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.

Where to Go in Czech Republic

Brno | Český Krumlov | Karlovy Vary | Kutná Hora | Liberec | Olomouc | Ostrava | Pardubice | Plzeň | Prague | South Bohemia | South Moravia | Zlín

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.

Best Travel Itineraries in the Czech Republic

Essential Czechia – 7 Days

• Prague → Kutná Hora → Český Krumlov → Pilsen → Prague
  Perfect intro to cities, castles, and beer heritage.

Nature & Castles – 10 Days

• Prague → Karlštejn → Šumava → Český Krumlov → Brno → Lednice
  Great mix of history and hiking.

Cultural Circuit – 12 Days

• Prague → Olomouc → Brno → Mikulov → Znojmo → Telč
  A deeper dive into architecture, wine, and regional character.

Cross-Border Loop – 14 Days

• Prague → Český Krumlov → Vienna (Austria) → Bratislava (Slovakia) → Brno → Prague
  Ideal for travelers exploring Central Europe beyond borders.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Czech food is hearty and traditional — best enjoyed with a pint and good company.

Must-Try Dishes

• Svíčková – Marinated beef with creamy sauce and bread dumplings
• Vepřo knedlo zelo – Roast pork with sauerkraut and dumplings
• Guláš – Czech-style goulash with onions and beer gravy
• Smažený sýr – Fried cheese sandwich, often street food
• Koláče – Yeast pastries filled with fruit or poppy seeds

Drinks:

• Pilsner Urquell – The original pilsner from Plzeň
• Budvar (Czech Budweiser) – Brewed in České Budějovice
• Moravian wines – Especially whites like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling
• Becherovka – Herbal digestif from Karlovy Vary

Enjoy meals in lokál taverns, wine cellars in Moravia, or Prague’s beer gardens overlooking the river.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in the Czech Republic

Safety Overview

• Very safe for tourists; standard precautions are enough
• Public transport is secure and reliable
• Tap water is safe; cities are walkable even at night

Cultural Etiquette

• Say “Dobrý den” (Good day) when entering shops/restaurants
• Tip 5–10% in restaurants (leave cash or round up)
• Don’t be loud or overly expressive in public
• Respect historic sites — locals are proud of their heritage

Where to Go Next – Pair Czech Republic with These Destinations

• Austria – Vienna is just 4 hours by train from Prague
• Slovakia – Bratislava and the Tatras pair beautifully with Czech cities
• Germany – Cross into Bavaria or Saxony for castles and culture
• Poland – Krakow and Wrocław are easy rail connections from Brno or Ostrava
• Hungary – Extend to Budapest via South Moravia

Austria Travel Guide | Slovakia Travel Guide | Poland Travel Guide | Hungary Travel Guide

Final Planning Checklist for the Czech Republic

• Most visitors enter visa-free for 90 days (Schengen)
• Currency is Czech Koruna (CZK) — euros not accepted everywhere
• Book castles and trains in advance during peak season
• Bring comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
• Download Seznam Maps or IDOS for local transit schedules
• Learn a few Czech words — locals appreciate the effort
• Bring layers — weather can shift quickly, especially in autumn

Explore the Czech Republic with confidence using our trusted tips, local insights, and region-by-region planning tools.

For more expert travel tips, practical strategies, and trusted tools — visit our Homepage and get inspired for your next trip.