Cheap flights to the Czech Republic from EUR18*

The Czech Republic is at the heart of Europe, and not just geographically. Its castles, palaces, cathedrals and monasteries attest to its importance across the ages as home to royalty from Czech to Austro-Hungarian, to aristocrats holidaying at mansions and in spa towns, to the Holy Roman Emperor, to musicians, writers, artists and activists. Also known as Czechia, the country weathered a difficult 20th century to emerge renewed and eager to share its monuments, music and beer with the world, as it has for centuries.

Travel to Czech Republic to:

• Stroll across the 14th-century Charles Bridge in Prague from castle to old town
• Wave back to the skeleton who pops out of the Astronomical Clock in Prague’s Old Town Square every hour
• Have a beer, or two, in cellar bars in Prague, in Plzeň, the home of pilsener, or České Budějovice, or Budweis which may sound familiar...
• Soak in the healing hot mineral waters at spa town Karlovy Vary
• Visit the majestic castle at Český Krumlov, home to one of the world's most completely preserved Baroque theatres

The historic heart of Europe

Prague is the fifth most-visited city in Europe, which is not surprising, given its rich history, well-maintained monuments, and vibrant café and nightlife. Walk the Royal Route taken by 26 Czech kings and 28 queens on their way from the Old Town Square to coronation at St Vitus Cathedral in the Prague Castle. Experience where Dvořák and Smetana composed, Kafka and Hrabal wrote, where Václav Havel led the path to democracy and where Madeleine Albright was born. Even beer has a long history here, with a monastery tapping its first brew back in 993, so relax and enjoy.

Castles and palaces

The Czech hills are dotted with castles and palaces from which to gaze out over your fiefdom as you imagine yourself a lord or lady. Prague Castle is the world’s largest castle complex, home to generations of Czech monarchs and the official residence of the head of state. Not far is Konopiště Chateau, built by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne who was assassinated along with his wife Sophia in 1914, sparking WWI. He was actually a recluse obsessed with hunting — the palace is decorated with thousands of trophies. Karlstejn is a massive Gothic castle that has towered over the hills near Prague since 1348 thanks to Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. Český Krumlov boasts a Rococo garden and Baroque theatre as well as a museum of work by Egon Schiele, who lived in the town. The two chateaux of Lednice and Valtice were the property of the dukes of Liechtenstein for over 700 years. The current versions are Baroque and Gothic Revival, with vast English gardens, all in 283 square kilometres of UNESCO-designated natural and cultural landscape.

Czech beer and water

Czechs drink more beer than any other nation, not surprising since they arguably invented it, at least the lager versions. Monks were already brewing beer at Břevnov Monastery in 993. The best-known breweries may be Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Krušovice, but the craft beer scene is hopping (pun intended). Prague is home to 40 breweries and brewpubs, the oldest among them being U Fleků, which has been brewing beer nonstop since 1499. Whether you’re a beer drinker or not, you can enjoy the hot waters of Czechia’s spa towns, such as Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně and Jáchymov, in hills carpeted with noble mansions from the 19th century, when aristocrats flocked here to ‘take the waters’ and the fresh air.

Colourful eclectic cities

Czechia isn’t all about its capital. Brno’s old town is home to the medieval Špilberk castle and fortress and the neo-Gothic spires of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, while underneath, it has a labyrinth of medieval underground passageways to explore. Like Prague, it has an astronomical clock but this one dates back to just 2009 and releases a glass marble on the hour. Catch it and you can take it home. Brno’s building boom at the turn of the century gave rise to monuments such as the functionalist Villa Tugendhat, by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, which inspired Simon Mawer’s 2009 novel The Glass Room. Olomouc is a hidden gem, dotted with churches that attest to its historical status as a bastion of Catholicism. Its charming main square boasts a Baroque trinity fountain, and with its huge student population, it’s trendier and busier than its history might suggest. Be sure to try Olomoucké tvarůžky, a very, uh, aromatic local cheese.