Travelling in the Czech Republic: Prague and beyond
Travelling in the Czech Republic, or Czechia, means discovering Prague, a capital of well-preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, and a compact country of castles, medieval towns, spa resorts and sandstone landscapes, with a centuries-old beer culture in Bohemia and wine cellars in Moravia.
When to go
Spring, from April to June, and early autumn, in September and October, bring mild temperatures and fewer visitors than summer in Prague. July and August are warm and ideal for canoeing the Vltava, although the capital is at its busiest. September is grape harvest time in Moravia. Winters are cold; December brings Christmas markets, and the Krkonoše mountains offer skiing.
Where to go
Prague
The capital is best explored on foot, from Old Town Square and its astronomical clock across Charles Bridge to Malá Strana and Prague Castle. Vyšehrad, the Josefov Jewish quarter and Petřín Hill complete a first visit.
Český Krumlov
Set in a bend of the Vltava in South Bohemia, this UNESCO-listed town keeps Renaissance houses, cobbled lanes and a vast castle with a Baroque theatre. It deserves at least one night to see it without the day-trip crowds.
Kutná Hora
A former silver-mining town about an hour from Prague, Kutná Hora has the Gothic Cathedral of St Barbara and, in Sedlec, the ossuary decorated with human bones. It is one of the most popular day trips from the capital.
Bohemian Switzerland
On the German border, this sandstone national park has gorges, viewpoints and the great natural arch of Pravčická brána. Boat rides through the Kamenice River gorges and trails from Hřensko are its best-known highlights.
Karlovy Vary and the spa towns
In West Bohemia, Karlovy Vary has colonnades, hot springs and grand period buildings, while nearby Mariánské Lázně is another elegant spa town. Visitors sip the waters from special spouted cups and try Becherovka herbal liqueur.
Brno and South Moravia
Brno, the country's second city, has Mies van der Rohe's Villa Tugendhat and a student atmosphere. Further south, Mikulov and the Lednice–Valtice cultural landscape, with palaces, parks and wine cellars, are white-wine country.
What to do
Explore Prague's neighbourhoods
Beyond the centre, Vinohrady and Žižkov have cafés, leafy squares and local bars, while Letná Park has a beer garden overlooking the bridges. At sunset, Vyšehrad fortress is calmer than the castle and has wide views over the river.
Eat in a hospoda and visit Plzeň
Czech pubs serve svíčková with cream sauce, goulash with dumplings, fried cheese and roast pork knuckle, all with draught beer. In Plzeň, birthplace of pilsner-style lager, you can tour the historic Pilsner Urquell brewery.
Canoe down the Vltava
The stretch of the Vltava around Český Krumlov is a classic Czech summer trip: rented canoes and rafts, small weirs, riverside campsites and villages where you stop for lunch. It is easy going and suitable for beginners.
Visit Karlštejn Castle
Under an hour from Prague by train, this Gothic castle built for Charles IV rises above a village in the Berounka valley. The walk up and the guided tours of its halls make it a simple, rewarding day out.
Take the waters in the spa towns
In Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně, you stroll from spring to spring, tasting mineral water at different temperatures. Many spa hotels offer treatments, baths and thermal pools, ideal for a slow few days.
Hike in Bohemian Paradise
Český ráj, north-east of Prague, is a protected area of rock towns, sandstone towers and ruined castles such as Trosky. Waymarked trails between Prachovské skály and Hrubá Skála make a satisfying day's walk.
Practical tips
- The currency is the Czech koruna, not the euro; when paying by card, choose to pay in koruna to avoid poor conversions at the terminal.
- On Prague public transport, paper tickets must be validated when you board or enter the metro, and inspectors check often.
- Bring comfortable shoes: Prague and the historic towns have many cobbled streets and slopes, especially on the climb up to the castle.
- Trains and buses link Prague well with Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov, Brno and Karlovy Vary, so you can tour the country without a car.
As a couple, family or with friends
For couples, Prague plus a night in Český Krumlov makes a well-rounded trip; for families, castles, canoeing on the Vltava and Bohemian Paradise keep all ages busy. Friends can combine Prague, Plzeň and the Moravian wine cellars. In the Gata app you can gather ideas and stays in one place and decide together.
Save ideas and stays and decide as a group with the Gata app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Prague?
Three days cover the historic centre, the castle, Malá Strana and a neighbourhood such as Vinohrady at a relaxed pace. With four or five, add day trips to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn. For Český Krumlov, it is worth staying at least one night.
Is it worth leaving Prague?
Yes. Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora show historic Bohemia, Bohemian Switzerland and Bohemian Paradise offer nature, the western spa towns invite you to slow down, and Moravia adds wine and a different pace. The country is small and distances are short.
What day trips can I take from Prague?
The most common are Kutná Hora, Karlštejn Castle, Plzeň and Bohemian Switzerland, all reachable by train or bus. Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary can also be done in a day, but they are longer trips and better enjoyed with an overnight stay.
What Czech food should I try?
Try svíčková, beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings; Czech goulash; smažený sýr, fried cheese; chlebíčky, open sandwiches; and buchty or koláče for dessert. To drink, draught beer in Bohemia and white wine in Moravia.
