Czech Republic

Castles, Spa Towns, The Golden City of Prague, Monuments, Religious Sites, and Unique Architecture are all part of what makes the Czech Republic the Crossroads of European Culture. If you’re looking for activities, you’re in luck as there are a number of opportunities for bungee jumping and other adrenaline driven sports.

The Czech Republic is a landlocked European Union nation located in Central Europe. Geographically, it is located southeast of Germany, borders Austria to the south, Poland to the north, and Slovakia is located to the southeast.

Prague – The Golden City

The largest city and capital is Prague, known as The Golden City. Prague is a lively city with many historical sites, interesting restaurants, and has a good nightlife. In the medieval centre of Prague you’ll find an 1100-year-old castle along with a network of cobbled lanes. It’s a breathtaking display combined with ancient courtyards, dark passages, and a plethora of churches. A unique a beautiful historic point of interest is the Troja Palace, the 16th-century summer residence of the Counts of Sternberg, set amidst formal gardens.

Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia Regions

The Golden City of Prague is magnificent, but you’ll want to make your way into the Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia regions of the Czech Republic. The diverse landscape includes spruce forests and rolling hills. Spa Towns such as Luhacovice in Moravia along with Jeseník & Karviná in Silesia will be calling your name.

Ceský Krumlov

No trip to the Czech Republic is complete until you visit Ceský Krumlov, a large town with well-preserved architecture from the Middle Ages and a castle out of a fairy-tale book that overlooks the town. There’s no excuse not to visit as train service from Prague will only set you back about 13 USD (you will need to transfer trains at Ceské Budejovice for the Ceské Krumlov train station).

Other Czech Republic Cities and Attractions

Since you’ll have to switch trains in Ceské Budejovice to visit Ceské Krumlov, you should spend some time exploring the city. It’s the largest in Bohemia and Budweiser beer is made here – not the American Budweiser but a Czech beer, also known as Budvar that’s been brewed here for hundreds of years. There’s many sights and interesting architecture here in Ceské Budejovice.

Kutná Hora is another spectacular town in Bohemia with Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. The city was founded with silver mines in the middle ages and today you can take tours these Mines. The eye-catching Church of St. Barbara is a must-see. This astonishing church dates to 1380 and is of Gothic Bohemian style.

Wine lovers will be in for a treat with a visit to Novosedly na Morave. Located in the Moravian wine region a horseback ride through the vineyards is the way to travel!

Nature lovers will enjoy the Czech Republic, as there are numerous National Parks and Biosphere Reserves. Visit the Bílé Karpaty Biosphere Reserve located in the southwest end of the Carpathian Mountain range. In the Turnovsko area there is the Bozkovské Dolomite Caves. These are the only ones made of limestone in the Czech Republic and inside the caves you’ll find the largest underground lake in the Czech Republic.

TIP: When speaking to locals it's taboo to refer to the Czech Republic as a Cental or Eastern European Country - Just refer to it as a European country.

Getting to the Czech Republic

Prague’s Ruzyne International Airport (PRG) is the gateway to this marvelous country. CSA Czech Airlines is the national carrier of the Czech Republic and has service from all of the major European Capital cities. CSA is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance and has non-stop service from New York’s JFK airport. SkyTeam partner Delta Air Lines operates a hub at JFK and codeshares on the New York to Prague flight.

Other airlines providing service include British Airways (London), Air France (Paris), KLM (Amsterdam), and Malev (Budapest). Most passengers from overseas will likely have to connect through a major European hub to reach Prague. The European discount carrier EasyJet provides service to Prague from Basel (BSL), Dortmund (DTM), London-Gatwick (LGW), London-Stansted (STN), Newcastle (NCL), Nottingham/East Midlands (EMA).

Public transport options from the Prague Airport to the city centre are limited to bus service at this time but taxis are also available. A taxi will cost approximately 335 Koruny (about $15 USD).

There are also train and bus services into the Czech Republic from neighbouring nations.

Getting around the Czech Republic

Once you’ve arrived into the Czech Republic, you’ll have an easy time getting around. Prague has good urban public transportation and it’s the best way to get around the city. It’s important to be careful for pickpockets when using public transportation.

By Train: The train is a good way to get around and most of the country is well connected with train service. The only drawback is trains are often slow because the rail lines have not been upgraded.

By Bus: Bus services are also available and are often cheaper and faster than the train. Most busses leave Prague from Florenc Bus Station.

Cycle touring is also a good way to get out and see the countryside. Trains in the Czech Republic have bicycle racks. If you’re in a hurry, the national airline, CSA Czech Airlines provides domestic services to major cities in the country.

Taxis: Negotiate a price before you use a taxi or use a reputable taxi company.

Currency in Czech Republic

Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, they do not use the Euro common currency. The currency is the Czech Koruna (plural is Koruny). The local symbol for the Koruna is Kc.

Exchanging Currency in the Czech Republic

As of this writing 1 USD equal to 22.2 CZK (Czech Republic Koruny). The best way to obtain the Czech Koruna is by using an ATM as this often provides the best exchange rate. Check with your bank to see if they charge any foreign currency transaction fees for ATM usage overseas.

You may also exchange cash or travellers cheques at a Czech Bank, but the exchange rate is not always the best and surcharges often apply. ATMs are readily available in major cities but in smaller towns they may be difficult to locate.

Major Credit Cards are accepted at hotels and large shops for major purchases and also provide a good exchange rate (minus any fees your bank charges).