Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is renowned as one of the continent's most striking destinations. Seamlessly blending dramatic architecture with rolling hills and ancient forests, the country transports visitors to a fairytale setting, where they can live out their own grand adventures.

The historic city centre of Prague is a well-preserved record of more than 600 years of leading European architecture, featuring lofty Gothic spires, Baroque opulence and the symmetry of the Renaissance. To get a full sense of the capital's overwhelming majesty, tourists should try exploring the UNESCO-listed historic district, visit acclaimed architect Frank Gehry's Dancing House, tour Old Town Square, and stroll over the Charles Bridge, which is the most-photographed landmark in the city.

Surprisingly, many visitors don't leave Prague and miss out on a stunning countryside full of majestic mountains, lush forests, historic castles and villages. Any itinerary should include the impossibly picturesque medieval towns of Holasovice and Cesky Krumlov.

Best time to visit

A good time to visit the Czech Republic is in May or September, when the weather is mild and Prague is not too crowded. For those who don't mind travelling during peak season, the country is wonderfully warm in July and August. April and October are a little chillier but they fall outside the regular tourist seasons, and accommodation is generally cheaper and more plentiful.

What to see in the Czech Republic

-Visit Prague's Old Town, an architectural wonderland brimming with medieval, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings.

-Venture to Prague's Castle District (Hradeany) and see the Gothic spires of St Vitus Cathedral.

-Check out the surreal statue of Kafka located close to the Spanish Synagogue and the Franz Kafka Museum in the Malá Strana area.

-Take a trip to Sedlec's Ossuary, a medieval Gothic chapel decorated with the remains of 40,000 human skeletons.

What to do in the Czech Republic

-Head east of Prague to the Bohemian village of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved, traffic-free medieval village that just begs to be photographed.

-Relax in Karlovy Vary (also known as Karlsbad), the biggest and most developed of the Czech Republic's spa resort towns.

-Go out on the town and sample the legendary Prague nightlife.

-Take a trip to Brno, the largest city in Moravia, where fine local wine and a great selection of museums and other cultural sights (including the Museum of Romani Culture) await.

Getting to the Czech Republic

There are direct cheap flights to the Czech Republic available from both the UK and the US. Most tourists book flights to Vaclav Havel International Airport, located just 10 miles (16km) northwest of the capital city.

Read

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, The Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Frank Kafka, Despair by Valdimir Nabokov, and The Prague Orgy by Philip Roth.

Listen

Lucie, Sto Zvirat, Cechomor, and Poutnici.

Watch

The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988), Closely Watched Trains (1966), Amadeus (1984), and The Gray Man (2022).

Drink

Local Czech beer (pivo). For teetotallers, the national soft drink is kofola.

Eat

Local Czech pub food. Favourite dishes include smoked mackerel, raw beef on deep fried toast and 'head cheese' (bits of meat suspended in aspic).

What to buy

Crystal and glass products (Moser Glass is a quality manufacturer), Czech porcelain (look for the distinctive 'blue onion' pattern), Bohemian garnet jewellery (ideally set in silver or pewter) and Czech marionettes.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes, as Prague is best explored on foot and there are some wonderful hiking opportunities in the Czech countryside.

What's on in the Czech Republic

Prague hosts one of the biggest New Year's Eve parties in Europe, and the Prague Spring (May, June) is simply one of the world's greatest classical music festivals. Forget Oktoberfest, the Czech Republic's Pilsner Fest (August) is the place to go for beer connoisseurs. The Prague Writers' Festival (May, June) is excellent, and is attended by leading members of Europe's literati.

Did you know?

-Per capita, the Czechs are the world's heaviest beer drinkers.

-The sugar cube was invented in the Czech Republic in 1843.

-There are more than 2,000 castles, keeps and castle ruins in the Czech Republic, giving the country the third highest density of castles in the world.

A final word

Whether travellers are seeking high culture, castles, or are after some quality time in the great outdoors, the Czech Republic is a European holiday destination to savour.

Things to do in Czech Republic

Sightseers in the Czech Republic will enjoy the very best of classical Europe, as well as a country bursting with charm. Most visitors spend their time almost exclusively in Prague, enjoying the beauty of the medieval buildings and evocative scenery of the river-front location, while sampling the cultural delights of the dynamic live music and theatre scenes. Attractions in this beautiful city include Charles Bridge (the most photographed feature of the city), the Old Town Square, St Vitus Cathedral and numerous incredible buildings in the Castle District on the hill above Prague.

Visitors shouldn't neglect the host of delights outside of Prague, though. These include world-class attractions such as picturesque Cesky Krumlov, the fascinating Ossuary of Kutna Hora, and Karlsbad Vary: the pride of the Czech Republic's many spa resort towns. The country also boasts some wonderful hiking trails and scenic areas, making it the ideal destination for adventurers. The countryside is dotted with numerous castles, keeps and medieval villages.

