turkey this week. Neither of us has yet been there, and I'm stuck here because I have work I can't get out of in Switzerland and Spain. I'm very jealous!

[elleng]

5. ENJOY!

Was VERY lucky to catch Smetana's Moldau when I was there; check out symphonies.

[GoCubsGo]

8. I understand that there's lots of great architecture to see.

If you are into that kind of thing... Some castles, too.

Have a Budweiser or two for me. It's the original thing, and not the nasty swill that is sold under the same name here. I understand that it's one of the best lagers ever.

[rug]

10. Thanks for czeching in.