How To Plan Your First Trip To Czech Republic: A Guide To Food, Hotels And Getting Around

The Czech Republic, officially known as Czechia, is one of those places where a short trip can easily turn into a much longer one. Prague brings the grand architecture, medieval lanes, and riverside views, while beyond the capital, there are wine regions, spa towns, castles and mountains to explore.

It is also an easy country to travel around, thanks to an efficient public transport network and relatively affordable intercity connections. Here is what to know before planning a trip.

The Best Places To Visit In Czechia

Prague

For first-time visitors, Prague is the natural starting point. The capital brings together Gothic churches, Baroque buildings, medieval streets and the Vltava River, with landmarks such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Old Town Square making it easy to fill several days.

But Prague is not only about ticking off sights. Spend some time wandering through Josefov and Malá Strana, sit at a neighbourhood café or walk along the river. The city is compact enough that many of its central sights can be explored on foot.

South Moravia

Known for its grand colonnades, thermal springs and elegant architecture, Karlovy Vary has long been one of Europe's best-known spa towns. It makes a good addition to a Prague itinerary, particularly if you want to see a quieter, more leisurely side of the country.

Krkonoše Mountains

For something completely different, head northeast to the Krkonoše mountains. The region is popular for hiking in warmer months and winter sports when temperatures drop. It is a good option for travellers who want to combine Czech Republic's historic cities with the outdoors.

Where To Stay In Prague

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Four Seasons Hotel Prague sits beside the Vltava River in Josefov, with views towards Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. The property brings together several historic buildings, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Classical structures, alongside a contemporary building.

The location is one of its biggest advantages. Charles Bridge is just a short walk away, while the Old Town and Jewish Quarter are also within easy reach. Inside, the hotel combines historic architectural details with modern rooms, a spa and fine dining.

The Information

Address: Veleslavínova 2a/1098, Praha 1, 110 00 Czech Republic

Tariff: Typically ranges between CZK 29,295 to CZK 173,605 (approximately INR 129,651 – INR 768,322) per night depending on the season and chosen platform.

Contact: +420 221 427 777 for reservation

Website: fourseasons.com/prague

Aria Hotel Prague

Aria Hotel Prague takes a different approach to luxury. Music is at the centre of the hotel, with its floors dedicated to genres including classical, jazz and opera. Rooms are designed around individual musical themes and feature curated artworks and sound systems.

The hotel is in Malá Strana, one of Prague's prettiest historic neighbourhoods. Its private access to the Vrtba Garden is another highlight, while Prague Castle and Charles Bridge are both within walking distance.

The Information

Address: Tržiště 9, 118 00, Prague 1, Czech Republic

Tariff: Standard rates start around CZK 19693 (INR 87,705) per night, shifting higher during peak seasons.

Contact: +420 225 334 111; stay@aria.cz

Website: ariahotel.net

The Emblem Prague Hotel

The Emblem Prague Hotel is a more contemporary option in the heart of the Old Town. Its interiors have an Art Deco-inspired feel, while the hotel includes a rooftop spa and George Prime Steak restaurant.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for first-time visitors. Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock are only a few minutes away, while Pařížská Street is close by for luxury shopping.

The Information

Address: Platnéřská 19, 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic

Tariff: Standard rooms start at around CZK 7,087 (approximately INR 31,000) per night; rates may vary depending on the season and room category

Contact: +420 226 202 500; reservations@emblemprague.com

Website: emblemprague.com

What To Eat And Drink In Czechia

Czech food is hearty and comforting, with plenty of meat, rich sauces and dumplings. It may not be the lightest cuisine, but trying a few traditional dishes is part of the experience.

Bramboráky, or Czech potato pancakes, are made with grated potatoes, garlic, marjoram and spices, then fried until crisp. Another classic is kulajda, a creamy soup made with potatoes, mushrooms, dill and vinegar, often topped with a poached egg.

Then there is vepřo-knedlo-zelo, essentially roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. It is considered one of the country's quintessential dishes.

