CZECH REPUBLIC

Welcome to the Czech Republic! This landlocked jewel in Central Europe, historically known as Bohemia, is a tapestry of ancient castles, charming towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From its medieval heart in Prague to the serene Bohemian forests, prepare to delve into a rich history and vibrant culture.

Region: Central Europe

Capital: Prague

Official Language: Czech

Level of Travel Safety: Generally very safe. Be vigilant against petty crime like pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, particularly in Prague.

A map of Europe with Austria highlighted in green.

Why Visit the Czech Republic?

Storybook Castles: From the iconic Prague Castle to the fairytale Karlštejn and Český Krumlov castles, it’s a history lover’s dream.

Prague’s Magical Charm: Gothic spires, medieval bridges, and cobblestone streets set a cinematic scene.

World-Class Beer: The Czech Republic is the birthplace of Pilsner and consumes more beer per capita than any other country.

A map of Europe with Sweden highlighted in green. A lone figure walking across a vast, snow-covered landscape with sparse trees. A map of Europe with Austria highlighted in green. An evening cityscape of Prague with Charles Bridge and Prague Castle illuminated. A panoramic view of a city along a river with bridges and historical buildings.

Thermal Spas & Wellness: Indulge in relaxation in historic spa towns like Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně.

UNESCO Gems Beyond Prague: Visit Telč, Kutná Hora, and Olomouc for stunning architecture without the crowds.

Affordable European Adventure: Experience rich culture, cuisine, and history at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost.

An evening cityscape of Prague with Charles Bridge and Prague Castle illuminated.

Essential Trip Information

The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area.

Travelers of all nationalities should check their eligibility or requirements at the official Czech visa portal.

Citizens of many countries (including the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and most of Latin America) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least three months beyond planned departure.

Immigration may ask for proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient financial means.

For longer stays, work, or study, different visa types may be required.

The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), but some tourist spots may accept euros.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount at home; ATMs offer better rates than exchange offices.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (Česká spořitelna, Komerční banka). Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities, but carry US$20–50 equivalent in cash for smaller shops and markets.

  • What to Avoid: Exchange offices in tourist zones (may charge hidden fees). Avoid dynamic currency conversion—always choose CZK when paying by card.

The official language is Czech, but English is widely understood in Prague and major tourist areas.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Dobrý den” – Hello
  • “Děkuji” – Thank you
  • “Mluvíte anglicky?” – Do you speak English?

The Czech Republic is very safe, including for solo travelers.

Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially Prague’s Old Town and Charles Bridge.

Avoid exchanging money on the street or accepting unsolicited help at ATMs.

Emergency number: 112 (works across EU)

No vaccinations required.

Travel insurance is recommended. Healthcare is good and affordable for visitors.

Pharmacies (Lékárna) are common. Tap water is safe to drink.

Metro/Trams/Buses: Extensive and punctual, especially in Prague. Tickets must be validated.

Train travel is great for regional trips (e.g., from Prague to Český Krumlov or Brno).

Walking: Most historic towns are pedestrian-friendly.

Uber/Bolt: Available in larger cities; generally cheaper than taxis.

Car rental: Useful for exploring the countryside or castles, but not needed in Prague.

The Czech Republic is affordable by European standards, especially outside Prague.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels/guesthouses (US$25–60/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$80–150/night)

  • Luxury: Boutique and 5-star hotels (US$180+/night)

Food

  • Quick eats: Bakeries, kebab shops, and local bistros (US$5–10)

  • Casual dining: US$15–30/person

  • Fine dining: US$40–80/person

Drinks

  • Beer: US$2–4 (restaurant), US$1 (supermarket)

  • Wine/Cocktails: US$6–12

Transportation

  • Metro/Tram/Bus: US$1.50–2 per ride (24-hour pass ~US$5)

  • Taxis/Uber/Bolt: US$8–20 for short trips

  • Bike rentals: US$5–10/day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat like a local in non-touristy pubs (hospoda) or at lunchtime menus.

