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Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Prague versus Paris: Where to holiday this summer?
Where are you holidaying this summer? Not decided yet? Stop throwing darts on the world map to choose the destination. Don't flip a coin, either. There's a smarter and more practical way to decide between two destinations - flight duration, direct/hopping flights, ease of visa, accommodation and sight-seeing expense, benefits of City Pass, safety and of course, the foreign currency versus the Indian Rupee. Also Read | Beverage Travel: Beer and beer bath in Prague, the world's drinking capital For example, if you had to pick between Prague and Paris, here are a few important things to consider. There are no direct flights into Prague, hence the flight duration can exceed 14/15 hours; Paris is a direct 9-hour flight from Delhi. France has high visa rejection rates for Indian travellers and Euro is costlier than the Czech Koruna. France is a wine lovers haven, beer lovers choose Prague (you can also indulge in beer spa!). Both cities are at par for sight seeing and the crowd count - Eiffel Tower. Louvre, Disneyland in Paris; Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle in Prague. So, weigh the options and then decide. It's easy to fall in love among the winding cobblestone streets and snow-covered castles of Prague, but is it a good idea? Writer Dana Newsman had mused about Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Prague is always a good idea. Visa: Require a short-stay Schengen visa. Tourist visa holder cannot stay in the country for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. If you want to stay for a longer duration, you need to reapply for a long-stay visa. You cannot apply for a long-stay visa from the Czech Republic, you have to apply from your home country. Processing time: Two weeks. Visa fee: Euro 60 for adults; children aged 6 to 12: Euro 35. Flights: There are no direct flights into Prague. Cheapest 1-stop Delhi-Prague Economy return flight starts at around INR 60,000. According to Skyscanner, June is the cheapest month to fly to Prague. Currency: It is not the Euro, it is Czech Koruna (CZK). 1 CZK = 3.86 INR. What to see/do: Prague Castle, Old Town, Charles Bridge, John Lennon Wall, sunset dinner cruise, Astronomical Clock, St. Vitus Cathedral, Petrin Hill, Old Town Square. What to eat: Trdelník (chimney-shaped cakes), Kolaches (palm-sized, sweet-bread disks filled with poppy seeds or fruit jam), Svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce), Palacinky (pancakes), and Chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches). Must do: A beer spa (imagine lazing in a tub full of beer!), Segway Tour of the city. Do a day trip to Pilsen for, well, the Pilsner (the world's first pale lager beer, Pilsner Urquell, was produced in Pilsen in 1842). If you like all-things horror, do a half-day tour to Kutna Hora to see a church (Sedlec Ossuary) made of human bones. Where to stay: Stay in the Old Town or the Lesser Town - most attractions will be walking distance and you will save on taxi fares. If you are staying in the Lesser Town, avoid accommodation near Prague Castle, it is quite an uphill walk. Zizkov is the best area for hipsters and Smichov for those on a tight budget. New Town is less crowded and budget-friendly. Avoid accommodation near the main train station, it can be unsafe. • Generally, considered safe but be careful of your belongings in crowded areas. Wear your backpack on your chest, not on your back. • Beware of pickpockets, specially by the Astronomical Clock. • Tap water is safe to drink. • Buy the Prague City Pass and use public transportation to get around. Taxis are much more expensive. Public transport tickets lasting from 30 minutes to three days can be bought at most newspaper stands, corner shops, and in all metro station. Remember to validate your ticket before the first ride. • Read reviews about nightclubs before going. • Do not leave padlocks on bridges and do not add graffiti to the John Lennon Wall. • Do not exchange currency on the streets, they could be counterfeit. • Beware of card skimmers in independent ATM machines. Nobel Laureate Ernest Hemingway had called Paris 'a moveable feast', he believed that 'wherever you go for the rest of your life, Paris stays with you'. To all who have ever been to Paris, yes, the city stays with you. And for those who haven't, it is a dream destination, a city where the Eiffel stands tall and Mona Lisa mysteriously smiles. Visa: Get a Schengen visa that will grant access to the entire Schengen area, including France, for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Note that France's visa rejection rates for Indian travellers is high - nearly 17% short stay visas were rejected in 2023. If you are planning to visit other Schengen countries, check with your agent about which country to submit the visa application. Flights: Air India Delhi-Paris Economy return flight starts at around INR 59,000. Delhi-Paris Air France direct flight is much more expensive (INR 85,000). Several 1-stop flights are also available from other Indian cities. Currency: Euro (EUR). 