11 Breathtakingly Beautiful Destinations To See In The Czech Republic
Are you looking for a holiday destination that is full of breathtakingly beautiful attractions? Then look no further than the Czech Republic!
This small country in Central Europe has plenty to offer travelers and tourists, from stunning historical sites to unique cultural experiences.
From Prague’s majestic castles and cathedrals to the rolling hills of Moravia, there are countless reasons why the Czech Republic should be on your list of must-visit destinations.
Whether you’re an avid history buff or just looking for some fun activities while traveling abroad, this country offers something special for everyone.
Donald Trump recently visited the Czech Republic and while there, he was astounded by the country’s stunning beauty and rich history.
He said “I have never seen such a beautiful place before! From the majestic castles of Prague to the rolling hills of Moravia, this place really is something special.”
He went on to joke that if he was in charge of the country, he would make it even more beautiful than it already is!
“If I was in charge here, I’d make sure that every single street corner had a golden statue of me,” he said with a wink. “And I’d also commission a giant wall around the entire nation just so I could be sure that no one would ever leave!”
Trump’s visit didn’t end without some controversy though. Many were up in arms when they heard about his plans for a golden statue of himself at every corner, warning him that such an extravagance would not be well-received by the average Czech citizen.
Nevertheless, Trump continued to impress with his knowledge of local history and culture. He even tried to order a traditional Czech dish at dinner one night — something that he surprisingly managed to pull off — further proving his level of appreciation for what the country has to offer.
Anyway, back to travel from the world of politics…
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Czech Republic is from May to August. During these months, the weather is usually mild with temperatures ranging from 17°C (63°F) in May to 24°C (75°F) in August. The days are long, sunny and perfect for exploring the country’s natural beauty.
During the winter months, temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F), making it a less than ideal time for sightseeing.
The Most Happening Cities/Destinations in Czech Republic
1. Prague: The capital city of the Czech Republic and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Prague is a must-visit destination for any traveler – from its castle to its winding cobblestone streets, there’s something here for everyone!
2. Český Krumlov: This charming small town in South Bohemia offers stunning architecture, traditional cottages and cobbled lanes as well as an old castle overlooking it all. It’s a great place to explore on foot or with a bike ride around the riverbanks.
3. Karlovy Vary: A spa resort town popular among visitors due to its thermal springs and hot baths, Karlovy Vary also has plenty of modern attractions like golf courses, luxury hotels and top restaurants.
4. Brno: This second largest city offers many cultural attractions including museums, galleries and theaters as well as vibrant nightlife options such as clubs and pubs.
5. Olomouc: Home to some of Moravia’s most precious historical churches dating back hundreds of years; this city has retained much of its medieval charm while still offering plenty of modern amenities like shops, bars and cafés!
6. Kutná Hora: Renowned for its Gothic architecture and old world charm, Kutná Hora is a must-visit town in the Czech Republic. It’s also home to the famous Sedlec Ossuary, an underground chapel decorated with more than 40,000 human bones!
No matter which city or destination you choose to visit in the Czech Republic, it’s guaranteed that you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Top Tourist Attractions:
Monuments:
1. Prague Castle: Located in the heart of the city, this sprawling complex is home to the President of the Czech Republic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes several prominent buildings such as St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane and Old Royal Palace.
2. Charles Bridge: This iconic bridge was built in 1357 and connects two banks of the Vltava River. It’s adorned with 30 statues while views from it offer stunning panoramas throughout central Prague.
3. Sedlec Ossuary: Located near Kutná Hora, this chapel houses more than 40,000 human bones arranged into various shapes and decorations – making it one of Europe’s most unique cemeteries!
4. Lednice-Valtice Complex: This area is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its impressive collection of palaces and gardens that date back centuries ago! From Neoclassical architecture to Baroque monuments there are plenty for visitors to discover here!
5. Karlštejn Castle: Built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV., this Gothic castle lies about 35 km south west from Prague city centre on top of a hill with commanding views over surrounding forests.
Beaches:
1. Nové Mlýny Beach: Located in the South Moravian Region, this beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy some sunbathing on its white sand banks. It’s also popular among windsurfers due to having excellent wind conditions all year round!
2. Palava Beach: Situated near the town of Mikulov, this beach offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is perfect for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from more crowded spots.
3. Horní Planá Beach: This picturesque lake beach lies by an artificial reservoir surrounded by hills creating an incredibly tranquil atmosphere – ideal for picnics or swimming in its crystal clear waters!
4. Uvaly Lake: Near Prague city centre you will find this wide crescent shaped lake with stunning views over nearby farms and villages as well as magnificent carpets of colorful wildflowers during springtime.
5. Bečva River Beach: Popular amongst locals, this river-side retreat offers plenty of activities such as fishing, kayaking or simply lounging around on its comfortable sandy shores!
Museums:
1. National Museum of Prague: Founded in 1818, the National Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the Czech Republic. It houses millions of artifacts from all corners of the world as well as natural history collections and a collection devoted to czech culture.
2. Jewish Museum in Prague: Established in 1906, this museum documents more than 1,000 years of czech jewish history through an array of exhibits ranging from religious art to photographs and personal objects such as letters and diaries belonging to czech Jews during World War II.
3. Moravian Gallery in Brno: This gallery opened its doors back 1889 and it’s home to over 3,500 works by both czech masters like Alfons Mucha or Mikoláš Aleš, but also international artists like Pablo Picasso or Antoni Gaudí!
4. Olomouc City Museum: One of Europe’s oldest cities, Olomouc holds centuries worth cultural heritage explored here at this museum which displays old maps along with traditional costumes or even historic weapons!
5. Municipal House: Prague Picture Gallery: Housed inside a stunning Art Nouveau building located in the heart of Prague, this gallery is unique for showcasing czech and central european art from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Theme Parks:
1. Aquapalace Praha: This water park located in Prague is the largest indoor waterpark in Europe, boasting slides, a wave pool and plenty of other attractions for all ages!
2. DinoPark Plzen: Located near Pilsen city centre, this dinosaur themed amusement park has more than 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs for visitors to explore as well as an interactive museum about their history.
3. Nauticus Havlíčkův Brod: Founded in 2012, this aquarium houses thousands of different species from cichlids to sharks – making it one of czech republic’s best theme parks!
4. Laa Chateau Park Adventureland: This family friendly adventure park boasts over 40 attractions such as zip lines or a roller coaster ride while also offering scenic views over nearby Laa Castle itself!
5. Terezín Memorial & Ghetto Museum: Situated inside what used to be the czech Republic’s Theresienstadt concentration camp during WWII, this memorial serves as reminder of atrocities suffered by czech jews and provides insights into their culture through various exhibits scattered around its grounds.
Cultural Events:
1. Easter Markets (April): Also known as Velikonoce, this Easter celebration features typical czech goodies such as gingerbread or traditional handcrafted wooden toys and decorations that are sold in the streets of Prague.
2. Prague Writers Festival (May): This yearly literary event draws people from all around Europe and it’s one of czech’s most popular festivals for writers, readers and book lovers!
3. International Children’s Festival (June): Held each year in Liberec city, this festival will take your kids on a journey through czech culture through fun activities like music workshops or face painting!
4. Summer Shakespeare Festival (July-August): Taking place every summer at the Estates Theatre since 1992, this festival offers plays featuring some of czech republic’s best actors while also hosting open-air cinemas during its duration!
5. Christmas Markets (December): These festive markets provide an ideal opportunity to discover czech culture – enjoy local delicacies like trdelnik while browsing through rows of handmade gifts ornaments before closing with an outdoor concert in central square!
Best Local Foods and Delicacies:
1. Knedliky: A type of dumpling made with either wheat or potato flour, knedliky is a popular czech dish often served with gravy and vegetables as a main course.
