Spent 3 days and two half days in Prague over a long weekend. Third visit and just as excellent as the other two. Tried to vist some new places (from tips from this forum) plus revisit places we%26#39;d been before. A large part of our vists was focussed around the Christmas markets which I have fed back on a separate post.
Hotel
We have stayed again at the Diplomat at Dejvice. This is not to every ones taste as its out of the City Centre but for a medium length stay its highly recommeded. Its a very large 4 stay modern chain hotel but has every amenity and a brilliant hot and cold buffet breakfast. Reason we like it is that its a 30 second walk from where the 119 airport bus terminates and the A metro line plus 3 tram routes are right outside so getting to the city cannot be easier or quicker. Oh and its cheap if you book via the web
Travel
7 day pass from airport 280 kc - worth every penny and it gets you up the Petrin funicular as well
Sights
We spent a really excellent day in Vinohrady and Vysehrad. Started by getting the metro to Jirho ( a few stops from the centre) and going via the amazing modern church with the huge clock in Vinohrady to the Zizkov TV tower. you can get up to the 8th floor viewing platform for the most amazing views of the whole of Prague plus there sa nice friendly cafe on the 5th floor. Recommended. From ther we went via tram to Namesti Miru for the Christmas market (best in Prague ) and there is also a superb twin steepled church which unfortunately was closed. From there via metrolines A and C to Vysehrad. What an amazing place and early evening ver atmospheric. Its a walled fortress on top of a rock overlooking the river and the city centre - more stunning views, wonderful chuch and lovely walk. down to the river then tram back to centre. There is much more to Prague than the usual sights and these should not be missed - you have just got to plan and get on the transport
Sunday we started from Charles Bridge (going up tower was interesting ) walked through Kampa Island, went to Petrin via funicularr then meanderd via paths to the Strahov monastery and then to the Castle. Missed out the Rozhledna (mini Eiffel ) tower as we%26#39;ve done this twice before but worth a climb if not . From there a walk down hill to Mala Strana completes the day
We spent one day in Staro and Nove Mesto and visited many of the usual sights. Obecni Dum cafe (I think) is worth a look for it architecture but didn%26#39;t go inside%26gt; Powder tower was closed.
Food and Drink
Arrived at Kolkovna at just past 6pm to find it almost full but got the last high table. Superb place - wondeful food and beer not too expensive , good friendly service and they have a non smoking dowstaitrs area. Went there again. Pivovarsky Dum also good for food and their beers brewe on the premises. Unbelievably had to queue for half an hour out on to the street as it was so popular - worth the wait though. No such luck with U Medvicku - fully booked all night so had to go elsewhere. Best beer at Strahov monastery in Klaterini Pivovar inclduing their Xmas beer at 7.7%. Food, service and surroundings v good and relaxing . U Pinkasu at Mustek also
recommnede
Weather
Never been to Prague in December when its not been well below freezing but this year quite mild, a couple of really sunny days plus one horrible wet one when I managed to siip over and nearly break my finger (and this belfre any beer!!)
Downsides
The number of tourists (particular;ly tours )in the central areas seemed vastly more than previous Decembers and at times it was difficult to move about or get tables. Not impressed by the main central markets and prices have increasd considerably (but not food or drink prices)
Upsides
Out of town areas, Namesti Miru market , Strahov beer, transport,
food and drink prices, Hot wine, laid back atmosphere , plus everthing else about the city
No sign of the un necessarily over emphaised pickpockets or any simialr problems - people friendly and happy to help
Basically an excellent enjoyable weekend . Will be back.
Thanks to all the forum contributors and local experts for your info
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Nice review, glad you enjoyed prague once more. I will definetly try to visit nam miru next time.
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