Poland and the Czech Republic?

[QT Pie]

DH and I were thinking about going to Poland and the Czech Republic around Thanksgiving time. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to see and do? Will the weather be unbearably cold then? TIA!

[Vishenka69]

That would depend on your definition of unbearably cold. :) I would say it should be comparable to the weather in the Northeast or Midwest that time of year. How long are you planning on going for? I only been to Prague and would suggest at least 3 full days there. The city is gorgeous and there's tons to do and see. I'd also suggest Karlovy Vary, but not sure if anything will be open there in November, as it's their off season. Based on my friends' reviews Krakow is supposed to be much prettier than Warsaw (which is pretty modern as most of it was rebuild after WWII).

If the weather is a big factor, you might want to look into Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece). It's much warmer in November than Central Europe.

[tenofcups]

I've been to Poland and I have to say I didn't "enjoy" it, though I did find it "interesting." I was on a press trip so I didn't set up the trip itself, just went along with what was arranged. As vishenka noted, Krakow is much prettier and nicer than Warsaw--it's an old university town and has a kind of fun spirit. The concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau is not far from Krakow and I highly recommend a visit there.

I found Warsaw to fit my pre-conceived expectations of a former Communist city--it just seemed gray and depressing and made of all concrete block. There's a large monument to mark the Warsaw Ghetto, but nothing remains of the ghetto itself. There's a very small Jewish Quarter that's interesting (I'm Jewish) and we had a meal at a small place with live klezmer music, which was fascinating and moving.

Besides that, I honestly don't even remember where else we went or what else we did. I know that's not exactly a rousing recommendation for Poland, but figured I'd share my experiences such as they were.

I haven't been to Prague but have heard only good things from people who have. I've heard it's much like Budapest--which I love--but even better.

[emmjay]

I was in the Czech Rep and Poland during December/January and it wasn't unbearable at all. Actually I really liked it then because all of the towns had Christmas markets in their main squares and there weren't too many tourists. We had snow, but also lots of sunny days.

I agree that you need at least 3 days for Prague - I know it gets a lot more tourists now than it used to, but it's that way for a reason! Really beautiful. I would also recommend the town of Olomouc (pronounced "Oh-lo-mootz") in the Czech Republic - it's a small university town with a lot of nice architecture and little cafes, and hardly any tourists. It's also on the way between Prague and Krakow. I think other people we met did go to Karlovy Vary, but we didn't so I'm not sure what is open during the winter.

Krakow is also very nice. You can take a tour of Auschwitz from Krakow if you are interested. I had to leave before the tour was over because it was making me sick to be there, but it is definitely worthwhile. In Krakow you can see Schindler's factory as well. If you want to ski or snowboard, Zakopane is a great ski town in southern Poland near the Slovakian border, due south of Krakow. The scenery in that area is really beautiful as well, especially with snow on the ground.

[BumbleB]

I'm new here and mostly lurk, but I saw your post and wanted to reply. I've been to both the Czech Republic and Poland, although I went in May, so I can't comment on the weather in Nov. I was in Praque for 6 days, it is such a beautiful city. Be sure to get up early one morning and go down to the old town square, Charles Bridge, and the Castle area. The light in the morning makes the city even more magical and there are few tourists out at that time. Other recommendations: the Jewish Quarter- the cemetery is fascinating, Petrin hill and the Lesser Town, and of course try the Pilsner. We walked up Petrin hill through the gardens and orchards, but you can also take the Funicular up. Phenomenal views of the city from the top, and the Nebozizek Restaurant is a great place to soak it all in - definitely romantic and good food too.

I agree with what others have said about Krakow and Warsaw. Krakow has a wonderful town square and is so full of culture and history. Warsaw was interesting, and worth seeing, but I don't know that I would go back.

Another town that you might check out in the Czech Republic is Cesky Krumlov. I'm not sure what would be open there at that time of year and we only stayed one night. The Vltava river wraps around the Old Town, the castle sits on a little hill, and it is a fabulous place for walking and relaxing. I found it to be a nice break from the city at that point in our trip.

[emmjay]

and of course try the Pilsner.
Oh yes, how could I forget? Best beer I've ever had! And I've also heard nice things about Cesky Krumlov.

Another thing I forgot (even though we didn't go there) - Kutna Hora (~40 miles southeast of Prague) has a cathedral full of skulls. The skulls and skeletons are all arranged all over the church - it's supposed to be bizarre-looking!

OK - I found this picture and lots of other Czech Rep pics at: http://www.praguemaster.com/gallery_cz.htm
http://www.praguemaster.com/images/Kutna%20Hora%2008_jpg.jpg

[bookworm]

I was going to post that Prague is an amazing city, but don't believe what they tell you about the beer! :) Oh well, I guess it was me--I thought it was gross.

I loved, loved, loved Prague. We went for 5 days, in November. It was cold, but I'm from the Northeast and my traveling companion was from Minnesota, so it wasn't shocking for either of us. I don't remember what we did-- I'm sure it was whatever Let's Go! said to do :rolleyes: . I know we walked around a lot, and the city is just beautiful.

[emmjay]

I was going to post that Prague is an amazing city, but don't believe what they tell you about the beer! :)

Ha, well maybe we just drank so much of it that we thought it tasted great! ;)

[keska]

It's only an overnight train ride from Prague to Krakow, which is convenient. We actually did Krakow in one day, though I think I might have liked to spend one night there.

Karlovy Vary is a cute place to wander for a day, though there's not a lot to do there besides take the waters, shop and go up the funicular to see the view.

I wish I had had time to go to Kutna Hora because everyone says not to miss it.

If you need other ideas, it's only a short train ride to Budapest, which is awesome.

[AusMarchBride]

I agree with what everyone has said about Prague. Stunning city, although starting to get quite tourist, but at that time of the year it should be ok.

