Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe that has captivated travelers for centuries with its fairy-tale castles, medieval old towns, and world-renowned beer culture. Nestled between Germany, Poland, Austria, and Slovakia, this compact nation packs an extraordinary density of cultural treasures into its modest 78,871 square kilometers.

With 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more castles per capita than any other country in Europe (over 2,000), and a brewing tradition dating back to 993 AD, Czech Republic offers an unparalleled blend of history, architecture, and gastronomy. The capital Prague, with its stunning Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, consistently ranks among Europe's most beautiful cities.

For American travelers, Czech Republic represents exceptional value — world-class experiences at roughly half the cost of Western European destinations. The country's central location makes it an ideal hub for exploring Central Europe, with excellent rail connections to Vienna, Berlin, Munich, and beyond.

The country's official short name "Czechia" was adopted in 2016, though "Czech Republic" remains widely used internationally. The Czech name is Česko (short form) or Česká republika (formal). The nation comprises three historic lands: Bohemia (Čechy) in the west, Moravia (Morava) in the east, and Czech Silesia (Slezsko) in the northeast.

The term "Bohemia" derives from the Celtic Boii tribe who inhabited the region before the Slavic settlement in the 6th century. The Czech people take great pride in their distinct identity, shaped by centuries of being at the crossroads of European powers — from the Holy Roman Empire to the Habsburg Monarchy to Soviet influence.

Czech Republic's geography is defined by mountain ranges forming natural borders, fertile lowlands in the interior, and over 2,000 ponds and lakes. The country is divided into 14 regions (kraje), each with distinct character. Bohemia, the western two-thirds of the country, features the Bohemian Basin surrounded by mountain ranges: the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) in the north, Šumava (Bohemian Forest) in the southwest, and the Ore Mountains along the German border.

Moravia, the eastern third, is known for its rolling hills, wine regions, and the Moravian Karst cave system. The highest point is Sněžka (1,603 m / 5,259 ft) in the Krkonoše Mountains. Major rivers include the Vltava (Moldau), which flows through Prague, and the Elbe (Labe), which continues to Germany and the North Sea.

Czech history is a dramatic saga of kingdoms, empires, occupations, and peaceful revolutions. The Great Moravian Empire (833–907 AD) was the first significant Slavic state in the region, where Saints Cyril and Methodius introduced Christianity and the Slavic alphabet. The Přemyslid dynasty established the Bohemian kingdom, which reached its golden age under Charles IV (1346–1378), Holy Roman Emperor who transformed Prague into the imperial capital of Europe.

Charles IV, known as the "Father of the Nation" (Pater Patriae), was Bohemia's greatest ruler and one of medieval Europe's most enlightened monarchs. Born in Prague in 1316, educated in Paris, and crowned King of Bohemia in 1346 and Holy Roman Emperor in 1355, Charles presided over Bohemia's Golden Age. He founded Charles University in 1348 — Central Europe's first university — commissioned the iconic Charles Bridge, expanded Prague Castle, and built the stunning Karlštejn Castle to house the imperial crown jewels and holy relics. Under his rule, Prague became the third-largest city in Europe after Rome and Constantinople, a center of Gothic art, architecture, and learning that attracted scholars, artists, and merchants from across the continent.

The Hussite Wars (1419–1434) made Bohemia a center of religious reform a century before Luther. The 1618 Defenestration of Prague sparked the Thirty Years' War, beginning from the Habsburg period that would profoundly shape Czech lands for nearly four centuries.

During Habsburg rule (1526–1918), Bohemia experienced another remarkable flowering under Rudolf II (1552–1612), Holy Roman Emperor who made Prague his imperial seat from 1583 to 1612. Rudolf transformed Prague into Europe's cultural and scientific capital, creating an extraordinary Renaissance court that attracted the era's greatest minds. The eccentric emperor assembled the Kunstkammer (Cabinet of Curiosities), invited astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler to work at Prague Castle, patronized painters like Arcimboldo and Spranger, and surrounded himself with alchemists seeking the philosopher's stone. Though politically weak and increasingly withdrawn, Rudolf's obsessive collecting and patronage created an unparalleled treasury of art and scientific instruments, much of which forms today's collections in Prague's museums. His reign represents the last great flowering of imperial Prague before the catastrophe of the Thirty Years' War.

Under Habsburg rule, Czech national identity persevered through cultural renaissance movements. The creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, Nazi occupation (1939–1945), Communist rule (1948–1989), and the peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989 shaped modern Czech identity.

In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in what became known as the "Velvet Divorce." Today, Czech Republic is a member of the EU, NATO, and maintains one of Central Europe's strongest economies.

With a population of approximately 10.5 million, Czech Republic is one of Europe's most ethnically homogeneous nations — about 95% identify as Czech. The society is notably secular, with surveys consistently showing one of the world's lowest rates of religious belief. This secular tradition dates back to the Hussite movement and was reinforced during Communist rule.

Czechs are known for their dry humor, love of beer and pub culture, passion for ice hockey, and pride in their musical heritage — from classical composers Dvořák and Smetana to contemporary rock and electronic scenes. The concept of "pohoda" (relaxed contentment) captures the Czech approach to life: enjoying simple pleasures, good conversation, and time with friends at the local hospoda (pub).

The country has produced remarkable figures including writer Franz Kafka, composer Antonín Dvořák, playwright-president Václav Havel, tennis legend Martina Navrátilová, and inventor of contact lenses Otto Wichterle.

Prague (Praha) is one of Europe's most stunning capitals, a living museum of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture that miraculously survived World War II largely intact. With 1.3 million residents and over 8 million annual visitors, it's both a major European capital and a top tourist destination.

The Prague Castle complex, dating to the 9th century, is the world's largest ancient castle (70,000 m²) and seat of Czech presidents. Below it, the Charles Bridge (Karlův most), built in 1357, connects the castle district with the medieval Old Town (Staré Město), where the famous Astronomical Clock has marked time since 1410. The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) contains Europe's oldest functioning synagogue and a hauntingly beautiful cemetery.

Beyond the tourist centers, neighborhoods like Vinohrady, Žižkov, and Karlín offer authentic Czech life, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Prague's cultural offerings include world-class opera, the National Gallery's collections, and countless music venues from jazz cellars to classical concert halls.

Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is a perfectly preserved medieval town wrapped in a dramatic S-bend of the Vltava River. Dominated by a castle second in size only to Prague Castle, this town of 13,000 feels frozen in time with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture creating an almost theatrical atmosphere.

The castle complex features unique Baroque theater still using original 18th-century stage machinery, beautiful castle gardens, and a distinctive painted tower. Below, the old town's winding cobblestone streets reveal artisan workshops, cozy restaurants, and the fascinating Egon Schiele Art Centrum dedicated to the Austrian expressionist who lived here.

In summer, the Vltava River comes alive with rafters and kayakers floating through town — a quintessentially Czech experience. Despite its popularity, the town retains authentic charm, especially in the quiet morning hours or evening after day-trippers depart.

Kutná Hora was once Bohemia's second most important city, its wealth built on silver mines that funded the medieval Czech kingdom. Today, this UNESCO-listed town offers two extraordinary and contrasting attractions that draw visitors from around the world.

The Sedlec Ossuary ("Bone Church") is a small chapel artistically decorated with the bones of an estimated 40,000–70,000 people, including chandeliers, a coat of arms, and garlands made entirely from human skeletal remains — both macabre and strangely beautiful. In stark contrast, the magnificent St. Barbara's Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece rivaling Prague's finest, with stunning flying buttresses and medieval mining-themed frescoes.

The town center features the Italian Court (former royal mint), Gothic stone fountains, and streets lined with Baroque townhouses. Kutná Hora makes an easy day trip from Prague (1 hour by train) or a worthwhile overnight stay to experience the atmospheric old town without crowds.

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is the crown jewel of Czech spa towns, founded in 1370 when Emperor Charles IV allegedly discovered its hot springs while hunting. Today, this elegant resort city in a forested valley features 13 main mineral springs, Belle Époque colonnades, and a glamorous atmosphere that has attracted royalty, celebrities, and health-seekers for centuries.

The town's fame extends beyond wellness — it's home to the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (one of Europe's oldest), the iconic Moser glassworks, and Becherovka herbal liqueur distillery. The traditional ritual involves strolling the colonnades while sipping mineral water from special spa cups with built-in straws.

