Don’ts of Czechia: 8 Things NOT To Do in Czechia
Czechia is an amazing country, with plenty of nature to explore and lots of history to discover. If you’re thinking of visiting, then be sure to check out these 8 major don’ts of Czechia that you need to know, in order to make your visit to the country, the absolute best it can possibly be!
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Contents:
Why Visit Czechia?
Why visit Czechia? Czechia is a beautiful and exciting destination for tourists, offering an array of attractions, such as its breathtaking historic architecture, vibrant cultural activities, and diverse cuisine.
Visitors can explore well-preserved medieval cities and castles, enjoy fresh Czech beers and wines, and experience the traditional folk culture of the area.
Some of the must-see attractions in Czechia include Prague Castle, Olomouc Old Town Square, and the charming city of Český Krumlov.
Furthermore, Czechia offers excellent transportation links and is well-connected to major cities in Central Europe, with many flights regularly available from international hubs.
With its unique culture, welcoming atmosphere, and abundance of activities, there is something for everyone in Czechia.
What is Czechia Famous For?
What is Czechia famous for? Czechia is a country in Central Europe, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture.
It is known for its medieval cities, which feature an array of Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings, as well as a wealth of Gothic castles.
Locally produced beer and wine are among the country’s most popular beverages, and traditional Czech meals such as roast duck and beef goulash are also served.
Czechia is also known for its thriving music scene that features jazz, classical, and folk genres, and it is home to several acclaimed film festivals.
Additionally, as the first post-communist country to join the European Union, Czechia is also known for its pro-European approach to politics.
Things To Do in Czechia:
If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Czechia, then these are what I’d recommend:
- Prague: Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks – Experience a romantic evening with live music and a four-course meal in Prague’s enchanting medieval atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks while learning about the history and culture of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
- Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with Beer – Explore Pilsen’s extensive underground network with a friendly guide, taking in stunning city views and learning about its past. Follow up the tour with a beer-tasting session of the city’s best craft brews, sampling the traditional flavours of Pilsen.
- Prague: 50-Minute Sightseeing Evening Cruise – Witness Prague’s breathtaking skyline from the comfort of a riverboat during a 50-minute evening cruise. Enjoy live music and commentary while admiring illuminated monuments and attractions, such as the Dancing House and Old Town Square, up close.
Don’ts of Czechia: 8 Things NOT To Do in Czechia
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Czechia, then Czech out (sorry!) these 8 major don’ts of Czechia that you need to know:
1. Don’t just stay in Czechia
One of the biggest don’ts of Czechia is to don’t forget to take advantage of its central location! Czechia is situated in the heart of Central Europe, making it an ideal base for visitors to explore its neighbouring countries.
From Prague, destinations such as Vienna, Munich, or Krakow can be reached in just a few hours by train or car, allowing travellers to experience another country without having to stay for too long.
Travellers can further take advantage of Czechia’s excellent transportation links and visit cities like Bratislava, Warsaw, or Budapest, which are all just a few hours away. With a wide variety of attractions and cultures right on its doorstep, Czechia is an ideal destination for adventurers looking to explore other parts of Europe.
2. Don’t think you can get away without buying a ticket for public transport
When travelling around Czechia, tourists need to buy tickets for public transport. This includes bus and tram tickets, as well as tickets for the metro and regional trains. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines or from authorized ticket booths, and are valid for a given period of time, depending on the type of ticket purchased.
It is important to purchase tickets prior to using public transport, as if you travel without valid tickets you are subject to sizeable fines…trust me. Therefore, visitors should make sure to purchase tickets in advance or as soon as they get on the tram in order to avoid any potential problems.
3. Don’t exchange money with random people
It is important for tourists to be aware of potential scams in Czechia, particularly those related to currency exchange. Exchange rates offered by private individuals are often significantly worse than those offered by banks and other reputable exchanges, and it is not uncommon for tourists to be duped by unscrupulous individuals offering seemingly favourable rates – or even worse, for fake money.
