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Home » Europe » Czech Republic

Czech Republic Travel Guide

This Czech Republic travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip, featuring top destinations, hidden gems, and expert tips to make the most of your Bohemian adventure.

Castles, Culture, and Bohemian Charm

The Czech Republic is a land of fairy-tale castles, rich history, and vibrant culture. Since the fall of communism it has gone through an evolution and is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most underrated gems. Straddling Eastern and Western influences, it offers a dynamic blend of medieval charm and modern energy.

Most visitors start in Prague, and for good reason. With its Gothic spires, cobbled streets, and iconic Charles Bridge, the city feels like stepping into a storybook. But beyond the capital lies a land of discoveries: enchanting towns, rolling countryside, deep forests, and some of the best-preserved castles in Europe.

Once the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czech Republic boasts a legacy of architecture, music, and storytelling, and yes, some of the best beer in the world. Whether you’re exploring spa towns, hiking through national parks, or sipping a pilsner in a centuries-old pub, the experience is as rich as it is welcoming.

classic prague photograph of the charles bridge lit up at night
Notable Places

Discover Czech Republic

Use the map to explore the Czech Republic and get started by visiting Prague!

Plan your Prague trip

Czech Republic Quick Guide

  • Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
  • Language: Czech
  • Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST in summer (UTC+2)
  • Fun Fact #1: Wuppertal’s suspended monorail is German, but Czech Prachov Rocks inspired several fairytale film sets 
  • Fun Fact #2: The Czech glass industry is world-famous, visit Moser in Karlovy Vary
  • Fun Fact #3: The Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora is the ‘Bone Church’, decorated with 40,000 human skeletons  
  • Tipping: 5–10 % in restaurants, round up taxi fares
  • Emergency Number: 112

Where to Stay in Czech Republic

From stylish urban hotels in Prague to spa resorts in Karlovy Vary, medieval guesthouses in Český Krumlov, and countryside manor stays near wine towns like Mikulov or Lednice, the Czech Republic offers diverse accommodations blending heritage, comfort, and local charm.Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas.

Cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.

CHECK BOOKING.COM

How to Get Around Czech Republic

Public transportation in the Czech Republic is reliable and well-connected. Trains and buses link Prague to regional centers like Karlovy Vary, Kutná Hora, Pilsen, České Budějovice, and Brno. Inside Prague, its metro, tram, and bus network makes navigating the city easy .

That said, exploring rural gems like Bohemian Switzerland, Prachov Rocks, Moravian Karst, or wine regions such as Lednice–Valtice, Mikulov, and Znojmo is best done with a rental car. These areas have limited transit options, making a car essential for scenic drives, vineyard visits, and hidden nature trails.

For the best deals on car rentals, rent a manual transmission car if you know how to drive one and try out the many car rental coupon codes out there. In addition, we always recommend that you search on Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to get a good lay of the land in terms of what the best rates are across multiple companies.

SEARCH FOR A CAR RENTAL

Must-Visit Places in Czech Republic

  • Prague – Medieval architecture, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, vibrant cafés.
  • Český Krumlov – Fairytale town with castle, Renaissance streets, riverside charm.
  • Kutná Hora – UNESCO silver-town features Gothic St. Barbara’s and the Bone Church.
  • Karlovy Vary – Historic spa town with hot springs, Art Nouveau architecture, and porcelain glassworks.
  • Pilsen (Plzeň) – Birthplace of Pilsner beer, brewery tours, Great Synagogue.
  • Bohemian Switzerland National Park – Dramatic sandstone arches, lush valleys, and hiking paths.
  • Moravian Karst & Koněprusy Caves – Underground rivers, Macocha Abyss, unique stalactites.
    Lednice–Valtice – UNESCO landscape with châteaux, gardens, and vineyard estates.
  • Karlštejn Castle – Gothic fortress near Prague founded by Charles IV  
Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Czech Food to Sample

Czech cuisine is rooted in comfort and tradition, featuring meat, dumplings, and hearty sides—perfect after a day of exploring castles and forests.

Svíčková – Bohemia: Braised beef in creamy, vegetable sauce, with dumplings and cranberry.
Guláš (Goulash) – Nationwide: Rich beef stew spiced with paprika, served with bread or dumplings.
Koprová omáčka – Bohemia: Tangy dill sauce over beef with dumplings.
Chlebíčky – Prague & nationwide: Open-faced sandwiches with meats, cheeses, vegetables, the perfect snack.
Koblihy/Koláčky – Nationwide: Sweet filled doughnuts and fruit-filled pastries  .
Pilsner Beer – Pilsen: World-class lager, crisp and light, best fresh from the brewery  .
Becherovka & Spa Wafers – Karlovy Vary: Herbal liqueur and traditional spa wafers enjoyed after a mineral‑water sip.
Smažený sýr (fried cheese) – Nationwide street food: Breaded melted cheese with tartar sauce.
Bramboráky (potato pancakes) – Moravia: Crispy pancakes flavored with garlic and marjoram.
Švestkové knedlíky- Moravia: Plum dumplings dusted with sugar and butter, a classic dessert.

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

  1. Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  2. Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
  3. Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
  5. Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Czech Republic

  • Prague: Kutná Hora – The UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Kutná Hora are worth a day trip, and discover historical monuments such as the Italian Court.
  • Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland National Park – Get out the cities and explore the stunning nature on a day hike. Also a great way to find places to stop for true local cuisine.
  • Terezin Concentration Camp – Visit a town that served as a concentration camp during World War II and listen to the devastating events that took place here.

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