The surrounding West Bohemian spa triangle includes Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) and Františkovy Lázně, collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021 as "Great Spa Towns of Europe."

Brno, Czech Republic's second-largest city (population 380,000), is the historic capital of Moravia and a vibrant university city often overlooked by tourists rushing between Prague and Vienna. This oversight is their loss — Brno offers world-class architecture, excellent dining, and an authentic Czech atmosphere without the tourist crowds.

The city's crown jewel is Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930 — considered one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. The Špilberk Castle offers panoramic views and a sobering prison history, while the underground Ossuary rivals Sedlec in scale. The Old Town Hall houses Brno's famous crocodile (hanging dragon) and twisted wheel (astronomical wheel).

Brno's nightlife and café culture rival Prague's at a fraction of the cost. The nearby Moravian Karst features dramatic caves and the 138-meter-deep Macocha Abyss, while the Moravian wine region produces excellent whites often compared to Austrian wines.

Olomouc is Moravia's hidden gem — a stunning university city with the second-largest historic preservation zone after Prague, magnificent Baroque fountains, and the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column. Plzeň (Pilsen) is the birthplace of Pilsner beer, home to the original Pilsner Urquell brewery and excellent museums. Liberec offers stunning Art Nouveau architecture and access to the Jizera Mountains.

Telč, a UNESCO site, features perhaps the most photogenic main square in Central Europe — a perfect Renaissance ensemble reflected in surrounding fishponds. Třebíč's Jewish Quarter and basilica are UNESCO-listed, while Litomyšl boasts a Renaissance castle and hosts a famous music festival. České Budějovice (Budweis) offers a massive main square and the original Budweiser Budvar brewery.

Czech cuisine is hearty Central European fare perfected over centuries — rich meat dishes, dumplings, sauces, and the world's finest beer. The national dish is svíčková na smetaně — marinated sirloin with creamy vegetable sauce, bread dumplings, and cranberry sauce. Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut) is the ultimate comfort food.

Czechs consume more beer per capita than any nation on Earth (~140 liters annually). The country invented Pilsner style lager in 1842, and today offers incredible variety: Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar, Staropramen, Kozel, Bernard, and countless microbreweries. Beer is cheaper than bottled water and ordering "pivo" (beer) is a way of life.

Must-try dishes include trdelník (chimney cake), smažený sýr (fried cheese), guláš (goulash), bramboráky (potato pancakes), and palačinky (crepes). Pair with Becherovka herbal liqueur or slivovice (plum brandy) for the full experience.

Vepřo Knedlo Zelo

Pork, Dumplings, Sauerkraut

The Czech national dish—roast pork with bread dumplings and cabbage.

Ingredients: 500g pork shoulder, Caraway seeds, For dumplings: 480ml flour, 1 egg, yeast, milk, Sauerkraut, Onion.

Preparation: Roast pork with caraway and onion. Then make dumpling dough, roll into log. Boil dumplings 20 min. Slice dumplings with thread. Then braise sauerkraut. Finally, serve together with gravy.

💡 Slice dumplings with thread, never a knife—keeps them fluffy.

Svíčková

Beef in Cream Sauce

Beef sirloin in creamy vegetable sauce with cranberries.

Ingredients: 400g beef sirloin, Carrot, celery, parsnip, Cream, lemon, Allspice, bay leaf, Cranberry sauce, Bread dumplings.

Preparation: Brown beef, set aside. After that, roast vegetables until dark. Add spices, cream, return beef. Then braise until tender. Strain and blend sauce. To finish, serve with dumplings and cranberries.

💡 The sauce must be smooth—strain well.

Trdelník

Chimney Cake

Spiral pastry grilled over charcoal, coated in sugar and cinnamon.

Ingredients: 480ml flour, 1 packet yeast, 120ml milk, 2 egg yolks, 45ml sugar, Cinnamon sugar, Walnut crumbs.

Preparation: Make sweet yeast dough. Then roll into long strips. Wrap around wooden cylinder. Grill over coals, turning. Then roll in cinnamon sugar while hot. To finish, add walnut crumbs if desired.

💡 Rotate constantly for even cooking—watch for burning.

Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are warm (20–30°C / 68–86°F) and ideal for sightseeing, though Prague can be crowded and occasionally hot. Winters (December–February) are cold (-5 to 5°C / 23–41°F) with snow in mountain areas — perfect for Christmas markets and skiing.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance: pleasant weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful colors. May brings blooming gardens and music festivals, while September offers grape harvest celebrations in Moravia. Christmas markets run from late November through December 23rd, creating magical atmospheres in Prague, Brno, and Olomouc.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the main international gateway, serving 18+ million passengers annually with connections to major global cities. Direct flights from New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago, and other US hubs take 8–10 hours. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet connect Prague to most European cities.

Train travel is excellent: Prague is 4 hours from Vienna, 4.5 hours from Berlin, and 5.5 hours from Munich by rail. Czech Railways (ČD) and private operators RegioJet and Leo Express offer comfortable, affordable service. The country's central location makes multi-country itineraries easy.

For drivers, Czech Republic has well-maintained highways (dálnice) requiring a vignette (electronic toll pass). Flixbus and other bus companies offer budget connections throughout Europe.

Visa: US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK) — approximately 23 CZK = $1 USD. Credit cards widely accepted but carry some cash for smaller establishments. ATMs (bankomaty) are everywhere.

Language: Czech is challenging but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations. German is useful in western regions. Safety: Czech Republic is very safe with low crime rates. Use normal urban precautions against pickpockets in tourist areas. Tap water is safe to drink.

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz with European Type E plugs (two round pins). American devices need adapters and possibly voltage converters. Tipping: Round up or add 10% at restaurants; not obligatory but appreciated.

Czech Republic offers excellent value compared to Western Europe — roughly 40–50% cheaper than Germany, France, or the UK. Prague is priciest, while Brno, Olomouc, and smaller towns offer even better deals. Budget travelers can manage on $50–70/day; mid-range comfort runs $100–150/day.

A half-liter of excellent beer costs $1.50–3 at local pubs (more in tourist traps). Restaurant meals range from $8–15 for lunch to $15–30 for nice dinners. Public transport is cheap ($1–2 per ride in Prague) and efficient. Hostels cost $15–30/night; mid-range hotels $60–120.

Czech Republic offers accommodation for every budget and style. Prague has everything from party hostels to grand five-star hotels like the Art Nouveau Hotel Paris or Four Seasons. For character, try boutique hotels in converted historic buildings or apartments in residential neighborhoods like Vinohrady.

Outside Prague, pensions (family-run guesthouses) offer excellent value and local character. Castle hotels provide unique experiences in places like Český Krumlov and South Bohemia. Spa hotels in Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně range from faded grandeur to world-class luxury. Airbnb is popular but increasingly regulated in Prague's historic center.

Book well ahead for peak season (June–August, Christmas, Easter) and major festivals. Shoulder seasons offer better availability and significant discounts.

Czech Republic boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — extraordinary density for such a compact country. These range from entire historic city centers to individual architectural masterpieces, from medieval towns to 20th-century functionalism.

Beyond the famous sites, Czech Republic rewards curious travelers with countless discoveries. Moravian Karst features over 1,100 caves including boat rides through underground rivers and the 138m Macocha Abyss. Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) offers dramatic sandstone rock cities, castle ruins, and hiking trails.

The Moravian wine country around Mikulov produces excellent wines rarely seen abroad — explore by bike along the Wine Trail. Adršpach-Teplice Rocks in northeast Bohemia create surreal sandstone labyrinths. Slavonice is a nearly undiscovered Renaissance gem on the Austrian border. Loket Castle near Karlovy Vary perches dramatically above the Ohře River — allegedly young Goethe's inspiration for his gothic tales.

For industrial heritage, Dolní Vítkovice in Ostrava transforms a massive ironworks into cultural venues, while Landek Park explores coal mining history. The Baťa Canal in South Moravia offers relaxed boat trips through the countryside.

Czech cultural life pulses with festivals throughout the year. Prague Spring (Pražské jaro, May–June) is one of Europe's premier classical music festivals, held since 1946. Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (July) ranks among the world's most prestigious, attracting A-list stars to the elegant spa town.

Christmas markets transform town squares across the country from late November through December 23rd, with Prague's Old Town Square among Europe's most beautiful. Colours of Ostrava (July) is Central Europe's biggest multi-genre music festival, set in former industrial grounds. United Islands brings free world music to Prague's Vltava islands each June.

