Looking for typical Czech experiences to share with foreign friends visiting the country? If souvenirs aren’t enough and you want tips on unforgettable adventures, authentic traditions and truly Czech places worth visiting, you’re in the right place.
In this article we’ll introduce you to the very best of Czech culture. We’ll suggest activities and places you definitely shouldn’t skip if you want to offer visitors a genuine Czech experience.
1. Visit a traditional Czech pub
Pubs (hospody) are an essential part of Czech tradition, and it would be a shame to let your foreign friends miss out. Soak up the classic pub atmosphere, taste beer from local breweries, and don’t forget the traditional pub specialities — fried cheese (smažený sýr), goulash with dumplings, or utopenec (pickled sausage).
2. Tour Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a symbol of Czech statehood and one of the most significant cultural and historical sites in the country — no doubt about that. But did you know it covers more than 70,000 m² and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world? You won’t find a monument like it anywhere else.
A tour of the castle includes several palaces, museums and galleries, including the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane with its tiny colourful houses that once served as workshops for alchemists and goldsmiths. Besides visiting St Vitus Cathedral, don’t miss the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour at the main gate. The biggest spectacle is the noon changing of the guard — accompanied by fanfares.
Skip the queues and book a guided small-group tour with admission included to walk past everyone waiting at the ticket office.
3. Cruise along the Vltava River
A Vltava river cruise is the perfect way to enjoy Prague from a different perspective. Boats depart from several points along the river, most commonly from Rašín Embankment or near Čech Bridge. During the cruise you’ll see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the majestic National Theatre. Some cruises even include passage through the river locks.
For romantic souls, there are evening dinner cruises with live music. The view of Prague lit up at night is a magical experience, especially from a glass-roofed boat. For those interested in the city’s history and architecture, commented sightseeing cruises are also available.
4. Enjoy a Czech spa stay
Discover the healing power of the famous Czech spa towns. Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Luhačovice offer relaxation in beautiful surroundings, combined with spa treatments and mineral springs. Stay in one of the historic spa hotels and let yourself be pampered from morning till night. Expect excellent food, massages, mud baths, inhalation therapies, and above all the iconic thermal springs — plus the original lázeňské oplatky (spa wafers).
5. Explore the Moravian Karst
The Moravian Karst is one of the most important karst regions in Central Europe. It’s home to more than 1,100 caves, five of which are open to the public. The most famous is the Punkva Caves, where you can enjoy a unique boat ride along the underground river and admire stunning stalactite formations.
The tour also includes the Macocha Abyss, the largest sinkhole of its kind in Central Europe. The surrounding area is criss-crossed with hiking trails, so you can easily wander around and soak up the beautiful Czech countryside.
A typical Czech experience also means getting out of the city — ideally somewhere quiet, surrounded by nature, where time slows down a little. That’s why renting a cottage or chalet in one of Czechia’s rural regions is such a classic way to unwind.
6. Traditional Czech music and theatre
Catch one of the many classical music concerts featuring works by famous Czech composers such as Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana and Leoš Janáček. For world-class musical and theatrical performances, head to the Prague Philharmonic or the National Theatre.
The country has countless theatres — from the famous ones like the National Theatre in Prague and Divadlo Husa na provázku in Brno to small amateur stages. Puppet shows are another wonderful experience worth trying.
Tip: Puppets also make a beautiful traditional gift from Czechia that foreign visitors love. You’ll find them at local markets or from specialised makers such as České hračky a loutky.
Curious about typically Czech gifts? Get inspired in our article 10 typically Czech gifts that will delight your foreign friends.
7. Hike up Sněžka, the highest peak
Sněžka, the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, is a favourite destination for hikers and nature lovers. Start your trip in Pec pod Sněžkou, from where you can walk up or take the cable car to Růžová hora and continue to the summit from there. Along the way you’ll enjoy spectacular views, and at the top you’ll find the tiny St Lawrence Chapel, a meteorological station, and a restaurant where you can rest and refuel.
8. Visit a Moravian wine cellar
Moravia is famous for its winemaking tradition, and visiting a wine cellar (vinný sklípek) is one of the most authentic ways to experience true Moravian culture — and taste excellent wine. Popular regions like Mikulov, Znojmo and Velké Bílovice offer not only great wines but also beautiful vineyards and picturesque wine villages. South Moravia in all its glory.
During a cellar visit you can expect a tasting and stories from an experienced cellar master, who’ll tell you about the history of winemaking in Moravia, the specifics of growing vines, and the wine production process. You’ll learn how to properly taste wine, the differences between grape varieties, and how to pair wine with food.
Book your visit well in advance, especially during the grape harvest season, when cellars are often reserved months ahead. You can find available dates and venues at sites like najdisklipek.cz.
What else can you do in South Moravia? Check out our two guides on the topic: A Journey Through South Moravia: wine cellars, magical viewpoints, ancient history and family-friendly spots (part 1) and its second part.
