Czech Republic Travel Guide: Cities, Castles and Culture

Planning a trip to the Czech Republic? Let us guide you through castles, fun routes and practical tips that make Czech Republic travel surprisingly easy to organise.

Why Visit the Czech Republic?

You might arrive in Prague, but you stay for everything around it. The country has castles, short travel distances and strong traditions that make it richer than you might think.

Fairytale Architecture and Historic Towns

Medieval streets are a part of life here. Prague Castle is huge and one of the ancient castle complexes in Europe. Crossing Charles Bridge takes you back to the14th century. Town squares are still community centers, surrounded by churches and colorful buildings. UNESCO listed places like Český Krumlov have been preserved over centuries.

A Compact Country with Diverse Landscapes

Travel distances are short which means you can see more in one trip. Trains from Prague to cities take just a few hours. National parks are close to cities. Bohemian Switzerland, for example, has sandstone rocks and Šumava National Park has forests and glacial lakes.

A Relaxed and Walkable Capital

Prague is easy to walk, especially in central Prague. Most highlights are close together. The historic town square leads to lanes and the river and castle district. Public transport has trams and clear stops.

Rich Food and Beer Culture

Czech food is hearty like svíčková, roast meats and dumplings in pubs. Beer has been made here for centuries. The country ranks among the highest beer consumers per capita in Europe!

Easy Czech Republic Trips with Public Transport

Trains are frequent and reliable making route planning easy. You can stay in Prague and visit other places without packing and unpacking all the time. Spa towns and wine regions are a few hours from each other.

Ready to Dive Right In? Explore These Routes

The Best Places to Visit Beyond Czech Republic Tourist Destinations

The Czech Republic has a lot to offer beyond its capital city. It has towns, spas and areas famous for wine. We recommend visiting these cities and parks in the Czech Republic:

Prague: The Historic Capital

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. It has buildings like Gothic towers, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches close together. Prague Castle is really big, it looks out over the river and has St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane inside. If you cross Charles Bridge, you can get from the Old Town to the Lesser Town. Each side of the river has its style of buildings. If you plan carefully you can see everything in Prague without walking much.

The city of Prague at sunset

A Day Trip from Prague

If you stay in Prague you might want to visit Kutná Hora. It is an hour away by train. You can see the Bone Church and St Barbara’s Cathedral. Another easy trip is to Karlštejn Castle. It is 40 minutes away.

Český Krumlov and Southern Bohemia

Český Krumlov is a town three hours from Prague. It is one of the photographed towns in the Czech Republic. The castle complex is really big. It sits above a bend in the Vltava River. The old town has not changed much since the century. It is a UNESCO site. The streets are narrow and connect to small courtyards, galleries and viewpoints where you can see the rooftops. If you stay overnight you can see the town when it is not too busy.

Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay

Karlovy Vary and Spa Town Culture

Karlovy Vary is famous for its springs and fancy buildings from the 19th century. People walk around and drink water from the springs using special cups. The town also has a film festival every summer. If you stay for one night you can see the town and try out the spas.

Image by Nikolai Kolosov from Pixabay

Brno

Brno is a city in the Czech Republic. It has many universities so it feels like a local town. The city has a building called Villa Tugendhat, which is a UNESCO site. It was designed by a famous architect. You can get to Brno from Prague by train in 2.5 hours.

Image by romavor from Pixabay

National Parks and Natural Areas

The Czech Republic has beautiful national parks. One of them is Bohemian Switzerland. It is near the border and has a big natural sandstone arch. You can hike on trails and see the views. Another park is Šumava National Park. It is near Austria and it has beautiful lakes and bike paths. Most national parks are free to visit!

Image by Andreas from Pixabay

If you visit parks, like Bohemian Switzerland, check the weather the night before. Sometimes trails are closed after rain.

Ideas and Itineraries for Czech Republic Trips

Want to see more than just Pragues highlights without running in circles? Lets see where you can go in 5 to 7 days.

5 Day Route: Prague and Český Krumlov

Begin in Prague. Take a couple of days to explore the historic Old Town and Prague Castle properly before heading south. Then head to Český Krumlov, a town that feels smaller and more intimate but just as historic. Spend time exploring the castle complex climbing the tower for views and walking along the river that curves around the old town. End your route back in Prague.

7 Day Route: Cities, Wine and Spa Traditions

Start again in Prague. Take your time with the main landmarks and surrounding areas. Continue east to Brno, where you get a vibe and learn about Moravian wine. The next stop can be the Moravian countryside, where vineyards and small towns offer a slower pace than city visits. Then head west towards Karlovy Vary to explore the spa heritage and elegant colonnades that define the region. End your journey back in Prague.

Planning a shorter stay? Take a look at our 3-day Prague itinerary.

When to Schedule Your Czech Republic Travel Plan

The time of year matters a lot for city breaks. In summer you may want to explore national parks and spend time outdoors, while in winter cities feel cosy with lights, museums and markets.

Summer: Blooming and Lively

Spring and summer are both good times to visit. From March to May it's usually between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius. Parks start blooming and outdoor cafes reopen giving the cities a relaxed feel. From June to August it's often 25 degrees Celsius or higher. Daylight lasts into the evening and festivals and concerts fill city squares. Summer means accommodation prices are higher so book early to save money.

Autumn and Winter: Harvest Season and Winter Markets

Autumn and winter offer an experience with cooler air and changing colours. September and October bring walking temperatures between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius, golden leaves in parks and wine harvest season in Moravia making vineyard visits rewarding. By December Prague gets festive with Christmas markets around the Old Town Square and near Wenceslas Square though it's often below zero degrees and daylight is shorter.

Image by maatcheck from Pixabay

Check event calendars, before booking. Festivals and holidays can quickly raise accommodation prices in Prague.

Getting Around During Your Czech Republic Trip

You will be pleasantly surprised by how easy it's to move around the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has trains, trams and roads that're well organised and simple to figure out.

Public Transport in Prague

Prague has a good public transport system. Prague has trams, buses and three metro lines that are all connected. You can buy tickets for the transport in Prague at machines in metro stations. The tickets for transport in Prague are time based starting from 30 minutes. Regional trains in the Czech Republic connect Czech cities several times per day. The journey times on trains in the Czech Republic are rarely more than three hours.

Travelling by Car in the Czech Republic

If you want to go to areas or national parks in the Czech Republic, hiring a car is a good idea. The roads in the Czech Republic are well maintained and clearly signposted. Before you can drive in the Czech Republic you need to buy a vignette.

It is a good idea to download offline maps before you leave Prague. The signal can be weaker in areas of the Czech Republic especially in national parks.

Czech Republic Travel Expenses

How much money should you bring to the Czech Republic for food, transport and attractions? Let’s look at what things cost in the Czech Republic.

Average prices of accommodation, transport food and tours in the Czech Republic.

The average prices of accommodation, transport, food and tours in the Czech Republic are not very high. If you eat or stay a few streets away from Pragues historic centre your daily spend will be noticeably lower.

Practical Tips Before You Travel to Prague or the Czech Republic

There are a few things that make a big difference when you arrive in the Czech Republic.

Currency and Money Tips

The local currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna, which is also called the Czech crown. Prices in the Czech Republic are listed in CZK everywhere in the Czech Republic. You should keep some cash with you because cafés and rural spots in the Czech Republic may prefer cash.

Drinking Water

The tap water in the Czech Republic is drinkable. It meets European quality standards. It is a good idea to carry a refillable bottle with you in the Czech Republic.

Transport and Tickets

The public transport in Prague runs on time. The tickets are time based starting from 30 minutes. You should validate your ticket immediately after boarding to avoid fines during inspections. You should keep your ticket until the end of your journey because checks are common in the Czech Republic.

Safety

The Czech Republic has low violent crime rates compared to many European capitals. Read our full blog on how to stay safe in Czechia.

Ready to Map Out Your Czech Republic Route?

We hope this Czech Republic travel guide helps you plan your trip with ease and go beyond the tourist highlights in the Czech Republic. And don’t forget to check out our Go-Guided app, where you can create your own route or use routes shared by other travellers for free!

FAQs About Czech Republic Tourist Destinations

Do you need a visa for Prague?

You should check if you need a visa for the Czech Republic. If you are from the United Kingdom you can go to the Czech Republic without a visa. Many people from outside Europe can stay in the Czech Republic for up to ninety days in one hundred and eighty days because of Schengen rules. It is a good idea to check the official rules for the Czech Republic (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/czechia/entry-requirements) before you go to Czechia.

What language do they speak in Prague?

The main language people speak in Prague is Czech. You will also hear English in hotels and restaurants and big tourist spots in Prague.

How do you say hello in Prague?

When you meet someone in Prague during the day you can say "Dobrý den" to them. This is a way to say hello in the Czech Republic. If you are with your friends or younger people in Prague you can say "Ahoj" to them.

Where is Ceska Republika?

Ceska Republika is the Czech name for the country known in English as the Czech Republic. It sits in Central Europe between Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland.

What country is Prague in Europe?

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. Prague is the centre of politics and culture in the Czech Republic. Many tourists visit Prague because it is an important city in the Czech Republic.