Highlights
Prague is one of the world's most beautiful cities — the astronomical clock and Gothic churches of the Old Town Square, the medieval Charles Bridge lined with statues, the sprawling Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral above the river, and a labyrinth of cobbled lanes best explored on foot. Its beer halls and jazz cellars pulse into the night.
Beyond the capital, Český Krumlov is a tiny, ridiculously pretty medieval town wrapped in a river bend beneath a grand castle — a UNESCO gem and the country's second must-see. The spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně offer Belle Époque elegance and healing springs.
The Bohemian countryside is dotted with castles (Karlštejn, Hluboká) and the eerie 'Bone Church' ossuary at Kutná Hora. To the east, Moravia brings the lively city of Brno, the painted villages and vineyards of the wine country, and dramatic caves and karst landscapes. And everywhere, the Czech beer culture — pilsner born in Plzeň — is a genuine highlight worth savouring.
When to go
May, June and September are the best months — warm, pleasant weather for exploring Prague and the countryside, with lively terraces and fewer crowds than mid-summer.
Summer (July-August) is warmest and busiest, with festivals and long days but crowded sights. Autumn brings golden light and harvest/wine season in Moravia. Winter (December-February) is cold, often snowy, and magical around Prague's Christmas markets, though daylight is short. Spring is fresh and blossoming. For the ideal mix of good weather and manageable crowds, aim for late spring or early autumn.
Visa & entry
This country is part of the Schengen Area. Many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and others) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, while others need a Schengen visa arranged in advance. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors is being phased in, so check whether it applies by your travel date. A passport valid at least three months beyond your stay is required. Always confirm the current requirements for your nationality and the ETIAS status on official EU/national sources before you travel.
Health & safety
Czechia is a safe country with low violent crime and well-established tourism. The main issues in Prague are petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas (Charles Bridge, Old Town, trams and the metro) and tourist scams — dishonest taxi drivers, overpriced currency exchange booths, and inflated bar/club bills, so use ride-hailing apps or reputable taxis, ATMs rather than street exchanges, and check menu prices.
The weather (winter cold, ice) is the main everyday hazard. Healthcare is good. Check your government's advisory before departure, though Czechia is generally low-risk for tourists.
Getting around
Czechia has excellent, affordable transport. Comfortable trains (České dráhy, plus private operators like RegioJet and Leo Express with onboard service) and cheap coaches link Prague with Český Krumlov, Brno, Karlovy Vary and the regions, and connect easily to Vienna, Berlin and beyond. Prague's integrated metro, trams and buses are efficient and cheap, used with tickets or contactless.
Ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) is widespread and preferable to hailing street taxis. For rural castles, Moravian wine country and flexibility, a hire car helps, with good roads (a motorway vignette is required). Trains and buses suit most itineraries well.
Money
Czechia uses the Czech Koruna (not the Euro, despite EU membership), so you'll need local currency, though some tourist spots accept euros at poor rates — always pay in koruna. It is very card-friendly in cities, but carry cash for small vendors, markets, some pubs and tips. Use ATMs or reputable exchange offices, and firmly decline 'dynamic currency conversion' (always choose to be charged in koruna).
Czechia is affordable, with famously cheap, excellent beer. Tipping is customary — round up or add around 10% for good service in restaurants and bars, telling the server the total when you pay.
Czechia