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Czechia
What to see, when to go and how to enjoy the trip – a practical guide from places we’ve explored ourselves.
In a small space, Czechia packs in remarkable variety – historic towns, castles and châteaux, rock towns, southern vineyards and mountains in the north and east. You don’t need to go far: plenty of experiences are a weekend or long-weekend trip away. In this guide you’ll find where to go, when to travel and how to enjoy the trip without unnecessary spending.
Czechia is our home country and we travel here for most of the year. We spend most of our time in Prague, but we love heading further afield – to Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Poděbrady, České Budějovice or Moravia. What we love most about Czechia is its variety: just a short hop from the capital you’ll find towns with a completely different atmosphere.
When to visit Czechia
Travel is most pleasant from May to September – warm weather, long days, and open sights and cable cars. Spring and early autumn offer beautiful scenery without the biggest crowds. Winter has its charm too: Christmas markets and snow-covered mountains.
What to see in Czechia
What to See in Prague: Complete Guide to the Historic Centre
It was 11:58 on Old Town Square, wedged between guides' umbrellas and a family arguing over the view of the Astronomical Clock. This guide came out of that – everything we checked ourselves.
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Český Krumlov: A Complete Guide to the Fairytale Town 2026
We've been visiting Český Krumlov regularly for many years. In this article, you'll find everything you need for planning: where to stay, what to see, how much money to take, how to park, and why we think you should visit for at least one night, not just a quick stop.
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Story of Prague Museum: Review and 15% discount
The Story of Prague Museum in the centre of Prague: our review, how the app and the augmented reality work, and how to get 15% off admission.
ReadBest regions & cities
Where to spend your time, depending on what you are after.
Prague & around
Historic centre, castles and trips to the Bohemian Paradise or Karlštejn.
GuideA long weekend in Czechia
Our favourite long weekend leads to Český Krumlov – a historic gem in southern Bohemia. Here’s how we spend it.
Český Krumlov
For a long weekend in Czechia, we love returning to Český Krumlov. It’s only a couple of hours by car from Prague and the historic centre is genuinely breathtaking. It’s lovely to get lost in the lanes, and you’ll find good restaurants, a moldavite museum and quality hotels. Parking is split into several zones, most within easy reach of the centre. We like coming here just to stroll, have a good lunch and soak up the calm atmosphere. Where to park and where to stay is covered in our Český Krumlov by car guide. On day one, settle into your accommodation, park up, and spend the late afternoon walking through the centre.
The castle & bear moat
On the way to Český Krumlov State Castle, stop by the bear moat – the bears in the castle moat are free to view and open to everyone. We definitely recommend touring the whole castle; it’s a truly beautiful place where you’ll easily spend 1-2 hours. Afterwards, wander along Latrán street with its charming houses and lanes – just don’t eat here. Restaurants right on the route tend to be quite overpriced. Simply step into one of the side streets: the atmosphere is similar and you’ll save money.
Graphite mine on the way home
Before heading home, you can stop at the Český Krumlov graphite mine. You’ll ride a little mine train straight underground for an unusual but genuinely enjoyable experience. The tour takes roughly 1.5-2 hours.
Before you go
Getting around
By car, train or bus. For motorways you need an electronic vignette.
- Trains and buses: RegioJet, ČD, FlixBus
- Motorway vignette: online or app
- In cities use public transport and parking zones
Accommodation
Book ahead, especially over holidays – prices and occupancy rise fastest then.
- Guesthouses and apartments outside the centre are usually cheaper
- Check ratings and reviews
Money-saving tips
- Travel outside holidays and peak dates
- Family and group tickets are worth it
- The lunch menu is cheaper than dinner
How much a trip to Czechia costs
Rough prices per person per day (2026). The reality depends on region and season – treat the numbers below as a guide.
Articles about Czechia
Karlovy Vary by car: where to park, what it costs and the walk to the colonnade
Where to park in Karlovy Vary, what it costs and where it is free. Garage prices, the car park nearest the Pupp, the spa-district entry permit and the walk to the colonnade.
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Adršpach Rocks: the complete guide and parking 2026
Where to park at Adršpach, what it costs and how the timed entry slots work. Parking prices for 2026, the flat-bottomed boat trip, Myší díra and how long to allow for the circuit.
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Prachov Rocks: the complete guide 2026
Three trails, 200 CZK (about €8) admission and stairs most articles stay quiet about. What we checked on the ground in August 2026.
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Kutná Hora in a Day: What to See and Where to Park
The free car park below St Barbara's was full at 11:45 on a Saturday. A short walk away there is a huge unsurfaced plot at 40 CZK for the whole day that Google Maps does not list as parking. Plus the church's August 2026 price list, what a day for two cost us, and why to plan lunch earlier than you think.
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Where to Stay in Prague: A District Guide from Two Locals
Where to stay in Prague: Staré Město, Nové Město, Vinohrady, Letná, Prague 4 and Prague 5. How they differ, where you can park and what to watch out for.
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Prague by car: 11 tips on where to park and where to sleep cheaply
Parking in Prague has a reputation as a nightmare, and it partly deserves it. But over the years we have been driving here, we have refined a system that works – where to leave the car, where to sleep and what it actually costs.
ReadQuestions about travelling in Czechia
When is the best time to visit Czechia?
May to September has the most pleasant weather and everything open. Spring and early autumn are beautiful and quieter.
Do I need a motorway vignette?
Yes, an electronic vignette applies on most motorways – buy it online at edalnice.gov.cz.
Is it better to travel by train or car?
By car you have freedom for trips into nature; by train and bus you can travel cheaply and comfortably between larger cities. We tend to prefer the car wherever possible, for the extra flexibility – just watch out for paid parking zones.
How long should I plan for?
A long weekend (2-3 days) is enough for one city or area. A longer loop works best over 4-6 days.
Plan your trip to Czechia
Browse our guides and tips – so you know exactly where to go and what not to miss.