From the days of the Holy Roman Empire to reign of the USSR, the Czech people have stood at a crossroads of international affairs. Unlike many of their neighbors, however, the citizens of this small, landlocked country have rarely resisted as armies marched across their borders, often choosing to protest with words instead of weapons. As a result, Czech towns are among the best-preserved and the most beautiful in Europe. Today, the Czechs face another invasion, as tourists sweep in to savor the magnificent capital and some of the world’s best beer.
Facts And Figures Official Name: Czech Republic. Capital: Prague. Major Cities: Brno, Olomouc, Plzeň. Population: 10,221,000. Time Zone: GMT +1. ...more
For more info on opportunities across Europe, see Beyond Tourism. INEX—Association of Voluntary Service, Senovážné nám. 24, 116 47 Praha 1, Czech Republic (☎ www.inexsda.cz/eng). Ecological ...more
Home to the stately Prague Castle and Old Town Square’s pastel facades, Prague (pop. 1,200,000) retains small-town charm despite its size. In the 14th century, Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV refurbished ...more
Flights: Ruzyně Airport ( PRG; ☎ 220 111 111), 20km northwest of the city. Take bus #119 to Metro A: Dejvická (12Kč, luggage 6Kč per bag); buy tickets from kiosks or machines. Airport buses run ...more
Shouldering the river Vltava, greater Prague is a mess of suburbs and maze-like streets. All sightseeing destinations are in the compact downtown. The Vltava runs south to north through central Prague ...more
Public Transportation: Buy interchangeable tickets for the bus, Metro, and tram at newsstands, tabák kiosks, machines in stations, or the DP (Dopravní podnik; transport authority) kiosks. Validate tickets ...more
Tourist Offices: Green “i”s mark tourist offices. Pražská Informační Služba ( PIS; Prague Information Service; ☎ www.pis.cz) is in the Staroměstské Radnice (Old Town Hall). Open Apr.-Oct. ...more
Hotel prices are through the roof in Prague, and hostel rates are on the rise. Reservations are a must at hotels and even at the nicer hostels in summer. A growing number of Prague residents rent affordable ...more
The closer you are to the city center, the more you’ll pay. You will be charged for everything the waiter brings to the table, so be sure to check your bill carefully. Tesco, Národní třída 26, ...more
Escape the crowds that flock to Prague’s downtown sights by venturing away from Staroměstské náměstí, the Charles Bridge, and Václavské náměstí. There are plenty of attractions for visitors ...more
Mucha Museum. The museum is devoted to the work of Alfons Mucha, the Czech’s most celebrated artist. Mucha, an Art Nouveau pioneer, gained fame for his poster series of “la divine” Sarah ...more
To find info on Prague’s concerts and performances, consult The Prague Post, Threshold, Do mesta-Downtown, or The Pill (all free at many cafes and restaurants). Most performances start at 7pm and offer ...more
With some of the world’s best beer on tap, it’s no surprise that pubs and beer halls are Prague’s most popular nighttime hangouts. Tourists overrun the city center, so authentic pub experiences ...more
Terezín (Theresienstadt) Bus from Prague’s Florenc station to the Terezín LT stop. The tourist office is at nám. CSA 179. ☎ www.terezin.cz. Open M-Th 8am-5pm, F 8am-1:30pm, Su 9am-3pm. In 1941 ...more
West Bohemia overflows with curative springs; over the centuries, emperors and intellectuals alike have soaked in the waters of Karlovy Vary. Visitors seeking good beer head to the Pilsner Urquell brewery ...more
The valleys and peaks of Moravia make up the easternmost third of the Czech Republic. Home to the country’s two leading universities, the region is the birthplace of Tomáš G. Masaryk, first president ...more
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