Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Prague (Praha): the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Its large and beautiful historic center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Prague Castle

The biggest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness World Records, which rises above the city offering beautiful views of the areas below. Also on site is the St. Vitus Cathedral with its lookout tower, the Castle Picture Gallery, several palaces and museums and the beautiful Royal Garden, among other attractions. You can also watch the Presidential Guard, and the changeover of the guards on duty on the hour. The entrance for St. Vitus Cathedral is free, but the queue may be long (1 hour). A Prague castle ticket is 350 CZK and audioguide a further 350 CZK. This is a large amount for an audioguide, but it lets you skip the St. Vitus queue.

Charles Bridge

One of several bridges over the Vltava. Its construction started in the 14th Century and it is one of Prague's most beautiful attractions. Over the day it is a bustling place of trade and entertainment.

The Old Town (Staré město)

Prague's historic centre. Includes numerous historical buildings and monuments, most notably the famed Astronomical Clock (Orloj), the pure GothicTýn Church, the mural-covered Storch building, and the Jan Hus monument. Nearby, the Estate Theatre is a neoclassical theatre where Mozart's opera Don Giovanni was first performed. The old town features many historical churches (St. James Church, Church of Our Lady before Tnem among others) and some other interesting historical buildings like the Old Town Hall.

Josefov

The historical Jewish ghetto. Interesting for its well preserved historical synagogues, unique in the entire world. The Old New Synagogue (Czech: Staronová synagoga) is Europe's oldest active synagogue. It's rumoured to be the resting place of the famed Prague Golem. Another interesting synagogue is the Spanish Synagogue, a highly ornamented building of Moorish style. Other attractions are the old Jewish Cemetery, which is the oldest in Europe, and Kafka's house. The Old New Synagogue is NOT a part of the Jewish museum, so it's recommended to buy a combined pass to all Jewish attractions which costs 480 CZK.

New Town (Nové město)

The new town was constructed as an extension of the old town at the 14th Century. Nonetheless, despite its oldness, most of it was modernized. The main attraction here is the Wenceslas Square, which has many stalls, shops and restaurants. At the top of the square is the National Museum which is well worth a look (see below). Midway down this historic Boulevard, one finds trendy discos and Art Nouveau hotels, as well as quaint parks and arcades, while just off the beaten path are some wonderful panoramic views (Henry Tower), romantic restaurants, Narodni, and the dazzling, Disney-colored Jubilee Synagogue.

The Lesser Town (Malá strana)

Across the Vltava from the city centre and leading to the castle, this quarter also offers beautiful streets and churches (of which St. Nicholas Church is the most renowned). The Lennon Wall which used to be a source of irritation to the communist regime is also found here, near a Venetian-like canal with water wheel and close to the Charles Bridge.

Loreta

A beautiful Baroque convent in the Lesser Town.

Strahov Monastery

A monastery on the mountain. Worth a visit for both its picture gallery and its notable Renaissance library.

Prague Dancing House (Fred and Ginger Building)

One of the most fascinating architectural expressions of Prague. Accessible from Karlovo náměstí metro station.

Vyšehrad

A nice castle well worth a visit.

Petřínská rozhledna

A smaller version of the Eiffel Tower on the top of a hill. Climbing the tower costs 100 CZK.

Prague Giant Metronome

It is a huge monument erected in order to replace the Stalinistic monument that preceded it.

Memorial to the 1989 Velvet Revolution

A simple brass plaque at 20 Narodni. From Cafe Louvre, walk toward the river. You will enter an archway in just a few meters, look on the wall to the left.

Prague Zoo

A large zoo in Prague.

Czech National Gallery (Národní galerie)

Its most important collections are in the Sternberg Palace (up to to the Baroque), St George Convent (Czech Baroque and Mannerism) and Veletržní Palace (19th century and modern art). The first two are located near and in the castle respectively. Do not confuse them with the Castle Picture Gallery (see above) which is worth visiting on its own right.

Czech National Museum (Národní muzeum)

An association of various museums. The main building is at the Wenceslas Square and is dedicated to natural history. Other branches include museums of the Czech composers Dvořák and Smetana, Czech Music Museum, Historical Pharmacy Museum, Prince Lobkovicz' Collection at the Prague Castle, Czech Ethnographical Museum and Naprstek Anthropological Museum.

