Prague

TRAVEL TIPS

Czech Republic– The Czech Republic, also known by its short-form name, Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the southeast, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west.

A country that’s known for its ornate castles, native beers and long history. Prague, the capital, is home to grand 9th-century Prague Castle, a preserved medieval old town and statue-lined Charles Bridge. Český Krumlov, a small town in the South Bohemia region, is notable for its wealth of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, many of which house restaurants and shops.

Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options…and plenty to consider.

Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the country. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to the Hungarian consulate website:  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/cze. Czech Republic is part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.

Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You’ll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.

Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.

Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers…or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.

Packing Light: On your trip you’ll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.

Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.

Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.

Sightseeing & Activities: Once you’re on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.

Things do & see:

Czech out Prague – As the capital and most famous city in the country, Prague has really come into its own and has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe. Head here and wind through the medieval streets, making sure to look up and take in the original buildings that survived WWII. Local food is a highlight here, though it’s the beer that most people come for. Climb the hill to visit Prague Castle, gaze up at the Astronomical Clock and get ready for an eccentric nightlife that is unparalleled.

Ceský Krumlov – Situated on the Vltava River, this town is a smaller, more picturesque version of Prague. The medieval architecture and red-roofed buildings make for beautiful pictures and a casual stroll through the streets is a great way to slow down during a whirlwind trip. Many beautiful resorts are here, as well as lodges that are cozy options during the snowy winters.

Kutná Hora – This historical town is home to the famous St. Barbara Cathedral that is adorned with thousands of human bones. While perhaps a bit creepy, it’s really something you should see for yourself.

Pilsner in Pilsen – You guessed it: Pilsen is the birthplace of the Pilsner and the home of the original Pilsner Urquell Czech beer. Heading here makes a great day trip from Prague via bus or train. During your visit, make sure to not only tour the Pilsner factory but also check out the beer spas where you soak in a tub of beer.

Moravian Wine Region – Although you might only think of beer when you head to the Czech Republic, the Moravian Region is actually very famous for their wine. It’s a great experience to drive, bike or wander through the vineyards here. Many tours offer options for tastings while visiting the area.

Karlstein Castle – Everyone wants to have their very own fairytale, and this castle is a great stop during your tour of the country, just a quick train ride from Prague.

Adršpach-Teplice Rocks – Hike around these natural sandstone cloisters. With names like ‘Giant’s Armchair’ and ‘Sugar Cone,’ you can’t go wrong. There are two clusters of formations: Adršpach Rock Town and Teplice Rock Town. Adventure outdoors in Krkonoše – Summer or winter, a trip to Krkonoše is a must. This beautiful mountain range, which runs along the Czech-Polish border, is the highest peak in the country. There is great hiking and cycling during the summer and skiing during the winter.

Head to the Renaissance town of Telc – Telc, with its winding cobblestone streets, is one of the most picture-perfect examples of a Renaissance town in Europe. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a fire in 1530 the town was rebuilt, so medieval arcades with their gabled houses surround the picturesque town square.

Visit quaint Olomouc – Olomouc is a small university town noted for its parks, churches, sculptures and fountains. The Holy Trinity Column and grand astronomical clock are UNESCO sites.

Karlovy Vary Spa – Karlovy Vary is a relaxing spa which offers hot mineral springs, fine baroque and Gothic architecture, forest walks and a lively cultural scene. There is also a castle at nearby Loket, overlooking the River Ohre.

Šumava National Park – Pack your trekking gear and head to Šumava, the country’s largest national park. It is a region full of densely forested hills along the border with Austria. Feast your eyes on the scenic lakes, trout streams, areas of virgin forest, and important historic monuments.

Visit a nuclear bunker – Located 5 stories under Prague, this museum is full of Cold War paraphernalia. The bunker was designed to house civilians during a nuclear attack, after which they would then flee into the countryside. See the Spanish Synagogue – The outside of this building may not be anything special, but the inside is incredibly ornate.

Go rafting – Just 20 minutes from Prague is a white water rafting course touted as the ultimate hangover blaster. Spend a day on the water battling the waves, followed by a barbecue lunch and a soak in a hot tub. Not a bad way to spend a day! Explore Macocha Gorge – Located near Brno, this sinkhole is an impressive 138m deep. It’s a popular tourist site in the area, suitable for both casual visitors and those who have more advanced technical caving experience. The nearby Punka caves can be explored from April-September.

Austerlitz Battlefield – The Battle of Austerlitz was one of the most decisive battles of the Napoleonic Wars, and is widely considered to be one of Napoleon’s greatest victories. It was here where he crushed the combined forces of Russia and the Holy Roman Empire, which led to the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire.

Brno city-known for its modernist buildings, like the restored Villa Tugendhat, completed in 1930 by architect Mies van der Rohe.

Medieval Špilberk Castle-houses a city museum, gardens and a former prison with vaulted tunnels.

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul-has baroque altars, a 14th-century statue of the Madonna and Child, and city views from its steeple.

Mala Strana-known as the lesser or small town, one of Prague’s most picturesque districts.

Rudolfinum-home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra