Places to visit in the Czech Republic

Step into Prague (Praha) and you’ll feel like you’ve tumbled into a fairy-tale. From the right bank of the River Vltava admire glittering views of Charles Bridge, joining the two parts of the city with Prague Castle towering high above all other architecture. As well as absorbing the great visual splendours, there are cafés, bars and restaurants aplenty. Prague was once home to the writer, Franz Kafka, who lived in Josefov – the Jewish quarter. The informative Franz Kafka Museum, located in the old town, provides an insight into the renowned author's life and works. More things to do in Prague

The Moravian Karst located in the east, includes around 1,110 caverns and gorges . Four of these fascinating cave systems are open for public tours and exploration. You’ll get a glimpse of limestone columns, an underground river and wild stalactite formations. The Czech Republic is a nation of keen hikers, so join the locals on one of the many hiking trails around the country. Stretching from Prague all the way down to Vienna (Austria) are 400 kilometres of excellent hiking and biking trails, known as the Prague-Vienna Greenways.

Plzeň is a buzzing student town famous for creating pilsner beer, all the way back in 1842. Visit the Pilsner Urquell brewery to find out how they make the stuff and more importantly savour a few refreshingly cold glasses in the Na Spílce pub within the brewery. Later in the evening move on to Plzeň’s favourite music venue, Anděl Café Music Bar, which is usually banging out music from talented touring Czech bands. By day this place is a hip ‘n’ happening café.

What better way to see a country than from 4,000 metres above, whilst hurtling downwards at almost 300km/h. Skydiving is an experience you’ll never forget and why not try it in the Czech Republic. There are a number of sky diving centres located around the country. If you prefer keeping your feet firmly on the ground that’s possible too. Although not quite comparable to the Alps, the Czech Republic has mountains dotted all over with good conditions for winter sports. The Krkonoše mountains have a number of top resorts with good downhill runs and cross-country trails.

The Czech Republic was not blessed with just one fairy-tale city, but two! Českŷ Krumlov is the country’s second tourist-puller and it’s easy to see why. The River Vltava majestically weaves through the little town, uniquely cutting it into two and of course a must-see is the remarkable medieval castle that adorns the hillside. Another city worth a visit, though quite different in style, is the spa town of Mariánské Lázně. It’s lined with luscious green mountains and its inners are laced with elegant buildings and pretty parks. The top attraction is the collection of 100 mineral springs.