Prague City Gallery

A museum of modern Czech arts divided between several sites most of which are in the old town. Its main building is the House of the Golden Ring at the Old Town Square featuring 20th Century Czech art in a beautiful medievil edifice. 19th Century Czech art is exhibited at the Troja Castle.

Czech Museum of Fine Arts

20th Century Czech art and changing exhibitions.

Museum of Decorative Arts

This 17th century palazzo-style building houses examples of historical and contemporary crafts, as well as applied arts and design.

National Technical Museum (Národní technické muzeum)

Amazing collection of motorcycles, cars, aircraft and commercial vehicles, plus many examples of communist-era technological engineering

Military Museum

Showcases the uniforms, artefacts and maps relating to the Czechoslovak armed forces during World Wars I and II.

Jewish Museum

This covers six separate places (four synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Memorial Hall) but does not include the Old-New Synagogue, although entrance tickets can either include or exclude the last named. The Old-New Synagogue is expensive in relation to the museum but in view of its age, it's worth including it. The Memorial Hall is particularly moving with exhibits of the writings of children in death camps.

Mozart and Dušek Museum

Dedicated to the works of Mozart.

Prague City Museum (Muzeum hl. m. Prahy)

An absolute must-see for the incredibly detailed cardboard model of nineteenth century Prague by Anton Langweil. The detail is amazing, even down to the colour of the doorways and the design of the windowsills.

Mucha Museum

A museum of the Czech artist Alfons Mucha.

Kafka Museum

There is also a permanent exhibition at Kafka's house.

The Pedagogical Comenius Museum

A museum documenting the writings of the Czech Renaissance erudite.

The Mueller Villa

A work of art of the well known Viennese architect Loos from the beginning of the 20th Century.

Jaroslav Fragner Gallery

Jaroslav Fragner Gallery is oriented in temporary architecture. You can find here profiles of influential people and groups, retrospective exhibitions, thematic exhibitions, recent movement in architecture. Gallery provides lectures, seminars and publishing, regarding central Prague the JFG became a centre for architects, professional and general public, students of architecture and construction companies.

Museum Kampa

A museum of modern Central European art.

Museum of Communism in Czechoslovakia

Interesting exhibits on how Communism changed Czechoslavakia.

Brno: Largest city in Moravia with several excellent museums. The Moto GP Grand Prix takes place here every year.

The City center

The City center is full of historical buildings, old churches, theaters, fountains, sculptures, clubs, restaurants, etc. It is very compact, so one can just walk around most of the places of interest.

Špilberk Castle

The famous fortress used as a prison. Many people have been tortured here from all around Europe, mostly during Austro-Hungarian Empire times. Currently, it's a museum with restaurant and nice park around, open for walks and beautiful sightseeings.

Petrov Cathedral

10 minutes walk from city center. Its silhouette is the defining feature of the Brno skyline.

Old Town Hall

Between the Cathedral, nám. Svobody, and the main station. See beloved Brno symbols the Drak (dragon) and the Wheel. Also notice the lopsided tower above the entrance. Legend has it that the city council stiffed the mason who built it and he made the crooked ornament in a fit of pique.

Náměstí svobody

Náměstí svobody (Freedom Square) forms the heart of the city. It's shaped into big reversed "A". Many cultural events take place here and there are always a lot of people here. This place is closed for most cars and trams run through the middle. Also most of the interesting places at city center are within 10 minutes walk from Freedom Square.

The Tugendhat Villa

Černopolní 45, 613 00 Brno. 20min walk from the town center, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is seen to be a classic example of Bauhaus architecture, and was also the location of the meeting which decided upon the Velvet Divorce that separated the Czech and Slovak republics in 1992. It is possible to visit the Villa by guided tour; tours are led hourly and can be booked by arriving at the gate.

Vaňkovka Gallery

A very large shopping centre converted from an old industrial center dating to the beginning of 19th century. Many of the historical industrial buildings were saved and integrated into the new shopping center.

Capuchin Church

A monastery from 17th Century right in the city center. Tourists love to visit the church, because of its Baroque statues and an exhibition of mummified monks.

Baroque Parnas fountain

Baroque Parnas fountain from 16th century, located at "Zelný trh" a square with a fruit and vegetable market above Masaryk street (central street leading into Freedom Square).

The Moravian Museum

At the top of the square you can find The Moravian Museum - second largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1817 by Emperor Francis I and, today, has collections with millions of objects from different fields of human history.

