It’s been a few days since we returned from our “Thanksgiving tour in Europe” but we still have not quite recovered from how expensive Europe has become for Americans. While Prague has always been heralded as a bargain city I can tell you that it is no longer case. Yes, it is a beautiful city but the government officials obviously decided to take every – I mean, every – possible opportunity to “milk the tourists” whenever they can. Naturally, tourism is a vital source of income to lots of cities but the cities should not be unabashedly greedy to the point of charging entrance fee to churches, cathedrals, public streets (no matter how charming they are) and cemeteries. Enough of ranting, here are some of our top spots in Prague:
1. CHARLES BRIDGE(Karluv Most). Yes, I know that it is one of the touristiest places in town but it is a must. The stone bridge was built in 1357. Initially, I believe, with only one statue on the bridge while the rest of them began to arrive in the 17th century. One of them is the “Lorraine Cross” which is about halfway across the bridge (you won’t miss it because there are always eager tourists who want to take their photo) and if you touch the statue your wish comes true. There are always street entertainers here and a myriad of street vendors who are more than ready to sell tourists everything from photos to necklaces.
2. OLD TOWN SQUARE. Again, it is an obligatory place where one can see the famed astronomical clock. The clock has been ticking since 1490 and has been pulling in the crowds even if its “on the hour” performance has been fairly unspectacular. The square, however, is enchanting with its mélange of baroque and medieval structures. It was a medieval town’s marketplace where the action took place, including the execution of criminals. Today, the activity is much milder – sipping mulled wine during the winter or drinking coffee in one of the many cafés.
3. GOOD CZECH BEER HALL. It is a matter of personal taste and opinion as to the best tasting beer in the world but when it comes to beer-consumption nobody can beat the Czechs. They are the world champions with 162 litres per person per year. Ireland takes second spot with 146 litres and Germany third with 123 litres, according to the Czech Brewery Association. And if you want to drink one of the best ones in town (according to our native Czech friend and self-acclaimed “beer connoisseur,” Slavek), head to the one on Vycep, Taborska 49 where Jaroslav Hasek, famous Czech humorist and writer (Svejk the Good Soldier) used to hung out. Another good bet is U Jelinku, where Hasek hang out as well, is at Charvatova 1; tel: ; open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday.
4. JOSEFOV (Jewish quarter). The main streets are Josefov and Parizska with its elegant avenues of unaffordable but incredibly chick designer boutiques. The spiritual heart of the quarter is the Old-New Synagogue, built in 1270, which is the oldest synagogue in Europe. One can purchase a ticket for 300 korona (about $18.00) that grants admission to 4 synagogues (not the Old-New one), the ceremonial hall and the cemetery (where you cannot go in for free but can only visit if you purchase the all-inclusive ticket).
5. Prague Castle. Founded some time around
870. It may be the number one tourist attraction (if not the Charles Bridge which is
still free). A grandiose facade enclosing the complex greets the visitor. A ticket costs about 350 Kc that allows entrance to the Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George St. George and the enchanting Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka) where Kafka’s sister lived (as well as Kafka) for a while (No. 22).
6. VYSEHRAD. My favorite site of Prague. The castle was founded here and one of the first sights one sees is the Rotunda of St.
Martin from the second half of the 11th century, which is the oldest complete Romanesque building in Prague. Next to the neo-Gothic Church of SS Peter & Paul is Slavin, Vysehrad’s cemetery where Dvorak, Smetana, writers Karel Capek and Jan Neruda rest. In essence, the Père-Lachaise of Prague. It is a beautiful and restful place where no frenzied tourists gather (and it is free.)
7.GOOD RESTAURANTS:
Chez Marcel, Hastalska 12, tel. 222.315.676
(close to the Spanish synagogue). It is as French as it gets with its French waiters.
Kolkovna, V Kolkovne 8, tel. 222.819.701, traditional Czech pub food with good beer, listed in the Michelin book.
