International > Europe

Going to Czech and Eastern Europe this summer

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slackjaw:
Anybody have any advice on travel in the Czech republic?  I'll be basing myself in Prague and am planning to visit Plzen as well.  Any other must sees?

slackjaw:
Also, will go to Budapest as well.  Considering Bucharest.  Is it worth a visit?  Will be going forward to Istanbul, so I will only have a few days in Romania if I go.

astoriagables:
Sorry I don't have any extremely helpful advice, but I will say - I LOVED Prague when I went. I visited 25+ cities over the period of a month in Europe a couple years ago and Prague has always made the list of places I'd want to return. Have fun :)

travelinpantsgirl:
Slackjaw, I lived in Romania for 3 months and it's a beautiful country, but honestly, Bucharest is blah, unless you're interested in seeing what megalomania can do to a city. Ceaucescu's demolition of the city during his reign left few places desirable in the city to visit. There is the massive palace he built before he was executed. If you have the time though, I would highly recommend seeing Sighisoara, Sinaia, Brașov (for it's Italian piazza feel and hollywood-esc sign). I would say if you're headed to Turkey via Bulgaria on the train or bus, be super careful, there are A LOT of thieves on that route. It's really cheap to fly, so if you can swing it, I'd say stay a little longer in Romania and hop the train a little north to those cities I mentioned. They are straight shot from Bucu and Sighisoara is the most furthest at only 5 1/2 hours by train from Bucu with beautiful sites along the way.

Here is the Romanian train site: http://www.cfr.ro/

Their trains have been updated and almost all of them are nice and new. I will warn you as I don't think this has changed, night trains are almost always not air conditioned and it gets as hot there as it does here and they believe in fan death also, so you will have old women closing the window in your compartment if they are in there with you...haha.

Here are some pics. One is of the palace in Bucu, one is of the piazza in Brașov, and the other is a semi-aerial view of Sighisoara.
Any questions, just PM me.

me.wil:
I studied abroad in Prague for 4 months in university!  It is an unbelievably beautiful place.  I suggest czeching (never gets old) out Kutna Hora.  It is pretty close to Prague.  Can definitely be done in a day.  They have the "Bone Church".  The place is entirely decorated by bones.  Here's a website about it...

http://www.outsideprague.com/kutna_hora/bone_church.html

My favorite view of Prague was from Strahav Monastery, close to Prague Castle.  Just walking around and getting lost through all the backstreets is the best part about Prague.  Don't know if you have gotten a place to stay yet, but I suggest somewhere near Old Town Square, or Mala Strana.  I would suggest staying away from Wenceslas Square, was far as lodging goes.  I just like the feel of Old Town and Mala Strana better, plus they are better located.  Also, be sure to drink Gambrinus beer.  THE BEST!!

Budapest is also and awesome city.  Definitely one of my favorite cities I've been. 

If you have any other q's I'd be happy see if I can help.  Also have a friend who live there for almost 2 years, so I can ask her as well.

Enjoy your time there.  It is a beautiful place!

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