A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Idyllic Czech Republic

Czech Republic offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life into its medieval charm. Be it the architectural marvels, historical museums artistic galleries, or cathedrals and temples, it is a place where you can find a reflection of your soul.

Why Visit Czech Republic

Czech Republic is a place of the mystique, where all places have a story to tell. Experience the story yourself:

• Be spellbound at the city of Prague, which has inspired hundreds of famous paintings, musical works and other works of creativity.
• Immerse yourself into the architectural brilliance of the traditional churches in Czech Republic.
• Discover the country's cultural heritage at its antique museums, colossal castles and other historical monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• Lose yourself in the jazz bands, music concerts and electric fashion shows.

When to Visit

Czech Republic welcomes tourists all year round. Having a continental climate, Czech Republic experiences seasonal variations in temperatures; you can time your visit as per your choice of weather.

• May to September The summer months in Czech Republic are relatively mild, whereas July and August are the warmest months the country experiences with an average temperature of nearly 20°C. These two months are also the local holiday months in Czech Republic.
• April & October to November These months are of peaceful atmosphere and cooler temperatures of around 10°C.
• December Christmas holidays draw many tourists to the country, as the place takes on a magical feel to it.
• January to March These are winter months in Czech Republic and the temperatues can dip as low as -30°C in the mountainous regions.

Schengen Visa for Czech Republic

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Czech Republic. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India.

Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement.

Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

• To Czech republic There five international airports in Czech Republic, and Vaclav Havel Airport, the main international airport is located 10 km from the capital city of Prague.
  If you are travelling within Europe, you can reach the country by bus or train, as there are direct routes from many neighbouring countries like Germany, Austria, Slovakia, etc.
• Within Czech Republic Domestic flights ply from Prague to Brno and Ostrava only. When travelling within the country, you can choose between the train and the bus, both are inexpensive, fast and reliable.
  In Prague, the trams and metro allow you to visit the entire city. You can also explore the city on foot, savoring its cultural heritage. Tourist passes are very popular as they are valid for all forms of public transport. You can also explore the city on foot, savoring its cultural heritage. Tourist passes are very popular as they are valid for all forms of public transport.

Where to Stay

Czech Republic offers a wide variety of accommodation options. Here are a few top ones:

Things to Do

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague
Touted to be one of the biggest urban spaces in Europe, Old Town Square takes you back to the 12th century. It houses buildings of different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. The Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and St. Nicholas Church are some of the must-visit attractions.

Wenceslas Square, just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square, is the entertainment hub of Prague. It is also the main shopping and nightlife center of Prague. With a capacity to hold over 4,00,000 people, the Square is the go-to parade ground for all large gatherings. The National Museum, Prague State Opera and statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse are notable sights here.

Town of Kutna Hora
Do not miss the town of Kutna Hora and its magnificent monuments, many of which are registered as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Its medieval centre and the churches are stunning examples of architectural development and provide great insight into the cultural vivacity of the area.

The town is built above the steep descent of the Vrchlice Creek, in the Kutna Hora plateau, the monuments worth visiting include:

• The Ursuline Convent
• The Church of St. Jacques
• St. Barbara's Cathedral
• The Jesuit school
• The facades of its medieval streets

St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague
This spiritual centre of Czech Republic is renowned for its masterful Gothic architecture. It holds a special place in history, as it is home to 14th century mosaic of the Last Judgment.

Skoda Auto Museum, Mlada Boleslav
Czech Republic is not merely about history. Skoda Auto Museum provides an insight into engineering marvels. It traces the origins of auto industry and the evolution of automobiles over the years. Get awe-inspired learning about the various stages a car goes through to become a masterpiece.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Bohemian Switzerland is an abode of nature with its romantic walks and breathtaking beauty akin to Switzerland. Take a boat ride through its stunning gorges especially Edmund Gorge near Hrensko and the Divoká Souteska Gorge aka the Wild Coomb.

Seidl Photographic Studio
Do you remember the days of black and white photography? This Studio takes you to the days of the inception and evolution of photography profession. The authentic snaps, old cameras and other photography equipment amaze photography enthusiasts.

Do's & Don'ts in Czech Republic

It is very difficult for a tourist to relate cultural Czech Republic to crime. But, petty thefts are quite common here. Take care of your belongings and pockets in crowded places. Besides these, make it a point to exercise a few basic precautions.

• While taking a taxi, make sure you negotiate the price before the journey. Taxi drivers are known take longer routes so they could charge more. It is preferable to make use of the services of a reputed taxi company.
• Cities like Prague are notorious for petty thefts and pickpocket gangs, especially near jostling crowds and trams and elevators.
• Remember the universal emergency number when in Czech Republic. Also, keep emergency numbers handy, 150 for firefighters, 155 for medical emergency, and 158 for state police.

Your trip to Czech Republic can be more enjoyable if you avail a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

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