Prague, Czech Republic Itinerary August 2024

Prague, Czech Republic Itinerary August 2024 

Prague, Czech Republic

ITINERARY: FOR HI RESOLUTION ITINERARY AND LINKS TO TOURS WE TOOK CLICK HERE: Prague, Czech Republic Itinerary Aug 2024

We combined this trip with Vienna, Austria Itinerary and Budapest, Hungary Itinerary 

PHOTOS: See photos here: Coming soon 


AIRPORTS: Main airport is called Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)

FLIGHTS:
  • We took Lufthansa airlines from USA to Prague International Airport (PRG)
    • Luggage: Although we took an oversized carry on bag, we had no issues with them checking our weight or size of bag. Our flight from Frankfurt to Prague was on a very small plane and the airline required us to check in the bag. Lufthansa will also allow you to gate check in carry on bags for free. 
      • We highly recommend putting an airtag/tracker on your luggage in case it gets lost 
    • Food: We requested vegetarian/vegan meals and had a great experience
    • Tip: If you have a layover at Frankfurt airport... Be sure the layover is at least 2 hours long. Frankfurt airport is very busy and large and takes a while to go through customs. 
  • Jet Lag: We downloaded the and "Time Shifter" App with a combination of caffeine and melatonin - we were able to prepare and reduce the amount of jetlag 

TRANSPORTATION: 
  • Rideshare Apps: 
    • Uber App: We used Uber everywhere we went. Uber was easy and safe. No need to use taxis or set up private transportation beforehand. Be sure to download the uber app beforehand
      • TIP: At Prague airport, follow the signs to the Uber pick up spot. We went upstairs from departures to catch the uber. 
    • We downloaded the Bolt App, but felt the prices and ease of use was better on Uber
  • Public Transportation: We took the metro on some tours & they were very inexpensive & easy. However, we found uber was just easier and took us directly to our destination. 
  • Train: 
    • Ceske Drahy Train: We booked this train online & purchased first class tickets. We had access to the lounge (bottom floor of the train station) and more comfortable seats. This was not an absolute must, but made traveling even more comfortable. Highly recommend! 
Ceske Drahy Train

HOTEL:  We recommend staying anywhere in Old Town to be walking distance to any of the tourist sights. We had a great stay at the former monastery Unitas Hotel and would highly recommend. Request to have a room facing the inner courtyard rather than the street. 

WEATHER: We went in August and weather was in 70's with some rain. However, August has unpredictable weather and sometimes rain / sometimes heat wave. Ideal time would be May, Late/Early Sept/Oct. 

PAYMENT METHODS: 
  • Cash: Czech Republic or Czechia uses Koruna as their currency, not euros.
    • We exchanged foreign currency before going 
  • Credit Cards: 
    •  Only use credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fee
    • TIP:  Charge in Koruna instead of USD for a better conversion rate 
SAFETY: Emergency phone number is 112

WHAT TO PACK: 
  • Passport & print color copies of passport to carry in wallet (just in case)
  • Europe-specific plug adapter needed coming from the USA 

Europe Travel Adaptor from Amazon

  • Reusable waterbottle - OK to drink from tap. No need for bottled water. 
  • Supportive Shoes 
  • Medication: Motrin/Tylenol, anti-diarrhea pills, gas-x, tums etc.
  • Umbrella: can be helpful for rain and the sun 
COMMUNICATION: 
  • Everyone speaks English
  • Download WhatsApp App to communicate with tour guide/groups/hotels: This is the main way we communicated with any shuttle/tour/hotels etc. 
  • We activated the international AT&T plan ($10 usd/day) for one smartphone. The other smartphone, we just used for photos. 
RANDOM TIPS:
  • Download Google maps offline for any city you will be visiting
  • If possible, avoid visiting any major tourist attraction on weekends / holidays due to heavy crowds. Morning & weekdays are much better to visit. 
  • Read Franz Kafka's Book called "Metamorphosis" - or the spark notes version! 

Franz Kafka's rotating Head 

Franz Kafka based on book "Metamorphosis" - see the bug on the floor?



VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FOOD: 
  • Tipping: Recommended tipping is 5-10% for the meal.
  • Tap Water: Prague restaurants charge for tap water. $3-5 for 1L
  • Make Reservations: If going in summer time/high tourist time -- be sure to make reservations online for restaurants that you want to go to. It can be a long wait to get a seat especially on weekends without a reservation. 

