Exploring Prague: A Traveler's Guide

Figure 1.  View of Castle District from Old Town (or Staré Mesto)

Getting Around

Central Prague is easily managed on foot (though be sure to wear comfortable shoes). For longer trips, the city has a reliable public-transport system of metros, trams and buses. The system is integrated, meaning that the same tickets are valid on all types of transport, and for transfers between them.^[2]

• Walking 
• Central Prague is compact, and individual neighborhoods are easily explored on foot.
• Tram 
• Extensive network; best way to get around shorter distances between neighborhoods.
• Metro 
• Fast and frequent, good for visiting outlying areas or covering longer distances.
• Bus 
• Not much use in the city center, except when travelling to/from the airport; operates in areas not covered by tram or metro.
• Taxi 
• Relatively cheap but prone to rip-off drivers.

Prague Integrated Transport (PID) is an integrated public transport system including metro, tramways, railways, city bus and coach services, river boat services, the Petřín funicular and park and ride services.

• Same ticket
• The system uses the same tickets as the metro and metro rides can be combined with rides on both trams and buses, provided the ticket is still valid.
• Operating Hours
• Trams and buses run from around 5am to midnight daily.
• Ticket & Pass 
• A valid ticket or day pass is required for travel on all metros, trams and buses. 
• You must validate (punch) your ticket before descending on the metro escalators or on entering a tram or bus (day passes must be stamped the first time you use them).
• For the metro, you’ll see stamping machines at the top of the escalators. In trams and buses there will be a stamping machine in the vehicle by the door.
• Tickets and passes are sold from machines at metro stations and some tram stops (coins only), as well as at newspaper kiosks and DPP information offices at the Můstek, Anděl, Hradčanská and Nádraží Veleslavín stations.
• Day passes are available for 1 or 3 days and make sense if you're planning on staying more than a few hours
• Key Tram Routes
• No 22—The classic tram line that climbs to Prague Castle from Malá Strana, though you can board it in Vinohrady, at Národní třídá, or Národní Divadlo (National Theatre) too.
• No 9—One of Prague's busiest cross-city tram routes, linking Žižkov, the main train station, Wenceslas Square, the National Theatre and Smíchov. Transfer to line No 22 at Národní třídá, Národní Divadlo or Újezd.

 

Figure 2.  Prague Tram Map (downloaded form pid)

Charles Bridge

Landmark stone bridge linking Prague's Old & New Towns, with street artists & entertainers:

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the bridge is 516 meters (1,693 ft.) long and nearly 10 meters (33 ft.) wide. It was built as a bow bridge with 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two on the Lesser Quarter side (including the Malá Strana Bridge Tower) and one on the Old Town side, the Old Town Bridge Tower. 

The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700, but now all have been replaced by replicas.

 

Video 1.  TOP 10 Things to do in PRAGUE (YouTube link)

Old Town

Old Town (or Staré Mesto) is a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions such as the medieval Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn, on Old Town Square. The Rudolfinum concert hall hosts classical music, while the Estates Theatre stages ballet and opera. Student nightlife is centered around the vast 5-story Karlovy Lázně dance club.

• Oldest square in the historic center with 10th-century origins
• Site of many Gothic buildings

Old Town Square

Old Town Hall (Staromestska radnice)

• 14th-century old town hall
• Renowned for its observation tower and intricate astronomical clock
• Hourly procession of apostles and allegorical figures on the famous 600-year-old astronomical clock 

Estates Theatre

• Continuously running since 1783
• An elegant theater presenting opera, ballet & dramatic works

Figure 3.  Pražský hrad (Tram 22 stop) to Prague Castle main entrance (Second courtyard)

Castle District (Hradčany)

Castle District in Prague is a tourist attraction, and the largest ancient castle complex in the world. An amble through this picturesque hilltop town-within-atown provides breathtaking views of the river and the Gothic-style Charles Bridge.  

