We've all dreamt of the fairytale city of Prague, but have you heard of the statue in Brno? The castle in Cesky Krumlov? The beautiful national park? The Czech Republic is more than just Prague, don't miss out!
Czech Republic Tips:
The Czech Republic is dirt cheap. Half liter of beer? 1 euro. Room at a super nice hostel during peak season? 15 euro. Do not overpay at toursity places (I'm looking at you, Prague 1 neighborhood).
RUN across the crosswalks. They change SO FAST.
Chimney cakes are everywhere. Not just Prague. Not just Brno. Not just Cesky Krumlov. Heck, not just Slovakia. Don't listen to people. It is a pretty tasty dessert overall that is a combination of cinnamon/sugar/dough/ice cream
Prague Tips:
You can essentially walk the entirety of Prague, so don't waste money on tram passes
A lot of people really love Prague. I do not fall in that category. Sure, it's beautiful. But there are a lot of other places in the world that are beautiful that are not overrun with tourists and quite simply, boring [yikes]. I would recommend 2-3 days in Prague if you decide to go, and then roll out.
Adventures & Ales Top Prague Recommendations:
Beer garden in Lentenske Sady, the park on the top of the hill. There is a bar near the metronome and there is a beer garden further along in the park. Highly recommend the beer garden. Fantastic views and not yet discovered by tourists!
Take a day trip to the Bohemian and Saxon National Park! The gorgeous sandstone area on the German side, the famous gate and bridge on the Czech side (+ a victory beer after hiking up to it!)
The Classic Tourist Spots Actually Worth Visiting in Prague:
The Charles Bridge: Go either very early or at night to avoid the crowds and marvel at the beauty that is the bridge and the view from the bridge in every direction
The Astronomical Clock: Shockingly cool to see and understand. The 'shows' are not worth your while to wait for
The Prague Castle: Absolutely gorgeous. You have to go. That is all.
Other Things to do in Prague:
The Dancing House: A house that is curving, right near the river
Pivar Narodni: Beers and food, nice outside patio
Pivovarsky Dum: Good mixed beer and classic Czech food
Lennon Wall: Graffitied wall, nothing too special
Cafe Savoy: Classy brunch spot
Old Town Square: The center of the buzz, home to the Astronomical Clock and other historical buildings
Old Jewish Cemetery: Located in the Jewish Quarter, it’s super old (no way right?) and pretty cool to see
Memorial to the Victims of Communism: an interesting memorial to check out
Get gelato at the place across the street!! I went 3 times while in Prague (shh…)
Check out Bakeshop for a quick breakfast
The Petrin Hill Rose Garden: Relax and sip on a delicious lemonade while taking in the beautiful scenery
Petrin Tower: At the top of the hill you can go up for views of the city
River Cruise: Probably the most touristy thing you can do in Prague. Overpriced and nothing that you can't see from the land. But, it's still always nice to be on a boat and see things!
Eggenberg Brewery
Cesky Krumlov Tips:
Cesky Krumlov is pretty touristy, but it's a cool spot to explore. It's essentially adorable + old!
Do it as a day trip from Prague or spend a night!
Adventures & Ales Top Cesky Krumlov Recommendations:
Eggenberg Brewery: Pictured below, need I say more?
Honestly just wander the streets. It's a beautiful town with historical, winding streets
The Classic Tourist Spots Actually Worth Visiting in Cesky Krumlov:
Cesky Krumlov Castle: Fantastic views of town + mini astronomical clock!
Check out the churches, there are a ton and they're all old and gorgeous
Wander the market in the main square for lots of art, clothing, and more
Other Things to do in Cesky Krumlov:
Plague Monument: Pretty basic, most European cities have one
Sip something on the river :)
Brno Tips:
Brno is quite small and incredibly walkable
There are very few/essentially NO tourists!! [Cue the salsa dancing lady emoji]
People pee in public. A lot. It's shocking. You've been warned.
It's totally acceptable to take lots of pictures, even inappropriate ones, of the statue. The locals make fun of it constantly too. It's nickname is the cock clock...
Adventures & Ales Top Brno Recommendations:
Starobrno Brewery: Brno's main brewery, yummy beers, awesome patio
Brno Lake: You can take the train to the Lake and then walk around it, there is a bar, about a mile after the Carnival/Circus near the train stop. Very beautiful and relaxing.
The Classic Tourist Spots Actually Worth Visiting in Brno:
The Main Square: Home to the cock clock and the main hub of the city
The Town Hall and Cabbage Market Square: there was a beer festival AND a wine festival housed here when I was in town!
Other Things to do in Brno:
Breakfast at Kafec: Near the universities, quite tasty
The 10-Z Bunker: Honestly I found this to be incredibly creepy. This bunker was built to protect officials during the Cold War. You can walk through it and there are some very informative videos
Spilberk Castle + Church: The Church is gorgeous, the castle is average
Check out the pink tank
Zemecky Pivovar: Near the Town Hall and Cabbage Market Square, restaurant and brewery with classic Czech food and good beers
