Prague-Berlin-Amsterdam (1 Viewer)

[Steve Tasker]

Let's talk about these three cities.

A fellow FBG ( ) and I will be in these cities in 3-4 weeks. 3 nights in Prague, 4 nights in Berlin, and 4 nights in Amsterdam. To my knowledge, we have no plans, other than possibly a soccer game in Prague if I can figure out how to buy them because I don't ####### speak Czech. We will be staying in the city centers of both Prague and Amsterdam, and in the Kreuzberg neighborhood in Berlin.

Need some recommendations: particular bars/neighborhoods to exploit/avoid, food, things to see, places to go

Other questions:

- Internet seems to indicate that most places in Prague prefer local Czech currency rather than Euros - is this accurate?

- I'm assuming we should be okay to get by with only English in Berlin and Amsterdam, but it may not be so easy in Prague - yes/no?

TIA WILL ANSWER YOURS

 

[NutterButter]

Like the rest of European cities besides Paris, you'll get by fine in Prague speaking English. I effing love that city.

 

[johnnycakes]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I can tell you that you will have almost no issue getting by in Amsterdam with English only. 98 percent of the people there, at least those in the service industry, speak great English.

 

[Steve Tasker]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

 

[Mario Kart]

I've heard you can walk up to any girl in Prague, strike up a conversation how you're a modeling agent from America and in 5-10 minutes you can make the sexy time with them. 500 Eruos or so and you can have them love you long time.

Inflation is a #####.

And, remember Europe is the worst country ever.

 

[NutterButter]

Whatever you do, don't go there stoned. Its rather awkward. Take some mushrooms and go to the Van Gogh museum.

 

[mquinnjr]

Stayed here when I was in Amsterdam, awesome hotel right across the huge intersection before Amsterdam Centraal station: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g188590-d230125-Reviews-Park_Plaza_Victoria_Amsterdam-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.htmlCould not recommend that hotel any more, very central to everything and super clean/modern in the renovated rooms. Nice little coffeeshop right around the corner from the hotel on the right hand side. TV's with music videos, and not a chain place, felt very comfortable. Forget the name of it, but a frites place with a green awning adjacent to the hotel - get them with mayo. Heaven.

 

[mquinnjr]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

It's pretty awesome, would definitely check it out. And Johnnycakes is right, that line is a monster. I went on a Saturday afternoon when it was nice out, nice long wait.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Stayed here when I was in Amsterdam, awesome hotel right across the huge intersection before Amsterdam Centraal station: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g188590-d230125-Reviews-Park_Plaza_Victoria_Amsterdam-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.htmlCould not recommend that hotel any more, very central to everything and super clean/modern in the renovated rooms. Nice little coffeeshop right around the corner from the hotel on the right hand side. TV's with music videos, and not a chain place, felt very comfortable.

We already have Airbnb accommodations in all of the cities, but thanks. I don't know the exact location but it's in the city center area in Amsterdam.

 

[Steve Tasker]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

It's pretty awesome, would definitely check it out. And Johnnycakes is right, that line is a monster. I went on a Saturday afternoon when it was nice out, nice long wait.

Will look into these ASAP. Looks pretty neat online.

 

[Mario Kart]

I'd like to do an Amsterdam, Belgium, France thing. Maybe fly into Germany if cheaper and fly out from Normandy or near there. I should look into planning that.

 

[Christo]

So who will you be spooning with on your European adventure?

 

[Steve Tasker]

So who will you be spooning with on your European adventure?

This lovable fella

 

[Ilov80s]

Prague, the castle, old city square and bridge are worth a see even if they are crawling with tourists. For dinner, I recommend Sansho. I can't remember the Italian place we went to, but it was really good as well. As for bars, there are a ton. That city loves loves loves beer and Western culture. Many of the bars have funny American themes. I would find a more traditional place that has Czech food. One of the great parts about the city is you can just walk around and wander anywhere. Everywhere will be beautiful and have somewhere worth stopping at. It's a special place.

 

[johnnycakes]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

If you are into that sort of thing, yeah. I think.k you get a slightly different tour that way too I. That you sit in a room downstairs where someone gives perhaps a 30 minute talk about the Frank family. Downstairs was a factory during the war... Franks hid above that. Then you go upstairs to see where they actually lived for so long. They have the Windows blacked out for added effect.

 

[saintfool]

Berlin is terrific as I recall. I spent a few days there after the Wall went down. it felt a lot like NYC to me. i spent more time in Prague - few weeks maybe - because it was incredibly cheap and the girls were hot. it used to a be a lovely, old world city. you'll have fun wherever you go in those places....

 

[Trey]

When I was in Amsterdam, the wallpaper in my hotel room was close up pictures of sexual intercourse intertwined in a checkerboard pattern. Good times.

Also, the line was way too long at Anne Frank House as someone mentioned above.

 

[urbanhack]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

Honestly........ No.

 

[Ilov80s]

Berlin is terrific as I recall. I spent a few days there after the Wall went down. it felt a lot like NYC to me. i spent more time in Prague - few weeks maybe - because it was incredibly cheap and the girls were hot. it used to a be a lovely, old world city. you'll have fun wherever you go in those places....

Prague still is very old world. I doubt much has changed since you were there.

 

[Steve Tasker]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

Honestly........ No.

Why?

 

[urbanhack]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

Honestly........ No.

Why?

I did it back in 2006 and it was one of the least memorable moments of that leg of the trip. I'd rather grab a bottle of wine, a J and go hang out in Vondlepark with the locals. How many days will you be there?

 

[Steve Tasker]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

Honestly........ No.

Why?

I did it back in 2006 and it was one of the least memorable moments of that leg of the trip. I'd rather grab a bottle of wine, a J and go hang out in Vondlepark with the locals. How many days will you be there?

3 full days, 4 nights.....arriving Thursday around 5 PM and leaving Monday morning to fly home.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

you'll be fine with English in Prague. Wander into the alleys in downtown and you'll find a good place with authentic food. And go to a Slavia Praha match, not those elitist Sparta ####s. You could get hit with a broken bottle or firebombed, but it would be worth it.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And go to a Slavia Praha match, not those elitist Sparta ####s. You could get hit with a broken bottle or firebombed, but it would be worth it.

I could be convinced to go to a Slavia game and not Sparta. They're both at home on 8/1. I was assuming Sparta since (1) they're better and (2) the arena is closer.....why Slavia? Convince me...

 

[mquinnjr]

If you want to go through Ann Frank House in Amsterdam, purchase tix online several weeks in advance. The line outside is brutal if you don't.

Would you recommend going to it?

Honestly........ No.

Why?

I did it back in 2006 and it was one of the least memorable moments of that leg of the trip. I'd rather grab a bottle of wine, a J and go hang out in Vondlepark with the locals. How many days will you be there?

3 full days, 4 nights.....arriving Thursday around 5 PM and leaving Monday morning to fly home.

You're gonna need a party break at some point, and this is coming from someone who had an absolute blast in Amsterdam. I mean, seriously, if you're even a little into WWII history, or have a pulse, you'll find this really interesting and worth at least checking out while you're there.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

And go to a Slavia Praha match, not those elitist Sparta ####s. You could get hit with a broken bottle or firebombed, but it would be worth it.

I could be convinced to go to a Slavia game and not Sparta. They're both at home on 8/1. I was assuming Sparta since (1) they're better and (2) the arena is closer.....why Slavia? Convince me...

Yes, Sparta is better. They are like the Yankees. They are more popular. They are like Derek Jeter wearing a suit going out to #### Margot Robbie. But she will probably just lay there.

Slavia is like the 1989 Cubs. The fans are like the mother####ers that Lee Elia ranted about having no jobs but to come boo the Cubs. And one of them will #### some pig over the circular trough urinal. But she will love it. And you will high-five Annyong who points and laughs at you. And then someone will smack you in the back of the head to move it along. And you won't know whether to laugh or cry, but you will know it has been special.

Anyway, that's my pitch.

 

[Mario Kart]

And go to a Slavia Praha match, not those elitist Sparta ####s. You could get hit with a broken bottle or firebombed, but it would be worth it.

I could be convinced to go to a Slavia game and not Sparta. They're both at home on 8/1. I was assuming Sparta since (1) they're better and (2) the arena is closer.....why Slavia? Convince me...

Yes, Sparta is better. They are like the Yankees. They are more popular. They are like Derek Jeter wearing a suit going out to #### Margot Robbie. But she will probably just lay there.

Slavia is like the 1989 Cubs. The fans are like the mother####ers that Lee Elia ranted about having no jobs but to come boo the Cubs. And one of them will #### some pig over the circular trough urinal. But she will love it. And you will high-five Annyong who points and laughs at you. And then someone will smack you in the back of the head to move it along. And you won't know whether to laugh or cry, but you will know it has been special.

Anyway, that's my pitch.

