Spain vs Czech Republic: Where are You Headed?

The theme for today’s blog may seem like competition, or football, or fascinating architecture and historical marvels – but it isn’t.

The theme for today’s blog is romance. And the ways and means with which it hits us.

You see, romance is multifarious, comes in many shapes and sizes, and hits you in strange ways. It could be with a person, a place, a city, a phenomenon or perhaps even a dish made just right. The cities that feature in today’s blog exude romance in their own unique manner. Which dilutes all the competition. Because there’s no judgement when it comes to love. (Unless it’s Rakhi ka Swayamwar and it’s down to the final two).

Welcome to Spain, where romance is a second-language, be it in their fiery cuisine, or their exotic flamenco. The cities of Madrid and Barcelona are literally exploding with the passion for good living, and boy do they set a standard.

A few countries to the east, the Prague beguiles one and all with its graceful air, its scenic spots, its picturesque castles, cathedrals and walkways.

And one is left in a fix.

So, if you had a blank ticket, so to speak, where would you like to go? 

Spain

Madrid

It’s often hard to pick which city to visit when in Spain. Should one go to Seville – the cultural capital and entrepot of Andalusia – or hit Granada where traditional cultures and Moorish architecture beckons in all its glory? One way or another, a tourist invariably tends to find himself in Spain’s capital: Madrid.

Known for its sizzling nightlife and the guardian of the Spanish ‘siesta a la fiesta’ heritage, Madrid has a very diverse demography, making it one of the most vibrant cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Some of the attractions here include the Royal Palace – home to Spain’s monarchy – and the Puerta del Sol, a grand plaza serving as the hub of cultural festivals, fairs and a transportation artery to boot. Also make sure you visit the San Miguel Market, located in the Plaza Mayor.

Barcelona

If there ever was a destination that offered pretty much everything the typical tourist was looking for (and in some style, might I add), Barcelona would surely be in the running. Arguably the most popular tourist spot in the country, Barcelona has much to offer by way of a vibrant nightlife, historical art and architecture, and tons of shopping (being the fashion capital of Spain has its perks after all).

Do visit the Sagrada Familia church and the Casa Battlo, products of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudi. A walk along one of Spain’s most fashionable promenades, La Rambla, wouldn’t go amiss either.

How to Get There

Considering Madrid and Barcelona’s popularity with tourists, we’d suggest you book well in advance to get economical airfares on your visit. Carriers that operate here include Virgin Atlantic, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air India and Swiss Airlines. If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.

Czech Republic

Prague

Very few who have been to Prague once wouldn’t profess the desire to visit again, and again. That is the charm that emanates from this culturally rich, historically profound city that spans 1100 years of Bohemian and Roman history. Its diverse culture stems from a grand profile during both the Gothic and Renaissance eras. Turning corners in Prague brings you face to face with several different ages of culture and architecture, spanning a thousand years of evolving art forms that have gone down in the history books as masterpieces of aesthetics. From the many cathedrals and castles strewn across its lands to sophisticated works such as the Charles Bridge, from modern art homesteads like the Giant Metronome to the reminiscences of Franz Kafka in his home and cemetery – Prague is a city that exudes a delicate fragility, tempered with the anvils of history.

Moravia

A worthier foil to Prague could not be found.

The easternmost province in the Czech Republic, Moravia is the diametric opposite of Prague in several ways. From its glistening vineyards to its Jewish Quarter telling tales of horrors in human history, from the museums of Brno to the fascinating architecture of Olomouc – there’s a reason why Moravia is a UNESCO-protected Heritage Site. Do take some time out to check out the Thaya River Valley, a quaint border town offering spectacular views of the horizon.

How to Get There

Prague is certainly a busy hub for international tourism, so you’d be well advised to book your ticket, if possible, a couple of months in advance. The usual suspects operate between India and Czech Republic and these include: Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Etihad Airways and British Airways. If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.

 

 

Destination	Madrid, Spain	Prague, Czech Republic
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 5129 (per night at Be Live City Airport Madrid Diana) Rs. 9504 (per night at Hotel Arosa Madrid) Rs. 11,344 (per night at Silken Puerta America Hotel)	Rs. 16941 (per night at the Grandior Hotel Prague) Rs. 13,782 (per night at Art Noveau Palace Hotel Prague) Rs. 11349 (Wellness Hotel Step Prague)
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 2300 per day	Rs. 2550 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 112 per ticket	Rs. 65 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 2700 per day	Rs. 1900 per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Economically, Czech Republic will cost a bit less than Spain – but not enough to make serious impact on where you choose to go. Now that you know your countries better, and what you stand to gain from them in terms of experience, where would it be? The siesta and fiesta of Madrid and Barcelona, or the sophisticated mannerisms of Prague? It’s a tough one, we grant you. But sometimes, choices must be made – and lived with.