Czech Republic Travel Guide

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view over the rooftops in Cesky Krumlov

Nestled in the center of Europe, the Czech Republic (also known by its short name Czechia) is a country steeped in history. It’s a land dotted with castles, medieval towns, beautiful mountains, ancient ruins, and world-class wineries.

Every year, more and more people visit this wondrous place but, sadly, they mostly stick to the capital, Prague, leaving the rest of the country unvisited.

However, once you escape that beautiful (but crowded) city, you’ll find an inexpensive country with some of the most striking and rugged landscapes in Europe. I love taking the train from place to place and just staring out the window at the rolling countryside.

This travel guide to Czechia will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this beautiful country!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Czechia

A scenic view over the rooftops in Cesky Krumlov on a sunny day in Czechia
1. Explore Prague

Wind through the medieval streets, climb the hill to visit Prague Castle, gaze up at the Astronomical Clock, explore historical buildings and cobblestone streets, and enjoy the wild nightlife (or a more relaxed beer garden). With a rich history, there is so much to explore here. Stroll across Charles Bridge — one of the oldest standing medieval bridges in the world — or take a cruise along the Vltava River. You can admire historic architecture while exploring the iconic Old Town Square and catch world-class performances at one of the many theaters. No matter your interests, Prague won’t disappoint. It’s a city that lives up to all the hype. (Just avoid coming in July and August when the city is packed!).

2. See Ceský Krumlov

Situated on the Vltava River in the south of the country, this is a smaller, more picturesque version of Prague. Ceský Krumlov is home to fabulous museums, gorgeous churches, and plenty of historical sights. Explore Ceský Krumlov Castle, the country’s second-largest castle, and meander through the beautiful castle gardens. You can even visit the castle’s incredibly well-preserved Baroque-style theater and climb 162 steps to the top of the castle tower, which offers sweeping views of the city. The medieval architecture and red-roofed buildings make for beautiful pictures and a casual stroll through the streets is a great way to relax and enjoy the slower pace of life.

3. Drink up in the Moravian Wine Region

Although you might only think of beer when you head to the Czech Republic, the Moravian Region is actually famous for its wine. The Moravia region borders Austria and produces 90–95% of the Czech Republic’s wine. It’s actually been producing wine for more than 2,000 years! Picturesque villages are scattered throughout the area and in the town of Valtice, you can visit Chateau Valtice’s wine cellar, which has been around since 1430. Mikulov is probably the best base for a first visit; it’s a charming historic town surrounded by vineyards and dominated by a château and the Holy Hill (a small limestone hill and popular pilgrimage site). If you like cycling, the region has an extensive network of wine trails connecting vineyards, villages and cellars.

4. Visit Kutná Hora

This historical town is home to the famous Sedlec Ossuary, aka the Bone Church. It’s a Roman Catholic chapel, built in the 13th century and adorned with over 40,000 human bones. Bones hang from the ceiling and there is an enormous candelabra made from skulls. The macabre decoration was created to express memento mori, or “remember death,” making the ossuary a place of reflection for its visitors. Where did all the bones come from? Well, in the Middle Ages soil from Calvary (where Jesus was said to be crucified) was scattered around the cemetery, making it a sought-after place to be buried. After that, the cemetery filled up with people from all around Europe — and continued to do so after the plague struck. Don’t miss the display featuring skulls with wounds inflicted by various medieval weapons. It’s grim but interesting! For more information (and photos), you can read about my visit.

5. Hike the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks

These natural sandstone cloisters are located in Bohemia, near the border with Poland. There are two clusters of formations: Adršpach Rock Town and Teplice Rock Town. Numerous hiking trails lead to unique rock formations, and the area remains a popular destination for rock climbers. In recent years, it has become a popular site for the risky rock hopping sport (where people leap from rock to rock). You might be lucky enough to view a peregrine falcon soaring in the sky, as the area is one of their largest breeding grounds in Europe (they’re the fastest animal on the planet when in a dive). A train here from Prague takes about 5 hours.

 

Other Things to See and Do in Czechia

1. Try some pilsner in Pilsen

Pilsen is the birthplace of the Pilsner and the home of the original Pilsner Urquell Czech beer. A visit to the town makes a great day trip from Prague. During your visit, make sure to not only tour the Pilsner factory but also check out the beer spas where you can soak in a tub of beer (which, apparently, is good for you). Don’t miss the 13th-century Gothic cathedral Saint Bartholomew and the botanical gardens while you’re here as well. Additionally, take the Historic Underground of Pilsen tour. It takes you below ground through a medieval network of cellars, passages and wells beneath the historic center. It’s a great way to bring the city’s history to life!

