Czech Republic
Posts on Czech Republic by Kyle the Vagabond:
Overview:
Long dormant under the grip of communism, since its split with Slovakia in 1993, the Czech Republic has turned into a travel mecca seemingly on everyone’s European circuit. Massive
castles and old world architecture retain their yester-year charm, while the capital city of Prague dishes up a heaving platter of culture and modern sightseeing possibilities. Don’t worry about any English translation, as really only one word is needed and universally understood–pivo–Czech for beer.
Currency:
Czech Koruna, CZK; $1 = 19.11 CZK (Sept. 5, 2010) For more currency conversion info visit xe.com
When to Go:
Like its central European neighbors, the summer months bring with them long sunny days, heavy rains, and mobs of tourists. Accommodations can be booked solid during these months, and the shoulder months of May and September offer fewer crowds while attractions are still open for the season. During the winter months, many urban attractions and campgrounds close, and a fresh layer of snow blankets most of the landlocked nation. At higher altitudes, nights dip well below freezing, although the winter snows bring with them another high season of sorts to the region’s mountain resorts. Prague in particular in the height of summer can be a madhouse.
The Vagabond’s Personal Top Picks:
1. Visit the Museum of Communism, Prague
Ironically situated right next to McDonalds, this relatively new museum takes both a serious as well as tongue in cheek look at life behind the former Iron Curtain
2. People watch in Old Town Square, Prague
Packed to the walls with tourists in the summer months, many gather at the top of the hour to watch the town’s astronomical clock go through its hourly mechanical display of the changing of the hour.
3. Take a stroll across the Charles Bridge and visit Prague Castle
Current home to the Czech Republic’s head of state. the castle is believed to be one of the world’s largest.
Posts on Czech Republic by Kyle the Vagabond:
-Pivo in Prague (2004)