The most popular time to visit is over the peak summer months of July and August, although Prague in particular can get very crowded. Spring has mild weather and warm days and is an ideal time to visit.

Czech Republic travel info

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs with a hole for a grounding pin are standard. Most sockets also take the standard European two-pin plugs.

Language

Czech is the official language but English and German are also widely spoken.

Money

The official currency is the Czech crown, locally known as the koruna (CZK), which is divided into 100 haler. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants and ATMs are widely available. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on weekends.

Tipping

Though tipping in restaurants is optional and generally no service charge is added to bills, gratuities of about 10 percent are expected for good service. Taxi drivers are tipped by rounding up the fare at the end of the journey.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with travel to the Czech Republic, and there are no vaccination requirements for international travellers. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and long-term visitors to forested areas may want to seek medical advice about immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities are good in Prague, but may be more limited in rural areas. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.

Safety

Most visits to the Czech Republic are trouble-free, though the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks is a factor throughout Europe. Petty theft is a concern, especially on public transport and around the main tourist sites in Prague, so visitors should be mindful of their belongings. Violent crime is rare.

Local customs

Drunken behaviour and drinking in public is punishable by law in the Czech Republic, and some bars and restaurants in Prague will not allow entry for stag parties. While same-sex relationships are legal, same-sex marriages aren't recognized; public displays of affection may be frowned on or draw unwanted attention.

Doing business

Punctuality is expected in the Czech business world and dress should be smart and conservative. Initial greetings are usually formal to the point that titles and surnames are used unless otherwise indicated. Firm handshakes signal strength, and direct eye contact shows integrity.

German is the most common foreign language used in the Czech Republic but English is widely spoken by younger generations. Translators are available and any attempts at speaking Czech will be appreciated when doing business. There is generally some polite small talk to establish rapport at the beginning of meetings.

Deals can take a long time to complete due to significant bureaucratic red tape, so it's important to be patient. Business hours usually run from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers from non-EU countries who are over the age of 17 don't have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco. The same applies to one litre of spirits over 22-percent volume, two litres of spirits less than 22-percent volume, four litres of wine, and 16 litres of beer.

Communications

The international access code for the Czech Republic is +420. Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is a good way to keep calling costs down, as international roaming can be expensive and international calls from hotels involve high surcharges. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres offer free WiFi.

Passport & Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Each of these countries issues a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of the other Schengen countries. All visitors must hold either an onward or return ticket, or proof of sufficient funds to buy a ticket, plus all documents required for onward travel. They must also fill in and sign a border-crossing card, and be able to show proof of the following at the request of the Authority of Aliens Police Service: (i) sufficient means of support for the duration of their stay; (ii) documents confirming financial security (credit cards, bank statements, etc.); (iii) documents confirming accommodation for their period of stay in the Czech Republic, or proof of another accommodation arrangement; (iv) valid health insurance, with complete coverage. It is highly recommended that visitors' passports remain valid for at least six months beyond their arrival dates. Visitors should also bear in mind that immigration officials often apply different rules to the ones travel agents and official sources state.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

British passports must be valid at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month period. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

South Africans require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A Schengen 'C' type visa must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Irish nationals must have a passport, or emergency passport. Irish nationals are allowed to enter the Czech Republic with an expired passport. No visa is required. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for a maximum of 90 days stay. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Useful contacts

Czech Tourist Authority: www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US

112 (general emergencies)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of the Czech Republic, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 274 9100.

Embassy of the Czech Republic, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7243 7908.

Embassy of the Czech Republic, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 3875.

Embassy of the Czech Republic, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6290 1386.

Embassy of the Czech Republic, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 2380.

Embassy of the Czech Republic, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 1135.

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 306 5883.

Embassies / consulates in Czech Republic

United States Embassy, Prague: +420 257 022 000.

British Embassy, Prague: +420 257 402 111.

Canadian Embassy, Prague: +420 272 101 800.

Australian Consulate, Prague: +420 221 729 260.

South African Embassy, Prague: +420 267 311 114.

Irish Embassy, Prague: +420 257 011 280.

New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Czech Republic): +49 30 206 210.

Climate in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a typically European continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm (sometimes wet) summers. Winters (November to February) can get very chilly; January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures far below zero and strong, cold winds. Snowfall can be heavy; in the low-lying areas the yearly average of snow days is less than 40; in the mountainous areas it reaches 120. Summer temperatures average between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C) but often reach as high as 86°F (30°C). There is plenty of sun in summer but there are also frequent thunderstorms. The capital, Prague, experiences average temperatures ranging from 25°F (-4°C) during winter, to 73°F (23°C) during summer.

The best time to visit the Czech Republic is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer (June to September) is the tourist high season, but spring and autumn can also be rewarding times to visit, particularly if travellers prefer to avoid the tourist crowds. Although the winters are cold, the Czech landscapes do look strikingly beautiful when it is snowy, so every season has its advantages for tourists.