My boyfriend and I are deading to either Prague or Venice at xmas - which is best and why?
2006-07-21 02:42:34 · 22 answers · asked by charlierocks 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
We have also had Krakow thrown into the equation as it is supposed to be less touristy than Prague but also very beautiful. Does anyone have a definitive answer on which if these three cities to go to as my boyfriend is going crazy now because he just wants the decision to be made!!!! Don't worry, he's not going to beat me up or anything, he's far too nice for that. ;o)
2006-07-22 00:34:27 · update #1
All 3 are truly jewels. Venice is truly for lovers, I do not think there is a more romantic place anywhere in Europe. Prague is by far my favorite European city, but unfortunately, I am not the one going. If I had to make a suggestion, I would go to Krakow. The Poles are very religious people, and celebrate Christmas eve (Wigilia) and Christmas like no one else in Europe. I spent Christmas 98 in Krakow and it was amazing. The market square, the largest in Europe, was packed with people. It was electric, young and old reveling together. It was almost like New Years eve in Time Square. Children singing Christmas carols, expect to give them a couple of Zoltych. Carriage rides through the old town. They have miniature theaters (Szopka) with puppets reenacting the nativity. The food is a amazing, the people are fabulous and of course everything is cheaper than Venice. No matter which of the three you choose, you will not be disappointed. While Krakow is not my favorite city in Europe, I cannot think of a better place to spend Christmas.
2006-07-23 14:16:24 · answer #1 · answered by shannon127 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Both offer different kinds of things. Venice is absolutely gorgeous. I was there two summers ago, and it didn't smell to me. Venice is very romantic. Going down to San Marco Square and watching either the sunrise or the sunset is truely breath taking. There is a reason why so many painters went to Venice to paint. Painters loved to paint in venice b/c they said the sun light was completely different than any place else.
There is plenty of places to eat. Food is DELICIOUS!!! The people are friendly and the atmosphere is just something out of this world. Riding on a gondola is really cool. Tip on Gondola fair: HAGGLE HAGGLE HAGGLE!!! There are tons of them around, and ask around before choosing one. That also goes with the stores, like the glass stores and crystal stores. Look around, b/c you may find it cheaper elsewhere. Also, in Venice, take a day trip to Murano or Burano as well. The colors there are so vibrant, its very picturesque.
Prague on the other hand, its not as touristy. So if you want to just experience people and culture w/o touristy things, this is a place to go. It is becoming more of a tourist attraction now, post-communism. It will be cheaper to visit Prague, that is for sure. They have the best beer in Europe, and its dirt cheap. A pint costs around $1. Not too shabby if you ask me.
The food isn't the greatest. Not for me anyway. Not into germanic food. Bah! But if you're into it, then it works better for you. Pragues history is truely amazing. Only coming out of communism about 10 years ago or so. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe. And it was the fastest growing cities back in the middle ages. Prague is truely different since theres a eastern european feel to it.
Have fun where ever you go for Xmas!
Think about the weather, too. Climate is different, too. Check the temps during the month of December to get an idea of how cold/hot you want to be!
2006-07-21 10:05:40 · answer #2 · answered by Mac 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never beento Venice but Prague is great! Make sure you go to Kampa Park Resturant, gorgeous food and amazing setting with views of Charles Bridge. Very romantic especially if you bok a table on the outside section (even though its under cover). Definitely worth a vist if Prague is the chosen destination!
2006-07-21 10:47:31 · answer #3 · answered by AliT 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are both really cool, for different reasons... Venice is more romantic, plus it won't smell at Christmas; but there's more to do in Prague - it's more interesting. I went in winter and it's very pretty and enchanting. Venice is beautiful though, and you can go to St Mark's Square for interest, and just wander round all day eating pizza! So I would say Venice, though you'll need more spending money than you do in Prague... Enjoy! (I want to go back to both now I've started thinking about them!!)
2006-07-21 10:00:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not possible to compare, I think completely another towns but both great great great !!! Prague during Christmas period is very interesting and there are a lot of places where to go. But the best period for Prague is Spring. Venice I know only during Spring and Summer time and I think it is the best period for Venice. but not too late Summer because of the special smel when is too hot.
2006-07-21 16:15:03 · answer #5 · answered by amorevita24 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prague is beautiful. Never been to Venice, but my colleagues have and they all said that it stinks in Venice which I was surprised by, and it is expensive. My hubby's been long time ago and even then it cost an arm and a leg.
2006-07-21 09:49:01 · answer #6 · answered by ribena 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First - let's look at temperatures as December is going to be kind of cold. Average temp in Prague in December is 32 degrees Fahrenheit http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=081511&refer=
Average temp in Venice is 39 degrees Fahrenheit with 2.4 inches of rain. http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=050161&refer=
Based on this info - I would have to say Prague. I LOVE Venice and go there every time I am in Europe - but I have never been in the winter. It is beautiful, magical and very special - but perhaps you and your boyfriend should wait until your honeymoon to visit!
For infor on Prague check out http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/east/prague.htm
Read this article about one persons experience in Prague at Christmas http://www.expats.cz/prague/article/czech-culture/christmas-prague/
Hope you have a good trip!
2006-07-21 17:07:22 · answer #7 · answered by baja annie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Venice
2006-07-21 09:46:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately Venice- I went with my bfr last xmas and it was absolutely stunning...so romantic and gorgeous, not as expensive as ppl think and definately worth it. Wrap up warm though!
My friend recently came back from Prague and said it was beautiful too, but she complained about rude locals and horrid food...
definately Venice!
2006-07-21 09:48:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd go to Venice at xmas.. Prague would be better in autumn
2006-07-21 10:07:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