Prague & the Czech Republic Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: Prague
Why: Clean, well cared for and friendly. Had 4 days at the Old Town Hostel which was a great experience up the rickety elevator and lots of other travelers to talk to.
Worst: Castle area.
Why: Too fast and the guide we got for an hour didnt even show where the offices of the government were.
Peter Grant in Bristol, VT USA 04/17/2013
Best: Lobkowicz Palace
Why: Very interesting story of the family's struggles and victories.
Worst: SMOKING
Why: The people of Prague's number 1 past time is Smoking. Of all my travels, they seem to partake in this annoying habit without concern or their or others health.
William in Buena Park, CA USA 04/15/2013
Best: Prague -The wonderful Czech People!
Why: I found out the hard way that some of the Tram routes have changed beginning September 1. I was there mid September, and the maps sold, as well as the ones I received for free, had not been updated yet. While 15 minutes on a tram, I found out that I was going the wrong way, even though the map said I was on the correct tram! Luckily, a kind lady on the tram, mentioned this change to me. She instructed to exit the tram and got off of the tram with me, and she walked with me to correct tram that I should take, and she even gave me instructions to get me to my destination! Kudos to the Czech people! (Trip taken mid/late Sept. 2012)
Worst: Prague - Black Light Theater
Why: Not the worst, but not very entertaining. I saw a Black Light Show at the Image Theater. I believe it was called “The Cabinet.” Maybe I did not understand the show? However, I found it to be very dull, and I kept nodding off throughout the show. Considering the cost of the show, it was not worth it. (Trip taken mid/late Sept. 2012)
Kaz in Santa Clarita, CA USA 03/31/2013
Best: Tour & Concert in the Baroque Theater (Zamecke Divaldo)
Why: One day I took a tour of Baroque Theater (Zamecke Divaldo). The tour was both interesting and informative. Getting to see this authentic, one of two in the world, baroque theatres was treat. Seeing the authentic stage, orchestra pit, seating as well the under the stage pulleys & elevators gave me a deep appreciation for this theater.
However, the treat was yet to come! They mentioned that this theater is not used for performances, except for only a handful that they do throughout the year. Luck was on my side, for they mentioned that one of these performances was taking place the following day. After the tour I immediately purchased a ticket and I would not be disappointed!
The performance was of Johann Adolf Hasse’s Enea In Caonia. It was incredible! The performance was very well done. It was authentic as an opera can get. The setting was this incredibly authentic, in this well preserved Theatre. The musicians played by candlelight, in full costume and powdered wigs. They even played on authentic instruments, such as violins, the harpsichord, and a baroque guitar. It literally felt like I was back in time!
It was a very formal affair with men in suits and women in dresses. They were even professionally recording this event. It is one memory I will not forget! (Trip taken mid/late Sept. 2012)
Kaz in Santa Clarita, CA USA 03/31/2013
Best: Prague Castle
Why: Everything was interesting!
Worst: Using the train for a day trip
Why: The main station in Prague was very confusing and the employees were unhelpful and rude. We could not figure out which platform our train to Kutna Hora was departing from, and ultimately missed our train, as well as the opportunity to visit Kutna Hora. Very frustrating.
Matt Lucas in Snoqualmie, WA USA 11/29/2012
Best: Vysehrad Cemetary
Why: Saw the graves of Dvorak and Smentana, famous Czech composers.
Alex in Baltimore, Md USA 10/21/2012
Best: Terezin, Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora and Jewish Quarter
Why: CK was beautiful and fun with a canoe ride down the Vltava, Terezin and the Jewish Quarter were important to see how the Jews were victimized by the Nazis, KH was enjoyable because of the mine (we would have enjoyed an overnight there) and Pilsn was interesting because of the brewery tour and museum (we used Frommer as aguide here)
Martin Himmelfarb in Venice, FL USA 09/12/2012
Best: the whole city
Why: I loved the whole city.
Worst: Krivoklat Castle
Why: When was the last time you were there? I found it to be a dump. The guide locked us in and talked for over an hour and half.
