Located in the heart of Europe, the historic jewel of Czech Republic is a small yet attractive tourist destination. With its majestic castles, medieval towns, spa resorts and beautiful natural parks, this country has a lot of things in store for you. Take a stroll through the lush green wineries, or get lost while walking through the ancient ruins. Most of the travelers stop at the country’s capital Prague. But if you allow yourself of getting out of the city, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful country full of rugged and scenic landscapes. You’ll be sure to enjoy the rest of the country as much as Prague, if not more.
You can plan the perfect vacation in and around the Czech Republic with this Czech Republic Travel Guide. This extensive guide will inform you about all the must visit destinations in the Czech Republic after Prague, accommodation and food costs, estimated budget, must do activities and much more. You can be sure to have a wonderful time among the wonderful lively people, the historic landmarks and the pristine landscapes of this beautiful yet overlooked country.
Essential Information:
Languages spoken: Czech, Slovak, English (mostly spoken by the younger population)
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
Best time to go: Late spring and early fall
Main concern for travelers: Really small percentage of the population speaks English
Destinations:
Prague
Brno
Olomouc
Cesky Krumlov
Karlovy Vary
Franstiskovy Lazne
Plzen
When to Visit:
Peak season in the Czech Republic starts from May and continues until the end of September. The places remain busy during the December holidays too. July and August see the most number of tourists. Prices also increase about 20% during these months. The weather of Czech Republic can be quite unpredictable. However, during late spring and early fall, the chances of a pleasant weather is much higher. So from the second half of May to end of June and the month of September will be the best bet for you, if you want to have a nice time in this beautiful country. February and March are quite a good time to visit if you’re looking for the best deals and fewer tourists.
Money and Costs:
Accommodation:
Accommodation costs will greatly vary depending on where you are staying. Being the most popular city, accommodation costs in Prague tend to be quite a bit higher than the rest of the country. A simple dorm bed can cost you about CZK 400 in Prague. Whereas you can find the same type of accommodation in other areas of the Czech Republic for as low as CZK 175. A budget double bedroom will cost about CZK 500 – CZK 900. Most of these dorm beds and rooms include free WiFi. A double room at a midrange hotel in Prague will range from CZK 1100 – CZK 2500. Breakfast is included with the price. And for the most luxurious experience, a double room at a high-end hotel will cost about CZK 6000/night. The prices will be much lower outside of Prague.
Food:
Czech people are not very famous for their cuisine. But the food this country has to offer will surely make you very happy. The food of this place is not extravagant or extraordinary, but the dishes are delicious none the less. If you are looking for a cheap meal, then you can have food from the various inexpensive self-service restaurants for CZK 100 – CZK 150. For an even cheaper option, you can go for the numerous kebab shops present here. A proper three-course meal at a casual restaurant will cost about CZK 250 – CZK 350. And if you want the best of the best food experience, then a seven-course tasting menu at a high-end restaurant will cost about CZK 3000. A mid-range bottle of local wine will cost about CZK 100 from a liquor shop. A Bottle of local beer will cost about CZK 15.
Transportation:
The local transportation system in the Czech Republic is quite nice. Prague has an underground subway system. The subway has three lines connecting the major areas across the city. A one-way ticket for the subway costs CZK 24, which provides you a travel time of 30 minutes. For an unlimited 24 hours pass, you have to spend CZK 110. The fare for taxis starts from CZK 40, with a rate of CZK 25 per km. Most of the Czech cities also have a tram system from the communist era. Transportation between the Czech cities is really easy too, thanks to the train system. You won’t find modern train booths or amenities, but you can travel from one city to another for as low as CZK 300. There are a lot of cheap inter-city buses too. Orange Ways is a bus service which provides quite a number of online deals for inter-city travel.
Activities:
Travelling around the Czech Republic is mostly about indulging yourself in the rich culture and history of this country. So most of the times, the activities you’ll take part in will cost nothing. There are also quite a number of free hiking trails. Entrance to most of the tourist attractions will cost between CZK 100 – CZK 300. Entrance to some upscale shows or major venues can cost as much as CZK 600. If you want some more intensive activities liking rafting, it will cost you about CZK 2000. You have to spend over CZK 5000 for a private guided tour through Prague city with your personal chauffeur.
Approximate budget per day:
• Up to CZK 1200/day for backpackers with meals from inexpensive restaurants and entrance to most attractions.
• CZK 1500 – CZK 3000/day including three-course meals at mid-range restaurants and entrance to top-end shows.
• Over CZK 4500/day including seven-course dinner at high-end restaurants, with a guided tour of Prague and various other activities.
Budget Tips for Backpackers:
1. Eat local food and drink local wine and beers at local bars.
2. Buy sausages and cheese from local shops to fix yourself a quick meal.
3. Do not have fast food in the Czech Republic, as food at fast food joints like McDonalds’ end to be costlier than the local street food snacks.
4. Spend less time in Prague and explore the other, cheaper regions.
5. There are a lot of free hiking trails throughout the country. Go for a free walking tour to spend some time among nature.