Also, another vote for Cesky Krumlov. We did it as a (very long) day trip from Prague 2 years ago. Beautiful town, interesting castle and gardens.

I have no idea where you might stay in Prague, but if you can get some sort of deal, the Four Seasons there is stunning. Has to be in my top 3 hotels in the world. I'm not sure how expensive it is, (there was a group of 20 of us there this year for a family function and the in-laws paid for our accommodation) but it's worth every penny. On our previous trip to Prague we stayed at the Intercontinental, was ok but is definitely a purpose built international business hotel. Nothing special.

Things to do in Prague: walk around, it's a great city for walking to see the sights. Cross the Charles Bridge and walk up to the Castle. Jewish Cemetery and synagogues were fascinating, and just the architecture in the city itself is lovely.

I'd go back to Prague again in a heartbeat, I loved it.

[wander_woman]

I completely agree that you should put Prague and Krakow at the top of the list. Prague is one of my favorite cities ever and Krakow isn't far behind. Skip Warsaw and spend an extra few days in Krakow. Definitely visit Auschwitz while you're there. You can take a pre-arranged tour or just hop on the train and do it yourself (I did the latter without any problems). Hang out in some of the cave bars in Krakow. I also highly recommend a tour of the salt mines outside the city ... it was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I've heard great things about Zakopane but have never been. You might also consider adding Budapest to the itinerary.

[QT Pie]

This is great information - thank you so much! DH and I are thinking of spending 3 days in Prague and 3 days in Krakow. Do you think that is too much time in Krakow? We definitely want to visit the salt mines and Auschwitz. We're going to skip Warsaw.

Did any of you find difficulties with the language? DH and I do not speak Polish and I was wondering if that would be an issue.

Prague just sounds amazing. :)

[emmjay]

I found people all over Eastern Europe who spoke English. Since you'll be in the bigger cities I don't think you should have a problem. It's nice to learn how to say hello, thank you, and cheers but you will be fine with English.

I do highly recommend Olomouc (again! :) ) if you want to break up the trip between Prague and Krakow - you would only need a day, but it's such a cute little town, like a smaller Prague.

[KB57]

I'm sure you will love Prague. DH's family is both Czech and Slovak and his parents went there and to Salzburg five years ago and just could not stop raving about what a beautiful city Prague was. We had tentative plans to go next summer, but now we have a baby on the way, so I don't think it will be happening :( We will get there someday though. Enjoy it!!!!

[tashaw6]

This is great information - thank you so much! DH and I are thinking of spending 3 days in Prague and 3 days in Krakow. Do you think that is too much time in Krakow? We definitely want to visit the salt mines and Auschwitz. We're going to skip Warsaw.

Did any of you find difficulties with the language? DH and I do not speak Polish and I was wondering if that would be an issue.

Prague just sounds amazing. :)

Krakow was great! We went there for a Polish wedding and that was fab! Try make one of your days to stay in Krakow a Saturday and then go to the square and check out all the brides riding on a horse and carriage around the square! That was fun!

Also, the place is awesome for atmosphere! When we went we weren't sure if there was some public holiday or something cause it was so festive! However it was one normal day...haha! Highly recommended!

We were in Krakow for four days...we walked around the place...went and saw the castle there, rode on the horse and carriage (cause it looked so fun when the bride and groom did it...haha!), went to Auschwitz with a bus which was ok (but the people drive like mad men!)...was very depressing and you find yourself wanting to get sick...but good to just remind yourself of the freedom we enjoy today!

I think three days is ok. Auschwitz takes you a whole day. The salt mines another half day, and then just relaxing seeing the town another day. I found language NO problem..most people speak English!

Hope this helps!

[fml]

I visited Prague and Germany in the beginning of September. We spent four days in Prague and then took a tour with the Porsche Travel Club through Bavarian Germany. One of the highlights of our stay in Prague was dinner at Kampa Park. We watched the sun set over the Charles Bridge while eating at one of the best restaurants in Prague. We took a highlight tour that was a walking/boat/tram tour on our first full day. It was worth the time because we were able to get an overview and see all of the “must-sees.” We were then able to make better decisions about what we wanted to see more of. The blacklight theater was ok...it was really touristy. If you want to see photos...I have an online gallery at: www.felicial.smugmug.com BTW, Prague is very English language friendly, Germany was not so much.

[scubasam]

Bumping up b/c I just booked a trip to go to Poland in April '07 w/ a 3-day layover in London. We've got an itinerary already going (includes Krakow, Warsaw, Zakopane, the salt mines, Auschwitz, etc.) but wondering if there are any other reco's on what to do/see in Poland? Are there specific museums, shops, restaurants, attractions, etc. that you would recommend?

[thompso2]

scubasam, in Warsaw, my DH and I loved U Dekerta[/u], a traditional Polish restaurant in the Old Town. It's a bit fancy (like, slacks instead of jeans -- not really dressy), and (while reasonable) not cheap. The Old Town is my favorite part of Warsaw, and it was great fun to wander around, then pop into U Dekerta for dinner.

You should also try one of the [url=http://www.what-where-when.pl/warsaw/warsaw_2968.htm]milk bars (http://www.udekerta.com.pl/e_index.htm) (they're like diners, but with a lot of dairy and very little meat) -- the food is good, inexpensive and authentic!

My DH and I are going back to Warsaw next summer for a wedding (we visited Warsaw, Krakow, Malbork and Gdansk in 2001 (http://www.maya.com/local/blatz/pics/jesspoland/)), and we can't wait to eat there again. We wish we'd have time to go to Krakow again, since we didn't get to do the whole Wawel (royal castle) (http://www.wawel.krakow.pl/emenu.htm) tour, but what we did see was awesome.