1 EUR= 97INR What to see: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Disneyland, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sunset cruise on the Seine river, Musée d'Orsay, What to eat: Souffle, Steak & Frites (note that even if you order your steak well done, it might still be medium or medium-rare, so order accordingly), Croque monsieur (grilled cheese), Escargots (snails), Croissants and pain au chocolat, Boeuf Bourguignon, PoNorulet rôti (chicken rotisserie), Crepes, Cassoulet (stew). Must do: Day trip to Versailles, day trip to Bordeaux that is synonymous with great wine. Where to stay: If you want to be close to major attractions, stay in Central arrondissements (1st, 8th, and 7th); Canal Saint-Martin has hipster vibes, La Marais is the heart of medieval Paris, 9th Arrondissement is ideal for budget travellers, Montemarte is for the romantics. • There is no low-season (read: less crowd) in Paris. So, expect a crowd wherever you go. What changes is merely the kind of crowd - in summer, you'll find more families/children, in Fall, there will be more retirees. • Buy Parsi City Pass that grants quick access to monuments and museums. You'll end up paying a little extra but it is better than standing for hours in the queue for Eiffel Tower or Louvre, for example. • Another way to beat the crowd is walk around key spots – like Montmartre or along the Seine - before 8 am or after 9.30 pm. • Several shops and convenience stores are closed on Sundays. Check timings. • Tipping in a restaurant/hotel is not mandatory, but if you want to, tipping 5-10% of the restaurant bill is good enough. • Do not do Eiffel Tower & Louvre & Disneyland in one day. You'll be exhausted and children will get cranky with all the waiting and walking.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- NDTV
Planning A Trip To Prague? These 10 Travel Tips No One Tells You
The charm of Prague hits you the second you arrive. The capital of the Czech Republic blends history, art, and that slightly magical energy you cannot shake off. Walking on those cobbled streets with the Prague Castle in the backdrop is like stepping into an old postcard that somehow came alive. If you are someone who gets excited about old buildings and photo-ready landmarks, head straight to Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. But before Prague wins you over completely and you start packing for your dream holiday, make note of these practical Prague travel tips to keep your trip smooth and stress-free. Here Are 10 Straightforward Tips To Make Your Prague Trip Unforgettable: 1. Stay In Old Town, Walk Everywhere If you want to stay where everything is happening, Old Town is the best bet. It is close to major attractions like the Astronomical Tower and the Charles Bridge, which means less time travelling and more time soaking it all in. You will also find local tapas joints and traditional markets just around the corner. Yes, you might even find a touch of Spanish culture hidden in these Czech streets. 2. Those Cute Shoes? Leave Them At Home. Wear Comfortable Shoes Prague looks small on the map, but do not let that fool you. Ditch anything with heels and wear your comfiest sneakers because you will end up clocking over 20,000 steps a day. From walking up to Prague Castle to roaming around the cute lanes of Mala Strana, your feet will thank you for the support. 3. No Ticket, No Entry! Book Tickets In Advance If you plan to visit the main landmarks, book your tickets ahead of time. During peak tourist months, these places fill up fast, and the queues are no joke. Worse, you might not get entry at all. Key spots like Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter and the stunning Clementinum Library get booked quickly, so be early and save yourself the hassle. 4. Don't Fall For Tourist Traps. They Look Better On Instagram Yes, we know some places are all over Instagram, but some of them are just not worth the crowd. Prague's narrowest alley, the Dancing House, Kafka's Rotating Head and the Paternoster Elevator are often packed and slightly underwhelming. Instead, head to Letná Park for a view, Vrtba Garden in Mala Strana for peace, or Vysehrad fortress for something beautiful and underrated. 5. Explore Beyond Old Town. Hop On A Tram And Find Some Peace Old Town may feel like the heart of Prague, but do not miss out on what is outside it. Hop on a tram to the scenic Mala Strana area - it is quieter, less touristy and full of character. You can also check out Zizkov, where there is fun street art, local beer spots and that unique Zizkov Television Tower. For views, hike up to Petrin Hill for some greenery and a lookalike Eiffel Tower. 6. Validate Your Travel Tickets Or Pay Up This one is non-negotiable. Prague runs on a self-check ticket system, and skipping validation can lead to steep fines. After buying a travel ticket, you must stamp it before using the metro, trams or buses. Just insert the ticket in the little machine near the entrance, and it will print the time and date for you. 7. Try Local Desserts. They Deserve Your Full Attention Sweet tooth alert. Prague has its own list of comfort desserts that deserve your time. Vetrnik is a Czech classic with a soft, creamy centre and a sweet caramel top - rich but not too much. Medovnik is a layered honey and walnut cake. Livance are mini Czech pancakes, and Ovocne knedliky are fruity dumplings that come loaded with seasonal goodness. 8. Go Early Or Late To Avoid Crowds If you want to get good pictures and avoid the tourist wave, timing is everything. Places like Old Town and Prague Castle are super packed by midday. Aim for early mornings or post-sunset strolls to enjoy the view without the crowd. Early access gives you cleaner frames and way more breathing room. 9. Even If You Hate Beer, Pilsner Beer Might Win You Over Even if you usually skip beer, Prague's Pilsner might change your opinion. It is light, has a bit of a bite, and tastes completely different when fresh and cold. From traditional taverns to trendy bars, it is served everywhere-with that signature frothy top straight from the tap, just how locals like it. 10. Use Czech Koruna, Not Euros The Czech Republic runs on the koruna (CZK), not the euro. At the time of writing, 1 euro is roughly 25 CZK. When converting your money in Prague, use an ATM or local currency exchange counters. Avoid flashy tourist exchange booths as they often come with poor rates or hidden charges. ATMs tend to be the better option for fair value.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Europe's most romantic city break is only a £27 flight from Manchester Airport
If you're stumped for a Valentine's gift this year and want to treat your partner to something extravagant, a last minute city break might just be the ticket. A new study has found the most romantic cities across Europe, although the number one spot might surprise you. Prague in the Czech Republic came out on top, beating the likes of Rome, Paris and Amsterdam to be the most romantic citybreak destination. A trip to Prague won't break the bank either, although it's a little bit more pricey to head there this weekend for the big day itself. READ MORE: Every word in sweary four-minute exchange as two people kicked out of Peter Kay concert READ MORE: Film crews spotted in Manchester as they transform beloved 18th century pub for returning BBC show Skyscanner currently shows one-way tickets from Manchester Airport to Prague later this month from as little as £27. If you did want to fly out on Valentine's Day it will cost you a little more, with one-way tickets from £71. Return tickets vary depending on when you travel, with prices in the region of £70 (it's important to note these prices don't include seat reservations or baggage allowance) . Travel insurance experts from analysed data to create the 2025 Couple's City Break Index, which revealed the top ten romantic destinations in Europe. Researchers analysed factors such as hotel prices with a city view, the price of a meal for two, must-see landmarks, spa and wellness facilities and picturesque parks. Prague was crowned the best city to visit, with the average room with a view priced at €69 a night and a three-course meal for two coming in at just €42. Couples can enjoy romantic sightseeing walks through the Old Town and marvel at the stunning architecture, including the Astronomical Clock, the iconic Charles Bridge and the largest castle in Europe. When it is time to escape the hustle and bustle, couples can seek out one of the many idyllic parks and gardens. Rome came in second place, where a hotel room will set you back €98 and a meal for two will cost €65. But the city has an endless supply of romantic spots for couples to discover, including the beautiful 17th century Villa Borghese Gardens, the Colosseum and the famous Trevi Fountain where you can throw a coin in for good luck. Istanbul bagged the third spot with the cheapest hotel prices in the index at just €51 per night for a room with a view. The Turkish capital is also the third cheapest for dining out, coming in at €51. Spa lovers can treat themselves to some Turkish-style pampering in one of the many luxurious bath houses (known as hammams), admire the magnificent palaces or experience a scenic cruise on the Bosphorus. Prague Rome Istanbul Paris London Porto Seville Amsterdam Dubrovnik Bruges For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