The Moravian Gallery

The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. Mainly exhibits Moravian art and applied art thoughout history. Most recommended is its exhibition of modern Moravian art.

The Mendel Museum of Genetics

The most famous biologist in the history of genetics worked and died in Brno. This interesting museum commemorates his revolutionary research. Information in English available.

Museum of Gypsy Culture

A museum dedicated to the gypsy minority in Moravia.

Tourist Information Centres

Located in the city center, i.e. at Radnická street or Nádražní street.

Olomouc: A vibrant riverside university town with a 1000 year history and the 2nd largest historical centre in the Czech Republic. Olomouc’s rich collection of historical architecture includes the UNESCO-listed column of the Holy Trinity, six stone baroque fountains, several churches and the renaissance town hall with a 15metre high astronomical clock. Bouzov and Helfštýn castles are nearby.

Holy Trinity Column

The baroque Holy Trinity Column was built in the early 1700's and consecrated by the Empress Marie Theresa in 1754. With a height of 35 metres, it has dominated the Upper Square (Horní náměstí) ever since and was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage in the year 2000. The column features sculptures of the Holy Trinity (predictably), the assumption of the Virgin Mary, all twelve apostles, three virtues and the most important saints of the Baroque period. The base of the column contains a small chapel with amazing acoustics and the raised pedestal is a very nice place to sit and eat lunch. It is one of the traditional rendezvous points in the city.

Olomouc Town Hall

The renaissance Olomouc Town Hall occupies the centre of the main square (Horní náměstí). Its halls and chapel are accessible on guided tours and it's possible to climb the tower each day at 11AM and 3PM. The ground floor of the town hall houses a gallery, restaurant and the tourist information office. Ask in the office if you are interested in the guided tour and climbing the tower. On the north face is one of only two astronomical clocks in the country. On the west side, there is the Hygieia fountain from 1945, one of the many fountains in the city.

Astronomical clock

The Astronomical clock was constructed in the 15th Century, but takes its present appearance from the 1950's, during a refurbishment to repair damage inflicted in WWII. Czechoslovakia was under Communist rule by then and the clock reflects the values of the day, the saints and angels being replaced by scientists, sportspeople and labourers. There is one other astronomical clock in the Czech lands (in the other ancient capital, Prague), but as a surviving example of Socialist-Realism, the Olomouc Astronomical clock is unique world-wide. It is another popular rendezvous point in the city.

Caesar's Fountain

The baroque Caesar's Fountain is the largest fountain in Olomouc. It depicts the legendary founder of the city, Gaius Julius Caesar, riding a horse. It is one of the six great baroque Roman-themed fountains you can find in the city.

Hercules' Fountain

The baroque Hercules' Fountain depicts Hercules fighting Hydra. Another from the series of the six great baroque Roman-themed fountains you can find in the city.

Arion's Fountaindepicts

The modern Arion's Fountaindepicts the legend of a poet thrown overboard and saved by a dolphin. It was specially designed to allow easy access to the water and is a favourite among children.

model of the city

The bronze model of the city.

St. Wenceslas Cathedral

A thousand-year-old cathedral, dominates the city’s skyline with the tallest spire in Moravia, (second tallest in the Czech Republic) Pope John Paul II and Mother Tereza have both visited the cathedral and the holy relics of Saint Jan Sarkander are interred within.

St. Moritz church

A beautifully preserved gothic church dating from 1398. One of its highlights is the massive Engler organ, one of the largest in Europe. The organ is the focus of the international music festival in September/October and the Christmas Music festival every year. The tower of the church offers a magnificent 360 degree view over the city and countryside and is accessed via a graceful double-spiral staircase.

St. Michael's church

St. Michael's church appears quite plain from the outside. Upon entering, however, most first time visitors find their breath stolen away. Inside is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Central Europe. One notable feature is a painting of an apparently pregnant Virgin Mary, quite rare in a catholic church. It’s also possible to enter the old monastery attached to the side of the church and climb its bell tower.

Bezručovy Sady

A lovely park that runs between the massive Fortress walls and the Mill channel, providing a great place to stroll and relax, also nice views of the University and St. Michael's Church

Basilica Minor on the Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček)

This is one of the most popular pilgrimage churches in Central Europe, and was honoured by Pope John Paul II. The best way to reach it is to take the bus 11 to Svatý Kopeček from stand 'E' in front of the railway station.

