Czech Republic
Top Tips
Here are some of the best things about the Czech Republic
back to topIn Prague
Sightseeing
Explore the city on foot and by boat: the world's largest castle,
Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, cathedrals, churches, museums
- the sights are abundant and impressive.
Shopping
There are a few designer stores in Parížská,
a.k.a. "Paris street", but really it is the traditional handicrafts
that are a good buy here - wooden toys, glass and puppets are a
speciality. Enjoy a good rummage round in Havel's market.
Music and Nightlife
Prague is a city of music, with people handing out flyers on every
street corner for classical concerts, held in many of the city's
wonderful Baroque churches. Great bars and jazz clubs are dotted
around the city; for the hippest scene, head over to the Myslikova
area south of the National Theatre.
For more detailed tips, see our city guide
Outside Prague
Hiking and biking
Gentle wooded hills, meandering rivers and a complete absence of
other ramblers make hiking a delight; the National Parks (and
Unesco Biosphere Reserves) of Sumava and Krkonose in Bohemia are
highlights, as is the 18km path along the Berounka valley. The
Greenways cycling and hiking paths stretch for 250 miles along the
Dyje and Vltava rivers between Prague and Vienna.
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats (dense woods, peat bogs) and extensive wetlands
make the country a paradise for birding in spring and summer.
Highlights include eagle owl, black stork, saker falcon and all 10
woodpecker species.
Rafting and canoeing
Winding rivers, especially in the south (around Cesky Krumlov), are
perfect for gentle messing in summer and white-water spills in
spring.
Spa Towns
Karlovy Vary is the most famous (and crowded) of Bohemia's trio of
spas; Beethoven, Chopin, Marx and Bismarck have bathed in its
therapeutic mineral waters. Or try Marianske Lazne (for spa
architecture), Frantiskovy Lazne (for heart disorders) or Jachymov
(for rheumatism).