| Czech Republic |
|
||||||
|
Information & details- Prague is the capital and largest city of Czech Republic. The Czech people are descended from Slavic tribes who arrived in Bohemia and Moravia in the 5th century AD. The Czechs are the country's dominant ethnic group, representing about 94 percent of the population; Slovaks account for about 3 percent; and Poles, Germans, Roma (Gypsies), and Hungarians comprise most of the remainder. Czech Republic Brief History Czech Republic Physical Characteristics Czech Republic Weather Guide Principal Cities Official Language of Czech Republic Czech Republic Culture Facts for the traveler Visas: Nationals of all Western European countries
and New Zealand can visit the Czech Republic for up to 90 days,
and UK citizens for up to 180 days, without a visa. US passport
holders can stay for 30 days without a visa. Nationals of Australia,
South Africa and many other countries must obtain a visa, which
is good for a stay of between 90 and 30 days depending on your nationality.
National Holidays: Time zone: GMT+1 (seasonal changes) Voltage: 230V/50Hz Transportation Information Single trip: 8 Kc (must be purchased before boarding) or a 5-day
tourist pass: 170 Kc. If you take the city bus to the airport, do not get off until the very last stop. The first buildings with the airport signs are almost 2 miles from the international terminal. Restaurants Attractions The prime attraction of Czech Republic is its physical face. The city centre is a haphazard museum of 900 years' of architecture - Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, 19th-century revivals of all of them, and Art Nouveau - amazingly undisturbed by the 20th century. This historical core of the city - Hradcany (the Castle District) and Mala Strana (the Small Quarter) west of the river, Stare Mesto (the Old Town) and Vaclavske namesti (Wenceslas Square) to the east, and Charles Bridge in between - covers about 3 sq km and is pedestrian-friendly, so you needn't go at break-neck speed to discover its most famous attractions. You'll have to travel further afield to visit Nove Mesto (New Town), with its shops, cafés, museums and theatres; Vysehrad, where mythical Prague was born; and Holesovice, Smichov, Troja and Vinohrady. At least a dozen medieval chateaux and castles are only a day-trip away. Also high on Prague's attraction list is its entertainment: music from classical through to modern jazz and rock; opera and ballet; avant-garde theatre; excellent museums; and dozens of art galleries. Prague's greatest distraction, however, is that it is now one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and choked with summer crowds. Activities The Czech Republic's rolling hills and low mountains are perfect for hearty hiking, especially in the Sumava of western and southern Bohemia and the Krkonose mountains in northern Bohemia. Climbers should head to the Sandstone Rocks of the Labe in northern Bohemia and cavers should check out the Moravian Karst area north of Brno. The prime boating river is the scenic but unfortunately polluted Sazava. Downhill skiing is plentiful, popular and relatively cheap in the Czech Republic, though facilities are not up to Western European standards and queues are long. Hired gear is generally of poor quality, so it's best to bring your own equipment. The country's best downhill skiing can be found at Spindleruv mlyn in the Krkonose between January and early April; Sumava has the best cross-country skiing trails. Disclaimer: Although we've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation. |
