Prague looks like a movie set. The Old Town Square has colorful baroque buildings, the Astronomical Clock (which puts on a show every hour), and the Gothic Týn Church. Walk across Charles Bridge at sunrise to avoid the crowds. Climb up to Prague Castle (the largest ancient castle complex in the world) for views over the red rooftops. Wander through the Jewish Quarter and visit the synagogues and old cemetery. Get lost in the narrow streets of Malá Strana (Lesser Town).

Prague has been "discovered," so summer is packed with tourists, stag parties, and crowds. But if you go early in the morning or visit in shoulder season (spring or fall), you'll still find quiet corners and beautiful moments.

Český Krumlov is a small medieval town in southern Bohemia that looks like it hasn't changed in 500 years. Winding streets, a castle on a hill, and the Vltava River wrapping around the old town. It's a UNESCO site and gets crowded in summer, but it's still worth a day trip or overnight stay.

Karlovy Vary is a spa town in western Bohemia known for its hot springs and grand hotels. People come here to "take the waters" (drink from the mineral springs). It's fancy, historic, and a completely different vibe from Prague.

Pilsen (Plzeň) is the birthplace of Pilsner beer. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery offers tours where you can see how the beer is made and taste it fresh from the barrel. If you like beer, this is a pilgrimage site.

The beer in the Czech Republic is world-class and ridiculously cheap. Pilsner Urquell, Budvar (the original Budweiser), and countless local brews. A pint costs about $2-3. Beer halls and pubs are social hubs.

The food is heavy and hearty. Goulash (beef stew), svíčková (beef with creamy sauce and dumplings), trdelník (a sweet pastry sold everywhere in Prague, though locals will tell you it's a tourist thing). Portions are huge. If you're vegetarian, you'll struggle a bit, but Prague has more options than the countryside.

The people are reserved and direct. Don't expect over-the-top friendliness, but they're helpful if you ask. English is widely spoken in Prague, less so in smaller towns.

Getting around is easy. Prague has an excellent metro, tram, and bus system. Trains connect Prague to other major cities (Brno, Olomouc, Karlovy Vary). Buses (like FlixBus and RegioJet) are cheap and comfortable. If you want to explore the countryside, rent a car.

The Czech Republic is affordable. Hostels in Prague run $15-25/night. A meal at a restaurant is $8-12. A pint of beer is $2-3. Outside Prague, it's even cheaper.

When to go: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and prices are lower. Summer (June-August) is warm and lively but packed with tourists. Winter (November-March) is cold and gray, but Christmas markets in Prague are magical.

Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, and the rest of the Czech Republic has castles, spa towns, and beer culture that most tourists miss.