Small towns in the Czech Republic that are worth visiting. Czech

We present beautiful cities in the Czech Republic that are worth visiting.

Prague

Tyn Church in the center of Prague (photo: @nellii1)

The capital and heart of the Czech Republic, fabulous Prague features mesmerizing, colorful architecture that begs to be photographed.

The famous “dancing house” in Prague (photo: @lu.lucine)

Among other things, Prague is one of the most financially accessible European capitals, which is why tourists from Russia love it so much.

Cesky Krumlov

A city with pointed orange roofs in the south of the Czech Republic, an hour and a half drive from the border with Austria.

Top view of Cesky Krumlov (photo: @you_me_song)

The historical center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, so there is no doubt that a walk through it will leave a lot of pleasant impressions.

Like Prague, Cesky Krumlov is located on the Vltava River (photo: @ovsyanka.sv)

Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is an old European spa resort (photo: @karlovyvarycz)

The name of this city immediately evokes associations with sanatorium-resort treatment. Karlovy Vary is located in the very west of the Czech Republic, less than an hour's drive from Germany.

Karlovy Vary (photo: @karlovyvarycz)

The city has numerous sources of mineral thermal water, which brought Karlovy Vary the fame of one of the most popular European spa resorts. An international film festival is held here every year.

Brno

Brno Square (photo: @petrescupavl)

The second largest city in the Czech Republic after Prague, Brno has vibrant, picturesque architecture and a rich cultural life with a rich historical past stretching back nearly a thousand years.

Top view of Brno (photo: @isuntraveler)

Olomouc

Olomouc Street (photo: @discoverolomouc)

A small town in the Moravia region, about a hundred kilometers from Brno, Volzhsky's sister city. Olomouc dates its history back to the mid-13th century, when it became the spiritual center of Moravia.

Upper square of Olomouc (photo: @discoverolomouc)

The city has many beautiful medieval buildings and squares.

Ceske Budejovice

City square České Budejovice (photo: @scalisto)

City in the south of the Czech Republic. Half an hour's drive from Cesky Krumlov. Its population is less than 100 thousand people, but it also has something to show travelers.

Central square of Ceske Budejovice (photo: @changhsinchun)

Among the main attractions: the square town square with the statue of Samson, the town hall in the town square, the black tower, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Dominican monastery, the Iron Virgin tower.

Kutna Hora

Kutna Hora (photo: @mahmoud_taherzad)

A city in the very center of the Czech Republic, 60 kilometers from Prague.

Church of St. Barbara (photo: @jitaje)

It is known for its numerous Gothic buildings, including many cathedrals, churches, and monasteries.

Pardubice

Republican Square in Pardubice (photo: @demis_amex)
Pardubice Castle (photo: @martinmizler)

A charming city a hundred kilometers from Prague with beautiful 16th-century architecture. In February, the annual Laughter Festival takes place in Pardubice.

Trebon

Cozy colorful streets of Trebon (photo: @veu82)

A very small but certainly charming Czech town 20 km from the border with Austria and 20 km from Ceske Budejovice.

Houses of Trebon (photo: @zlesam)

The city has preserved the walls and ramparts of the medieval city, also among the attractions are the Church of St. Elijah and the Queen Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Elizabeth from the 16th century, Masaryk Square with baroque architecture, Trebon Castle and the monastery.

Ostrava

Masaryk Square in Ostrava (photo: @k.policarova)

A Czech city in Silesia, about 20 km from the border with Poland, the third largest after Prague and Brno.

Evangelical Church of Christ in Ostrava (photo: @halrioo)

Ostrava was founded in 1267, it has come a long way from a small craft town to a large industrial center of the country.

Pilsen

Pilsen - the city of the beer festival (photo: @zarathustrasdiary)

Another city in the Czech Republic with colorful “gingerbread” architecture, located about an hour’s drive from the border with Germany.

Franciscan Monastery of Pilsen (photo: @liborhajek72)

The birthplace of Pilsen beer, it is a major brewing center that hosts a beer festival every autumn.

Litomysl

Top view of Litomysl Castle (photo: @jansmolik1)

A small ancient Czech town, dating back to 981.

Litomyšl Castle is an architectural example of the Italian Renaissance (photo: @mosinkuv)

The main attraction of the city is the palace-castle in the style of the Italian Renaissance, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Telc

Telč - a picturesque city-museum (photo: @senbabaoglu)

Telc, with its numerous castles, churches, town halls, medieval buildings of the old town, is called nothing less than a “museum city”.

Architectural splendor in the center of Telc (photo: @rach.mcculloch)

Since 1971 it has been an architectural reserve, and since 1992 a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the first in the Czech Republic).

Liberec

Liberec and its dazzling architecture (photo: @abeillebz)

A city in the very north of the Czech Republic, about 25 km from the border with Germany and Poland. Formed in the mid-14th century under the name Reichenberg.

Liberec Town Hall (photo: @chriisx3)

The city has many beautiful architectural structures in the romantic style, and the main and most beautiful attraction is the Liberec Town Hall.

Hradec Kralove

Hradec Králové with its gingerbread houses (photo: @pastacooklook)

Hradec Králové combines the picturesque architecture of the old town with landmarks from different eras and modern infrastructure.

Ancient castles and medieval towns, historical breweries and towers piercing the sky with spiers - welcome to the Czech Republic! Here are the TOP 10 most beautiful, in my opinion, cities that are worth visiting.

