With its stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed historic centre, Prague might just be the most beautiful city in the world. Known as the 'City of a Hundred Spires', it’s a fairytale landscape of Gothic cathedrals and Baroque buildings set magnificently around the banks of the Vltava River. Check out the famed Prague Astronomical Clock, admire the views from beautiful Charles Bridge then pick a cafe on the beautiful Old Town Square and settle in to sink a few of the country's famed pilsners.
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CZECH REPUBLIC
TRAVEL IN CZECH REPUBLIC
This country located in the heart of Europe is well-known for its ornate castles, native beers and long history. Czech Republic is also one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. With many attractions free of charge and public transport costing no more than a few Euros per day, the city is a budget traveler’s paradise. This country is a kaleidoscope of sights, colours and experiences. So where do you start? Allow us to offer up a few pointers…
FAST FACTS
- Language: Czech
- Currency: Czech koruna
- Electricity: 230V
- Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Czech Republic
- Dialing Code: +420
- Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic is home to more sights than you could possibly cover in only one trip, so you've got some tough decisions on your hands. That's where we come in, so read on for our guide to the country's top 5.
STROLL THE STREERS OF PRAGUE'S OLD TOWN
VISIT THE PILSNER URQUELL BREWERY IN PILSEN
This world famous beer was the first ever pilsner, making it perhaps the most influential brew in the world. It hails from the town of Pilsen in western Bohemia, and has been enthusiastically consumed across the globe since its invention in 1842, spawning countless imitators along the way. Learn about its history and unique production methods with a tour of the brewery, then settle down to sample some of its thirst-quenching wares - a Czech Republic travel 2015 must!
STEP BACK IN TIME AT PRAGUE CASTLE
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Vltava River, this spectacular castle complex is perhaps the most popular of Prague attractions. It's also the largest castle complex in the world, and dates back to the 9th century. Here you'll find some excellent museums and many wonderful buildings, including the magnificent Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, whose 96m spire dominates the city skyline.
HIT THE SLOPES AT ŠPINDLERŮV MLÝN
Ok, so the name might be virtually unpronounceable, but don't let that put you off: Špindlerův Mlýn is the country's largest and most popular resort. Set amidst the beautiful Krkonoše Mountains, it's home to 25km of excellent runs and 3 terrain parks, as well as a wealth of scenic hiking trails to please summer visitors.
TAKE IN THE REJUVENATING WATERS AT KARLOVY VARY
Clustered tightly along the narrow and winding Teplá River gorge, this picture-postcard spa town is one of the prettiest in the Czech Republic. It's located in western Bohemia and is famed for its multitude of hot springs, as well the rejuvenating effects of its waters. Wander its scenic streets, enjoy a drink at a riverside café or go in on one of the famed Karlovy Vary wellness treatments.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN CZECH REPUBLIC
From summer music festivals to traditional cultural gatherings, the Czech Republic has got the lot. Read on for our rundown of the best music festivals in the Czech Republic.
COLOURS OF OSTRAVA
A multi-genre music festival that is amongst the most popular in the Czech Republic, with 16 stages and a huge yearly attendance. It's held in Ostrava each July, with top name international acts performing against a stunning industrial backdrop of blast furnaces, ironworks and mines.
TRUTNOV OPEN AIR MUSIC FESTIVAL
This legendary Czech rock festival has been taking place every year since 1990 - everyone from Motorhead and the Manic Street Preachers to Living Colour and Iggy Pop have topped the bill.
PRAGUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Known as Febiofest, this is one of the largest and most prestigious of Czech cinema events. Its program of screenings is held at a modern 12-screen multiplex cinema near central Prague, with feature films and shorts from amateur and professional filmmakers.
PRAGUE SPRING INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
If you're into classical music, then Prague Spring International Music Festival is for you. It's hosted at a number of spectacular venues around the city and features performances from leading soloists, ensembles and symphony orchestras from around the world.
PRAGUE FRINGE FESTIVAL
Modelled on the world famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this offbeat festival of music, comedy, theatre and dance takes place in Prague during May and June, held in bars, clubs and theatres around the city.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic is home to a large number of excellent museums and galleries, and though its centerpiece - the fantastic Prague National Museum - is closed for refurbishments until 2017, there's still plenty to keep you occupied. Read on for our pick of the country's 5 best.
PRAGUE JEWISH MUSEUM
This museum of Jewish history and culture is located in several buildings in the former Jewish Town in Prague's historic center, including various synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest surviving of its kind in the world.
MUSEUM OF COMMUNISM, PRAGUE
Located right by Wenceslas Square, this museum documents the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia, covering everything from propaganda and censorship to labour camps and the various details of everyday life.
NATIONAL TECHNICAL MUSEUM, PRAGUE
The Czech Republic's largest museum of technology was founded in 1908, and features a truly vast archive. Here you'll find exhibits on everything from metallurgy and printing to astronomy and architecture, as well as a large collection of railway vehicles.
PRAGUE NATIONAL GALLERY
Housed in several buildings around Prague, this excellent gallery features the Czech Republic's largest collection of art, with many masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh and Renoir.
MORAVIAN GALLERY IN BRNO
Located in the Czech Republic's second city, the Moravian Gallery in Brno is one of the largest art galleries in the country. It features an excellent collection of contemporary art, design and decorative arts, divided over three buildings around the city center including the impressive Governor's Palace.
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FOOD IN CZECH REPUBLIC
Sumptuous stews, rich soups, delectable dumplings; Czech cuisine is a particular highlight of any Czech Republic travel experience. Meat products are big news here, particularly pork, with a variety of succulent roasted, baked and braised dishes waiting to tantalise your taste buds. These are often accompanied by the omnipresent knedlíky (dumplings), and you'll find a wealth of excellent Czech beers to wash them down with.
GULÁŠ
This hearty and traditional Czech dish is a staple of Prague restaurants. A delicious stew of beef and onions, it's gently simmered until tender, and served with delicious Czech-style knedlíky (steamed and sliced dumplings).
Best eaten at –U Kalicha, Na Bojišti 1733/12, Prague
Best eaten at –U Kalicha, Na Bojišti 1733/12, Prague
KOLENO
This outsized chunk of roasted pork knuckle is a Prague food classic. With crispy skin and wonderfully succulent meat, it's typically served with mustard and horseradish and pairs excellently with an ice-cold Czech beer.
Best eaten at -Restaurace KolonialŠiroká 25/6, Prague
ZELNAČKA
Zelnačka is known to the English-speaking world as 'cabbage soup', but it's infinitely more delicious than the name suggests. A rich and creamy soup made with cabbage, sauerkraut and smoky sausage, trying it is a Czech Republic travel 2016 essential.
Best eaten at - Kolkovna Olympia, Vítězná 7, Prague
ŘÍZEK
This Czech-style schnitzel consists of piece of meat - normally pork or chicken - beaten out until thin and tender, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crisp and golden. It's usually served with dumplings or potato salad.
Best eaten at - Restaurace Pod Slavínem, Svobodova 144/4, Prague
Best eaten at - Restaurace Pod Slavínem, Svobodova 144/4, Prague
SVÍČKOVÁ NA SMETANĚ
A true Czech favourite, this dish of tender beef sirloin is cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, then served with dumplings and cranberry sauce on the side.
Best eaten at -Café ImperialNa Poříčí 15, Prague
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WHAT TO PACK
A copy of 'The Castle' by Franz Kafka - The country's most celebrated author wrote this masterpiece in Špindlerův Mlýn, so there's no better place to read it.
A camera - With sights like Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge and Strahov Monastery, you're going to be taking plenty of holiday snaps here. Pack plenty of spare SD cards!
Warm clothing - The Czech Republic gets cold in winter, so you'll be in a much better position to appreciate the beauty of snow-covered Prague if you're wrapped up warmly.
An adapter plug - Voltage in the Czech Republic is 230V, with standard European 2-pin plugs. Bring a step-down transformer if you want to use appliances that run on 110V.
Comfortable shoes - No city in the world lends itself to on-foot exploration better than Prague. Look after your tootsies if you want to make it round all the essential sights!
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