Questions about Prague! (crime, live in, restaurants)

[histmaj]

I was hoping for some suggestions about Prague, I will be studying in Prague for three months (I'm from the US) and have a few questions.
Is crime an issue in Prague? And as an American would I face any anti-American issues?
Is Prague an expensive city (groceries/restaurants/transportation)?
Are other European cities best reached through train or by air? (Vienna, Rome, Paris, Munich for example)
Finally, any suggestions on places to go or see in the city or across Europe??

Thanks for any input!

[MJay]

Hey, I'm from Czech republic... I can tell you that crime in Prague is pretty low. Czech republic have got least murders per capita then US, so dont worry it'll be alright. Prague was ranked as one of the safest cities in the Europe. Of course, there are some non-night walkable quarters. You will study in the city center, wont you?
We are now having trouble with American Radar in the western Czech republic. Most of government still wants to put it on our land, but the people dont want it. However, this has got nothing to do with Americans. Personally I like Americans and have got some friends in the US. I never heard people saying ugly words on them. I think that Americans are well welcomed there.

Prague was ranked as number 49 in the worlds most expensive cities. So dont worry, its alright. However, I know that clothes and electronics is cheaper in the US, but its not as dramatical.

Vienna is accesible by nice train, but rather dont try to commute by Czech trains somewhere else. If you want to Vienna, go by the Pendolino train. All other locations you named are perfectly accesible by air from Ruzyně airport.

Ummm, any suggestion I'm sixteen and didnt travel much around Europe. A lots of people says, that Paris is overrated. There is a lot of things to do in Europe and a beautiful history to explore. I would try Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam (love it a lots of to do for young people), Koln, Roma and so on, but those are the main.

Trust me, you will love Prague. Have a great study in Czech republic Maryland cowboy !!

[Simple Living]

I'm an American who lived in Prague for a time and can assure you with every fiber of my being that you have nothing to worry about and you'll absolutely love it beyond all measure! It's inexpensive, safe, and the people are very friendly (if not a bit shy in public) and are American friendly.

Respect the culture and don't just walk up to someone and ask if they speak English. BE COURTEOUS and learn at least a few phrases and USE THEM! You'll get farther and make more friends that way. DO NOT bring your culture and traditions with you. Experience Prague and it's people and live their way of life and you will be the richer for it. TRUST ME!!!!!!!!!

Also, don't be lazy. Do some research and study the country, city, it's people and it's history. Don't be one of the ignorant Americans who so often travel there and ask the STUPIDEST and MOST EMBARRASSING things! Whether you like it or not, you will be representing Americans and affecting the American reputation. Be good!

Once you get to Prague, you will have a better idea of the other great places to see and how to travel. Trust me, don't worry about that right now. You'll run into plenty of Americans and other English language speakers. At least 70% of Czechs know at least some English, too.

Have a great time!

Originally Posted by histmaj

I was hoping for some suggestions about Prague, I will be studying in Prague for three months (I'm from the US) and have a few questions.
Is crime an issue in Prague? And as an American would I face any anti-American issues?
Is Prague an expensive city (groceries/restaurants/transportation)?
Are other European cities best reached through train or by air? (Vienna, Rome, Paris, Munich for example)
Finally, any suggestions on places to go or see in the city or across Europe??

Thanks for any input!

[c jessen]

Prauge is beautiful - really!
I have vistied the city as a tourist twice, it has an "old europe" feel to it - it is charming!
I live in Denmark a little country in Scandinavia. Our capital Copenhagen is also beatiful and a good starting point if you would like to go to out nabouring country sweden which has beuatiuill nature and cities.
i have lived in berlin in germany ofr half a year, i would recommend you to visit the city. it is very very interesting.
Everyone in denmark and Sweden speaks English BUT out countries are not that close to Prauge.

[histmaj]

Thanks very much for the great responses! And yes, I will be studying in the city-center. I was excited before the responses, but the descriptions of the city just make it seem great and I cant wait to experience Europe. Thanks again!

[Bideshi]

If you are ever in Pilsen on a Monday evening go to the Continental Hptel and listen to Jacob Korinek play amazing blues guitar.

[wastina]

Prague is a great place to get out and see Europe from. Get yourself a train pass and go to Budapest, Warsaw, Vienna, Munich. Air Baltic is a Latvian airline which has cheap flights throughout Europe/Eastern Europe. Get up to Latvia (and Lithuania) for mid-summers' night, when everyone goes to the seaside and jump naked over campfires in an ancient pagan tradition.l