Additionally, most of these exchanges take place in unregistered locations, so any losses resulting from the exchange cannot be recovered. As such, it is best for visitors to stick to reputable exchanges, such as banks, to ensure a safe and fair transaction – make sure to check out the Honest Guide for more information on these scams!
4. Don’t just visit Prague
In addition to the popular city of Prague, Czechia has plenty of other attractions worth visiting as well. It is home to castles, caves, spas and mountains, all located within easy reach of Prague, so visitors can easily combine city sights with outdoor activities.
One of the most popular destinations is the area of Moravia, which is known for its hillside vineyards, picturesque villages, and world-famous beer production.
Travellers can also explore the region’s forests, rivers, and caves, or visit the country’s smaller cities such as České Budějovice and Plzeň.
Czechia has so much to see and do outside of its capital, and it provides an amazing experience for any traveller hoping to get off the beaten track, so one of the biggest don’ts of Czechia to remember is to not just stay in Prague!
5. Don’t buy the Absinth
Absinth is a popular alcoholic beverage in Czechia, and it is not uncommon for tourists to purchase it due to its high ABV and cultural importance. However, it is important to be aware that much of the absinth sold in Czechia is usually not real, but rather a cheaper and lower-grade version intended to lure unknowing tourists.
In addition to being of a much lower quality than the real thing, imposter absinth often contains high levels of potentially toxic methanol, making it unsafe to consume. Therefore, tourists should make sure to do their research or buy from a reputable vendor to avoid unintentionally buying an imitation product.
6. Don’t forget to take advantage of the trains
Train travel in Czechia is an easy and reliable way for visitors to get around the country, with a comprehensive network of services available.
Trains are frequent and usually arrive on time, with many connections that make it possible to travel from one city to another in a matter of hours. Travellers can conveniently purchase tickets online in advance, as well as at train stations and kiosks.
Not only is train travel a convenient and affordable way to explore the country, but it also gives visitors the chance to admire the stunning views of the countryside as they travel. Therefore, if you’re visiting Czechia, don’t forget to take advantage of this reliable and comfortable method of transportation to make the most of your trip.
7. Don’t mention Communism
It is important for tourists visiting Czechia to be aware that mentioning communism or the socialist era is generally considered very offensive by locals and is best avoided. This is because many people experienced hardships during this period, and the topic still generates strong emotions.
Even though Czechia is now a prosperous and democratic country, certain people may still take offence to conversations about communism, so it is best to steer clear of this sensitive issue.
8. Don’t say you’re in Eastern Europe
Although Czechia is located in Central Europe, it is often mistakenly referred to as a part of Eastern Europe – which is still a wonderful part of Europe. This is an outdated misconception, as the concept of separating Europe into Eastern and Western halves is no longer relevant.
Czechia is geographically (and conveniently!) located in the centre of the continent, and therefore, should not be classified as Eastern Europe.
This misclassification could potentially offend locals, as the East/West division often carries a connotation of political and economic disparity between the two regions, which does not accurately describe the current state of Czechia. Therefore, visitors should be aware of which terminology to use when referring to the region.
Czechia FAQ:
Yes, jaywalking is illegal in Czechia. It is particularly enforced and common in Prague, so make sure to just wait until the light turns green for you to go!
Yes, Czechia is generally considered to be safe for solo female travellers, with the primary risk being petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded tourist areas or on public transport.
Yes, cash is widely accepted in Prague, with a majority of stores, restaurants, and attractions offering cash payments, though many cafes, bars and higher-end restaurants may prefer card payments.
Don’ts of Czechia – Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ve learnt all about the 8 major don’ts of Czechia that you need to know before visiting. Which don’ts of Czechia surprised you the most? Are there any don’ts of Czechia that you can think of but they haven’t been mentioned? If you’d like any help or advice, then please feel free to reach out to me. If you liked this post and would like to read some more similar posts, then these are what I’d recommend:
