Czech Republic
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General Travel Guide: The Fairytale Heart of Bohemia
The Czech Republic is a country that seems taken from the pages of a storybook. Its capital, Prague, is one of the most magical and best preserved cities in Europe, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, Gothic towers and legendary bridges that transport you to another era. But beyond its dazzling capital lies a land of deep forests, towering castles perched on hills, and cities where time seems to have stood still. Get ready to discover a nation with a complex and fascinating history, a strong and delicious gastronomy, and a beer culture that is, without a doubt, the best in the world. This is a journey to the heart of Bohemia, a place of beauty, history and unforgettable character.
Capital
Prague
Population
10.526.013
Langue
Checo
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
17
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Czech Republic
Expériences uniques
Crossing Charles Bridge at Dawn
Avoid the crowds and experience the true magic of Prague by walking across the Charles Bridge at sunrise. Watching the first light of day illuminate the baroque statues and silhouette of Prague Castle is an ethereal and unforgettable experience.
Get lost in Prague Castle
More than a castle, it is a citadel that spans centuries of history. Explore the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, stroll through the charming Alley of Gold, visit the Old Royal Palace and admire the views of the city from its walls. You will need several hours to absorb its greatness.
Drinking Beer in a Traditional 'Hospoda'
Beer ('pivo') is the national drink and a religion. Enter a 'hospoda' (pub/tavern), often a simple and unpretentious establishment, and order a 'půllitr' (half a liter) of Pilsner Urquell or a local beer. It's the best way to immerse yourself in Czech culture and socialize.
Travel back in time in Český Krumlov
This small, World Heritage-listed town in South Bohemia is a gem. Its old town is surrounded by a bend of the Vltava River and dominated by an impressive castle. Walking through its streets is like entering a medieval movie set.
Visit the Church of Bones in Kutná Hora
The Sedlec Ossuary is a unique and macabre place. This small chapel is decorated with the bones of more than 40,000 people, artistically arranged to form lamps, coats of arms and garlands. It is a somber reflection on life and death that leaves no one indifferent.
Drinking from the Hot Springs in Karlovy Vary
Stroll through the elegant colonnades of this famous spa city and taste the hot springs from its different sources. Each one has a different temperature and mineral content. Buy yourself a traditional porcelain mug ('lázeňský pohárek') to drink while you explore the city.
Strong flavors of Bohemia
Czech cuisine is robust, tasty and designed to accompany its excellent beer. It is a classic Central European cuisine, with a strong influence from its Austrian and German neighbors, where meat, creamy sauces and 'knedlíky' (dumplings) are kings of the table.
Czech cuisine is robust, tasty and designed to accompany its excellent beer. It is a classic Central European cuisine, with a strong influence from its Austrian and German neighbors, where meat, creamy sauces and 'knedlíky' (dumplings) are kings of the table.
The Holy Trinity: Meat, Dumplings and Sauerkraut
The dish 'Vepřo-knedlo-zelo' (roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut) encapsulates the essence of Czech cuisine. It is a fundamental combination that you will find in almost all traditional menus.
The Culture of the 'Hospoda'
The 'hospoda' or pub is the epicenter of social and gastronomic life. It's the place to eat hearty traditional dishes at reasonable prices, and where the beer is constantly flowing. The food is the perfect accompaniment to the national drink.
Plats Iconiques
Svíčková na smetaně
Considered by many the national dish. It's a marinated and grilled beef tenderloin, served sliced with a delicious creamy root vegetable sauce. It is accompanied by 'knedlíky', a slice of lemon with blueberries and a little cream.
Vepřo-knedlo-zelo
The absolute classic of Czech cuisine. Tender and juicy roast pork, served with 'knedlíky' (bread dumplings) to soak up the sauce and sweet and sour sauerkraut to balance the fat.
Guláš
The Czech version of goulash. Unlike Hungarian, it is a thick and tasty beef stew, with fewer vegetables and served with bread or potato 'knedlíky'. It's not a soup.
Smažený sýr
A very popular guilty pleasure. It is a thick slice of cheese (usually Edam) breaded and fried. Served with fries and tartar sauce. A very common vegetarian option.
Česnecka (Garlic Soup)
A strong, comforting garlic soup, known for its hangover healing properties. It is served hot with fried bread croutons and sometimes with cheese and ham.
Knedlíky (Dumplings)
They are not a dish in themselves, but rather the garnish par excellence. They are slices of a steamed dough, made of bread ('houskové') or potato ('bramborové'). Its main function is to absorb the delicious sauces from stews.
Boissons typiques
Pivo (Beer)
The Czech Republic has the highest per capita beer consumption in the world, and for good reason. It is the birthplace of the Pilsner style (of the city of Plzeň). Drinking a fresh, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell is an eye-opening experience.
Becherovka
A bittersweet herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary. It is made with a secret recipe of more than 20 types of herbs and spices. It is drunk cold as a digestive.
Slivovice
A powerful plum brandy, typical of the Moravian region. It is a strong drink that is drunk in one gulp to celebrate or as a home remedy.
Kofola
The Czech answer to Coca-Cola, born in the communist era. It is a soft drink with a unique flavor, a mixture of herbs and licorice that you either love or hate. Very popular with locals.
Desserts traditionnels
Trdelník
Although it is sold as a traditional sweet, it is more of a modern tourist attraction. It is a sweet dough rolled into a cylinder, roasted and covered with sugar and nuts. It is often filled with ice cream or chocolate.
Ovocné knedlíky (Fruit Dumplings)
A dish that can be both dessert and main course. They are large dumplings filled with seasonal fruit (strawberries, apricots, plums), boiled and served with melted butter, sugar and sometimes 'tvaroh' cheese or poppy seeds.
Medovnik
A delicious honey cake with multiple layers. It consists of thin sheets of honey sponge cake interspersed with a sweet cream and covered with ground walnuts. It is very popular in cafes.
Jablečný závin (Apple Strudel)
With a clear Austrian influence, apple strudel is a much-loved dessert. A thin rolled dough filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon and walnuts, served hot and sprinkled with icing sugar.
Que voir par thème
The Czech Republic is much more than Prague. Its Bohemian and Moravian regions offer an incredible diversity of landscapes, historic cities and traditions.
Prague: The Golden City
Explore the capital in depth. In addition to the Castle and Charles Bridge, get lost in the Malá Strana district, discover the history of the Jewish quarter, admire the Art Nouveau architecture of the Municipal House and feel the history of the 20th century on Wenceslas Square.
Bohemian Castles Route
Follow a trail of fortresses and palaces. The Gothic Karlštejn Castle was built to house the crown jewels. The neo-Gothic palace of Hluboká looks like something out of a Disney story. And Konopiště Castle was the residence of Franz Ferdinand of Austria.
UNESCO Cities
Beyond Prague and Český Krumlov, discover other gems. Telč boasts one of the most beautiful Renaissance squares in Europe. Kutná Hora was the silver city that competed with Prague. And the Moravian city of Olomouc is a charming, less touristy alternative to Prague.
Western Bohemian Spa Triangle
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the golden age of spas. Karlovy Vary is the largest and most famous, but Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně complete this triangle of health and opulent architecture, surrounded by lush forests.
The Beer Route
For beer lovers, this is a must-visit pilgrimage. Visit the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň (Pilsen) to taste the unfiltered beer straight from the barrel. In České Budějovice (Budweis), you can visit the factory of the original Budweiser Budvar.
Surprising Nature and Landscapes
Discover the natural side of the country. The Bohemian Switzerland National Park, on the border with Germany, offers spectacular sandstone formations, such as the Pravčice Arch. The Moravian Karst region features an impressive cave system and the Macocha Abyss.
Conseils de voyage
Currency
The Czech Republic belongs to the EU but does not use the Euro. The official currency is the Czech Crown (CZK). It is advisable to avoid exchange offices in very touristy areas (airport, Old Town Square) and look for 'Kantor' with a 0% commission and clear exchange rates. Payment by card is very widespread.
Public Transport in Prague
Prague's transportation system (metro, tram and bus) is excellent, efficient and runs 24 hours a day. Tickets are purchased by time (30 min, 90 min, etc.) and must be validated at the machines upon entry. The 24 or 72 hour passes are very convenient.
Language
The official language is Czech. In Prague and other tourist areas, many people, especially young people, speak English. Outside of these cores, it can be more difficult. Learning some basic words like 'Dobrý den' (Hello/Good morning) and 'Děkuji' (Thank you) will be greatly appreciated.
Tips
In restaurants, it is customary to tip around 10% if you are satisfied with the service. Money is not left on the table; When paying, tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay (including tip) or ask him or her to round up the bill.
This guide is just the starting point for exploring the fascinating Czech Republic. Its true charm is revealed when you look beyond Prague and discover the treasures of Bohemia and Moravia. We encourage you to explore its castles, try its beers and enjoy the hospitality of its people. Šťastnou cestu! (Have a good trip!)
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