Castles, wilderness and culture
Charming cities, historic castles and glorious unspoiled nature reserves make Czech Republic holidays an enticing prospect for every kind of traveller. In cities and towns like Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Brno and Kutna Hora, visitors can enjoy a stunning mixture of medieval, gothic and renaissance architecture, teamed with vibrant contemporary culture. Elsewhere, hundreds of gorgeous castles and chateaux pepper this landlocked central European country.
In the Czech Republic’s north, you’ll discover quiet nature and stunning hiking spots in the Bohemian Switzerland and Cesky raj (Bohemian Paradise) national parks, while holidaymakers heading west can have themselves pampered silly at a number of historic spa towns, once the preserve of the aristocracy. They include Karlovy Vary, which also hosts a lively film festival each year. The country is particularly known for its castles. From the Gothic pile of Kost Castle to the icing-sugar turrets of Orlik Castle, and from the Windsor-inspired Hluboka Castle to the views from the tower in the ruined Bohemian Rabi Castle, seeing these magnificent buildings is a fine way to structure a tour.
Culture vultures will find a wealth of contemporary museums, laid-back piazza-style eating and drinking and, in Prague at least, internationally renowned music acts performing at unusual venues, like MeetFactory. The national cuisine is hearty and meaty, with the second city of Brno particularly well known for its burgeoning food scene. From historic buildings to hip drinking and dining, a visit to the Czech Republic has a wealth of discoveries for everyone.
Need to know
Prague
Czech
Czech Koruna
GMT +1
1hr 35 mins
* Average time from London Gatwick to Prague
All regions in Czech Republic
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