With more than 2,000 Bohemian castles, a capital regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful, and plenty of tourist drawcards aside from the token ‘Czech me out’ t-shirts, Czech Republic is a unique destination you cannot leave off an itinerary to Europe. To make sure you choose the right package for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do on a tour of Czech Republic below.
Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires
Prague boasts a thousand years of architectural magic evident around every medieval cobble-stoned corner. Long hushed as the travellers’ medieval secret spot, absinthe hedonists and cheap beer brigades have invaded but not overrun the timeless squares and charming alleyways of the old town, Staré Město. Visit the iconic Astronomical Clock, dodge trams, take in a Black Theatre Show and learn all about the Velvet Revolution at the Museum of Communism. Prague is arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.
History and outstanding views at Pražský Hrad
Breaking records as the largest ancient castle in the world, Pražský Hrad holds a millennium of history – home to the throne of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors and Czech Presidents – within its walls. St. Vitus Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, and oh the views! The outlook from castle hill is staggering.
Stroll across Charles Bridge
The 650-year-old stone Karlův most will have you crossing more than once. Prague’s landmark boasts a romantic position over river Vltava, and is picturesque any time of day. Edged with beautiful statues, including lucky Czech patron saint John of Nepomuk, who was de-pontified by ‘Good King Wenceslas’ for refusing to divulge the secrets of the Queen.
Savour a Czech beer – or three
You know beer is popular to the locals when it’s cheaper than water. A cold ‘pivo’ is crucial to wash your dumplings down. Tours of Czech Republic often include visits to local breweries, with the city of Plzeň worth the trip to enjoy the original Pilsner, Pilsner Urquell. Otherwise head to České Budějovice for a crisp Budva, which was around long before watered-down version like Budweiser.
Quiet Kutna Hora
The quaint mining town not far from Prague once prospered on gold and silver as Bohemia’s 13th century royal mint. Tourist season awakes the old town to festivals, bargain afternoon lunches, and a worthwhile visit to the spider-like Gothic flying buttresses of St. Barbara Church.
Simultaneous awe and horror at the Bone Church
Many tours take you off the beaten track to the eerie UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sedlec Ossuary, a below-ground church decorated with the remains of an estimated 40,000-70,000 humans. Exhibits include a coat of arms, skull garlands and a chandelier made up of every single bone in the body.
Step back in time in Český Krumlov
Snap resident brown bears in a former moat, or go tubing and float from one beer house to another – all in the courtyard of a giant medieval castle complex. Český is the fairy tale stop on South Bohemia’s tour route.
Bohemian castle hopping
Czech Republic is home to more than 2000 Bohemian castles, such as the breath-taking Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle, medieval Castle Loket offering great views and a peaceful setting, and hilltop 14th-century Karlstejn Castle.
Wine tasting in Moravia
The region of Moravia is responsible for approximately 96% of Czech Republic’s wine production, with mainly local grape varietals grown here. The much smaller wine region in Bohemia is home to some of Europe’s most northern vineyards. Pay a visit to the National Wine Centre in stately Valtice Palace, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape.
Watch an ice hockey match
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in the Czech Republic, and the national team is considered one of the best in the world as a member of the Big Six – an unofficial list of strong men’s ice hockey nations that includes Canada, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the US. The Czech Extraliga is the highest league in the country, so if sitting ice-side sounds like your thing this is the place to snag some tickets to watch the fastest game on earth.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC
