Czech Republic
Ricardo Liberato
F or years now, travelers have been raving about the Czech capital of Prague. With its marvelous mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture – all 600 years of it spared from the horrors that other cities suffered in World War II – it’s a city that’s visually stunning. And its cafes, nightlife and cultural life, equally stunning, help keep the tourist spigot open full force.
Those 600 years have built up quite an inventory for visitors. There’s Prague Castle, the Old Royal Palace, Sternberg Palace, Lobkowicz Palace, St. Vitus’ Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, the Royal Gardens, the Charles Bridge, the old marketplace, the National Theater and a clutch of museums…for starters.
Prague / Jake Liefer
Further afield one can feast on the verdant forests and medieval towns of Bohemia, as well as world-class spas and beguiling castles. Visit Kutná Hora, after Prague the second most important town in the country; the well-preserved medieval town of Český Krumlov; and the university town of Olomouc with its marvelous religious buildings.
Then go wash it all down with a beer in the famous brewery town of Plzeň, where pilsner beer was first brewed back in 1842.
Top Experiences
Prague – one of the loveliest cities in the world
Plzeň (Pilsen) – where pilsner was born in the heart of Bohemia
Kutná Hora – a wealth of beautiful buildings
Český Krumlov – a popular, well-preserved medieval town
Good to Know
The Czech National Drink
In The Czech Republic, you’ll find a ot of national pride for a product they’ve been brewing for more than a thousand years.
Transportation
Prague’s Ruzyne Airport is served by direct flights from the USA and nonstop from other European capitals. Train service is good, although traveling by bus, on an extensive inter-city network, is often cheaper and faster than by rail. Roads are excellent and travel by car is popular.
Hotels
The Czech Republic has a wide range of hotels in every price category although in Prague, in particular, budget hotels can be hard to find.
Food
A wide range of restaurants serves regional and international cuisine. New restaurants, responding to the tourism boom in recent years, are opening all the time, making dining here less expensive than in other Western European countries.
Quality of Medical Care (Good/Fair/Poor)
Good
