Travel
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Paris/Prague Recommendations
DH and I are going to Paris (12/27-12/30) and Prague (12/31-1/4). Neither of us have been to either of these areas are looking for recommendations on restaurants and activities.... TIA!!
Re: Paris/Prague Recommendations
I haven't been to Prague but Paris you should DEF. go to the Church on a hill called Sacra La Coure. It was my second favorite spot in Paris after the tower.
I suggest having a mini picnic on the grass in front of the tower, it's sooo gorgeous. However, you'll be there in December so it may be freezing so maybe just get a coffee and stand there for ten minutes lol? The point is you need to be there at 11pm to see it twinkle! SOO romantic!
If you appreciate art in any way go to the Louvre though the Mona Lisa was a let down for me and I spent 4hours there and still didn't see everything so know what you want to see before you go or you'll wander forever.
There were two restaurants I really liked but of course IDK the names now but I don't think you can go too wrong with the food in France
http://lobusdaestepe.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/sacra-la-coure-at-night-paris-france-church-white-on-hill.jpg
In both cities see the grave yards! In Paris, Pere Lachais is haunting, yet so beautiful. In Prague I was fascinated by the cemetery in the former Jewish Ghetto, I've never seen anything like it. Also, in both cities (if you can) skip public transportation and walk. There is so much to see just on the streets! People in both places were so nice and welcoming.
In Paris: I can't remember exactly where, but there is a back way into the Louvre that lets you bypass the lines. I remember taking escalators down to a lower level. Worth Googling to find out. It's neat to listen to the head phone guided tours. Even as an Art major I learned a lot I didn't know. Take the stairs up the Eiffel tower, it's not that hard and fun to say you did. See the Vatican, be sure you check the dress code first, they'll turn you away if you're dressed wrong. Versailles was ok, but not amazing. The Moulin Rouge is far out of town and not that great. I do regret not seeing Monet's house though.
I LOVE Prague, it's one of my favorite cities. There aren't as many big/ well know tourist attractions; it's more about just absorbing the atmosphere, enjoying the buildings and savoring the moment. Do any splurges in Prague (much cheaper)! Talk to the locals. It was so fascinating to talk to people my age who had grown up in communism, and to hear their stories. Take tours, we did a bike tour and a "haunted ghost walk" tour (so cheesy, but so fun). Just enjoy hanging out in the main square, strolling across the bridge, and drinking beer!
I lived in Prague for a few years. I have some restaurant recommendations and things to do in my blog, linked in sig.
The thing about Prague is that the Christmas markets should be up through New Year's, so make sure you wander around those for a bit and have some svarak and trdlo (mulled wine and a Czech pastry that's cooked on long tubes over an open flame) when you get in.
A lot of the cool things to see in Prague aren't on the main tourist route. Get away from the area between the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square as much as possible. Yes, it's pretty, but it will also be swarming with tourists and there are plenty of other gorgeous places in town where you don't need to worry about falling over someone.
If you at all like history check out the crypt of Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church (there is a Catholic church by the same name so make sure you go to the Orthodox one). It's where the Czech Paratroopers who completed the only successful assassination of a high ranking Nazi officer were found by the SS after being betrayed. There was a huge fire fight and you can still see the bullet holes in the walls. The basement of the church is now a museum, so you can read all about what the paratroopers did and Hitler's reaction to it before going into the crypt.
For a gorgeous view without tons of people around go to Vyshrad. It's a metro stop on the red line that's just next to the city's original castle dating from around 900 IIRC. It's on the opposite side of the river from the castle everyone visits today. The walled fortifications are still up and from them there's a great view of the river, bridge, castle, and city. To get there take the red line to Vyshrad. Exit the metro station. The river will be right in front of you. Turn left and walk about 750 yards along the path/street until you see a sign that says Vyshrad. As long as you keep the river on your right while you're walking you can't miss it.