Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ORIeNTaTION
It's amazing what two decades of freedom can do. Prague has
always been historic. Now it's fun, too. No other place in Europe
has become so popular so quickly. And for good reason: Prague—
the only Central European capital to escape the bombs of the last
century's wars—is one of Europe's best-preserved cities. It's filled
with sumptuous Art Nouveau facades, offers tons of cheap Mozart
and Vivaldi concerts, and brews the best beer in Europe. Beyond
its architecture and traditional culture, it's an explosion of pent-up
entrepreneurial energy jumping for joy after 40 years of commu-
nist rule. Its low prices can cause you to jump for joy, too. Travel in
Prague is like travel in Western Europe...20 years ago and (except
for hotels) for half the price.
Planning Your Time
A week in Prague is plenty of time to get a solid feel for the city
and enjoy excursions to Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora. If you're
in a rush, you need a minimum of two full days (with three nights,
or two nights and a night train) for a good introduction to the city.
From Munich, Berlin, and Vienna, Prague is a four- to six-hour
train ride by day (you also have the option of a longer night train
from Munich). From Budapest, Warsaw, or Kraków, you can take
a handy overnight train.
With two days in Prague, I'd spend one morning seeing the
castle and another morning in the Jewish Quarter. Use your after-
noons for loitering around the Old Town, Charles Bridge, and the
Little Quarter, and split your nights between beer halls and live
music. Keep in mind that Jewish Quarter sights close on Saturday.
Some museums, mainly in the Old Town, are closed on Monday.
