Czech Republic
Czech Republic, in a few days
From the cobbled lanes of Prague to the medieval river bend of Český Krumlov, by train and bus: the map, what is worth booking, everything that costs nothing, the journey times, and where to sleep at three budgets.
- Day by day
- 1 Prague Days 1-4
- 2 Český Krumlov Days 5-7
- Worth sorting before you go
- Words that help
- The practical page
- Packing checklist
Day by day
Prague
The capital of Bohemia, spread along both banks of the Vltava. Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau stand street by street, largely spared by the wars of the twentieth century, and the historic centre has been UNESCO-listed since 1992.
- Prague Castle2h · from €15One of the largest castle complexes in the world, with St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the tiny houses of Golden Lane inside its walls.
- Vltava river cruise1h · from €18An hour on the water, passing under Charles Bridge with the castle above.
- Charles Bridge at dawn, before the crowds
- The Astronomical Clock, working since 1410
- Malá Strana, the Lesser Town under the castle
- Petřín Hill and its views over the rooftops
Český Krumlov
A small medieval town wrapped inside a tight S-bend of the Vltava, under the second largest castle complex in the country. UNESCO-listed since 1992.
- Krumlov Castle and its Baroque theatre2h · from €15The castle apartments, then a court theatre from the 1760s that still has its original stage machinery and scenery. Theatre tours run in the warmer months only.
- Canoeing down the Vltava2h · from €25A gentle paddle through the river bends around the town, with a few small weirs to slide down.
- The medieval old town
- The bend of the Vltava
- The painted castle tower, from outside
- The lanes and bridges
Worth sorting before you go
Train and bus · Prague is best seen on foot and by tram. Český Krumlov is about three hours away by direct bus from Prague.
Online the moment you land, no roaming bill.
Get one · Holafly
Health, luggage, cancellation.
Cover it · Ekta
Compare the agencies before you land.
Compare · Booking
Pay at the real rate, with no exchange markup.
Open one · Revolut
A private car at a fixed price from the moment you land.
Book it · GetTransfer
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Flavours & local habits
🍽️ Worth tasting
- Svíčková: roast beef in a creamy root vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings and cranberries.
- Vepřo knedlo zelo: roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, the national dish.
- Goulash: a thick beef stew with paprika, served with dumplings and best with a beer.
- Smažený sýr: a slab of breaded, fried cheese with chips and tartare sauce.
- Trdelník: dough wound around a spit, grilled and rolled in sugar. Sold everywhere in Prague as a tradition, though it arrived with the tourists.
⚠️ Best avoided
- Skip the exchange offices in the tourist centre, whose rates are poor however loudly they promise no commission.
- Pay in Czech crowns, not euros, and choose crowns when a card terminal or cash machine offers a conversion.
- Be wary of restaurants near Old Town Square that show no prices.
- Service is rarely included: around 10% is expected.
Words that help
English ↔ Czech
| English | Czech |
|---|---|
| Hello | Dobrý den |
| Thank you | Děkuji |
| Please | Prosím |
| Yes | Ano |
| No | Ne |
| Excuse me | Promiňte |
| Goodbye | Na shledanou |
| Do you speak English? | Mluvíte anglicky? |
| I don't understand | Nerozumím |
| How much is it? | Kolik to stojí? |
| Where are the toilets? | Kde jsou toalety? |
| The bill, please | Účet, prosím |
| Help! | Pomoc! |
| Cheers! | Na zdraví! |
The practical page
Scan to open this guide online, always up to date.
https://offwegooo.com/en/guides/czech-republic
Packing checklist
Have a good trip.
Guide made on offwegooo.com · Photos via Pexels · Details are indicative, check before you leave.