2. Tour Karlstein Castle

This castle is just a quick train ride from Prague. Founded in 1348 by Charles IV of the Holy Roman Empire, this Gothic castle safeguarded Bohemia’s crown jewels and holy relics. Due to warfare in the 15th century and fire damage in the 17th century, the castle underwent several reconstructions. The last reconstruction took place from 1887-1899, reviving the castle’s signature Gothic appearance. Attractions at the castle include an original 14th-century wall decoration and a replica of the royal crown of Bohemia.

3. Adventure in Krkonoše

This beautiful mountain range — called the Giant Mountains — runs along the Czech-Polish border. It’s home to the highest peak in the country (Snežka Peak, 1,600 meters/5,250 feet). There are single-day and multi-day hiking trails as well as cycling paths if you come in the summer. The most popular trail is Šn?žka from Pec pod Sn?žkou, which takes 5–7 hours (loop) and gets you to the summit. Just be warned: it’s a moderately challenging hike and not ideal for casual hikers. For an easier hike, try the Harrachov Mumlavský Waterfall route. It’s around two hours.

4. Head to Telc

Telc, with its winding cobblestone streets, is one of the most picture-perfect examples of a Renaissance town in Europe. After a fire in 1530, the town was rebuilt. Medieval arcades with their gabled houses surround the picturesque town square and it’s just two hours south of Prague by car. The historic Renaissance and Baroque homes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the colorful stained glass in St. James Church as well as the historic underground tunnels.

5. Visit Olomouc

Olomouc is a small university town noted for its parks, churches, sculptures, and fountains. Located just north of Brno, it’s also home to the Holy Trinity Column, a Baroque monument built between 1716 and 1754, and a grand astronomical clock — both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Outside the Olomouc Art Museum, see if you can spy “The Thief,” a sculpture erected in 2017 of a man dangling from the eaves of the building. Made from metal and fiberglass, the sculpture moves every hour and shouts down to passers-by on the street as he hangs from the edge!

6. Enjoy the Šumava National Park

Šumava is the country’s largest national park. Established in 1991, it is a region full of densely forested hills along the border with Austria. Enjoy glacial lakes, dense forests, peat bogs, rolling mountains, trout streams, and important historic monuments. There is also tons of wildlife here, including lynx, owls, and elk. Don’t miss Black Lake, the largest and deepest natural lake in Czechia (and probably the most famous). Admission to the park is free and camping is available.

7. Visit a nuclear bunker

Located five 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. It was constructed in the 1950s, during the height of the Cold War, as a secret fallout shelter intended primarily for important Communist officials. You’ll learn about life behind the Iron Curtain and get to explore the bunker yourself. There are gas masks, clothing, and newspapers from the period inside. It’s a neat snapshot of the past.

8. Go rafting

Just a short drive from Prague is a white-water rafting canal 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. There are Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids, which take around two hours to navigate. For a more natural experience outside the city, the Sázava River is a popular choice. Vltava / ?eský Krumlov is great for rafting too, though it’s more of a full-day excursion (or better yet, an overnight trip).

9. Explore Macocha Gorge

Located near Brno, this massive limestone sinkhole (also known as the Macocha Abyss) is an impressive 138 meters (452 feet) deep. It’s part of the Moravian Karst cave system and is a popular tourist site, suitable for both casual visitors who want to explore the sinkhole and those who have more advanced technical caving experience. Tours take you underground through enormous chambers covered with stalactites and stalagmites, eventually bringing you to the bottom of Macocha Abyss. From there, you board a small motorboat and travel along the underground Punkva River through the cave system.

10. Visit the Austerlitz Battlefield

The Battle of Austerlitz was one of the most decisive battles of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) and is widely considered to be one of Napoleon’s greatest victories. It was here that he defeated the combined forces of Russia and the Holy Roman Empire, which led to the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. Over 16,000 people died in the battle, only 1,300 of whom were from Napoleon’s army. Periodically, there are re-enactments held here, perfect for fellow history buffs. There’s a large memorial as well as a small museum.

11. Wander Bohemian Switzerland National Park

This national park is located in the northwest part of the country and is full of pine forests and deep valleys, majestic rock towers, and ravines. The park was established in 2000 and covers almost 80 square kilometers (30 square miles). The absolute must-see is Prav?ická brána (Prav?ická Gate), an enormous natural sandstone arch and probably the most recognizable natural landmark in Czechia. It’s one of the largest natural sandstone arches in Europe too. For hiking, one of the most popular nature trails is the Gabriel Trail (6 kilometers/4 miles). You can reach the park in just over an hour from Prague by car.