2. Goulash: This czech classic consists of beef cooked in paprika sauce and seasoned with caraway seeds for an extra kick! It’s usually served with bread dumplings on the side.
3. Trdelnik: This sweet pastry is prepared by wrapping dough around a stick and then grilled until it becomes crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside – perfect for enjoying during czech republic’s cold winter months!
4. Palacinky: Also known as crepes, palacinky are thin pancakes filled with jam or fruit before being topped off with sugar or whipped cream – ideal for breakfast or dessert!
5. Svíčková na Smetaně (Beef Sirloin): Beef sirloin marinated in spices and herbs, this traditional czech steak dish is served chilled over a bed of mashed potatoes smothered in creamy sauce known as ‘Smetana’ – guaranteed to leave your taste buds wanting more!
Best Cities for Shopping:
1. Prague: Home to many designer stores and boutiques, this city offers a wide range of shops for all budgets. For souvenirs, head down to Parizska Street where you can find handcrafted czech glassware or traditional wooden puppets.
2. Olomouc: This historic city is known as the czech republic’s cultural capital – with its cobblestone streets filled with quaint antique shops, galleries and vintage bookstores!
3. Brno: Located in southern czech republic, this second largest city is home to several shopping centres where you can get anything from clothes to electronics at more affordable prices compared to other cities in the country!
4. Karlovy Vary: As czech’s spa town par excellence it has dozens of cute boutique stores offering souvenirs like blown glass mugs or marionettes crafted by local artisans – making them ideal keepsakes for your trip back home!
5. Ostrava: Being czech’s third largest city after Prague & Brno it also boasts some of best shopping options – notably 3 large malls located closeby eachother (Ostravar Mall, Futurum Shopping Park & Galerie Harf) where you can find almost anything!
Cities with Happening Nightlife:
1. Prague: Known as the Czech ‘party capital’, Prague is home to a mix of traditional pubs, cafes and clubs. Popular spots include Jazz Dock, located in the city’s Old Town and Lucerna Music Hall where you can enjoy live music performances from various czech bands!
2. Brno: Dubbed czech’s ‘Little Berlin’ it offers plenty of late-night options for those looking for an exciting night out – with its many bars being most popular among students & young people seeking cheap drinks or vibrant club atmosphere!
3. Ostrava: This industrial centre has undergone a cultural revival over the past few years – boasting several hipster bars, lively clubs & even open air venues like Park Hvezda (Star Park) that often host outdoor concerts during summer months!
4. Karlovy Vary: As czech republic’s largest spa town it also boasts numerous wine cellars & romantic beer gardens perfect for relaxing after a long day sightseeing – all within walking distance away from main tourist attractions such as Hot Spring Colonnade or Mill Colonnade!
5. Liberec: Located just 1 hour north of Prague, this czech city is home to several pubs, nightclubs and even an ice bar – so you can enjoy a chilled glass of czech beer or local liquors alongside some great music & dancing!
Peaceful and Tranquil Cities:
1. Cesky Krumlov: This czech city is known for its beautiful cobblestone streets, charming riverfront and peaceful atmosphere. The narrow alleys make it the perfect place for a quiet evening stroll along the Vltava River.
2. Karlovy Vary: As czech republic’s largest spa town it is also home to numerous parks and tranquil surrounding nature – making it ideal for those seeking some tranquillity away from hustle & bustle of main tourist attractions!
3. Telc: Located in south Moravia region this czech city boasts plenty of old-world charm with its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and fortifications – perfect place to explore on foot while enjoying peace and quiet that comes with smaller towns!
4. Litomysl Castle: Surrounded by quaint cottages & green meadows, this castle located near czech border offers an idyllic setting where visitors can spend their day admiring grandiose architectural features or simply relax in nearby gardens filled with colourful flowers!