  • Our favorite vegetarian/vegan places we liked were:

    • (1) Loving Hut
    • (2) Dhaba Beas Vegetarian Buffet
    • (3) Maitrea - get the Svickova dish
    • (4) Lekha Halva - get reservations - Goat chimney dish was good!
    • (5) Dosa Dosa Bistro
    • (6) Creme de la Creme - gelato

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS: 

(1) Charles Bridge, Old Town Square & Astrological Clock
  • Go early in the AM to see without crowds
  • Astrological clock has a show on the hour starting at 9am - 11pm

  • This was very eye opening to see how Europe had to go through WW1, WW2 & Communism 
  • Visit National Memorial of Heroes of the Heydrich Terror (especially if like WW2 history!) 
  • You'll see the Black Madonna & Grand Cafe Orient - Pablo Picasso & Cubism
  • Learn about King Charles & the Charles Bridge
  • How the Astrological Clock works  
  • History of beer & especially Pilsner Beer
  • Fun Facts: 85% atheist country & most church's are empty inside 
(4) Visit Prague Castle via a Tour (Don't spend too much time here) 


(6) Vysehrad Fortress - beautiful view of Prague


(7) Other suggestions (but we did not have time for): 
- Petrin Hill / Funicular 
- KGB Museum 
- Church of St. Nicholas in Lesser Town
- Klementinum Library - must buy tickets and reservations well in advance! 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Antigua, Guatemala with overnight hike on Acatenango Volcano Itinerary Jan 2024

Image
 Antigua, Guatemala with overnight hike on Acatenango Volcano Itinerary Jan 2024  Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala Fuego Volcano erupting from Acatenango Volcano Base Camp ITINERARY:   FOR HI RESOLUTION ITINERARY AND LINKS TO TOURS WE TOOK CLICK HERE:   Antigua, Guatemala Jan 2024 Other Guatemala Itineraries?  See itinerary for   Tikal/Flores, Guatemala   or   Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Itinerary Day 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of 10 day Guatemala Trip PHOTOS:  See photos here: MPTravels27 Instagram photos AIRPORTS:  There are two international airports in Guatemala: GUA & FRS Guatemala City (GUA) Airport:  small airport. Long walk from plane to customs (uphill & downhill). Customs very fast. Has free WiFi throughout airport. Flores (FRS) Airport "Mundo Maya Intl Airport":  Only one baggage claim. Tiny airport. Small cafe.  FLIGHTS: We used American Airlines to/from Guatemala City  Going to Guatemala City from USA, no issues with luggage  In Guatemala City returning back to
Read more

Mexico City - 4 Day Itinerary

Image
 Mexico City & Teotihuacan Pyramids - 4 Day Itinerary Note: Have visited Mexico City 4 times - this would be an ideal itinerary for 4 days. Switch the days around as fits personal itinerary and interests.  Mexico City, Mexico  ITINERARY:   FOR HI RESOLUTION ITINERARY AND LINKS TO TOURS WE TOOK CLICK HERE:   Itinerary for Mexico City PHOTOS:  See photos here: Instagram  TRANSPORTATION:  Flight:  We flew in to Mexico City via Aero México (Delta partner). Terminals:   Make sure and pay attention which terminal (T1 or T2) you are landing in as it makes a difference where you can catch an uber/taxi. There is a train to go from one terminal to the other.  Arrival to MEX: Depending on the volume of passengers, customs can take 30 minutes to 3 hours. **There are 3 lines: Foreigners, Mexican citizens & an e-passport line. US Citizens can go in the e-passport line instead. They take your photo and scan your passport. This line is on the left side (follow the green line on floor) and is
Read more

