The Czech Republic is a stunningly beautiful country, with historic architecture, natural landscapes, and charming towns.
Most travelers arrive in the Czech Republic with Prague at the top of their list. They soon discover there’s much more to this beautiful country. Ancient castles rise above forests, spa towns invite you to slow down, and unusual attractions reveal a playful side that surprises first-time visitors.
These are some of the experiences that make a trip to the Czech Republic unforgettable.
Czechia is historically split into three primary regions:
Bohemia (the West): Home to the capital, Prague, as well as rolling hills, dense forests, deep river valleys, and historic towns like Český Krumlov and Plzeň.
Moravia (the East): Known for its warmer climate, gentle vineyard-covered hills, distinct folk traditions, and major cities like Brno.
Czech Silesia (the Northeast): A smaller, mountain-framed region along the Polish border.
The country’s major rivers include the Vltava (which winds through Prague and Český Krumlov) and the Elbe.
Prague: The country’s capital and largest city. Often called the “City of a Hundred Spires,” it is famous for its remarkably preserved medieval core, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle.
Český Krumlov: A UNESCO World Heritage town in southern Bohemia, renowned for its dramatic castle rising above a horseshoe bend in the Vltava River.
Spa Towns: World-famous thermal spa towns like Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, celebrated for their grand colonnades and mineral springs.
This stunning and very impressive city is the capital of the Czech Republic and it offers a huge range of attractions including historic landmarks, picturesque streets, and world-class museums. You will never be disappointed with a visit to Prague.
Prague is a breathtakingly beautiful city steeped in history, with stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Explore charming streets, sip beer, and immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting atmosphere. Want to discover Prague in a day? Read more…
Yes, it’s real.
The Czech Republic is famous for producing some of the world’s finest beer, and in several towns you can actually soak in warm tubs infused with hops, malt and brewer’s yeast. It’s believed to leave your skin feeling soft while you enjoy unlimited Czech beer during your treatment.
It may sound unusual, but it’s become one of the country’s signature experiences.
The Czech Republic is famous for its beer, so be sure to visit a local pub and sample some of the local brews.
Explore the historic city of Cesky Krumlov: This charming town is located in the southern part of the country and features a beautifully preserved old town area with winding streets and an impressive castle.
Český Krumlov looks like it belongs in a storybook.
Its winding streets, colorful houses and impressive castle overlook the Vltava River, creating one of Europe’s most picturesque small towns. Spend a day wandering the lanes, enjoying riverside cafés and climbing the castle tower for spectacular views >>
Language: The official language is Czech, a West Slavic language written in the Latin alphabet with distinctive diacritics (such as č, š, and ž).
Architecture & Heritage: Because many Czech cities escaped catastrophic destruction during 20th-century conflicts, the country retains an extraordinary concentration of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture.
Many visitors know Prague Castle, but few realize it’s one of the largest ancient castle complexes anywhere in the world.
Allow several hours to wander through its courtyards, churches, gardens and viewpoints overlooking Prague.
The Czech Republic has more than 2,000 castles, châteaux and castle ruins—one of the highest concentrations in Europe. Many sit on hilltops overlooking forests and rivers, making even a short drive an adventure.
When planning a trip, understanding the names helps make sense of maps, train schedules, and local history:
Czechia is the country’s everyday name—the short, easy term used on travel sites and maps, just like “Italy” or “Spain”—while the Czech Republic is its formal title. Until 1993, this area was merged with neighbor Slovakia under the name Czechoslovakia, but today they are two separate nations. When exploring, you will mostly be in Bohemia (the western region holding fairytale spots like Prague and Český Krumlov) or Moravia (the eastern region known for rolling vineyards and historic wine cellars).
Simply remember: refer to the country as Czechia or the Czech Republic, reserve Czech as a descriptor for the food, beer, and culture, and prepare to discover one of Central Europe’s most captivating destinations…
It is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, known for its stunning stained glass windows and impressive spires.
The Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora is unlike any church you’ve ever seen.
Decorated with the bones of around 40,000 people, it is fascinating rather than frightening and attracts visitors from around the world.
This spa town is famous for its hot springs and beautiful architecture. Read more…
DID YOU KNOW? Visitors have been coming to Karlovy Vary for over 650 years to “drink the waters.” You’ll see locals and tourists strolling through the elegant colonnades carrying special porcelain spa cups, stopping at each spring to sample the mineral-rich water, each with a slightly different temperature and taste.
This natural reserve is located in the north of the Czech Republic and features stunning sandstone rock formations, lush forests, and picturesque villages.
DID YOU KNOW: Bohemian Paradise was the first area in the Czech Republic to be declared a UNESCO Global Geopark. It’s famous for its towering sandstone rock cities, where narrow pathways wind between cliffs sculpted by nature over millions of years.
The Czech Republic has a long history of wine production, and the Moravian wine region is home to beautiful vineyards and charming wine towns.
One vineyard you simply must visit while you’re in the Czech Republic, is U Kapličky – Located in the heart of the Moravian wine region, U Kapličky is known for its organic and biodynamic wines, with a focus on Pinot Noir and Riesling. But as their website says, it is more than just a visit to a wine farm…
Vineyard in winter in Znojmo region.
…visit the old town and Jewish Quarter – Read more…
DID YOU KNOW? Prague’s Old Town Astronomical Clock has been marking the hours since 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still operating today. Every hour, crowds gather to watch its famous procession of moving figures.
Experience and enjoy the local cuisine.
DID YOU KNOW? The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per person in the world. Beer is considered part of the country’s culinary tradition, and many local dishes are designed to pair perfectly with a freshly poured Czech lager.
Here are some of the top award-winning wines from the Czech Republic, that you can definitely try while you’re there:
DID YOU KNOW: You can actually stay in the dancing house in Prague! It’s a beautiful hotel with stunning views.
…is the Christmas market in Prague, which takes place in Old Town Square from late November to early January. The market offers a wide range of traditional Czech handicrafts, food, and drink, and is a popular destination for tourists during the holiday season. Prague’s Christmas Market transforms the Old Town Square into a winter wonderland, complete with a towering Christmas tree, handcrafted wooden stalls, traditional Czech treats and festive music. It’s consistently ranked among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
Some of the country’s most rewarding places receive far fewer visitors than Prague.
Consider exploring:
These destinations offer beautiful scenery, fascinating history and a slower pace of travel.
The Czech Republic rewards curious travelers. Beyond Prague’s famous landmarks, you’ll find castles hidden in forests, medieval towns, remarkable natural landscapes and experiences you probably never expected—like soaking in a beer spa or exploring a chapel decorated with human bones.
Give yourself time to explore beyond the capital. Some of your favorite memories may come from the places you hadn’t planned to visit.
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