Czech Republic, Czech Republic - Travel Guide

The Czech Republic, a Central European gem, captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. From the fairy-tale charm of Prague's Old Town to the picturesque Bohemian countryside and spa towns, it offers a diverse travel experience for all interests.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

BohemiaMoraviaSilesiaPragueCentral Europe

🇨🇿 Country Information: Czech Republic

CapitalPrague

CurrencyCzech koruna (Kč)

LanguageCzech, Slovak, English, German, Polish

Phone Code+420

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants and cafes, typically 10% if satisfied with the service
Tipping taxi drivers is optional, usually by rounding up the fare
Hotel staff can be tipped a small amount for good service

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments
It is advisable to have some cash for smaller purchases and rural areas
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is valued
It's polite to make eye contact when talking
When entering someone's home, it's customary to remove your shoes
Czechs are generally reserved initially but can be warm once you get to know them

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. The Czech Republic is considered one of the more progressive countries in Central and Eastern Europe regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with registered partnerships for same-sex couples recognized since 2006. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are relatively strict, possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to fines or imprisonment
Cannabis is decriminalized for personal use but not legal

Special Laws

Jaywalking is illegal and can result in fines
Public consumption of alcohol is generally allowed, but some municipalities may have restrictions in specific areas
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNe (neh)

YesAno (ah-no)

HelloAhoj (ah-hoy)

PleaseProsím (pro-seem)

Thank youDěkuji (dye-koo-yee)

Climate

Generalized climate for the Czech Republic, which has a predominantly continental climate.

Climate Zone: Continental Cool

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: JUL
AUG (can be very warm)
Cold Season: DEC
FEB (can be very cold with snow)

Getting There

Fly into Prague (PRG) from major European cities (e
g
, London, Paris, Berlin) with costs typically ranging from $100
300 and flight times of 1
3 hours
International trains connect Prague to neighboring countries (e
g
, Berlin to Prague via Czech Railways, \~4 hours, $30
60)
Long
distance buses like FlixBus offer affordable connections from across Europe to major Czech cities (e
g
, Vienna to Prague, \~4 hours, $15
30)

Getting Around

Public transport (trams, metro, buses) is extensive and reliable in major cities like Prague and Brno
Taxis are available, and ride
sharing apps such as Bolt and Uber are widely used in urban areas
Car rentals are an option for exploring rural areas, but inner
city driving can be challenging due to narrow streets and parking
Bicycles are popular, especially in cycling
friendly regions and cities

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP) are recommended
Hepatitis A and B are advised
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be beneficial for digestive health
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available through major Czech mobile operators like Vodafone CZ, O2 Czech Republic, and T
Mobile CZ
Providers such as Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly offer convenient eSIM plans for travelers

Local Cuisine

Svíčková Na Smetaně must_try

Braised beef, often larded, served in a rich, thick cream sauce made from root vegetables like carrot, parsley root, and celeriac. It is traditionally

Nakládaný Hermelín snack

A popular pub snack consisting of Hermelín cheese (similar to Brie/Camembert) that is marinated in oil with peppers, onions, and spices. The soft chee

Pilsner Urquell alcohol

The world's original golden lager, originating from Plzeň. This beer is known for its pale color, distinct hoppy flavor, and being one of the most inf

Vepřo-knedlo-zelo must_try

Roast pork served with both bread dumplings (knedlíky) and braised cabbage (zelí), often considered the most typical Czech dish. The pork is expertly

Kulajda regional_speciality

A creamy mushroom and potato soup, usually seasoned with dill, vinegar, and sometimes topped with a poached egg. It's often rich and comforting, somet

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Prague Castle Circuit Tickets (Skip-the-line/Timed Entry) Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Booking in advance is essential to secure timed entry slots and utilize skip-the-line access, avoiding long queues, especially during high season.

International Rail Reservations (e.g., Prague to Vienna, Budapest, or Poland) Transport

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance

Required reservations on popular EuroCity and Railjet routes sell out quickly, particularly for sleeping cars or specific seats/coupes.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Prague Medieval Dinner and Show Dining

Book 1 week to 1.5 months in advance

These popular tourist experiences have limited capacity and sell out, especially evening time slots on busy days.

Accommodation in Prague's Historic Center (Old Town/Lesser Quarter) Accommodation

Book at least 2 months in advance

The best-located and highest-rated accommodations, particularly boutique hotels, are booked far in advance, especially for summer and holiday travel.

Fun Facts

1. The word "robot" was invented by Czech artist Josef Čapek, and was first used in a play by his brother Karel Čapek.
2. The Czech Republic is one of the least religious countries in the world, with around 39.8% of Czechs identifying as atheist.
3. The Czechs invented soft contact lenses in 1959, credited to chemist Otto Wichterle.
4. Refined sugar, specifically a sugar cube, was invented in Czech Moravia and patented in 1843.

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