The Czech Republic is a central European country. Prague is the country’s capital and largest city. The country has an estimated population of 10.7 million people and an area of 78,866 square kilometers.
The Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy in which the head of state is the President and the head of government is the Prime Minister. The country belongs to the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. The Czech Republic has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by both Eastern and Western European influences. It is well-known for its architecture, music, literature, and filmmaking. Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square are among its most famous landmarks.
The Czech Republic’s official language is Czech, a Slavic language related to Slovak and Polish. English and German are also widely spoken, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
The Czech Republic’s tourism industry is important, with visitors drawn to the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, and the Krkonose Mountains are all popular tourist destinations.
Some interesting facts about Czech Republic
- According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Czech Republic is home to the world’s largest castle. Prague Castle, located in the capital city, is over 70,000 square meters in size.
- According to the World Health Organization, Czechs are the world’s largest beer drinkers, consuming 142.4 liters per person per year on average.
- The Czech Republic is also well-known for its traditional glassmaking industry, which has a history dating back over 700 years. Czech glass is highly valued for its craftsmanship and quality.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the famous composer, spent a significant amount of time in the Czech lands, and his opera “Don Giovanni” premiered in Prague in 1787.
- The Czech Republic has a unique puppetry tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. The Prague Puppet Theater is one of the world’s oldest and most renowned puppet theaters.
- The Czech Republic is a landlocked country bordered to the west by Germany, to the north by Poland, to the east by Slovakia, and to the south by Austria.
- Tennis players Martina Navratilova and Petra Kvitova, ice hockey player Jaromir Jagr, and Olympic javelin thrower Jan Zelezny are among the Czech Republic’s many world-class athletes.
- The Czech language has several unique characteristics, including a system of diacritical marks that can completely change the meaning of a word. For instance, the word “prst” means “finger,” but with an accent mark, “pst” means “access.”
- Several UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in the Czech Republic, including the historic center of Prague, the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, and the Jewish Quarter and St. Procopius Basilica in Trebic.
- The Czech Republic is also well-known for its delectable cuisine, which includes hearty stews, dumplings, and roasted meats. Goulash, roast pork with sauerkraut, and knedliky, a type of dumpling made from flour and potatoes, are all popular Czech dishes.
When is the best time to visit Czech Republic?
What you want to do and see in the Czech Republic determines the best time to visit. Warm summers, chilly winters, and mild springs and autumns characterize the country’s four distinct seasons.
Summer is the busiest tourist season in the Czech Republic, with warm weather and long days ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, with crowds and higher hotel and attraction prices.
If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy milder temperatures, visit in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The spring months are especially lovely, with the countryside blooming with flowers and greenery. Autumn is an excellent time to visit if you want to enjoy the fall foliage and cultural events such as the Prague Autumn Festival.
Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy, but it is also an excellent time to visit if you enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. In the Czech Republic, the holiday season is also a festive time, with Christmas markets and other seasonal events.
Things to Know before visiting Czech Republic?
If you are considering visiting the Czech Republic, here are some things you should know before you go:
- Czech koruna is the Czech Republic’s official currency (CZK). To get the best exchange rate, exchange money at a bank or exchange office rather than a hotel or airport.
- Language: Although Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Czech phrases like “dobr den” (hello) and “dkuji” (thank you) can be beneficial and appreciated.
- Transportation: The Czech Republic has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses, trams, and trains. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or on-board the vehicle. Taxis are also available, but make sure you agree on a price ahead of time.
- Tipping is common in the Czech Republic, but not as prevalent as in other countries. In most restaurants, cafes, and bars, a 10% tip is sufficient for good service.
- Food and Drink: Traditional Czech dishes include goulash, roast pork with dumplings, and fried cheese. The country is also well-known for its beer, which is frequently less expensive than water in restaurants and bars.
- Safety: Although the Czech Republic is a relatively safe country, be aware of pickpocketing in tourist areas, particularly in Prague. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and use ATMs with caution.
- Cultural Etiquette: When visiting the Czech Republic, it is critical to respect local customs and cultural norms. It’s considered impolite, for example, to refuse a drink offered by a host or to enter a home with your shoes on.
- Seasons: There are four distinct seasons in the Czech Republic, with hot summers and cold winters. Pack appropriately, especially if you plan to visit during the winter months.
- Accommodation: The Czech Republic has a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. To ensure availability and lower prices, book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Attractions: There are numerous must-see attractions in the Czech Republic, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the historic center of Prague. However, the country also has many hidden gems worth exploring, such as the Bohemian Paradise and the Moravian Karst.
What is the best gift from Czech Republic?
Because the Czech Republic is famous for its crystal and glassware, a piece of handcrafted crystal or glassware is one of the best gifts to bring back from the country. Crystal vases, wine glasses, and decorative items such as paperweights and figurines are all popular.
Other great Czech Republic gift ideas include:
- Traditional Czech marionettes are a colorful and unique gift that can be displayed as a decorative item or used in puppet shows.
- Bohemian garnet jewelry: The Czech Republic is well-known for its high-quality garnets, which are frequently set in gold or silver to create stunning jewelry.
- Becherovka: A popular Czech herbal liqueur made from a secret blend of herbs and spices, Becherovka is often served as an aperitif or digestif.
- Czech beer: The Czech Republic is well-known for its beer, and there are numerous brands and varieties to choose from. Consider bringing a few bottles or a six-pack of your favorite Czech beer back with you.
- Czech ceramics: The country has a rich pottery and ceramics tradition, and you can find beautifully crafted pieces in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern.
Whatever gift you choose, look for genuine, locally made items to ensure you get a true taste of Czech culture and craftsmanship.
Things to Do in Czech Republic
- Explore Prague: The Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague, is a must-see destination. The city is famous for its beautiful architecture, which includes the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. Check out the Jewish Quarter and the John Lennon Wall as well.
- Visit the Czech countryside: There is plenty of natural beauty to explore in the Czech Republic, including the Bohemian Paradise, the Moravian Karst, and the Krkonoe Mountains. Hiking, cycling, and skiing are among the country’s most popular outdoor activities.
- Tour historic castles: The Czech Republic is home to a number of historic castles, including Karltejn Castle, esk Krumlov Castle, and Hluboká Castle. Throughout the year, many of these castles offer tours and events.
- Czech cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with dishes such as goulash, roast pork with dumplings, and fried cheese. Make sure to try the country’s famous beer and wine.
- Participate in a cultural event: The Czech Republic has a rich cultural heritage, and there are numerous festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the Prague Spring International Music Festival, the Czech Beer Festival, and the Christmas markets.
- Visit thermal spa towns such as Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázn, and Teplice: The Czech Republic is well-known for its thermal spa towns such as Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázn, and Teplice. These towns provide a variety of spa treatments and relaxation opportunities.
- Take a river cruise: The Vltava River runs through Prague and provides an unforgettable view of the city. River cruises are available in Prague as well as other cities throughout the country.
- Explore local museums: There are many interesting museums to visit in the Czech Republic, including the National Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Jewish Museum in Prague, as well as the Skoda Auto Museum and the Museum of Glass in other cities.