They like their beer in the Czech Republic. Czechs drink more beer than any one else in the world - 160 litres per person each year. It is the home of the original pilsner (Pilsner Urquell - brewed in Plzen) and original Budweiser (Budejovicky Budvar - brewed in Ceske Budejovice). Other breweries of note are at Nová Paka and Smichov (Staropramen beer).
Most people searching for cheap flights to the Czech Republic will end up visiting Prague, the glittering capital city. The centre is Unesco-listed and its attractions are legendary: Charles Bridge, St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, Old Town, New Town and Wenceslas Square.
There are many other attractions. Brno is the republic's second city (Czech Republic flights land at Brno-Turany Airport). Dominated by Spilberk Castle, a museum, and dotted with beautiful churches, the city also has a wonderful old quarter.
Outside the cities, all borders with the adjacent countries (Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany) are formed by mountain ranges. There is superb skiing at Krkonose Mountains, two hours' north of Prague, on the border with Poland and Germany, and national parks include Šumava (the republic's biggest), the Bohemian Switzerland and the Podyjí.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Czech Republic
Back to top
Winters in the Czech Republic tend to be very cold with snow, while summers are often mild and wet.
Back to top
Peak Season:
The best time to visit is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer is the tourist high season.
Off Season:
Discounts can be had on accommodation and Czech Republic flights during the winter months, especially outside Prague.
Back to top
Domestic Czech Republic flights are available between Prague and other main cities and are the quickest way of crossing the country.
The bus and train networks are excellent and inexpensive. Not everyone will speak English, so it can sometimes be confusing working out where to get off (or on). Buses are not luxurious.
There is a metro in Prague which is a very easy way of getting around the city.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Prague (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Czech Republic.
| | Air | Road | Rail |
|---|
| Brno | 2.45 | 2.15 | 2.15 |
|---|
| Karlovy Vary | 0.30 | 2.00 | 2.10 |
|---|
| Ostrava | 1.00 | 6.45 | 4.30 |
|---|
Back to top
- Most visitors to the Czech Republic come to its capital Prague, the city of a hundred spires. Its elegant medieval streets and buildings are a draw year-round, even in the winter, when the romance of a city blanketed in snow appeals to tourists. There is a host of attractions to visit, restaurants to eat at, bars to drink in and bridges to be crossed. Slightly off the usual tourist path is the Jewish cemetery in the Jewish quarter of town. The gravestones are piled high, because for centuries it was the only place in town where Jews were allowed to be buried. Today it is a quiet break from the bustle of the city.
- Brno is the centre of the Moravian province; a cultural and beautiful town that rivals Prague for attractions, if not visitor numbers. Hrad Spilberk, or Spilberk Castle, is a must-visit. The castle is 800 years old and has had many uses throughout the ages, including that of local prison during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and again with the Nazi invasion. It now houses a museum about the prison life and the City Art Museum. The castle is open daily except Mondays.
- In the Bohemian part of the country is Kutna Hora, a town that prospered on the local silver mines. One of the more unusual sights in town is the “bone church” in the suburb of Sedlec. The church was built in the 15th century in the middle of a cemetery and the bones that were unearthed during its construction were simply piled up inside. But it was in 1870 that the church got its unusual decorations, when a monk used the bones to decorate the interior. Most famous is a huge chandelier, which is said to contain one of every bone in the human body. There is a small entrance fee.
Back to top
All visitors must hold an onward or return ticket and all documents required for onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay. These must be produced on request at border crossing points. Visitors must sign a border-crossing card. Passports of all visitors must be valid at least 90 days beyond expiry date of the visa or 90 days beyond period of intended stay for visa exempt nationals.
Back to top
British citizens must have a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months for travellers holding a British Passport.
Back to top
