Czech Republic
Updated June 20, 2026
The Czech Republic welcomed nearly 23.6 million accommodation guests in 2025, with international arrivals reaching 10.9 million, a 4.1% increase, while British tourist numbers alone surged 541% in 2026 as the country tops travel trend lists for British visitors. Prague drew 8.27 million visitors in …
Must-See Places in Czech Republic
Prague
Prague's UNESCO-listed historic center preserves Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture remarkably intact, anchored by Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the world's oldest operating astronomical clock, installed in 1410. The city drew 8.27 million visitors in 2025, with growing interest in premium, longer-stay experiences over quick city breaks. Ideal for first-time visitors and architecture enthusiasts seeking one of Europe's most visually stunning historic capitals.
Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves a perfectly intact medieval and Renaissance town centered on a dramatic hilltop castle overlooking the winding Vltava River, often considered one of Europe's most beautifully preserved small historic towns. The town's relatively compact size makes it ideal for a leisurely day trip or overnight stay from Prague. Best for travelers seeking fairy-tale medieval architecture without Prague's larger crowds.
Plzeň
Plzeň, birthplace of pilsner-style lager in 1842, anchors the Czech Republic's brewing heritage with the Pilsner Urquell brewery offering tours through its historic production facilities and atmospheric underground cellars. The surrounding Žatec hop-growing region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023, supplies the distinctive Saaz hops central to Czech beer's character. Ideal for beer enthusiasts seeking the origin point of one of the world's most influential brewing styles.
South Moravia
South Moravia, increasingly popular among 2026's regional tourism growth, offers the Czech Republic's premier wine region alongside the historic city of Brno and the painted folk village of Vlčnov, home to the UNESCO-recognized Ride of the Kings tradition. The region's gentler landscape and wine culture contrast with Bohemia's more castle-dense north. Best for wine lovers and travelers seeking a quieter, culturally rich alternative to the Prague-centered tourist circuit.
Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary, a UNESCO World Heritage spa town since 2021, has drawn visitors seeking its naturally heated mineral springs since the 14th century, its elegant colonnades and grand spa hotels reflecting centuries of European aristocratic wellness tourism. The town's annual film festival adds a significant contemporary cultural draw alongside its historic spa heritage. Ideal for wellness travelers and those seeking elegant, low-key relaxation within easy reach of Prague.
Krkonoše Mountains
The Krkonoše Mountains along the Czech-Polish border offer the country's premier winter sports region alongside summer hiking through dramatic alpine terrain, including Sněžka, the Czech Republic's highest peak. The range's distinct ecosystem and relatively undeveloped character provide a notable contrast to the country's castle- and city-focused tourist circuit. Best for hikers and skiers seeking the Czech Republic's most significant mountain landscape.
Unique Experiences in Czech Republic
Touring the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň
Tour the historic Pilsner Urquell brewery, walking through the underground cellars where pilsner-style lager was first brewed in 1842, tasting unfiltered beer drawn directly from oak barrels in the original cellar setting.
Exploring Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
Explore Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle complex in the world by area, including St. Vitus Cathedral's Gothic spires and stained glass, much of it built over centuries starting under Charles IV in the 14th century.
Wine Tasting in South Moravia
Tour South Moravia's rolling vineyard countryside, tasting the region's distinctive white wines at small family-run wineries, a markedly different Czech experience from the country's dominant beer culture.
Hiking Český Ráj's Sandstone Rock Formations
Hike through Český Ráj ('Bohemian Paradise'), a dramatic landscape of sandstone rock towers and formations, including trails leading to medieval castle ruins built directly into the rock outcrops themselves.
Watching a Marionette Performance in Prague
Watch a traditional Czech marionette puppet performance, a centuries-old folk art form deeply tied to Czech cultural identity, performed at small dedicated theaters throughout Prague's historic center.
Soaking in Karlovy Vary's Thermal Springs
Drink from Karlovy Vary's famous mineral springs using the traditional spa cup with a built-in drinking spout, while exploring the elegant colonnades that have drawn aristocratic and wellness travelers to this spa town since the 14th century.
Travel Tips for Czech Republic
Validate Public Transport Tickets in Prague
Prague's metro, trams, and buses operate on an honor system requiring tickets to be validated at small machines immediat…
Tip Modestly — Rounding Up Is Standard
Tipping in the Czech Republic is appreciated but modest by international standards — rounding up the bill or adding roug…
Look Beyond Prague for Better Value and Fewer Crowds
Prague costs run 10-15% higher than regional cities like Brno, Olomouc, or České Budějovice, and growing British and bro…
Carry Some Cash Despite Growing Card Acceptance
While Prague and major tourist areas are increasingly card-friendly, smaller towns, traditional pubs, and some castle ti…
Book Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary Day Trips or Overnight Stays in Advance
Popular day trip destinations from Prague, including Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary, draw significant demand during peak…
Check ETIAS Requirements Before Late 2026 Travel
Visa-exempt travelers, including from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, will need an approved ETIAS travel authorizatio…
Must-Try Local Dishes
Svíčková
Svíčková slow-braises marinated beef sirloin in a creamy root vegetable sauce, served alongside fluffy bread dumplings (knedlíky), a dollop of whipped cream, and a slice of cranberry compote, representing one of Czech cuisine's most beloved and frequently ordered comfort dishes. The dish's distinctive sweet-savory balance, achieved through the root vegetable puree and cranberry garnish, distinguishes it from heavier Central European beef preparations elsewhere in the region. Many Czechs consider a properly made svíčková a benchmark test of any restaurant's overall cooking quality.
