Czech Republic Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to the Czech Republic? Start with Prague for its castle, Charles Bridge, medieval Old Town and famous Astronomical Clock; visit Český Krumlov for colorful streets and fairytale scenery; and head to Karlovy Vary for elegant architecture and centuries of spa culture.
This Czech Republic travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about Czech entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, festivals, and local travel tips.
Visiting Czechia for the first time? Prague is the natural starting point, but don’t spend your entire trip in the capital. Add Český Krumlov for medieval charm, Karlovy Vary for spa culture, Kutná Hora for history, or South Moravia for wine, castles, and countryside.
Czechia is relatively compact and has an extensive public transportation network, making it easy to combine Prague with smaller cities and towns without renting a car.
READ Things to Do in Prague Czech Republic
READ 48 hours in Prague Czech Republic
Czech Republic Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to the Czech Republic? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Prague
Currency: Czech koruna or Czech crown (CZK)
Official Language: Czech
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Czechs drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October for generally pleasant sightseeing weather; December for Christmas markets and winter atmosphere
Popular First-Time Destinations: Prague, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, Kutná Hora, and Brno
Getting Around Czechia: Trains and buses connect cities and towns; Prague has an extensive metro, tram, and bus network
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can currently visit Czechia and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism
Best Known For: Prague, castles, medieval towns, beer, historic architecture, spa towns, Christmas markets, and Bohemian countryside
Don’t Miss: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Český Krumlov, Czech beer, a castle or château, and at least one destination outside Prague
First-time Czech Republic travel tip: Prague is only the beginning. Czechia’s train and bus networks make it relatively easy to add smaller cities, castles, spa towns, and countryside to your itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in the Czech Republic
Prague: Best for First-Time Visitors, History and Architecture
Prague Czech Republic has been called the city of hundred spires and is referred to as the Heart of Europe. Prague is a romantic city with an Old Town Square of cobbled streets, beautiful medieval architecture, bridges, and cathedrals. Prague Castle is the largest castle in Europe. The city is well known for its Astronomical Clock, Golden Lane, the Lennon Wall, quirky sculptures, and dancing buildings.
READ Things to Do in Prague Czech Republic
READ 48 hours in Prague Czech Republic
Český Krumlov: Best for Medieval Charm
Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic is an easy day trip from Prague and has all the makings of a fairy tale. The castle overlooks the town of narrow, cobblestone streets curving along the Vltava River, streets are full of frescoed buildings with red rooftops.
READ Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov
Karlovy Vary: Best for Spa Culture and Elegant Architecture
Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic is a spa town two hours outside of Prague known for its 300+ hot springs of healing water and medical treatments. The city sits along the Teplá River and is full of cobblestone streets and pastel Art Nouveau buildings.
READ Things to Do in Karlovy Vary
Czech Republic Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Where Is the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is in central Europe. The country is bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. The major cities are Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen. Prague is its capital. Over 10% of the population live in Prague making it the largest city.
What Language Is Spoken in Czechia?
The national language of the Czech Republic is Czech. People over 50 often speak Russian or German. Schools began teaching English in 1990. English is widely spoken in Prague and other areas with high tourism. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for Czechia?
U.S. citizens can generally visit the Czech Republic and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does the Czech Republic Use?
Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna or Czech crown. Euros are not widely accepted and the exchange rate may not be favorable. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Czechia?
ATMs are widely available in the Czech Republic. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in the Czech Republic and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Prague, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in Koruna. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.
How Much Does a Trip to the Czech Republic Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in the Czech Republic is $92. Expect to pay $1,233 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Czechia?
The high tourist season is June through August. Late spring and early fall are the best seasons to visit the Czech Republic; temperatures are mild and crowds are minimal. March and April, October and November have unpredictable weather. Winter brings freezing temperatures.
How Do You Get Around Czechia?
