Czech Republic | Where Tiana Travels

Czech Republic Travel Guide Contents

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Important info · Highlights of Czech Republic · Best time to visit · Things to Do · What to Eat · Typical Budget · Travel Tips · What to Pack · Czech Republic Articles

About the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe known for its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious beer, and vibrant cultural scene.

Czech Republic has something to offer for all types of travelers. However, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and beer lovers are likely to enjoy it the most.

Important info About the Czech Republic

Population: 10.67 million
Capital: Prague
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
Area: 78,866 sq km
Official Language: Czech
Religion: Atheism is the most widely practiced religion in the country, followed by Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Other religions include Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism.

Highlights of the Czech Republic

Prague: The capital city of the Czech Republic is renowned for its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, charming cobbled streets, and romantic bridges over the Vltava River. It is a popular destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates beautiful cities.

Castles and chateaux: The Czech Republic has over 2,000 castles and chateaux, ranging from medieval fortresses to grand Baroque palaces. Some of the most popular ones include Karlštejn Castle, Český Krumlov Castle, and Hluboká Castle.

Czech Beer: The Czech Republic is famous for its beer, and there are plenty of breweries and pubs throughout the country where you can sample some of the best! The most popular beer styles in the Czech Republic are Pilsner and Budweiser, and there are also many craft beer options available.

Spa towns: The Czech Republic has a long tradition of spa culture, and there are many towns and resorts throughout the country that offer relaxing spa treatments and wellness programs. These are ideal for those who want to relax and rejuvenate in beautiful natural surroundings. Some of the most popular ones include Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně.

Outdoor activities: The Czech Republic is a great destination for outdoor activities, with plenty of hiking and cycling trails, skiing resorts, and national parks to explore. Some of the most popular outdoor destinations include the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, the Giant Mountains, and the Šumava National Park.

Best time to visit the Czech Republic

Summer: If you hate crowds like I do, avoid going during peak season in July and August. Everyone and their grandma wants to see Prague in the summer, so it can get pretty crowded.

Plus, the heat can be pretty intense, and you’ll be sweating like a pig while trying to enjoy the stunning architecture.

Winter: If you’re into winter sports and Christmas markets, then the best time to go is during December. The Czech Republic has some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, and the snow-covered scenery is truly magical.

Just make sure to pack some extra layers because it can get pretty chilly!

Spring: If you’re like me and prefer mild weather, then the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November). The weather is comfortable, the scenery is gorgeous, and there are fewer tourists around.

Best things to do in Czech Republic

Explore Prague: For many visitors, Prague is the highlight of any trip to the Czech Republic. Stroll through its winding cobbled streets and explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from Charles Bridge and Old Town Square to the Astronomical Clock and more.

P.S. You can check out my complete 3-day Prague itinerary for more inspiration!

Visit Český Krumlov: Český Krumlov is a charming small town known for its cobbled streets, castle ruins, and medieval architecture. It’s also surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and picturesque forests.

Tour Kutná Hora: The historic city of Kutná Hora is home to some of the most impressive sights in the Czech Republic. Make sure to visit Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel decorated with over 50,000 human bones!

Explore Karlovy Vary: Located in West Bohemia, Karlovy Vary is one of the oldest spa towns in Europe. It’s known for its hot springs and healing waters, as well as its stunning architecture.

Visit České Švýcarsko: Located in Northern Bohemia, České Švýcarsko is a beautiful national park known for its sandstone cliffs and lush forests. It’s also home to the stunning Pravčická Brána – the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe.

Take a tour of Brno: The city of Brno is home to some amazing architecture, with its old Town Hall and several stunning Baroque churches being particularly noteworthy. It’s also known for its lively music scene and abundance of bars and clubs.

Visit Olomouc: Located in Moravia, Olomouc is an enchanting small city with a picturesque old town center and some of the most impressive Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic.

Explore Karlštejn Castle: Built in the 14th century, Karlštejn Castle is one of the most impressive fortresses in the Czech Republic, and a must-see for any history buffs.

Hike to Trosky Castle: Located just outside of Prague, Trosky Castle is an imposing ruin perched atop two volcanic peaks. It’s a popular destination for hikers and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Visit Liberec: Located in northern Bohemia, Liberec is one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic. It’s known for its abundance of parks and gardens, as well as its many museums and galleries.

I always use GetYourGuide to book activities and attractions while traveling through Europe. You can search through over 200 Czech Republic attractions on their website here 👇

What to Eat

Ooh, girl – get ready to have your taste buds blown away because the Czech Republic has some seriously delicious food!

As a self-proclaimed foodie and lover of all things Czech cuisine, let me give you the lowdown on the best foods to try.

Goulash

First up, you absolutely have to try traditional Czech goulash. This hearty stew is made with tender beef, paprika, and other delicious spices. It’s usually served with bread dumplings or potato dumplings, which soak up the rich sauce and make it even more mouth-watering.

Pork dumplings

Another must-try is roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. The pork is slow-roasted to perfection, and the dumplings are pillowy soft and delicious. The tangy sauerkraut perfectly balances out the rich flavors of the pork and dumplings.

Czech beer

And of course, no visit to the Czech Republic is complete without trying some of their world-famous beer. Whether you’re a fan of lagers or ales, you’re sure to find a brew that will tickle your fancy. And don’t forget to pair it with some classic Czech pub food, like pickled sausages or fried cheese.

