The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe. It is surrounded by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria on all sides. If you plan to visit Europe, Czech Republic or Czechia is a country you must not miss. The most popular place is Prague, the capital city. The place is rich in history and culture. While the historical attractions and architecture of the place are amazing, the natural beauty of the country is one of the main reasons people visit it.
Here are the 15 things you should do in this country if you have got your tourist visa.
1. Visit the Beautiful Castles of the Country
Did you know that Czech Republic has the greatest number of castles in Europe? The country boasts more than 2000 castles and chateaus. Out of these, the most popular and the biggest is Prague Castle. While the history and interior of Prague Castle is fascinating, there are many other castles worth visiting in the country. Karlstejn Castle, Krivoklat Castle, Konopiste Castle, Cesky Sternberk, Okor Castle, Kokorin Castle, etc., are some of the castles that you must add to your bucket list due to their architecture, history, and legends.
2. Explore the National Parks of Czechia
It is easy to get caught up in the unique cities and quaint towns of the Czech Republic. But it would be unfair to the country if you do not explore its natural landscapes and wilderness. And the national parks of Czechia are perfect for this adventure. There are four national parks in the country, Podyji, Krkonose, Bohemian Switzerland, and Sumava. These national parks cover 1.52% of the total land of the country. The national parks of Czechia are endowed with mountains, valleys, forests, glacial lakes, rivers, vast screen fields and gorges, and a variety of flora and fauna. Exploring one or more of these parks is worth it.
3. Walk Around Prague Old Town
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is also the country’s most popular city. While there are plenty of interesting activities and adventures, visiting Prague Old Town is one of the best things to do in Czech Republic. Located on the banks of the Vltava River, the origins of the Old Town can be traced back to the 9th century AD. Take your time to walk around the place and check out its numerous attractions. The Old Town Hall’s astronomical clock, the Jewish Museum, the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, the Municipal House, and the Powder Gate are some of the must-see attractions here.
4. Admire the View from the Charles Bridge
There is no dearth of historical landmarks in Prague, but Charles Bridge over River Vltava stands out of the lot. Built during the 14th century by King Charles IV, this is the oldest bridge in the city. It is also considered the most important Gothic structure in the world. Stretching 500 meters, this historical bridge connects the Old Town with the Mala Strana (lesser town). The bridge has 16 arches and three towers, but the 30 statues that adorn it are its true highlights. Walking on the Charles Bridge will give you a view of the river and the surrounding areas. Dawn and dusk are the best times to visit the bridge.
5. Enjoy Nature Hikes at Bohemian Paradise
If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature without traveling too far from Prague, visit the Bohemian Paradise. Known as Cesky Raj, the place is most popular for its sandstone pinnacles, which are called the Prachov Rocks. These unique rock formations are what the area is known for, and people travel to the place just to see these. During your hiking tour of Bohemian Paradise, you will also get to see some historical landmarks, which include castles, chateaus, and fortresses. Kost Castle, Hruba Skala Chateau, Drabske Svetnickly, Valdstejn Castle, Sychrov Chateau, etc., are some of the must-visit places here.
6. Visit the Strahov Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries of Prague, Strahov Monastery is more than just a cultural attraction. The monastery was established in 1143 and is home to over 70 monks. But what attracts people to this place is its stunning architecture. The interiors of the Philosophical Hall and the Theological Hall are nothing less than stunning. The monastery is home to the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. The other highlight of the place is the huge Strahov Library. With more than 200,000 books, this library is a dream come true for book lovers.
7. Drink Hot Spring Waters
In most countries, hot springs are meant for bathing, but not in Czechia. Here, you will find several hot springs that you need to consume orally. The best place to drink hot spring waters in Czech Republic is Karlovy Vary. Here, you can buy a porcelain cup made to drink this water and walk around the place to get your hand at the medicinal water. Karlovy Vary is home to several colonnades where you will find hot water springs. You can also take the water from taps and wells around the town. Sipping on this water is supposed to heal several ailments, especially those related to the gut.
8. Go on a Tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery
All beer lovers should tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, one of the historical breweries located in the Czech Republic’s Plzen area. Established in 1842, it is famous because it was the first brewery to have created the golden lager. The tour will give you a history of the brewery and take you to the different sections. You will see the exhibition of the ingredients, brewhouses, bottling facilities, and brewery cellars. The tours also include a tasting session, and you can taste unfiltered beer here.
9. Attend a Ride of the Kings Ceremony
The Czech Republic is home to several interesting cultures and traditions, and the Ride of the Kings is among them. This ceremony is so important that it has found a place in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It usually happens on the last weekend of May in the towns and villages in Hana and Moravian Slovakia. The tradition is over 200 years old and has been passed down from generation to generation. For this ceremony, a young boy (representing the king) and his pageboys ride around the town wearing women’s ceremonial clothes. The king also holds a rose in his mouth. Music, dance, and feasts are a part of this traditional ceremony.
