Czech Republic – Travel Guide
Believe it or not, the Czech Republic is an unforgettable adventure, mixing its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery. Dive into the fascinating castles, charming cities, and lush forests. Explore its pristine lakes with family or friends and visit its unique castles for a while. Make sure you taste the delicious cuisine filled with regional flavors and international influences. Allow your curiosity and imagination to lead you on a voyage of discovery in the Czech Republic, a destination full of surprises and wonders.
All about Czech Republic
Czech Republic FAQ
What is the Czech Republic known for?
The Czech Republic is perhaps best-known for its numerous castles and châteaux (over 1,200 of them!). It is also well-known for having some of the most delicious food and drink in Europe, in particular its wines and famed Pilsner-style beer. The Czech Republic has and had a very long Jewish tradition, which is triumphantly on display after the horrors and loss of World War II in such places as the Great Synagogue in Plzen, the third-largest in the world. Finally, the Czech Republic is well-known for its museums, educating visitors on everything from history and art to folk arts and crafts and even life in the former Communist Czechoslovakia.
What are the best places to visit in the Czech Republic?
Naturally a Czech vacation starts in Prague, the City of a Thousand Spires and one of the most romantic capitals in Europe. The country is split up into two parts: Bohemia comprises the western portion of the country and Moravia makes up the east. Bohemia is home to such historic cities as Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, Ceske Budejovice, and Marianske Lazne. Moravia is home to the country`s second-largest city, Brno, and the provincial capitals of Olomouc and Ostrava.
How many days should I spend in the Czech Republic?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around the Czech Republic?
We recommend seeing the Czech Republic by car or by train.
By Car: The Czech Republic`s road system is modern and developed but not quite to the extent of nearby Hungary. There are sixteen highways that criss-cross the country, ten of which lead to the capital, Prague. Note that if you ride on the country`s highways (denoted by a two-lane green sign with an overpass), you will need to purchase an e-vignette; ask your car rental company about it when arriving in the country.
By Train: Rail service in the Czech Republic is efficient, fast, and modern. It is run by Ceske drahy and rail lines criss-cross the country and not only link Prague with Bohemia and Moravia, but also with the countries bordering the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic offers many high-speed lines, such as the EuroCity (since 1991) and the Railjet (since 2014), connecting Prague and Brno with the rest of Central Europe in a faster and more efficient manner. Rail hubs are located in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, and Breclav.
What is the currency of the Czech Republic?
The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (written in shorthand as Kc). U.S. dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for korunas upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at many locations throughout the country. For more information, see Tipping in the Czech Republic.
Do people speak English in the Czech Republic?
English is widely spoken and understood in Prague, and is common in most tourist areas in the country. We suggest you learn a few common phrases such as hello (Ahoj!), goodbye (Sbohem!), excuse me (prominte) and numbers 1-10 (jedna, dva, tri, ctyri, pet, šest, sedm, osm, devet, deset). To say `do you speak English?`, say `Mluvíš anglicky?`.
Best time to visit Czech Republic
One of the most beautiful countries in Europe, the Czech Republic can be enjoyed throughout the year. Most tourists tend to visit during the high season, which begins in June and runs through September. Moreover, we say its Shoulder seasons, when temperatures are not as hot, sights are not as crowded with tourists, and accommodations might be discounted, occur in April-May and again in October and into the first half of November.
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The month of December, when Christmas markets open up in town squares across the country, is also a popular tourist draw. Whether you want to stroll the streets of Prague, ski at the resorts in the west and northwest of the country, or walk through the beautiful pastures that dot the countryside in Moravia, the Czech Republic offers a multitude of options for the traveler regardless of the month on the calendar. In this guide, we will tell you when Czechs celebrate certain holidays and festivals, as well as how busy the country will be and what kind of weather you can expect.
January – March
The first three months of the year comprise much of the low season in the Czech Republic. After the Christmas holidays have ended — as have the Christmas markets — tourists go home and you can find accommodation prices heavily discounted across the country, except at ski resorts in the north and west. The Carnival (Karneval) celebrations in Bohemia help to liven up an otherwise quiet tourist season in the wintertime.
