Lying in Central Europe, the Czech Republic became an independent state in 1993 when Czechoslovakia was divided in two. With many castles, palaces, churches and historic monuments throughout the country, the Czech Republic is a picturesque and interesting country. The capital is Prague, a wonderful old city that largely escaped the ravages of the Second World War. Most of the country is hilly or mountainous making it ideal for skiing and hiking.
Most visitors to the Czech Republic head for Prague. Although Prague rightly takes first place on any sightseeing tour, the Czech Republic has much more to offer. There are over three thousand castles as well as beautiful Gothic and Baroque churches and palaces. There are also many natural springs and spas where people go to take the waters. In winter there is skiing in the mountains.
The Czech Republic has wide appeal among summer and winter visitors. Couples enjoy ambling through the towns and cities enjoying their beauty and romance. Prague’s nightlife attracts many ‘stag’ and ‘hen’ parties. Those with an interest in architectural history will be overawed by the many magnificent buildings.
The best time to visit the Czech Republic is between May and September. Early and late season is a more pleasant time for city visits as it avoids the heat of high summer and the inevitable crowds.
The Czech Republic is a very popular holiday destination with a high percentage of visitors heading for Prague on a city break. However a Czech Republic holiday has much more to offer tourists. Magnificent architecture is not only found in Prague but in other cities such as Domazlice in Bohemia and Telc in Moravia. There are numerous charming villages which appear almost untouched by the modern world. The landscape is stunning and its topography lends itself to active holidays with hiking, mountain biking, skiing, canoeing and rafting. There are also over seventy golf courses. The Czech Republic is famous for its spas and after an energetic day in the mountains or city sightseeing a spa treatment revitalises the body and soothes the mind.
The Czech Republic has a long cultural history as is evident in its numerous museums and galleries. Many festivals are celebrated each year often with traditional music and dance. The country is proud of its famous sons. These include the composers Dvorak and Smetana and the artist Alfons Mucha.
Nightlife in the Czech Republic opens up a sizzling and exciting window of entertainment that includes the pubs and discos, restaurants and casinos. Prague, the capital, has some of the liveliest venues and attracts many groups of young men and women celebrating their last days as single people. The larger cities provide many opportunities for enjoying classical concerts which are often performed in churches at lunchtime or in the early evening.
Souvenirs include Bohemian glass and crystal, pottery, porcelain, wooden folk carvings, hand-embroidered clothing, and food items. There are a number of excellent shops specializing in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and craftspeople run their own retail outlets. Jewellery from Bohemia crafted from semi-precious stones is a popular purchase.
In the larger cities there are an enormous number of restaurants providing everything from fast food to haute cuisine. Eating in a Czech restaurant with traditional cuisine washed down with Czech beer is inexpensive. Traditional menus use a lot of fried or roasted meat, usually pork or beef which is often served in a sauce with dumplings, potatoes or rice. When choosing dumplings, forget the memory of the crusty suet variety that your mother used to make or you will surely be disappointed. Think rather of thick-sliced Mother’s Pride and you won’t be far wrong.
The Czech population as a whole is rather reserved and fairly formal. Do not presume to use first names unless invited to do so. Friendly smiles or greetings from passing strangers are not usually reciprocated.