To learn more, read the companion article:

• Prague Travel—Visiting Castle District (Hradčany)

Video 2.  Prague (Rick Steves' Europe; YouTube link)

References

1. Flixbus.com (for long distance)
2. Lonely Planet
3. Prague Boats
4. Prague Steam Boats
5. Prague Historical River Cruise (45 mins)
6. pid.cz (important)
7. maps (link)
8. Prague Walking Tour (link; Google Maps)
9. The Essential Guide to Prague's Bridges
10. A Local Photographer's Ultimate Guide to Prague (good)
11. 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Czech Republic (good)
12. Things to know BEFORE you go to PRAGUE (YouTube video)
13. TOP 10 Things to do in PRAGUE (YouTube video)
1. Prague Castle
2. Petrin Tower—378m cast-iron tower (taller than the Eiffel Tower) with deck for city views
3. Klementinum—Mirror Chapel & Baroque Library
4. Wenceslas Square (New Town)
5. Alchemy
6. Vyšehrad—a popular sunset vantage point with hilltop views over the city and Prague Castle
7. Manisfesto Market Florenc
8. Charles Bridge
9. Jewish Square
10. Old Town Square
14. Corinthia Praque Hotel (breakfast buffet)
15. Prague Florenc Bus Station (Regiojet to Karlovy Vary)
16. Prague public transport (dpp.cz)
17. Prague Integrated Transport - PID
• Information about public transport in Prague and surroundings. Tickets, fare information and travel tips for Prague integrated transport.
18. Prague.eu The Official Tourist Website for Prague
19. Prague Pickpockets and Other Crime - My Czech Republic
• Be careful on Wenceslas Square. It is usually packed with tourists and the crowds make things easy for pickpockets.
20. Czech Travel—How Safe is Prague for Tourists
21. Money, Costs and Budget in Prague (11/24/2015)
22. Dollar to Czech Koruny currency exchange rate (xe.com)
23. From Prague Airport to the City Center: 3 Best Ways to Get There
24. Transport to and from the Airport Airport Express (AE; 40 mins to Main Railway Station)
• Václav Havel Airport Prague is directly connected to Prague Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží)
25. 10 Things to Czech out on your vacation in Prague
• The Astronomical Clock, The Charles Bridge, The Prague Castle, The Beer Bike, The Bone Church, The Absintherie, The Bohemia Jazz Fest, David Černý’s Prague Sculptures, The Cross Club, Letni Letna
26. Tipping in Prague: Who to Tip & How Much
• As a general rule, always remember that, except for restaurants and cafés, tips aren't expected in Prague – tip at your discretion, and always factor in the quality of service. When in doubt, round up to the next hundred Koruna, or tip somewhere between five and 10 percent of your final bill.
27. Refund of value added tax to a foreign natural person paid in the price of goods purchased in the Czech Republic
28. Prague Castle Tickets Price – Everything you Need to Know
29. Tram and Metro in Prague (pdf)
30. Natureza Vegetarian House
31. Ticket and Prices (pid.cz)
32. Prague Travel—Foods and Drinks
33. 4 Best Ways to Get From Prague Airport to the City Center (Old Town) in 2022
• Airport Express—Tickets cost 100 CZK for adults and you can buy them at the terminal or directly from the bus driver.

Italy Travel—Visiting Positano along the Amalfi Coast

View of Positano Spiaggia (main beach) and its hillside

Its scenic vistas, art history, and incredible food and drink have long made Italy a destination for romance-seekers, foodies, and adventurers. But Positano, located just south of Naples along the Amalfi Coast, is a true jewel to visit:^[5]

One of the most iconic towns on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Positano is a sunbaked slice of craggy cliffs, pastel facades, uber-fresh seafood and ice-cold limoncello – all in close proximity to Pompeii and Capri.

 

Top 10 Places On The Amalfi Coast (YouTube link)

When to Travel

The best time to visit is in spring or early autumn.  In summer, the coast's single road (SS163) gets very busy and prices are inflated; in winter much of the coast simply shuts down.

Positano on Amalfi Coast (Source: Lonely Planet)

Public Transport (Train and Bus)

You can take the train from Naples Porta Nolana station to Sorrento.  