Carmelita Stone in Plattsburg, MO USA 09/12/2012
Best: St. Vitius Cathedral
Why: The beauty and history that exists.
Jennifer in Toledo, OH USA 07/28/2012
Best: Medieval Art Museum
Why: I thought it was the best museum of its type (even better than the Cluny in Paris). And there were only 3-4 other tourists in it!
Sam in Philadelphia, PA USA 06/19/2012
Best: Cesky Krumlov
Why: Charming small city that offered tours of the castle and the Baroque Theatre. Spending one night makes an enjoyable two day trip.
Jan McMullen in Gig Harbor, WA USA 05/17/2012
Best: Tourguide Renata Blazkova
Why: We took a tour with Renata in the Jewish Quarter in Prague. She was amazingly knowledgeable and a great tour guide. We enjoyed it very much.
Kathie Roon in Marysville, WA USA 05/03/2012
Best: Green Garland Pension (U Zeleneho Vence) Prague
Why: Great location (between Old Town Square and Charles Bridge), large comfortable room, better than Continental breakfast, very good off-season rates (February & March: 1400 CZK per night with 2 persons/room). Staff friendly and very helpful solving transportation & air problems.
Edgar Hee in Medford, OR USA 03/21/2012
Best: The Jewish Quarter
Why: The PInkas Synagogue....the number of victims of the Holocaust just seems much more striking when you see the names all written out over every single interior wall. The cemetery is also amazing. Don't miss the Spanish Synagogue.
Worst: The Charles Bridge
Why: it is pretty and historic all that, BUT....it was so mobbed (in October) that you could barely stop to take a picture. The number of hawkers of caricatures and pictures, etc is so great that it detracts rather than enhances the enjoyment. We tried to avoid the bridge after awhile! I went back in the very early morning for some photos and there was no one on the bridge...much more evocative and enjoyable experience.
Joan in Fort Worth, TX USA 10/23/2011
Best: Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral
Why: Beautiful artwork.
Helen Kluck in Gloucester, MA USA 10/10/2011
Best: Commentaries on Catholic/Protestant issues
Why: While riding bicycle through Mikulov, Czech R, I read the commentary on the area's wines and discover my ancestors, the Anabaptists, now called Mennonites, had been to this area in the 1600s and saved the wine industry. While in Mikulov I contacted the Castle museum curator and told him my connections to this historic group. He gave my wife and I a private tour and I learned since returning to the states, the museum is going to have a dedicated section of the museum to this Anabaptist piece of history. He credits our visit and the interest we displayed. I credit the RS tour book for this incredible discovery I made.
Larry in Hauder, ID USA 09/29/2011
Best: Commentaries on Catholic/Protestant issues
Why: While riding bicycle through Mikulov, Czech R, I read the commentary on the area's wines and discover my ancestors, the Anabaptists, now called Mennonites, had been to this area in the 1600s and saved the wine industry. While in Mikulov I contacted the Castle museum curator and told him my connections to this historic group. He gave my wife and I a private tour and I learned since returning to the states, the museum is going to have a dedicated section of the museum to this Anabaptist piece of history. He credits our visit and the interest we displayed. I credit the RS tour book for this incredible discovery I made.
Larry in Hauder, ID USA 09/29/2011
Best: Nova Pec
Why: I hiked to Germany and Austria (just past the peak of Mt Plechy), and stayed at Pension Hubertus--which was lovely in every way. Thank you.
Julie Kurtz in Minneapolis, MN USA 07/05/2011
Best: All of it!
Why: As always, I loved and appreciated having your book on our vacation. It makes the whole trip so much more enjoyable.
Worst:
Why: I think the section on Prague should have a bit more history included.
Jenny Li in Dallas, TX USA 04/26/2011
Best: Self Guided Walks
Why: Rick has some great information on things that really help bring to life certain areas of town that many times eliminates the need for paying for someone to tell you similar information. Great if you are on a tight budget.
Worst: TI information
Why: not a big deal, but the TIs don't sell phone cards or book rooms in private homes.
Stefan Ferraro in Gatineau, QC Canada 03/09/2011