  • Take advantage of multi-day transport passes.

  • Enjoy free city walking tours (tip-based) and parks or historic districts.

  • Visit castles and landmarks with combo or regional passes.

Explore the Czech Republic

The capital city, known for its stunning Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Old Town Square. Located in the heart of Bohemia, in the central-western part of the country.

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a magnificent castle and charming medieval town. Situated in South Bohemia, in the southern part of the Czech Republic.

Home to the unique Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) and the impressive St. Barbara’s Church. Located in Central Bohemia, about an hour east of Prague.

A famous spa town renowned for its thermal springs, grand colonnades, and elegant architecture. Found in West Bohemia, in the western part of the country.

The second-largest city, boasting a vibrant student scene, Petrov Hill, and Spilberk Castle. Located in Moravia, in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic.

The birthplace of Pilsner Urquell beer, offering brewery tours and a beautiful historic center. Situated in West Bohemia, southwest of Prague.

A hidden gem with a stunning Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO site) and a charming historic square. Located in Moravia, in the eastern part of the country.

A picturesque landscape of sandstone rock formations, castles, and scenic hiking trails. Found in North Bohemia, northeast of Prague.

A UNESCO town celebrated for its colorful Renaissance and Baroque houses surrounding a picturesque main square. Located in South Moravia, in the southern part of the Czech Republic.

An incredible labyrinth of towering sandstone rock formations, perfect for hiking and exploring. Situated in northeast Bohemia, near the Polish border.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Winter Sports (excluding peak)
  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures (often below 32ºF/0ºC)
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Prague: Magical with Christmas markets, fewer tourists, and a charming, frosty ambiance.
  • Bohemian Paradise: Ideal for crisp winter walks and exploring snow-dusted rock formations.
  • Giant Mountains (Krkonose): Excellent for skiing and snowboarding, with various resorts.
  • Cesky Krumlov: Fairytale-like in winter, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (temperatures ranging from 40ºF/5ºC to 65ºF/18ºC)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Some tourist sites may have limited hours in early spring/late autumn.

Key Regions:

  • Prague: Pleasant for walking, outdoor cafes open, fewer queues than peak season.
  • South Bohemia: Castles and chateaux are beautiful with spring blooms or autumn foliage.
  • Moravia: Perfect for wine tasting tours as vineyards are lush in spring or vibrant in autumn.
  • Bohemian Switzerland National Park: Excellent hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and fewer hikers.
  • Karlovy Vary: Enjoy the spa town’s beauty without the summer rush.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Peak Ski Season (February-March)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: A handshake and direct eye contact are standard.

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants (round up or leave cash).

Pub Culture: Don’t clink glasses when saying “Na zdraví!” (local superstition).

Dress Code: Casual but neat; cover shoulders/knees in churches.

Punctuality: Being on time is appreciated.

Quiet on transit: Czechs tend to be reserved—keep noise levels low in public.

Accommodation: Hostels (US$25–50), mid-range hotels (US$90–180), luxury (US$250+).

Food: Street food or cafes (US$5–12), mid-range restaurant (US$15–25), gourmet (US$60+).

Transport: Public transport day pass (US$5), intercity train (US$10–25).

Activities: Many historical sites (~US$5–15), guided tours (~US$30–50), most museums are under US$10.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$60–90 (hostels, local food, public transport).

  • Mid-range: US$130–200 (nice hotel, restaurants, entry fees).

  • Luxury: US$300+ (central boutique stay, fine dining, private tours).

Free Wi-Fi: Found in most cafes, hotels, and public areas.

SIM Cards: Vodafone, T-Mobile, and O2 offer prepaid plans (US$15–30 for 10GB).

eSIMs: Compatible with major providers and apps like Airalo or Holafly.

Purchase SIMs at the airport, major train stations, or convenience stores.

Recommended for: Health coverage, luggage protection, and delays.

Medical care is high quality but not free for non-EU travelers.

If hiking or skiing, check that outdoor sports are covered.

