Prague
The Czech Republic’s capital and international showpiece, Prague, is one of the most popular city-break destinations in Europe. Its attraction lies primarily in the physical beauty of the city, which boasts 600 years of architecture amazingly untouched by time. Prague’s UNESCO-listed historic centre is like a colossal outdoor museum which makes travellers feel like they’re stepping into a Gothic fairy-tale. In the 14th century, Prague enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most important cities in Europe, only to disappear completely behind the Iron Curtain after the Second World War. Since the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the end of Communism, Prague has thrown off the years of repression with alacrity and is returning to its earlier grandeur, enticing tourists with its romantic atmosphere. In recent years, Prague has also become a popular weekend destination for stag and hen party groups, who are attracted by the lively nightlife, world-famous beer, and low prices. All in all, the city is now famous among lively young partygoers and refined cultural tourists alike. The historical centre of the city is compact and its attractions are all within easy reach on foot. The core comprises the Castle District (Hradeany) west of the River Vltava, and the Old and New Town (Stare Mesto and Nove Mesto) to the east. They’re joined by the famous Charles Bridge. Situated on the hill overlooking the city, the Castle District incorporates the main attractions, including the Castle itself and the Cathedral. The Old Town is a maze of alleyways, cobbled streets and passages winding their way towards the beautiful Old Town Square, Staromestske Namesti. The old Jewish Quarter, Josefov Ghetto, is also enclosed within the Old Town. The New Town, by contrast, is modern and has been laid out in wide boulevards, most famously Wenceslas Square: the fashionable shopping boulevard leading up to the foot of the grand National Gallery. The city’s performing arts scene also features high on the list of things to do in Prague, with world-class classical music concerts, opera and ballet, as well as many art galleries around the city. This beautiful city, a ‘symphony in stone’, built along the river and on the surrounding hills, has never ceased to capture the hearts and imagination of visitors, painters, photographers and poets
Climate for Prague
Prague has a European continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm (sometimes wet) summers. January is the coldest month, when strong, cold winds and heavy snowfall hit, and daytime temperatures drop far below zero. Average temperatures range from 25F (-4C) during winter, to 73F (23C) during summer, and the best time to visit is from May to September, for warm days and cool nights. The European summer (June to September) is the tourist high season, but spring and autumn can also be rewarding times to visit, particularly if visitors prefer to avoid the tourist crowds.
Health Notes when travelling to Czech Republic
There are no major health risks associated with travel to the Czech Republic, and there are no vaccination requirements for international travellers. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and long-term visitors to forested areas may want to seek medical advice about immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities are good in Prague, but may be more limited in rural areas. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Czech Republic
Most visits to the Czech Republic are trouble-free, though the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks is a factor throughout Europe. Petty theft is a concern, especially on public transport and around the main tourist sites in Prague, so visitors should be mindful of their belongings. Violent crime is rare.
Customs in Czech Republic
Drunken behaviour and drinking in public is punishable by law in the Czech Republic, and some bars and restaurants in Prague will not allow entry for stag parties. While same-sex relationships are legal, same-sex marriages aren’t recognized; public displays of affection may be frowned on or draw unwanted attention.
Duty Free in Czech Republic
Travellers from non-EU countries who are over the age of 17 don’t have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco. The same applies to one litre of spirits over 22-percent volume, two litres of spirits less than 22-percent volume, four litres of wine, and 16 litres of beer.
Doing Business in Czech Republic
Punctuality is expected in the Czech business world and dress should be smart and conservative. Initial greetings are usually formal to the point that titles and surnames are used unless otherwise indicated. Firm handshakes signal strength, and direct eye contact shows integrity.
German is the most common foreign language used in the Czech Republic but English is widely spoken by younger generations. Translators are available and any attempts at speaking Czech will be appreciated when doing business. There is generally some polite small talk to establish rapport at the beginning of meetings.
Deals can take a long time to complete due to significant bureaucratic red tape, so it’s important to be patient. Business hours usually run from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Czech Republic
The international access code for the Czech Republic is +420. Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is a good way to keep calling costs down, as international roaming can be expensive and international calls from hotels involve high surcharges. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres offer free WiFi.
Tipping in Czech Republic
Though tipping in restaurants is optional and generally no service charge is added to bills, gratuities of about 10 percent are expected for good service. Taxi drivers are tipped by rounding up the fare at the end of the journey.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Each of these countries issues a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of the other Schengen countries. All visitors must hold either an onward or return ticket, or proof of sufficient funds to buy a ticket, plus all documents required for onward travel. They must also fill in and sign a border-crossing card, and be able to show proof of the following at the request of the Authority of Aliens Police Service: (i) sufficient means of support for the duration of their stay; (ii) documents confirming financial security (credit cards, bank statements, etc.); (iii) documents confirming accommodation for their period of stay in the Czech Republic, or proof of another accommodation arrangement; (iv) valid health insurance, with complete coverage. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports remain valid for at least six months beyond their arrival dates. Visitors should also bear in mind that immigration officials often apply different rules to the ones travel agents and official sources state.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports must be valid at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month period. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport, or emergency passport. Irish nationals are allowed to enter the Czech Republic with an expired passport. No visa is required. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for a maximum of 90 days stay. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A Schengen ‘C’ type visa must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
Prague’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from casual pubs and bars to sophisticated lounges, live music venues and famous dance clubs. The capital’s most popular nightclubs are situated right in the heart of Old Town.
Visitors should note that the custom in Prague is to share tables with strangers if things get crowded. Tourists can also go on organised pub crawls that start each night around 9pm, with partygoers meeting at landmarks such as the clock tower, and other central venues around Prague. The city has also become a popular European stag- and hen-party destination, further fuelling the already lively club and bar scene. Generally speaking, dance clubs in Prague charge admission fees on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but are usually free between Sunday and Wednesday.
For a more relaxed evening, the National Marionette Theatre is renowned for performances of Mozart operas, and classical music lovers will enjoy attending other top-class venues and experiencing wonderful performances. If their passion for classical runs especially deep, they should ensure that they visit Prague during the Prague Spring International Music Festival, or its counterpart in autumn, when the city comes alive with world-class classical-music performances.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
