The HowTo NetworkTravel

How to Plan a Week in Czechia

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

A week in Czechia splits perfectly between 4 days in Prague and 3 days exploring Český Krumlov, Brno, or the Moravian wine region. Budget $50-70 per day including accommodation, meals, and attractions. Visit April-June or September-October for ideal weather and fewer crowds.

Budget
$50-70 per day
Duration
7 days recommended
Best Time
April-June, September-October
Visa Required
No for most Western tourists (90-day Schengen rules)

Step by step

  1. Choose your base strategy

    Prague deserves 3-4 days minimum. For your remaining time, pick one: stay in Prague and take day trips (easier logistics), add Český Krumlov for fairy-tale medieval charm (2.5 hour bus ride), or include Brno for modern Czech culture (2.5 hour train). Don't try to see everything - Czech transport is good but distances eat time.

  2. Book accommodation early in Prague

    Stay in Prague 1 (Old Town/Lesser Town) for walking access to major sites, or Prague 2 (Vinohrady/New Town) for better value and local feel. Book 2-3 months ahead for spring/summer visits. Hostels run $15-25/night, mid-range hotels $60-100/night.

  3. Plan Prague's big three first

    Block out half-days for Prague Castle (morning entry at 9am to beat crowds), Old Town Square with Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge at sunrise or sunset. Buy Prague Castle tickets online in advance - they sell out in summer. The castle complex takes 3-4 hours minimum.

  4. Add Czech cultural experiences

    Book a beer hall dinner (U Fleků for tourists, Lokál for authentic local experience), visit a beer spa in Prague or Karlovy Vary, and attend a classical concert - Prague has world-class venues at fraction of Western European prices. Concerts start around $15.

  5. Plan your second city logistics

    For Český Krumlov: book the morning bus from Prague's Na Knížecí station (RegioJet or FlixBus, $8-12). For Brno: take the train from Praha hlavní nádraží (3 hours, $15). Book accommodation immediately - both cities have limited options and fill up fast.

  6. Build in spa or wine time

    Czechia excels at thermal spas and wine regions. Add Karlovy Vary for grand spa hotels and hot springs (2 hour train from Prague), or explore Moravian wine country around Mikulov (1 hour from Brno). Wine tours run $40-60 per person.

Questions people ask

Do I need to speak Czech?

English works fine in Prague's tourist areas and most hotels/restaurants. Learn basic greetings and 'děkuji' (thank you) - locals appreciate the effort. Younger Czechs often speak excellent English. Download Google Translate with camera function for menus.

Is Czechia expensive?

Much cheaper than Western Europe but more expensive than 10 years ago. Prague tourist areas approach Western prices, but step away from Old Town and costs drop significantly. Brno and smaller cities remain very affordable. Beer is still remarkably cheap everywhere.

How much should I tip?

Round up to nearest 10 or 20 crowns for small bills, 10% for larger restaurant bills. Don't leave tips on the table - tell the server 'keep the change' or specify the total amount you want to pay including tip.

Can I use euros or credit cards?

Czech crowns only for most transactions. Credit cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist attractions, but many local places are cash-only. ATMs are everywhere and give better exchange rates than exchange bureaus.

Is one week enough for Czechia?

Perfect for Prague plus one other destination. You could see highlights in 4-5 days but a full week lets you experience both tourist sites and local life without rushing. Consider it a good introduction that will make you want to return.

Budget

Expect $50-70 per day total. Accommodation: $15-25 hostels, $60-100 mid-range hotels. Meals: $8-12 lunch, $15-25 dinner. Beer: $2-3 per pint. Attractions: $5-25 per site. Local transport: $5 day pass. Prague is significantly cheaper than Western Europe but prices are rising in tourist areas.

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes - Prague's cobblestones are everywhere and can be slippery when wet
  • Light rain jacket - Czech weather changes quickly, especially in spring and fall
  • Dressier outfit for classical concerts and upscale restaurants - Czechs dress up for cultural events
  • Small daypack for castle visits and day trips - you'll be walking and climbing a lot
  • Universal power adapter - Czech Republic uses Type E plugs (two round pins)

Itinerary

  • 1 — Traditional Czech dinner at a beer hall - try goulash and Pilsner Urquell. End with evening stroll across Charles Bridge. — Arrive in Prague, check into accommodation in Prague 1 or 2. Walk through Wenceslas Square to get oriented. — Explore Old Town Square, see the Astronomical Clock hourly show, climb the Old Town Hall Tower for city views. — Take Airport Express bus from airport to city center (30 minutes, $2). Buy Prague public transport day pass for $5.
  • 2 — Dinner in Lesser Town, classical concert at one of Prague's historic venues (Municipal House or Rudolfinum). — Prague Castle complex - arrive at 9am opening. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and castle gardens. — Explore Lesser Town (Malá Strana), walk up Petřín Hill for panoramic views. Visit Lennon Wall. — Castle tickets: $15-25 depending on circuit. Petřín Tower climb costs $5. Concert tickets from $15-50.
  • 3 — Beer spa experience or traditional Czech pub crawl in local neighborhoods. — Jewish Quarter (Josefov) - visit synagogues and old cemetery with combo ticket. — New Town exploration - Wenceslas Square, National Theatre area, shopping on Národní Street. — Jewish Quarter combo ticket $15. Beer spa sessions $40-60. Local tram/metro day pass $5.
  • 4 — Riverside dinner with castle views, evening walk through illuminated old town. — Take morning bus to Český Krumlov (depart 8-9am, arrive 11am-12pm). Check into accommodation. — Explore Český Krumlov Castle and historic center - UNESCO World Heritage medieval town. — Bus tickets $8-12, book online. Castle tour $12. Town is completely walkable.
  • 5 — Early dinner, prepare for next day's travel or extend evening if staying longer. — River rafting on Vltava River or castle gardens visit, depending on season and weather. — Browse local artisan shops, visit Regional Museum, relax in castle gardens. — Rafting tours $25-35 per person (seasonal). Museum entry $5. Consider staying extra night if not rushed.
  • 6 — Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, last walk through favorite areas. — Return to Prague (bus depart 9-10am) or continue to Brno if extending trip. — Back in Prague - visit any missed neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Karlín for local life. — Store luggage at Prague main station if checking out of accommodation. Final souvenir shopping at Wenceslas Square.
  • 7 — Last-minute sightseeing or museum visits depending on departure time. — Departure via Prague Airport or train station to next destination. — Airport Express runs every 30 minutes to airport ($2, 30-45 minutes). International trains depart from Praha hlavní nádraží.

See also Europe, Eurail and Interrail and multi-city routes.