So now you have seen Charles Bridge, walked up to the Prague's castle and visited St Vitus Cathedral, you've also been to the Old Town Square and watched the mechanical turns of Apostles go around the Astronomical Clock about hundred times. Are you getting bored? Well there are some hidden spots in Prague that not many tourist agencies know about or will tell you. All you need to do is get off the beaten path and start exploring.

St. James Church (Kostel Sv Jakuba) - Sunday mass

Near the Old Town Square, this church has a great acoustics which makes it one of the best places for a classical music concerts. The Choral works and music during Sunday mass is a must. If you are visiting during colder days, make sure you dress warm. It gets rather chilly. Also notice the desiccated human hand hanging to the right above the entrance. It is real.

Vyšehrad

This place is a bit out of the way so it's not often visited but well worth the effort. It is situated close to the city center on a high rock above the river Vltava. It offers greate views over parts of Prague. Vyšehrad castle was build in 10th centur. Situated within the castle is the church of St.Peter and St.Paul. There are manicured gardens great for picnic. Not many places in Prague are as green and quiet. To get there just take the metro and then there is a nice walk for you.

Petřín Hill Observatory

The Petřín Hill Observatory is a copy of Paris's Eiffel. It's not much to look at but it will give you great panoramic views of Prague. Petřín Tower is located in Petřín Park which also has a mirror maze.

Prague

is among the most beautiful cities you encounter in Europe. It's a very popular destination and many take vacations in Prague, however, it can also be unsafe if you're not careful. I've lived in Prague for 2 years while studying so I am positive that I can give you some advice and hopefully save you some money and trouble when you decide to stay in Prague.

Language

The main language is Czech, many people in Prague speak German and these days numerous young people can speak English since its being tutored in schools.

However, it's really appreciated by locals if you are able to spit out a couple of Czech sentences. Look up some common Czech phrases on the web or get a book. Don't try to just yell at them in English and expect that they'll be cooperative.

Driving a car

Unless you absolutely love using maps and driving don't drive in Prague. It's a very old city, the streets are usually one way and it's being repaired day in and day out so the rules keep changing pretty much day-to-day. I used to drive there but only routes which I knew 100%... or at least 90% and I know many locals just wouldn't drive there.


The other problem is parking in Prague. After the fall of communism, the amount of cars in Prague doubled or tripled (I'm not sure exactly) but the point is that it is hard to park on the streets and expensive in parking areas. Also if you just park your car where you're not supposed to, the local city police will clamp your car or tow it away. Either way it is not much fun dealing with them.

If you must drive, make certain you coordinate your parking with the hotel or motel or whatever and so take public transport to get yourself around.

Public transport

If you are able to, avoid using Prague taxis. There are signs at the airport to use only their taxis. It's there for a very good reason. Unfortunately local cabbies have a bad habit of overcharging. I've heard a story of a tourist being charged $US 400 for taking a taxi from the bottom of Wenceslas Square to the top (you could walk it in about 10 minutes).

If you must take a taxi, use only authorized taxis and make certain the meter is turned on. Also it's better to agree on a fee before.

The best way I found is to use the local underground (Metro). It's very cheap, fast and gets you to most places you'd want to go.

Where to eat and drink

Attending a restaurant in the heart of Prague can be expensive even by western standards. Try to avoid those restaurants and cafes in general tourist areas, instead ask locals where there's a good restaurant with local cousine or track a couple of hundred meters away from the main tourist tracks. You'll find really good restaurants with a fraction of the cost.

Money

Even though Czech is now a member of EU they still use crowns. You'll need to have some cash as most small businesses still operate on cash basis and I would not just give them my credit card. If you prefer to use a credit card, make certain that the shop/restaurant/hotel or whatever is a reputable business. There are some troubles with credit card fraud.

I've discovered that the best rate of exchange you are able to get is to use your debit card and withdraw money from local ATM's. Just make sure you're in a well guarded area when you make a withdraw.

Don't ever change money with folks on the street.

Crime

Prague's worst problem are petty snitches. Always make certain you close all your bags, don't have your money or passport in back pocket and be on alert. I'd also advise to cut back on the amount of jewelery you wear. Thieves commonly concentrate in main tourist areas and work in teams. So even if you get the guy who just took your wallet he usually manages to pass it onto his mate. Also never forget valuables in a car on unattended bags. When leaving hotel room always make certain to lock it.

The other problem is prostitution. After 10PM main tourist areas are lined with girls pleased to see you. Although prostitution is illegal, the local police turn blind eye. Don't pickup any girls from the streets especially if they're not Czechs, it can be very unsafe. You could end up with no money and maybe with some bonus disease.