My wife and I are going to be in Prague and Budapest in May of 2010, we would like to book some tours of the Jewish sections of these cities, any suggestions
thank you
Gary
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Gary - My suggestion would be to contact the local guides recommended in Rick's book. We have used some of them before and have had great experiences. They can usually customize your tour itinerary and if you want special tours they can't provide, they will provide you the best referrals. We highly recommend Sarka in Prague - her contact information should still be in the book.
Posted by
denver, CO, USA
1 posts
Gary,
I just returned from a 2-week trip to Prague on Dec. 5.
BEST TIP: Bring VERY GOOD walking shoes. You will walk - lots! Streets are cobblestone and will hurt your feet after a few days.
Do not even think of hiring a guide...take one of the "free" tours meeting at Tourist Info office behind Jan Hus statue in Old Town Square at 10:30 am or 2 pm. The guides are knowledgable and work on tips. Both tours (Old Town and Castle) were terrific and the Old Town tour introduces you to the Jewish Quarter.
The Jewish Quarter is concentrated within a few blocks and, again, I recommend not hiring a guide. A 300 Kc ticket ($18 US) will admit you into 6 sites. Signs are very detailed and if you spend a half-day like I did, I think you will be quite pleased that you weren't rushed by a guide's timetable. You can also rent an audio guide if you feel you want more info. If you purchase your tickets after 1:30 pm, they are good the entire next day. Remember sites close early Fri. and all day Sat.
I also recommend visiting Terezin:
www.pamatnik-terezin.cz/showdoc.do?docid=164
Again, do not take an organized tour, but take the bus yourself from Nádraží Holešovice for 75 Kc ($4.50 each way). NOTE: BUSSES NO LONGER LEAVE FROM FLORENC METRO STATION.
Busses leave several times per day and the return schedule is posted on the tourist info office across from the bus stop in Terezin. You can see the schedule here, but it's in Czech:
jizdnirady.idnes.cz/vlakyautobusy/spojeni/
Other Prague tips:
1. Getting around is VERY EASY. Don't be afraid to use public transit - even when you first arrive.
- Cheap and good food: Sandwich, visit Paneria or Bageterie Boulevard (Both have several locations) or Bohemia Bagel (3 locations)
Hot dog - stand outside Namesti Miru.
- Do not miss entering St. Vitus church in Prazsky Hrad (it's free). Most amazing stained glass windows.
Enjoy your trip!