Circumvesuviana is a railway network in the east of the Naples metropolitan area and now operated by EAV.  For online ticket booking, you can use Campania Express website.

There is no train route which runs along the Amalfi Coast, so the only public transportation by land is the bus. There are also ferry routes which run in the summer, stopping at Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Salerno. Ferry tickets are more expensive than bus tickets, but ferries are a very pleasant way to travel the coast.

After arriving Sorrento, you can take a SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano which will drop you off at either the first or second entry to the town.^[1]

The first by Bar Internazionale where you can then wait for the Interno Positano bus that will take you down to your destination. The second drop off is by the exit of the town and it can be closer to your hotel or B&B depending where it is located.

Boat Services

The ferry routes that arrive directly in Positano are:

• Salerno - Positano
• Sorrento - Positano
• Capri - Positano
• Castellammare di Stabia - Positano

Be warned that boat services to Amalfi Coast towns are generally limited to the period between April and October. Some boat service companies are listed below:

• Gescab-Alicost
• TraVelMar
• Metro del Mare
• Traghetti Napoli

Visiting Amalfi / Ravello / Villa Cimbrone

For one of the evenings or afternoons head to Amalfi and Ravello on a ferry. You can first stop by Amalfi and discover the town or head straight to Ravello on a bus which is a true gem of the Amalfi coast. Make sure to go to Villa Cimbrone and enjoy truly unforgettable views at sunset.

Stay Ravello if: You want peace and quiet; you don’t want to share your Amalfi Coast town with the crowds; you don’t mind not being directly on a beach; you don’t mind the lack of nightlife; you want to take beautiful travel photos.^[12]

 

References

1. Positano Travel Guide (good)
2. Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)
• The Path of the Gods can take anything from 3 to 5 hours to complete, so it's a good idea to pack nourishment for the road. Bring a light lunch from one of the local cafes, or make a pit stop for food on the way. A few restaurants are tucked into the scenery as you get nearer to Nocello.
3. Hiking Italy's Amalfi Coast - the Path of the Gods (YouTube video)
4. Ferry timetables
5. Reasons Why You Should Visit Positano, Italy
6. Southern Italy (Lonely Planet)
7. Trenitalia App Download (recommended)
8. Naples Porta Nolana station
• Is the terminus of the entire Circumvesuviana network: trains leave for Sorrento, Baiano, Poggiomarino, San Giorgio a Cremano, and Sarno.
9. L1 - Napoli - Sorrento (timetable in pdf; Google map)
• In Italian, but schedules are numeric once you select a line
10. Casa e Bottega Positano (good restaurant for breakfast and lunch)
• Offers fresh cuisine for breakfast, lunch and snacks—with gourmet salads, sandwiches, homemade cakes, 100% natural ice cream, smoothies and fruit and vegetable centrifuges.
11. Le Sirenuse Hotel Restaurant 
• Offers best breakfast with the best view of Positano (see pictures below). It's quite pricy, however it is worth it. They have a great buffet of local fruits and veggies, salads, pastries, etc.
12. The Best Amalfi Coast Towns for Every Type of Traveler

Italy Travel Tips

Italy is filled with riches. It offers you spectacular cities, ancient ruins, wonderful museums, soaring mountains, great beaches, and beautiful natural scenery – all packed in one.

Planning for your first trip

If you plan to visit Italy for the first time, here are the tips for you:^[6]

• Take it slow
• Forget your diet
• Visit Italy to indulge and live your life to its fullest.
• Do your research
• Avoid tourist foods
• Don’t eat or drink in the main city square. These spots are usually overpriced tourist traps.  Just walk two blocks away from those tourist spots and you will find cheaper food choices.
• Fewer stop is better
• Pick the right season
• Be alert for travel scams
• Taxi scams—Insist the meter be turned on, or make sure you’re aware of any flat-rate pricing.
• Anyone who approaches you with lavender, flowers or a pizza box. Just walk the other way.
• Put your luggage on a diet
• Don't pack too much.  Mobility is essential.  Only pack for your carry-on.  But whatever you bring in your bag should a little bit fancier than normal.
• Familiarize yourself with the language and culture

