Czech Republic Travel Guide

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague has starred in many a Bollywood movie of late. You will recognise Charles Bridge and Prague Castle and the Clock Tower in the Old Town. The city, however, has a lot more to offer that you will discover with this Czech Republic travel guide. One of the first things to see on your Czech holiday is the Prague Castle. Built in the ninth century, the castle has influences of nearly every architectural style of the past 1200 years. The castle also houses several palaces and museums including the National Gallery that should be an essential part of Czech Republic travel planning. Other attractions in Prague include the stunning Tyn Church, the Josefov Jewish ghetto that is known for its well preserved synagogues and the oddly charming Dancing House design

Český Krumlov

A trip to Český Krumlov takes you back in time to the 18th century. From the historic castle in the middle of town to the cobbled stoned streets and the red roofed houses, nothing much has changed in this quaint town in nearly three hundred years. One of the top attractions in the Czech Republic, the castle complex is unmissable in this tiny town. The complex contains a theatre, a museum, a maze of cellars and the Baroque Castle Tower that offers incredible views of all of Český Krumlov. The town is located on the banks of the Vltava River and offers a ton of activities that you could try including rafting and tubing.

Brno

The largest city in the Moravian region of the country, Brno is one of the most popular places to visit in the Czech Republic. The city is over a thousand years old and, like Prague, has collected relics from every era in history. You will love Špilberk Castle which was once home to the Moravian royals, the New Town Hall and the Church of St Thomas. Other attractions in Brno that have to be a part of your Czech Republic travel planning include are the Moravian Gallery and its exquisite collection of local art, the Capuchin Monastery where you can see Baroque statues and mummified monks and finally the Petrov Cathedral.

Karlovy Vary

The city of Karlovy Vary is straight of a Bond film. Literally. The picturesque lanes of the city had a starring role in the Bond film “Casino Royale”. The words Karlovy Vary literally mean ‘Charles’ Bath’ as its natural hot springs were frequented by King Charles IV. We recommend a visit to the Rock Spring or Geyser Colonnade on your trip to Karlovy Vary. You could also wander through Mill Colonnade or hike up the hills to Diana Lookout Tower from where you could enjoy lovely views of the city below. The city is also home to a Byzantine style church called the Church of St Peter and St Paul which has five magnificent golden domes and opulent interiors.

Kutna Hora Visit the Bone Church

The town of Kutna Hora isn’t your usually tourist magnet. Despite its historic centre being inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the town is a little gloomy. And that gloom is exactly what makes it one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic. Kutna Hora is home to the Sedlec Ossuary. A small catholic chapel located underneath the unassuming Cemetery Church of All Saints, it contains to bones of nearly 70,000 people in the world. The interior of the ossuary is decorated with an enormous chandelier made of human skeletons while the walls are adorned with a coat of arms and other objects made of bones. Thousands of tourists flock to the chapel filled with morbid fascination and you should too.

Bohemian Paradise

Bohemian Paradise was one of the Czech Republic’s first nature reserves and considered a Protected Landscape Area. The picturesque region is known its sandstone rocks, the ruins of the 14th century Trosky Castle, and the famed Bozkov dolomite caves. The Trosky Castle has some fine viewing decks that give you great views of the valley below. You could also explore the few well preserved castles that dot the area such as Humprecht Castle and Sychrov Castle.

Terezin

Located in the north of the Czech Republic, Terezin was a military fortress built in the 1700s by Austrians. The fortress was then occupied by Nazis during the German occupation of the Czech Republic and converted into a concentration camp. The camp held over 150,000 Jewish people and over 33,000 died there. Today, the fortress town acts as reminder of the horrors of war and fascism. While not in great condition, Terezin is an essential place of visit to those interested in the history of the Czech Republic.

Punkva Caves

Found near the city of Brno, the Punkva Caves are one of the best places to see in the Czech Republic. The cave system is part of a gorge and contains a sinkhole as well as river running through it. You can admire the formations inside the cave with a guided boat tour. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, put on your diving gear and explore the caves on your own.