Czech Republic: Overview

Why go?

Land of Good King Wenceslas, missing vowels and medieval defenstrations, the Czech Republic is a romantic and intriguing destination that packs a cultural punch. Home to eminent classical composers, breathtaking Baroque architecture, resistance movements and world-class brewing, it is an alluring blend of high culture (jazz, theatre) and lower brow pleasures (star beers and liqueurs).

The capital Prague boasts the largest castle in the world, an endless array of excellent (and cheap) concerts, Gothic spires, cobbled alleys, a Jewish quarter and the much-trodden Charles Bridge over the Vltava river. Hot spot seekers relish the contemporary art scene and the happening nightlife. Families appreciate the street entertainers, boat trips and the relative safety. Historic yet vibrant, with proud but friendly locals, Unesco-listed Prague is a must-see European city.

But don't write off the countryside of Bohemia and Moravia. Within an hour or two of Prague you'll discover brooding forests, misty lakes, immaculate medieval towns (Kutna Hora is a jewel, Cesky Krumlov has a fabulous summer festival) - and more castles than you can shake a scimitar at. There's excellent birdwatching in spring, mushroom hunting in autumn, mountain biking and hiking at any time of year, even rafting in summer and hunting in winter.

Any downsides?

Summer crowds in Prague can be unbearable; watch out for stag and hen groups at weekends, whose aim seems to be to drink as much as possible and behave as badly as possible. Don't expect cutting-edge fashion - Tesco is seen as one of the shopping highlights here! Service does not always come with a smile and, for some of the sights, there is one price for locals and another (much higher) for tourists, which means that you can end up feeling ripped off. Outside Prague, don't expect much in the way of nightlife.

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In Prague:

Activities

IN 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.

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).

	Overview
	Places to Stay
	What's Where
	Prague
	Bohemia
	Background Info
	Food & Drink
	Travel Tips
	Getting There
	Getting Around