12. Visit the Terezin Concentration Camp

Terezín was used during World War II as a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp. Although it was “only” a work camp and many Holocaust victims were then transported to extermination camps such as Auschwitz, 33,000 people died in the ghetto due to its abhorrent living conditions. Don’t miss a visit to the monument dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. There is a museum in the ghetto area as well as a museum in the camp’s fortress.

 

How to Stay Safe in Czechia

The Czech Republic is a very safe country to visit, ranking in the top 25 safest countries in the world. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent.

That said, petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in high-traffic areas such as the city center in Prague. Keep your valuables out of reach when in public just to be safe. In smaller destinations and towns, it’s not really a problem.

There are a few scams to worry about. If someone strikes up a conversation with you trying to sell something or if young children approach you, be on alert — their friend may be reaching for your wallet while you’re distracted. For more scams, read this post about common travel scams to avoid.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe in the country, especially in smaller cities. The standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific safety tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the country.

If you experience an emergency, dial 150 for the fire department, 155 for an ambulance, and 158 for the police.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Czechia

Czechia has tons of fun, social, and affordable hostels and budget hotels. You can find a lot of affordable accommodation in the country. Here are some of my favorite places to stay:

Czechia Travel Costs

A calm lake surrounded by rolling hills in rural Czechia

Accommodation

  • Hostel dorms – 325–550 CZK per night
  • Hostel private rooms – 800–2,500 CZK per night
  • Budget hotels – 900–1,900 CZK per night
  • Luxury hotels – 2,000–4,000 CZK per night
  • Airbnb private rooms – 1,000–2,000 CZK per night
  • Airbnb apartments – 1,500–5,000 CZK per night
  • Campsite – 200–400 CZK per night (wild camping is forbidden)

Food

  • Traditional restaurants – 200-400 CZK per main dish
  • Casual take-out places – 300 CZK per meal
  • Upscale restaurants – 400-600 CZK per main dish
  • Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 174 CZK
  • Beer – 50 CZK
  • Wine – 100-150 CZK
  • Cocktail – 300 CZK
  • Cappuccino/latte – 60 CZK
  • Groceries for a week – 500-800 CZK

Czechia Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 1,000 CZK Per Day

On a backpacker budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, do free hikes, take free walking tours, and cook most of your own meals. If you plan to drink more, expect to spend closer to 1,200 CZK per day.

Midrange – 2,400 CZK Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in an Airbnb room or private hostel room, take the occasional taxi or Uber to get around, do some larger activities like a wine tour or rafting, eat out for some meals, and enjoy a few drinks. You won’t be living large but you won’t want for anything either.

Upscale – 4,700 CZK Per Day

On this budget, you can stay in a nicer hotel, do any activities you want, eat out for every meal, drink more, and rent a car or take flights to get around. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!

Czechia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Prices in Czechia have risen over the last few years but the country remains affordable, especially when you get outside Prague. You’ll be hard-pressed to spend a ton of money if you stick to non-touristy areas, restaurants, and bars. That said, it’s always good to find ways to lower your costs! Here are some ways to save money when you visit the country:

Explore the outdoors – There are plenty of free hiking trails all around the country for anyone looking to get outside. Czech Tourist Club, a hiking organization, produces maps for all the major routes in the country.

Buy tickets in advance – If you’re 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 discount prices. The sooner you book your tickets, the bigger discounts you’ll get.

Redeem hotel points – Sign up for hotel credit cards so you can use those points to pay for accommodations on your trip. You’ll get 1-2 nights free with most cards when you sign up. Here’s a post that will help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points right away. If you already know the basics, here’s a list of my current favorite hotel cards.

Get a City Pass – The Prague City Pass offers free admission to over 15 of the city’s main sights, including Prague Castle and the Palace. It costs 1,390 CZK per person and will save you money if you plan on seeing a lot. Brno also has a pass worth getting as well.

Eat local – Belly up to the local bar for a plate of goulash and a pint and have a great meal. Traditional cuisine is the cheapest you’ll find.

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 your student ID at museums and shops to save money.

Take free walking tours – The country has plenty of free walking tours. These offer great introductions to the country and its history, so enjoy the stories and make sure to give your guide a tip at the end! Free Walking Tour Prague has the best tours in the capital. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle so you can save money and lower your reliance on single-use plastic. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe!

Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a really nice Couchsurfing host for your visit. This way, you not only have a place to stay but you’ll have a local host that can tell you the best places to go and things to see.

Skip the airport express bus – In Prague, the airport express bus is several times more expensive than regular public transit without being any faster. The express bus is convenient (you don’t have to change buses) but as long as you are comfortable navigating public transit, taking the regular public bus is the best choice for your budget.