Lisbon, Portugal with a day trip to Sintra Feb 2023

Image
 Lisbon, Portugal with a day trip to Sintra Feb 2023 LISBON, PORTUGAL ITINERARY : FOR HI RESOLUTION ITINERARY AND LINKS TO TOURS WE TOOK CLICK HERE: Lisbon Feb 2023 Itinerary PHOTOS : See Photos here on Instagram Day 1-5 of Ten Day Itinerary through Portugal/Spain Traveling to parts of Spain?  See  Madrid, Spain Itinerary   or Seville, Spain Itinerary TRANSPORTATION: Taxi Apps to Download : (1) Bolt (2) Uber We thought Bolt > Uber, but both worked very well! Bolt app will not work while you're in the USA. Recommend downloading in USA and activating once you're in Portugal LISBON AIRPORT : Where to catch Uber/Bolt: collect bags from baggage claim, take elevator up to departures & go past the check-in counters and make a left to go outside. Look for the P1 Sign Kiss & Fly. You have to cross a couple lanes to get there. Lisbon airport is hard to navigate. Leave yourself plenty of time on departures. HOTEL: Anywhere on Avenida Da Liberdade PAYMENT METHODS: CASH: Re
Read more

Medellin, Colombia with a day trip to Guatape July 2023

Image
 Medellin, Colombia with a day trip to Guatape July 2023 MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA ITINERARY:   CLICK HERE FOR ITINERARY WITH TOUR COMPANIES WE USED:   Itinerary for Medellin July 2023 PHOTOS: See photos here: INSTAGRAM Traveling to Bogota, Colombia? : We also have a Bogota, Colombia July 2023 Itinerary  TRANSPORTATION:  Taxi Apps to Download :  (1) Cabify (2) Uber  It can be very difficult to get ubers/taxis. Use both apps to see which one gets a taxi faster/least expensive. Have lots of patience & always leave 10 min earlier than Google maps says. Ubers only good for 2 people; need to get Uber XL or Uber Comfort for more quality ones Sit in the front seat of Ubers especially going/leaving the airport (ubers are illegal in Colombia); OK to sit in back for yellow taxis (cabify) Cabify doesn't work in the USA, so Download it on phone & then will work in Colombia  Flight: We flew Wingo Airlines from Bogota --> Medellin. If checking in bag, consider spending more for a premium
Read more

Norway Aug 2022 (Oslo, Bergen, & Norway in a Nutshell Tour)

Image
  Norway Aug 2022  Oslo, Bergen, & Norway in a Nutshell Tour OSLO, NORWAY BERGEN, NORWAY ITINERARY: Visit the itinerary with tour links HERE: Itinerary for Oslo & Bergen, Norway Aug 2022 PHOTOS: See photos here: Norway Instagram TRANSPORTATION: Norway has a great public transportation system Train/Bus: Train/Bus/Metrorail is very easy to use and connects between cities. VY Train App: download this app to use for trains/Metrorail. Must use PayPal - does not accept international credit cards. Flight: Flew into Oslo airport from Helsinki. Large airport that can be difficult to navigate if departing. The airport is about 45 min - 1hour away from city center so have to take a train into the city (or pay an expensive uber); do not take the flytoget train as it is more expensive. Bergen Airport was smaller and much easier to navigate. Our Metrorail ride took about 45 minutes from city center but dropped off right in front of the airport and security was a breeze. Taxi/Rideshare
Read more

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Itinerary Jan 2024

Image
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Itinerary Jan 2024  Panajachel, Lake Atitlan ITINERARY:   FOR HI RESOLUTION ITINERARY AND LINKS TO TOURS WE TOOK CLICK HERE: Itinerary for Lake Atitlan, Guatemala PHOTOS:   MPTravels27 Instagram for Lake Atitlan Pictures DAY 7, 8, 9, 10 OF 10 DAY TRIP TO GUATEMALA Other Guatemala Itineraries?   Tikal/Flores, Guatemala  and  Antigua/Acatenango Hike, Guatemala AIRPORTS:  There are two international airports in Guatemala: GUA & FRS Guatemala City (GUA) Airport:  small airport. Long walk from plane to customs (uphill & downhill). Customs very fast. Has free WiFi throughout airport. Flores (FRS) Airport "Mundo Maya Intl Airport":  Only one baggage claim. Tiny airport. Small café.  Find more information on TAG airlines or visiting Tikal/Flores click here:  Tikal/Flores Itinerary FLIGHTS: We used  American Airlines  to/from Guatemala City  Going to Guatemala City from USA, no issues with luggage  In Guatemala City returning back to the USA, they did c
Read more