6. There are many free walking tours available throughout the country.
7. Book your train or bus tickets in advance to get much better deals.
8. If you’re a student, then do not forget to bring your student id card. You will be able to avail student discounts at many museums and major attractions.
Must See Attractions and Must Do Activities in Czech Republic:
Explore Prague:
The obvious must visit destination in any Czech Republic travel guide will be its capital city Prague. This is the most popular city in this country. Go for one of the most beautiful river cruises of Europe through the Vltava River. Visit the UNESCO listed world heritage site of the Old Town, witness the largest citadel of the world in Mala Strana, and see the Astronomical Clock. The city is popular for its local food, beer, eccentric nightlife and its medieval roads! You’ll surely lose yourself in the beauty of this historic yet modern city. Also, remember to visit Vrsovice while you’re here – it’s the most popular hangout spot in Prague.
Visit Cesky Krumlov:
Situated in South Bohemia region, Cesky Krumlov is considered to be the most picturesque city of this beautiful country. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, this beautiful city is bisected by the Vltava River. Considered even more magnificent than Prague, this historic city will amuse you with its medieval architecture and red roofed houses. Wander through the beautiful castle, enjoy the panoramic views of the old town and the Vltava River and stroll around the lonely streets to spend some leisurely time.
Indulge in the luxury of Karlovy Vary:
This beautiful spa town located in the West Bohemia has been an important tourist location since the nineteenth century. The hot mineral springs of this location made this beautiful town into a really popular spa location. Spend a few days relaxing in this serene spa town. Go on a walk through the forest, enjoy the fine baroque and Gothic architecture and immerse yourself in the lively cultural scene of the town. You can also go for a day trip to the nearby castle overlooking the River Ohre while you’re here.
Explore Hluboka Castle:
Situated in the town of Hluboka nad Vltavou, Hluboka Castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles of Czech Republic. The grand design of this historic castle makes it one of the must see attraction in any Czech Republic travel guide. This 13th century Moravian chateau was rebuilt into a Baroque castle in the beginning of 18th century. Explore the beautiful architecture and enjoy the gorgeous views of the town down below while you are here.
Visit the Karlstejn Castle:
The Karlstejn castle is one of the most important castles in the history of Czech Republic. The castle is also conveniently located near Prague. You can easily take a day-trip to this beautiful fairytale-like castle. You’ll surely be awed by its 14th century architecture and grandeur.
Take a tour through the Punkva Caves:
The Punkva cave system is located north of the city of Brno. The Punkva River flows through this huge cave system. You can take a boat tour through this beautiful cave system, where the huge structures of Stalagmites have created a dream like setting. A part of this cave system is also the famous Macocha Gorge, a 138.7 meter deep sinkhole. It is the deepest sinkhole of its kind. The sheer scale of this huge sinkhole will surely take your breath away.
Visit Telc – the Renaissance town of Czech Republic:
With its winding streets, cobblestoned roads and beautiful architecture, the picturesque town of Telc is a perfect example of a European Renaissance town. This UNESCO world heritage site got rebuilt after a fire in 1530. You can enjoy a quaint walk through the town square while enjoying the pristine beauty of this town.
Drink some beer in Plzen:
Visiting Plzen (Pilsen), the birthplace of Pilsner should be a must in every Czech Republic travel guide. This small city houses the original Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Situated about an hour away from Prague, a trip to this city is as convenient as it is necessary. Visit the 150+ years old brewery and have a pint or ten of the world famous beer while you are here. Also, do not forget to visit one of the many beer spas located in this city. Here you can relax while literally soaking your whole body in a pool of beer.
Visit the Nuclear Bunker Museum:
While you are in Prague, make sure you visit this unique museum. The bunker is located 5 stories under Prague city. You can see a huge collection of unique Cold War items in this museum.
Go for a thrilling tour in Sedlec Ossuary:
Although not for the faint hearted, a trip to the Sedlec Ossuary is a must while you enjoy your vacation in the Czech Republic. This small Roman Catholic chapel is famous for the century-old bones of over 50,000 people that had been found here. The bones are crafted into garlands, chandeliers, and sculptures. They make for quite a creepy display during your otherwise pristine Czech vacation.
Explore the quaint city of Olomouc:
This small university town located at the east of Czech Republic lies beautiful with its fountains, parks, sculptures, and churches. However what makes this town truly a must visit in our Czech Republic travel guide is the Holy Trinity Column and Olomouc Astronomical Clock. Both of these sites are listed by UNESCO. Many villages of the surrounding strongly agricultural Hana region hold harvest festivals during September, which makes a trip to this city really attractive.
Visit the Terezin Memorial:
Learn about the darker side of Czech history by visiting Terezin. It was a former Nazi concentration camp, situated north of Prague. Visit the Ghetto museum, barracks, execution ground and the mass graves. Pay your respect to the lives lost during the Holocaust, a dark chapter of our human history which should never be forgotten.