Czech Goulash (Guláš)
Czech goulash differs from its Hungarian namesake by typically using a thicker, less soupy consistency and milder paprika seasoning, slow-cooked beef served alongside bread or potato dumplings rather than the rice common in some other regional variations. The dish reflects centuries of culinary exchange across the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with each constituent nation developing its own distinct interpretation of the shared goulash tradition. Pub versions throughout the Czech Republic vary considerably in spice level and thickness, reflecting genuine regional and individual cook preferences.
Trdelník
Trdelník wraps a sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough spiral around a rotating spit, grilled over open coals until golden and caramelized, then often filled with whipped cream, Nutella, or fruit for an indulgent street food treat sold throughout Prague's tourist areas. Despite its strong association with Prague today, the pastry actually originated in Slovakia and Hungary, only becoming a major Prague street food phenomenon relatively recently as tourism grew. Its visually striking preparation process, with rows of pastries slowly rotating over open flame, makes it a popular photo subject for visitors.
Knedlíky (Czech Dumplings)
Knedlíky, Czech bread dumplings, serve as the essential starch accompaniment to nearly every traditional Czech main dish, their soft, slightly spongy texture designed specifically to soak up rich gravies and sauces from dishes like svíčková and goulash. Bread dumplings differ from the bramborové knedlíky (potato dumpling) variant, with both forms remaining fundamental staples of Czech home cooking and restaurant menus alike. Properly made knedlíky achieve a delicate balance between firm enough to slice and soft enough to absorb sauce without falling apart.
Smažený Sýr
Smažený sýr coats a thick slice of cheese, typically Edam or a similar semi-hard variety, in breadcrumbs before deep-frying until the exterior turns crisp and golden while the cheese inside melts into a gooey, stretchy center, served with tartar sauce and a side of fries. The dish exemplifies Czech pub food's straightforward, hearty character, designed as a satisfying accompaniment to beer rather than refined dining. Its simple preparation and reliably satisfying combination of crispy exterior and molten interior make it a perennial favorite across Czech pubs nationwide.
Czech Pilsner Beer
Czech pilsner, pioneered in Plzeň in 1842 with the creation of Pilsner Urquell, established the golden, clear lager style that would become the world's most widely produced beer category, its crisp, slightly bitter hop character achieved through specific local water chemistry and Saaz hops grown in the nearby Žatec region. Czech brewing tradition dates documented practice back to 993 AD, among Europe's longest continuous brewing histories. The Žatec hop-growing region itself became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, recognizing centuries of specialized agricultural and brewing heritage.
History
Great Moravia and the Foundations of Bohemia
The Great Moravian Empire, emerging in the 9th century AD across territory including modern Czech lands, brought Christianity to the region through missionaries Cyril and Methodius, who developed an early Slavic alphabet and liturgy that would influence the broader Slavic world. Following Great Moravia's collapse, the Duchy of Bohemia emerged as the dominant regional power, centered on Prague.
The Kingdom of Bohemia
Bohemia developed into a significant medieval kingdom, with Prague growing into one of medieval Europe's most important cities, particularly under Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century, who made Prague his imperial capital and founded Charles University in 1348, Central Europe's oldest university.
- Charles IV's reign transformed Prague into one of Europe's largest and most architecturally significant cities, commissioning Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral's continued construction.
- Prague's Old Town and surrounding historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves this medieval golden age architecture remarkably intact today.
- The Czech lands' position at the crossroads of Germanic and Slavic Europe shaped a distinctive cultural identity blending both influences throughout the medieval period.
- Bohemia's medieval kings held significant influence within the Holy Roman Empire, with Charles IV himself serving as Holy Roman Emperor from 1355.
This medieval golden age, particularly under Charles IV, established Prague's enduring reputation as one of Europe's most architecturally significant cities, a legacy still drawing millions of visitors today.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Spring
6–19°C
Spring (April to June) brings mild, pleasant temperatures with comfortable conditions and relatively little rainfall, ma…
Summer
16–25°C
Summer (June to August) brings the Czech Republic's warmest weather, with temperatures typically 20–25°C and occasionall…
Autumn
7–18°C
Autumn (September to October) offers comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and noticeably less rainfall than summer, m…
Winter
-3–4°C
Winter (December to February) brings cold, wet, and often icy conditions, with Prague's Christmas markets and snow-duste…
Fascinating Fun Facts
Czechs Drink More Beer Per Capita Than Any Country on Earth
The Czech Republic holds the world's highest per-capita beer consumption at roughly 140 liters annually per person, a de…
Pilsner Beer Was Invented in a Single Czech Town
Pilsner Urquell, brewed in Plzeň starting in 1842, pioneered the golden, clear pilsner-style lager that would go on to b…
Prague's Astronomical Clock Is the World's Oldest Still Operating
The Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj), installed in 1410 on the city's Old Town Hall, remains the oldest astronomical cl…
The Velvet Revolution Ended Communism in Weeks, Without Bloodshed
Czechoslovakia's 1989 Velvet Revolution peacefully ended 41 years of communist rule within a matter of weeks, led by dis…
Czechoslovakia's Split Into Two Countries Is Called the 'Velvet Divorce'
Czechoslovakia's 1993 dissolution into the separate Czech Republic and Slovakia occurred entirely peacefully and by poli…
The Czech Republic Has Roughly 2,000 Castles and Chateaux
The Czech Republic maintains one of the highest concentrations of castles and chateaux relative to its size anywhere in …
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