The University

The University is spread throughout the city, but the most interesting parts to visitors are between the main square and St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral. The fine arts faculty has a sunny terrace courtyard with a café and views over the city walls from above. Also notable is the law campus on 17th. November Ave. which was formerly the headquarters of the Communist party.

Baroque Fountains

The city’s impeccable series of six stone baroque fountains are all within easy walking distance of the Main Square. They are based on Roman themes, and depict Neptune, Jupiter (both on Dolní náměstí), Mercury (near the Prior store), Triton (on Náměstí republiky), Hercules, and the legendary founder of Olomouc, Julius Caesar (both on Horní náměstí, the main square). There are also two more baroque fountains that were damaged and lost their central statues, Saturn fountain in the Hradisko monastery and Dolphin fountain near the Virgin Mary church. The missing statue of a child with a dolphin on the latter fountain was replaced a with lion head.

Modern fountains

There are also several remarkable modern fountains in Olomouc. The Arion fountain in the main square (Horní náměstí) depicts the legend of a poet thrown overboard and saved by a dolphin. It was specially designed to allow easy access to the water and is a favourite among children. Hygieia fountain can be found nearby in the west wall of the Town Hall. Bronze Living Water fountaincan be found next to the Chapel of St. Sarkander. There are also two fountains located near the Main Railway Station, one of which ‘dances’ along to recorded classical music.

The Archbishops’ palace

The Archbishops’ palace on Wurmova Ulice is open to the public just one day per week. It was in this building on 2 December 1848, that [Franz Joseph] acceded to the throne of the [Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg Empire].

Hradisko Monastery

The oldest in Moravia and its location on the banks of the Morava river, just upstream from the orthodox church, make it a pleasant 20-minute walk from the cathedral end of town. The monastery building has belonged to the military since the monastic order was banned by [Emperor Joseph II] in [1784]. It is now used as a hospital and is open to the public for sightseeing only on Thursdays.

Český Krumlov: Beautiful old town in South Bohemia with the country's second biggest chateau.

Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau

The Český Krumlov castle complex is the most-visited site in town. You can walk through the castle complex for free, or you can pay for either a guided tour of the interiors and the unique Castle Baroque Theater or pay a small entrance fee to walk up to the top of the castle tower. Plan at least two hours for your visit, and buy supplies for a picnic lunch in the castle gardens at the grocery across the ulice from the castle entrance on Latrán. The best approach to the castle is from Latrán. Walk through the red iron gates to the first castle courtyard that houses the Unios Tourist Information center, public washrooms, a souvenir shop, Doxa Galerie, and in the summer months, a tropically inspired mixed drink stand serving up mojitos, caprinhas, and daquiris. As you approach the castle, you cross the Bear Moat, where the famous Krumlov bears gambol about lazily. Put a few coins in the slot to help keep them fat and happy. The second castle courtyard features the entrance to the castle tower (50 Kc). After slogging up the vertiginous staircase, you are treated to a 360-degree view of the town. Here is also a small fountain, and the main ticket office where you can book scheduled tours of the interior to the castle and the one-of-a-kind Baroque Theatre. The restaurant Maselnice, across from the ticket office, is a good place to stop for refreshment. Tours of the castle interior begin in the third castle courtyard, where you will find another souvenir store and the entrance to the Wenceslas Cellars (60 crowns), which now houses modern ceramic art pieces. Plaštovy Most, or the “Cloaked Bridge” is covered by a walkway that leads from the Castle to the Baroque Theatre, and affords another sweeping view of the town. Continue to walk uphill and you will find the entrance to the monumental castle gardens. A newly restored fountain, maze of hedgerows, a revolving theatre and a Medieval-style restaurant, Marketa beckon. At the far end of the castle gardens, you’ll find a lush duck pond, situated in a stand of moody, gnarled trees. This is the perfect picnic spot.

The old town

Český Krumlov is a jumble of 750 years of architectural design, and for this reason was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Part of the fun is to get lost in its maze of cobbled ulices, while the Vltava River rushes along from almost every direction, adding to the confusion. Walking the length of Latrán from Budějovická Gate to the town square, Náměstí Svornosti, up Horní and across the bridge to the Barbakán, will take about an hour if you’re interested in stopping and gawping at sites.