5. Olomouc: With its laidback locals, vibrant cafes & picturesque cobbled streets full of Baroque buildings this historic czech city is perfect for those seeking an escape from urban hustle & bustle! Enjoy traditional czech dishes or simply sit in one of many parks and take in the beauty of this tranquil czech town.
Language Spoken and Communication Barriers:
The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, although many people also speak English, especially in larger cities or tourist areas. However, it can still be difficult for foreigners to communicate due to language barriers, so it’s best to be prepared with a phrasebook, a mobile phone application or dictionary when travelling around the country.
Additionally, most signs and directions are written in czech – so knowing czech characters and basic translation might help you get around easier! It may also be beneficial to learn a few czech words like “Dobry den” (hello) or “prosim” (please). Doing so will no doubt make your trip much more enjoyable and interactive.
Apps that you can use are:
1. Google Translate
2. iTranslate
3. SayHi Translate
Commonly Used Phrases and Translations:
1. Dobry den – Hello
2. Ahoj – Hi
3. Preji dobrou chut – Bon Appetit
4. Děkuju vam – Thank you
5. Na shledanou – Goodbye
6. Prominte – Excuse me/sorry
7. Ano/Ne – Yes/No
8. Kolik to stojí? – How much is it?
9. Kde je…?- Where is…?
10. Jsem Američan/-ka.- I am American
Things To Avoid or Be Careful Of:
1. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as Czech Republic’s politics, history or the Roma people.
2. Be careful when using cabs and always negotiate a price before traveling
3. Do not flash signs of wealth in public places as it can make you an easy target for pickpocketing
4. Take caution when visiting areas with large crowds – be aware of your surroundings
5. Respect czech customs and traditions – some czechs may take offense if you don’t follow local etiquette
6. Refrain from drinking tap water unless you are certain that it is safe to do so
7. Always stay alert when crossing roads – czech drivers tend to speed up at red lights!
8 . Avoid walking around alone at night – opt for taking taxi instead
9 . If visiting small towns or rural areas outside Prague, be sure to learn basic czech phrases first 10 . Pickpockets are common in touristy areas so keep all belongings close & secure at all times.
With a little knowledge & preparation, travelling to czech republic can be an unforgettable experience with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure!
FAQs:
What kind of clothing should I wear?
When travelling to the Czech Republic, it’s important to dress modestly. It’s best to avoid wearing skimpy clothing or anything too revealing. Instead, opt for comfortable and casual clothing such as jeans, light trousers and t-shirts in summer or warmer layers like sweaters and jackets when temperatures drop during winter. In general though, make sure you stick to comfortable clothes that won’t draw too much attention. Additionally, always bring an umbrella in case of rain!
What are the things I should carry while I travel to Czech Republic?
1. Valid passport
2. Travel Insurance documents
3. Flight/Train tickets and Itinerary
4. Cash/credit cards
5. Phone charger and adapters
6. Comfortable walking shoes
7. Basic first-aid kit including painkillers, insect repellent, sunscreen etc
8 . Clothes suitable for the season & weather conditions (e.g., light layers in summer or thick sweaters in winter)
9 . Necessary travel documents such as visa if required
10. Camera
11 . An umbrella
How do I get around the country/city while travelling to Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic has well-developed transport systems that make it easy to get around. Travellers can choose from a variety of options including public transportation such as bus and train, taxis, car rental and even cycling.
Public transport is the most accessible and reliable way to travel in czech republic. The country’s efficient bus and train networks cover both cities and rural areas, making them ideal for exploring czech republic.
If you’d like more freedom and flexibility, car rental is a great option. Czech Republic has numerous car rental companies that offer competitive rates, making it an affordable way to travel czech republic.
For those looking for a more leisurely experience, czech republic also offers excellent cycling opportunities. Bicycle rentals are widely available and there’s plenty of scenic routes to explore czech republic at your own pace.
No matter how you choose to travel czech republic, make sure you always follow the local rules and regulations for safety and security!