10 beautiful cities in the Czech Republic, photo by Tobias Nicht

The Czech Republic is a multifaceted, distinctive country. Its traditional Slavic openness is combined with European restraint; the historical flavor of the Middle Ages is adjacent to the atmosphere of business modernity. The glory of Prague resounds throughout the world, but there are beautiful cities in the country besides the capital.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov seems to have been painted with the fine brush of a skilled painter against a background of blue sky and green. The channel of the Vltava, curved in a ring, glistens. The tiled roofs of the old center look like a fairy-tale setting (the city core is completely included in the UNESCO register). Above the river stands a grandiose one - the second largest in the country after. Its multi-tiered tower rises above the historical center, and the courtyards are connected by a high three-story Cloak Bridge. The castle, like the city, was founded at the beginning of the 13th century. In the 14th century, the late Gothic Church of St. Vitus was built, and the Minor monastery was founded in the same period, but later reconstructed in the Baroque spirit. The Town Hall (16th century) still serves the needs of the city meeting. There are eight museums in small Cesky Krumlov.

Kutna Hora

Kutná Hora, photo by Libor Maly

Kutná Hora stands on the plateau of the same name in the Central Bohemian Region. The city, which arose in the 13th century, was for a long time considered the treasury of the country and was second in importance after the capital. Silver was mined here and the Royal Mint operated here. By the second half of the 14th century, ore mining ceased. Today the former silver mine is part of. The unique temples of Kutna Hora are known throughout the world: – the heavenly intercessor of miners; huge medieval, restored from ruins in 1708. The majestic and terrible chapel in the cemetery, decorated with tens of thousands of bones, has gained gloomy fame in the suburb of Sedlec.

Telc

Telč, photo petrduchac

Telč is a small Czech town, the “Moravian Venice”, the first UNESCO monument in the country. It literally “stands on the water”: it is surrounded by an ancient defensive moat, divided into parts by canals. Telch was originally made of wood. In the 14th century there was a terrible fire and the city had to be rebuilt. Around Zacharias Square (náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce) Renaissance and then Baroque mansions with arched galleries and colorful facades grew up. The owner of each building decorated the walls in a unique style: stone carvings and stucco sculptures, expressive sgraffito painting. The Renaissance Telč Castle has been preserved in its authentic appearance and is now home to a historical museum. There is a viewing terrace on the 49-meter tower of the Romanesque Church of the Holy Spirit (13th century).

Marianske Lazne

Marianske Lazne (Marianské Lázně), photo petrduchac

Marianske Lazne (Mariánské Lázně) is a resort town in the western part of Bohemia - in the Slavkov Forest reserve. Fifty healing springs gush out of the ground here, pump rooms operate, and picturesque parks are laid out. The calling card of the city is the Colonnade (19th century) - an openwork Baroque pavilion with painted vaults, built in a terraced garden. The architecture of the city is dominated by mansions in the Empire and Classicist styles. Cultural events take place in the Kursaal (Casino Public House). On Goethe Square there is a Roman Catholic church - an example of the new Byzantine style (19th century). There is also an Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir, founded a century and a half ago for Russian patients of the resort.

Kromeriz

Kroměříž, photo by Petr Dedek

Kroměříž is a prime example of a “city of contrasts” with a medieval center and rows of high-rise buildings on the modern outskirts. Founded in 1260, destroyed several times, rebuilt by Charles II of Liechtenstein, Bishop of Olomouc. The aristocratic appearance of Kromeriz took shape in the 17th century. The dominant feature of the city is the Archbishop's Castle, protected by UNESCO, along with the luxurious adjacent gardens. The ensemble of the Central Square is formed by elegant Baroque-Renaissance facades of buildings. The Church of St. Mauritius, founded in 1265, has been recreated in the Gothic style. The Church of John the Baptist, founded in 1268 and reconstructed in the 18th century, is called the “Baroque pearl of Moravia.”

Ceske Budejovice

České Budějovice, photo Norbert Aepli, Switzerland

České Budějovice is located at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers. The main square of the capital of the South Bohemian Region is decorated with the monumental Samson Fountain. The ensemble of the historical center was formed in the Baroque era, after a big fire and careful reconstruction. The Gothic Black Tower with six bells rises above the city. There is also a belfry on the Town Hall building; 18 bells play melodies every hour. Tourists flock to the city not only because of its historical values: the famous Budweiser Budvar brewery operates here.

Mikulov

Mikulov is located on the slopes of the Palava hills in the South Moravian region, not far from the Austrian border. The city, founded in the 11th century, has many historical monuments. Mikulov is also famous as the center of a famous wine-growing region: local white wines and cheese are served in numerous cellars here. On a hill in the western part of the city rise the powerful walls of the Dietrichstein Castle - a medieval architectural monument restored in the fifties. From the 15th century until the arrival of the Nazis, Mikulov had one of the largest European Jewish communities. The former ghetto has now been turned into a museum: a 16th-century synagogue with exhibitions of Jewish culture has been restored, and tours of the ancient Jewish cemetery are offered.

Liberec

Liberec, photo moopy2011

Liberec is located in the north of the Czech Republic, on the banks of the Lusatian Nisa, in the Liberec Basin. Since the 16th century, the city was famous for its textile workers, spinners, and clothiers. Local fabrics were purchased by the army, and Liberec cloth was traded throughout Europe. The most striking architectural monument of Liberec is the town hall on Beneš Square, a neo-Renaissance building from the 19th century. The city has opened the North Bohemian Museum of Applied Arts: its collection of 700 thousand exhibits is considered the most significant of its kind in the Czech Republic. The red and white Liberec Castle, founded in the 15th century, survived a fire and was restored two centuries later in the style of romantic classicism.

Olomouc

Olomouc is located in the heart of the historical region of Moravia. It is a royal and university city, a famous cultural and historical center. Tourists call Olomouc “little Prague”, because in terms of the “density” of architectural masterpieces per kilometer it is not inferior to the capital. In the central square there is a baroque Plague Pillar in rich sculptural decoration (inscribed on the UNESCO list since 2001). On Wenceslas Hill there is a castle complex founded in the 11th century - Olomouc Castle. On its territory is St. Wenceslas Cathedral with a hundred-meter main tower. Olomouc is known throughout Europe for its fountains: ancient ones created by masters of the Baroque era, and modern ones with unusual design and lighting.

