Historically known as Bohemia, the Czech Republic is an amazing travel destination with a lot of sights and activities to offer. Here are some of the delights in store for you when you visit Czech Republic.

1. Prague – The Golden City

Prague is one of the top reasons to visit Czech Republic in itself. Aside from being its capital city, it is also known as the Golden City and the City of a Hundred Spires, and is numbered among the most popular cities in Europe and the most romantic cities in the world. Here, you will find remarkable works of both medieval and Art Noveau architecture, like Prague Castle, the largest castle in the world, and the uniquely structured Dancing House, along with impressive city squares like the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock. You can also simply take a stroll under the glow of gas street lamps in the historic quarter or ride a horse-drawn carriage down its cobblestone streets.

2. Medieval Cities and Castles

While Prague is nothing short of enchanting, other Czech cities have their own charm and share of remarkable medieval monuments, too. Some of them have even been pronounced World Heritage Sites. For example, the Basilica of St. Procope in Trebic is a must-see attraction, with its stunning rose window and 700 year-old crypt, while the elegant houses in Kutna Hora, Holasovice and Telc – some of which date back to the 13th century – are truly astonishing. There is also a magnificent Baroque column in Olomouc and romantic chateaux to be found in picturesque Cesky Krumlov, Kromeriz and Litomysl.

If you love castles, you should also see Karlstejn Castle, particularly its Holy Rood Chapel which once housed the crown jewels and relics of the crucifixion, along with the chateaux at Lednice, Sychrov and Hluboká nad Vltavou.

3. Hot Springs

For a weekend of wellness and relaxation, the city of Karlovy Vary offers over 300 hot springs and numerous spas. It is an idyllic spot, too, with pastel-colored buildings surrounded by green parks and hills, which is why it comes as no surprise that even famous personalities come here to unwind. The spa town of Marianske Lazne is also nearby, with its own 100 mineral springs and noble houses, along with the town of Frantiskovy Lazne, which was the first in the world to offer a peat pulp bath.

4. Beer

Czech Republic has a rich brewing tradition. In fact, the Czechs love their beer so much that they come first in the world when it comes to beer consumption per capita. The most popular types of beer come from the Bohemian region, particularly Pilsner Urquell, the original pilsener from the city of Plzen, and Budweiser Budvar from the town of Budweis or Ceske Budejovice. The Budweiser Budvar Brewery was once the royal brewery of the Holy Roman Emperor, and is considered the original version of the popular American lager.

Aside from Czech beer, there are other unique beverages for you to try when you visit Czech Republic. These include Slivovitz, a type of plum brandy, and herbal alcoholic drinks from Becherovka, made exclusively in Karlovy Vary with a secret recipe of over 30 herbs, and Fernet Stock.

5. Puppet Shows

For a taste of the rich Czech culture, get tickets to a puppet show when you visit Czech Republic. These are not difficult to find in the country, especially in Prague, where there are many puppet theatres. There are various puppet festivals, too, and puppet museums like those in Chrudim and Cesky Krumlov, which give glimpses not just of Czech puppetry but of the various forms of the art throughout the world. Don’t forget to buy a puppet to bring home with you, as well, which can be a unique and excellent souvenir.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car rental Estonia, or learn more about discount car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com

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