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Czechia: The Heart of Europe (That Still Uses Crowns)

By eSIMVu Team •
February 02, 2026 • 5 min read • Destination Insights

Czech

Orange tile rooftops in Czechia, a castle in the background

Source: US Department of State

If you look at a map of Europe, the Czech Republic (or Czechia) sits right in the center. It is often called the "Heart of Europe," and fittingly, it pumps a lot of life into the continent's tourism scene.

For most travelers, "Czech Republic" is synonymous with Prague. And while Prague is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities on Earth—a Gothic dream of spires and cobblestones—it is just the front cover of a very thick book. Beyond the capital lies a country of rolling hills, subterranean caves, and towns that look like Disney sets.

If you are ready to explore the land of Bohemia and Moravia, here is your factual guide to doing it right.

1. Prague: The Golden City (But Do It Differently)

You will visit Prague. You have to. But the secret to enjoying it is escaping the "Royal Route" (the crowded path from Old Town Square to the Castle).

  • The Bridge Hack: Everyone goes to Charles Bridge. To see it without being elbow-to-elbow with 5,000 others, go at sunrise (around 6:00 AM). The mist rising off the Vltava river makes it magical.
  • Letná Park: Sit on a wooden bench under the chestnut trees, and get the single best panoramic view of the city’s bridges.
  • The "Other" Castle: Prague Castle is famous, but Vyšehrad fortress on the opposite hill is older, quieter, and arguably more atmospheric. It houses a stunning cemetery where famous Czechs (like composer Antonín Dvořák) are buried.

2. Český Krumlov: The Medieval Time Capsule

Drive 2.5 hours south of Prague, and you hit Český Krumlov.

  • The Loop: The town sits inside a tight S-bend of the Vltava River. It is dominated by a massive castle complex that is the second largest in the country.
  • The Bears: The castle moat is actually inhabited by brown bears. This tradition dates back to the 16th century (though animal welfare debates are ongoing).
  • The Vibe: It is incredibly popular. To really enjoy it, stay overnight. The day-trippers leave by 5:00 PM, and the town becomes a silent, lamp-lit maze of medieval alleyways.

3. Kutná Hora: The Bone Church

If you have a taste for the macabre, take the 1-hour train ride east to Kutná Hora.

  • Sedlec Ossuary: This is the famous "Bone Church." It is a small chapel decorated with the bleached bones of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people. We aren't talking about a pile of bones; we are talking about massive chandeliers made of every bone in the human body, and family crests crafted from femurs and skulls. It is haunting, artistic, and unique.
  • St. Barbara’s Church: Just down the road is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, built with the wealth from the town’s silver mines.

4. Moravia

  • Mikulov: This town sits on the Austrian border. It looks like Tuscany, with views of a hilltop castle.
  • Brno: The capital of Moravia is the anti-Prague. It is a student city—gritty, functional. Visit the Villa Tugendhat, a masterpiece of modern architecture protected by UNESCO.
  • Aerial view of Brno city centre
  • Source- Visit Prague

5. The Connectivity Reality: Why You Need an eSIM

Here is a logistical reality check. While Czechia is in the EU, navigating it requires constant data.

The "Translation" Gap Czech is a notoriously difficult Slavic language. Outside of central Prague, English signage can disappear.

  • The Scenario: You are in a small town in Moravia trying to read a bus schedule that is only in Czech, or you are trying to decipher a menu to ensure you aren't ordering Tlačenka (head cheese) by accident. You need Google Lens and Google Maps constantly.

The Solution: Get an eSIM If you are visiting from outside the EU (USA, UK, Canada, Asia), roaming charges can be steep.

  • The Fix: Purchase an eSIM data plan before you arrive.
  • Why? An eSIM connects you to local networks (like O2, T-Mobile, or Vodafone CZ) instantly. You don't need to hunt for a "Tabák" (newsstand) to buy a physical SIM card, and you don't need to worry about losing your tiny home SIM.
  • The Benefit: Having reliable data means you can use the IDOS app (the holy grail of Czech public transport schedules) to find your train connection in real-time. It turns a stressful "lost in translation" moment into a smooth trip.

6. Bohemian Switzerland: The Hiking Haven

If you want nature, head north to the German border.

  • Pravčická brána: This is the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. It was a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia.
  • The Gorges: You can hike down into the Kamenice Gorges, where the canyon walls are so steep you have to take a small boat (punted by a ferryman) to get through the narrowest sections. It is lush, green, and feels like a fantasy novel.

7. Practical Tips

  • Currency: Czechia is not in the Eurozone. The currency is the Czech Crown (Koruna - CZK).
  • Tip: Always pay in CZK. If a terminal asks if you want to pay in GBP/USD/EUR, say NO. The exchange rate offered by the machine is almost always terrible (a "dynamic currency conversion" trap).
  • Tipping: It is polite to round up the bill or leave about 10%. When paying by card, tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay before they tap your card.

Why Go Now?

The Czech Republic offers the perfect European blend: it is safe, the public transport is world-class, and it is still significantly cheaper than its neighbors like Germany or Austria. You can have a three-course meal of roast duck, dumplings, and cabbage for under $15. It is a country that feels grand and historic, yet delightfully down-to-earth.