This year sees the Czech Republic – or Czechia – celebrating 30 years as one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, following the split of the old Czechoslovakia at the beginning of 1993.
Over three decades, the Czech Republic has seen a steady rise in visitor numbers.
A constant flow of curious tourists have fallen in love with the place. In particular, the capital city of Prague has become a firm favourite. Latterly, other parts of the country have grown in popularity. Places like Brno, the foodie Mecca of the Czech Republic, Pilsen, home of the original Pilsner beer and Cesky Krumlov, magical UNESCO gem are on the radar for fans of the European city break.
30 years of the Czech Republic’s traditions
Czech traditions are integral to the country’s appeal as well as its identity. Culture and gastronomy play a significant role and continue to attract visitors looking for a taste of Czech heritage.
Ageing like a good wine
South Moravia is the hot spot for discerning wine lovers. The region’s quality wines have been awarded gold and silver medals from some of the industry’s top judges. Nobody goes thirsty here! Visitors are welcome to enjoy guided degustation sessions in one of hundreds of local wine cellars, explore the countryside on a bike, or visit the Garden of Europe, UNESCO protected Lednice-Valtice complex.
Here for the beer?
Czechs are known as a beer-loving nation though and the country’s famous beer making tradition saw another milestone reached in 2022 as it was the 180th anniversary of the Pilsner Urquell brewery. In 2023 Pilsner Urquell: The Original Beer Experience interactive museum in Prague will open its doors to its first visitors.
Restore your well-being
With wellness holidays on the rise, it’s easy to see the allure of the Czech Republic’s spa towns. The magic of ancient traditions and top quality medical care is a massive draw for weary tourists hoping to soothe body, mind and soul. Czech spa traditions take a standard wellness stay to a whole new level as it focuses on actual healing by natural resources such as mineral springs, peat baths, and use of mineral gas. The top quality care is provided in West Bohemian Spa triangle that was added to the UNESCO heritage list in 2021. On 1st December 2022 another Czech footprint in UNESCO intangible heritage list was announced – the tradition of timber rafting, that can be experienced by visitors in Cesky Krumlov.
30 years of action-packed adventures
For active holidaymakers, the Czech Republic is the ultimate paradise – particularly for hikers. Hiking is hugely popular and the Czech trails network is considered one of the most dense in the world with its 40 000 km of marked trails, where Bohemian Switzerland or Jizera Mountains take the lead. Czech Trail is the first of the long distance trails in Czechia added to the international FarOut app. This impressive 2000 km circular track takes adventure seekers along the mountainous border of the Czech Republic as well as the peaceful Czech wine country South Moravia. More adrenaline needed? The Sky Bridge 721 in Dolni Morava is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world and recently enjoyed worldwide attention when Time magazine listed it as one of the ‘world’s greatest places’.
Prague is a charming and picturesque city that has captured the hearts of travelers for centuries. It’s a city of contrasts – ancient and modern, traditional and bohemian, religious and secular. From its historic buildings and castles to its trendy cafes and bars, Prague has something for everyone.
One of the most popular neighborhoods to visit is the Castle District, perched on top of a hill overlooking the city. Here you will find the spectacular Prague Castle, one of the largest castles in the world, dominating the skyline. Visitors can tour the castle’s many chambers and halls, including the St. Vitus Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century. The Castle District also offers stunning views of the city below and is home to many cozy cafes and restaurants.
Another must-visit area is St. Wenceslas Square, located in the heart of Prague’s New Town. This bustling square is full of shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a great place to start your explorations of the city. The square is named after the patron saint of the Czech Republic and is steeped in history. It was here that the Velvet Revolution of 1989 took place, which brought an end to the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. Today, St. Wenceslas Square is one of Prague’s main cultural hubs, with live music, theater performances, and a lively nightlife scene.
No visit to Prague would be complete without a stroll around the Old Town Square. Here you will find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Astronomical Clock, the Gothic-style Týn Church, and the colorful Baroque St. Nicholas Church. The square is always buzzing with activity, from street performers to market vendors selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant and historic city.
When it comes to dining, Prague boasts a thriving food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. For traditional Czech cuisine, head to U Fleků, one of the oldest pubs in Prague, where you can try hearty dishes like goulash and roasted pork knee. For a more upscale dining experience, La Degustation is a Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in modern Czech cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients.
Accommodation options in Prague are plentiful, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious five-star hotels. The Aria Hotel Prague, located in the heart of the city, is a boutique hotel that’s perfect for music lovers, with each room decorated in tribute to a famous musician or composer. For a more budget-friendly option, the Miss Sophie’s Hostel offers clean and comfortable dormitory-style rooms in a central location.
In conclusion, Prague is a city that has something for everyone, with its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in this enchanting city.
Home to historical cities, world renowned spas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breath-taking countryside and more, the Czech Republic is a land of living traditions and a destination that continues to seduce travellers from around the globe. Like a fine wine, it’s improving with age – here’s to another 30 years.