How to Plan a Trip to Czechia
Plan 7-10 days to see Prague plus one other region. Visit April-June or September-October for good weather and fewer crowds. Budget $50-70 per day including accommodation. Book flights 2-3 months ahead and accommodation 1-2 months ahead.
- Choose your timeframe. Plan 7-10 days minimum. 7 days covers Prague thoroughly plus day trips. 10-14 days adds a second region like Cesky Krumlov and South Bohemia or Brno and Moravia. Less than 5 days means Prague only.
- Pick your season. April-June and September-October are ideal - mild weather, long days, fewer tourists. July-August is peak season with crowds and higher prices. November-March is cold but atmospheric, especially for Christmas markets in December.
- Book your flights. Fly into Prague (PRG). Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices. From US expect $600-900 round trip. From Western Europe budget $100-300. Consider Vienna (VIE) as alternative - 4 hour bus to Prague but sometimes cheaper.
- Plan your base locations. Stay in Prague 4-6 nights minimum. For longer trips, add Cesky Krumlov (2-3 nights) or Brno (2 nights). Book Prague accommodation in Old Town or Lesser Town for walkability, or Vinohrady for local feel and lower prices.
- Sort your transport. Prague has excellent public transport - get a 3-day pass for $17. For other cities, trains are comfortable and reliable. Prague to Cesky Krumlov is 3 hours by bus ($8). Rent a car only for exploring multiple small towns.
- Plan key activities. Book Prague Castle tickets online ($15) to skip lines. Reserve beer hall tables for dinner, especially at U Fleku or Lokál. For classical music, book concerts at St. Vitus Cathedral or Rudolfinum 2-4 weeks ahead.
- Is Prague enough or should I see other cities?
- Prague deserves 4-6 days minimum. If you have 7+ days, add Cesky Krumlov for fairy-tale charm or Brno for modern Czech culture. Skip other cities if you only have 5-6 days total.
- Do I need to speak Czech?
- No. English is widely spoken in Prague tourist areas and most hotels/restaurants. Learn 'děkuji' (thank you) and 'prosím' (please/you're welcome) - locals appreciate the effort. German is also commonly understood.
- Should I exchange money before I go?
- No need. ATMs are everywhere and give better rates than exchange booths. Avoid airport exchange counters. Many places accept cards, but carry cash for small vendors and traditional pubs.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- Yes, tap water is perfectly safe and tastes good throughout Czechia. Restaurants may charge for it though - ask for 'voda z kohoutku' (tap water) if you want it free.
- When do attractions close?
- Most attractions close Mondays. Prague Castle stops admitting visitors at 4pm in winter, 5pm in summer. Museums typically close 6-7pm. Churches often close midday for services. Sunday hours are usually shorter.