Location / Language of Czech Republic
Czech Republic, also known by its short-form name, Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east and Poland to the northeast. The Czech Republic covers an area of 78,866 sq kms with a mostly temperate continental climate and oceanic climate and has 10.6 million inhabitants. Its capital and largest city is Prague, with 1.3 million residents. Other major cities are Brno, Ostrava, Olomouc and Pilsen.
Czech is a West Slavic language of the Czech–Slovak group. Spoken by over 10 million people, it serves as the official language of the Czech Republic. Its vocabulary has been extensively influenced by Latin and German.
Visa Requirements / Currency (please note these procedures / exchange rates can changed from time to time…please get an update from the embassy prior to travel)
As India is not part of the Schengen Area, if one is an Indian passport holder you will need to apply for the appropriate type of Schengen Czech Visa for travelling to the country. To be eligible for a Schengen Visa for the Czech Republic, one will mainly need their current passport, along with certain documents, to be submitted with the Visa application form.
Currency : Euro (EUR)
Conversion: Rs.1 INR = 0.013 EUR
1 EUR = Rs. 78.04 INR
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Czech Republic
- Prague Castle – In the city's Hradčany neighbourhood, the castle housed Holy Roman Emperors, the Habsburgs, Bohemian kings, and, more recently, the Czech Republic's President. The largest in the world in terms of area, it’s key highlights include beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, the Powder Tower, and the Golden Lane with its medieval workshops.
- Český Krumlov Castle - Much of what stands today in this UNESCO World Heritage Site stems from the 17th century, including the Rosenberg Ballroom and the Renaissance Hall, the Royal Apartments, and the Chapel of St. George. Also worth seeing is the castle's old Baroque theater, built in 1682, which is still used for special performances.
- Charles Bridge, Prague - The spectacular bridge spans the River Vltava and was built in 1357 and has many unique points of interest along its 520-meter span, including numerous fine statues.
- Cathedral of St Peter & Paul, Bron - Rebuilt as a Gothic cathedral during the 18th century, the interior is a Baroque masterpiece designed by architect Mořic Grimm. Some of its most remarkable features are the Kapistránka pulpit and the crypt, which is home to not only tombs but the remnants of Brno's original city walls.
- The Clementinum and Strahov Monastery Libraries - The Clementinum Library, one of the largest in Europe is National Library of the Czech Republic, and the Library Hall is best known for its frescoed ceiling, and the Astronomical Tower. Strahov Monastery contains two magnificent libraries, exquisite furnishings and ceiling paintings, and excellent frescoes and stucco work with the rare 1,200-year-old Strahov Gospel.
- The Bohemian Paradise - This area is known for its many massive rock formations that protrude from the ground like spikes and pillars, formed by tens of thousands of years of erosion by the elements. Now a UNESCO Geopark, it’s attractions include stunning sandstone hills, natural bridges, and tall basalt columns and outcroppings.
- The Colonnades and Spas of Karlovy Vary – Interested in an authentic spa experience in the town’s 13 main springs. Established in 1358, this was the destination for Europe's elite, from royalty like Peter the Great to Beethoven, Chopin, and Goethe. In addition to the large spas, the town is filled with Neoclassical and Art Nouveau colonnades with drinking and bathing fountains.
- Konopiště Chateau - Established in the 13th century, this French-style four-winged chateau was the residence of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and on display are the his many animal trophies and artefacts he once owned, including ancient weapons and armour, an indoor shooting range complete with moving targets.
- Old Town / Wenceslas Squares, Prague - Old Town Square was the city's first market, and is home to Old Town City Hall, which holds the Astronomical Clock, as well as St. Nicholas Church. It was originally used for public executions and political protests. Wenceslas Square in the heart of the New Town is filled with hotels, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment and is used for parades, festivals, and at times, demonstrations .
- Kutna Hora - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was home to one of Europe's leading silver mines, apart from the Baroque St. Barbara's Cathedral. The Czech Museum of Silver contains exhibits about the medieval mining industry and one can visit the town's old mint, housed in the amazing Italian Court.
