In just a few days, we’ll be embarking on our long-awaited trip to the Czech Republic, and we couldn’t be more excited! From the magical streets of Prague to the charming towns and lush landscapes, this country promises an unforgettable adventure. As we eagerly count down the days, I’ve been deep in the planning process—booking flights, researching the best places to stay, and figuring out what to pack. Here in this post I will share the details on how to plan your trip to the Czech Republic based on our trip planning experience.
Considering, how hard it was to gather details at the beginning of our trip planning, I thought I’d share our planning journey with you in case you’re also dreaming of exploring the Czech Republic! In this post, I’ll walk you through everything we’ve done to prepare for our trip, from visa applications to creating a solid itinerary, and even packing tips. If you’re planning to visit the Czech Republic soon or simply looking for inspiration, keep reading for our step-by-step guide to ensuring your trip goes off without a hitch!
1. Visa and Entry Requirements:
One of the first things I did in preparation for the trip was to check the visa requirements. As we are not from the EU, we needed to apply for a Schengen visa, which grants us access to the Czech Republic and several other European countries. If you’re planning a trip to Prague or other Czech cities, here’s what we had to do:
- Schengen Visa: We had to gather the necessary documents, including our passport, a completed visa application form, travel insurance, flight and accommodation details, and proof of sufficient funds for our stay.
- Visa Processing Time: We applied well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush, and the process took about 2-3 weeks. I highly recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before your departure date.
Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and we’re now ready to explore without any visa-related worries!
2. Booking Flights:
Next up was booking our flights. Prague’s Václav Havel Airport is the main international hub, and luckily, there were plenty of flight options available. We wanted to get the best deal, so I started searching early, comparing prices and flight durations.
- Best Time to Book: I found that booking 3-6 months ahead gave us a nice balance between availability and price. We chose a flight that was a little longer but offered a better price, as it gave us a chance to break the journey in Doha.
- Flight Deals: I used travel comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to explore different options and find the best value. We ended up booking our tickets with Qatar Airways, which offered a comfortable journey at a reasonable price.Instead of booking a nearly 16-hour direct flight from Singapore, we deliberately chose a flight with a transit in Doha. As we were flying with a child, we felt it was more manageable to break up the journey. A shorter first leg, followed by a few hours of rest during transit, seemed like a better option than enduring a long haul all at once. The stopover gave us time to stretch, relax, and recharge before continuing the second part of our trip.
- Airports and Transfers: For those flying into Prague, there are plenty of affordable taxi and shuttle services to get you from the airport to the city center.
3. Hotels and Accommodation:
Choosing where to stay in Prague was an exciting part of the planning. After doing a bit of research, I booked a mix of mid-range hotels to experience both the local charm and comfort.
- Luxury: While we didn’t opt for the high-end options, places like Four Seasons or Hotel Paris Prague offer incredible luxury for those looking to splurge.
- Mid-Range: We went for something in between, like Mosaic House—stylish, affordable, and right in the heart of Prague’s bustling city center.
- Local Charm: I also found some beautiful Airbnb options in quieter neighborhoods, this is a great option if you are looking forward to experiencing a more local feel.
The great thing about Prague is that it caters to every budget, whether you want to stay in a luxurious hotel or a cozy guesthouse.
4. Things to Do: Our Trip Plan
Planning what to do in Prague has been the most fun part! The city is packed with history, art, and beautiful sights. Here’s a rough idea of our itinerary. However, this is not yet confirmed as our trip plan. But, if you plan a trip to the Schengen area or the Czech Republic, remember to visit a few other countries as well.
- Day 1-2: Explore Prague
- Prague Castle: We can’t wait to see this iconic castle, with its sprawling grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Golden Lane.
- Charles Bridge: A stroll across this historic bridge at sunrise is at the top of our list!
- Old Town Square: The Astronomical Clock is a must-see, and we plan to grab a coffee at one of the charming cafés around the square.
- Day 3: Day Trip to Český Krumlov
- This picturesque town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we’re excited to explore its medieval charm and impressive castle.
- Day 4: Explore Kutná Hora
- The Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) is something I’ve always wanted to see, and Kutná Hora is an easy day trip from Prague.
- Day 5: Vienna, Austria
- If time permits, we hope to visit Vienna, Austria which offers stunning natural landscapes and views of beautiful architecture. We booked our train tickets via Omio. Read this Omio Review to find out details from our experience.
5. Packing List: What to Bring
Packing for Prague was a bit tricky because the weather can be unpredictable, but we’re prepared for all eventualities. Here’s a quick look at what we’ll be bringing:
- Summer Clothes (for warmer days):
- Comfortable T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and sandals for exploring the city.
- A light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen since we’re expecting sunny days!
- Winter Clothes (for the chillier evenings):
- A warm coat, scarves, gloves, and waterproof boots (especially since we’ll be walking a lot).
- Layered clothing is key, so I’m bringing sweaters, thermal wear, and some thicker socks for comfort.
- Other Essentials:
- Power adapter (Czech Republic uses the European two-prong plugs).
- Travel guidebook or offline maps for exploring beyond Wi-Fi range.
- A camera to capture all the stunning architecture!
6. Currency and Money
The official currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK), not the Euro. While some places may accept Euros, it’s better to pay in local currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates. Planning your expenses and currencies is one of the important things when you plan your trip to the Czech Republic.
- Money Exchange: We plan to exchange some money before we leave and will also use ATMs when we arrive in Prague to get local currency.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Czech restaurants. We’ll leave around 10% for good service.
7. Getting Around in Prague
One of the things that excites me most about Prague is its efficient and affordable public transportation system. From trams and buses to the metro, it’s easy to get around.
- Public Transport: We’ll be purchasing a 72-hour travel pass, which provides unlimited access to the metro, trams, and buses.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: While taxis are available, we plan to use Uber or Bolt, which tend to be more affordable.
- Walking: Prague is a city best explored on foot. Most attractions are within walking distance, and wandering through the charming streets is one of the best parts of the experience.
8. Additional Tips
- Language: While Czech is the official language, we’ve found that most people in Prague speak English, especially in tourist areas, which should make our trip easier.
- Time Zone: The Czech Republic follows Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of London and 6 hours ahead of New York.
- Emergency Number: In case of an emergency, the general number for police, ambulance, and fire is 112.
With the itinerary set, the packing list sorted, and everything falling into place, we’re beyond excited for our upcoming trip to the Czech Republic! I hope this guide helps you as you plan your own adventure in this beautiful country. From stunning architecture and fascinating history to mouthwatering food and rich culture, Prague (and beyond) is sure to leave an unforgettable mark on your travel memories. I hope these details help you to plan your trip to the Czech Republic!
Stay tuned for more updates from our trip, and in the meantime, happy planning!
