The Czech Republic, or known since 2016 as Czechia, is a Central European country, known for its castles, baroque and gothic churches, famous locally brewed beers, and long and rich history. Its capital, Prague, with its maze-like cobbled streets, hosts a fully preserved 9th-century castle, a medieval old town, and Charles Bridge, lined with ornate statues.
Český Krumlov, a town in the south, has a variety of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures, and many restaurants and souvenir shops. On the west, there are natural spas with mineral water, Karlovy Vary, and Mariánské Lázne. I
n the ancient town of Kutna Horá, the world-known Sedlec Ossuary, hosts more than 40,000 human skeletons (here is an idea for an unconventional Halloween tour!). And, last, but not least, the city of Plzeň, the birthplace of Pilsner beer.
We hope the following information will be useful next time you visit Czechia. Cheers!
1. Quick facts
- Official name: Czech Republic, Czechia
- Capital: Prague
- Population: 10.6 million
- Area: 78,866 sq km (30,450 sq miles)
- Major language: Czech
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 83 years (women)
- Currency: Koruna
2. Where is it?
Czechia is located in Central Europe and it shares its borders with four countries: Poland, Slovakia, Germany, and Austria. It’s a small country – based on its size, Austria is the 116th country in the world and 23rd in Europe. Czechia was part of Czechoslovakia until 1st January 1993, when they split, peacefully, into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
3. Visa requirements
As with many countries, your passport must be valid for at least three months after you complete your visit to Czechia, so please plan ahead. Czechia is part of the Schengen agreement and a visa for any of the countries from the Schengen group is also valid for Czechia.
More info about visa requirements for Schengen countries can be found here.
4. Getting there
Getting to Czechia is the best via Prague Airport (PRG) or other, smaller airports: Brno (BRQ) or Ostrava (OSR). You can also arrive by bus or car from neighboring countries if you are visiting this part of Europe. If you have plenty of time, then driving through any of the scenic routes is a great choice.
5. Where to stay in Czechia
Most tourists choose Prague as their starting point and visit other cities on a day or weekend trip unless they want to visit spa centers and then start their trip from there.
Apart from standard AirBnB deals and hotels, there are many other options for accommodation in the Czech Republic. To mention a few: guest houses, holiday homes (cabins), camping, and, are you ready for this?…a beer spa. Yes, you read that right, you can go to a spa, and instead of soaking in mineral water, you soak in nice Pilsner beer (or whatever is on the ‘menu). And you can have a few cold ones while doing it. They claim beer spa refreshes the skin, but we are not here to judge, as long as the beer is involved! 🙂
More information on accommodation in Czechia.
But, in the end, everything is up to you and your budget and personal preferences. For budget (and young) travelers, there are plenty of cheap accommodations to choose from in Czech hostels
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6. Moving around
Czechia has sophisticated railway and bus routes to reach any part of the country easily and to connect to neighboring countries. If you enjoy the freedom and if the budget allows it, you can rent a car and move between cities with nice scenic routes in between.
In Prague, you can move around by tram, metro, bus, or via taxi. Taxi is more expensive in Prague than in other cities, but overall it is very cheap compared to some other European destinations.
More info about transport in Czechia.
7. Food in Czechia
Czechia’s food is hearty and can be high in calories (like many national cuisines from Central Europe), but it is very tasty and enjoyable especially when paired with nice local beer. We are not asking you to change your eating habit, but since you are there, here are some recommendations to try.
Tatarák, minced fresh beef mixed with egg yolk and served with spices. Unusual taste if you are having it for the first time, but it might become your favorite, easily; Koleno (literally: ‘a knee”) is a pork knee, marinated in beer and herbs and cooked to perfection; Smažený sýr, basically grilled cheese, served with fries is a great snack to be accompanied by a nice pint of beer; Svíčková is real Czech dish, beef sirloin with cream sauce, spiced with black pepper, and many more.
From ‘lighter’ food, there are two salads: Cucumbers in Sour Cream and Sopsky salad, similar to Greek salad, but simpler.
And from the sweet part, there is Palačinky, thin pancakes (or crepes), served with whipped cream, ice cream, nuts, or jam.
More info about food in Czechia.
8. Safety
How safe is Czechia for tourists and to move around?
Czechia is very safe, it ranks very high on a global safety index. Tourist areas are generally safe, both for single tourists, groups, or families, but extra caution for pickpocketers is always advised.
More info about safety in Czechia can be found here.