Tikal National Park & Flores Island, Guatemala Itinerary Jan 2024

Image
 Tikal National Park & Flores Island, Guatemala Itinerary Jan 2024  TIKAL NATIONAL PARK  FLORES ISLAND CLICK BELOW FOR HI-RESOLUTION ITINERARY ITINERARY:   FOR HI RESOLUTION ITINERARY AND LINKS TO TOURS WE TOOK CLICK HERE:   Itinerary for Tikal National Park & Flores Island, Guatemala PHOTOS:  See photos here:  Tikal, Guatemala Instagram DAY 1, 2 & 3 OF 10 DAY TRIP TO GUATEMALA Other Guatemala Itineraries?   See   Antigua, Guatemala  & Acatenango Hike  and/or   Lake Atitlan, Guatemala AIRPORTS:  There are two international airports in Guatemala: GUA & FRS Guatemala City (GUA) Airport:  small airport. Long walk from plane to customs (uphill & downhill). Customs very fast. Has free WiFi throughout airport. We went from GUA Arrivals (lower level)--> walked outside & crossed the street to parking garage --> took elevator to departure level --> went to TAG Airlines check-in counter There's a separate entrance for domestic flights vs International. TI
Read more

Bogota, Colombia July 2023

Image
Bogota, Colombia July 2023 BOGOTA, COLOMBIA ITINERARY: CLICK HERE FOR ITINERARY WITH TOUR LINKS: Itinerary for Bogota July 2023 PHOTOS: See Photos here: Instagram - Bogota Traveling to Medellin, Colombia? Here is our Medellin, Colombia July 2023 itinerary TRANSPORTATION: Taxi Apps to Download : (1) Cabify (2) Uber (3) DiDi It can be very difficult to get ubers/taxis. Use all three apps at the same time to see which app gets a taxi faster. Have lots of patience & always leave 10 min earlier than Google maps says. Ubers only good for 2 people; need to get uber xl or comfort for more quality ones Sit in the front seat of Ubers; OK to sit in back for yellow taxi HOTEL: Stay in Chapinero neighborhood PAYMENT METHODS: CASH: Recommend bringing $100 USD worth of Colombian Pesos in small bills. We exchanged money beforehand from Bank of America. Several food places only accept cash Public bathrooms can charge $1,000-2,000 COP (25-50 cents) CREDIT CARDS: Tour companies will charge 5-6%
Read more

Copenhagen, Denmark Aug 2022

Image
  Copenhagen, Denmark Aug 2022 COPENHAGEN, DENMARK SEE ITINERARY WITH LINKS BELOW  ITINERARY: Visit the itinerary with tour links HERE: Itinerary for Copenhagen, Denmark Aug 2022 PHOTOS: See photos here:  Instagram TRANSPORTATION:   Similar to other countries in Europe, Denmark has a great public transport system involving the metro, buses and trains.   Train/Bus:  Train/Bus/Metrorail is very easy to use and connects between cities. Copenhagen card (more below): gets you full access to all forms of public transportation Flight : flew into the Copenhagen Airport from Bergen and then flew back to the states from Copenhagen The airport is 30 minutes from city center Its very easy to catch a train from the airport which will take you right into city center. Taxi/Rideshare : Taxi’s are readily available but uber is illegal. With how extensive the metro/train system is, though, its significantly cheaper and easier just using public transport. HOTEL : We stayed close to the airport and t
Read more

Puerto Rico Jan 2023

Image
Puerto Rico Jan 2023 PUERTO RICO ITINERARY: FOR HI RESOLUTION ITINERARY AND LINKS TO TOURS WE TOOK CLICK HERE: Itinerary - Puerto Rico Jan 2023 PHOTOS : See Photos Here: Instagram - Puerto Rico TRANSPORTATION: UBER: download Uber App - easy to use Uber in the major city areas RENTAL CAR: Rental car is needed if planning to leave Condado/Downtown San Juan area Rent a rental car in downtown vs. the airport. It's much cheaper to get a rental car in downtown than the airport. We ubered from the airport to the car rental place in downtown. Can use (1) Costco Car Rental (2) Autoslash.com HOTEL: Stay in Condado Neighborhood PAYMENT METHODS: Cash or Credit card - Personal preference. Everything is in US dollars WHAT TO BRING: Sunscreen is a MUST Watershoes - these are great if planning to jump into the water during the hikes. Highly recommend to buy water shoes with good soles Waterproof cell phone holder - if planning to go into the water during hikes Rain jacket/Umbrella as needed No
Read more