Some policies may exclude castles with stairs or old towers as “high-risk”—read the fine print!

From historic hotels to budget hostels, the Czech Republic caters to all travelers.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Augustine Hotel (Prague), Chateau Mcely (countryside).
  • Mid-range: Hotel Josef (Prague), Courtyard by Marriott (Brno).
  • Budget: Ibis, Motel One.

Hostels:

  • Hostel One Miru (Prague) – social vibe, free dinners.
  • The RoadHouse (Brno) – cozy, local experience.

Airbnb/VRBO:

  • Great for groups; try Vinohrady (Prague) or Olomouc for local charm.

Unique Stays:

  • Boathouse stays in South Bohemia.
  • Castle hotels (e.g., Zbiroh).

Tip: Book early for Christmas markets and summer festivals.

The country has an efficient and affordable public transport system.

Trains:

  • České Dráhy (ČD) connects major cities (Prague to Brno: ~2.5hrs, US$10–20).
  • Fast trains (EuroCity, Pendolino) are comfortable for longer trips.

Buses:

  • RegioJet, FlixBus offer cheap intercity routes (Prague to Český Krumlov: ~3hrs, US$5–15).

Metro/Trams (Prague):

  • Prague Metro (lines A, B, C) covers key areas.
  • 24/72-hour passes (US$5–15) include trams and buses.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Bolt, Uber are affordable; avoid unlicensed taxis (overcharging risk).

Car Rental:

  • Useful for exploring rural areas (US$30–50/day).
  • Parking in Prague is expensive—stick to public transport.

Handy Tips

The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK). Bills come in 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 CZK; coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 CZK.

Exchanging Currency: Avoid exchange booths in tourist zones (e.g., Old Town in Prague). Instead, use ATMs attached to banks for the best rates.

Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted widely in cities and towns. Smaller shops and rural areas may only accept cash, so carry some Koruna.

Tipping Etiquette:

  • Restaurants/Bars: 10% is standard unless gratuity is included.
  • Taxis/Rideshares: Round up to the next 10 CZK.
  • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters; US$2–5 per night for housekeeping.
  • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person for group tours.

Czech is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in Prague and major tourist areas.

  • Useful phrases:

    • “Kde je nejbližší stanice metra?” – Where’s the nearest metro station?

    • “Kolik to stojí?” – How much is it?

    • “Mohu dostat účtenku?” – Can I get a receipt?

  • Pro Tip: Try learning a few Czech basics—locals appreciate the effort and may warm up more quickly.

The Czech Republic is generally very safe, even at night. Still, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like Charles Bridge or trams in Prague.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 112: General emergency number (works across the EU)
  • 158: Police
  • 155: Medical emergency

  • Embassies: Most foreign embassies are located in Prague 6 (Dejvice district)—save your embassy’s contact info before arriving.

The Czech Republic uses 230V/50Hz with Type E plugs (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin). Travelers from the U.S. will need a power adapter and possibly a voltage converter for non-dual voltage devices.

Tap water is safe and of high quality. Most restaurants provide free tap water if you ask, but bottled water is often pushed first. Simply say “kohoutková voda, prosím” (tap water, please).

Many museums, businesses, and public offices close on:

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • Apr (movable): Easter Monday

  • May 1: Labor Day

  • May 8: Liberation Day

  • Jul 5: Saints Cyril and Methodius Day

  • Jul 6: Jan Hus Day

  • Sep 28: St. Wenceslas Day

  • Oct 28: Independent Czechoslovak State Day

  • Nov 17: Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

  • Dec 24–26: Christmas Holidays

Note: Major attractions may operate on reduced hours during holidays—check in advance.

Shops: Typically open 9:00–19:00 (shopping malls stay open later). Many small stores close on Sundays.

Pharmacies: Open until 18:00; some in larger cities offer 24/7 service.

Farmers’ Markets: Open seasonally, often Friday–Sunday in public squares.

Svíčková: Beef in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings.

Trdelník: A sweet, cinnamon-coated pastry commonly found on the streets of Prague.

