Czechia (yep, that’s the official short name for the Czech Republic!) is a storybook destination packed with fairy-tale castles, charming old towns, and some of the best beer you’ll ever taste. It’s most famous for Prague, a Gothic beauty full of spires, cobbled streets, and that iconic astronomical clock – but there’s so much more beyond the capital.
Think spa towns, mountain hikes, and quirky little villages where time stands still. It’s the kind of place where you can go from sipping coffee in a medieval square to exploring underground catacombs or catching an open-air jazz concert by the river.
Czechia is also incredibly wallet-friendly. Compared to Western Europe, the cost of living is lower, so your budget stretches further – whether you’re feasting on goulash, picking up quirky souvenirs, or treating yourself to a night at the opera. Plus, with direct flights from the UK (London to Prague takes about 1 hour 45 minutes), it’s perfect for weekend escapes or longer adventures.
Whether you’re visiting for the architecture, the beer, the history, or a bit of everything – Czechia brings the charm, without the crowds.
📍 Top Places to Visit:
Prague – A magical capital full of history, art, and architecture. Think castles, bridges, and beer halls
Český Krumlov – A tiny riverside town with Renaissance charm and winding streets. Like stepping into a storybook.
Karlovy Vary – Elegant spa town with thermal springs and pastel buildings. Very Wes Anderson vibes.
Kutná Hora – Famous for its gothic church and eerie Sedlec Ossuary, aka the Bone Church.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park – Forest trails, sandstone cliffs, and epic viewpoints for nature lovers.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds.
Summer (July–August): Peak season with festivals and busy squares. Great for beer gardens and outdoor concerts.
Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, colourful leaves, and harvest festivals.
Winter (December–February): Magical Christmas markets, snowy castles, and hot mulled wine (svařák).
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
Cash is still king in many places, so keep some on hand
Czechia is very budget-friendly – public transport is cheap, and meals out won’t break the bank
Beer is often cheaper than water (and that’s not a joke)
🧳Good For:
- City breakers and culture buffs
- History lovers
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Beer and architecture fans
- Christmas market hunters
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
- Svíčková – Marinated beef with creamy sauce, dumplings, and cranberries
- Goulash – Hearty beef stew with fluffy dumplings
- Trdelník – Chimney cake often topped with sugar, nuts, or ice cream (technically touristy, but still tasty!)
- Vepřo knedlo zelo – Pork, dumplings and sauerkraut — comfort food at its finest
- Pilsner beer – It was invented here, after all.
✈️ How to Get There:
- Main airport: Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)
- Direct flights from most UK cities (approx. 1.5–2 hours)
- Well-connected by train and coach from Germany, Austria, and Poland
🚍 Getting Around:
- Trains – Comfortable, affordable, and scenic for travel between towns
- Public transport – Trams and metros in cities like Prague are easy to use and super cheap
- Walking – City centres are compact and made for wandering
- Regional buses – Reach smaller towns and countryside spots easily
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
- Language: Czech, though English is common in cities and tourist areas
- Learn a few basics like “Děkuji” (thank you) and “Prosím” (please) – it goes a long way
- Tipping is expected in restaurants (around 10%)
- Be mindful of quiet hours and keep noise down at night – locals value peace!
My Czechian Highlights
I visited Prague in December, and honestly, if you’re into twinkling lights, festive food smells, and that proper cozy winter magic – you’ll love it. The Christmas markets completely lived up to the hype. Stalls were everywhere, serving up everything from cinnamon-sugar chimney cakes to hot mulled wine (which, let’s be real, became a daily necessity – partially for the vibes, mostly for warmth).
The Old Town Square was beautifully lit, and while it’s totally worth a visit, just be warned: it gets very busy when everyone crowds in to watch the Astronomical Clock do its hourly dance. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.
One thing I really appreciated was how walkable the city is – I barely used public transport once I was in the centre. You can easily wander between sights, stop for snacks (always), and stumble upon hidden gems like the John Lennon Wall, which is a must-see for both Beatles fans and mural lovers alike.
Prague in winter = very cold. Like, bone-chilling, wish-I-packed-two-coats kind of cold. If you’re visiting around Christmas, do yourself a favour and bring thermals, gloves, and a hat that covers your ears. Your future self will thank you.
For cozy vibes, I loved Black Angels Bar – it’s underground, moody, and feels like you’ve stepped into a secret speakeasy. Perfect for warming up with a cocktail after a day of exploring. I also stopped at Terasa U Prince, which has a fab rooftop view over the city and does a lovely hot chocolate. Just a heads up – if you want the famous Instagram view, they charge extra, and you’ll need cash, so don’t rock up empty-handed like I did the first time.
Getting from the airport was a breeze – local public transport is easy to navigate and cheap, and you’ll be in the city centre in under an hour. No expensive transfers needed!
All in all, Prague in December was the perfect wintery escape – festive, romantic, walkable, and full of hidden nooks to discover (and warm up in). I’d absolutely go back – ideally with warmer socks next time.
Want to explore the best of Czechia with none of the stress? From castle tours and beer tastings to river cruises and walking adventures, there’s plenty to pack into your itinerary.
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