Camp

Tábor, photo by Ariata L.

Tábor is a city on the right bank of Lusatia, a former stronghold of radical Hussites, and today an industrial and tourist center. The fortified Hussite camp, founded in the 15th century, survived five crusades by the army of the Pope. Since 1437 it became a royal city. A museum of the Hussite movement has been opened in Tabor; 15th-century buildings have been preserved - in which the townspeople survived enemy raids. The oldest architectural monument – ​​(1370); Today there is a brewery there, and an observation deck is open on the tower.

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The Czech Republic, or Czech Republic, is a Central European state bordered to the north by Poland, to the west by Germany, to the south by Austria, and to the east by Slovakia. The capital of the Czech Republic is the city of Prague, which is one large open-air attraction. The country covers an area of ​​78,866 km² and has a population of 10,610,947 people (2016). The largest cities are Prague, Brno, Pilsen, Ostrava.

According to legend, the ancestors of today's Czechs, led by their leader Czech, settled on the territory of the modern Czech Republic, which has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The first chronicle mentions of settlements on Czech soil date back to the end of the 9th century, when these lands were united by princes from the Přemyslid family. In the Middle Ages, the Czech kingdom had significant influence, but the religious conflicts that arose (the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century) significantly weakened it. Soon the kingdom came under the rule of the Habsburgs and became part of Austria-Hungary.

After the end of the First World War and the fall of Austria-Hungary in 1918, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Subcarpathian Ruthenia united to form the independent republic of Czechoslovakia. The country was occupied by Germany in 1939. At the end of the Second World War, the Czech Republic found itself in the Soviet camp, which predetermined its history until 1989. On January 1, 1993, Slovakia separated from the Czech Republic, and both countries gained independence. Today's Czech Republic has been a member of NATO since 1999, and has been a member of the European Union since 2004.

The Czech Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. About 50 million people visit the country every year, regardless of the season. The choice of tourist routes in the Czech Republic is so extensive that it is worth deciding in advance which direction of tourism interests you at the moment, and what should be left for future visits. The most attractive are historical routes, since the country has a huge number of objects that will be of interest to fans of antiquity: towns, fortresses, castles. Some cities of the Czech Republic are included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage.

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Fans of active recreation will find something to their liking - ecotourism and skiing are developed in the country. Those who want to admire the natural beauty in the Czech Republic are a real expanse: forested mountains, caves, lakes and waterfalls. The Czech Republic also attracts tourists in need of wellness: many popular thermal resorts await them.

How to get there

The Czech Republic and Russia are connected by many flights. So, you can fly to Brno from Moscow, and to Karlovy Vary - from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. But the most popular destination city is Prague. In addition, from October 28, 2012, Transaero opened flights on the route Moscow - Pardubice.

From the Czech capital, planes fly to Moscow (Aeroflot and Czech Airlines), St. Petersburg (Russia and Czech Airlines), Voronezh (Polyot), Yekaterinburg (Ural Airlines and Czech Airlines) ), Rostov-on-Don (Aeroflot-Don and Czech Airlines), Samara (Aeroflot and Czech Airlines), Novosibirsk (S7) and Tyumen (Yamal).

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Climate and weather in the Czech Republic

The climate of the Czech Republic is temperate continental with maritime features. Summer in the region is warm, with daytime temperatures +23…+25 ° C, with a lot of precipitation. Winter cloudy, cool, daytime around 0…+3 ° C, and at night -5…-2 ° C, snow often falls. In winter, ski resorts begin to operate in the mountains.

The minimum precipitation occurs in spring and autumn; this time is considered the most comfortable for excursions and travel around the country.

The weather in the Czech Republic rarely brings surprises: in summer, as a rule, it is not hot, and in winter it is moderately cool, so tourists visit the country all year round.

Cities and regions

Regions

• Bohemia - western part of the Czech Republic
• Moravia - eastern part of the country
• Czech Silesia is the northeastern part of the Republic.

• Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic.
• Brno is the largest city in Moravia and hosts the Moto GP Grand Prix every year.
• Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic.
• Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful old town and castle.
• Opawa is a rich and historically important city in Silesia, near the border with Poland.
• Jesenik is a popular winter resort.
• Karlovy Vary is also known as “Carlsbad”, a historical resort.
• Karvina is a resort located near Ostrava.
• Kutna Hora is a historic city with the famous St. Barbara's Cathedral and old silver mines.
• Novosedlý is a village in the Moravian wine region, where you can take a horseback ride through the vineyards.
• Olomouc is a vibrant university city.
• Pilsen is the birthplace of Pilsner Urquell beer and the largest city in Western Bohemia.

What to see

Castles of the Czech Republic

The pride of the Czech Republic is its castles, of which there are about 2,500. Almost every corner of the Czech Republic has its own castle - an ancient one, with an interesting ancient history. Castles - fortified dwellings of feudal lords - were built according to a certain structure: the castle itself (hail) with a church, surrounded by one or several outskirts, gradually built up and used for economic purposes. During the Renaissance, castles lost their significance as military fortresses and turned into comfortable homes. In the 19th century, many Czech castles were rebuilt in the spirit of romanticism, acquiring neo-Gothic elements and a certain “English accent”. At the end of the 20th century, some castles were returned to the families that historically owned them as part of restitution, others became hotels, and others became museums. Many castles today offer guests magnificent theatrical performances - excursions into the history of the Czech Republic, organizing knightly tournaments, costume performances, concerts of ancient music, and tastings of Czech cuisine. Below is a list of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic. You can read more about Czech castles in the article “Castles of the Czech Republic. Fabulous atmosphere of the Middle Ages."

