Nestled in the center of Europe, the Czech Republic is a country steeped in history. It’s been populated for thousands of years and is a land dotted with castles, medieval towns, beautiful mountains, ancient ruins, and world-class wineries. The country sees more and more tourists each year but they mostly stick to Prague. Once you escape that beautiful (but crowded) city you’ll find an inexpensive country with some of the most beautiful and rugged landscape in this part of Europe. I love taking the train from place to place and just staring out the window. If you visit, you’ll probably be coming to Prague but be sure to leave the city and see the rest of what the country has to offer! It’s too often overlooked!
Czech Republic
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Czech Republic
1. Czech out Prague
2. See Ceský Krumlov
3. Drink up in Moravian Wine Region
4. Visit Kutná Hora
5. Hike the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks
Other Things to See and Do
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1. Try some 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. Expect to pay around 800 CZK for a soak in the beer tub.
2. Tour 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. Admission is 270 CZK for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, and families.
3. 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.
4. Head to 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.
5. 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.
6. Relax at the 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.
7. Enjoy the 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. Admission to the park is free.
8. 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. Tours last a couple hours and cost 600 CZK for adults (500 CZK for students).
9. See the Spanish Synagogue
The outside of this building may not be anything special, but the inside is incredibly ornate. Admission 330 CZK for adults, and includes entry into a few other synagogues, as well.
10. 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! Prices vary but expect to pay around 1,600 CZK per person.
11. 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, with admission costing 180 CZK for adults.
12. Visit the 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. Periodically there are reenactments held here, perfect for the history buff!
13. Bohemian Switzerland National Park
This national park is a landscape full of pine forests and deep valleys, majestic rock towers, ravines, and labyrinths. There are several nature trails lead into the surrounding gorges. For hiking, one of the most popular nature trails is the Gabriel Trail.
14. Visit the Terezin Concentration Camp
Terezín was built by Josef II and was supposed to be used for defense but became a prison, and, later during World War Two, a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp. You can also visit the monument dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. Tickets start at 180 CZK.
15. Visit Vila Tugendhat
The Villa of Greta and Fritz Tugendhat was built between 1929–1930 and is for its modern architecture. Between 2010 and 2012, the villa and the adjoining gardens were restored to their original appearance. The interiors have been equipped with exact replicas of the original furnishings. It’s open from 10am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday. Admission is 300 CZK.
Typical Costs
- Sophie’s Hostel, The MadHouse (Prague)
Food – Czech cuisine is nothing fancy, but it is delicious. Give me a plate of goulash bread dumplings and gravy, and I’m content for a week. For a cheap meal at an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay around 120 CZK. A nicer meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost closer to 300 CZK. For fast food (think McDonald’s) you’ll actually pay more than a cheap local meal, as fast food usually costs around 130 CZK. Stick to the local fare for the most budget-friendly meals. If you’re looking for a quick bite, there are numerous kebab shops for less than 120 CZK. Grocery shopping for the week will cost around 1,000-1,200 CZK if you’re willing to navigate the language barrier and buy Czech items in the grocery store. To keep things simple and cheap, sausages and cheese are easy to find and make a good, quick meal.
Transportation – Most cities have a tram system dating back to communist days. Prague also has an underground that is simple to use, with only three lines going to major points across town. A one-way ticket is less than 24 CZK for a 30-minute window of use or 32 CZK for 90 minutes. An unlimited 24-hour pass is 110 CZK. Transportation between towns via train is very easy, just don’t expect modern train cars. Buy your tickets at the station in advance if possible to get the best fare. A ticket from Prague to Brno, for example, can be fond for under 300 CZK. Inter-city buses are a cheap way to get around, as well. From Prague to Vienna is under 500 CZK, while a bus all the way to Berlin is under 600 CZK. Check out Orange Ways for their deals online before making plans.
Activities – Visits to most Czech towns will be less about the sights and more about taking in the local culture. Grabbing a beer at the local pub, walking the cobblestone streets and taking in the gothic, art nouveau and communist architecture. The country is still on the Czech Koruna, so prices are very affordable. There are also plenty of free hiking trails all around the country for anyone looking to spend some time in nature. Most museums and excursions will be between 60-800 CZK, though more intensive activities like white-water rafting will be closer to 2,000 CZK.
Suggested daily budget
1,025-1,285 CZK/39-50 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
- Buy in advance – If traveling through the country or the continent by train or bus, check online or head to the train station in advance to take advantage of the student or discount prices. Buses and trains are popular, so they do sell out — another reason why getting a ticket ahead of time is recommended.
- Eat local – Belly up to the local bar for a plate of goulash and a pint and have a great meal for under 245 CZK. You won’t regret trying the local fare, and one plate will keep you full for the whole day.
- Bring your student ID – Many Czech cities, especially Prague, are student cities. Because of this, you’ll find tons of deals for those studying at a university. Show yours at museums and shops, and you’ll save cash.
- Walking tours – The Czech Republic is quickly becoming a tourist hot spot, and free walking tour companies have set up shop all over the country. These are actually great introductions to the city and its history, so enjoy the stories and make sure to give your guide a small tip at the end if you’re entertained!
- Explore the outdoors – There are plenty of free hiking trails all around the country for anyone looking to get outside. Czech Tourist’s Club produces maps for all the major routes, so pick one up if you feel like a stroll.
My Must Have Guides For Traveling to Czech Republic
How to Get Free Flights
This book shows you how to take money out of the travel equation and and master the points and miles game. It will show you how to easily collect and redeem travel points for free airfare and accommodation so you can get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort.
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel
Kristin Addis writes the solo female travel column for this website and her detailed guide addresses all the concerns women have about traveling and gives the specific advice and tips you need to conquer the world and stay safe.
How to Teach English Overseas
This book will teach you everything you need to know about landing your dream job and features interviews with dozens of teachers, recruiters, detailed information on the top teaching destinations, sample resumes, advice on nailing your interview, and much more.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach how to master the art of travel so that, no matter how long you want to travel for, you’ll save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experience.
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