Trdelník

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love trying some of the Czech Republic’s delicious desserts. One of my favorites is trdelník, a sweet pastry made by wrapping dough around a stick and grilling it over an open flame. It’s then rolled in cinnamon sugar and can be filled with all sorts of delicious things like Nutella or ice cream.

Typical Budget

Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic – money!

When it comes to budgeting for a trip to the Czech Republic, you’ll be happy to know that it’s a pretty affordable destination.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can easily get by on around 30-40 USD per day. This will cover your accommodation (hostels are a great option), transportation (public transportation is cheap and efficient), and food (street food and local restaurants won’t break the bank).

If you have a bit more to spend, you can upgrade to mid-range accommodation (around 50-60 USD per night) and enjoy a few more fancy meals or some fun activities. For example, you can take a walking tour of Prague, visit the famous Charles Bridge, or go on a day trip to a nearby castle.

If you’re looking for luxury, you can expect to spend around 100-150 USD per day. This will get you a nice hotel, gourmet meals, and access to some of the more exclusive experiences and attractions.

Let’s break down the average budget you’ll need for a trip to the Czech Republic by category:

Accommodation

If you’re on a budget, you can find decent hostel accommodation for around 10-15 USD per night. Mid-range hotels or Airbnb apartments will cost you around 40-60 USD per night, while luxury hotels can set you back around 100-150 USD per night.

Food and drinks

If you’re looking to save money, street food or local restaurants are the way to go, and you can expect to spend around 5-10 USD per meal. If you want to splurge on some gourmet cuisine or international restaurants, expect to spend around 20-30 USD per meal.

And of course, don’t forget to indulge in some delicious Czech beer, which will cost you around 2-3 USD per pint.

Transportation

Public transportation is a great and affordable way to get around the Czech Republic, and a single ticket costs around 1-2 USD. If you plan on using it frequently, you can get a multi-day pass for around 10-20 USD.

Taxis and rideshare apps like Uber are also available, but they can be more expensive, and you should expect to pay around 10-15 USD for a short ride.

Attractions and activities

The good news is that many of the Czech Republic’s best attractions, like Charles Bridge or Old Town Square, are free to visit. However, there are also plenty of paid attractions and activities to enjoy, like castle tours, museums, or day trips to nearby cities.

Expect to pay around 10-20 USD for a tour or attraction ticket.

Miscellaneous expenses

Finally, don’t forget to factor in some extra expenses like souvenirs, travel insurance, or tipping. You can usually find affordable souvenirs at markets or smaller shops, and tipping isn’t expected but appreciated.

For travel insurance, expect to pay around 10-20 USD per day.

Travel Tips for Czech Republic

📌 The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area, so you do not need a separate visa to visit the country and can use your existing Schengen Visa.

📌 Prague is the most popular tourist destination in the country, followed by Brno, Cesky Krumlov, and Karlovy Vary.

📌 English is widely spoken in the Czech Republic, but it’s helpful to know some Czech phrases in order to communicate more effectively with locals. Common phrases like “Hello” (Ahoj), “Please” (Prosím), and “Thank you” (Děkuji) are always appreciated.

📌 Public transport in the Czech Republic is reliable and affordable with buses, trams, subway systems, and trains all linking major cities. Taxis are also available in most cities but can be expensive so it’s best to use them only for short trips.

📌 The Czech Republic has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Prices are usually higher in Prague and other touristy areas, so plan ahead to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.

📌 The Czech Republic has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperate in the capital, Prague, is -2.4 °C (27.7 °F) in January and 19.3 °C (66.7 °F) in July.

📌 Food-wise, don’t miss out on all the delicious Czech traditional dishes like goulash, pork schnitzel, roasted duck, dumplings, and svíčková (beef sirloin with a cream sauce)

📌 The Czech Republic uses the Euro as its currency, so exchanging your money when you arrive in the country is important. (If you’re coming from somewhere else in the EU, you more than likely won’t need to exchange money at all).

📌 Finally, it’s important to note that the Czech Republic has strict laws when it comes to taking and sharing photos of people without their permission. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially if you intend to share them online!

What to Pack

Packing can be stressful, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Here are some tips on what to pack for your trip to the Czech Republic:

Weather-appropriate clothing

The weather in the Czech Republic can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack layers that you can easily add or remove. In the summer months, light clothing like t-shirts and shorts are perfect, but don’t forget to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

In the winter months, heavy coats, scarves, and gloves are essential.

Comfortable walking shoes

The Czech Republic is a country with a lot of history and architecture to explore, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes that are broken in and can handle uneven terrain.

Adaptor plugs

Czech Republic uses European type plugs, so make sure to pack an adaptor if you’re coming from a country that uses a different type.

A day pack

You’ll likely be out and about for long hours, so bring a comfortable and lightweight day pack to carry your essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Camera

The Czech Republic is a beautiful country with many picturesque sights, so don’t forget to pack your camera or phone to capture those Instagram-worthy moments.

I use the GoPro Hero 10 for action-type shots, and my Sony a5100 for everyday use and vlogging. it’s very practical, lightweight, and takes some pretty great shots!

Travel guide or maps

If you’re planning to do some sightseeing or exploring on your own, bring a travel guide or map to help you navigate the city and find the best spots to visit.