Czech Republic holidays offer one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved capitals, hundreds of castles, and a beer culture that treats brewing as a serious art form. I spent two weeks exploring Prague and the surrounding countryside and found a country where the Gothic and Baroque architecture survived the 20th century largely intact, where the beer genuinely is cheaper than water, and where the tourist crowds in Prague give way to empty cobbled squares just an hour’s train ride away.
Prague dominates Czech tourism – understandably, since it is extraordinary – but limiting yourself to the capital means missing much of what makes this country interesting. The fairy-tale castle towns, the spa towns in the west, and the wine regions of Moravia offer a different perspective on Central European culture.
Prague
Few cities live up to their reputation as completely as Prague. The medieval Old Town, the Charles Bridge, the castle overlooking the river – it all looks exactly like the photographs, except somehow better in person. The city escaped major damage in World War II, so what you see is genuinely centuries old rather than careful reconstruction.
The downside is the crowds. Prague receives more tourists than it can comfortably handle, and the historic centre can feel overrun in summer. The solution is timing: early morning and evening, when day-trippers retreat and the city becomes manageable again.
Old Town (Stare Mesto)
The medieval heart of Prague, centred on Old Town Square. The square itself is spectacular – Gothic towers, baroque facades, outdoor cafes, and the famous Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall.
Astronomical Clock – The medieval clock puts on an hourly show of moving figures representing the Apostles. The mechanism dates to 1410; the spectacle is brief (about 45 seconds) but the clock face itself is beautiful. Climb the tower for views across the square. Tower entry CZK 250 (£8.50).
Church of Our Lady before Tyn – The twin Gothic spires dominate the square’s skyline. The interior is less impressive than the exterior but worth a look. Free entry.
Old Town Square – The heart of tourist Prague, with buskers, horse carriages, and outdoor restaurants. Overpriced for eating and drinking but essential for atmosphere.
Charles Bridge
The 14th-century stone bridge connecting Old Town to the Lesser Town (Mala Strana), lined with 30 baroque statues of saints. The bridge is beautiful and iconic – and almost always crowded. Visit at dawn for relatively empty views and good photography light.
The views from the bridge, with the castle above and the Vltava River below, are Prague at its most photogenic.
Prague Castle
The largest ancient castle complex in the world, according to Guinness. The castle has been the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents. The complex contains palaces, churches, gardens, and museums spread across a vast hilltop site.
St Vitus Cathedral – The Gothic cathedral inside the castle grounds, with stunning stained glass (including an Alphonse Mucha window), royal tombs, and the Crown Chamber where Bohemian crown jewels are kept. The cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete.
Old Royal Palace – Medieval royal residence with the vast Vladislav Hall.
Golden Lane – A row of tiny, colourful houses built into the castle walls, originally home to castle guards and later to artisans. Franz Kafka lived at No. 22 for a period.
Castle entry varies by circuit: Circuit A (all buildings) CZK 450 (£15.50); Circuit B (main buildings) CZK 350 (£12).
Mala Strana (Lesser Town)
The baroque district below the castle, with palaces, gardens, and quieter streets than Old Town. Wallenstein Garden, with its peacocks and grottoes, is a peaceful escape. Petrin Hill offers panoramic views – climb the Petrin Tower (modelled on the Eiffel Tower) or take the funicular.
Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
The historic Jewish ghetto, now containing several synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and a museum documenting centuries of Jewish life in Prague. The community was nearly destroyed in the Holocaust; the preserved buildings include the oldest active synagogue in Europe.
Entry to the Jewish Museum sites: CZK 500 (£17). The Old Jewish Cemetery, with graves stacked in layers due to space constraints, is haunting.
Nightlife and Beer
Prague has two overlapping drinking cultures: the traditional beer hall experience (dark wood, Czech lagers, hearty food) and the modern bar scene (craft beer, cocktails, clubs).
Traditional beer halls – U Zlateho Tygra, U Medvidku, and Lokál are good for traditional Czech beer in no-nonsense settings. Pilsner Urquell and Budvar are the famous names; ask for small-batch or tank beer for the freshest pours.
Craft beer – Prague has embraced craft brewing. Pivovarsky klub and Bad Flash Bar are good starting points.
Expect to pay CZK 50-70 (£1.70-2.40) for a half-litre in traditional pubs, more in craft bars and tourist areas.
Beyond Prague
Cesky Krumlov
A fairy-tale town built around a castle, about three hours south of Prague. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Renaissance and baroque buildings along the Vltava River. The castle, second in size only to Prague Castle, dominates from above.
The town is small enough to explore in a day but deserves an overnight stay – the crowds diminish after the tour buses leave, and the evening atmosphere is magical.
The Castle – Multiple courtyards, a baroque theatre, and gardens. The views from the tower are worth the climb.
Rafting the Vltava – Gentle rapids and beautiful scenery make this a popular summer activity. Hire canoes or kayaks in town.
Cesky Krumlov is extremely popular – summer weekends are packed. Visit on weekdays or off-season if possible.
