Czechia | Prague & Plzen
- Jun 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Quick Links
Most people arrive in the Czech Republic looking for Prague.
And to be fair, Prague deserves the attention.
Its gothic spires and cobblestone streets felt almost too perfect to be real. It's one of those rare cities that somehow lived up to the postcards.
But the Czech Republic is far more than its capital.
The longer we stayed, the more we began to understand that its greatest charm isn't found in a single attraction. It's found in the historic towns, rolling countryside, castles, and communities that have quietly endured centuries of reinvention.
The Astronomical Clock & The Church of Our Lady before Tyn
People
The Locals
The locals taught us not to mistake quietness for coldness.
Czechs aren't typically the loudest people in the room and they didn't immediately welcome us with grand gestures or endless small talk. At first, we felt reserved, especially as tourists from the US.
But once we spent a little more time in Czechia we noticed that the conversations became longer, the smiles became more frequent, and the humor began to surface.
The people of Czechia aren’t afraid to say what they mean. Which means recommendations felt genuine and opinions weren't softened simply for politeness.
The more people we met, the more we appreciated that Czech hospitality wasn't performative. It isn't designed for tourists. It's simply how people treat one another once you've earned your place at the table.
Places
Prague
Prague is a city built by storytellers, for the purpose of being a spectacle.
Gothic cathedrals stood beside Baroque palaces. Medieval towers cast shadows over crowded cafés. The Vltava River cut through it all, reflecting centuries of history in its slow-moving water.
Walking through the city felt less like exploring a capital and more like wandering through a living museum.
Walking across the Charles Bridge came with an assortment of statues that have watched over the city for centuries. Off in the distance we saw a castle that dominated the skyline from nearly every angle. Ancient streets climbed the hillside toward its gates. Upon entering the castle we were met with beautiful gardens, grand architecture, and views that featured the red rooftops of Prague. From the terraces, we saw well past the city and its seemingly endless number of spires.
Surprisingly, as day turned to night, the city became more picturesque. The bridge, the castle, and the main square were lit up to enjoy the intricate architecture even in the dead of night.
The best part of Prague isn't what we saw. It was the feeling that around the next corner, the city still had another story to tell.
Plzen
Prague may be the city most travelers come to see, but Plzen is where the Czech Republic felt most authentic.
There were no fairy-tale skylines or postcard-perfect bridges. Instead, Plzen featured brick facades, brewery chimneys, broad town squares, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Plzen is also the birthplace of the Pilsner beer. A style so influential that it would eventually become the most widely consumed type of beer on earth. Yet in Plzen, that legacy didn't feel commercialized. Beer wasn't treated as a novelty or an attraction. It was simply part of the culture.
What we appreciated most about Plzen was its authenticity. By the time we left, we discovered something increasingly rare in modern travel: a destination that felt primarily designed for the people who live there.
And for us, that makes it all the more worth visiting.
Cuisine
Sausage
The most surprising part of our time here was how much we loved the sausages.
We found them at street markets, beer gardens, and neighborhood pubs. Grilled over open flames and served with mustard, horseradish, fresh bread, or pickled vegetables. They were simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.
The smoky flavor, the snap of the casing, and the richness of the meat created something far greater than the sum of its parts.
We quickly realized why this simple meal is such a big part of their culture.
Honey Cake
Just when we thought Czech cuisine was all sausages, dumplings, and hearty stews, someone placed a slice of honey cake in front of us.
Known locally as Medovník, Czech honey cake was one of those desserts that seemed deceptively simple until we took the first bite. Thin layers of honey-infused cake are stacked between a rich cream filling, creating a dessert that's light, sweet, and surprisingly balanced.
After our meal of rich goulash, dumplings, and pilsner, it provided the perfect ending.
Pilsner
Then there's the beer. More specifically, the pilsner.
The first golden pilsner was brewed in Plzen in 1842, creating a style that would eventually influence breweries around the world.
A freshly poured Czech pilsner was a completely different experience. The beer was softer, more balanced, and more flavorful than many exports found abroad. The foam was thick and intentional. Every sip felt refined through centuries of practice.
And while the food filled our stomach. The beer in Czechia filled the spaces between our stories.
Guides & Recommendations
Recommended Itinerary | 6 nights / 7 days
Prague | 3 nights
Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
Astronomical Clock
Charles Bridge
Lennon Freedom Wall
Jewish Quarter
Little Venice
Plzen | 3 nights
Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
Little Venice
Plzen Underground
Karlovy Vary
Prague
Where To Stay
The central square can be quite loud even in the later hours of the night. Stay in Little Venice or the Jewish Quarter for a more peaceful experience:
Recommended Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Little Venice lies Velkopřevorský Mlýn. This restaurant is directly next to a canal and provides an intimate dining experience. The food was nothing short of exceptional and we HIGHLY recommend trying the Honey Cake here.
Our Rating: 8.9/10
Recommended Activities
Visit the Prague Castle
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest castle complex in the world. I would recommend spending at least a half day exploring the grounds, learning about the history, and taking in the panoramic views.
$22 / person
Sunset cruise on the Vltava River
We booked a private sunset cruise down the river and we loved every second of it. This specific cruise comes with a transfer to the boat, a complimentary bottle of champagne, a stop at a boat-through brewery for a beer, and views of the city like no other.
$670 / 4 people
Wander the streets of Old Town
The Old Town of Prague has history, architecture, cafes, pubs, and every few feet holds a new opportunity to buy a chimney cake. Here are a few landmarks to see:
Visit St. Wenceslas Vineyard
With its stunning views of historic Prague, this vineyard is an integral part of the magnificent panorama of Prague Castle. The self-service market is a great place to grab a local wine or pilsner and enjoy the beautiful Prague skyline.
Plzen
Where To Stay
The Republic Square is the hub in Plzen, yet it stays relatively peaceful. Here are a few recommended accommodations:
Recommended Restaurant
If you’re looking for a good brunch spot then Walter Mitty is the perfect place. This restaurant has an intimate upstairs dining room with amazing pastries and healthy breakfast options. A great place to start the day.
Our Rating: 8.2/10
Recommended Activities
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
The first ever pilsner beer was brewed at Pilsner Urquell in 1842. And now the pilsner beer is one of the most consumed beers in the world. This brewery has modernized a few of its buildings, but the process and quality is still the same as it was 150 years ago.
Visit the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
This massive cathedral is in the center of Republic Square. The inside is gorgeous and free to visit. There is also a bell tower you can climb for a small admission fee. The views from the bell tower are incredible.
Take a Day Trip to Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a world-renowned spa town just a 2 hour train ride from Plzen. This town features thermal springs, grand architecture, and an elegant European charm. The perfect town to visit on a day-trip.
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