Things You Must Do in Czech Republic
- Bone Collectors: Czech Crypts, Tombs, and Cemeteries – Slightly spooky, but unique. Spread across the Czech Republic are locations dedicated to preserving the remains of those slain in war or killed by diseases (plagues) during medieval times. But the bizarre way in which these centuries-old human relics are displayed is what makes it interesting. The famous "Bone Church," has the remains of some 70,000 people displayed in coats of arms, chandeliers, chalices, and bells. In Brno Ossuary where the remains of some 50,000 people were found stacked in heaps in archways and used as decorative displays and ornamentation.
- Visit the Glassworks at Karlovy Vary – One of Europe's most prominent glassmaking centres, a visit to Moser glassworks, which is widely considered one of the world's leading manufacturers of decorative glass. Tours of the facility include a chance to learn about the history of glassmaking, visit the factory floor to watch glassblowers at work, and see some 2,000 fine examples of glass creations in the Glass Museum.
- Climb Petrin Hill – This is a little way from Prague and, as the name would suggest, up a pretty steep hill. It’s worth the climb though for the sweeping views over the entire city. There is a really ugly replica of the Eiffel Tower at the top of it, but if you climb this, you can get an even better view.
- Visit the Vineyards of Znojmo - The Moravian region has some of the best vineyards in Europe — doing wine tours is fun way to experience Czech Republic’s wine areas. There are huge cellars at Louka Monastery and Šobes Vineyard, which often ranks with Europe’s best.
- Don’t miss out on the Famous Nightlife of the country - Czech Republic is said to be at its most beautiful in the night. At this time, the lights are at their brightest, the beers are chilled and the music is loudest. Go out in the night to a local bar and have the experience of a lifetime.
Food on the Plate
Czech cuisine has both influenced and been influenced by the cuisines of surrounding countries. Many of the cakes and pastries that are popular in Central Europe originated within the Czech lands. The body of Czech meals typically consists of two or more courses; the first course is traditionally soup, the second course is the main dish, and the third course can include supplementary courses, such as dessert or compote. In the Czech cuisine, thick soups and many kinds of sauces, both based on stewed or cooked vegetables and meats, often with cream, as well as baked meats with natural sauces, are popular dishes.
One must sample the following popular and tasty Czech dishes:
- Trdelnik - This delectable treat is made by wrapping the pastry dough around a wooden or metal stick, roasting it over an open flame and coated with sugar or cinnamon.
- Palacinky - These thin Czech pancakes are prepared with a batter and are typically rolled up and served with fillings such as jam, fruit, cream or nuts, it is an ideal treat for those with a sweet tooth.
- Chlebíčky – this is an open-faced sandwich is usually served during parties and social gatherings and feature a variety of toppings such as egg, ham, salami, pickles, and cucumber.
- Česnečka - A garlic-heavy soup served with croutons, also contains a raw egg to cook in the heat of the soup. Small pieces of sausage, meat, or cheese is sometimes added to it as well.
- Kuba - A traditional vegetarian Czech dish prepared with wild mushrooms, nowadays you’ll find this grain-based dish, served with dried mushrooms and flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices.
Overseas Travel Medical Insurance Czech Republic
Since the Czech Republic is a country which is part of the Schengen countries in Europe, It is compulsory for an Indian tourist to buy Travel medical insurance while applying for Czechian Visa.
Travel health insurance for Indian tourist visiting Czech Republic is relatively cheaper when compared to destinations in Americas, and most insurance companies offer a specific Schengen Insurance Plan. One must ensure that the minimum Accident & Sickness (A&S) sum insured for a Schengen plan must be €30,000 (around $50,000), and a visa to visit any Schengen country will not be provided without this minimum coverage.
The insured must purchase an “Excluding Americas” Plan, if they are travelling to other destinations that don’t include only Schengen countries.
Illustration for 15 days international travel medical insurance for Czech Republic.
Sum Insured($USD or €Euro) / Premium in Rs. INR |
Insured Age 35 |
Insured Age 65 |
Schengen - €30,000 |
Rs.733 |
Rs.1,561 |
Schengen - €50,000 |
Rs.830 |
Rs.1,694 |
Excluding - $50,000 |
Rs.1,028 |
Rs.1,714 |
You can also choose “Excluding Plans” with Sum Insureds as high as $500,000 as well. These premiums are across different plans and different benefits.. please log in to
www.eindiainsurance.com to compare and buy the most suitable travel insurance India popular among tourists travelling to Czech Republic.