By plane
The most convenient way is by plane – there are direct flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don and many large cities. As a rule, everyone flies to Prague. Sometimes it is more profitable to fly with a transfer in some European country, but any transfer is associated with the time spent.
By bus or taxi
You can get there by bus from Moscow. There are flights to Prague, Karlovy Vary, Brno. Buses also run from St. Petersburg. On the way, you will spend almost two days. By car from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Prague, you will have to drive at least two thousand kilometers, which is not very convenient. Moreover, it is much more pleasant to walk around the capital on foot, rather than driving a car.
Transport
The transport network in the Czech Republic is very developed, there are no problems with movement around the country and in cities. The country is small, so almost no one flies by plane – the maximum is between Prague and Brno. But rail transport is very profitable. There are four categories of trains:
- Slow, stopping at every station;
- Rychlik and Express. The fastest;
- InterCity and EuroCity are comfortable and fast trains. Tickets for them are expensive;
- Pendolino are very fast trains, tickets are also expensive, but the cars are very comfortable.
Train tickets are sold in vending machines almost everywhere, you can buy them online. Various bonuses help you save.
Bus transport is very developed, there are state cars and buses of private companies. The latter are more convenient, with additional services. Tickets are sold at the box office or from the driver. Buses can take you almost anywhere.
In cities, transport is also well developed. In Prague, it is represented by metro, trams, buses and a separate cable car. The tram is especially loved by locals and tourists. There are many night flights. Buy single travel tickets – save. On weekends and holidays, there are noticeably fewer cars on the routes.
In other major cities, buses and trams also run day and night. Of course there are taxis.
It is possible to rent a car if you are over 21 and have an international driver’s license and a credit card.
Money
The main currency here is the Czech crown. Euros are accepted almost everywhere, but the exchange rate is unfavorable. It is better to exchange euros and dollars in an exchanger. The exchange rate against the ruble is not favorable, so we advise you to enter the country with euros purchased at home. Often in the Czech Republic they take a commission for the exchange, rather rather big. It is better to specify the amounts in advance.
Currency fraud is widespread, especially in unofficial exchangers – slipping old-style banknotes.
IMPORTANT: Sometimes tourists are given a banknote of 50 crowns – do not take it, it is no longer in use.
Cuisine and restaurants
Many people choose to relax in the Czech Republic in order to try the local varied and plentiful cuisine. Here is a list of must-try dishes:
- Garlic is a garlic soup that is cooked differently in different regions. It is sometimes served in a loaf of bread;
- Dumplings – steamed bread made from regular or potato flour;
- Bamboraki – potato cakes with marjoram, reminiscent of potato pancakes;
- Baked boar knee – a specially baked pork knuckle, a very satisfying dish, ideal with Czech beer;
- Vepro-knedlo-zelo – pork with cabbage and dumplings;
- Pork ribs. Portions are usually huge;
- Svichkova on sour cream – a beef dish with a sauce of mashed stewed vegetables with milk or cream;
- Goulash, both pork and beef. Served with dumplings;
- Utopenets – pickled sausages, an ideal snack for beer;
- Fried cheese;
- Karlovy Vary waffles – real ones are served only in Karlovy Vary, cooked on local water.
And be sure to try the local beer – it is really tasty here.
You can try the local cuisine almost anywhere – everywhere there are cafes and restaurants, many stalls with street food. To save money, it is better to move away from tourist routes and eat at an institution for locals – both cheaper and tastier. Menus are usually displayed outside so prices can be compared beforehand.
If you get tired of high-calorie Czech cuisine, don’t worry – there are many Italian, Indian and other restaurants. Fast food is also good here – burgers, pizza and chicken are quite tasty.
How to save money in Prague
- Even if you plan to stay here for only a week, buy a monthly pass – it costs the same as two three-day tickets, and with no time limits. No need to constantly look for ticket offices, worry that tickets have expired – saving time and effort;
- Children under three years old and one accompanying person travel free of charge, but only with a special ticket;
- It is very convenient to use Sberbank cards when withdrawing money at local branches. The course is normal, the commission is small;
- From 11 to 14 in restaurants you can have an inexpensive and delicious business lunch;
- If you do not pretend specifically to the local cuisine, then the cheapest way to eat is in Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants;
- Souvenirs can be bought cheaper at the Havelska ulice market;
- Near Franz Kafka Square there is an official exchange office without commission.