Video 1. How to buy ticket online in Italy (YouTube link)

Need to Know^[2]

• Driving
• Drive on the right; steering wheel is on the left side of the car.  
• Money
• ATMs are everywhere, but be aware of transaction fees.
• ATMs at every airport, most train stations and widely available in towns and cities.  
• For current exchange rates, see www.xe.com
• Credit and debit cards can be used almost everywhere, with the exception of some rural towns and villages. 
• If you’re traveling abroad, you may need to use a credit card PIN to complete certain transactions, like those at unmanned kiosks in train stations.^[17]
• Chip-and-pin is the norm for card transactions.  
• Language
• English is not widely spoken in Italy and you'll need to master a few basic phrases.
• Tipping
• Tipping is customary in restaurants, optional elsewhere.
• However, avoid tipping at restaurants if it’s already included on your bill
• Most restaurants have a coperto (cover charge) and a servizio (service charge) of 10% to 15%.
• When comes to taxi driver's tipping, just round up to the nearest euro, which is normal.
• If in double, read [14] for more information.
• Public restrooms
• The Italian word for toilet (the part you sit on) is “water” pronounced “vater”. If you are looking for the toilet (the bathroom, the loo) then you will want to ask for “il bagno” pronounced “eel banio”.
• Public restrooms in train stations and other places are usually pay.  However, they are clean and have attendants.  Just follow the signs posted.
• You need coins (there was a change machine across from the gate). It was like the subway. You put in money; then the gate went up or retracted.
• Venice is often criticized for its shortage of toilet facilities.  Read [13] for more information.
• Mobile (Cell) Phones
• European and Australian phones work, other phones should be set to roaming.  Use a local SIM card for cheaper rates on local calls.
• What to wear
• Appearances matter in Italy.  
• In general, trousers (pants), jeans, shirts and polo shirts for men and skirts or trousers for women will serve you well in the city.  
• Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are fine in summer and at the beach, but long sleeves are required for dining out. Come evening, think smart casual.  A light sweater or waterproof jacket is useful in spring and autumn, and sturdy shoes are good for vising archaeological sites.
• When to visit^[2]
• High Season (07-08)
• Queues and crowds at big sights, beaches and on the road, especially August
• Shoulder (04-06 & 09-10)
• Good deals on accommodation
• Spring is best for festivals, flowers and local produce
• Autumn is best for warm weather and grape harvest
• Low season (11-03)
• Prices can be 30% lower than high season (except Christmas, New Year and Easter)
• Many sights, hotels and restaurants closed in coastal and mountainous areas
• Christmas feasting and colorful Carnevale
• Web Sites
• Lonely Planet
• Destination information, hotel bookings, traveller forum and more
• Trenitalia
• Italian raiways
• Agriturismo
• Guide to farm accommodation
• Slow Food
• For the best local producers, restaurants and markets
• Enit Italia 
• Italian government tourism website
• Italia Kids 
• Fantastic family resource
• Safety in the South
• Despite mafia notoriety, southern Italy is not a dangerous place and the biggest threat you face is from pickpockets and bag-snatchers.
• Leave valuables in your hotel room and never leave them in your car.
• If carrying a bag or camera, wear the strap across your body and away from the road—moped thieves can swipe a bag and be gone in seconds.
• Be vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, including at train stations and ferry terminals, on buses and in markets (especially those in Naples, Palermo and Catania).  Always report thefts to the police (dial 113) within 24 hours, and ask for a statement, otherwise your travel insurance company won't pay out.
• Travel medical insurance
• Travel medical insurance is essential and it pays “reasonable and customary” charges for bills.^[3]
• For ambulance, dial 118.

Source: Lonely Planet (Southern Italy)

 

Video 1. Urilift comes to rescue if you can find one (YouTube link)

References

1. 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy
2. Southern Italy (Lonely Planet)
3. Why Travel Medical Insurance Is Essential
4. Italy Travel—Italy’s Train System
5. Italy Travel—Visiting Amalfi Coast
6. 9 tips for beginners visiting Italy for the first time
7. Hiking choices for Southern Italy
• Sentiero degli Dei (video)
• Mt Etna
• Stromboli
• Parco Nazionale del Gargano
• Parco Nazionale del Pollino
• Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano
8. www.incampania.it 
• Up-to-date events, as well as articles and itineraries 
9. Italy Traveler
10. etes.it (ELECTRONIC TICKET EMISSION SYSTEM)
• A Ticketing and Marketing company that operates in the field of Entertainment
11. TicketOne
• The ticketing, marketing, information and e-commerce website
12. Public Restrooms (Tripadvisor.com)
13. Public Toilets in Venice
14. Tipping in Italy: all you need to know 
15. Italia.it
16. 101 TRAVEL QUOTES – INSPIRING THE JOURNEY
17. What’s a credit card PIN and how do I get one?
18. What to do if an airline loses your luggage

England Travel—Visiting London

Video 1.  London Complete Travel Guide - England Travel Ideas - Bucket List (YouTube link)

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London

Kew Gardens, probably the world’s most famous garden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden, created in 1759, boasts the earliest and greatest botanic garden, including breathtaking landscapes, historic buildings, along with one of the rarest and most interesting range of plants. Hop aboard the Kew Explorer land train to enjoy the 40-minute tour of the gardens and learn about Kew’s plants, trees and history.

Don’t miss the newly refurbished Temperate House – the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse.

Figure 1.  Holland Park (London; 05/05/2021)

Figure 2.  Three main areas you would like to visit (from Video 1)

Palace of Westminster

Just across from Westminster station, the Gothic Revival turrets of the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower – which houses Big Ben – draw curious eyes towards the sky.^[11] A stone’s throw away, visitors can immerse themselves in history at the 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, Westminster Abbey, which has held services for 16 royal weddings.

Hyde Park

One of London’s most expansive green spaces, Hyde Park is also linked to Kensington Gardens and Green Park.^[12] While you’re there, admire the Victorian splendor of the Albert Memorial, and get your royal fix at the splendid Kensington Palace. Alternatively, head to the Serpentine Galleries for some world-class contemporary art.

Nowadays, the Green Park is a peaceful and safe refuge where visitors can go for a stroll before going to see the ceremony of Changing the Guard, held in the nearby Buckingham Palace.

The capital city has so much to offer those spending Christmas in the UK, from the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the incredible Christmas shopping on Oxford Street.

South Bank

The stretch of the River Thames from Waterloo to Tower Bridge is known as the South Bank and is always busy with strollers, runners, art lovers and music fans. Along the walkway you’ll find an array of architectural masterpieces, including the brutalist National Theatre and Southbank Centre, the low-slung British Film Institute, the industrial-looking OXO Tower and Tate Modern, plus Shakespeare’s Globe.^[12]  For many, a stroll along the South Bank is as London as it gets.

Video 2.  Ultimate Guide to LONDON'S Best MUSEUMS (YouTube link)

British Museum

Founded in 1753, the British Museum was the first national public museum in the world, and today it is Britain’s most visited with more than 7 million people arriving per year. Entry has always been free and includes access to the institution’s most important and sought-after acquisitions, such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Ancient Egyptian structures. The museum is an architectural gem itself, with the newly refurbished Queen Elizabeth II Great Court a highlight. See the open hours below:

Every day, except Fridays, the Main entrance closes at 16.00 as the Museum closes at 17.00. On Fridays, due to the late opening of exhibitions, the Main entrance closes at 19.30 as the Museum closes at 20.30. 

However, the museums and public galleries stay open with only Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day closures.

Figure 3.  London Tower Bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London

Borough Market

Borough Market—the mother of all London’s food markets—is one of the most unmissable destinations for both locals and tourists in London. It is just over the road from the bustling London Bridge Station.  