Sounds like you were the pig.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I love all three cities but it's been a very long time so I don't have current info, just a few tips. In Prague obviously you want to try lots of fresh pilsners. It's like a Philly cheesesteak or NY bagel - others may try, but you have to be in Bohemia to get a good Bohemian pils. In Amsterdam I recommend the boat tour - seems touristy but is the best way to see the awesome architecture in this awesome city. I always went to Parasiso and Melkweg but have no idea whether they are still good - check the calendar to see who is playing while you are there. In over a dozen trips I've never been to the Anne Frank House - too depressing for me. Van Gogh and Modern Art Museums are both worthwhile in Amsterdam. Is Ajax not in town when you are there? I've never been but would think that would be great to experience.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Berlin and A-Dam are both terrific. In Berlin go to Gendarmenmarkt.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

Everyone in Amsterdam speaks English. They don't even bother speaking Dutch unless to each other. English is effectively the #1 language.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

Vondelpark is cool.

The Gollum is a good beer bar.

Heineken actually tastes good in Amsterdam.

Hit the smart shop and eat some truffles.

 

[Short Corner]

Gonna be in Berlin Aug 12-15, when are you guys there?

 

[Ilov80s]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Berlin and A-Dam are both terrific. In Berlin go to Gendarmenmarkt.

I haven't been to Zagreb or Sofia, but the only thing I liked about Bratislava more than Prague was that it had less tourists and better ice cream. I don't think Prague is at all overrated.

 

[Shrugs]

Berlin, yes I know it well. I stabbed a woman in a bar in Berlin. I also sexually assaulted a horse in Berlin!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Only took 30 posts for someone to criticize the travel plans

Plans are already booked and in motion. Eastern Europe is on the bucket list for someday, but not this trip.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Gonna be in Berlin Aug 12-15, when are you guys there?

Damn, arriving Sun 8/2 and leaving Thu 8/6.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I love all three cities but it's been a very long time so I don't have current info, just a few tips. In Prague obviously you want to try lots of fresh pilsners. It's like a Philly cheesesteak or NY bagel - others may try, but you have to be in Bohemia to get a good Bohemian pils. In Amsterdam I recommend the boat tour - seems touristy but is the best way to see the awesome architecture in this awesome city. I always went to Parasiso and Melkweg but have no idea whether they are still good - check the calendar to see who is playing while you are there. In over a dozen trips I've never been to the Anne Frank House - too depressing for me. Van Gogh and Modern Art Museums are both worthwhile in Amsterdam. Is Ajax not in town when you are there? I've never been but would think that would be great to experience.

I'm planning on drinking plenty of pilsners, don't worry. I drink a lot of them here now, been on a lighter-beer kick for the past year or so, looking forward to the real thing.

The Dutch season (and Bundesliga, for that matter) don't start until later August, IIRC. The Czech season is the only one in session at the time. There could be a friendly or something but I'd rather see a real league game rather than a friendly if possible.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And go to a Slavia Praha match, not those elitist Sparta ####s. You could get hit with a broken bottle or firebombed, but it would be worth it.

I could be convinced to go to a Slavia game and not Sparta. They're both at home on 8/1. I was assuming Sparta since (1) they're better and (2) the arena is closer.....why Slavia? Convince me...

Yes, Sparta is better. They are like the Yankees. They are more popular. They are like Derek Jeter wearing a suit going out to #### Margot Robbie. But she will probably just lay there.

Slavia is like the 1989 Cubs. The fans are like the mother####ers that Lee Elia ranted about having no jobs but to come boo the Cubs. And one of them will #### some pig over the circular trough urinal. But she will love it. And you will high-five Annyong who points and laughs at you. And then someone will smack you in the back of the head to move it along. And you won't know whether to laugh or cry, but you will know it has been special.

Anyway, that's my pitch.

I like this concept. Stadium looks pretty nice too. How is the public transport getting out there?

 

[otello]

Berlin restaurant:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187323-d800825-Reviews-Austria_Das_Original-Berlin.html

Yes, it is Austrian, but they have great schnitzel. Old school, small quiet place.

If you want to try Bavarian beer hall with great food vibe, including schnitzel, sausages etc.:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187323-d2005104-Reviews-Augustiner_am_Gendarmenmarkt-Berlin.html

Between the two above, the second is more touristy, so it depends what you are in the mood for. Either one has great food.

For late night, or not late night, this place is a must stop:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187323-d1341041-Reviews-Mustafa_s_Gemuese_Kebab-Berlin.html

Trust me.

Also, while you are waiting in line at Mustafas, up the street on the same side is a currywurst place, which is one of the few, I am told, true Berlin street foods. Grab one and a beer and then get back in line a Mustafas. They are very good too.

Also, use the subway system when you can, because the city is spread out.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Berlin restaurant:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187323-d800825-Reviews-Austria_Das_Original-Berlin.html

Yes, it is Austrian, but they have great schnitzel. Old school, small quiet place.

If you want to try Bavarian beer hall with great food vibe, including schnitzel, sausages etc.:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187323-d2005104-Reviews-Augustiner_am_Gendarmenmarkt-Berlin.html

Between the two above, the second is more touristy, so it depends what you are in the mood for. Either one has great food.

For late night, or not late night, this place is a must stop:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187323-d1341041-Reviews-Mustafa_s_Gemuese_Kebab-Berlin.html

Trust me.

Also, while you are waiting in line at Mustafas, up the street on the same side is a currywurst place, which is one of the few, I am told, true Berlin street foods. Grab one and a beer and then get back in line a Mustafas. They are very good too.

Also, use the subway system when you can, because the city is spread out.

I'm drooling looking at those kebabs already. Will have to determine if they stand-up to the ones I've had in Turkey.

 

[Short Corner]

Gonna be in Berlin Aug 12-15, when are you guys there?

Damn, arriving Sun 8/2 and leaving Thu 8/6.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Only took 30 posts for someone to criticize the travel plans Plans are already booked and in motion. Eastern Europe is on the bucket list for someday, but not this trip.

Prague is Eastern Europe, Magellan.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Only took 30 posts for someone to criticize the travel plans Plans are already booked and in motion. Eastern Europe is on the bucket list for someday, but not this trip.

Prague is Eastern Europe, Magellan.

Bratislava? Maybe you have been there more recently, but when I was there, Prague was absolutely better. Bratislava is a one-horse town. I mean, literally, i was in a bar and there was a horse inside the bar. I also believe that is where we stayed in a Boat-el and I was trying to get the night reception chick to make out with me I think there was a chance, but I was only 21 and didn't seem to have my finishing moves, so she didn't go for it. So the city loses points for that, too.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Only took 30 posts for someone to criticize the travel plans Plans are already booked and in motion. Eastern Europe is on the bucket list for someday, but not this trip.

Prague is Eastern Europe, Magellan.

You know, I always considered it to be Eastern Europe in my head, but the internet keeps saying Central Europe so I've been going with that.

 

[jamny]

Have some drinks, maybe absinthe, at the Hemingway Bar in Prague.

Also, a nice little local restaurant right in the touristy area is U dvou sester. Only like 2 blocks from the clock. Inexpensive, good Czech food.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Only took 30 posts for someone to criticize the travel plans Plans are already booked and in motion. Eastern Europe is on the bucket list for someday, but not this trip.

Prague is Eastern Europe, Magellan.

Bratislava? Maybe you have been there more recently, but when I was there, Prague was absolutely better. Bratislava is a one-horse town. I mean, literally, i was in a bar and there was a horse inside the bar. I also believe that is where we stayed in a Boat-el and I was trying to get the night reception chick to make out with me I think there was a chance, but I was only 21 and didn't seem to have my finishing moves, so she didn't go for it. So the city loses points for that, too.

I was to Prague many times between 1993 and 2008. I saw it change from a beautiful Florence-like city to Time Square with more tourist traps. Do they have an Applebee's on the river yet?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Prague is the most overrated European destination, I'd go to Bratislava, Sofia, or Zagreb instead.

Only took 30 posts for someone to criticize the travel plans Plans are already booked and in motion. Eastern Europe is on the bucket list for someday, but not this trip.

Prague is Eastern Europe, Magellan.

Bratislava? Maybe you have been there more recently, but when I was there, Prague was absolutely better. Bratislava is a one-horse town. I mean, literally, i was in a bar and there was a horse inside the bar. I also believe that is where we stayed in a Boat-el and I was trying to get the night reception chick to make out with me I think there was a chance, but I was only 21 and didn't seem to have my finishing moves, so she didn't go for it. So the city loses points for that, too.

I saw it change from a beautiful Florence-like city to Time Square with more tourist traps.

This is probably legitimate.

 

[Scoresman]

I'd like to do an Amsterdam, Belgium, France thing. Maybe fly into Germany if cheaper and fly out from Normandy or near there. I should look into planning that.

Doing this exact trip next April. Flying into France and leaving out of Amsterdam.

 

[msommer]

I'd like to do an Amsterdam, Belgium, France thing. Maybe fly into Germany if cheaper and fly out from Normandy or near there. I should look into planning that.

Fly into and out of Paris. It is well connected with the rest of France, Belgium and the Netherlands by train