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Czech Republic Travel Guide: Castles, Culture & Fairytale Cities

Intro to Czech Republic Travel Guide

The Czech Republic feels like walking into a storybook — all Gothic cathedrals, baroque bridges, medieval towns, and beer halls older than some countries. But beneath the charm lies a nation with deep intellect, rebellious spirit, and enduring creativity.

Whether you’re exploring Prague’s cobbled lanes, hiking in the Bohemian Switzerland, sipping Pilsner in a 13th-century tavern, or soaking in spa towns that once hosted royalty, the Czech Republic blends old-world elegance with modern ease.

Start planning your trip with our complete Czech Republic Travel Guide — covering regions, cities, castles, itineraries, travel costs, food, safety, and the best things to do across the country.

Continent: Europe
Country: Czech Republic (also known as Czechia)
Area: ~78,871 km²
Population: ~10.5 million (2024)
Density: ~133 people/km²
Capital: Prague
Regions/Subregions: Bohemia, Moravia, Czech Silesia
Language(s): Czech (official); English and German spoken in tourist areas
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK); Euros accepted in some hotels and shops
Time Zone(s): CET (GMT+1), CEST in summer (GMT+2)
Airports: PRG (Prague), BRQ (Brno), OSR (Ostrava)
Climate: Temperate — warm summers, cold winters
Known For: Castles, medieval towns, Pilsner beer, Gothic and Baroque architecture, spa towns

The Czech Republic is a Schengen Area member, which means standard EU entry rules apply.
Visa-free: 90 days within 180 days for citizens of the EU, U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and most Latin American countries.
Schengen visa required: For travelers from countries not covered by visa-waiver agreements.
ETIAS: Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-free countries will need ETIAS authorization.
Stay limit: 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism.
Official visa portal: Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs

No required vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tick-borne encephalitis (if hiking or visiting forests), COVID-19
EHIC card accepted for EU citizens
Excellent medical facilities in Prague and other cities
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

One of the safest countries in Europe
Pickpocketing can occur in tourist hotspots (Prague’s Old Town, public trams)
Stay alert in crowded areas and near ATMs
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

New Year’s Day: January 1
Liberation Day: May 8
Jan Hus Day: July 6
Statehood Day: September 28
Independent Czechoslovak State Day: October 28
Christmas Holidays: December 24–26
Shops close on major holidays, especially around Christmas.

Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK); Euros not commonly accepted except at tourist-heavy spots
Cards: Visa/MasterCard widely accepted; AmEx less common
ATMs: Easy to find in all cities — beware of high-fee independent machines
Tipping: 10% customary in restaurants
Duty-Free: Up to 1L spirits, 200 cigarettes, gifts under €430 when arriving from non-EU countries

The Czech Republic’s main international gateway is well connected across Europe and beyond:
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) – ~17 km from Prague city center.
Carriers: Czech Airlines, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Emirates, Wizz Air.
Other airports: Brno (BRQ) and Ostrava (OSR) offer seasonal and low-cost flights.

Trains: Excellent national rail system — fast and affordable (České dráhy, RegioJet, Leo Express)
Buses: Reliable for intercity and rural access; budget-friendly
Metro/Trams: Prague has a top-tier transit system; trams are iconic and efficient
Taxis: Use apps like Bolt or Liftago to avoid overcharging
Car Rentals: Not necessary for Prague; useful for castles and countryside road trips

SIM Cards: Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2 — available at airports and kiosks
Coverage: Strong 4G/5G coverage nationwide
Wi-Fi: Free in hotels, restaurants, public spaces, and most trains
Digital Nomad Friendly: Excellent infrastructure for remote work in Prague and Brno

Drinking Age: 18
Alcohol in Public: Legal in most places, but may be restricted in historical centers
Cannabis: Decriminalized in small amounts but not legal
Cultural Etiquette: Greet with a handshake; remove hats indoors
LGBTQ+ Status: Legal and safe; Prague is known for being LGBTQ+ inclusive

Emergency Numbers:
General: 112
Police: 158
Ambulance: 155
Fire: 150
Tourist assistance services available in Prague
Major hospitals include Motol University Hospital and Na Homolce Hospital in Prague

Spring (Mar–May): Mild and blooming, with temps from 10–20°C (50–68°F)
Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, 20–30°C (68–86°F); occasional thunderstorms
Fall (Sep–Nov): Crisp, with colorful foliage and average temps 10–18°C (50–65°F)
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and snowy, especially in mountain regions — ideal for Christmas markets
Best time to visit: May–June and September for mild weather and fewer crowds
Weather Forecast

Czech Republic by Region – Where to Go

The Czech Republic is divided into Bohemia (west), Moravia (east), and Silesia (northeast corner), each with its own style and scenery.

Prague & Central Bohemia

Prague (Praha) – The capital city of spires, bridges, and rich architecture. Visit Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock.
Kutná Hora – A Gothic gem with the eerie Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary) and St. Barbara’s Cathedral.

