Things To Do
in Czechia
Czechia (the Czech Republic) is a Central European country known for its well-preserved medieval towns, fairytale castles, and vibrant cultural life. Prague, the capital, is famous for its Gothic and Baroque architecture, lively squares, and historic bridges spanning the Vltava River. Beyond Prague, the country offers rolling hills, dense forests, dramatic rock formations and a rich beer and culinary tradition.
Czechia blends accessible urban tourism with excellent outdoor opportunities and a strong sense of national history and identity.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town Square, marveling at the historic Týn Church and the Gothic spires that frame the cobblestones. Be sure to arrive in time for the famous Astronomical Clock show at the hourly chime. Sip a rich Czech coffee at a nearby cafe as the city awakens around you.
Wander through the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, discovering hidden synagogues and poignant memorials. Stop for a hearty lunch of goulash and dumplings at a family-run tavern. Seek out the colorful Lennon Wall and leave your own message among the many layers of street art.
Embark on a scenic Vltava River cruise to admire Prague’s facades illuminated at dusk. Dine riverside with views of the Charles Bridge glowing in golden light. Finish the night with a leisurely walk across the bridge, pausing to enjoy the statues and the reflection of city lights in the water.
Ascend the castle hill to explore Prague Castle, home to St. Vitus Cathedral’s soaring stained glass and the ancient Royal Palace. Visit the charming Golden Lane, where medieval artisans once lived and worked. Enjoy sweeping city panoramas from the castle battlements.
Roam the tranquil castle gardens and wander through the ornate Ball Game Hall before sitting down for a light lunch at a hilltop bistro. Discover the story of Czech kings in the elegant interiors of the palace’s state rooms. Pause for a coffee in the castle’s quiet courtyard.
Take the funicular up Petrin Hill and wander the manicured paths of the romantic gardens. Climb the Petrin Tower for a miniature Eiffel Tower–style view of Prague at sunset. Return via the Mirror Maze and savor traditional chimney cake at a nearby stand.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Pint of local beer | $1.50-3 |
| 🚊Public transport day pass (city) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history, architecture and cultural heritage with many well-preserved historic sites.
- Excellent and affordable beer and hearty local cuisine.
- Compact cities and efficient public transport make sightseeing easy.
- Diverse outdoor landscapes within short travel distances from urban centers.
- Popular destinations, especially Prague, can be overcrowded in peak season.
- Some older generations may not speak English; smaller towns have limited services.
- Cigarette smoking remains common in some indoor venues despite restrictions.
- Cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks can be challenging for luggage and mobility needs.
- "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
- "Děkuji (moc)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
- "Na zdraví" - Cheers
- "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kde je …?" - Where is ...?
- "Promiňte" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Mluvím jen trochu česky" - I speak only a little Czech
Places to Visit in Czechia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic medieval bridge lined with baroque statues offering dawn and dusk views of the Vltava River and Prague skyline.
High vantage points and dramatic Gothic architecture provide sweeping city panoramas and detailed architectural shots.
Historic square with colorful facades, spires and the animated astronomical clock—great for street and architectural photography.
Fairytale riverside town with a castle overlooking winding lanes—ideal for golden-hour and panoramic shots.
Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch surrounded by dramatic rock formations—excellent landscape photography.
Highest peak in Czechia offering expansive mountain views, especially atmospheric at sunrise.
Food in Czechia
Czechia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce served with bread dumplings and often cranberry and a slice of lemon; widely available in traditional restaurants.
Must-Try!
Thick, peppery beef stew served with dumplings or bread; a pub staple and excellent comfort food.
Deep-fried cheese (usually Edam) served with tartar sauce and fries; a popular fast-food option and vegetarian favorite.
Bread or potato dumplings that accompany many main dishes and soak up sauces—an essential Czech side.
Sweet dough rolled and grilled on a spit then coated in sugar and toppings; broadly sold as street food though its origins are regional/traditional variants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Riverside weekend market offering fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, prepared foods and local wines—great for picnic supplies and tasting regional specialties.
