Czechia
Europe · Prague · CZ
Czechia is a country where every town seems to have its own castle, its own brewery, and its own story carved into stone. Prague dominates the national imagination with a skyline of spires, domes, and Gothic towers straddling the Vltava River, but the country rewards exploration far beyond the capital. Cesky Krumlov curls around a river bend with a castle complex second only to Prague's in scale, while Kutna Hora holds a bone chapel that draws visitors from around the world. The Moravian wine country offers rolling hills of vineyards and family cellars where pours are generous and unhurried. Czech beer culture is not merely a tradition but a daily ritual, with pub breweries in nearly every town serving lagers brewed to regional recipes that predate modern industrial brewing. Bohemian landscapes range from the sandstone pillars of Bohemian Switzerland to the forested peaks of the Sumava, and throughout, a proud literary and musical heritage hums quietly in the background.
Overview
Czechia is a country in Europe. Its capital is Prague and the international dialling code is +420. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Czech. Local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Václav Havel Airport Prague. We also list 1 city in Czechia: Prague.
Getting around the Czech Republic
Prague's metro, trams and buses are frequent, cheap and easy to use with a single tap-on ticket system (papírová/valid-for-30-minutes or longer). The national rail company (ČD) connects Prague with Brno, Olomouc, Český Krumlov (via branch lines) and other towns, and fast "RegioJet" and "Leo Express" trains and buses add comfortable intercity links.
Trams are the heart of Prague's public transport and the most scenic way to cross the city. Driving is on the right, motorways use an electronic vignette, and parking in the historic centre is limited — most visitors leave the car outside the old town.
When to visit the Czech Republic
May, June and September offer warm days, long light and pleasant sightseeing in Prague and Český Krumlov. Christmas markets in Prague (from late November) are famous and busy. Winter is cold but atmospheric, with mulled wine on the markets. July and August are the busiest, and Prague's historic streets can feel crowded.
If you like festivals, Karlovy Vary hosts a major international film festival in early July. Autumn colours in the South Moravian vineyards are a highlight for wine lovers.
Eating and drinking
Czech cuisine is generous: svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce and dumplings), goulash, roast pork with cabbage and plenty of dumplings (knedlíky). Fried cheese (smažák) is the beloved snack of Prague street food.
Pilsner-style lager was born in the Czech lands, and the local beer culture is strong — a "pivo" in a traditional pub is part of the experience, and beer is often cheaper than bottled water. The Czechs also produce good white wines from Moravia. Tipping by rounding the bill (5–10%) is standard.
Money and local customs
The Czech Republic is outside the eurozone and uses the koruna (CZK). Cards are widely accepted, but small pubs, market stalls and old-town esoteric shops often prefer cash — it is worth withdrawing a little at an ATM.
The Czechs are reserved but friendly; a simple "dobrý den" greeting becomes "dobrý večer" in the evening. When paying in a pub it is common to say "zaplatím" or just ask for the bill ("účet"). Punctuality is appreciated, and when entering a shop many staff will greet you first — return the greeting.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Prague
- Currency
- Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Languages
- Czech
- Calling code
- +420
- Internet TLD
- cz
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Czechia.
Which nationalities can enter Czechia?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Czechia?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Czechia visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Czechia?
Prague is the capital of Czechia, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Czechia?
You pay with Czech Koruna (CZK) in Czechia. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Czechia?
The languages we list for Czechia are Czech. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Czechia?
The dialling code for Czechia is +420 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Czechia?
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) in Prague is the airport we cover for Czechia.
Which cities in Czechia do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Czechia: Prague (capital).