9. Host a campfire or a Czech-style BBQ
Grilling is an essential part of Czech summers, so if your foreign visitors come in the warmer months, throw a proper BBQ. On the grill you can prepare sausages, skewers, marinated meat — plus vegetables and cheese.
Or go old-school with an opékačka: build a fire pit, roast sausages on sticks, bake potatoes in the ashes, and wash it all down with bread and mustard. A classic Czech táborák — exactly the way people have done it for generations.
For an even more authentic experience, combine your campfire with a night under the stars. If wild camping isn’t quite your thing and you’d rather pair camping with a touch of luxury, take a look at our article on glamping spots in Czechia.
10. Visit an open-air museum (skanzen)
Want to step back in time and see how traditional rural life used to look? Visit one of Czechia’s open-air museums, such as Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Veselý Kopec or Přerov nad Labem, where you can see authentic folk buildings, old farming tools, and learn more about countryside life in centuries past.
A skanzen tour typically includes visits to traditional cottages, mills, blacksmith workshops and other buildings, often furnished with period pieces. Many of them also host events and festivals where you can watch (and sometimes try) traditional crafts, folk dances, and taste local specialities.
11. Watch Pat & Mat, the Little Mole and classic Czech fairy tales
Czech animations and fairy tales are known all over the world — the Little Mole (Krtek) has even been to space. Your foreign guests may never have seen these beloved characters, and it’s a travesty that must be fixed. Prepare something tasty to eat (classic Czech chlebíčky open sandwiches work perfectly), settle onto the sofa, and put on a classic Czech fairy tale.
If you go for Krtek, Pat & Mat or any other wordless series, you won’t even need to bother with translation. Everything will be clear at first watch — though the distinctly Czech sense of irony and dark humour may still fly over foreign heads.
12. Go mushroom picking in the forest
Mushroom picking is a much-loved Czech pastime — a wonderfully relaxing way to spend a day outdoors. You can head almost anywhere; when conditions are good, mushrooms pop up practically in your backyard. Don’t forget a knife and a wicker basket, and if you’re lucky, dinner will sort itself out: a traditional smaženice (mushroom scramble) or kuba (barley and mushroom dish) awaits.
13. Take a day trip to Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is a beautiful historic town that was once the centre of silver mining in Bohemia. Today it’s famous for its Gothic landmarks, including St Barbara’s Cathedral and the Sedlec Ossuary — a chapel decorated with the bones of thousands of people.
There’s plenty more to see in Kutná Hora. Wander through the historic centre and its narrow lanes, lined with cosy cafés and excellent restaurants. Don’t miss the town’s museums either — the Czech Museum of Silver, the Lidka Chocolate Museum and Dačický House are all worth a visit.
14. Play cards and Czech board games
Who hasn’t played Dostihy a sázky (the Czech answer to Monopoly), Člověče, nezlob se (the classic Ludo-style game) or the card game Prší? The Czech Republic has a long tradition of making and playing board games, and it would be a shame not to share it.
Modern Czech board games may be a little too complicated for non-Czech speakers — go for something older and simpler instead. You’ll probably find a few classics in your grandparents’ attic, or you can head to a specialised board-game café. Failing that, there’s always a simple round of memory/pexeso. The main idea stays the same: spend time together and have a proper laugh.
Final thoughts
So — did we inspire you to try some traditional experiences that experience a slice of Czech culture? Be sure to check out our detailed guides for Czech cities, towns and sights.
Got another activity idea? Let us know in the comments — thanks!
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What are typical Czech experiences for tourists?
Typical Czech experiences include visiting a traditional pub for local beer, touring Prague Castle, cruising the Vltava River, relaxing in a spa town like Karlovy Vary, exploring Moravian wine cellars, hiking in the Krkonoše mountains, and cycling in the South Moravian region.
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What is Czech culture known for?
Czech culture is known for its world-class beer and brewing tradition, classical composers like Dvořák, Janáček and Smetana, beautiful Gothic and Baroque architecture, beloved animated characters like the Little Mole and Pat & Mat, puppet theatre, spa towns and a deep love of nature and countryside cottages.
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What traditional Czech food should foreigners try?
Foreigners should try goulash with bread dumplings, svíčková (marinated beef in cream sauce), smažený sýr (fried cheese), utopenec (pickled sausage), chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches), trdelník pastry and, of course, Czech beer from a local brewery.
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What is unique about visiting the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is unique for its compact size packed with variety — you can explore medieval castles, UNESCO-listed towns, thermal spas, wine regions, caves and mountain ranges all within a few hours’ drive. Prices are reasonable, the food is hearty and locals are proud of their long traditions.
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What are the best things to do in Czechia?
The best things to do in Czechia include visiting Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, taking a day trip to Kutná Hora, exploring the Moravian Karst caves, tasting wine in South Moravia, hiking up Sněžka mountain, experiencing a spa stay in Karlovy Vary and visiting open-air folk museums like Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.
