Czech Republic
Prague's Gothic and Baroque old town is the draw, but it is worth going further: Český Krumlov's castle above a loop of the Vltava, Kutná Hora's bone chapel, the spa colonnades of Karlovy Vary and the sandstone towers of Bohemian Switzerland. Trains are cheap, pubs pour some of the world's best lager, and Moravia makes its own wine.
Overview
The Czech Republic, or Czechia, is roughly the size of Scotland but holds a remarkable density of intact historic towns, largely spared 20th-century bombing. Most first trips centre on Prague, whose castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square justify three or four days, with day trips to Kutná Hora and Karlštejn castle. Beyond, southern Bohemia has Český Krumlov and the Renaissance square of Telč, the west has the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, and Moravia in the east brings Brno, Olomouc and the wine cellars around Mikulov.
Prague is busy from Easter to October and over Christmas, and the Old Town can feel like a theme park at midday; staying in Vinohrady or Karlín, and sightseeing early, helps. Outside the capital, crowds thin quickly and prices drop noticeably. A half-litre of Pilsner Urquell or Budvar in a local pub still costs a fraction of a London pint. The country suits city-breakers, hikers, rail travellers and anyone interested in castles or beer. Younger Czechs usually speak good English; in the countryside, a few words of Czech or German help.
Map of Czech Republic
Top 5 highlights
- 1Architecture
Prague Castle and Charles Bridge
Guinness lists Prague Castle as the world's largest ancient castle complex, wrapping St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane. Walk down through Malá Strana to the statue-lined Charles Bridge, begun in 1357.
- 2History
Český Krumlov
A UNESCO-listed Bohemian town wrapped in a tight bend of the Vltava, overlooked by a vast castle with one of the world's few surviving Baroque theatres. Stay overnight to see its lanes after the day-trippers leave.
- 3History
Kutná Hora
Medieval silver wealth built the soaring Gothic St Barbara's Church, while the Sedlec Ossuary nearby is decorated with the bones of tens of thousands of people, chandelier included. An easy day trip from Prague by train.
- 4Nature
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Sandstone gorges, pine-topped rock towers and Pravčická brána, Europe's largest natural sandstone arch, near the German border. Check which trails and boat trips are running, as parts of the park closed after a large wildfire in 2022.
- 5Architecture
Karlovy Vary
The grandest of the West Bohemian spa towns, where visitors sip hot mineral water from spouted porcelain cups along ornate colonnades. It hosts a major film festival each July; quieter Mariánské Lázně is nearby.
Biggest cities
Prague
Worth at least three days: the castle district and Malá Strana, Charles Bridge at dawn, the Jewish Quarter's synagogues, then beer gardens at Letná and Riegrovy sady away from the crowds.
Ostrava
A former coal and steel city reinvented around its industry: the Dolní Vítkovice blast furnaces host a science centre and the Colours of Ostrava festival, and Stodolní Street is known for nightlife.
Brno
Moravia's student-heavy capital has Mies van der Rohe's UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat, a vast ossuary beneath St James's Church, and some of the country's best cafés and cocktail bars.
Ranked by metropolitan area: Ostrava's includes the neighbouring industrial towns of Havířov and Karviná. Counted as single municipalities, Brno (about 400,000) is the second city and Ostrava (about 280,000) the third.
When to go to Czech Republic
Best time: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
Average climate in Prague
Festivals & events
- May–JunPrague Spring International Music Festival
Founded in 1946, this classical festival opens every 12 May with Smetana's Má vlast and fills Prague's concert halls, including the Rudolfinum and the Municipal House, for about three weeks.
- JulKarlovy Vary International Film Festival
One of central Europe's oldest film festivals takes over the spa town in early July, with public screenings, affordable festival passes and a relaxed, backpack-carrying crowd.
- Nov–DecChristmas markets
From late November, Prague's Old Town and Wenceslas squares fill with stalls of svařák (mulled wine) and sausages, and just before Christmas street vendors sell live carp for Christmas Eve dinner.
How much does Czech Republic cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Svíčková na smetaně
Marinated beef sirloin in a creamy root-vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings, cranberries and whipped cream; classic Sunday-lunch comfort food.
Vepřo knedlo zelo
Roast pork with bread dumplings and braised sauerkraut, the definitive pub plate, best with a half-litre of unpasteurised tank beer.
Smažený sýr
A thick slab of breaded, deep-fried Edam or hermelín served with tartare sauce and chips; cheap, filling and on almost every pub menu.
Getting around
Trains are cheap and frequent: České dráhy, RegioJet and Leo Express run fast services linking Prague with Pardubice, Olomouc, Ostrava and Brno, and regional lines reach most towns. RegioJet coaches cover routes such as Prague to Český Krumlov. Prague's metro, trams and buses share one ticket system. Car hire suits the countryside, but motorways need an electronic vignette. Bolt and Uber work in Prague.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CE230V — bring a UK-to-C/E adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +420
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Round up or add about 10% in restaurants. Tell the server the total you want to pay when settling up, rather than leaving cash on the table.
- Etiquette
- Say 'dobrý den' when entering shops and small lifts, take your shoes off in homes, and keep your voice down on public transport. When toasting with 'na zdraví', look each person in the eye.
- Main airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), Prague; Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ), Brno; Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava (OSR), Ostrava
Visas & entry for Czech Republic
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Czechia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Czechia are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- RabiesTick-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Czech Republic
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 28 Oct 2026 | Independent Czechoslovak State Day |
| Tue 17 Nov 2026 | Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day and International Students' Day |
| Thu 24 Dec 2026 | Christmas Eve |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Second Day of Christmas |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | Independent Czech State Restoration Day · New Year's Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Sat 8 May 2027 | Victory Day |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | Saints Cyril and Methodius Day |
| Tue 6 Jul 2027 | Jan Hus Day |
| Tue 28 Sep 2027 | Statehood Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Czech
| English | Czech | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Dobrý den | DOH-bree den |
| Thank you | Děkuji | DYEH-koo-yi |
| Please | Prosím | PRO-seem |
| Excuse me | Promiňte | PRO-min-teh |
| How much is this? | Kolik to stojí? | KO-lik toh STOH-yee |
Know before you go
- Avoid the exchange booths around Old Town Square, which hide fees in poor rates. Use a bank's ATM, pay in koruna, and decline any offer to convert the charge into pounds.
- Buy Prague public transport tickets, or use the PID Lítačka app, before boarding and validate paper tickets; plain-clothes inspectors fine passengers without one on the spot.
- Book Prague accommodation early for December and summer weekends, and visit Charles Bridge and the castle before 9am to see them without the tour groups.
Czech Republic travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Czech Republic?
The best time to visit Czech Republic is generally Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Peak months are April, May, September and October. Average highs in Prague range from 2°C to 25°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Czech Republic cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £100 mid-range and £220+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Czech Republic?
Czech koruna (CZK).
What plug type does Czech Republic use?
Type C and E sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Czech Republic?
Traffic drives on the right in Czech Republic, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Czech Republic?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for Czech Republic?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Czechia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Czech Republic before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/czechia/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Czech Republic?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Rabies and Tick-borne encephalitis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