Koleno: Roasted pork knee, typically served with mustard and sauerkraut.

Smažený Sýr: Fried cheese, often served with tartar sauce or a side of fries.

Chlebíčky: Open-faced sandwiches topped with cold cuts, eggs, and salads.

Koláče: Sweet pastries filled with fruit or poppy seeds.

Trdelník: A warm, sugary treat often filled with ice cream or Nutella.

Vánočka: A braided sweet bread served at Christmas.

Palačinky: Thin pancakes served with jam, sugar, or whipped cream.

Czech Beer Ice Cream: A unique dessert made with Czech lager, perfect for beer lovers.

Alcoholic:

  • Pilsner Urquell: The world-renowned lager originating from Pilsen.

  • Budvar (Czech Budweiser): A rich, malt-forward beer brewed in České Budějovice.

  • Moravian Wine: Try the crisp, white wines from the south of the country, especially those from the Mikulov region.

  • Slivovice: A strong plum brandy, commonly enjoyed as a shot.

  • Becherovka: A herbal liquor from Karlovy Vary, often consumed as a digestif.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Kofola: A Czech cola drink that rivals Coca-Cola in popularity.

  • Budejovicky Kozi: A refreshing drink made from herbal tea.

  • Žatecký čaj: A fine herbal tea made with hops, perfect for a cozy afternoon.

  • Czech Apple Juice: Known for its fresh and sweet taste, especially from the Czech orchards.

  • Mattoni Mineral Water: A high-quality sparkling mineral water that originates from the Czech Republic.

UNESCO Towns: Visit Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, or Telč for medieval charm.

Jewish Quarter (Josefov): Historic synagogues and the haunting Old Jewish Cemetery.

Lidice Memorial: A moving tribute to WWII atrocities.

National Museum: Renovated neoclassical landmark at Wenceslas Square.

Velvet Revolution Sites: Wenceslas Square and Národní Třída mark pivotal 1989 protests.

Traditional Folk Culture: Visit during Easter or Christmas for festivals and hand-painted eggs.

Karlovy Vary: Spa town with ornate architecture and hot spring sipping cups.

Moravian Slovakia (Slovácko): Colorful costumes, wine cellars, and folk traditions.

Czech Cubism: Unique architectural style—see the House of the Black Madonna in Prague.

John Lennon Wall: Ever-evolving street art and messages of peace near Kampa Island.

Old Town Square: Watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour.

Charles Bridge at Dawn: Beat the crowds and photographers.

Prague Castle: Wander the massive complex and catch the Changing of the Guard.

Vltava River Cruise: Day or sunset trips available, often with dinner.

Beer Spas: Bathe in hops and barley while sipping unlimited beer (e.g., Beer Spa Bernard).

Letná Park: Stunning city views + beer garden vibes.

Hiking in Bohemian Switzerland: Breathtaking sandstone rock formations.

Czech Opera or Ballet: Affordable tickets at the National Theatre or State Opera.

Kafka Museum: For literature lovers.

Petrin Tower: Mini Eiffel Tower + mirror maze—fun hike or take the funicular.

U Medvídků: A historic beer hall in Prague, where you can try the famous “X-beer.”

Roxy: A popular nightclub offering a mix of electronic and live music in Prague.

Hemingway Bar: A cocktail bar in Prague inspired by the writer, offering expertly crafted drinks.

JazzDock: A riverside venue in Prague offering live jazz performances.

Vinohradská 12: A microbrewery and pub known for its craft beers.

Karlovy Vary’s Becherovka Bar: Enjoy an authentic experience with the Czech herbal liquor.

Beer Gardens: Enjoy a relaxing evening at one of Prague’s many open-air beer gardens, like Letná Park.

Vox Music Club: A late-night spot in Brno for dancing and live DJ sets.

Lucerna Music Bar: A popular venue in Prague for both locals and tourists to dance the night away.

The PUB: A unique pub where you can pour your own beer at the table in Prague.