Not just castles and beer! Discover Europe's most underrated country

This blog follows my travels round the Czech Republic as I research the updated Bradt Guide to Czechia, to be published in 2027.

Beer and castles are indeed a prominent feature of Czechia. Most evenings that I'm here, I'll finish the day with a glass or two of beer over dinner in a pub somewhere. Traditional Czech food is hearty stuff (meat, gravy, dumplings) though lighter and more modern takes are widely available now. The beer, meanwhile, is not only excellent quality but very reasonably priced, usually, at around 60czk (under €2) for 50cl. And castles are, well, everywhere.

But there's a lot more to Czech culture and life, and plenty more things to see. I'll add to this list as I go...

Clocks Prague's astronomical clock famous, but Brno has a bizarre alternative

Bones There are many ossuaries around the country where you can see (yes, real) bones piled up into sculptures, such as at Brno and Kolín

Ice Hockey Seeing a match of Czech's 'other sport' (aside from football) is a family affair and very exciting

Music Classical composers such as Smetana are celebrated in excellent, lively museums and festivals