Beer is equally important to Czech food culture. Czechia is the birthplace of the Pilsner style and home to Pilsner Urquell, and beer is an everyday part of dining culture. For wine, head to South Moravia, particularly around Mikulov and Znojmo, where vineyards and wine cellars are central to the region.

If you are looking for something sweet, skip the ubiquitous trdelník stalls around Prague's tourist centre. The chimney-shaped pastry is popular with visitors but is not really an old Czech speciality. Instead, look for koláče, traditional yeast pastries filled with poppy seeds, plum jam or sweet curd.

Where And What To Shop For

Shopping in Czechia can be as varied as its architecture. In Prague, you can move from luxury boutiques to small shops selling traditional crafts within a few streets.

For something genuinely Czech, look for Bohemian crystal, Czech garnet jewellery, Moldavite and traditional wooden toys. Becherovka, the herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary, is another popular souvenir.

In Prague, Pařížská Street is the address for luxury fashion, with international brands lining the elegant boulevard. For more mainstream shopping, head to Palladium near Náměstí Republiky or explore the shops around Wenceslas Square.

In the historic centre, it is worth being selective about souvenirs. Generic novelty products and Russian-style nesting dolls do not necessarily have a connection to Czech culture. Instead, look for local glass, ceramics, design, and food products. Also remember that large shops are required to close on certain public holidays, so check opening hours if you are planning a shopping-heavy day.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Czech Republic?

There is no single best season to visit. Each brings a different version of the country. May is a good shoulder-season option, with comfortable temperatures, spring greenery and fewer crowds than the height of summer. It is also a pleasant time to explore Prague on foot.

June to August brings warmer weather, long days, and busy outdoor cafés and beer gardens. It is also the busiest period, so expect more visitors and higher hotel prices around Prague's major sights.

September and October are particularly appealing if you want to explore beyond Prague. The weather is generally mild, autumn colours begin to appear and South Moravia's wine harvest season adds another reason to visit.

November to March is the quieter period. December is an exception, with Prague's Christmas markets attracting visitors from around the world. January and February are colder and considerably quieter, making them suitable for travellers looking for lower-season rates or winter activities in the Krkonoše mountains.

Getting Around Czechia

Public transport is one of the easiest ways to get around the country.

Within Prague, the metro, trams and buses form an extensive network. The official PID (Pražská integrovaná doprava) Lítačka app is useful for buying and managing tickets. If you are using a paper ticket, remember to validate it in the yellow stamping machines. Digital tickets need to be activated according to the app's instructions.

For longer journeys, trains operated by České dráhy connect Prague with cities such as Brno and Ostrava. Private operators including RegioJet also operate intercity services, while buses can be useful for shorter or alternative routes.

Getting from Prague Airport into the city requires a bus or other road connection, as the airport does not have a direct metro station. Bus 119 connects the airport with Nádraží Veleslavín, where you can change to Metro Line A.

Other Things To Know

Czechia uses the Czech koruna (CZK) rather than the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is still useful for smaller businesses and markets.

When withdrawing money, use ATMs operated by established banks and be cautious about dynamic currency conversion. If an ATM asks whether you want to be charged in your home currency or Czech koruna, choosing Czech koruna will generally avoid the ATM's own currency conversion rate.

Tipping is customary when you receive good service, although the amount varies. Rounding up a smaller bill or leaving around 10 per cent for good service is common. At restaurants, you can simply tell the server the total amount you want to pay, including the tip, when paying.

Public transport etiquette is fairly simple. Keep conversations quiet, avoid loud phone calls and stand on the right side of escalators to let others pass.

Visa Requirements For Indian Travellers

For Indian passport holders, a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) is required for tourism in Czech Republic, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided Czechia is the main destination. Applicants must submit the required form and supporting documents, including a valid passport, photographs, travel and accommodation proof, travel insurance, and financial and employment documents. Applications should be submitted in person at a VFS Global centre by prior appointment. Processing generally takes 15 calendar days but can extend to 30 days, or up to 60 days in exceptional cases, so apply well in advance. Visa fees and VFS service charges apply and may change.

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