9. Prices
Czechia has moderate prices for tourism, and you can always find great deals on accommodation, especially if you go with unconventional lodging – guest houses or holiday homes. Food, transport, and attraction tickets are also very affordable.
For detailed pricing information for various items, click here.
Prices throughout Czechia are very similar, although Prague is the most expensive for tourism.
10. Weather
Czechia has a temperate climate, which means summers can be hot and humid and winters can be cold and with rain and snow. Winter temperatures go down to -5°C/20°F to -10°C/10°F, and with summer to up to 30-35°C/85-95°F.
More info about the weather in Czechia.
11. Best time to visit
The best time for the year is in the spring or in the fall (autumn), due to nice weather and fewer tourists. If you wish to visit during summer, the weather might be unpredictable, with periods of hot weather or summer showers. During winter can be really cold and packed with group tours from neighboring countries, especially during Christmas and New Years’ time.
More tips on when to visit Czechia.
12. Money matters
Czechia was supposed to join Eurozone but maintained their own currency – Koruna (Crown). Many shops and restaurants accept payment in other currencies, but change will be in Korunas, and the exchange rate might not be favorable. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but please do check card charges from your bank in foreign countries before the trip. It is always good to have some cash on you, especially when leaving a tip in the restaurant or for a taxi ride.
Also, please pay attention in restaurants, prices might look very low and this is due to the fact that taxes and services charges are not included so final prices might be much higher!
There are ATMs and banks on every corner and cash withdrawals are in Euros with a fee. Major banks don’t charge ATM fees to foreigners, but privately operated ATMs may sometimes charge high fees. However, the machine should warn you about the charge so you have a choice to cancel the transaction before committing to it.
More info about money, banks and ATMs in Czechia.
13. What to see in Czechia?
There are plenty of landmarks and attractions to see in Czechia, so we are going to list only the most popular ones:
Prague Castle. Actually a castle complex, with various buildings dating from the 9th century. A mix of architecture styles from Roman time, through Gothic and 20th century.
Charles Bridge. Iconic bridge from 14th century linking Old and New Town of Prague. Lined with ornate statues, offers great views of Prague and hosts many street artists and performers daily.
Old Town. Locally known as Staré Mesto, it medieval cobblestoned old city center with mazelike streets and many landmarks.
Prague astronomical clock. The famous 600-year-old mechanical clock on the facade of the city hall, displaying time, astronomical data, and Zodiac signs.
St. Vitus Cathedral. Landmark Roman Catholic Cathedral, hosting remains of several saints including Vitus, Wenceslas, and Adalbert, and national treasury.
Malá Strana. Also known as Lesser Town, this medieval part of Prague lies on a hillside area below Prague Castle. Several palaces, churches, and museums can be found there.
Old Town Square. Landmark square in the old town, dating back from the 10th century and lined up by many gothic buildings.
Wenceslas Square. The main square in New Town of Prague. It’s a half-mile long, dating from the 14th century, featuring National Museum, St. Wenceslas statue, many shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Petřín. Historic hill reachable by funicular is a popular gathering place. Featuring parks, city views, and an Eiffel-like tower on the top.
Hradčany. Hilltop Prague district hosting famous Prague Castle complex. Also hosting St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George’s Basilica.
Josefov. A former Jewish ghetto, with Old Jewish Cemetery and the Pinkas Synagogue (now a Holocaust memorial), features also kosher restaurants and high-end shopping.
Sedlec Ossuary. Small Gothic Church in Kutná Hora, decorated with 40,000 human skeletons. Impressive ambiance, featuring bone chandelier.
Karlštejn. About 30 kilometers southwest of Prague, this famous 14th-century Gothic castle and fortress hosts royal treasures, paintings, and portraits and it is the most visited castle in the Czech Republic.
Powder Tower. Located in Prague, this medieval tower gate was a city gate dividing Old and New Town. Used for ceremonial coronation processions of Czech kings in the past.
Dancing House. Frank Gehry designed an office tower with a restaurant. Nicknamed also as ‘Fred and Ginger’, as it resembles the famous dancing duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Golden Lane. A street located in Prague Castle complex. Built in the 16th century, and housed King’s castle guards, but took the name from the goldsmiths that lived on the street.
Petřín Tower. On top of Petřín hill, this late 19th century built tower resembles the famous Eiffel Tower In Paris, although it is even taller (378m). Offers viewing deck for spectacular views.