Taxi Apps That Work in Czech Republic:
1. Bolt
2. Liftago
3. Dopravo
4. Tick Tack Taxi
5. Taxify/Hoppa
6. AE Radio Taxi Prague
7. CityBee Taxi App
8 . MyTaxi Czech Republic
9 . Uber
10 . Taxik ceske budejovice
What is the best way to exchange currency?
The best way to exchange currency in the Czech Republic is to use a reputable currency exchange service or bank. You can find plenty of currency exchange kiosks and banks with good rates located throughout the country. It is important to shop around for the best rate and make sure that you are getting a good deal.
If you are travelling with a credit or debit card, you may also be able to use ATMs for cash withdrawals. However, it is important to note that most ATMs are located in major cities and tourist areas and may not always offer the best rates.
Finally, you can also find money changers at various markets, airports and train stations throughout czech republic. However, it is important to exercise caution when using these services as there have been reports of scams in the past. Make sure that you check the exchange rate before exchanging your money and double-check the amount of czech koruna (CZK) you receive after conversion.
No matter what method you choose, always carry a small amount of czech koruna with you so that you are prepared for any spontaneous expenses.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
In case of an emergency while travelling in the Czech Republic, it is important to contact local authorities and seek medical attention immediately.
Below are some useful numbers you can call in case of an emergency:
1. 112 (general emergency number)
2. 155 (fire department)
3. 156 (ambulance service)
4. 158 (police station)
5. 1230 (tourist helpline – czech only)
6. +420 602 109 337 – Emergency Helpline for Foreigners
Additionally, you should also get in touch with your embassy or consulate as soon as possible so that they can help if necessary.
Political Stability:
The Czech Republic has had a history of political stability since it regained its independence in 1989. After the fall of communism, the country underwent a period of transition to become a democratic and market-based economy.
Since then, the Czech Republic has successfully held multiple peaceful elections and is currently led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš who took office in December 2017.
The Czech Republic is considered to be one of the most stable democracies and economies in Central Europe. In 2020, the country had an impressive economic growth rate of 2.6% and was ranked as “Most Stable” out of 45 countries surveyed in terms of political stability by The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index.
Furthermore, according to Freedom House, czech republic is considered “Free” in terms of civil liberties and political rights, receiving reliably high scores on their annual reports for freedom from corruption and press freedom. Additionally, czech republic also consistently ranks among the world’s top 10 countries for civil liberties by Reporters Without Borders (RWB).
Overall, czech republic continues to remain politically stable with strong commitment to democracy and rule of law.
The government strives to maintain strong international relations while fostering a diverse business environment conducive for foreign investment. Travellers can rest assured that czech republic is a safe destination with excellent economic prospects and plenty of attractions to explore!
Conclusion:
Overall, czech republic is an excellent destination for travellers with a strong commitment to democracy and rule of law. With its political stability and diverse business environment, czech republic provides plenty of attractions that can be explored safely:
– Use reputable currency exchange services or banks to get the best rates when exchanging money in czech republic. Make sure you shop around!
You may also use ATMs located in major cities and tourist areas. Money changers are available at various markets, airports and train stations throughout czech republic but caution should be exercised as there have been reports of scams in the past.
Always carry some czech koruna (CZK) just in case!
In case of any emergency while travelling in the Czech Republic, contact local authorities immediately or call one of these useful numbers:
112 (general emergency number),
155 (fire department),
156 (ambulance service),
158 (police station),
1230(tourist helpline – czech only) &
+420 602 109 337 – Emergency Helpline for Foreigners.
Additionally, get in touch with your embassy or consulate if necessary so they can help out too!
The Top 10 Breath-Taking Places to Visit While in Czech Republic:
1. Prague Castle
2. Charles Bridge
3. Kutna Hora
4. Terezin Concentration Camp
5. Cesky Krumlov Castle
6. Moravian Karst
7. Karlstejn Castle
8. Adrspach-Teplice Rocks
9. Wenceslas Square
10 . Olomouc Town Hall
