Discover the Czech Republic: Castles, Culture & Hidden Gems of Central Europe
The Czech Republic — known for its fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, and world-class beer — is one of Europe’s most charming destinations. Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, it’s a country of rich history, vibrant cities, beautiful landscapes, and affordable travel experiences.
Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of Prague, exploring Gothic castles, hiking in national parks, or sipping Pilsner in a local pub, the Czech Republic will surprise and inspire you.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top places to visit, what to eat and drink, when to go, and the best tours and excursions to book for your trip to the Czech Republic.
Why Visit the Czech Republic?
- Fairy-tale medieval cities and castles
- Gorgeous architecture — Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Stunning national parks
- Legendary beer culture
- Friendly prices — great value in Europe
- Easy to combine with neighboring countries
Prague: The Magical Capital
No trip to the Czech Republic is complete without visiting Prague (Praha) — one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.
Top Things to See in Prague:
- Prague Castle — The largest ancient castle complex in the world
- Charles Bridge — Iconic medieval bridge with statues
- Old Town Square — With the Astronomical Clock
- St. Vitus Cathedral — Magnificent Gothic church
- Jewish Quarter — History, synagogues, and cemetery
- Petřín Hill — Great views of the city
- Lennon Wall — A symbol of freedom
Tip: Take a Prague walking tour or a Vltava river cruise — a great way to experience the city.
Other Top Cities & Regions to Visit
Český Krumlov
A UNESCO-listed fairy-tale town with a stunning castle and winding river.
Highlights:
- Český Krumlov Castle and Baroque theater
- Riverside cafes and cobblestone streets
- Beautiful Renaissance and Baroque houses
- Great spot for photography and boat tours
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Elegant spa town famous for its healing hot springs.
Things to do:
- Relax at spa hotels
- Walk the pretty colonnades
- Taste the local herbal liqueur Becherovka
- Enjoy Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (July)
Kutná Hora
Fascinating UNESCO town known for its Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) and St. Barbara’s Cathedral.
A perfect day trip from Prague!
Brno & South Moravia
Brno is the Czech Republic’s second-largest city — hip, modern, and full of history.
Nearby South Moravia is wine country — full of charming vineyards and countryside.
Highlights:
- Špilberk Castle
- Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
- Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO)
- Wine tasting in Mikulov and Lednice-Valtice area
Czech Castles & Chateaux
With more than 2,000 castles and chateaux, the Czech Republic is paradise for castle lovers.
Must-see castles:
- Prague Castle
- Karlštejn Castle — Just outside Prague
- Hluboká Castle — Fairy-tale white chateau
- Český Krumlov Castle
- Bouzov Castle — Gothic beauty
Many tours combine Prague with nearby Karlštejn or Český Krumlov.
National Parks & Outdoor Adventures
The Czech Republic is also a country of natural beauty — perfect for hiking, cycling, and photography.
Top nature spots:
- Bohemian Switzerland National Park — Stunning sandstone rock formations
- Krkonoše Mountains — Czech Republic’s highest peaks
- Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) — Rock towns, castles, and hiking trails
- Moravian Karst — Caves and underground rivers
- Šumava National Park — Forests, lakes, and wildlife
Great for outdoor lovers and nature photographers.
Czech Beer & Food
Czechs are proud of their beer culture — and rightly so! The Czech Republic is the birthplace of Pilsner, and beer here is often cheaper than water.
Must-try beers:
- Pilsner Urquell
- Budvar (Budweiser Budvar)
- Many small craft breweries
Typical Czech dishes:
- Svíčková — Beef in creamy vegetable sauce
- Goulash — Hearty stew
- Vepřo knedlo zelo — Roast pork with dumplings and cabbage
- Trdelník — Sweet pastry (touristy but delicious)
- Czech sausages with mustard
Culture & Traditions
- Deep musical heritage (Dvořák, Smetana)
- Rich literary history (Kafka, Kundera)
- Stunning architecture — Gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Cubism
- Annual festivals: Prague Spring Music Festival, Karlovy Vary Film Festival
When to Visit Czech Republic
- Spring (April–June) — Mild weather, blooming gardens
- Summer (July–August) — Great for festivals and outdoor cafes
- Autumn (September–October) — Wine harvest season, fall colors
- Winter (Nov–Feb) — Magical Christmas markets, fewer crowds
Getting There
- Airports: Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)
- Trains: Great connections to Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland
- Driving: Good roads — easy to explore by car
Getting Around
- Excellent train and bus networks
- Walking-friendly cities
- Affordable public transport
- Great for road trips and castle hopping
Accommodation in Czech Republic
You’ll find a wide range of options:
- Stylish boutique hotels in Prague
- Spa resorts in Karlovy Vary
- Family-run guesthouses in the countryside
- Charming B&Bs in historic towns
- Budget hostels for backpackers
Booking tip:
Book early for summer and Christmas periods.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1-3: Prague
Day 4: Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle
Day 5: Český Krumlov
Day 6: Bohemian Switzerland or Bohemian Paradise
Day 7: Brno & South Moravia wine country
Excursions & Tours to Book
Here are some of the best-rated tours and excursions:
Prague Walking Tour with Prague Castle entry
Vltava River Cruise in Prague
Day Trip to Český Krumlov
Karlštejn Castle Half-Day Tour
Kutná Hora and Bone Church Tour
Bohemian Switzerland National Park guided hike
Czech beer tasting tour
Moravia Wine Country Tour from Brno
Book on GetYourGuide,
With its stunning architecture, incredible castles, rich cultural scene, beautiful nature, and great beer, the Czech Republic has something for every traveler. It’s a fantastic value destination and an easy country to explore — perfect for both first-timers to Europe and seasoned travelers alike.
Add the Czech Republic to your bucket list — and get ready to fall in love with the magic of Central Europe!
Ready to discover the Czech Republic? Book your flights, hotels, and top-rated tours today and plan your unforgettable Czech adventure!