Destination Guide · Czech Republic
Czech Republic Travel Guide 2026
Prague was largely spared from the destruction of the Second World War, and the result is a city centre of extraordinary architectural density, Gothic spires and Baroque churches and Art Nouveau facades stacked alongside each other in a relatively small area. Walk across Charles Bridge at dawn before the crowds arrive and you will understand immediately why people keep coming back. The Czech Republic beyond Prague (Cesky Krumlov, the Moravian wine country, the Bohemian spa towns) rewards the traveller who ventures further.
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Why Visit the Czech Republic?
Prague was largely untouched by the Second World War, leaving it with an extraordinary density of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture in a remarkably small area. Walk from the medieval Old Town Square to the castle across Charles Bridge at sunrise, and you are walking through one of Europe's great urban experiences.
Beyond Prague, the Czech Republic rewards exploration. Cesky Krumlov is often called the prettiest small town in Europe. The Bohemian spa triangle offers elegant faded grandeur. And Czech beer culture (Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Budvar) is woven into daily life in a way that makes simple evenings in a neighbourhood beer garden feel genuinely special.
Czech Republic at a Glance
- Best For
- Historic cities, Gothic castles, Czech beer, affordable city breaks, Christmas markets, day trips
- Must-See Destinations
- Prague, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Karlovy Vary, Olomouc, Moravia wine region
- Food & Drink
- Svíčková, goulash, trdelník, svejk pork dishes, Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Budvar
Best Time to Visit the Czech Republic
April – June · Spring (Best Overall)
Beautiful (14–20°C), cherry blossoms in Prague's parks, comfortable weather for walking, and manageable crowds before the peak summer rush. Gardens like Stromovka are lovely.
September – October · Autumn (Best Balance)
Cooler (12–18°C), excellent for cultural travel, Moravian wine harvest, and city walking without the summer heat. Prague in autumn is golden and atmospheric.
July – August · Summer
Warm (22–28°C) and lively. Prague's Old Town can feel very crowded. Better to explore smaller towns and castles in the Czech countryside during peak summer.
November – December · Christmas Markets
Prague's Christmas markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are among the best in Europe (2–6°C). Mulled wine, chimney cake, and nativity scenes in a medieval setting.
Typical Trip Costs (Per Person)
Budget · €45–€75 / day
Hostel, local Czech pub lunches (~€5–8), Prague Metro day pass (~€5), free Old Town walking, beer from a supermarket (~€1).
Mid-Range · €110–€180 / day
Boutique hotel in Vinohrady or Malá Strana, restaurant dinners, Prague Castle complex (~€16), guided tour, day trip to Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov.
Luxury · €270+ / day
Design hotels in the Old Town, fine dining, private Jewish Quarter guided tour, ballet at the National Theatre, Bohemian crystal shopping.
Prague Castle complex: ~€16. Czech beer in a local pub: ~€1.50–2. Avoid restaurants directly on Old Town Square, walk one street back for same quality at half the price. ·
Getting to the Czech Republic
Flying In
Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) has good connections across Europe. Bus 119 connects to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station, then 20 mins to the centre. Journey from airport to Old Town takes ~45 minutes.
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Train from Europe
Prague is well-connected by rail: Vienna (4 hrs), Berlin (4 hrs), Budapest (6.5 hrs), Munich (4 hrs). Railjet and EuroCity trains are comfortable and scenic through the Bohemian countryside.
Getting Around the Czech Republic
Best for Prague · Metro + Tram
Prague's Metro (3 lines) and historic trams cover the city well. Tram 22 passes many major sights. 24-hour ticket (~€5) is excellent value.
Best Intercity · Train (ČD) or Bus
Czech Railways (ČD) connects major cities. Student Agency/FlixBus buses are often faster and cheaper to Český Krumlov, Brno, and Karlovy Vary.
Best for Old Prague · Walk
Prague's historic core, Old Town, Malá Strana, and the Castle district, is compact and best explored entirely on foot. Cobblestones are everywhere, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Best Areas to Stay in Prague
Staré Město (Old Town)
The most central location, with Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter all within walking distance. Touristy but unbeatable for convenience on a short trip.
Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
Quiet, cobbled streets below Prague Castle. Beautiful historic architecture, fewer tourists after dark, and excellent restaurants and wine bars. Slightly hilly.
Vinohrady
Art Nouveau residential neighbourhood east of the centre. Local cafés, wine bars, Riegrovy Sady park. Excellent metro connections. Feels like how locals actually live in Prague.
Žižkov
Bohemian, slightly gritty, and very local. Known for an extraordinary density of pubs per capita. The TV Tower and Vítkov monument are here. Best for budget travellers wanting authenticity.
Top Things to Do in the Czech Republic
Prague Highlights
- Prague Castle complex, St Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, Golden Lane
- Charles Bridge at sunrise, before the crowds arrive
- Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock (hourly show)
- Jewish Quarter (Josefov), synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetery
- Evening beer in a traditional Czech pivnice (pub)
- Wenceslas Square and the National Museum
Beyond Prague
- Český Krumlov, UNESCO castle town with the Vltava River winding around it
- Kutná Hora, Sedlec Ossuary (bone church) and St Barbara's Cathedral
- Karlovy Vary, elegant 19th-century spa colonnades and hot springs
- Olomouc, Baroque Holy Trinity Column, local cheese, far fewer tourists
- Moravia wine region, Czech wine tasting in cellars around Mikulov
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Best Day Trips from Prague
Kutná Hora
1.5 hrs by train. The Sedlec Ossuary, a church decorated with the bones of 40,000 people, is one of Central Europe's most extraordinary sights. The Gothic St Barbara's Cathedral is beautiful.
Český Krumlov
3 hrs by bus from Prague. A perfectly preserved medieval castle town wrapped in a horseshoe bend of the Vltava river. One of Europe's most picturesque small towns.
Karlštejn Castle
40 mins by train. A dramatic Gothic castle in wooded hills southwest of Prague, built by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century. Easy half-day from the city.
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Sample 4-Day Czech Republic Itinerary
Day 1
Prague: Castle District & Malá Strana
Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral early morning, Golden Lane, Malostranské náměstí, Charles Bridge, Malá Strana wine bar in the evening.
Day 2
Prague: Old Town, Jewish Quarter & Vinohrady
Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter (Josefov), afternoon in Vinohrady neighbourhood, traditional Czech svíčková dinner, Žižkov pub crawl.
Day 3
Day Trip: Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov
Kutná Hora's bone church and Gothic cathedral (half day return), or a full day in Český Krumlov castle town if prepared for a longer journey.
Day 4
Prague: Letná, Stromovka & Departure
Morning at Letná Beer Garden for panoramic views, Stromovka park walk, National Museum on Wenceslas Square, final Czech beer before departure.
Packing Tips & FAQ
What to Pack
- Very comfortable walking shoes, Prague's cobblestones are relentless
- Layers: Czech evenings can be cool even in summer
- Compact waterproof jacket (spring and autumn rain)
- Some Czech Koruna cash (better rates at ATMs than airport exchanges)
- EU plug adapter if coming from UK
Quick FAQs
- Currency? Czech Koruna (CZK). Use ATMs and avoid exchange kiosks on tourist streets.
- Best restaurant tip? Walk one street back from Old Town Square, same food, half the price.
- Is Czech beer really that good? Yes. Pilsner Urquell is better in Prague than anywhere. Try a real Czech pub, not a tourist beer hall.
- Safe? Very safe. Main issues are tourist scams and pickpockets on tram 22. Use common sense.
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