Czechia | ZHO Travel & Tourism

Cross Charles Bridge early in the morning before the crowds wake, and you hear the river and see the castle as the kings of Bohemia saw it.

The destination

About Czechia

Czechia is one of Europe's most beautiful historic destinations, joining old architecture with quiet countryside. It is known for narrow cobbled lanes, historic bridges and castles that seem to come from a storybook, for its world-famous spa towns, and for costs that are fair compared with western Europe.

Prague is the heart: its historic centre has been on the UNESCO list since 1992, with the castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. About two hours away is Karlovy Vary, the town of hot springs and colonnades and one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. In the south, Český Krumlov rises with its castle over a bend of the Vltava; in the east is Brno, the second city; and in the north, Bohemian Switzerland National Park with its sandstone rocks.

The best months are May to September, and December for the Christmas markets. Gulf travellers have a long history with Karlovy Vary, where Arab visitors are familiar and welcome. At ZHO we arrange the Schengen visa file, the hotels, a private driver and halal dining.

Best timeMay to September, and December for the Christmas markets

FlightAbout 5 h 30, with direct summer flights from Riyadh to Prague; one stop the rest of the year

VisaSchengen visa through VFS Global in Riyadh and Jeddah, decided by the Czech Embassy in Riyadh; since 2024 Saudi citizens may receive a 5-year multiple-entry visa on a first application, subject to conditions.

CurrencyCzech koruna (CZK)

LanguageCzech; English is understood in hotels and tourist areas

Time1 hour behind Saudi Arabia in summer, 2 hours in winter

Ideal stay5 to 8 nights

Ideal for

Family travel Honeymoons Travel with friends

Regions

Where to go

01 · City

Prague

Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock.

02 · City

Karlovy Vary

Czechia's most famous spa town, with hot mineral springs and colourful classical buildings.

03 · City

Český Krumlov

A historic town on the UNESCO list, wrapped by the river and crowned by a grand hilltop castle.

04 · City

Brno

Czechia's second largest city, joining a young energy with deep history and the famous Špilberk Castle.

05 · Region

Bohemian Switzerland

A national park in the north known for its unusual rock formations and green valleys made for walking.

Experiences

What to do

Prague Castle and Charles Bridge with a private guide Prague A day from the hilltop to the river: St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane, then down through Malá Strana to the bridge.Discover

A mineral spring fountain inside the Mill Colonnade, Karlovy Vary

A day of springs in Karlovy Vary Karlovy Vary A stroll between the colonnades and hot springs with the traditional porcelain cup, and a mineral-water treatment.Discover

The old town of Český Krumlov on the Vltava

Culture and heritage Český Krumlov Castle and old town A castle on the rock and a Renaissance town in a river bend. The loveliest small town in Czechia. Read more

The face of the Prague astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall

City and shopping The astronomical clock and Old Town Square A clock more than six centuries old whose figures move on the hour. Above it, a tower over the rooftops of Prague. Read more

The Pravčická brána, Europe's largest natural sandstone arch

Nature The Pravčická brána and the Edmund Gorge Europe's largest natural sandstone arch, then a quiet boat between walls of rock. Read more

Culture and heritage Kutná Hora, the silver town A town whose silver mines once made it Prague's rival. About an hour from the capital. Read more

Where to stay

Hotels and resorts we recommend

View all 3 stays

Prague Four Seasons Hotel Prague Historic palace Explore

The Augustine hotel in the former St Thomas monastery, Malá Strana

Prague Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague Historic palace Explore

Karlovy Vary Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary Historic palace Explore

Taste and addresses

Flavours and places to know

Czech food is hearty: meat in sauce with dumplings, and sweet pastries such as koláče. Many traditional dishes use pork, so order beef or chicken from a halal restaurant, found in Prague and Karlovy Vary.

To tasteTrdelníkTrdelník

To tasteKoláčeKoláče

Svíčková, beef in cream sauce with dumplings

To tasteSvíčkováSvíčková na smetaně

To tasteBramborákyBramboráky

Pařížská street in Prague's Old Town, decorated for Christmas

Shopping · Prague Pařížská street Prague's luxury fashion street, from Old Town Square to the Vltava. Read more

The entrance of the Palladium shopping centre in Prague

Shopping · Prague Palladium shopping centre The largest shopping centre in central Prague, on Republic Square. Read more

The neoclassical Mill Colonnade in Karlovy Vary

Landmark · Karlovy Vary The Mill Colonnade The largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary, with more than a hundred classical columns and several springs. Read more

Questions

Before you go

Do I need a visa for Czechia?

Yes: a Schengen visa through VFS Global in Riyadh and Jeddah, or directly at the Czech Embassy in Riyadh by appointment; the embassy decides. Since 2024 Saudi citizens may receive a 5-year multiple-entry visa on a first application if they meet the conditions. Our team prepares your file and books the appointment.

When is the best time to visit Czechia?

May to September for mild weather and long days, and December for Prague's Christmas markets. Karlovy Vary is good all year.

Is halal food available in Czechia?

Yes in Prague, with halal Turkish, Arab and Indian restaurants, and in Karlovy Vary, long used to Arab visitors. Small towns have fewer options, so we ask your hotel for halal meals in advance.

Where can I pray in Czechia?

Prague and Brno have mosques and Islamic centres; Brno's was the first mosque built in the country. Many hotels provide the qibla direction and a prayer mat on request.

How do I get around Czechia?

Prague is best on foot and by tram. Between towns we arrange a private car with a driver: Karlovy Vary is about two hours away, Český Krumlov about three and Brno about two and a half.

What is the currency, and is the euro accepted?

The Czech koruna. Some large shops accept euros at a weaker rate, so it is better to pay by card in koruna; avoid street exchange offices in tourist areas and use bank cash machines.

Is Czechia safe for families?

Czechia is one of Europe's safer destinations. Just watch for pickpockets on Charles Bridge, in Old Town Square and on crowded trams, and use app-based taxis or those booked by your hotel.

Czechia, the city of a hundred spires and the spa towns