Travel to Czech Republic — everything you need to know
When to go to Czech Republic?
- April – October — Mild season : Pleasant temperatures (18–26°C), outdoor terraces and festivals. May–June is ideal before the summer crowds. September–October brings beautiful autumn colours and fewer tourists.
- December — Christmas markets : Prague's Christmas markets, especially in Old Town Square, are among the most beautiful in Europe. Mulled wine, trdelník, festive lights and the chance of snow set the scene.
Weather in Czech Republic
Check the weather city by city, starting with Prague.
- Prague: daytime highs from 4 to 27 °C depending on the season, 38 mm of rain per month on average.
- Český Krumlov: daytime highs from 3 to 26 °C depending on the season, 55 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is defined by Prague — one of the most beautiful and best-preserved cities in Europe: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Jewish quarter of Josefov, and the Old Town with its astronomical clock. But beyond Prague lie Český Krumlov (a UNESCO-listed Baroque castle town), Brno, Bohemia's hop fields, and Pilsner beer, which was invented here in 1842.
Prague — The City of a Hundred Spires
Prague is Central Europe's finest capital: Charles Bridge from the 14th century with its 30 Baroque statues, Prague Castle — the largest castle complex in the world and a UNESCO site — the Old Town with its astronomical clock dating from 1410 and its fountains, and the Jewish quarter of Josefov, the best-preserved medieval Jewish quarter in the world. By night, the city sparkles.
Highlights : Charles Bridge — Baroque statues above the Vltava (14th century), Prague Castle — cathedral, palace and vineyard complex, Old Town Astronomical Clock (Orloj, 1410), Josefov — medieval synagogues and Jewish cemetery.
Český Krumlov — UNESCO Baroque Castle
Český Krumlov is an intact medieval and Baroque town listed by UNESCO. Its 13th-century castle, the second largest in Bohemia, overlooks a bend in the Vltava. The castle's Baroque theatre is one of the best preserved in the world and still has its original stage sets. In summer, the Five-Petalled Rose Festival brings the town back to life in 16th-century costume.
Highlights : Český Krumlov Castle — Vltava meander and panoramic views, Castle Baroque theatre — intact 17th-century stage, Canoeing on the Vltava through the bend below the castle.
Plzeň — Birthplace of Pilsner
Plzeň (Pilsen) is the world capital of pale lager: Pilsner Urquell was invented here in 1842 by Josef Groll, revolutionising brewing worldwide. The Pilsner Urquell brewery is part of the country's industrial heritage, and its vaulted cellars, where unfiltered lager still matures, can be visited with tastings. The city also has a beautiful Gothic cathedral.
Highlights : Pilsner Urquell Brewery — cellars and unfiltered beer tasting, Bohemian Beer Museum (Pivovarské muzeum), Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral with Bohemia's tallest tower, Medieval underground tunnels beneath Plzeň.
Brno and Moravia — Cellars and Vineyards
Brno, the Czech Republic's second city, is a lively university and cultural centre with Špilberk Castle, once a Habsburg state prison, and Villa Tugendhat, Mies van der Rohe's UNESCO-listed masterpiece. Moravia produces 95% of Czech wine, and villages such as Velké Pavlovice, Mikulov and Znojmo offer a wine route reminiscent of Alsace.
Highlights : Villa Tugendhat in Brno (UNESCO) — a Mies van der Rohe masterpiece, Špilberk Castle — Habsburg prison and views over Brno, Moravian Karst (Moravský kras) — caves and dramatic sinkholes.
Travel budget for Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is affordable for Western Europeans, especially outside Prague. Beer is often cheaper than water.
- Backpacker : 55–90 €/j — Hostel + hospoda + public transport
- Comfort : 95–170 €/j — 3-star hotel + restaurants + guided visits
Practical tips for travelling to Czech Republic
- Flight from Paris : ~1h50 (direct Air France, Wizz Air, Ryanair from CDG/Beauvais to Prague). Plenty of connections.
- Visa : No visa required — Schengen area. A French national ID card is sufficient.
- Currency : Czech koruna (CZK). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere in Prague. Use ATMs for small shops and bars.
- Language : Czech. English is widely spoken in Prague, less so elsewhere. German is also useful.
- Electricity : Type C/E (European) — 230V. No adapter needed.
- Health : No special precautions needed. The EHIC is valid. Healthcare quality is excellent.
- Beer : The Czech Republic has the world's highest beer consumption per capita. A pint of Pilsner in a bar costs about €1.50–3.
- Pickpockets : Prague attracts large numbers of tourists, and pickpockets are active on Charles Bridge, on trams 22/23 and around the Astronomical Clock. Stay alert.
Compare Czech Republic with other destinations