The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe, southeast of Germany.

The most popular city to visit in the Czech Republic is Prague, according to visitors who come from far and wide to experience the country that is locked in a true and abiding beauty that is showcased and alive within the city.

In the years since November of 1989 (when students helped bring down the four-decades-old Communist regime), there has been a kinetic cultural renaissance in every corner and place in the city. You can stroll down cobblestone streets in constant discovery or drive speedily through, grasping everything quickly. While there are still some things to be desired, the locals still marvel at the variety and freedoms that were not there for the taking but a few years ago.

The arts and theater are at the heart of the strong cultural beauty. Playwrights (some even write in English) stage their own works; poetry readings are alive and well in crevices big and small. Whether seeking culture or history or just entertainment, the cities are where you can find it.

Visiting the Czech Republic presents you with a journey of a unique sort: a journey through the presentation and changes of a nation, the scope of beauty the change presents you with is always unique, always changing, as the country changes; a constant is the affinity for the people and the culture that is undeniable by visitors no matter the length of their stay.

New shops and, perhaps most noticeably, scads of new restaurants have opened, expanding the city's culinary reach far beyond the traditional roast pork and dumplings. Many have something to learn in the way of presentation and service, but Praguers still marvel at a variety that was unthinkable not so many years ago.

The arts and theater are also thriving in the "new" Prague. Young playwrights, some writing in English, regularly stage their own works. Weekly poetry readings are standing room only. Classical music maintains its famous standards, while rock, jazz, and dance clubs are jammed nightly. The arts of the new era -- nonverbal theater, "installation" art, world music -- are as trendy in Prague as in any European capital, but possess a distinctive Czech flavor.

Here's a clever trip-planning tip: Buy your street and highway maps for the Czech Republic before you depart. With a map, atlas, street guide or excursion guide in hand, you'll be able to know where you're going before you get there! Rather than spending precious vacation time hunting down a store that sells maps and then trying to figure out where things are, we think Trektools can get your Czech vacation off on the right foot. They've got more maps than you could possibly find at most Czech bookstores and you won't have to start your trip by being lost.

Country Map of the Czech Republic

Speaking of planning ahead, you can't beat the convenience and security of having a cellular phone for the Czech Republic with a Czech phone number. Imagine having the benefits of local cellular service such as low rates and unlimited free incoming calls from anywhere in the world—any time of day or night—just like one of the locals! Cellular Abroad offers prepaid rental phones for the Czech Republic as well as our Talk Abroad rental—a prepaid international roaming phone—good for use on multi-country trips. (The Talk Abroad™ offers free incoming calls in over 20 countries!) You can also purchase an Czech Republic phone and SIM card package for better value on long trips (or if you or a friend are frequent overseas travellers). Of course, you can also buy a Talk Abroad™ international roaming phone and SIM card bundles. Finally, if you already own an unlocked GSM world phone, you can pick up an Czech Republic SIM card or Talk Abroad SIM. Either way, you'll be able to give out a European number to friends, family and colleagues back home before you leave. To learn more about GSM phones, prepaid SIM cards and how they can both save you a lot of money and keep you connected while you're abroad, go to our Start Here page or check out our FAQs.