Bohemian Switzerland. Also known as Czech Switzerland, this national park was founded in the year 2000 and it is known for sandstone rock formations, wild valleys, and frozen waterfalls.
Vyšehrad. Fortified medieval castle dating from 10th century, 3 km away from Prague Castle. Featuring a museum, hidden passages, and several notable statues.
Old Town Hall. The monumental old town hall in Prague’s old town, one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. Featuring an observation tower and a world-famous astronomical clock.
Lennon Wall. Since 1980, this graffiti-covered wall inspired by Lennon became famous not only for The Beatles member tributes but for politically charged messages during the communist time in former Czechoslovakia.
Old Jewish Cemetery. Dating from the 15th century, this cemetery is located in the Josefov district of Prague. Home to around 12,000 tombstones and many more burials, it is a fascinating historical site.
Municipal House. Early 20th century built in the style of Art nouveau, this venue houses Smetana Hall and Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Apart from hosting classical concerts, the venue features opera and ballet performances and other events, including fashion shows.
Strahov Monastery. This 12th-century monastery is located in Strahov, district of Prague. It features a Baroque church, decorated halls, and a massive library.
National Museum, Prague. Early 19th century established museum hosting range of natural science and history exhibits.
Hluboká Castle. Located in Hluboká nad Vltavou, in the south of the Czech Republic, this royal castle was built in the 13th century and it is considered the most beautiful castle in the country.
Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape. Massive, 280 sq. km complex with castles and gardens, listed as a cultural heritage site by UNESCO.
Prague Zoo. Founded in 1931, this zoo features around 650 species, including hippos, elephants, orangutans, and Komodo dragons.
Church of Our Lady before Týn. Built in the 14th century, this Gothic church with high towers is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Old Town in Prague.
Bohemian Paradise. Northeast from Prague this 180 sq. km area is the first national reserve in the Czech Republic. Features several castles, rock climbing areas, and hiking trails.
Moravian Karst. Nature reserve with more than 1000 caves and caverns in an area of about 90 sq. km. Featuring Neanderthal cave carvings.
Kampa Island. An island in the Vltava river in central Prague. Connected to Charles Bridge. Features museum and open-air art exhibitions.
Český Krumlov Castle. A 13th-century castle that belonged to the once-powerful Rosenberg family. Now a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site. Features renaissance and baroque buildings and palaces with gardens and art exhibitions.
Clementinum. Prague historical building complex containing the Baroque library. In past, it was famous as an astronomy center. Contains many valuable books and astronomy-related artifacts.
Šumava National Park. Nestled alongside the German border, this protected range of forested mountains is a national park popular for hiking and cycling trails and paths.
St. George’s Basilica. Part of the Prague Castle complex, this early 10th-century church is built in Baroque style and features Bohemian art elements.
St. Barbara’s Church. Roman Catholic church in Kutná Hora. Built in Gothic style with cathedral-like construction, this amazing church was originally founded in the 14th century, but completed only in the early 20th century due to turbulent times and frequent wars.
Letná. Located next to the Prague Castle complex, this hill offers great city and river views and a park. Features also a historic pavilion and several notable sculptures.
Prague National Gallery. Set of several buildings in the city of Prague, featuring art pieces from Renaissance until modern, 21st century.
St. Nicholas Church. Built in the first half of the 18th century, on the remnants of a 13th-century church in the Malá Strana area in Prague. It was used as an observation and surveillance point of security forces during communist times.
Old Royal Palace. Built in the 12th century, this Gothic and Renaissance palace features a grand royal hall, used in the past for inaugurations and other royal events.
Prague National Theater. Czech National theater for ballet, opera, and drama. Built in the second half of the 19th century.
Museum of Communism. This Prague museum features exhibitions, multimedia presentations, and various artifacts from the communist era in former Czechoslovakia.
Wallenstein Palace. A 17th-century building, this Baroque palace was designed as a residence for Imperial Generalissimo Albrecht von Wallenstein and is now home to the Czech Senate. Features geometric gardens and opulent and ornate interiors.
14. Interesting facts about Czechia
Here are some interesting facts about this amazing country:
- The Czech Republic is a country with the highest consumption of beer per capita (we can understand this, Czech beer is awesome!).
- There are over 2,000 castles and castle ruins in the Czech Republic.
- Czechs are one of the least religious nations in the world, only 11-19% consider themselves religious.
Read more interesting facts about Czech Republic.
We hope you enjoyed reading about Czechia (Czech Republic)!
Safe travels!