Kutna Hora
A medieval silver-mining town about an hour east of Prague, known for the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) – a chapel decorated with the bones of 40,000-70,000 people. The bone decorations include a chandelier containing every bone in the human body. It is macabre and fascinating.
The town also has a magnificent Gothic cathedral (St Barbara’s) and a well-preserved medieval centre. Easy as a day trip from Prague.
Karlstejn Castle
A dramatically sited 14th-century castle built by Charles IV to house the imperial crown jewels. The castle perches on a hill above the village, looking like a medieval postcard. Interior tours show the Chapel of the Holy Cross (reservation required) with walls covered in semi-precious stones.
About 40 minutes from Prague by train; an easy half-day trip.
Brno
The second city and capital of Moravia, less touristy than Prague with a good restaurant and bar scene. The Spilberk Castle and the Tugendhat Villa (a Mies van der Rohe masterpiece) are the main sights.
Brno is a good base for exploring Moravian wine country.
Czech Beer
The Czechs invented Pilsner and consume more beer per capita than any nation on earth. Beer here is a serious matter – freshness is paramount, and serving temperature and glassware receive proper attention.
Pilsner Urquell – The original pilsner, from Plzen. Tour the brewery for the freshest version, drawn straight from oak lagering barrels.
Budvar – The original Budweiser, from Ceske Budejovice. Nothing like the American beer that borrowed (and trademarked) the name.
Small breweries – Traditional microbreweries (pivovars) and modern craft brewers are thriving. Ask for “nefiltrovane” (unfiltered) or “kvasnicove” (yeast beer) for more complex flavours.
Beer typically costs less than bottled water in restaurants – CZK 40-60 (£1.35-2) for a half-litre is standard outside tourist centres.
Czech Food
Hearty, meat-heavy cuisine designed for cold winters.
Svickova – Marinated beef sirloin with cream sauce, bread dumplings, and cranberries. The national dish.
Gulas – Beef goulash, influenced by Hungarian cuisine, served with bread dumplings.
Veprove koleno – Roasted pork knee, crispy-skinned and substantial.
Smaženy syr – Fried cheese, served with tartar sauce. Street food.
Trdelnik – Chimney cake rolled in sugar and nuts. More tourist attraction than traditional food, but tasty.
Practical Information
Getting There
Prague Airport (PRG) has direct flights from most European cities. Budget carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet) keep prices low.
Getting Around
Trains – Czech Railways (CD) connects cities efficiently. Prague to Brno takes 2.5 hours; Prague to Cesky Krumlov takes 3-4 hours (with a change).
Buses – RegioJet and FlixBus offer comfortable, cheap intercity travel. Often faster than trains for destinations not on main rail lines.
Prague Metro – Clean, efficient, and covers the city well. Single ticket CZK 40 (£1.35); 24-hour pass CZK 120 (£4.10).
When to Visit
April to June, September to October – The best times. Mild weather, manageable crowds.
July to August – Peak tourist season. Hot, crowded, and more expensive.
December – Christmas markets transform Prague’s squares. Cold but atmospheric.
January to March – Cold and grey but uncrowded. Good for budget travellers.
Costs
The Czech Republic is good value compared to Western Europe.
- Hostel dorm: CZK 400-600 (£13.50-20.50) per night
- Budget hotel: CZK 1,200-2,000 (£41-68) per night
- Mid-range hotel: CZK 2,500-4,000 (£85-136) per night
- Restaurant meal: CZK 200-400 (£6.80-13.60)
- Beer (half-litre): CZK 40-70 (£1.35-2.40)
- Coffee: CZK 60-90 (£2-3)
- Prague metro single: CZK 40 (£1.35)
- Prague Castle Circuit B: CZK 350 (£12)
Visas
Czech Republic is an EU and Schengen member. UK visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Language
Czech. English is widely spoken in Prague and tourist areas; older generations may speak German or Russian.
Power
Czech Republic uses Type C and E plugs (two round pins). Voltage is 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Czech Republic?
UK visitors can stay in the Czech Republic visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The Czech Republic is an EU and Schengen member. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
What is the best time to visit the Czech Republic?
The best time to visit is April to June and September to October, when weather is mild and crowds are manageable. Summer (July-August) is peak season with hot weather and heavy crowds. December is popular for Christmas markets but expect cold temperatures.
What currency does the Czech Republic use?
The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in Prague and tourist areas. ATMs are readily available, and currency exchange offices are common in cities. Expect approximately 29 CZK to £1.
What type of power plugs does the Czech Republic use?
The Czech Republic uses Type C and E plugs with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz. UK visitors will need a travel adapter. US visitors will need both an adapter and a voltage converter for appliances not rated for 230V.
How much does it cost to visit the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic offers good value compared to Western Europe. Budget travellers can expect to spend around £30-50 per day. Mid-range travellers should budget £60-90 per day. Beer costs £1.35-2.40 for a half-litre, and restaurant meals typically cost £6.80-13.60.
Is the Czech Republic safe for tourists?
The Czech Republic is generally very safe for tourists. Prague has some petty crime including pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, overcharging at currency exchange offices, and taxi scams. Be cautious in the Old Town and around major tourist sites. Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps.
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