Wine lovers flock to Znojmo Wine Festival and Mikulov Vintage in September. The Signal Festival (October) illuminates Prague with stunning light installations. Masopust (Carnival) in February features traditional costumes and village celebrations, particularly vibrant in the Hlinecko region (UNESCO Intangible Heritage).

Footwear is crucial — Prague's cobblestone streets and castle hills demand comfortable walking shoes with good support. Pack layers for unpredictable weather; temperatures can swing 15°C in a single day. A compact umbrella and light rain jacket are essential year-round.

For summer: light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses. For winter: warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf — temperatures drop below freezing. A power adapter (Type E, 230V) is essential for American devices. Casual dress is fine most places; smart casual for upscale restaurants and opera.

Essential websites and apps for planning and navigating Czech Republic:

Deepen your understanding of Czech culture with these essential reads: "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera captures the Prague Spring era. "The Trial" and other works by Franz Kafka embody Prague's kafkaesque atmosphere. "The Good Soldier Švejk" by Jaroslav Hašek is Czech humor at its finest — satirizing bureaucracy and militarism.

"Prague: A Cultural and Literary History" by Richard Burton offers deep context. Václav Havel's essays and plays illuminate the dissident experience. For history, try "Prague in Black and Gold" by Peter Demetz or "The Coasts of Bohemia" by Derek Sayer.

Czech Republic is a nation of inventors and world firsts. The word "robot" entered global vocabulary from Karel Čapek's 1920 play R.U.R., though his brother Josef actually coined it. Otto Wichterle invented soft contact lenses in 1959 — remarkably, using his children's building kit and his wife's gramophone motor to create the first lens-making machine at home after the communist government cut his funding. Czechs gave us the sugar cube (Jakub Kryštof Rad, 1843, in Dačice after his wife cut herself breaking sugar loaves), blood type classification (Jan Janský, 1907), and Semtex plastic explosive (1950s).

The Astronomical Clock in Prague has operated since 1410, making it the world's oldest working astronomical clock. Czechs are the undisputed world champions in beer consumption — about 141 liters per person annually, and in most Czech pubs beer costs less than water! The country has approximately 2,000 castles and châteaux, more per capita than anywhere in Europe. The unique Czech letter "Ř" exists in no other language. Czechs were the third nation to reach space (Vladimír Remek, 1978). The first music played on the Moon's surface was Dvořák's New World Symphony. There are over 80,000 km of marked hiking trails — twice the Earth's circumference! And the famous Prague defenestrations (throwing people out of windows) sparked both the Hussite Wars (1419) and the Thirty Years' War (1618).

Modern Czech innovation continues: Josef Průša built the world's largest 3D printer farm in Prague (1,000+ printers), Professor Antonín Holý developed Truvada for HIV treatment, and the Technical University in Liberec pioneered industrial nanofiber production. More than 70% of Czechs go mushroom hunting at least once a year — it's practically a national sport!

Czech lands have produced remarkable figures across all fields: Composers Antonín Dvořák (New World Symphony), Bedřich Smetana (Má vlast), and Leoš Janáček. Writers Franz Kafka, Milan Kundera, and Bohumil Hrabal. Artist Alphonse Mucha defined Art Nouveau aesthetics.

Scientist Gregor Mendel (genetics pioneer) worked in Brno. Sigmund Freud was born in Moravia. Tennis stars Martina Navrátilová and Ivan Lendl dominated their sport. Václav Havel led the Velvet Revolution and became a moral leader of the post-Cold War era. Madeleine Albright, first female US Secretary of State, was born in Prague.

Ice hockey is the undisputed national passion, where Czech Republic punches far above its weight. The Czech national team has won Olympic gold twice (1998 Nagano, 2026 Milan), six World Championship titles, and consistently ranks among the world's elite despite its small population. The domestic Czech Extraliga features passionate rivalries, with HC Sparta Praha, HC Kometa Brno, and HC Oceláři Třinec filling arenas with deafening crowds.

