I had a budget bus-trip "Czech carousel" for 7 days from Kiev, Ukraine. It was low season, that's why we had only 17 tourist in 40 seats bus. At first I'd like to thank our guide Natasha who gave us all necessary information. we had the following route: Krakow (1 day+1 night) - Velichka (salt mines) - Prague (2 days excursions around the city, 1 day in Karlovy Vary with Becherovka museum and Krushovice beer plant) and Czech Sternberg with Kutna hora on our way home.
Hotel in Krakow was bad (little hostel far from the city centre) but it wasn't so important, because we spent only 1 night. Poland didn't impress me so much.
My advice regarding shopping - nothing except little souvenirs. I bought only salt for bath in Velichka
Hotel in Prague was good - Hotel Duo 4* in maximum 30 minutes from centre (metro+bus). But I heard that they whould open 2 more metro stations, the last one Liberetska is just near the hotel. Rooms were good. Nothing special, we spent only nights, but rooms were cleaned every day.
We had 2 excursions (1st day - Nove mesto - Vatslavska square, 2nd day - Prazhsky Grad). i liked Vatslavska square the most. By the way, there you may have good shopping - its commercial centre of Prague.
And of course, wishes on Karl bridge. In fabruary it was rather cold, but if you go in warm weather, take a river trip and admire singing fountains and Prague zoo (but it needs at least half of a day)
My advice for free time - visit black theatre "wow show" and take a sit on the 5-7 rows in the middle (you won't regret:) ) and absinth bar (i learned a lot of new facts about this drink)
Prague - this is pleasant people, service staff and no language barrier. everyone speaks english, russian, but i prefered to learn some words in czech
Karlovy Vary is unbelievable town with funny houses like toys. it remined me of Cannes.
Suggestions about shopping - souvenirs like amber, crystal, marionettes, Karlovy Vary cosmetics (very natural and useful for health), of course, beer, becherovka and absent
Czech food is another beautiful side of this country. Try wild boar knee (order it at least for 2-3 persons - better in Karlovy vary - cheaper), knedliki (bread or potato garnish), duck, chesnechka (soup with light smell of garlic) and pork in creamy/whortleberry sauce (forgot its name) and pancakes. The food is rather fat, that's why it can't be eaten without BEER!!!! Czech have hundreds sorts of beer and every is tasty. i tastes every time another one. i liked the most black Kozel
Beer everywhere and very cheap!!!!
I suggest Prague for everyone - teens, as a honeymoon, for elder people, for singles (as for me, i met good new friends and i was free in my free time sending)

If you are thinking of going away for new years you have to try prague.went to prague from 29th December to the 2nd of january. Absolutely fab, every one was so friendly. On new years eve there are fire works at Charles Bridge and then after in the centre of the town they have a huge stage set up with music where over 80,000 people gather for mid night. The count down was brilliant fire works and stremers. Also they have christmas markets and january sales in the shops.
The City looks out of this world very clean and the architechture is amazing.

Must go, i know i will be going back!!

Hi everyone.I thought I may share my own experience with prague with you as I am czech,living in Prague till 2004 when I moved to UK and stayed here ever since./(But not sure for how long yet:O))
What I would like to say is that Prague has great history,atmosphere and is very friendly city.
Compare to other cities in the world, you may find it 'small' as my boyfriend told me, but full of different things to see.
Historical sights, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Klementinum, we have Vysehrad, Zizkov Tower, Petrin, beautiful gardens, Troja etc. You can easily get by transport (tram, bus, underground) and people are beginning to be more open, friendly and foreign friendly than they used to and that's what I like about it even mroe.
Please be aware that anywhere in the world you go, you will meet 'good people' and 'bad people' ..In the most popular places you need to be observant and careful, don't exchange your money on the 'black market', it's not worth it, you may lose your money.
Originality of pubs, restaurants is incredible, I love it in my Prague:O)If you like rock,reggae,if you like disco, house..any type of music, you will fidn small bars or huge clubs in the town centre and around.Prices has gone up recenbtly due to the fact we have become members of EU, but it's still cheapr than in other European countries.
If you would like to ask anything about prague, czech republic, pleae contact me.

Went to Prague as part of an extended family break. Firstly I would advise that as per all hotel literature don't expect to be as close to the city centre as you think. Secondly, never take a taxi anywhere. I was once told that Luxembourg had the most expensive taxis in the world, well Prague must come a close second. They are a complete and utter rip off. A journey of less than 1 mile was priced at £24. Try to get a hotel in the 'Lesser town' on the far side of the Bridge from 'Old town'. You will be right beside the tram system and will find it extremely easy to use. Your ticket for the tram also does for the cable car type ride to the top of the 'mountain'. Don't buy anything in Old Town Square. Another rip off. Approx £25 for 1 tea, 1 coffee and a hot chocolate. I did take the boat trip, short version with excellent English speaking guides, and they point out the attractions and give great advice on how to get there. You will recognise the people selling these trips as they are dressed in sailors outfits at the bridge. It cost about £12 for 2 and you get a beer and an ice lolly. Some people had told me that you could not get a tram to the Castle Entrance. Rubbish!! A number 21 drops you off right at it. Be careful which concert you decide to attend. A lot of the churches hold classical concerts during the day and at night. Some of these are far from professional and outside noise can ruin the experience. They aren't cheap either. My main advice would be to head out of the city for a real experience. The people are some of the friendliest i have ever met and the prices drop dramatically.