Historic market in the Old Town with local snacks, souvenirs and seasonal goods; try local sausages and baked treats.
A traditional market in the city center with fresh produce, flowers and street food stalls showcasing Moravian specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use formal greetings such as 'Dobrý den' in shops and when meeting people; Czechs are polite and somewhat reserved until you establish rapport.
Be punctual for business meetings and social appointments—late arrival can be seen as disrespectful.
Hosts may ask you to remove shoes when entering a private home—it's polite to comply or offer to remove them voluntarily.
Avoid flippant comments about WWII and communist-era history; these subjects are sensitive and deserve respectful discussion.
Keep noise low on trams and trains; loud phone conversations are generally frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Czechia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants round up or leave 5–10% for good service. For cash payments tell the server the total you want to pay including tip or leave coins on the table; many people use card and then add a tip in cash.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities; cash (Czech koruna, CZK) is useful for small vendors, market stalls and some taxis. ATMs are common and credit cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot temperatures (20–30°C), long daylight hours and peak tourist season—expect crowds in Prague and popular sites; good for outdoor festivals and river activities.
Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, especially in forests and national parks; fewer tourists and good rates for accommodation.
Cold with snow in higher areas (−5 to 5°C in lowlands), ideal for Christmas markets, cosy pub evenings and skiing in mountain resorts; dress warmly and prepare for icy sidewalks.
Mild weather and blooming landscapes, shoulder season for travel with fewer crowds and pleasant hiking conditions but occasional rain.
Czechia at Night
Hiking in Czechia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known for sandstone towers, deep gorges and the Pravčická brána natural arch; offers numerous trails and viewpoints.
Home to the highest peak Sněžka, alpine meadows and well-marked trails—good for day hikes and longer treks.
Vast forests, peat bogs and cross-country trails spanning the border with Germany; peaceful and less crowded.
Picturesque sandstone formations, castles and scenic loops ideal for varied short hikes and photography.
River valley trails along the Dyje with vineyards and small villages—great for gentle hikes and nature observation.
Airports
How to reach Czechia by plane.
The main international gateway with frequent flights from Europe and beyond; connected to the city by bus, AE airport express bus, taxi and airport shuttle services.
Regional airport serving Brno and South Moravia with seasonal and some international routes; accessible by bus and taxi from Brno city center.
Serves the Moravian-Silesian region with regional and charter flights; good for accessing eastern Czechia and nearby Polish regions.
Small regional airport near the spa town of Karlovy Vary, useful for west Bohemia in summer and spa visitors.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with deep cultural and linguistic traditions centered on Czech national identity.
Significant Slovak community with close cultural and historical ties to Czechs, especially older generations.
Well-established Vietnamese minority active in commerce and small-business sectors across cities.
A recognized minority group facing social and economic challenges in some regions; integration varies by area.
Growing expat community concentrated in Prague, Brno and other university towns contributing to multicultural neighborhoods and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular and passionately followed sport in Czechia; top-level domestic league and a strong national team tradition.
Widely played and followed with domestic leagues and active fan culture in major cities like Prague and Brno.
Czechia has produced many successful professional players and tennis is a popular recreational sport.
Outdoor sports like cycling and hiking are very popular due to extensive trail networks and varied landscapes.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options have become common in cities—look for restaurants with meat-free sections, vegetable-based soups and salads; ask for 'bez masa' (without meat).
Vegan-friendly cafés and restaurants are growing, especially in Prague and Brno; specify 'jsem vegan' and watch for butter/eggs in soups and sauces.
Gluten-free choices are available in larger restaurants and bakeries; however, traditional dishes rely on dumplings and wheat—ask 'je to bez lepku?' (is it gluten-free?).
Carry translations of allergens; staff may have limited training in smaller towns—pack medication if you have severe allergies.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Czechia.