• Karlštejn Castle
  

Ancient cities of the Czech Republic

In addition to castles in the Czech Republic, it is definitely worth visiting ancient cities, which contain a huge number of historical and architectural monuments.

Once in Brno, it is worth taking time to explore the Moravian Gallery - the second largest museum in the Czech Republic, famous for the richness of its collection. The gallery, founded in 1961, houses objects of free art - not only painting, drawing and plastic arts from ancient times to the present, but also photography, applied art, and graphic design.

Also noteworthy in Brno are the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Jacob, the Town Hall, and the Church of St. Michael.

Kutna Hora

Terezin Memorial

Terezin Fortress was founded at the end of the 18th century at the confluence of the Laba and Ohří rivers, 5 km south of the city of Litomnerice. During World War II, the German occupiers set up a concentration camp for Jews in the fortress, the so-called “Terezin Ghetto,” which held just under 140,000 people (of which 33,000 died while in the ghetto). Some Jews (88,000 people) were deported to Auschwitz and other death camps. By the end of the war, 17,247 people survived in the ghetto. Terezin was liberated by Soviet troops on May 9, 1945. Today it is located in Terezin.

Medical resorts Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a recognized destination for health tourism; the country is famous for its thermal and mineral resorts, the most famous of which is Karlovy Vary. The city was founded by Emperor Charles IV. 1358, appeared in a place where 132 mineral springs make their way to the surface of the earth, 12 of which contain healing water. The resort has a glorious history; the entire world elite came here to improve their health: monarchs, prominent political figures, famous people of art. The streets of the city follow the curves formed by the Teplaya River, across which lacy bridges are thrown. The city is decorated with picturesque buildings of various eras, parks, and public gardens. In addition to medical procedures indicated for a wide range of diseases, and pleasant walks in the lap of nature, you can always have an interesting time here. For example, the city hosts the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, the second most important in Europe after Cannes.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in the Czech Republic

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the Czech Republic in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

• University Hospital in Motol

Getting around the country

Bus

The most convenient form of transport for traveling around the Czech Republic is a bus. To some destinations, buses travel faster and more often than trains. Dozens of carrier companies operate flights throughout the country. Communication between large cities is provided at least several times a day. Small towns and remote places can also be reached easily with daily flights. The lines operate comfortable buses with air conditioning and TVs, often with reclining seats. Czech buses follow the schedule impeccably. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in advance, when entering the bus from the driver, or online on the carrier company’s website. The tickets do not indicate a seat - passengers sit in empty seats.

One of the main carriers is the country's largest bus company CSAD (Ceska Autobusova Doprava), which operates both domestic and international flights. The departure point in Prague is Florenc Station. Information on routes and schedules is available on the website www.florenc.info, or in the CSAD information window from 6:00 to 19:45, on Saturday from 6:00 to 16:00, on Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 hours . They also sell tickets there. If the window is closed, you can consult the travel agency located opposite, which also carries out its own transportation throughout the country.

Another very popular bus company in the Czech Republic is. Its buses are distinguished by impeccable comfort and a high level of service: female flight attendants will offer you free tea, coffee and chocolate, and the Czech press. In addition, tickets from this company are often cheaper than tickets from other carriers, and the bus travel time is much shorter. Bright Student Agency buses depart from Prague from the Zlicin metro station; tickets can be purchased upon departure at a kiosk near the platform or ordered on the company’s website. Student Agency tickets show seats.

The desired bus route in the Czech Republic can be found at. To create a personal route, select the kombinace link, enter the name of the starting point (Оdkud) and destination (Kam), the date (Datum) and time (Čas) of departure (odjezd) or arrival (příjezd), as well as the possible number of transfers (přestupů). The site will display a list of route options with the numbers of all flights, departure times and en route, as well as a cost calculation. The only caveat is that the site works in Czech, but words can be typed in regular Latin letters, without using diacritics. For translation, you can use one of the online dictionaries.

Trains

The Czech Republic has a fairly dense network of railways, operated by the company, or simply CD. Trains to most destinations depart hourly.

The slowest regional trains are called Osobni (O), they stop at all stops, and in large cities several times. Spešný (Sp) are regional express trains that move slightly faster than usual, since in large cities they stop only at the main stations. Fast trains are called Rychlik (R) and Express (Ex), and they usually have a dining car or a buffet.

Fast night trains have the same name - Rychlik, but traveling with them is not entirely convenient - you still won’t be able to get enough sleep due to the shortness of the trip. Night international trains are called EuroNight (EN).

The fastest - InterCity (IC) and EuroCity (EC) trains have a high level of comfort; travel on them will be more expensive. EU trains are international and connect Prague with major European cities, while IC trains are domestic.

Supercity or Pendolino, the new fast trains recently purchased by Czech Railways, have a special ticket tariff (SC). The schedule is available on the website.

The ticket price depends on the class of carriage and distance. To save money, you can buy a weekend pass - SONE+, which is intended for travel on all trains throughout the Czech Republic during the weekend, it is also valid in the border areas of Germany, Austria and Poland. On other days, it is worth using one of the Sitova jizdenka travel tickets, information about which can be seen.

There are significant discounts for young people and students: the ticket will be about one and a half times cheaper for them. Travel is free for children under 6 years old, children under 15 years old receive a 50% discount.

Remember, to get to small breweries or remote towns by train, you'll likely have to make several connections. You can optimally plan your route at.

