Archive for the ‘Czech Republic’ Category
Friday, June 19th, 2009Andy Hayes
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Karlovy Vary (also sometimes referred to in English as Carlsbad) is one of my favourite little Czech towns. It’s a great getaway from Prague, and although a tourist hot spot, it is far less crowded than the Czech capital. While mostly know for the the film festival it hosts every year, here are three other fun things to do while you’re in Karlovy Vary.
Eat!
You’ll find the same delicious Czech cuisine here as you do in Prague, with the same rustic-style restaurants but far less busy. And less expensive! Some of my favourite Czech dishes are roast pork and cabbage with Knedlíky (dumplings), potato pancakes (called Bramboráky), or any of the fried cheeses. Follow it up with a hot wafer from one of the roadside stands.
Drink!
The two drinks that are most well-known with Karlovy Vary are the spa waters – which taste disgusting, I think, but are renowned for their healing properties. You buy little porcelain mugs from any of the tourist shops and then you can fill up from the many fountains – for free. It is quite hot so the handle serves as a straw, which cools off the drink as you sip.
The other major known drink is Becherovka, a strong herbal liquer. Some swear by it – it’s quite strong but I find it a very nice digestive.
Walk!
Karlovy Vary is essentially a valley in a mountainous woods. Or I should say hills – somewhat steep but nothing too strenuous. You can ask your hotel or accommodation for a map – take any street out of town and you’ll find yourself on a leafy wooded path, pretty much. There is a funicular that you can take to quickly get up into the hills, then just wander your way back into town.
Have you been to Karlovy Vary?
What was your favourite thing to do?
Photo courtesy of Chiara Marra
Tags: beer, Karlovy Vary, liqeur, spa, Walking
Posted in Czech Republic by Andy Hayes | No Comments »
Friday, March 13th, 2009Andy Hayes
Well, the days are starting to get longer, the spring flowers have sprung, and despite a few flurries here and there, it is feeling distinctively like spring here in Europe. Now’s the time to start thinking about your next European holiday – often good airfare deals and hotel discounts can be had this time of year as the post-Christmas holiday rush has ended and folk are not quite yet planning summer holidays. As well, the economic climate means there are even more travel deals out there today. Here’s a few destinations to put at the top of your list for spring:
Madrid
Spain’s largest city is full of life any season of the year, but the summer weather can be brutally hot. During April and May the city has less rain than in winter and temperatures are very comfortable, even though snow can still be found in the nearby mountains. Don’t miss the Prado, which will also be less crowded at this time.
Amalfi Coast
Tucked away just south of Rome, this portion of the Italian cost can be well overcrowded in summer. But the fresh breeze from the sea brings warmer temperatures and less crowds in spring, meaning you can take time to enjoy the view and the neighbouring attractions such as the ruins at Pompeii.
Santorini
The tourist season starts in Santorini on March 1st – go any earlier and you’ll find many restaurants, B&Bs, and attractions closed. The weather can be very hot in summer but very comfortable in spring, and similar to Amalfi, you can relax and enjoy those stunning seaside views without all the hassle.
Prague
While the Czech capital will not be as warm and cozy as its southernly cousins in this list, spring is still a great time to go and enjoy the “real” Prague, avoiding the hordes of tourists that hit this town en masse come summer. See Charles Bridge at sunrise without a cast of thousands. Go to some of the city’s more popular restaurants without a reservation. Sit in one of the city centre squares and enjoy a cold Pilsner. You’ve earned it.
Tags: amalfi coast, europe, Madrid, Prague, santorini, spring
Posted in Authentic travel, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Short breaks, Spain by Andy Hayes | 2 Comments »
Friday, November 28th, 2008Andy Hayes
I have just picked up the most lovely picture book / coffee table book / travel guide that would make a perfect stocking stuffer: The Grand Literary Cafes of Europe. It is chock full of wonderful pictures of the best cafes across the region, and includes a wealth of history on how Europe became famous for its “café culture” lifestyle and the heavy influence that literary circles had on the rise and dominance of the café.
Another cup? Photo Copyrght by Andrew Hayes
I started reading through to see how many of my favourite cafes were included, and surprisingly I have been to several of the ones listed. Here are a three of my best picks that are in the book:
Café de Flore
Paris is the epicentre of café culture; today the city of lights has the highest number of historic coffeehouses still in operation. The best of them all, in my opinion, is the charming Café de Flore in the trendy neighbourhood of Saint-Germain des Prés. The atmosphere is vibrant as the Parisian elite mix with the odd tourist and backpacker. The café is so hip that it even has its own CD, Café de Flore: Rendez-Vous a Saint Germain des Pres (another great stocking filler, incidentally).
Café Europa
Prauge is not about to let Paris go uncontested for the café lifestyle. Café Europa is the hotel café in the Grand Hotel Europa, and is the most photographed café in Prague. There is no question why, with its stunning Art Nouveau façade and interiors that rival that of royal residences. With wall-to-wall murals, marble columns, late-afternoon piano music, and a grandiose skylight, this is the best place to rest your heels after a busy day of sightseeing or shopping in the Czech capital.
