This page is divided into to sections. The first section contains general information about The Czech Republic and the second part contains information about all the cities I have been to.
General information about the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic or Czechia is a landlocked country in Central Europe and is historically known as Bohemia. It is not a large country but has a rich and eventful history, including incidents and people like Saint Wenceslas, Jan Hus, the Thirty-years War, Operation Anthropoid and the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
Czechs, Germans, Slovaks, Italian stonemasons and stucco workers, French tradesmen, and deserters from Napoleon's army have lived and worked in the area, all influencing one another. For centuries they jointly cultivated their land, creating works that grace this small country with hundreds of ancient castles, monasteries and stately mansions, and entire towns that give the impression of being comprehensive artefacts. The Czech Republic contains a vast number of architectural treasures and has beautiful forests and mountains to match.
The Duchy of Bohemia was founded in the late 9th century under the state Great Moravia. It was formally recognized as an Imperial Estate of the Holy Roman Empire in 1002 and became a kingdom in 1198. Following the Battle of Mohács in 1526, all of the lands of the Bohemian Crown were gradually integrated into the Habsburg monarchy. Nearly a hundred years later, the Protestant Bohemian Revolt led to the Thirty Years' War. After the Battle of White Mountain, the Habsburgs consolidated their rule. With the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the Crown lands became part of the Austrian Empire.
During the 19th century, the Czech lands underwent significant industrialization. Following the collapse of Austria-Hungary after World War I, most of the region became part of the First Czechoslovak Republic in 1918. Czechoslovakia was the only country in central and eastern Europe to remain a parliamentary democracy during the entirety of the interwar period. After the Munich Agreement in 1938, Nazi Germany systematically took control over the Czech lands. Czechoslovakia was restored in 1945 and three years later became an Eastern Bloc communist state following a coup d'état in 1948. Attempts to liberalize the government and economy were suppressed by a Soviet-led invasion of the country during the Prague Spring in 1968. In November 1989, the Velvet Revolution ended communist rule in the country and restored democracy. On 31 December 1992, Czechoslovakia was peacefully dissolved, with its constituent states becoming the independent states of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Czech Republic is a unitary parliamentary republic and developed country with an advanced, high-income social market economy. It is a welfare state with a European social model, universal health care and free-tuition university education. It ranks 32nd in the Human Development Index. The Czech Republic is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, the OECD, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Visegrád Group.
People from the Czech Republic are often described as warm in a quiet, understated way. They may seem reserved at first, but genuinely welcoming once you engage with them. This makes them a great match for travelers who appreciate authenticity, subtle humor, and a culture that values both personal space and good company. Czechs tend to have a calm, grounded demeanor. They’re not overly expressive with strangers, but they’re far from cold — their friendliness simply shows itself in a more subtle, relaxed form. Once the initial formality fades, you’ll often find them warm, witty, and eager to share local tips, traditions, and stories.
Czech culture places value on politeness, modesty, and respect for personal boundaries, which means interactions feel comfortable and unforced. Locals generally appreciate when visitors show curiosity about their history, beer culture, and regional identity — and they respond with genuine openness when approached with kindness.
Czechs are known for strong community ties and a practical, down‑to‑earth way of relating to one another. They enjoy meaningful conversations, dry humor, and shared experiences — often over a beer in a cozy pub. Social circles can be tight-knit, but once you’re invited in, you’re treated like family.
For travelers, the Czech Republic is an easy and welcoming place to explore. Locals are used to visitors, especially in cities like Prague, Brno, and Český Krumlov, and they’re generally helpful without being intrusive. English is widely spoken in urban areas, and people are patient with those learning a few Czech phrases.
Tourists who appreciate authenticity will find that Czechs offer exactly that: There is no forced enthusiasm, no tourist‑trap friendliness, just genuine hospitality when you meet them halfway.
Travel to the Czech Republic
Václav Havel Airport is situated about 10 km west of the centre of Prague. Du to sharing border with Germany some low cost airliners fly to cities in Germany that are close to the border. Theis includes cities like Dresden and Leipzig. You can also fly to this airport and travel into Germany if you wish. I have been to both Dresden and Leipzig and loved them, so if you have the time you should visit.