Bike

Bicycles are a very popular mode of transport in the Czech Republic: the length of bicycle routes currently exceeds 37 thousand km. The most extensive network of routes is located in Prague, in Central and Northern Moravia, and most of them are so-called “greenways”. "Green roads" are laid along rivers, water canals and railway lines, they pass along old pilgrimage and trade routes, past famous historical monuments or natural attractions. These include the following routes: Prague - Vienna, Amber Route, Moravian Route, Labe Route, Moravian Wine Route, etc. The widespread development of cycling in the Czech Republic is due to the fact that the country was included in the project of the European network of cycling routes "EuroVelo", developed European Cycling Federation with the aim of linking 12 European cycling routes connecting all European countries.

Auto

To travel in the Czech Republic by car, the driver must be over 18 years old, have a valid international driving license, an identity card (for everyone except EU citizens, you also need a passport), registration documents for the car and a third party liability insurance policy ( "green card")

The car must be equipped with a nationality sign; failure to do so will result in a fine. The car must have a warning triangle in the shape of a red triangle and a first aid kit. Children must only ride in a car with seat belts fastened and in appropriate seats. From October 15 to May 15, drivers must turn on low beam headlights even during daylight hours. Driving while intoxicated is punishable by a severe fine or detention. Motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear protective helmets.

The maximum speed limit for cars and buses is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on regular roads and 130 km/h on motorways.

Motorways and motorway-type roads in the Czech Republic are toll-free, so motorists need to purchase a ticket with which they can drive for a whole year. The ticket is stuck on the windshield. You can buy it at the post office, at gas stations along the roads, at all large border crossings. The cost of the coupon is 400 CZK for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, 1000 CZK for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons.

Gas stations are located on all main roads within approximately 50 km, at the entrances to major cities. After 21:30 most gas stations close.

Renting a car in the Czech Republic will not be difficult: at airports, in large cities and in upscale hotels there are offices of all leading car rental companies. If you intend to visit only Prague, you should not rent a car: many city streets are closed to car traffic, and public transport is very well developed.

Aircraft

Internal air traffic in the Czech Republic is practically undeveloped: by plane you can only get from Prague to Brno and Ostrava. Flights are mainly carried out by. There are several international airports in the Czech Republic: Prague Airport "Ruzyne", Brno Airport "Turany", Ostrava Airport "Leos Janacek" and the airport in Karlovy Vary.

Communication

Unsurprisingly, the main language spoken here is Czech. Czechs are very proud of their native language and even in Prague there are few signs in English (outside of the main tourist areas). Older people often do not speak English, but most young people speak at least some English as they learn it in schools.

Kitchen

Czech cuisine is the result of local culinary traditions and borrowings from the cuisines of neighboring nations. Czech cuisine is very nourishing, made from natural products, replete with first courses, meat dishes, and delicious desserts.

Sauces

Czechs cannot imagine a meal without sauces, of which there are a lot: tomato, horseradish, dill, cucumber, sour cream, lingonberry, garlic, onion, etc. The sauces are based on meat broths, in which flour is sautéed and various ingredients are added.
Another “trick” of Czech cuisine is dumplings - boiled pieces of flour or potato dough. Dumplings themselves are not eaten, only as a side dish for meat dishes.

Soups

First courses - soups, or Polévky (voles), occupy a special place in Czech cuisine - Czechs love them very much. The most popular are the garlic soup Česnečka (garlic), Jihočeská kulajda (yigocheska kulajda) - mushroom potato soup with sour cream, often served in bread, Cibulačka (tsibulachka) - onion soup with croutons and cheese.

Meat dishes

Meat dishes are no less popular: the Czechs have pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and game. A traditional meat dish is Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (veprsho-knedlo-zelo) - baked pork in gravy with dumplings and stewed cabbage. A favorite among tourists, Pečené vepřové koleno (liver boar's knee, or simply boar's knee) is a baked pork knee with horseradish and mustard, or pork knuckle. The knees are, as a rule, very large, pay attention to the weight - sometimes the portion is too much for two. On the menu of any restaurant you will also find rib dishes, goulash, rolls, cutlets, steaks, schnitzels, kebabs, etc.

The most interesting beef dishes: Pivovarský guláš (brewery goulash) with gravy and dumplings, Biftek naložený v barevném pepři s omáčkou (biftek served in barevnem pepři s omáčkou) - steak on multi-colored peppers with sauce and side dish, Moravský hrnec (Moravian Grnets) - Moravian pot.

Fish

Fish is not the most popular product on the Czech table, but during the fishing season in the Moravian lakes or for Christmas, many dishes are prepared from fish: Pečený kapr na česneku (baked kapr on garlic) - baked carp with garlic, Pečený pstruh (baked pstruh) - baked trout, Pečený tuňák (baked tuna) - baked tuna.

Dessert

Czech desserts are very good. It’s worth trying Zmrzlinový pohár s čerstvým ovocem (zmrzlinový pogar with stale sheep) - ice cream with fruit, syrups, chocolate, wafers, Horka laska (hill of weasel) - “hot love”, ice cream with hot raspberry syrup and fresh berries, Zmrzlinové palačinky s horkými malinami a šlehačkou (zmrzlinova palachinki with mountain raspberries, and šlehačka) - pancakes with ice cream, hot raspberry syrup and whipped cream. The Czech tiramisu is no worse than the Italian one - Domácí tiramisy zdobený čerstvým ovocem (Domácí tiramisu is made with stale sheep), and the Czech strudel Jablečný štrudl s vanilkovou zmrzlinou (apple strudel with vanilla zmrzlinou) may well compete with the strudel I love Austrian.

Beverages

Wine is a popular drink, especially from Moravia in the southeastern part of the country, where the climate is most suitable for growing vineyards. White wine is considered better because the growing conditions are more suitable for it. Try the white wines Veltlínské zelené (Green Veltliner), Muškát moravský (Moravian Muscat), Ryzlink rýnský (Rhine Riesling) or Tramín (Traminer); or red wines such as: Frankovka (Frankovka), Modrý Portugal (Blue Portugal, named after the grape variety, not the country), or Svatovavchinecké (St. Lawrence).