10. Attend the Prague Winter Festival
Winter season is usually not a preferred season to visit the Czech Republic. But the snow-filled landscapes and cities of the country have their charm, making it worth visiting. To make your visit worthwhile, there are several indoor attractions and activities, the Prague Winter Festival being the best. The Prague Winter Festival began in 1972 and usually happens during the first few weeks of January. During the festival, you will see some spectacular ballet, opera, and classical music concerts. The performances and shows are usually held at the State Theatre, the Prague National Theatre, and the Dvorak Concert Hall.
11. Be a Part of the Festivals in Olomouc
A city that focuses on art and culture, Olomouc was Moravia’s historical capital and housed some of the most beautiful churches and palaces. But today, the city is known as the Festival City, as it hosts an array of interesting festivals throughout the year. One of the festivals that happens here every April is the Academia Film, where you can watch international science documentaries. The Dvorak Festival is also popular, as you listen to some of the major Czech composers. International Organ Music Festival, the Autumn Festival of Sacred Music, the Flora Theatre Festival, and the Religious Music Festival are a few other festivals to check out here.
12. Go on a Guided Tour of the Punkava Caves
The Punkava Caves are one of the unique places to visit in Czech Republic. A guided tour of the place will give you a chance to admire the work of nature as you see the stalagmites and stalactites of the caves, which are a part of the largest cave network in the Czech Republic. The tour of the Punkava Caves is divided into two parts. The first is where you walk through the domes and corridors until you reach the bottom of the Macocha Abyss. The second part involves a motorboat ride over the underground Punkava River. One of the highlights of the tour is the stop at Masaryk Dome, which is the most beautiful space of the caves.
13. Visit the Church of Bones
If you are up to see the most bizarre thing in the Czech Republic, head to the Church of Bones. Officially named the Sedlec Ossuary, the Church of Bones is a medieval Gothic church located in the Kutna Hora. While it looks like a regular church from the outside, the interior of the place is filled with artistic works made with human bones. In the 19th century, woodcarver Frantisek Rint used the bones of people buried in the church’s cemetery to create sculptures and artistic pieces. Here, you will get to see a huge chandelier, coat of arms, and other sculptures made using 40,000 human skeletons.
14. Explore the Prague Jewish Museum
Unlike any other museum, the Prague Jewish Museum is not a single building. Rather, it is a combination of six sites that make for the Jewish Quarter of the capital city. The reason why this museum is one of the most important for the Jewish communities is because the Nazis used this as a place to preserve artifacts from different demolished Jewish synagogues and slums with the plans to create a museum of the extinct race after the war. Your visit to the Prague Jewish Museum will be complete only if you visit all the six attractions here, including the Maisel Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Ceremonial Hall, the Old Jewish Synagogue, and the Klaus Synagogue.
15. Go on a Traditional Food Tour
Never return from any foreign country without trying its local cuisine. Although the Czech cuisine is not as popular as other European cuisines (namely Italian, Greek, and Spanish), it is delicious and comforting. The best time to try traditional dishes of this cuisine is during lunchtime, as it is the most important meal of the day for the Czechs. The traditional dishes of Czech cuisine include meats, potatoes, sauces, soups, and dumplings. The best way to try this cuisine is to go on a traditional food tour, where you will enjoy the Czech dishes, beer and wine.
Conclusion
With so many interesting things to do in the Czech Republic, get your Schengen visa and travel here. Checkout the guide to Czech Republic Schengen visa so that there are no hurdles in getting a visa, and you can enjoy your trip without any problems.
FAQs
1. How many types of visas does the Czech Republic have?
Czech Republic visa types include a short-stay visa called Schengen Visa which allows you to stay there for only up to 90 days and a long-stay visa which is valid for more than 90 days and up to one year.
2. What are the Czech Republic visa requirements for tourists?
Czech Republic visa requirements are a passport (validity of at least 6 months), travel documents, health insurance (up to EUR 30,000), bank statements (updated for the last six months), and income tax returns (for the last three years).
3. What is the Czech Republic famous for?
It is called the Castle capital of the world because of the large number of impressive castles they have, each having their uniqueness. It is also famous for its food and drinks.
4. How many days are enough to visit the Czech Republic?
Most of people finish their trip in 5-6 days but 10 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the unique castles, food, and tourist attractions and learn about the culture.
5. What is the ideal time to visit the Czech Republic with family?
The best time to visit the Czech Republic is during the spring season (March to May) and also the fall season (September to mid-November). These two seasons highlight the beauty of the castles.
6. Is the Czech Republic cheap?
The answer is yes. It is one of the most affordable European countries because of its cheap transportation charges and low price of food and drinks.
7. Is the Czech Republic a friendly country?
Almost everybody in Czechia is friendly but they can be shy in front of foreigners because only 45% of the people can speak English. But overall it is a friendly country and people are very helpful.