International bus service runs from many cities in Europe with direct connections from Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland, Austria, etc. Good service is offered by Eurolines and RegioJet. Cheap tickets from Poland are offered by FlixBus. Almost all new long distance bus operators in Germany and Deutsche Bahn offer buses from various points in Germany or Austria to Prague. For an overview of rates see Busradar. As the market is very new and still very volatile companies might cease operations or newly emerge on short notice.
Both Both Jízdní řády Seznam and blic Transport IDOS (Mobile App) sites cover all Czech trains, buses and city transport and many train and bus lines abroad.
The operators may carry out identity checks before passengers board international flights, ferries or trains, even between Schengen countries.
If you fly to the airport in Prague t-bus 59 is the fastest way to get to the city center. Change to the metro at the station Nádraží Veleslavín station. You can also take bus 100 to metro station Zličín. The airport express buses leave the airport from public bus stop called "Terminál 1" every ½ hr. Tickets cost 200 CZK and are not transferable, nor valid for any other service. The tickets are available from the driver and contactless is accepted. The final stop will be Prague's main train station "Hlavní nádraží C", which is commonly abbreviated in Czech as "Praha hl.n.". The Airport Express' high price and low frequency makes it unattractive compared to bus 59, though it offers the added convenience of a direct, non-stop connection to the central train station and the surrounding area.
Traveling within the Czech Republic
A cheap and excellent means of travelling between Prague and other major cities are the buses from FlixBus, RegioJet, or Leo Express. These buses are usually a bit faster and cost less than the Czech trains. On some routes (e.g. Prague to Brno) this is marginal, but on others such as Prague to Karlovy Vary or Liberec, there is no direct train connection so the buses are by far the best option. Usually, you do not have to book a seat but if you travel on Fridays or during holidays from or to Prague, it is recommended. You can reserve seats online at the Regiojet website.
Local bus travel between small towns and surrounding villages is usually operated by companies named ČSAD (district name), a remnant of the nationwide state-run company Československá Autobusová Doprava from communist times. On local buses you simply tell the driver where you're going and pay him a fare as you get on. Czech drivers may seem aggressive sometimes, especially in Prague, but it is far from the "madness" found in some southern European countries.
The Czech Republic is a zero tolerance country for driving under the influence of alcohol. It's illegal to drive a motor vehicle under the influence of any amount of alcohol (or other drugs), and violations are heavily punished. Every time a driver is stopped, he is given an alcohol breath test, if the driver looks suspicious, he is can be also given saliva drug test. For driving under influence of alcohol, an on-spot fine can be issued (get a receipt). In case the drug is positive, the driver has to be taken to hospital for blood tests and can only be penalised based on results of these blood tests. There have been a few cases of policeman using already positive drug tests and demanding bribes.
In order to drive on the well-kept motorways, however, you need to purchase a vignette unless you're riding a motorcycle. These vignettes in 2023 for ten days (for vehicles lighter than 3.5 tonnes), but can be purchased for longer periods of time (1 month for 440 Kč or 1,500 Kč for a year). If you don't buy a vignette when you drive on the motorways, the fines can be very steep (5,000 Kč minimum). Since 2021 the vignette is no longer a physical sticker, but is to be bought online.
Traffic fines can usually be paid on the spot, but always demand a receipt. Trains in Czech Republic are operated mostly by state-owned company České Dráhy (Czech Railways). The trains go to the most remote locations of the Czech Republic and unlike buses, they usually operate regularly during off-peak hours and during weekends. However, outside the modernised main corridors, the standard of travelling is often the same as it was in the 1970s, and therefore it is quite time-consuming to get to the provincial towns or villages, the trains tending to meander around the countryside. Ticket inspectors are strict. If you forget to validate your ticket, you can get fined on the spot.
Buildings in bigger cities are marked with two numbers, one blue and one red. The blue ones are the orientation numbers. These number is the ordinal number of the building on its street. Historically these numbers always started from the end of the street which is closer to a river. The red numbers are related to the house register of the entire district, and thus usually correspond to the order in which the buildings in that district were constructed. Most people do not remember them; if somebody refers to "Dlouhá street, number 8", they will usually mean the blue number. Red numbers usually have 3 or more digits.
Places to visit and when to go there
The Czech Republic is best experienced by matching each region to its ideal season: cities in spring/autumn, nature in summer, and festive towns in winter.
- Prague is a historic capital with Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock. Best in spring or autumn when crowds are lighter.
- Český Krumlov is a fairytale UNESCO town with a riverside castle. Best Apr–Oct.
- Karlovy Vary is a spa town with hot springs and elegant architecture. Lovely in spring and autumn.
- Brno is a lively second city with modern culture and great food. Best in spring or autumn.
- Bohemian Switzerland consists of sandstone cliffs, gorges, and iconic viewpoints. Best in summer for hiking.
- Šumava National Park consists of forests, lakes, and cycling trails. Best June–September.
- In Moravian Karst you find caves, gorges, and underground rivers. Best Apr–Oct.
- In south Moravia is a wine region with chateaux and cycling routes. Best in late summer and autumn (harvest season).
Based on recent travel guides and climate summaries. Spring (March–May) is best for cities & culture. With mild temperatures and blooming parks. There are fewer tourists and lower prices during this season. Ideal for Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov, and castle visits. Summer (June–August) is best for nature & festivals. It is a warm season With long days, and many events. Perfect for hiking in Bohemian Switzerland, Šumava, Krkonoše. Expect more tourists in major cities. Autumn (September–November) is the best all‑round season with comfortable 10–20°C early in the season. Stunning autumn colours, wine harvests in Moravia. The season is great for photography and relaxed travel. Winter (December–February) is best for Christmas & skiing With magical Christmas markets in Prague. Skiing in Krkonoše and Šumava. Cold, but atmospheric.
Places to sleep
In the Czech Republic you have several options where to sleep. Check hotels.com and booking.com for hotels and hostelworld.com for hostels. If you want to rent a private home Airbnb.com is somewhere you could check out.
Money and banking
The currency of the Czech republic is the koruna (crown), plural koruny or korun, denoted by the symbol "Kč" (ISO code: CZK). The ISO code is often used internationally and locally, but the local symbol is Kč (for Koruna česká). However, you will more often see amounts just chalked up like "37,-" without "Kč" added at all.
One koruna is made up of 100 haléř (haléřů), but coins are only issued in whole koruna values. Coins are issued in denominations of 1 Kč, 2 Kč, 5 Kč (all stainless steel), 10 Kč (copper-coloured), 20 Kč (brass-coloured) and 50 Kč (copper-coloured ring, brass-coloured centre). Notes are issued in denominations of 100 Kč (aqua), 200 Kč (orange), 500 Kč (red), 1,000 Kč (purple), 2,000 Kč (olive green) and 5,000 Kč (green-purple). Old banknotes that were issued in 1999 or earlier are no longer legal to use.
Do not exchange money on the street, as these people are likely to give you similar-looking but worthless expired Belarusian rubles or Bulgarian leva instead. Also, if you're in Prague, don't exchange it in the tourist-oriented exchange offices.
Generally, exchange offices at airports, rail stations and main tourist streets do not offer a good rate. Local people exchange money in exchange offices in less frequented areas, such as around the "Politických vězňů", "Opletalova" or "Kaprova" streets. In some cases, one can get a better rate by using ATMs instead of changing cash. In a pinch, you can also try a bank such as Česká spořitelna – there will be a small commission but the rates are much better than those in the "tourist trap" exchange offices.
Major stores throughout the country accept Visa and Electronic Cash / Maestro Cards, as do all the tourist stores in Prague.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Prague and the rest of the country. It's likely you won't even need cash during your visit. A small amount of pocket money might be good to have though. If not completely necessary, do not exchange money on the airport, especially in the baggage claim area. There is only one exchange company, Interchange, which runs all the exchange kiosks at the whole airport. Their rates are extremely bad. ATM withdrawal is almost always a better option. Use any ATM except those of Euronet, as these charge an extra fee and give only 1,000 Kč banknotes, which many businesses refuse to change. You can also pay your transportation tickets or taxi by card (including Google Pay and Apple Pay).
Vaccine and health
The Czech Republic is a low‑risk destination for health, and tourists mainly need to be aware of routine travel issues such as vaccinations, tick exposure, and how to access medical care. State healthcare is good, and emergency help is easy to reach. There are no overall health situation for tourists. Ticks can be a risk in forests and rural areas and can carry tick‑borne encephalitis. Sun exposure can be stronger than expected in summer, especially in mountains. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Food and water are generally safe. Tap water is drinkable. Standard food hygiene precautions are enough. Some medicines legal in the UK/Norway may be regulated differently in Czechia. Carry prescriptions and keep medicines in original packaging.
