Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 the Czech Republic has succeeded in opening its borders to tourists from all over the world. The many years under communist control have naturally marked the country, but the it's beautiful scenery, history, romance and charm are absolutely the most dominant features. Prague, the capital, is a very popular place for tourists, yet most of the surrounding mountainous areas are also well worth a visit.
Find your travel arrangement to Czech Republic here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Ceské republiky
Capital
Prague (1,300,000)
Size
78,866 square kilometres
Principal Languages
Czech
Principal Religion
Roman-Catholic
Inhabitants
10,299,125 (1997)
Government
Republic
Geography
The Czech Republic is a flat country surrounded by mountains. The landscape is fairly vigorous due to the many rivers crossing the country - including the Elben and the Moldau.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The Czech Republic has a continental climate, ensuring warm summers and cold winters. The country is most beautiful during spring and summer, and many museums and other sights also close from September. During winter, the Czech mountains offer excellent possibilities of winter sports.
Literature
Czech & Slovak Republics
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In the Czech Republic, the following units of measure are used:
Length: Metres
Weight: Kilos
Length: Metres
Weight: Kilos
Photography
Show common politeness and always ask before taking pictures of people.
Drinking water
Generally, you are advised not to drink the water in the Czech Republic, so please buy bottled water.
Electricity
Electric current operates on 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.
Behaviour
As in most other Roman-Catholic countries you should pay respect when visiting churches, convents and other religious houses by avoiding the wearing of shorts, short skirts, and exposing bare shoulders.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Shops are open from 6/7 a.m. to 6/7 p.m., some stores are open Saturday and Sunday.
Office opening hours are from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Shops are open from 6/7 a.m. to 6/7 p.m., some stores are open Saturday and Sunday.
Office opening hours are from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Food and drink
Animal flesh is the dominant ingredient in the Czech kitchen. Dishes like roast pork with sauerkraut, schnitzel or regular steaks are always be found on the menu, usually they are accompanied by a glass of Czech beer or wine. The local aquavit and liquor is often recommended.
Disabled travellers
A holiday in the Czech Republic is not likely to be successful if you are confined to a wheelchair. You will find no special assistance in the Czech Republic.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
May Day, 1 May
Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius, 5 July
Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jan Hus, 6 July
Christmas, 24 - 26 December
May Day, 1 May
Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius, 5 July
Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jan Hus, 6 July
Christmas, 24 - 26 December
Accommodation / Hotel
Generally the Czech Republic offers many accommodation possibilities. Many new options have arisen due to the influx of tourists in the country since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. In the countryside you will find several campsites, hotels of all price categories and varieties of comfort, and youth hostels (the hostels are mainly open during the summer).
Book your Hotel in Czech Republic here
Book your Hotel in Czech Republic here
Camping
The Czech Republic has many campsites, and even though the standard is not luxurious you will almost always find a space for rent.
You will find many hotels in all areas and in all price categories in the Czech Republic.
Hostels
During summer many youth hostels open in all areas of the Czech Republic - they close down outside the tourist season.
Local transport
The transport network is well-developed and often fairly inexpensive, so it is rather easy to get to all parts of the country. Domestic Flights can be found between larger cities. The train and bus networks combined cover almost every part of the country, so it will be no problem reaching all areas and cities.
Planes
Domestic flying is possible between the larger cities. The country's largest airport, Ruzyne, is situated about 20 kilometres from Prague.
Bus
You may go by bus between the larger cities and to many of the cities not covered by the railroads. Delays must be expected.
Trains
The Czech Republic has a good, well-developed and comfortable railroad network, and most trains depart regularly. You are well advised to book in advance.
Taxi
Going by taxi is easy and inexpensive during daytime, but the price goes somewhat up in the evening and during night. As many drivers do not speak English, it may be a good idea to bring along a piece of paper indicating your destination.
car rental
Many of the roads in the Czech Republic still bear the marks of the communist decline, while the highway grid during the last couple of years has been thoroughly repaired.
Other Transport
Prague has a well-planned, inexpensive and well-developed underground network, connected to almost all parts of town. Moreover the country is perfect for cycling holidays as the landscape is very flat.
Region and City Guides
Region
City
