Czech Republic
A Symphony of History and Nature
Czechia, or the Czech Republic, is a fairytale-like country full of castles, picture book towns, and sprawling forests. Southwestern Czechia is where you can find Bohemian Switzerland National Park, known for sandstone formations and pristine hiking trails. Nearby is Český Krumlov, a UNESCO-listed town that screams medieval charm. Explore the impressive castle, stroll along the Vltava River, and soak up the bohemian ambiance.
To the north, in Central Bohemia, is the enchanting capital - Prague. Of course, there’s a castle to explore, but you can also explore the winding cobblestone streets of Old Town and awe at the Charles Bridge. Prague also has a booming nightlife, so indulging in that is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and atmosphere. Prague is also a great place to dive into Czech cuisine and savor the world-renowned Czech beer. Food staples to try are: svíčková (sirloin), vepřo knedlo zelo (pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut), and medovnik (honey cake).
Highlights
- Karlovy Vary, the famous spa town
- Visit České Budějovice and Pilsen to explore the birthplaces of Budweiser Beer and Pilsner Urquell, respectively
- No matter the time of year, there are events to attend! Examples include: Prague Spring, Colors of Ostrava or traditional events like Easter or Christmas markets
- The ‘Bone Church’ in Kutná Hora
- Olomouc is a beautiful baroque city that served as a residence of the Czech monarchy
- Brno with the iconic Špilberk Castle
Before You Go
- Transportation here is extensive, with plenty of options such as: train, tram, bus, and the metro
- Czechia is very affordable and your money will go a lot farther here than in western Europe
- Purchase travel insurance and I’d recommend to carry a copy of it on your person
- Download a translation app since English is only popular in tourist areas such as Prague and Český Krumlov
Tips and Tricks
- Beer is cheaper than water…literally. So save some money and bottoms up!
- Taxi rides are the biggest scams in the country, especially in Prague, so don’t get in any unmarked taxis
- All of the iconic sightseeing places in Prague are in the neighborhood Prague 1
- It is customary to tip 10% at restaurants and such
- The local currency is NOT Euros - its Czech Koruna (CZK). Carry some cash wherever you go