Czech hockey's greatest icon is Jaromír Jágr, a legend whose career spanned from 1988 to 2018, making him the NHL's second-leading scorer of all time with 1,921 points. Jágr won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh (1991, 1992), five Art Ross Trophies, and Olympic gold for Czech Republic in 1998. Known for his legendary work ethic, signature mullet hairstyle, and ability to play elite hockey into his mid-40s, Jágr inspired generations of Czech players. Other hockey legends include goaltender Dominik Hašek (six-time Vezina Trophy winner), Patrik Eliáš (New Jersey Devils all-time leading scorer), and current stars like David Pastrňák and Filip Hronek. Catching a game at Prague's O2 Arena during the Extraliga season offers an authentic glimpse into Czech hockey passion — expect standing-room crowds, beer-fueled chants, and an electric atmosphere.

Football (soccer) follows closely, with eternal rivals Sparta Prague and Slavia Prague dominating the Fortuna Liga. Czech football peaked in the 1990s and 2000s with players like Pavel Nedvěd (Ballon d'Or winner 2003), Petr Čech (Premier League's all-time clean sheet leader), and Milan Baroš. The national team memorably reached the Euro 1996 final and the Euro 2004 semifinals. Modern stars include Tomáš Souček (West Ham) and Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen).

Tennis enjoys massive popularity thanks to generations of world champions — Martina Navrátilová (18 Grand Slam singles titles), Ivan Lendl (8 Grand Slams), Petra Kvitová (2-time Wimbledon champion), and Karolína Plíšková. Czechs also excel in biathlon, cross-country skiing, and cycling. For visitors, the Krkonoše Mountains offer world-class skiing and snowboarding, while scenic cycling trails crisscross the countryside, especially the picturesque Moravian wine routes.

Czech Republic maintains a free press with diverse media landscape. Major outlets include Czech Television (ČT), Czech Radio, and newspapers like Hospodářské noviny, Lidové noviny, and Mladá fronta DNES. International news is readily available, and English-language coverage includes Prague Morning, Expats.cz, and Radio Prague International.

Press freedom is constitutionally protected, though concerns have been raised about media ownership concentration. The country generally ranks well in international press freedom indices, maintaining traditions of independent journalism that date to the dissident underground press of the Communist era.

Prague's public transport is excellent — metro, trams, and buses operate 5 AM to midnight, with night trams after. Buy tickets before boarding from machines or use the PID Lítačka app. The historic tram 22 route is a scenic city tour passing major sights.

Trains connect all major cities efficiently. Czech Railways (ČD) offers older but reliable service; private operators RegioJet and Leo Express provide modern coaches with WiFi, coffee bars, and competitive prices. Buses (Flixbus, RegioJet) are often faster and cheaper for certain routes. Car rental is useful for castle-hopping and rural exploration but unnecessary in cities.

Czech Republic offers endless photographic opportunities — from Prague's Gothic spires to Moravian vineyards, from medieval squares to Art Nouveau facades. Best light for Prague Castle shots comes at sunrise from Charles Bridge or sunset from Letná Park.

Share your Czech Republic photos! Send to photos@kaufmann.wtf to be featured.

Prague Panorama

City of a hundred spires from above

National Museum

Neo-renaissance jewel on Wenceslas Square

National Theatre

Golden Chapel on the Vltava riverbank

Žižkov TV Tower

Brutalist icon with crawling babies

Astronomical Clock

Medieval masterpiece since 1410

Dancing House

Frank Gehry's Fred and Ginger

Terezín Memorial

WWII remembrance and reflection

Brno Cathedral

Gothic spires over Moravian capital

Petřín Tower

Prague's little Eiffel Tower

Moravian Karst

Underground wonders near Brno

Kroměříž Gardens

UNESCO baroque masterpiece

Prague at Twilight

Castle glowing golden above Vltava

Czech Republic holds a special place in Central European travel — it offers the grand architecture and cultural depth of Western Europe at a fraction of the cost, wrapped in uniquely Czech character. Prague rightfully draws millions, but the real magic often lies beyond: in the wine cellars of Moravia, the rock cities of Bohemian Paradise, the living history of towns like Olomouc and Telč.

Take time to slow down. Sit in a local hospoda, order a proper Czech pivo, and practice saying "Na zdraví!" Watch Czechs around you — their dry humor, their love of simple pleasures, their pride in craftsmanship whether in beer, crystal, or conversation. This is a country that has survived empires and occupations while maintaining its distinct identity. That resilience, expressed through culture rather than conflict, is perhaps Czech Republic's greatest attraction.

— Kaufmann World Travel Factbook