Let me start out by saying the Czech Republic's currency is the Czech Koruna and at the time of this trip $1 = 20CZK. So right out the gate I couldn't wait to visit here because that exchange rate is appealing all on its own.
Getting There
This was our first family road trip since we moved to Germany (usually we fly or take the train) and it took us approx. 3 hours to get from our house to our hotel in Prague. Very easy drive--once you get in to the city a few strange turns due to construction areas but not bad at all (spoken from someone who rode in the passenger seat the entire trip).
*Special Note: before you cross the border in to Czech Republic you have to purchase a vignette (that's your toll) to travel on their highways. You will see tons of signs before you hit the border to purchase them and the cost is 15 euro (for 10 days)--if you don't buy one you run the risk of getting an extremely high fine.
*Special Note: you have to drive with your lights on at all times in the Czech Republic or they will ticket you for that also.
Shopping
I have to start out with the shopping because that was my favorite aspect of the trip. The prices were amazing. Our hotel was not in the main tourist square so that gave us an opportunity to explore some places that we might not have if we didn't stay in that area. The city is filled with small malls; you don't even realize they are malls & so big inside until you walk in and realize there are floors full of GREAT priced items. There are also smaller stores (tons of shoe stores) that are packed with great sales.
Special Note: I suggest going outside of the main downtown square areas and do some shopping there (you will get better deals). Public transportation is so easy the trams run all throughout town 24 hours. You can easily buy a 1/2/3 day tram ticket from any Tabak shop for as little as110CZK ($5.50).
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| floor to ceiling full of stuff |
There are also stores filled with beautiful crystal pieces as well however, we decided to avoid those stores because it is not an ideal place for a 3 year old :) Also it seemed like on every block there were liquor/wine shops packed from floor to ceiling with everything you can think of.
Another must visit store is V!VA the Belgium chocolate factory. They have all kinds of wonderful chocolates and they also have a baker making the chocolates right in the store.
*Special Note: we didn't go to V!VA until around 7pm and the baker was no longer making the chocolates so if you want to see that get there early. Even at night the store was still packed so have patience b/c it gets crowded in there. Hours: Everday 10am-10:30pm
Also in the square area near the Astronomical Clock Tower was some sort of celebration of countries/cultures. They had a parade and a stage set up with performances; a very nice and unexpected treat.
Another must visit store is V!VA the Belgium chocolate factory. They have all kinds of wonderful chocolates and they also have a baker making the chocolates right in the store.
*Special Note: we didn't go to V!VA until around 7pm and the baker was no longer making the chocolates so if you want to see that get there early. Even at night the store was still packed so have patience b/c it gets crowded in there. Hours: Everday 10am-10:30pm
Old Town Square
Of course full of shops but this is also where you will find the street food vendors cooking up all of the different local delights.
MUST TRY: I have no idea the name of this delightful treat but it is some sort of donut/bread snack that falls under the Fair Food Group :) They were rolling the dough and making them fresh right in front of my eyes and I could not resist. It was sooo good!
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| Mmm Mmm Good |
Also in the square area near the Astronomical Clock Tower was some sort of celebration of countries/cultures. They had a parade and a stage set up with performances; a very nice and unexpected treat.
Around the City
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| Castle in the back |
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| Concert/Performance Hall |
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| Charles Bridge |
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| Charles Bridge behind us |
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| Protest on Charles Bridge--something about food manufacturing |
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| Family pic on Charles Bridge |
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| Chasing bubbles in the square |
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| Astrological Clock |
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| shopping everywhere |
Despite the rain and very cool weather we had a great time in Prague and I look forward to visiting again when its sunny and warm outside!
Hotel: Casa Italia Apartments
Description: It was set up just like a hotel with reception building for check- in/out. Next to a bus station and tram stop. Great location near good restaurants, stores, etc. The apt had a fully stocked kitchen with a 4 person kitchen table. A separate bedroom with double bed and a loft area with 2 single beds. In the bedroom was a tv/dvd player and they even stocked the room with American movies for us. The bathroom was nice and had a huge deep tub with jets. The apt was a little older and the wood floors creaked in certain spots.
Breakfast: Even though it was an apt they brought breakfast directly to our door. It was a small breakfast of bread, jam, danishes, coffee and milk so bring your own eggs!
Parking: 10 euro per day in their secure courtyard.
Booking: Booked directly through the Casa Italia website and reserved parking with them.
My Rating: 4 out of 5