It’s been a few days since we returned from our “Thanksgiving tour in Europe” but we still have not quite recovered from how expensive Europe has become for Americans. While Prague has always been heralded as a bargain city I can tell you that it is no longer case. Yes, it is a beautiful city but the government officials obviously decided to take every – I mean, every – possible opportunity to “milk the tourists” whenever they can. Naturally, tourism is a vital source of income to lots of cities but the cities should not be unabashedly greedy to the point of charging entrance fee to churches, cathedrals, public streets (no matter how charming they are) and cemeteries. Enough of ranting, here are some of our top spots in Prague:
1. CHARLES BRIDGE(Karluv Most). Yes, I know that it is one of the touristiest places in town but it is a must. The stone bridge was built in 1357. Initially, I believe, with only one statue on the bridge while the rest of them began to arrive in the 17th century. One of them is the “Lorraine Cross” which is about halfway across the bridge (you won’t miss it because there are always eager tourists who want to take their photo) and if you touch the statue your wish comes true. There are always street entertainers here and a myriad of street vendors who are more than ready to sell tourists everything from photos to necklaces.
2. OLD TOWN SQUARE. Again, it is an obligatory place where one can see the famed astronomical clock. The clock has been ticking since 1490 and has been pulling in the crowds even if its “on the hour” performance has been fairly unspectacular. The square, however, is enchanting with its mélange of baroque and medieval structures. It was a medieval town’s marketplace where the action took place, including the execution of criminals. Today, the activity is much milder – sipping mulled wine during the winter or drinking coffee in one of the many cafés.
3. GOOD CZECH BEER HALL. It is a matter of personal taste and opinion as to the best tasting beer in the world but when it comes to beer-consumption nobody can beat the Czechs. They are the world champions with 162 litres per person per year. Ireland takes second spot with 146 litres and Germany third with 123 litres, according to the Czech Brewery Association. And if you want to drink one of the best ones in town (according to our native Czech friend and self-acclaimed “beer connoisseur,” Slavek), head to the one on Vycep, Taborska 49 where Jaroslav Hasek, famous Czech humorist and writer (Svejk the Good Soldier) used to hung out. Another good bet is U Jelinku, where Hasek hang out as well, is at Charvatova 1; tel: ; open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday.
4. JOSEFOV (Jewish quarter). The main streets are Josefov and Parizska with its elegant avenues of unaffordable but incredibly chick designer boutiques. The spiritual heart of the quarter is the Old-New Synagogue, built in 1270, which is the oldest synagogue in Europe. One can purchase a ticket for 300 korona (about $18.00) that grants admission to 4 synagogues (not the Old-New one), the ceremonial hall and the cemetery (where you cannot go in for free but can only visit if you purchase the all-inclusive ticket).
5. Prague Castle. Founded some time around 
870. It may be the number one tourist attraction (if not the Charles Bridge which is
still free). A grandiose facade enclosing the complex greets the visitor. A ticket costs about 350 Kc that allows entrance to the Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George St. George and the enchanting Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka) where Kafka’s sister lived (as well as Kafka) for a while (No. 22).
6. VYSEHRAD. My favorite site of Prague. The castle was founded here and one of the first sights one sees is the Rotunda of St. 
Martin from the second half of the 11th century, which is the oldest complete Romanesque building in Prague. Next to the neo-Gothic Church of SS Peter & Paul is Slavin, Vysehrad’s cemetery where Dvorak, Smetana, writers Karel Capek and Jan Neruda rest. In essence, the Père-Lachaise of Prague. It is a beautiful and restful place where no frenzied tourists gather (and it is free.)
7.GOOD RESTAURANTS:
Chez Marcel, Hastalska 12, tel. 222.315.676 
(close to the Spanish synagogue). It is as French as it gets with its French waiters.
Kolkovna, V Kolkovne 8, tel. 222.819.701, traditional Czech pub food with good beer, listed in the Michelin book.
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