Travel in the Czech Republic: the practical guide

In short: the Czech Republic means Prague first, with Charles Bridge and the castle, but also listed towns such as Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora. Note: the currency is the Czech koruna, not the euro.

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When to go to the Czech Republic

• Spring (April to June) and September: the best time, with pleasant temperatures.
• Summer: high season in Prague, very busy.
• December: the Christmas markets, notably on Old Town Square; it is cold.

Entry requirements

• EU and Schengen citizens: a valid ID card or passport is enough.
• Other nationalities: check the entry rules with the Czech embassy or your foreign ministry.

Arriving in Prague

• There is no train from the airport. Bus 119 goes to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (line A); the Airport Express (AE) bus, with its own ticket, runs to the main railway station.
• By train: Prague has direct trains to Vienna, Berlin and Budapest.

Getting around the Czech Republic

• In Prague: the centre is best explored on foot; the metro, trams and buses cover the rest of the city.
• Trains link Prague with the main cities (Brno, Plzeň); buses also serve Český Krumlov.
• A car is useful for the countryside. An electronic vignette is required on motorways.

Money, internet and practicalities

• Currency: the Czech koruna (CZK). Cards are widely accepted. If a terminal or cash machine offers to charge you in euros, choose koruna.
• Exchange: avoid exchange offices with unclear rates and never change money in the street.
• Mobile: as an EU country, roam-like-at-home applies for European plans.
• Language: Czech; English is common in Prague.
• Electricity: type C and E plugs, 230 V. Time: UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer).

What to see in the Czech Republic

• Prague: Charles Bridge, the castle and St Vitus Cathedral, Old Town Square and its astronomical clock, Josefov and Petřín Hill. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kutná Hora: St Barbara’s Church and the Sedlec Ossuary, about an hour from Prague; UNESCO-listed.
• Český Krumlov: a small medieval town on the Vltava, overlooked by its castle, also UNESCO-listed.
• Karlovy Vary: a spa town, listed among the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”.
• Plzeň: the home of pilsner-style lager.

Suggested itineraries

3 days: Prague (old town, castle, Malá Strana).

5 days: Prague, with a day trip to Kutná Hora, then a night in Český Krumlov.

10 days: Prague, Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Plzeň, or Prague and Vienna by train.

What to eat in the Czech Republic

• Svíčková, beef in a creamy sauce served with knedlíky (bread dumplings);
• Czech goulash;
• beer, served on draught in beer halls;
• pastries and trdelník, everywhere in the tourist streets.

Culture and etiquette

• In beer halls, people often share large tables.
• Tipping is customary in restaurants, by rounding up the bill.
• In churches, discreet clothing is appreciated.

Health and safety

Prague is a safe city, but watch out for pickpockets in busy places (Charles Bridge, trams). Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. EU citizens can bring their European Health Insurance Card.