Czech Republic Travel Guide

There was a time when the Czech Republic was a cheap place that was off the beaten down Europe backpacker path. That time no longer exists in Prague but if you are willing to venture to other parts of the country you can still find it.

The Czech Republic is a nation oozing with history and charm. Old world castles share space with modern life. Eastern European socialism mixes with western European sophistication. The beer flows freely and is among the best in the world. Even with the crowds and the mass of foreigners in Prague writing their first books, the city is a must-see for anyone heading to Central Europe.

What to do

Of course Prague is the star attraction here. It's stunningly beautiful, especially the Old City and the giant castle overlooking it. But the newer quarters also offer some delights, with interesting architecture and abundant shopping.

The city of Pilsen is the largest in the province of West Bohemia, and it's one of many smaller historic towns that are worth a day or two. The famous Pilsner Urquell is brewed here, which is still cheap all over the country.

Getting there

You can book a flight into Ruzyne International Airport (code: PRG), which is just a bit outside Prague. When coming from abroad you might consider flying into Vienna (code: VIE) or Munich (code: MUC), which often have lower fares, but not always. Trains are cheap in the Czech Republic, so you can fly into any other nearby city and arrive on rails without spending too much more.

Where to stay

There are many hotels in the Czech Republic, and outside of Prague they can be quite inexpensive. In Prague you might also consider one of the many hostels in order to save a bit on your trip.