Czech Republic Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions
Despite one of Europe's smaller countries, the Czech Republic will thrill travelers in many unexpected ways, with so many places to see in central Europe. Given its size together with a superb public transit system, you can easily travel around the country, especially for tourists planning to spend most of their time in exploring the Czech Republic's attractive capital, Prague, boasting almost countless activities to do and sightseeing opportunities.
Still while Prague offers an excessive number of great attractions, there are sufficient off-the-beaten-track attractions to justify exploring by automobile. Highlights of a journey to the nation's countryside range from several national parks to conservation areas. One wildly popular is suitably called Bohemian Paradise, which is an area of impressive natural beauty characterized via many marvelous rock formations and several fine ancient castles to transport you way back.
Another place well worth touring is Moravia's Podyji National Park, popular for its vast, untarnished forests. If strolling here, you're sure to run into many old towns and villages, many largely the same since medieval times, including from public squares, splendid old churches, to palaces of varied sizes and the types to mesmerize you--all seemingly calling out in one ancient voice: "Come here!"
For excellent ideas on where to go, read my Czech Republic travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Czech Republic.
1) Prague Castle. For most tourists, the chief reason for coming here is because of Prague Castle. It's listed and ranks high in every Prague itinerary. Standing tall and proud in Hradcany Neighborhood and going as far back to the late tenth century, Prague Castle has been important to Eastern European history for ages. It's where Holy Roman Emperors, Bohemian Kings, the Habsburgs, and even the president of the Czech Republic have been calling home.
Throughout the period of its one-thousand-year history, the world's largest castle in respect of area, has seen several dramatic modifications in architectural style, proof of which could be observed in the many structures built within its walls during the centuries.
You'll want to see highlights such as St. George's Basilica, the Powder Tower, lovely St. Vitus Cathedral, plus the Golden Lane sporting its medieval workshops. Most notable are the old Royal Palace and its spectacular Vladislav Hall, so large it once hosted knightly jousting contests, and the nearby 16th-century Royal Garden that displays a magnificent Singing Fountain. Guided tours in English and audio-guides are now available.
2) Prague's Charles Bridge. It would be almost a "crime" to stop by Prague without visiting the city's most prominent river crossing, the impressive Charles Bridge.
This famed structure which spans the river Vitava, was completed by 1357 and sports several interesting features along its lengthy span, such as many fine statues, of which probably the most renowned are the ones bearing the bridge's name, Holy Roman Emperor Charles lV, including John of Nepomuk's 1683 statue, honoring the nation's most revered saint, who suffered the terrible and ironic fate of being drowned purposely in the Vitava.
The bridge is wildly popular with visitors and photographers due to its incredible views, of which can be caught at sunrise and sunset, and during off-peak times, making for a lot less crowded tour.
3) St Vitus Cathedral. As one part that accompanies the Prague Castle's series of structures, St. Vitus Cathedral houses the Bohemian Coronation Jewels and the tomb of the most adored saint, St. Wenceslas.
Having a lengthy history, the cathedral dates back to 985, the year when Prince Wenceslas decided to construct a mere chapel, but the humble structure continued to grow together with Prague's importance. And soon, it became a basilica following the establishment of the Prague bishopric. With another era of expansion during 1344 and 1419, two things occurred: the cathedral transformed and adopted a Gothic style, and St. Wenceslas Chapel got constructed. Both construction and repairs continued towards the late 18th century, then adding neo-Gothic elements.
Don't miss seeing these highlights: bronze doors decorated with reliefs that tell the cathedral's history; chapels' decorative stained-glass windows, and finally, the Royal Mausoleum. Tourists will want to see the murals in St. Wendceslas Chapel, which are all original fourteen-century images of the cross's stations, including scenes that depict St. Wenceslas' life.
4) Prague's Old Town Square. This was Prague's first market. Located where trade routes intersect, it yet contains buildings that date as far back as the tenth century. Besides its several medieval homes, the square boasts important historic landmarks such as St. Nicholas Church and Old Town City Hall.
This square has seen notable, defining points in Czech history like political protests and public executions. Protestant reformer, Jan Hus, has a statue standing in the center, plus, this is a popular sightseeing area which hosts the city's traditional Christmas markets every December.
Only a 5-minute stroll from here lies Wenceslas Square in the New Town's heart. However, not so new, for this big public space was set aside to be a horse market in the fourteen-century. Today, it's where festivals, parades, and even demonstrations occur. This popular tourist area is packed with shopping, hotels, entertainment, and restaurants.
5) Cesky Krumlov Castle. It dominates the old town from which it's named after, and the castle is admirably well preserved considering its actual age. Dated from the thirteenth century, a lot of what remains now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stems from the seventeen-century, which includes the chapel of St. George, Royal Apartments, Renaissance Hall, and the Rosenberg Ballroom. Also, you might want to check the old Baroque theater, built in 1682 and where special performances are still shown.
Additional highlights are historical collections of tapestries and paintings, period furniture, and fine décor. The whole complex of the Cesky Krumlo Castle comprises forty structures that include gardens, castle courts, and old palaces. Visitors can spend many days roaming about the grounds, but those who wish to admire the highlights can have a better overall experience through a guided tour in English.