South Bohemia

Český Krumlov – UNESCO-listed town with a hilltop castle, Vltava River bends, and artistic charm.
Třeboň & České Budějovice – Known for fishponds, Renaissance squares, and the original Budweiser beer.
Šumava National Park – Forests, glacial lakes, and peaceful hiking trails.

West Bohemia

Karlovy Vary – Elegant spa town with colonnades and mineral springs.
Mariánské Lázně – Neo-baroque spas and quiet promenades once favored by royalty.
Pilsen (Plzeň) – Birthplace of Pilsner beer and a must-visit for brewery lovers.

North Bohemia

Bohemian Switzerland National Park – Home to sandstone cliffs, gorges, and the Pravčická Gate rock arch.
Liberec – Gateway to Ještěd Mountain and northern ski areas.

South Moravia

Brno – Czech Republic’s second city, full of modernist architecture, student life, and underground crypts.
Mikulov & Znojmo – Wine country towns with hilltop castles and vineyard tours.
Lednice-Valtice – A romantic landscape filled with palaces and gardens (UNESCO-listed).

East Moravia & Silesia

Olomouc – A baroque beauty with fewer crowds and as much grandeur as Prague.
Ostrava – Former industrial center turned cultural hub, with music festivals and cool urban regeneration projects.
Beskydy Mountains – Hiking, folklore, and cozy chalets near the Slovak border.

Top Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

Iconic Cities

Prague – Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter, and some of Europe’s best nightlife.
Český Krumlov – A Renaissance fairytale with riverside views and a towering chateau.
Brno – Less touristy, more local. Famous for modernism and underground catacombs.

Castles & Historic Sites

Karlštejn Castle – Gothic stronghold near Prague, built by Emperor Charles IV.
Hluboká Castle – Romantic white chateau inspired by Windsor Castle.
Lednice Castle – Part of a sprawling landscape garden with lakes, towers, and trails.

Nature & National Parks

Bohemian Switzerland – Incredible sandstone arches, hiking trails, and boat rides.
Šumava – Remote forests and lakes ideal for biking and quiet escapes.
Moravian Karst – Caves and underground rivers including Macocha Abyss.

Spa Towns & Wellness

Karlovy Vary & Mariánské Lázně – Elegant resorts for mineral water therapy and relaxation.

How to Choose Where to Go in the Czech Republic

For first-time visitors: Base in Prague, then add Kutná Hora and Český Krumlov.
For history and architecture: Visit Brno, Olomouc, or the Lednice-Valtice landscape.
For nature and hiking: Head to Bohemian Switzerland, Šumava, or the Beskydy Mountains.
For beer and culture: Don’t miss Pilsen, České Budějovice, and Brno’s pubs.
For a local feel: Spend time in Třeboň, Znojmo, or Liberec — scenic and untouristed.

How to Get Around the Czech Republic

Trains – Excellent coverage and comfort. Use CD.cz for booking (České dráhy is the national rail).
Buses – RegioJet and FlixBus offer fast, affordable travel across the country.
Car Rental – Ideal for visiting castles, vineyards, or national parks off the main routes.
Trams & Metro (Prague, Brno, etc.) – Efficient and cheap in major cities.
Walking – Historic centers are best explored on foot.

Tip: Czech Republic has top-notch infrastructure — most towns are easily reachable within 2–3 hours of Prague.

Travel Budget & Costs in the Czech Republic

Average Daily Costs:

Budget: $40–60/day (hostels, bakeries, public transport)
Mid-range: $80–130/day (3-star hotels, local meals, train travel)
Luxury: $200–400/day (boutique hotels, private tours, fine dining)

Sample Prices:

Prague–Brno train: ~$10–15
Castle entry: $4–10
Beer (half-liter): $1.50–2
3-course dinner for two: $30–50
Hotel (mid-range): $60–120/night

Money-saving tips:

Visit during shoulder seasons (April–June, Sept–Oct)
Use RegioJet buses or trains
Eat at lokál pubs or student-frequented bistros

Best Time to Visit the Czech Republic

Spring (April–June):

Blossoming parks, sunny squares, and fewer crowds

Summer (July–August):

Peak travel time; best for festivals, beer gardens, and hiking

Autumn (September–October):

Fall colors, wine harvests in Moravia, fewer tourists

Winter (November–March):

Christmas markets, snow-covered castles, and budget-friendly prices

Must-See Experiences in the Czech Republic

Walk across Charles Bridge at dawn, before the crowds
Tour Prague Castle, Europe’s largest ancient castle complex
Float through Český Krumlov on a lazy Vltava raft
Drink unfiltered beer in Pilsen straight from the barrel
Ride the historic tram #22 through Prague’s scenic hills
Wander the Lednice-Valtice gardens, a fantasy of lakes and pavilions
Explore Bohemian Switzerland’s sandstone cliffs, boat through Kamenice Gorge
Relax in Karlovy Vary, sipping from ornate porcelain spa cups

Find curated Czech Republic tours and inspiring things to do in Czech Republic — from castles to craft beer cellars.