Czech Republic (Czechia)
Prague · CZK (Czech Koruna) · Czech
Hub airports: PRG · Suggested stay: 3–5 days
Czechia gives you Western European beauty at half the price. Prague is the inevitable headliner — possibly Europe's most photogenic capital — but Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, and Pilsen reward anyone who gets out of the city.
Pilsner straight from the source in Plzeň, or Charles Bridge at sunrise.
Where to go
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October for ideal weather and lighter crowds. December for Christmas markets in Old Town Square. July–August: hot, tour-bus heavy.
Score combines weather, crowds, and price (1–5). See the full matrix across all countries.
US-citizen tips
Currency is koruna (CZK), not euros — use ATMs (avoid Euronet); some shops display euro prices at terrible rates. Tipping 10% in restaurants is appreciated. Trams are easy; buy 90-minute tickets at machines, validate immediately.
Local etiquette
Take shoes off when entering homes. Beer is cheaper than water and that's normal. 'Na zdraví' = cheers (look in the eye when toasting).
Getting around
RegioJet and Czech Railways for trains. Prague–Český Krumlov easiest by RegioJet bus (3 hr). Prague metro covers the city easily.
Daily budget (USD)
Common pitfalls
- ⚠Currency exchange booths near Old Town are notorious scams — use ATMs only.
- ⚠Restaurants in Old Town Square: assume 2–3x normal prices.
- ⚠Taxis from the airport: pre-book Bolt or use the airport's official taxi (AAA) — random taxis overcharge.
🆘 Emergency reference
Works from any phone (locked, no SIM), free, multilingual operators, dispatches police/fire/medical.
Lost passport, arrested, hospitalized, victim of a crime → contact embassy first, then home insurer. After hours: the main line routes you to a duty officer.
🗣️ Essential phrases
Czech