Healthcare is modern and reliable. Dial 112 for any emergency (ambulance, police, fire). Operators can speak English. Hospitals provide good emergency treatment.
For non‑emergency medical care you can visit state clinics. GHIC/EHIC gives access to medically necessary state healthcare at reduced cost or free. Travel insurance is still required**, because GHIC/EHIC does not cover: Private clinics, repatriation, non‑urgent treatment or changes to travel plans due to illness.
Travellers with mental‑health conditions should ensure they have medication and a support plan. FCDO and TravelHealthPro provide guidance for travelling with mental‑health needs.
Visa
The Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen Agreement. See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, what countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality.
For EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, passports and national identity cards only need to be valid for the period of their stay in the Czech Republic. For all other nationals, passports/travel documents must be valid for a period of at least 90 days beyond the expected length of stay in the Czech Republic/Schengen Area.
Crime
The Czech Republic is very safe for tourists, with low violent‑crime rates and the main risks being pickpocketing, petty scams, and taxi overcharging. Violent incidents are rare, and most visits are trouble‑free. The country ranks among Europe’s safest destinations, with reliable police and well‑lit city centers. Violent crime is very rare. Most issues involve non‑violent theft in crowded areas. Public transport is safe. Trams, metros, and trains are clean and secure even at night.
The main things tourists should watch out for are pickpocketing. Common hotspots for this are Prague Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Crowded trams and metro stations and street performances and festival areas. Avoid it by keepig bags zipped and in front of you. Don’t keep your phone or wallet in back pockets. And be alert when someone bumps into you or distracts you.
Some taxi drivers still try to charge inflated prices, especially around tourist hubs. Avoid this by using apps like Bolt or Liftago. Avoid taxis waiting at major tourist sites and check if the meter is running.
Petty scams are not dangerous, just annoying. People offering “free” souvenirs then demanding money. Fake charity collectors and currency exchange booths with bad rates.
Prague is a very safe city. You're less likely to be victim of a serious crime in Prague than in most Western European or US cities. There are no 'no-go zones' and it is safe for women to venture out alone, even in the dead of night. Generally, violence in Prague is not random or opportunistic.
If you enter the metro (usually at night), you may find a team of con artists at the stations, saying that they are metro clerks and, after examining your ticket for some time, that it's invalid so you'll have to pay a fine of 1200/2000 Kč. So if you happen to see them and you're sure that your ticket is valid, tell them to call the police, or call them yourself. Remember that Prague Metro ticket inspectors have to produce their badge in order to check your ticket and issue a fine; if they don't do this as soon as they approach you then, they are almost certainly fakes.
Cuisine and drink in the Czech Republic
Like in most other touristy European countries, the main tourist areas are full of tourist trap restaurants serving overpriced and mediocre food. Therefore, it is important that you find pubs and restaurants patronised by Czechs themselves; ask local friends for their recommendations if possible, or try looking at online review sites beforehand. English proficiency can be a hit or miss, and is usually poor to non-existent in more traditional establishments with older waitstaff, so bring along your Czech phrasebook just in case. Also note that service is usually brusque by American standards in pubs and restaurants that primarily serve a local clientele.
In a vast majority of better restaurants located in major cities, you can pay by credit card, but don't be surprised if a few will not accept them. Check the door for respective card logos when entering the restaurant or ask the waiter before ordering if you don't carry cash. Czechs sometimes use special meal tickets (stravenky) to pay in some restaurants. These are tax-preferred and subsidised by employers.
Many local restaurants serve a "daily menu" (denní menu), which is essentially a two to three-course lunch special at a discounted price. The menus for these will usually be in Czech only, as they are primarily targeted at the local office workers, and are only available at lunchtime, ending at around 13:00–14:00. Nevertheless, where available, they are of good value, and you are welcome to order it as a visitor too.
A good place to find traditional Czech food at affordable prices is a lidová jídelna, often translated as "cafeteria" or "canteen". A relic of the communist era when they were set up by the government to provide meals to the workers, these are typically self-service cafeteria-style, only have Czech menus on the wall, do not have English-speaking staff, and only open for lunch, but the prices can't be beaten.
Traditional Czech food is hearty and suitable after a hard day in the fields. It is heavy and quite fatty, and is excellent in the winter. There is now a trend towards lighter food with more vegetables, the traditional heavy and fatty Czech food is usually not eaten every day and some people avoid it entirely. However, nothing goes as well with the excellent Czech beer as some of the best examples of traditional Czech cuisine, like pork, duck, or goose with knedlíky (dumplings) and sauerkraut.
A traditional main meal of a day (usually lunch) consists of two or three dishes. The first dish is hot soup (polévka). The second dish is the most important part, very often based on some meat and side dish (both served on the same plate). The third, optional part is either something sweet (and coffee) or a small vegetable salad or something similar.
For something light, look for a small open-faced sandwich known as chlebíček. These are sold at both supermarkets and specialist shops, and there are usually a wide variety of toppings you can choose from.
Cities I have been to in the Czech Republic
Prague
Prague is the kind of city that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook. Between Gothic towers, Baroque palaces, and winding cobblestone lanes, you’ll find more iconic sights than you can fit into one trip. Wander across the legendary Charles Bridge, watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour in Old Town Square, and climb up to the vast Prague Castle for sweeping views over the red rooftops.
Explore the quirky art at the Franz Kafka Museum, stroll the colorful houses of Golden Lane, or admire the dancing curves of the Dancing House. Cross the river to the peaceful slopes of Petřín Hill, step inside the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, or soak up the atmosphere in the historic Jewish Quarter.
Whether you’re here for castles, cafés, river views, or simply the magic of wandering, Prague delivers a full menu of classic tourist experiences. And they’re all irresistibly charming.
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. The city's historic buildings and narrow, winding streets are testament to its centuries-old role as capital of the historic region of Bohemia. The city lies on the banks of the beautiful, meandering Vltava river that reflects the city's golden spires and 9th century castle that dominates the skyline. This historic atmosphere is combined with a certain quirkiness that embraces the entire city.
Several incompatible district systems dating from different historical periods are used in Prague. A given district name can be used in all the systems, but with different meanings. The historic old town has the largest number of attractions.
Almost undamaged by World War II, Prague's compact medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle that looks eastward as the sun sets behind her. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events catering to the independent traveller's thirst for adventure. Prague is regarded as one of Europe's most charming and beautiful cities, Prague has become the most popular travel destination in Central Europe along with Budapest and Kraków.
Prague was founded in the later 9th century, and soon became the seat of the Kings of Bohemia, some of whom ruled as Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town in the 14th century. Many of the city's most important attractions date back to that age. In 1348 Prague became a university town, which it has remained ever since. The University, which is sometimes claimed to be the oldest in Central Europe was split into a German and a Czech language part in 1882 with the German language part shut down in 1945, thus ending the claim of the "oldest German university" Prague might have reasonably held until then. The city also went under Habsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It had a German-speaking majority well into the 19th century, and even after then, maintained a significant German-speaking minority until the expulsion of ethnic Germans from Czechoslovakia following World War II. During that period, Prague would give rise to several prominent German-language authors, perhaps the most notable being Franz Kafka, known for works such as Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis) and Der Process (The Trial). In 1918, after World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia. After 1989 many foreigners, especially young people, moved to Prague. In 1992, its historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries and Prague became the capital of the new Czech Republic.
Public transportation is very convenient in most of the areas visitors are likely to frequent. Public transport buses do not enter the historic districts (Old Town, New Town, Lower Town, etc.) to prevent air and noise pollution. One must transfer to a cleaner and quieter electric-powered tram or a metro before reaching historic areas. Prague is renowned as a very walkable city. For those who enjoy seeing the old and new city by foot, one can easily walk from Wenceslas Square to the Old Town Square, or from the Old Town to Charles Bridge and the Castle District. However almost all of the streets are cobbled, rendering it very difficult for disabled or elderly travellers to get around effectively. Also, pedestrians should enter crossings carefully in Prague, as drivers are not as likely to yield as they are in other European cities. Validate your paper ticket by slipping it into one of the validators (ticket yellow boxes in the tram, bus, trolleybus, ferry or metro entrance), as soon as you Board the tram or bus.
Pedestrians are obligated to use a nearby pedestrian crossing, and jaywalking is punishable by a fine of 1000 Kč – this includes crossing the street on a "don't walk" signal (red man), even when there is not a single car around.