CZECH REPUBLIC HIGHLIGHTS
- Take a stroll down the most iconic bridge in Prague, Charles Bridge.
- Enjoy a guided tour through St Vitus Cathedral.
- See the iconic spires of Prague Castle.
- Retrace history in Wenceslas Square.
- Watch the Astronomical Clock display every hour.
- People watch in the old town square.
- Take an optional guided tour to the charming town of Cesky Krumlov.
CZECH REPUBLIC VACATION TIPS
- The currency used is the Czech Koruna.
- Czech cuisine is not exactly fancy but it sure is hearty and delicious, try Goulash and other local cuisines when possible.
- Take in the culture around you: admire the beautiful architecture on your walking tours and a local beer in the pub.
- The Czech Republic has a very low crime rate, so you can feel safe if out and about at night. As with any destination, practice common sense.
- Like the U.S., tipping is not required but usually expected.
- Do support local shops when doing your souvenir shopping.
THINGS TO DO IN CZECH REPUBLIC
1. CHARLES BRIDGE
A must-do while in Prague is to take a walk down Charles Bridge. There is a certain charm you feel as you stroll down the gaze of old baroque period statues that line the bridge. Regardless of the buskers and people selling all types of stuff, tourists squeeze past by and you enter a river-like flow as you move along.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Due to the crowds of both tourists and entrepreneurial locals, any time during the day is prime time and will be crowded. Try going at sunset where you’ll feel the charm of the bridge a bit more.
2. PRAGUE CASTLE
Looming over the city with the castle’s spires viewable from almost anywhere in the city, it’s no surprise Prague Castle is the most popular attraction in the city. Home to historic buildings, museums, and various galleries, some of the Czech Republic’s most prized arts and cultural artifacts are within the castle walls.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
There is no bad time to visit Prague; summer has nice temperate weather, but fall and winter bring cooler weather and fewer crowds. If you don’t mind the cold weather, walking around the city in the wintertime has a magical feel.
3. ST VITUS CATHEDRAL
Taking almost 600 years to complete, St Vitus houses some of the richest cultural treasures in central Europe. St Vitus is integral to the cultural and religious side of the Czech Republic. A mix of Gothic and Romanesque, this unique cathedral is a must-see in Prague.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
If you are traveling to Prague with one of our partners on a guided tour, St Vitus is almost always included in your walking tour of Prague. If included, you’ll skip the line to get in and get a local guide to narrate as you explore. Inclusions vary by itinerary.
4. PRAGUE JEWISH MUSEUM
One of the most visited museums in Prague is the Jewish Heritage Museum. With about 40,000 artifacts, 100,000 books, and more, it houses one of the largest Judaic collections in the world. The museum is made up of four synagogues and includes the Old Jewish Cemetery.
5. WENCESLAS SQUARE
The most famous square in Prague, Wenceslas Square has been witness to some of the most famous historical events in Czech history. Actually, it is less of a square and more similar to a large public street, like one you’d find in Paris. The square is located in New Town, which was created during Charles IV’s reign.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Although many important demonstrations and speeches have been given at Wenceslas Square, arguably the most important was given by Alexander Dubcek, known as the man who started the Prague Spring.
6. ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK
A tourist favorite attraction, every hour very large crowds begin to form under the Old Town Hall Tower to watch the Astronomical Clock. An intricate dance of puppets and other objects depict a story representing 15th-century life. Called a “must-see” event by everyone ever, the truth is the display is hyped up a little too much and don’t feel guilty if you find it a bit underwhelming.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
t’s not an exaggeration to say that large crowds begin to form quite early under the tower. If you really want to see and get a good view, you’d have to stake out your spot at least 15 minutes before the hour.
7. CESKY KRUMLOV
Located in the Southern Bohemian region of the Czech Republic is Cesky Krumlov. Along with Prague Castle, it was designated a UNESCO site in 1992. The town was built around a 13th-century castle with various design cues from Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic. A popular day trip among visitors, the charming town of Cesky Krumlov is definitely a must-see.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
If not already included in one of our itineraries from our partners, most will offer Cesky Krumlov as an optional guided day tour. Activities and inclusions vary by itinerary.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Known for its castles and baroque style architecture, the Czech Republic is full of history, art, and culture. Whether you’re doing a land tour or a river cruise with one of our partners, you’ll want to plan accordingly to maximize your time in this beautiful east European country.
QUICK FACTS
- Spring and Fall time are two of the best times to visit.
- The most popular tourist time is during the Summer.
- Winter can get really cold but you’ll want to be there for the beautiful Christmas Markets.
1. Spring – March to May – Good Season
The average high in Spring is 58F and the low is 38F. It’s a really comfortable time to visit, plus there is fewer crowds to deal with. You won’t have to worry about the rain and the days are typically sunny and long, so you can have more time to explore and discover.
2. Fall – September to October – Good Season
The average high in the Fall is 66F and 48F low. Like the Springtime, this is a really comfortable season to explore the country.
3. Summer – June to August – High Season
The average temperature during the Summer is 77F high and 55F low. Summer has the best weather with long sunny days, but it also has the most crowds. Along with tourists, locals also love to spend their time outdoors as much as possible. Because it’s the busiest time of the year, expect prices to be higher than in other seasons.
4. Winter – November to March – Low Season
The average temperature during the Winter is 36F and 27F low. The winters can be quite cold but you may find a sizable amount of people here for the famous Christmas Markets. These stalls are set up every year and they are beautifully lit, each selling different items that would make perfect souvenirs.