Travelling Times

Pining For Prague

Prague - the capital city of Czech Republic - is a popular tourist destination.   Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, or Iron Curtain, it has grown in economy and culture.  For anyone considering visiting Prague, here are a few facts about the sixth most visited city in Europe.

Before You Go

Exchange your money before leave, as most exchange offices charge high rates, especially in the city centre.  

Pack for the season, but also be prepared for any weather.  Similar to London, Prague can experience broad weather conditions and it is not unusual to ‘out of season’ temperatures and conditions.  In fact, it probably rains most during July and August, the warmest months.

It is advisable to pack an umbrella, some comfortable walking shoes, and extra layers whatever time of year you go.  

Temperature Control

The temperature in Prague can vary greatly depending on which time of year you are visiting, and even then it is still unpredictable at times.  Winters can be as cold as -15C, summers up to 35C (though more likely about 25C).  It may seem that the best time of year to visit is either spring or fall, but the truth is there is so much to see and do in Prague that you really won’t be concerned with the temperature so much.

Plenty To See

Prague is home to 10 museums and loads of cinemas, art galleries, theatres and plenty  of other historical sites.  The question you’ll probably be asking yourself, while your there, is not, “What shall we see/do today?”, but “how can we fit all this in a brief holiday?”.

Czech Cuisine

If you want to experience the best of Czech cuisine in Prague, visit one of the many restaurants or pubs which serve food similar to that in southern Germany or Austria. The main meats are pork or beef, though fish is used occasionally too.   It is washed down with beer, of which there is a wide choice to select from.  Be careful of being caught drunk and driving.  You do not want to leave the locals with the impression that you are known for drunk driving.

There are also plenty of international restaurants, including Chinese and Italian, if you do not like Czech food. 

Whatever you do, try to avoid fast food outlets if you possibly can.  These may be cheap, but they will give you no cultural food experience.

When the bill arrives at a restaurant, always check it as food establishments (especially the cheaper ones) have been known to overcharge tourists.

Memories

Make sure to bring back plenty of good ones.  You don’t necessarily need to buy loads of souvenirs that will only serve to clutter your homes, or even take loads of photos (though one or two souvenirs that remind you of your trip might be good, and some photos for the album).  

But also, while you’re there, really take in the scenes with all your senses.  The visually gratifying sites, the smell of the local air and local food, the taste of local food, the sound and intonation of the local language.   These are the memories you will be falling back on long after you arrive home, and the ones you’ll be recalling when someone says, “So, tell me about Prague”.