Published on: 4 June 2026
Czechia sits right in the heart of Central Europe, packing surprising layers of history into a compact country. Its capital, Prague, feels like an open-air museum of stone bridges and Gothic spires, yet the country's charm reaches far beyond the capital. Even on a short trip you can travel through architecture spanning the medieval to the Baroque and lose yourself in quiet small-town streets. In this guide we've gathered Prague's standout stops along with the fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov in the south, plus the practical notes Turkish travelers tend to ask about.
Spanning the Vltava River that splits Prague in two, Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. This pedestrian-only stone bridge is famous for the Baroque statues lining both sides. Towers at each end connect the Old Town with the Malá Strana (Lesser Town) district.
The bridge is busy throughout the day; street musicians, painters and portrait artists give it a character all its own. For a calmer experience and the beautiful light over the river, aim for early morning or sunset. The view toward the silhouette of Prague Castle is among the city's most photographed scenes.
Rising on the hill on the river's western bank, Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is often described as one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Within its walls it holds palaces, churches, small lanes and gardens across an enormous area. At its center, St. Vitus Cathedral is well worth seeing for its Gothic architecture and colorful stained glass.
Entry to the castle grounds is generally free, though there are ticketed routes covering the cathedral, the old palace and other sections. Since ticket types, current prices and opening hours can change from time to time, we recommend confirming details on the castle's official website before planning your visit. The steep streets up to the castle can be tiring, so comfortable shoes help.
This narrow lane inside the castle complex is known for its colorful little houses. Once home to craftsmen and guards, the cottages now host small exhibitions and shops. The lane is also often mentioned in connection with the writer Franz Kafka.
Considered the heart of Prague, the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) is a stop on nearly every traveler's route, surrounded by pastel facades, towers and a lively atmosphere. The twin spires of the Gothic Týn Church and the Old Town Hall stand out here.
Set into the town hall wall, the astronomical clock (Orloj) is a work of engineering and art that has survived from the medieval era. Crowds gather to watch the brief show it puts on every hour (the procession of the apostles). Since the display is short, it's worth finding a spot in front of the clock a few minutes early.
Czech cuisine is known for hearty, straightforward flavors. Goulash, various meat dishes and the steamed dough served alongside them, called knedlík (a kind of bread dumpling), are among the country's classics. On the sweet side, trdelník, a street pastry baked and coated in sugar, is popular with tourists; while it has regional roots, you'll find it on nearly every corner in Prague.
For travelers who pay attention to halal food, options do exist in Prague, but it's best to do up-to-date research before you go. Keep in mind that pork is common in Czech cuisine.
A few hours from Prague in southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov is a small town set within a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Its narrow cobbled streets, the castle looking down over the rooftops and its medieval fabric give a real sense of stepping back in time. The town's historic center, preserved as a whole, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Český Krumlov can be visited as a day trip from Prague, but spending a night is a lovely way to enjoy the quieter evening and early-morning hours when the crowds thin out. Bus and train connections are available; checking schedules in advance will make your trip easier.
Since Czechia is a Schengen country, Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for short visits. For application requirements and the documents needed, you can review our Czechia visa page and our Visa Regime Table, where you can see the situation by passport type.
If you'd like to plan this route between Prague's towers and Český Krumlov's narrow streets around your own calendar, let us stand by you through the visa process; feel free to get in touch whenever you're ready.