Things to Do in Czechia

About Czechia

Czechia packs medieval castles, baroque architecture, and some of Europe's best beer into a country smaller than South Carolina. Prague dominates—golden spires, gothic churches, and crowds year-round—but the smaller cities deliver without the chaos. Český Krumlov's old town earned its UNESCO status for good reason, and Karlovy Vary has been drawing spa tourists to its hot springs for centuries. The country runs on pilsner. Czechs drink more beer per capita than anyone else, and the pubs haven't changed much in generations. You'll find locals in the same spots their grandparents drank, and they won't mind if you join. Time slows down here. The astronomical clock in Prague still draws crowds every hour, crystal factories still cut glass by hand, and thermal baths still operate in towns across Bohemia. Castle ruins sit on half the hills you'll see, most with vineyards spreading below them. The food is heavy. Pork, dumplings, and cream sauces dominate menus—this isn't the place for light eating, and that is fine after a day of walking cobblestone streets. Share a table with strangers in a traditional pub and you'll understand why Czechs have perfected the art of sitting for hours over beer. Worth the trip.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Prague's excellent public transport uses a unified ticket system for metros, trams, and buses. Buy tickets from machines or mobile apps before boarding. For intercity travel, book České dráhy trains online for discounts up to 50% when purchased in advance.

Money: Czech Republic uses Czech crowns (CZK), not euros. Withdraw cash from bank ATMs to avoid poor exchange rates at tourist areas. Many restaurants and shops accept cards, but always carry cash for small vendors and traditional pubs.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and some guesthouses. Czechs appreciate quiet behavior on public transport. When toasting with beer, make eye contact and never cross arms with others. Say 'Na zdraví' (to your health) when clinking glasses.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Traditional Czech cuisine is heavy and meat-focused—try goulash, svíčková, and local beer. Many restaurants charge for bread automatically, so decline if unwanted. Tipping 10% is standard for good service.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures of 15-20°C with occasional showers, perfect for sightseeing without summer crowds. Accommodation prices are 20-30% lower than peak season. Summer (June-August) sees temperatures of 20-25°C and is ideal for outdoor activities, though expect 30-40% higher prices and crowded attractions. Key events include Prague Spring Festival (May 12-June 3) and Czech Beer Festival (May-September). Autumn (September-October) offers crisp weather around 10-18°C, impressive fall colors, and harvest festivals, with prices dropping 25% after mid-September. Winter (November-March) brings cold temperatures of -2-5°C but transforms cities into magical wonderlands. Christmas markets run November 26-January 6, while accommodation costs plummet 40-50% January-March. Wine lovers should visit during harvest season (September-October), while spa ensoiasts will find better deals and fewer crowds in winter months. Summer offers the best weather but highest costs, while shoulder seasons provide the optimal balance of pleasant conditions and reasonable prices for most travelers.