Rain and snow are possible from January through the end of March, although this tends to be a drier time of year than spring and summer. Temperatures in the west of the country in areas such as Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne can expect temperatures in the mid-and-upper 30s during the day in January and February, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. The temperatures warm to the mid-40s for highs by March, with lows around 30. Prague`s low temperatures bottom out in the upper 20s to around 30 in January and February, only crossing the freezing mark around late February. Highs warm from the mid-30s in January to around 50 by March. Similar temperatures can be found in Ceské Budejovice, Brno, and Ostrava, but with lows firmly below freezing all the way through March.
Holidays and festivals:
January 1: New Year`s Day (Nový rok), celebrated by visiting friends and family and eating a special dinner `for good luck`. It is also observed as Restoration of Czech Independence Day (Den obnovy samostatného ceského státu), the day when the Czech Republic and Slovakia split off into their own countries, in 1993. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
January 19: Anniversary of Jan Palach`s death. On January 19, 1969, 20-year-old student Jan Palach committed suicide by setting himself on fire to protest the Soviet occupation and the resignation the Czechs at the time felt. He has been regarded as a martyr for the democratic cause for decades and the anniversary is commemorated by placing flowers at his monument in Prague`s Wenceslas Square (where he set himself on fire) and at his final resting place in Olšany Cemetery.
February or March (moveable): Carnival (Karneval) celebrations, Ceský Krumlov, smaller celebrations also held across the country.
Early and mid-March (two weeks): One World (Jeden svet) International Human Rights Film Festival, Prague
Late March (nine days): Febiofest, Prague. A noteworthy international film festival, it travels to many smaller Czech cities the next month.
March or April (moveable): Passover (Pesach) begins. Prague`s Jewish Quarter sights closed on 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th days of Passover.
March or April (moveable): Good Friday and Easter Monday (Velký pátek a velikonocní pondelí). Everyone at least nominally observes the holiday — even the non-religious as most sights and businesses close for the four-day weekend and the country grinds to a halt. (national holidays in the Czech Republic)
April – May
The shoulder season begins in April across the country. This is the best time to visit areas such as Bohemia and Moravia, as flowers begin to bloom on hillsides and pastures all over these two regions. Crowds will still be light, although you will notice more people in Prague and other major cities, especially by the time May comes along, when the Czech Republic enjoys 15 hours of daylight per day. With that said, rain chances do rise in these two months, to approximately 10 precipitation days per month. (January had 7, on average.)
Temperatures across the country are in the upper 50s and low 60s during the day in April, with lows mostly in the 30s, but a few 40s can be seen in the mornings in areas such as Prague. By May, nationwide temperatures rise into the upper 60s to 70 during the day, with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s.
Holidays and festivals:
March or April (moveable): Passover (Pesach) begins. Prague`s Jewish Quarter sights closed on 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th days of Passover.
March or April (moveable): Good Friday and Easter Monday (Velký pátek a velikonocní pondelí). Everyone at least nominally observes the holiday — even the non-religious as most sights and businesses close for the four-day weekend and the country grinds to a halt. (national holidays in the Czech Republic)
April 30: Walpurgis Night (Paleni Carodejnic). Also commonly referred to as `Witches` Night`, it is celebrated in a similar manner to Halloween in the United States. One popular festival is Magical Krumlov in Ceský Krumlov, which includes maypole dances and a lantern procession.
May 1: Labor Day (Svátek práce). Some closures can be seen nationwide as the population celebrates with large-scale activities like parades and family-friendly activities. This day is also known as the `Day of Love`, a day that celebrates couples and lovers, akin to Valentine`s Day. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
Early May: Prague International Marathon
May 8: Liberation Day (Den vítezství), known in other parts of Europe as Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, the day the Czech Republic was liberated by the Allies in 1945. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
Mid-May to early June (3 weeks): `Prague Spring` Music Festival, one of the largest music and cultural festivals held in Central Europe.
Mid-May to mid-June (4 weeks): Czech Beer Festival, Prague
Last weekend in May: Prague Food Festival, featuring dozens of food booths installed inside the Royal Gardens of Prague Castle.
Last week in May: Prague Fringe Festival, a popular community-sourced theatre festival which uses popular points of interest as theatre venues.
Last week in May: Khamoro World Roma Festival, Prague, one of the largest festivals in the world which celebrates Roma culture.
Last week in May/first week in June: Festival of Songs, Olomouc, one of the largest choral festivals in the world, with over 3,000 choirs performing and competing each year.
June – July
The country enters the high tourist season in the month of June, and you will notice that lines at castles and palaces in Prague will become very long most days in these two months. This is a perfect time to visit some of the smaller cities in the country, where crowds will not be as large. Consider heading east to cities such as Brno, Olomouc and Ostrava. If you do want to visit key sights in Prague, make sure you visit at the beginning or end of each day because the crowds will be the lightest then.
The country will be very warm by the time June comes around. Relief comes at varying intervals with refreshing showers. June and July are the wettest months of the year in the Czech Republic, with most cities averaging 11 days of precipitation per month in the early summer. The west of the country will see highs in the low-to-mid 70s on average, with lows in the 50s. Prague will be a little warmer, pushing 80 degrees by July with lows around 60. Brno and Ostrava will see temperatures similar to the west of the country, with highs averaging in the low-to-mid 70s and morning temperatures in the 50s. Keep in mind that temperatures can, and often do, go higher than 80 degrees in the summer, so pack accordingly.
Holidays and festivals:
May or June (moveable, 3 days): Shavu`ot (Šavuot), Jewish religious holiday. Prague`s Jewish Quarter sights will be closed.
May or June (moveable): Corpus Christi (Telo kristovo), Christian religious festival, commemorating the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. (some closures)
Mid-June–mid-July: The Prague Proms, a popular classical music festival, broadcast worldwide via radio.
Mid-June (weekend): Microbrewery Festival, Prague
Late June (3 days): The Five-Petaled Rose Celebration, Ceský Krumlov, a medieval festival with a knights` tournament.
Late June (weekend): United Islands of Prague, a weekend of cultural events and world music, held on the islands on the Vltava River in Prague.
Late June and early July: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the oldest and largest international film festival in the country.
Late June and early July: Ceský Krumlov Chamber Music Festival
Early July (3 days): Rock for People, an eclectic series of rock music performances in Hradec Králové, north central Czech Republic.
July 5: Sts. Cyril and Methodius Day (Den slovanských verozvestu Cyrila a Metodeje), commemorating the men who brought Christianity to Moravia in the ninth century. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
July 6: Jan Hus Day (Den upálení mistra Jana Husa), honoring the Czech theologian who made an enemy of the Catholic Church and was burned at the stake for heresy in the year 1415. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
Mid-July (2 days): Bohemia Jazzfest, which goes on the road the week after concerts are held in Prague`s Old Town Square.
Mid-July (4 days): Prague Folklore Days, the largest folk dance and music celebration in Central Europe, held in the middle of Prague.
Mid-July: Colours of Ostrava, the largest and most popular open-air multi-genre music festival in the country.
Late July (weekend): Czech Ukulele Festival. Held at different venues each year, it has been held in parks, Karlstejn Castle, and even a brewery in past years. The 2019 event will be held at Hanspaulka Park, Dejvice, Prague.
July–August: Summer of Culture, Olomouc, featuring music and theatre performances.
Mid-July to early August: Ceský Krumlov International Music Festival, a well-known opera and classical music festival.
Late July to early August (2 weeks): Telc Vacations Festival, featuring exhibitions in an open-air atmosphere along with theatre and folk music performances.
August – September
August and September are the final two months of the high season in the Czech Republic. Temperatures will be at their peak across the country in August, although by the end of September you will feel a crispness to the breezes. A popular month for tourists to visit the country is September, as the weather is less oppressive than in previous months, and crowds begin to thin out as children nationwide (and in other countries) go back to school for the autumn term. Expect highs from the mid-70s to low 80s in August, with lows in the mid-50s to around 60. By September, most locations cool to just under 70 degrees, with lows in the upper 40s and low 50s.
Holidays and festivals:
Late August or early September (weekend): International Folklore Festival, Brno
Early September: Pálava Wine Harvest Festival, Mikulov, a celebration of the harvest which features music and a medieval procession.
September (2 weeks): Dvorák`s Prague Music Festival
Mid-September: Znojmo Historic Vintage Festival, Znojmo, South Moravia, another popular celebration of the grape harvest.
Late September (weekend): Slunce ve Skle beer festival, Pilsen. The name of the open-air festival fittingly translates to `sun in the glass`.
September 28: St. Wenceslas Day (Svatý Václav, Den ceské státnosti), celebrating and commemorating the national patron saint of the Czech Republic, as well as Czech statehood. The date September 28 is notable in that it was the day St. Wenceslas was murdered in the year 935 CE. There is a popular cultural festival which kicks off in Ceský Krumlov and lasts for the next three days. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
September or October (moveable): Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year. Prague`s Jewish Quarter sights will be closed for 24 hours.
October – December
The final three months of the year in the Czech Republic are when the country transitions from high season to shoulder season, and eventually by the end of the year to low season. Christmas Markets pop up in town squares across the country beginning in early December. Prague, Ceský Krumlov, Brno, and Olomouc, among others, have some of the best Christmas markets not just in the Czech Republic but in all of Central Europe. Another great time to visit is October, when crowds are light, the weather isn`t too cold, and savings on accommodations may be offered depending on the city.
Encountering snow is a very real possibility beginning in the month of November. Temperatures in the west of the country, such as in Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne, are already chilly by the month of October, with highs just above 50 and lows in the mid-to-upper 30s. By November the average high is under 40, and barely above freezing by December. Lows drop below freezing in November and by December they are in the mid-20s. Prague is a tad warmer, with highs averaging in the mid-to-upper 50s in October, retreating to upper 40s in November and around 40 by December. Lows in Prague don`t drop to the freezing mark, on average, until the month of December. Temperatures in Brno may reach as high as 60 in October, but by December the daily highs are stuck firmly in the 30s. Ostrava and Olomouc will see similar daytime weather patterns, with lows around 40 in October and dipping to the 20s by December.
Holidays and festivals:
Late September or October (moveable): Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. It is held five days before the beginning of Sukkot. Prague`s Jewish Quarter sights will be closed.
Late September or October (9 days, moveable): Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, three Jewish holy observances. Prague`s Jewish Quarter sights will be closed.
Mid-October (4 nights): Signal Festival, Prague, which is a big light show projected onto the façades of landmark buildings around the city.
October 28: Independence Day (Den vzniku samostatného ceskoslovenského státu), commemorating the day the independence of Czechoslovakia was declared in 1918. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
November (whole month): Feast of St. Martin Wine Festival, Ceský Krumlov
November 1-2: All Saints` Day/All Souls` Day (Slavnost Všech svatých/Památka zesnulých), two days of religious observances dedicated to the saints, the heavens and Earth, and those who have passed on and gone to heaven. (Some closures to be expected.)
November 17: Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (Den boje za svobodu a demokracii), commemorating the bloodless Velvet Revolution which swept Communism from power on this day in 1989. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
December: Christmas festivals across the Czech Republic. Markets will open in cities nationwide, and will include an itinerary filled with carolers and light displays.
December 5: St. Nicholas Eve (Svatý Mikuláš). St. Nicholas can be seen nationwide as he figures out which children were naughty or nice in the past year.
December 24–25: Christmas Eve (Štedrý den) and Christmas Day (Vanoce). (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
December 26: St. Stephen`s Day, or `Boxing Day` (2. svátek vánocní). Some shops will be open for after-Christmas sales. (national holiday in the Czech Republic)
December 31: St. Sylvester`s Day (Svatý Silvestr), a feast day which celebrates Pope Sylvester, who converted Roman Emperor Constantine to Christianity. Fireworks can be seen in Prague and other major cities.
Tipping in Czech Republic
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some of the travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, as well as taxis.
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Tipping in Czech Republic
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, Euros, or Korunas (CZK)?
The Czech Republic is part of the European Union, however you will find that a great many places here (especially smaller shops and restaurants) still balk at accepting the Euro. Where it is accepted you will often find unfavorable exchange rates. The Czech Koruna (CZK) is still widely used. Our best recommendation is to keep Korunas for your stay in the Czech Republic, and use an ATM to take out Euros if you find that you need them. US dollars may be accepted in some places, but we do not recommend travelling with US currency. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for CZK/Euros upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however in the Czech Republic you will find cash is more popular. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport, at major train stations in larger cities, and many locations throughout the cities you will be visiting.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Tipping in the Czech Republic is commonly expected. This practice holds true mainly in Prague and leading tourist `meccas` such as Cesky Krumlov, not in the countryside, where foreigners are not expected to do anything more than locals. As in many other European countries there is a Service Charge included in the menu prices, but some restaurants print `Service Not Included` on their bills. This is deceptive as by law, service IS included, but the tip is not. It is a practice to elicit more money from patrons who may not be familiar with the regulations.
Now, as far as the actual tip – it is generally expected but the expectation is much lower than you may be accustomed to. Foreign visitors are often expected to tip at around 10%. If you thought that the service was exceptional nothing is stopping you from leaving more! Servers in the Czech Republic have a salary independent from tips but it is lower than many other European countries and tips can easily outweigh their salary.
In cafes and bars tipping is at the customer`s discretion, although it will likely win you favor with the person taking your order. The easiest rule of thumb here is to simply round up your bill to the next denomination Koruna – whether that be 10 CZK, 20 CZK, 50 CZK or 100 CZK (keep in mind that one Koruna is approximately 4 U.S. cents).
Here are a few things to take into account before heading out to your meal in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is not built around a customer service culture. Service here is often not up to the same standard as in many other places in the world but it is getting better. It is more common to judge the service not by smile-quotients (Czech people don`t smile at you at you at all times as American servers do), but by whether the order was taken promptly, the correct food was delivered, the bill was added up correctly and the food was good. Czech waiters do not routinely ask whether you enjoyed your meal or if everything was to your liking, however it is becoming quite usual in average-to-good restaurants, especially the ones in the tourist areas. Do remember, however, that you should not reward bad service.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
The practice of tipping is not very common in hotels in the Czech Republic. In most hotels a service charge is included in the bill for staff, however Porters, Concierge staff, and Chambermaids all appreciate the generosity of guests.
If a Porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is about 50 Korunas. Hotel Concierge staff can be very helpful for first time travelers; they are a wealth of information from directions to restaurant suggestions and reservations. Tip them around 250 Korunas for their helpful service, and as much as 500 if you feel that they were exceptional. For Chambermaids leave your tip at the front desk at the end of the stay, and aim for about 50 Korunas per day.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Taxi drivers in the Czech Republic have a pretty awful reputation, and unfortunately, they largely deserve it. To combat this (after years of tourist complaints) the city of Prague listened and did a few things to ratify the problem. When you step out of the airport you will notice a special place for official Prague taxis. These taxis have a fixed price for specific destinations in the city center. No haggling or surprises – just check the sign for the destination where you want to go and it will tell you how much the taxi ride costs. All around the city are designated taxi stops with a sign describing how much you should pay from one destination to another. For example, if you want to go from the Main Train Station to the Airport, simply check the sign and it will tell you how much you should pay. When the taxi arrives confirm the price with the driver before getting into the taxi. Of course, if you hail your own taxi from some random street at 3 am you are at the taxi driver`s mercy – enter at your own risk.
Because the prices from the airport to city center are fixed you do not necessarily need to tip from the airport. But if you are in a giving mood, 10% is an acceptable tip. Try to round it up to the nearest 20 CZK or 50 CZK. If the bill is 380 CZK, then pay 400 CZK. If the bill is 660 CZK, pay 700 CZK; just round the fare to the next hundred CZK. Feel free to tip up to an additional 10% if they are extra helpful; they will appreciate it.
Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is very much appreciated but not expected. Common practice in the Czech Republic is about 500 Korunas ($20 USD) per person, per day for small group or whole day tours, and 250 Korunas for half day tours. The guides are often paid a low wage, so if one is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra if you wish!
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
Other Services: In the event that you are in the Czech Republic for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay well within the 5 or 10% range. It is easiest to round up to the next hundred Koruna.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in the Czech Republic than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
Try to pay for all services in cash (other than your hotel) and if you feel uncomfortable with that thought, be sure to ask for a receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top cities in Czech Republic
What to expect while traveling