Although, it is situated close to one of the most innovative skyscrapers in Europe – The Shard – getting through the market is traditional and harks back to the past.^[15] Crossing the road from London Bridge station, you will be attracted by the smells and sights of the place which bring you into a remarkable community.

Figure 4.  Big Ben at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London

Westminster Abbey

One of the defining landmarks of the city, Westminster Abbey has played a central role in the nation for nearly a whole millennium. Filled with the tombs of some of the country’s greatest kings, poets and politicians, history literally surrounds you here. It’s open most days – unless there happens to be a royal wedding taking place – and the abbey is an excellent way to feel part of the nation’s past.

Literally a stone’s throw away from the Houses of Parliament, College Garden sits within the precincts of Westminster Abbey. It is one of those London gems that hide in plain sight, and no visit to the Abbey is complete without venturing in.

Video 2.  Chelsea Physic Garden (YouTube link)

Chelsea Physic Garden, London

Located in a microclimate by the River Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to train apprentices in the medicinal qualities of plants. It became one of the most important centers of botany and plant exchange in the world and has a unique collection of over 5,000 edible, useful, medicinal, and historical plants. This garden offers visitors a real sensory experience.

Video 3.  10 Best Places to Visit in England (YouTube link)

Video 4.  London: Historic and Dynamic (YouTube link)

Video 5.  INSIDE ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL AND CRYPT (YouTube link)

References

1. Where to Stay in Bloomsbury, London
2. Where to Stay in London
3. Maps of the National Rail Network of Great Britain
4. The Best Hostel in London: wombat’s City Hostel London
5. A Selection of England's best gardens
6. Whole Foods Market (UK)
7. How Safe is England? What Travelers Need to Know
8. THE BEST PARKS IN LONDON IN WINTER
9. The Best Time to Go to Europe
10. The 39 Greatest Constructions of Gothic Architecture in the World
• The Cathedral of Canterbury
• Lincoln Cathedral
• Wells Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey
• Bath Abbey 
• Palace of Westminster
11. A Guide to Westminster, London
12. Must-Visit Attractions in London
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Kew Gardens
• London Zoo
• London Eye
• ArcelorMittal Orbit
• Madame Tussauds
• Tate Modern
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Sea Life London Aquarium
• The Old Vic
• Hyde Park
• Imperial War Museum
• South Bank
• Oxford Street
• Buckingham Palace (changing-the-guard schedule)
• The Shard
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• British Museum (ticket information)
• Royal Albert Hall
• The National Gallery
• Borough Market
• Shakespeare's Globe
• Portobello Road
• Westminster Abbey
13. Through the Keyhole: Best Secret Gardens in London
14. Royal High Tea At Kensington Palace
15. The Complete Guide to Borough Market, London
16. A Brief History of The Houses of Parliament
17. The 12 days of Christmas: 12 places to spend Christmas in the UK
• London hosts an array of Christmas markets, ice rinks, and events leading up to Christmas. Our favorites have to be the wintertime market at Southbank Centre, Somerset House ice rink, and Christmas by the River at London Bridge.
18. Best Times to Visit London
19. Christmas at Kew
20. London's New Year's Day Parade
21. LHR Terminal 5 map
22. St Pancras railway station (Eurostar Station)
23. Heathrow Express (Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 and Heathrow Terminal 5 → London Paddington)
24. Kensington Gardens Hostel
25. The most Christmassy things to do in London
26. East End—Heavily populated with immigrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa, this London neighborhood contains the areas of Whitechapel and Spitalfields
27. Transport for London
28. The best Christmas lights in London
29. Buckingham Palace
30. Westminster Abbey
31. British Museum 
32. Travelling between London airports
• National Express (LGW ⇔ LHR every hour)
33. Trafalgar Square
34. London Stansted Airport (STN)
35. Tickets for Top Attractions
36. Sky Garden (Book Tickets)
• The terrace is open daily from 10am-6pm weekdays
37. Seasonal Guide: The 10 pieces you need to pack for a trip to London in the winter
38. How To Visit The British Museum In 2023: Tickets, Hours, Tours, And More