BOHEMIA
This land, the western and largest historical region of the Czech Republic, is the cultural heart of the nation. From the architectural splendor of Prague to fairytale castles, spa towns, and majestic rock formations, Bohemia is a captivating mix of history, nature, and world-famous beer.
Why Visit Bohemia?
Prague: The Capital: Explore one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, home to Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and a thousand years of history.
Fairytale Castles: Discover a stunning collection of medieval and Baroque castles, including Karlštejn, Hluboká, and the UNESCO-listed Český Krumlov.
World-Class Beer: Visit the birthplace of Pilsner beer in Plzeň and enjoy the Czech national drink—consumed with national pride—in its purest form.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (May, September-October): This is the best time to visit for pleasant weather, beautiful foliage in the countryside, and fewer crowds than the summer peak.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere, especially outside of Prague. Perfect for winter sports in the mountains and enjoying the festive Christmas markets.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is warmest, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Be prepared for crowds in Prague and major sights like Český Krumlov.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Prague (Praha)
The capital is a magnificent showcase of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. Explore Prague Castle, stroll across the Charles Bridge, wander the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock, and delve into the vibrant culture.
Your Smart Tip: To truly beat the crowds on the Charles Bridge, visit at sunrise or late at night. The soft light offers spectacular photography and a more intimate experience.
South Bohemia (Český Krumlov & České Budějovice)
Home to the UNESCO-listed medieval jewel of Český Krumlov, with its massive castle complex, and České Budějovice, famous for Budweiser beer (Budvar). This picturesque region is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and numerous fish ponds.
Your Smart Tip: While Český Krumlov is a must-see, spend time in České Budějovice for a more authentic, less tourist-driven experience, and enjoy a fresh-brewed Budvar straight from the source.
West Bohemia (Karlovy Vary & Plzeň)
This area is famed for its elegant spa towns, like Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), where visitors “take the waters” from thermal springs. To the south is Plzeň (Pilsen), the industrial heart and the origin of the world-famous Pilsner Urquell lager.
Your Smart Tip: When in Karlovy Vary, try the traditional spa wafer, oplatky, to enjoy with the mineral waters. In Plzeň, take the historic brewery tour for a taste of unfiltered, unpasteurized Pilsner straight from the cellar barrels.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Bohemia has a temperate continental climate. Summers are generally warm with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are cold and often snowy, especially in the mountain ranges like the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains).
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: The official language is Czech. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Czech phrases is appreciated.
Tipping: A 10% tip is standard for good service in restaurants. It’s common to round up the bill or inform the waiter of the total amount you wish to pay.
Public Transport: The public transport system (trams, metro, buses) in Prague is excellent and runs on a simple ticket system; tickets must be validated immediately upon boarding.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($20–$40), mid-range hotels ($70–$120), luxury ($150+). Prices in Prague are significantly higher than in smaller towns.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($8–$15), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($20–$40 per person), fine dining ($50+).
Transport: Day pass for Prague public transport ($6), train ticket (Prague to Brno regional $20+).
Activities: Castle entrance fee ($10–$20), beer-tasting tour ($20–$30).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $50–$80 (hostels, small plate food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $90–$150 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $170+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train: The Czech Republic has an extensive and reliable rail network connecting major cities and towns. It’s often the most comfortable option.
By Bus: Buses are a great way to reach smaller villages and towns not served by the rail line. Long-distance buses are modern and often a low-cost alternative to trains.
By Car: A car is excellent for exploring the countryside, castles, and national parks (like Bohemian Paradise), but it’s unnecessary in major cities like Prague.
Must-Try Food
Svíčková na smetaně: Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, typically served with cranberry sauce and bread dumplings (knedlíky).
Vepřo knedlo zelo: Roast pork with bread or potato dumplings and stewed sauerkraut. A classic Czech dish.
Goulash (Guláš): A rich, meaty stew (less spicy than Hungarian versions), usually served with bread dumplings.
Smažený sýr: Deep-fried breaded cheese (often Edam or Hermelín), served with tartar sauce and boiled or French fries.
Pečené vepřové koleno: Roasted pork knuckle, often marinated in dark beer, served with mustard, horseradish, and pickles.
Kulajda: A creamy South Bohemian soup made with wild mushrooms, potatoes, sour cream, and dill, often topped with a poached egg.
Česnečka: A strong, flavorful traditional garlic soup, typically served with croutons and cheese.
Ovocné knedlíky: Sweet dumplings filled with fresh fruit (strawberries, plums, apricots) and topped with melted butter, sweet curd cheese, and powdered sugar.
Trdelník: A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry wrapped around a stick, grilled, and dusted with a sugar and cinnamon mix (widely available, though not exclusively Czech).
Bramboráky: Crispy potato pancakes seasoned with garlic and marjoram, served as a side or a snack.
Must-Try Drinks
Pilsner Urquell: The world’s first pale lager (Pilsner style), a light, refreshing, and quintessential Czech beer from Plzeň.
Budweiser Budvar: A globally recognized, premium Czech pale lager from České Budějovice.
Dark Lager (Černé Pivo): A darker, richer, often sweeter beer, widely available in most pubs.
Kozel: A popular light and dark lager brand, often served as a “mixed” or “cut” beer (řezané pivo).
Becherovka: A traditional herbal bitters from Karlovy Vary, originally a medicinal drink, often enjoyed as a digestif.
Slivovice: A strong, traditional plum brandy, popular in Central Europe.
Moravian Wine: While Bohemia is beer country, the neighboring region of Moravia produces excellent white wines (e.g., Pálava).
Kofola: The national non-alcoholic soft drink, often described as a cola alternative with a unique herbal, slightly spiced flavor.
Vřídelní voda (Spa Water): The hot mineral spring water in Karlovy Vary, drunk for its purported health benefits (note: it has a distinct mineral taste).
Coffee & Espresso: The Czech coffee culture is strong, with numerous traditional cafés and modern espresso bars, especially in Prague.