Kutná Hora: Historical town with famous St. Barbora cathedral, old silver mines and the Chapel of All Saints, which is decorated with thousands of human bones

Kostnice Ossuary

Zamecka 127. In 1278, Henry, the abbot of Sedlec was sent to the Holy Land. On returning, he brought soil from Golgotha and sprinkled it on the ground here. As a consequence, the burial ground was considered holy and became extremely popular. In 1511 a chapel was constructed to house the bones from abolished graves. The chapel is open to the public, and contains the bones of about 40000 people, arranged by František Rint in 1870. Rint's work includes an enormous chandelier including every bone in the body, and a crucifix style arrangement near the main altar. The ossuary is open 8am - 6pm (April - September), 9am - 12pm and 1pm - 5pm (October) and 9am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm (November - March). Closed on 24th December. Admission is 50 Kč adults and 30 Kč students. It will cost another 30 Kč if you wish to take photos and 60 Kč if you want to take video. Watch out for the very cranky attendants who close the place for an hour at mid-day.

Church of St. Barbara

The Church of Saint Barbara is located at the opposite end of the Kutná Hora's train station. If you wish to start your tour from there, you may want to get a taxi from the station to the Church and then walk your way around the town center.

Torture Museum

Italian Court. A hilariously inauthentic "museum" filled with the most amazing Engrish in the Western hemisphere. Anyone who enjoys movies so bad they're great will be fully satisfied. 50 crowns.

Hrádek

Czech museum of silver. Silver mines tours start here.

Silver Mines

Flooded in the middle ages, tours of the accessible portions of the mines are provided daily, except for Mondays (usual closing day for sights in the Czech Republic). The mines are closed in winter (November–March).

Italian Courtyard

Royal Mint and former Royal Residence.

Karlovy Vary aka "Carlsbad", historic (and biggest Czech) spa resort, especially popular with German and Russian tourist groups

Karlovy Vary is a picturesque spa town ("Karlovy Vary" or "Carlsbad" means "Karl's Bath"), featuring colorful and whimsical architecture. Simply walking the streets can be a treat.

The town, along with Prague, was the filming location of many scenes identified as being in Montenegro in the 2006 movie Casino Royale.

From different viewpoints of Carlsbad you can see the golden towers of St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church.

It is the jewel of this part of Karlovy Vary in Krále Jiřího Street, completed in 1897 and built in the typical Byzantine style, inspired by a church nearby Moscow.

The interior of the church is decorated with paintings and icons, gifts of wealthy Russian aristocrates. One of the decorations is a relief representing Russian Tsar "Peter the Great".

Pilsen (Plzeň): Home of the original Pilsner Urquell beer, and the largest city in West Bohemia

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral

The Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral was founded in the late 13th century, its tower (102.26 m / 335 ft) being the highest in the Czech Republic.

The Town Hall

This Renaissance masterpiece was built in 1554-1559, based on the designs of an Italian architect, Giovanni de Statia.

Historical underground network

A sophisticated system of cellars and tunnels of up to three levels under the whole Old Town area. It is accessible from the house in the street Perlová 4.

The Great Synagogue

The second largest synagogue in Europe and third largest in the world (after synagogues in Jerusalem and Budapest).

Pilsner Urquell Brewery

U Prazdroje 7,. Daily from 12:30PM. Founded in 1842, home to the Pilsner Urquell, the original Pilsener. Tour: 150 Kč.

Pilsen Zoo

Home to over one thousand species of animals in natural conditions without bars.

West Bohemian Museum (Kopeckeho sady 2)

Regular exhibitions

Ethnography Museum of the Pilsen Region

(nam. Republiky 13) - regular exhibitions

Brewery Museum (Veleslavinova 6)

History of brewing in Pilsen

Pilsen City Art Gallery

 (Dominikánská 2)

West Bohemian Art Gallery "Masné krámy"

 (Pražská 18)

Jiří Trnka Art Gallery

 (nám. Republiky 40)

Telč: A small South Moravian town with a perfectly preserved Renaissance town centre which is surrounded by shallow man made lakes. The town square is surrounded by an arched walkway and colourful two-storey renaissance houses. The chateau and Church of St James are open to the public and its possible to hire rowboats from the lakeside in the warmer months.

Historic Center

Beautiful coloured Renaissance houses, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site

Telc Palace

Town Gallery

The Tower of the Holy Spirit

The Tower of Holy Jacob