Café Américain
Surrounded by buskers, cannabis shops, beer-soaked cafes and a general sense of overwhelming revelry, it is hard to believe an oasis of calm can be found here in the centre of Amsterdam. However, just off the bustling Leidseplein is the beautiful Art Deco Café Américain. Enjoy a newspaper or book in a civilised environment; it is quiet enough to enjoy conversation over the gentle hiss of the espresso machine or simply relax and admire the buzz of activity passing by on the street out of the window. The furnishings are authentic and create an intimate atmosphere unique in this tourist hotspot.
Do you soak up the café culture when enjoying Europe? What’s your favourite café (literary or otherwise)?
Tags: Amsterdam, cafe, cafe americain, cafe de flore, cafe europa, coffee, Culture, Czech Republic, France, gift ideas, netherlands, paris, Prague, stocking stuffer
Posted in Books, Czech Republic, France, Holland, Restaurants, Themed holidays, Travel planning, Travel tips by Andy Hayes | 2 Comments »
Thursday, August 21st, 2008Suchi
An easy day trip from Prague (2 hours by train), this sleepy Czech town is famous for its creepy-cool bone church or ossuary, Kostnice Sedlice. At first glance, its Tim Burtonesque bone chandelier may seem a bit shocking, but in the end, you just can’t turn away. And luckily for your friends and family back home, cameras are allowed inside.
Make your way through the town’s winding cobblestone alleys to a cozy, medieval pub for a hearty feast of wild boar goulash with potato dumplings in a cranberry sauce and a half liter mug of the local beer.
As with most Czech cities, there is always one church that stands out above the rest, but here you have two: the bone church and Saint Barbara Cathedral. But the route to this second church alone is an inspiration in itself, with statues graceful and grand lining the narrow road, and overlooking a valley with a river running through. You can take the city bus from the train station into town, but it’s also possible to just walk by following the railroad tracks or the river.
Tags: kostnice sedlice, kutna hora
Posted in Czech Republic by Suchi | No Comments »
Monday, August 18th, 2008Suchi
This cozy, contained capital city will delight you to no end—as long as you can stay away from the tourist mobs. Prague attracts thousands of tourists round the year, and if you go in the summer, especially in August when the Czechs are mostly all on vacation, you might think that the beauty of the city is there just for the gaping tourists. But if you know the right spots, you can avoid the crazed crowds and see Prague in your own peaceful way. The guidebooks tell you to go Charles Bridge and eat some over-priced goulash, but don’t be like everyone else! See Prague in a unique, back alley way, see it like the locals see it. Hop on and off the trams (make sure you have a daily or weekly transportation pass first) and see where you end up, watch the people around you. The further you get outside the center, the more chance you will have to get a deeper insight into Czech culture and how the locals really live in this gorgeous city. If you see a shadowy little storefront marked with the word “Antikvariat” go inside. You will discover a wild array of antiques and used items, ranging from books to records to stamps to furniture to jewelry to kitchen gadgets from way back when.
One big tip—stay away from the major attractions like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Clock Tower on Old Town Square. If you really want to see them, go at night or very early in the morning. Charles Bridge, and the view from it, is absolutely gorgeous at 4 a.m. in the summer, when the sun is just waking up, and no one is around except for maybe a few passionate photographers, setting up their tripods.
Petrin Hill, at the Ujezd tram stop, is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but the hill is large enough that you won’t keep running into others and can relax in shade of the abundant cherry, pear and apple trees. Halfway up the top, stop and sit for awhile at the Petrin Café that offers you one of the best views in town. An even better space for taking in the aroma of Prague is Letna Park, the largest park in the city complete with a stunning view of the Vltava River and the city beyond it…and don’t forget the beer garden either for a real glimpse of Czechs enjoying life–in nature, with friends at the table, a beer in hand and canine companion nearby.
Tags: beer garden, parks, Prague
Posted in Authentic travel, Culture, Czech Republic, Travel tips by Suchi | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008Amanda Kendle
As an alternative to Prague, I love visiting Brno in the east of the Czech Republic – as well as being a lovely city it’s a great access point to other adventures, too. With Brno as a base you can easily spend a day exploring the Moravian Karst, a really green area north of Brno that includes something like 400 caves.
I have to confess I’ve only been to two of these caves, but one in particular is a spectacular one and worth recommending. The Punkva cave – close to the town of Blansko – has to be entered on a tour and in summer you might have to book tickets in advance (check this website for some useful official information). But make the effort, because inside is gorgeous, and as well as having a walk through the usual stalagmites and stalactites there is also a boat through an underground river. When you get outside again to the Machocha Abyss there’s an incredible contrast with the turqouise blue of the water and the deep green of all the trees going back up the hill, and it’s really quite magical.
The other cave in the same area, the Katerinska Cave, is also worth seeing while you’re there. It’s not so popular with tourists (and therefore just as interesting to me) and has large chambers – apparently they sometimes hold music concerts down there.
A lot of the caves in the Moravian Karst are closed during winter so check opening arrangements before you head out there. There is public transport although having a rental car would make it much more convenient.