The Czech Republic’s transportation system utilizes trams, buses, trains, and the metro. The metro is the fastest way to get around Prague. Unlimited transportation tickets can be purchased for 1-Day, 3-Day, or 1-Month. The country is well connected by local trains making day trips to villages outside of Prague simple.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Czechia?
The plugs in the Czech Republic are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack for Czechia?
Locals tend to dress smart casual. Dark blue or black denim jeans are common. Bring a sweater or light jacket for boat rides and relaxing in street cafes. A comfortable pair of walking shoes with good soles for cobbled streets is important.
Is the Czech Republic Safe for Solo Travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the Czech Republic is very safe for travelers. Not only is the overall risk low but there is also a low risk for pickpockets and muggings. Be aware of taxi scams and only use App-based services (Liftago). Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Czech Food Should You Try?
Kuřecí Kapsa (grilled chicken stuffed with ham and cheese), Smažený Vepřový Řízek (pork schnitzel), Vepřo Knedlo Zelo (roast pork, cabbage, and dumplings), Guláš (pork stew), Párek v rohlíku (hot dog wrapped in bread), Bramboráky (potato pancakes), Smažený sýr (fried cheese), Česnečka (garlic soup), Ovocné knedlíky (boiled fruit dumplings), Trdelník (baked dough dusted with sugar and nuts), Kofola (Coca-cola).
What are the main holidays, festivals, and traditions in the Czech Republic?
- Burning of the Witches is held on April 30th, expect an effigy of a witch tied to a broomstick and thrown into a bonfire to ward off winter.
- Vlikkanoc is Easter Monday, expect men to playfully smack the legs of women with decorated pussy willow branches for luck and fertility.
- The Czech Beer Festival is held in Prague in mid-May.
- The Prague Fringe Festival is in late May.
- Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is held in July.
- St. Nicholas Eve is December 5th. St. Nicholas, an Angel (good), and a Devil (naughty) walk the streets and ask children if they have been good. If children say yes they get a treat.
- Christmas markets are held in Prague and Český Krumlov through December.
Check the Czech Republic Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Tips for Traveling in the Czech Republic
- Tipping in the country is not compulsory but is usually expected.
- Buy hand-blown glass, garnet jewelry, and hand-crafted Marionettes (puppets) for souvenirs.
- Nightlife does not begin until 10 pm and runs until 3 am.
- Top Things to See and Do in the Czech Republic
- Visit Prague Castle and Golden Lane
- Walk across the Charles Bridge
- Watch the astronomical clock strike the hour in Prague’s old town square
- Explore Kutná Hora’s Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church)
- Take a day trip to Ceský Krumlov
- Enjoy a spa treatment in the healing waters of Karlovy Vary
- Visit Hluboká Castle and Karlstejn Castle
- Enjoy a Pilsner lager in Pilsen
- Spend a day outdoors at Bohemian Switzerland National Park
- Tour the Terezin concentration camp
Interesting Facts About the Czech Republic
- Prague was not heavily bombed during WWII, rumor is Hitler wanted it to be Europe’s cultural capital.
- The Czech Republic officially changed its name to Czechia in 2016.
- The Czech Republic is the sixth safest place to live on earth.
- Only 19% of citizens in the Czech Republic believe in God.
- The oldest university in Central Europe is in Prague and 90% of citizens have a secondary education.
- A Czech chemist invented soft contact lenses.
- Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.
- There are 2000+ castles and chateaux in the Czech Republic.
- There are 500+ spires in Prague.
- It is possible to see the Eiffel Tower from Prague on a clear day.
- More people drink beer in the Czech Republic than in Germany, or anywhere else.
- Roll Out the Barrel was written by a Czech composer.
- Homer Simpson’s Duff beer is a real thing and you can buy it for under a Euro in the Czech Republic, but it doesn’t taste good.
- It is legal to have marijuana and you can smoke it in the street, but you can not buy it (you have to grow it yourself).
- Mushroom hunting is a big deal in the Czech Republic.
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