Also try ice wine (ledové víno), made from the harvest after the vines have been frozen; or straw wine (slámové víno), made by ripening grapes on straw - these wines are more expensive and are almost the same as dessert wines. Bohemian Sekt is a very popular wine among Czechs, it is sweet, fizzy, similar to Lambrusco and is drunk on holidays. Places to buy wine: wine bar (vinárna) or wine shop (vinotéka), which sometimes has a small bar.

For spirits, try Becherovka, a herbal liqueur, vaguely similar to Jagermeister, its taste is a mixture of cloves and cinnamon, improves digestion, Slivovice, plum brandy, a very popular tonic, Hruškovice, peach liqueur , not as hot as Slivovitz). Alcoholic drinks are made from almost all fruits (plums, peaches, cherries, sloe, etc.). The unique Czech tuzemský rum (made from sugar beets rather than sugar cane like Cuban rum) is sold under the Tuzemák brand. Be careful as they all contain around 40% alcohol.

Try also Svachák - hot wine, which is served in pubs, outdoors during Christmas sales, Grog - hot rum and water, served with a slice of lemon, and Medovina (honey), which is usually served hot, and is especially good for keep warm at the cold winter market.

Finally, if you are going to Moravia, try Burchák, this drink is only sold in late summer or early autumn. This is a very young wine, usually white, cloudy, still in the fermentation stage, when the wine is very sweet and easy to drink. It continues to ferment in the stomach, so the alcohol content at the time of consumption is unknown, but is usually high. The Czechs say that it should only be drunk fresh and many private winemakers are passionate about it, waiting until the very night for the moment when the wine reaches the “burch” stage. It can be purchased at wine festivals throughout the country, sometimes at markets or wine bars.

Beer

And finally, beer. A drink without which it is difficult to imagine any meal or snack in the Czech Republic. Some travel to the Czech Republic solely for the sake of beer, creating special “beer” routes for themselves and paying little attention to Czech cuisine itself. You can read about the history of brewing in the Czech Republic, modern types of beer, snacks, beer bars and prices for a foamy drink in our special material “How to drink beer in the Czech Republic? " You can also get acquainted with the breweries of the Czech capital in the section “Beer Houses of Prague”.

Purchases

The Czech Republic is the center of Europe, and shopping there promises the same variety of goods as in any other European country. In the Czech Republic, shopaholics will find not only a good assortment of goods from famous brands, pleasing with affordable prices, but also an impressive list of authentic endemic items that can only be bought here.

Shops in the Czech Republic are usually open from 9:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00. In large cities, stores can be open until 21:00. Grocery stores are open on weekdays from 6:00 to 18:00, and on Saturdays until noon. Sometimes there is a lunch break in stores, usually between 12:00 and 13:00. Large department stores are open daily until 10:00 p.m., and some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day.

You can read more about shopping in the Czech Republic (popular souvenirs, store opening hours, shopping centers, shopping in Karlovy Vary, Brno, Olomouc, Pilsen and Cesky Krumlov, tax refunds and much more) in the article “Shopping in the Czech Republic”. If your visit to the country is limited only to its capital, then you can read our special material “Shopping in Prague”.

Connection

You can buy a SIM card from the Vodafone operator (for example, in Prague, this can be done on Wenceslas Square, if you go down from the monument to St. Wenceslas - on the right side), a SIM card costs 200 CZK (this already includes a credit for calls). Call to Russia: +7 - area code - number;, Czech Republic code: +420. You can top up your account at Trafika kiosks; the nearest kiosk on Wenceslas Square is in the Mustek metro station.

Safety

• Taxi drivers. Negotiate the price before getting into a taxi or use trusted companies (for example, in Prague AAA taxi, Profi Taxi, City Taxi). Taxi drivers in Prague are known for taking the longest route to make more money. The Prague municipality has introduced new rules requiring legal taxis to be yellow. If you don’t want to overpay, use public transport – it’s cheap, fast and reliable. In Prague the metro runs until midnight and there are also night trams that run all night and very often go to the central tram stop Lazarská.
• Pickpockets. Watch your wallet, especially in crowds (while sightseeing, on the subway, on trams). Be especially vigilant around large groups of people.
• Prostitution. Prostitution is not illegal in the Czech Republic, but the health risks can be very high, especially in cheap brothels on the streets. There have also been cases of prostitutes giving their clients drinks laced with sleeping pills and then taking everything they had. Pay attention to the age of the prostitute, as paying someone under the age of 18 for sex is a crime.
• Drugs. Since the beginning of 2010, in the Czech Republic you can have up to 15 grams of marijuana, up to four ecstasy tablets, two grams of amphetamine, one and a half grams of heroin, and one gram of cocaine. Czechs are also allowed to grow up to five cannabis bushes and 40 hallucinogenic mushrooms at home. In connection with the legalization of the above drugs, an increase in the number of HIV-infected people and an increase in the flow of drug tourists is expected in the Czech Republic, and a general decrease in drug prices could lead to a cocaine boom.
• Ticks. In the Czech Republic there are ticks that cause encephalitis and borreliosis. Ticks hide in grass and bushes, so try to walk along paths and inspect the body after a walk. Vaccination against encephalitis is available and recommended. A good insect repellent will also help. Ticks are also sometimes found in city parks, including Prague.

Health

Pharmacies (lékárna) are usually open from 8 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. In large cities there are 24-hour pharmacies; you should find out the address of the closest one on the list in the window of the nearest pharmacy. In Prague, one of the central 24-hour pharmacies is the one located on the corner of Belgická and Rumunská streets, they sell medicines both with a prescription and without a doctor's prescription. Medicines are dispensed from a small window regardless of the time of day - ring the bell if no one is there.

A hospital with a good reputation in Prague is Nemocnice na Homolce, located at Roentgenova 37/2, Prague 5 (tel.: 257 272 350). This clinic is adapted for foreigners. The person at the reception speaks English and can make an appointment. Most doctors speak at least some English and the level of service is of a high standard.

The Czech Republic has become a favorite holiday destination for many tourists. Those who love ancient architecture come here. This small landlocked country did not suffer much during the world wars. Over the past millennium, different peoples have lived here, which has had a great influence on the architecture. And the prices here are still a little lower. These 10 best places in the Czech Republic are a must see!

This city in the west of the Czech Republic is the fourth largest in the country, and is famous throughout the world for its beer. When traveling around the city, you should visit St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, the Great Synagogue and the Renaissance-style town hall. The city is home to the famous University of West Bohemia and breweries.

This miracle is located in a naturally protected area of ​​the Czech Republic, north of Brno. This is a gigantic series of underground limestone caves and gorges that extend over thousands of square kilometers. Here is the Macocha Abyss - a 138-meter-long gorge formed during the collapse of one of the underground cave ceilings. The Moravian Karst has good cycling routes and walking paths.

This eastern city on the border of Bohemia and Moravia grew up on an important trade route called the Tristenice Route. At the end of the 16th century, the most famous building in the city was erected - the Renaissance castle. The famous composer Bedřich Smetana lived here. There is one more attraction in the city. This is the Portmoneum, the former home of art admirer Josef Wahal. Its walls, floors, ceilings and furniture are covered with colorful drawings on mythological themes.

Olomouc was originally created as a Roman fort. Later it became the residence of the Moravian ruler. The city has been important throughout the last millennium. Olomouc Castle was built in the 12th century. There is the beautiful St. Wenceslas Cathedral, more than a dozen stunning religious buildings of varying architectural styles, as well as six remarkable baroque fountains, an art museum, and an astronomical clock.

This city in southern Moravia appeared in the 14th century. In those days it was a port to facilitate trade between Bohemia, Moravia and Austria. The historic city center is painted in bright colors. The architecture of the Renaissance era also attracts here. The Gothic palace was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 17th century. There are also beautiful churches in the city: the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Jesuit Church. All this attracts lovers of architecture and history, as well as photographers.

This hot spring town has been popular for hundreds of years. It is believed that these healing waters can cure everything from poor digestion to brain tumors. As with any place where there are hot springs, the area has been developed into a large resort region. Its appearance dates back to the 13th century. Since the resort was visited by nobles, the architecture here is rich. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, a series of natural disasters destroyed most of the buildings that predate the heyday of Carlsbad. But, nevertheless, the city is still majestic and picturesque. SPA centers have been operating for more than six centuries, and rumor claims that local water heals many ailments.

Cesky Krumlov is a city with a large “Bohemian castle”, located in the Krumlov region. It was founded at the end of the 13th century, when the region belonged to the Bohemians. It was a trading fortress. The appearance of the city has changed slightly since the 18th century. Some buildings have been restored, but Cesky Krumlov still looks like a medieval town. It is decorated with brightly painted stucco house facades and crooked cobbled streets.

Want to know where you can go for one day from Prague? I will tell you how to spend a few days of vacation in the Czech Republic interestingly and inexpensively. Do you want to swim in thermal springs or visit a brewery, feed a bear in a medieval castle or go to Germany for a day?

While in Prague, you should not limit yourself only to the possibilities of the capital - you can make short trips beyond its borders. You just need to rent a car, for example in. This way it will be more comfortable, faster and you will see everything planned.

Where to go for one day? This question arises among tourists as soon as they have free time. There are several ideas on how to diversify your stay in Prague.

1. Fabulous Karlštejn

The Gothic Karlštejn Castle is located very close to Prague - just thirty kilometers away. A tour of the castle can be purchased on the spot. The guide will take you through the most interesting corners of the summer residence of Charles IV, tell you interesting legends related to the history of the castle, and demonstrate exhibits of the imperial treasury. If you plan to buy souvenirs in the Czech Republic, you can buy them in Karlštejn much cheaper than in Prague shops.

The castle can be reached by train from (metro station Hlavní nádraží line C). Ticket price – 55 CZK, travel time – 40 minutes.

2. Konopiste – hunting castle of Archduke Ferdinand

The White Castle of Konopiště, located 45 kilometers from Prague, attracts dreamers, romantics and connoisseurs of beauty. The beautiful appearance of Konopiste is the merit of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. He rebuilt the Gothic military fortress, giving it romantic Renaissance features. An English park with terraces, marble statues, and rose bushes appeared near the castle. Prince Franz Ferdinand was a passionate collector and an avid hunter. In Konopišt he collected large collections of historical weapons, 300 thousand various hunting trophies, tapestries, paintings, and handicrafts. All this wealth is now shown to visitors during tours of the castle.

You can get to Konopiste by train from the Main Station (metro station Hlavní nádraží line C) to the station (Benešov). Ticket price - 76 CZK, travel time - 40 minutes. Then follow the signs on foot for about an hour or by bus from the Benesov bus station.
You can also get there by bus from the Roztyly metro station (line C). Ticket price - from 56 CZK, travel time - 35 minutes.

3. Kutna Hora

This small medieval town is famous for its Gothic monuments. The most striking historical object is, or. A gloomy temple stands in the center of the cemetery. Another architectural treasure of Kutna Hora is a structure of amazing beauty. It is included in the UNESCO register, like the entire historical center of the city.

You can travel to Kutná Hora by train from Prague Main Station. Ticket price – 99 CZK, travel time – from 51 minutes.
If you choose a bus, they run from the Nádraží Uhříněves bus stop. Ticket price - from 62 CZK, travel time - from 1 hour 39 minutes.

4. Weekend in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, photo joseasancho_1967

European aristocracy has been coming to the thermal springs of Karlovy Vary for hundreds of years. Today you can take a one-day trip to this resort town. Plunge into the healing waters, breathe in the steam from the famous Vřídlo spring, and relax in the spa center. Climb the Diana observation tower - below you will see picturesque “toy” houses surrounded by forest. Visit the museum where you can buy a signature drink and souvenirs.

It is more convenient to go by bus from the Florenc bus station (Florenc metro). Ticket price - from 165 CZK, travel time - from 2 hours 15 minutes.
But you can also go by train from Prague. Ticket price - from 169 CZK, travel time - from 3 hours 13 minutes.

Read more about Karlovy Vary.

5. Town of Tabor

You can get from Prague to Tabor in an hour and a half by train or bus. The town is small. Its narrow, broken streets can be explored on foot in a few hours. Gothic churches, Renaissance and Baroque buildings have been preserved here. From the bell tower you can admire the city panorama. You will get the most vivid impressions from. The labyrinths connecting the houses underground stretch for twenty kilometers, however, only a small part of the catacombs is accessible to tourists today.

Take a bus to Tábor from the Florenc bus station or from the Roztyly metro station. Ticket price - from 98 CZK, travel time - from 1 hour 30 minutes. Trains go from Prague Main Station. Ticket price - 129 CZK, travel time - 1 hour 11 minutes.

Read more about the city of Tabor.

Book inexpensive excursions from Prague:

6. Pilsen – beer and more

Pilsen, photo Colorado Sands

From Prague to Pilsen – 85 kilometers; you can visit this city during the day. It’s best to go last for a tour of the museum and its obligatory tasting. Start with the historical sights of Pilsen. In the old center there is the Church of St. Bartholomew with the highest observation deck in the Czech Republic. The central square of the city – Náměstí Republiky – is considered the largest in Europe. The length of the Pilsen catacombs, laid under the old center, is about 24 km.

Pilsen has a lot of interesting things for children of any age: a zoo, a botanical garden, a museum of puppets and a scientific center "Techmania".

To get to the city of Pilsen, take a bus from the Zličín bus station (Zličín metro station line B), travel time is about an hour, ticket price is 100 CZK.
Or by train from the Main Station. Ticket price - from 100 CZK, travel time - from 1 hour 11 minutes.

Read more about the city of Pilsen.

7. Liberec – the pearl of Northern Bohemia

Liberec is a large city and has a lot of entertainment. In winter people gather here. The abundance of cycling trails and scenic walking routes attracts athletes and travelers in the summer. By car you can reach Liberec in an hour and a half along an excellent highway. The city is surrounded by landscapes of extraordinary beauty. On Mount Jested there is a futuristic TV tower by architect Karel Hubacek with an observation deck. This is the best place to view the surrounding area. A cable car leads to the tower.

Architecture connoisseurs will be fascinated by the local residential and secular buildings and ancient temples. There are several churches in the city - Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque. With children, visit the botanical garden and zoo, an entertainment complex with a science center and a water park.

You can get to the city by bus from the Černý Most metro station, line B. Travel time is 1 hour 05 minutes, ticket price is 100 CZK.
Or by train from Prague via Turnov. Ticket price - from 147 CZK, travel time - from 1 hour 47 minutes.

8. Ceske Budejovice

It is most convenient to combine a trip to Ceske Budejovice with a trip to Cesky Krumlov (the two cities are nearby). The main attraction of the city is the Budweiser brewery. Go to, have lunch at a beer restaurant. But first, try climbing the 72-meter Black Tower to explore the entire historical center. The climb will be difficult; you will only be charged for the inspection at the top.

It is best to go by bus from the Roztyly bus station (metro station (C) Roztyly) or Na Knížecí, metro station (B) Andel. Ticket price - from 165 CZK, travel time - from 2 hours 15 minutes. You can also take the train from the Main Station. Ticket price - from 169 CZK, travel time - from 2 hours.

9. Romantic Cesky Krumlov

The city has preserved its historical appearance since the Middle Ages. The old center of Cesky Krumlov, with its colorful miniature houses and the proud tower of Krumlov Castle, is surrounded by the bend of the Vltava riverbed. The narrow streets are surrounded by greenery in the summer.

The city is small, but there are many architectural monuments here. is a huge complex of 42 buildings with courtyards and galleries, a theater and a park. In the museums of Cesky Krumlov you will find unusual exhibitions: motorcycles, an old workshop, wax figures with sound effects, instruments of torture. If you can stay in Cesky Krumlov, take a romantic night excursion.

There are direct comfortable Student Agency buses to Cesky Krumlov from the Na Knížecí bus station (Anděl metro station, opposite the Staropramen brewery). Travel time is about 3 hours, ticket price is 200 CZK.
There are no direct trains from Prague to Krumlov. Need a transfer in Ceske Budejovice. Ticket price - from 197 CZK, travel time - from 3 hours.

From Prague you can go to Dresden in one day - the distance between the Czech and German cities is 150 km. The city has the most interesting museums, the majestic Cathedral, and a wonderful opera house. An independent trip around Dresden will give you the opportunity to get to know the city for 8-10 hours, see the “transparent Volkswagen plant”, the art quarter, and a 360-degree panorama of the city. During a short trip you will not be able to explore all the sights in detail - you will only need several hours to visit the famous Dresden Gallery.

You can get to Dresden by bus from the Florenc bus station (Florenc metro station). Travel time is about 2 hours^ ticket costs 300 CZK.
Or by train from the Main Station. Travel time - from 2 hours 16 minutes.

Read more about Dresden.

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