Tags: Brno day trips, cave sightseeing, Czech Republic sights, Katerinska Cave, Moravian Karst, Punkva cave
Posted in Czech Republic by Amanda Kendle | 2 Comments »
Thursday, July 17th, 2008Suchi
by Suchi
Picture this: you are reclining in a spacious, comfortable chair, deciding if you remember enough German from school to make an effort to read the newspaper that was handed out to you at departure. The stewardess comes up to you, and asks what you would like to drink. You ask for a hot chocolate, but then change your mind to a cappuccino—maybe the caffeine buzz will get your German going—and she smiles and walks briskly down the aisle to fill your order. Meanwhile, you turn to gaze out your enormous, plasma TV-sized window at the rolling meadows of the Austrian countryside. Your drink has arrived and you pull down your tray from the back of the seat in front of you and relax as your favorite Hugh Grant movie starts to play on the TV screens that have been lowered from the ceiling. When it’s over, you will probably get out your laptop and use the free wi-fi to find a good German-English dictionary. What could be better than this leisurely travel? How about knowing that you paid only 20 pounds for a roundtrip ticket?
by m-louis
No, you’re not on an airplane, you are on a Student Agency bus from Prague to Vienna, but that doesn’t mean you had to dig out your faded uni ID and pull a hat down over your head.At this Prague-based budget travel agency, 10 to 20 percent discounts are given to students under the age of 26, but anyone can travel at the full price, which is usually already incredibly low. Though the website has limited sections in English (flights, but not bus deals, are available in English), you can call the Prague office at +420.800.100.300 or if you are already in Prague, visit them at Ječná 37, 120 00, Prague 2, to speak with their enthusiastic and helpful travel agents. Student Agency travels to many popular Western and Central European destinations by bus (yes, even a 24-hour, 25 pound journey to London from Prague), and to a huge variety of international locations by air. The flight deals are not always competitive in comparison to low budget airlines, and usually fill up very quickly, especially around the holidays, so plan ahead.
Tags: bus travel, discount flights, Prague
Posted in Air travel, Budget options, Czech Republic, Travel deals by Suchi | No Comments »
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008Suchi
Just a 2 hour (and 2 pounds!) bus ride west of the Golden City of Prague, the charming spa town of Karlovy Vary (also known as Karlsbad) is once again getting dressed up for its 43rd annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival to take place July 4-July 12 2008.
by NoblePiranha
For 33 pounds, you receive a pass for the entire 9-day festival, which includes tickets to 3 screening per day and discounts or free entry to a host of events–concerts, exhibitions, theatre, etc–surrounding the flurry of films. Or you can pay just over 2 pounds to catch an individual screening. Known as the Cannes of central Europe, this fabulous festival features world-renowned filmmakers and actors each year, and this summer, guests include acclaimed actors Christopher Lee and Robert DeNiro among many others. Check out http://www.kviff.com/en for film schedule and more details.
Written by Suchi Rudra Vasquez
Tags: film festival, Karlovy Vary, Karlovy Vary film festival
Posted in Culture, Czech Republic, Events, Festivals by Suchi | 3 Comments »
Monday, December 3rd, 2007Karen Bryan
Alpharooms have a selection of free night offers at hotels in Prague for specific dates during the period January to April 2008.
In Prague by Ben Harris-Roxas
The 3 star Hotel Tyl is offering 3 nights for the price of 2 between 2 January – 20 March 2008 and 4 nights for the price of 3 between 25 March – 10 April.
Hotel Tyl
The 3 star boutique Da Vinci gives you 3 nights for the price of 2 between 2 January – 20 March 2008.
Hotel Da Vinci
The 3 star Raffaello offers 3 nights for the price of 2 between 2 January – 20 March 2008.
Hotel Raffaello
Tags: Prague free hotel nights, Prague hotel deals, Prague hotel offers, Prague hotels
Posted in Accommodation, Children, Czech Republic, Destination guides, Short breaks by Karen Bryan | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007Karen Bryan
According a to a survey by Travelcare, Prague is the cheapest destination for a short break in Europe. The cost of £204 was based on costs such as a stay at a four star hotel, a three course meal, museum entry fee etc. London came third at a cost of £267 with Paris the most expensive at £577. I was surprised by the fact that Dublin at £385 was slightly more expensive than Copenhagen at £380. Yet Scandinavia still has a reputation as a pricey destination.
I think that if you shop around a bit, stay perhaps slightly outside the city centre or trendy areas and don’t travel in peak season you can get a good deal in most European cities. This survey doesn’t appear to include transport costs to your destination so that could have quite an impact on the overall cost of your trip.
I decided to have a quick look at the price of hotel rooms for a weekend in April Friday 13 – Sunday 15 April. I found a superior room in 4 star hotel in Prague with Laterooms for £47 a night. The cheapest four star I came across in Paris, the Champs Elysees Friedland cost £101 a night for a standard room. It is quite a difference in price. However I don’t think I would always choose one destination over another solely by price. I haven’t been to Prague but I’ve been told it is a beautiful city. I’ve visited Paris once, thought it was a wonderful city and would like to return.
Posted in Accommodation, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Short breaks by Karen Bryan | No Comments »