Eat out for lunch – Many restaurants offer substantially better-value lunch menus, making lunch the best time to eat out if you’re looking to stick to a budget. It’s usually something like a soup plus a main course, sometimes with a drink or dessert too — and for about half as much as you would spend at dinner!

Avoid the summer – Prague is jam packed with tourists in the summer. Not only does that mean the city is crowded but also that prices will be much higher than the rest of the year. If you want to save money, visit during the spring or fall. Prices will be lower, the city won’t be crowded, and the weather is still plenty enjoyable.

How to Get Around in Czechia

The skyline of historic Prague, Czech Republic as seen from the river

Public transportation – In Prague, ticket fares are based on time and tickets range from 30 minutes (30 CZK), 90 minutes (40 CZK), a 1-day pass (120 CZK), or a 3-day pass (330 CZK). There are 4 lines which run from 4:45am until a little after midnight.

Prices are comparable in other cities around the country as well, usually costing around 30 CZK. In Brno, buses operate 24/7.

Bus – Traveling by bus is the most affordable way to get around the country. The journey from Prague to Brno is just 230 CZK for the 2.5-hour journey. From Prague to Karlovy Vary, the ride is 3 hours and costs 280 CZK. From Prague to Berlin, Germany, the 4.5-hour bus ride starts at 490 CZK. Tickets sell out fast (especially in the summer) so book early if you can.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud.

Train – Trains are more expensive than buses and don’t reach as many destinations in the country. However, they’re a lot quicker. Prague to Pilsen takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes and costs as little as 120 CZK. The 3.5-hour journey to Ostrava costs 230 CZK. The 6.5-hour trip from Prague to Budapest, Hungary is a lot pricier, with tickets starting at 900 CZK while the 6-hour ride to Nuremberg, Germany costs around 745 CZK.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline.

Flying – Domestic flights are available but they are usually expensive compared to the train and bus — and not much faster. A round-trip flight from Prague to Brno takes around 1 hour and costs over 3,300 CZK. However, by the time you factor in getting to/from the airport, the bus or train is likely just as fast (and much cheaper).

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in the Czech Republic is safe and you can usually pick up a ride quickly. Note that hitchhiking is prohibited on major highways and motorways. Also, keep in mind that while many younger Czechs speak English, older folks generally speak only Czech. HitchWiki is the best website for additional hitchhiking info.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as low as 375 CZK per day. To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and a surcharge might be added for drivers under the age of 25. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote using this widget:

When to Go to Czechia

Czechia has a temperate Central European climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are warm and dry, the winters are cold and snowy and can also get pretty windy, and the spring and fall are generally cool and offer a bit of rain. That said, there is a noticeable difference in weather between the mountainous regions versus the lowlands, with the mountain regions being slightly cooler year-round.

The most popular time to visit is from June through September, as this is peak tourist season. If you visit in the summer, expect daily temperatures around 21–25°C (70–77°F). However, it should be noted that in the last couple of years, the summer has gotten really hot so temperatures, especially in August, can get a lot higher than average. Temperatures can easily spike above 30°C (86°F), so prepare accordingly and make sure you stay hydrated. Also, be aware that AC is not common in the country. While larger hotels will have it, many smaller properties won’t.

If you can, avoid visiting Prague in July and August; that’s when the city is overflowing with tourists. Everything is more expensive, annoying tour groups are everywhere, and accommodation is scarce. if possible, stick to other regions and cities in the country. They will be far less crowded.

My favorite months to visit are between March and May and September and October, especially if you’re hiking. You’ll have cooler temperatures and, in the fall, you’ll get to see the leaves change. Even popular destinations like Prague are significantly less crowded during the spring and fall. Expect temperatures around 14°C (59°F).

Czechia’s winters are chilly, albeit quite cozy (especially if you’re in a historic city like Prague). Typical daytime temperatures hover around 0–4°C (32–39°F), while nights often fall below freezing. January is generally the coldest month, while February starts to show hints of spring. Snow is possible across much of the country, although prolonged snow cover is more reliable in the mountains than in lower-elevation cities. Skiing is a popular winter activity here, and it’s actually quite affordable when compared to other countries in Europe. January and February offer the best skiing conditions.

If you’re looking for a winter holiday vacation, Czechia’s towns and cities have a wonderfully festive atmosphere in December, with Christmas markets, decorated historic squares, and cozy cafés. You’ll want to book accommodation early as the holiday markets here are super popular (mainly in Prague). Be sure to pack a warm coat, gloves, and waterproof shoes or boots for this time of year.

Czechia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finally exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Trainline – When you’re ready to book your train tickets, use this site. It streamlines the process of booking trains around Europe.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to Paris

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Czechia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Czechia travel and continue planning your trip: