15 Things to Know Before Visiting the Czech Republic

From cultural references, currency and food – these are the top things to know before visiting the Czech Republic.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. It is commonly known as a tourist-friendly city with many landmarks, a place to buy cheap beer, and possibly host a stag/bachelor party.

The things that people may think they need to know before visiting the Czech Republic are likely just based on a trip to Prague.

Clearly, there is much more to understand, experience, and see in the Czech Republic that unfortunately, many won’t. The country is rich in culture and beholds a distinct personality, which is a natural result of obtaining an independent identity just within the last 50 years.

Prague is not the entire country’s identity. For travelers eager to explore beyond, there are many other reasons to adore the Czech Republic as a whole.

In this guide, learn about the fundamental things we believe everyone should know before (or during) their visit to the Czech Republic.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Essentials for Visiting the Czech Republic

🧳 There is much more to the Czech Republic than just Prague. Include a couple of day trips or a road trip to your itinerary to see the rest of the country.

🍺 Embrace iconic parts of Czech culture including beer, thermal spas, Moravian wine and traditional cuisine.

🍂 Don’t get hung up on summer. Consider visiting the Czech Republic in the fall or winter to avoid mass tourism.

🚵🏼‍♀️ Experience the Czech countryside, national parks and severely underrated nature sites. 

🚊 Without driving, train and bus transportation throughout the Czech Republic is the most efficient and affordable method of getting from one site to another.

15 Useful Things to Know Before Visiting the Czech Republic

1. There Is (Kind Of) a New Name for the Czech Republic

It’s been nearly ten years since the Czech Republic announced a name change to Czechia. Although the updated name is even reflected on Google Maps, the reality is that the name never stuck and isn’t universal.

The new and improved name came as a result of shortening the longer version of the Czech Republic to just one word and to perhaps, sound a little less ex-Soviet-esque.

Nobody that is Czech will call it Czechia because the word in the Czech language would be Česko. So, the shortened name of Czechia is really at the mercy of its tourists. Do not think much of it!

Just know that you’re not offending anyone and you’re correct whether you choose to say the “Czech Republic” or “Czechia.”

❓We have found that the Czech Republic’s identity is a minor crisis throughout Europe. We’ve learned a handful of various names for the country and discovered that a couple of countries even still call it Czechoslovakia, the Soviet-era state which no longer exists. Although there is confusion between the “Czech Republic” and “Czechia,” by all means do not call it Czechoslovakia!

2. Most Establishments Are Open on Sundays

If you’ve ever visited other countries in Europe, you may be aware that many nations close down on Sundays. Fortunately, the Czech Republic doesn’t really practice this so you’ll find the shops, restaurants, and attractions to be open throughout the week.

This is definitely true in Prague and other big cities in the Czech Republic. However, if you venture off into the rural countryside and smaller villages, most establishments will be closed on Sundays.

🇩🇪 While living in the Czech Republic, we always noticed an influx of German shoppers on Sundays in Czech cities along the border. All grocery stores in Germany are completely closed on Sundays.

3. Prague Is Not Cheap

There are many extraordinary places to visit in the Czech Republic, but Prague will always be the most popular. Prague was once a hidden gem of Europe because it was notoriously affordable and, clearly, very beautiful.

The combination of the two seemed like the most alluring destination for budget travelers or anyone who wasn’t looking to spend a fortune on a trip to Europe.

Unfortunately, the days of Prague’s drastic affordability are long gone. As someone who has lived in a part of the Czech Republic that wasn’t Prague, we can confirm that pretty much everything in the country’s capital is inflated.

The cost of beer, hotels, a casual meal and transportation is inching towards the prices you’ll find in other major European cities.

Another reason why Prague is no longer a cheap destination is because there are many tourist traps. Restaurants and even attractions are operated by businesses that will take advantage of the high volume and completely leave quality behind.

As a tourist in Prague, you should take the extra time to scope out non-touristy places to stay, eat, and visit if you don’t want to severely overpay.

🇨🇿 Read More: Places to Visit in the Czech Republic Other Than Prague

4. You Should Visit Places Other Than Prague

The capital city of Prague is home to some of the most beautiful and famous landmarks in Europe. There is no denying that Prague is impressively preserved, breathtaking, and evokes a unique feeling.

However, Prague is just a glimpse of the Czech Republic and if you have the time, you should include other destinations in your itinerary.

Experience the Czech countryside and travel from one historic village to the next. Or, plan an outdoor excursion of the many national parks where you’ll find medieval ruins, dense forests and scenic rolling hills.

Moreso than anything, there are two big reasons to leave Prague behind and visit some lesser known places.

1. It’s a lot cheaper. You’ll find the prices for food and accommodation in smaller cities to be abundantly lower than anything you’d find in Prague.
2. There are less or no tourists in underrated parts of the country. Prague can begin to feel like Disneyland during peak travel season. It can get unbelievably crowded and unbearable.

5. Czech Cuisine Is Comforting

A majority of Czech food is traditional, rather heavy and very comforting. Many of the most popular dishes in Czech cuisine are accompanied by some sort of carbohydrate which is usually a form of potato, bread or the Czech-style bread dumpling.

You will also find a big emphasis on smoked or cured meats which range from deli cuts to sausages and everything in between. A few fan favorite Czech dishes include fried elements such as Czech’s version of the schnitzel (řízek) and a block of Edam cheese that’s battered and deep fried (smažený sýr).

Certain recipes like svíčková na smetaně are very unique and are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the world. In this dish, the beef is served with a velvet vegetable based sauce next to some Czech dumplings, heavy cream and a dollop of cranberry sauce on top.

There are many twists and turns with Czech cuisine and honestly, is best discovered with a local or the help of a guided tour.

6. Beer Is King

Throughout Europe, the Czech Republic is widely known for its beer (both production and consumption). You’ll find many Czech beer brands served all over Europe, but Pilsner Urquell is among the most famous and is even a staple on the shelves of U.S. grocery stores.

A pint of beer in the Czech Republic generally costs between €2 – €5 depending on the brand.

The history of beer in the Czech Republic is said to have originated around the 15th century, which later spread to areas of modern-day Germany. This is important to know while visiting the Czech Republic because the rivalry between Czech and German beer could erupt into war.

While Italy and Spain have their wines, the love language of Central Europe is beer, something that the Czech Republic takes a great deal of pride in.

Comparatively, the generic beer you will find in Europe (yes, all of Europe) is milder tasting than the array of craft breweries in the U.S. Although craft-style beers are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, you shouldn’t expect to regularly find a huge selection of beer.

One of the best things to do while visiting the Czech Republic is to tour a brewery, either the one in Plzeň, České Budějovice or Svijany.

7. Visiting Other Countries Is Easy

The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe which, as the name implies, is centrally located. Travelling from the Czech Republic to another major city nearby or even days away is possible by departing from Prague by plane, train or bus.

One of the things to know before visiting the Czech Republic is that visiting a neighboring destination during the same trip is manageable. The logistics of getting around are so easy and affordable that it’s too good of an opportunity to not take advantage of.

Plan a few days to see Prague but also don’t be afraid to hop on a train to the nearby cities of Berlin, Bratislava, or Warsaw. Furthermore, consider a simple day trip just across the border like the cinematic village of Görlitz, Germany.

8. The Czech Republic Is Enjoyable in Both Summer and Winter

The Czech Republic is a year-round destination and you shouldn’t limit yourself to only visiting in the summer. It is equally as sought after and admired during the winter and holiday season.

For prancing around Prague, exploring the outdoors or visiting historic sites, plan a trip for September. Weather in the Czech Republic is rather mild so when summer ends, it really means it’s over.

For the best chance of warm weather without swarms of tourists, the first half of September is the sweet spot.

There are many beautiful things to do in winter in the Czech Republic. From snowshoeing, scenic cable car rides to cross-country and downhill skiing, it’s a beloved destination for winter sport lovers.

Experiencing the renowned Christmas markets in Prague and other big cities is also one of the best excuses to book your visit to the Czech Republic in winter.

9. It Is Home to Around 2,000 Castles

One of the most overlooked facts about the Czech Republic is that it’s the country with the most number of castles per capita in the world. That comes down to over 2,000 castles, manors, chateaus and estates sprinkled throughout the country.

While the Prague Castle is the most frequented, there others well worth a visit.

A handful of them are impeccably preserved and in pristine enough shape to be continuously features in regional productions of films and TV shows. The majority of substantial landmarks are owned by the state or local government and open to the public.

Picturesque castles in the Czech Republic that are a must-see include:

• Karlštejn Castle
• Hluboka Castle
• Lednice Chateau
• Bouzov Castle
• Pernštejn Castle
• Kost Castle

10. Its Nature is Underrated

The Czech Republic isn’t defined by extreme landscapes. It is not flashy with impressive summit peaks, endless valleys, or raging wild rivers. What you will find are dense pine forests, picturesque rolling hills, meadows, idyllic farmland, gentle streams, and some well-mannered mountains.

For the most part, Czech people are avid outdoor enthusiasts, particularly when the weather is nice.

While some see the Czech Republic as a mere city break, others who enjoy being outdoors will find it to be a paradise. It is well known for hiking paths, mountain biking trails, and even rock climbing among the Czech Republic’s unique sandstone cliffs.

During the winter, it is no doubt a favoured place to ski on a budget and for ice skating on frozen ponds and reservoirs.

Outdoor destinations in the Czech Republic that are worth visiting include:

• Ještěd
• Krkonoše National Park
• Bohemian Switzerland National Park
• Prachovske Skaly
• Šumava National Park

11. You’ll Find 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

For such a small country, its long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites is quite impressive.

From notable spa towns like Mariánské Lázně, the human bone-filled ossuary in Kutná Hora, to a horse boarding stable in Kladruby nad Labem, the sights are equally diverse as they are historic.

Additionally, there are many historic quarters such as the Old Town in Prague that has earned a UNESCO title.

Prague isn’t the only prime example as you’ll also find UNESCO deemed historic centres in the small yet picture perfect towns of Telč, Český Krumlov and Holašovice.

12. A Love for Spa Culture

The Czech know self-care, and there’s a big love for spa culture, also known as “wellness.” This is likely because of the handful of iconic spa towns in the Czech Republic that are renowned destinations for people from all over Europe.

Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary, and Mariánské Lázně are the Czech Republic’s most popular towns that have been devoted to spa-centric accommodation and experiences for generations.

From therapeutic soaks, various treatments, and mineral water resources, the offers found at these spa towns are endless and are inclusive of both traditional methods as well as modern trends (like beer spas).

It is very common for Czech people to book a long weekend at one of the spa resorts and is known to be a typical type of vacation.

13. Southern Czech Republic Is Known for Wine

Often times, it’s completely unknown that the Czech Republic even has a wine region. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, a visit to the southern Czech region of Moravia is a must.

Moravia is commonly recognised among Czech people to be a world of its own, where even the dialect of the Czech language is slightly different. It is one of the only regions in the Czech Republic where wine is valued more than beer, and that’s saying something!

Moravia is where 90% of all wine that’s produced in the Czech Republic is made. There are almost 1,000 registered winemakers, nearly 50,000 acres of vineyards and countless opportunities for wine tourism.

14. The Czech Republic Is Safe for Tourists

Statistically speaking, the Czech Republic has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe based on its population. If you were to ask a fellow tourist in Prague, you will find that (also statistically) a majority of them will share only positive experiences.

Walking at night or alone is not considered to be dangerous in the Czech Republic and therefore, one of the reasons it’s such a popular destination for solo and female travelers.

Similar to any capital city, Prague will be the city you will be most vulnerable in as a tourist. This is because, big cities are prone to an increased number of pickpocketing scenarios, muggings, and scammers.

Again, this has nothing to do with the Czech Republic in particular but rather, any major European city where tourists frequently roam the streets without caution.

15. It’s Not a Religious Country

With numerous churches, chapels and related religious statues found throughout Prague and other big cities, it’s often assumed that the Czech Republic is regularly religious.

After all, many European countries are, and some, like Italy, are largely defined by their religion. On the contrary, the Czech Republic is one of the least religious countries in the world.

Based on recent censuses, around 60% of the population either identifies as atheists or has no specific belief. The biggest group of faith believers in the Czech Republic are Roman Catholic.

Fundamental Things to Know Before Visiting the Czech Republic

Is the Czech Republic Part of the EU?

The European Union is a political and economic merger of various countries within the European continent. Since 2004, the Czech Republic has been a part of the EU.

While each individual country in Europe is still a separate entity inclusive of its own government and laws, the European Union acts as a common ground for the select states.

As visitors, traveling among the EU is made easy because of the Schengen Area, which covers EU states plus additions like Switzerland.

Free movement throughout the Schengen Zone means there isn’t a border patrol process, and a lot of blanket policies such as travel insurance or even SIM card plans apply in all of the EU states.

Visa and Entry Requirements for the Czech Republic

A major benefit of visiting countries within the Schengen Zone is the lack of visa and entry requirements. North American tourists do not need a visa to visit the Czech Republic, and neither do visitors from the UK or fellow EU states. Residents of these applicable nations are permitted a standard stay that cannot exceed 90 days.

Currency Used in the Czech Republic

Although it shares borders with heavy users of the euro, the Czech Republic still uses the koruna (also known as crown) as its official and primary currency. Everything from hotels, menu items, and transportation will be listed in the local CZK currency.

Prague is the only place in the Czech Republic where you can attempt to pay in euro, although it’s not the preferred type of currency.

🏧 Have cash on hand while visiting the Czech Republic! Withdraw Czech koruna currency from an ATM in the Czech Republic and avoid currency exchange kiosks.

Language Spoken in the Czech Republic

One of the top things to know before visiting the Czech Republic (outside of Prague) is to expect a language barrier. English is not widely spoken among the Czech population aside from Prague and a couple of other major tourist destinations in the country.

Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic. Secondary languages (that aren’t common everywhere in the country) include Russian, German, and English, which is popular among the younger generation.

The Czech language is rather tricky, so nobody will expect you to know it well as a foreigner. Still, it’s beneficial to learn a few phrases or download the language in the Google Translate app.

🇷🇺 Russian was taught during the Soviet era and during the time that my own family attended school in the (then) state of Czechoslovakia.

Flying to the Czech Republic

Although the Czech Republic does technically have five passenger airports, Prague’s international airport is really the only one that you’ll want to know about when initially flying there.

The international airport in Prague (PRG) also goes by the name of Václav Havel Airport Prague and used to be known as Prague Ruzyně International Airport so do not get confused by the names – it’s all the same airport!

If you are flexible and budget conscious, consider researching flights to Munich, Berlin or Vienna instead of Prague. Flight paths tend to be more varied, which leads to cheaper flights. From nearby major cities, you can easily reach Prague by train in a few hours.

Travelling Around the Czech Republic

For those planning on staying within Prague, you can get around by using public transportation (metro, tram, and bus). The public transportation system in Prague is well-connected within the city center and nearby suburbs.

Furthermore, you don’t need to rent a car to see attractions that may be a bit further away because so many guided tours depart from Prague which include transportation.

Prague is an incredible starting point for anyone looking to travel by train or bus to other top destinations in the Czech Republic or even beyond the border. You can find a route by train or bus that goes essentially anywhere.

It may surprise some, but bus travel is much cheaper than traveling by train in the Czech Republic. Consider Flixbus or Regiojet when looking to get somewhere outside of Prague for the least amount of money.

If experiencing nature or enjoying the Czech countryside is on your itinerary, highly consider renting a car and driving.

Driving in the Czech Republic is mellow, unchallenging, and allows you to visit hidden gems located in rural and mountainous regions of the country.

Final Thoughts About What to Know Before Visiting the Czech Republic

• Know the currency and current exchange rate to avoid getting scammed. You should always withdraw local CZK currency from an ATM and never use a currency exchange kiosk, especially in Prague.
• Rent a car and drive if you plan on experiencing the Czech countryside or destinations in the mountains.
• After spending a couple of days in Prague, get out of Prague. There is so much to see in the Czech Republic including over 2,000 castles, national parks, UNESCO listed villages and a wine region.
• Download the Czech language in the Google Translator app if you are traveling to places other than Prague. You will need it.
• Don’t automatically opt for train travel and consider the bus for long-haul journeys. Bus transportation throughout the country is very efficient and super low-cost.

More Czech Travel Posts:

• 2-Day Prague Itinerary
• How to Get From Prague to Liberec
• Christmas Markets in Prague
• Fun Things to Do in Liberec with Kids
• Places to Visit in Czech Besides Prague

Czech Republic Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: SafetyWing
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Bookaway, Trainline or Omio
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com or Agoda
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Saily
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator