And did we mention it’s still very affordable? Even with prices rising in recent years, a visit to this central European country will allow you to experience a slice of Europe on the cheap, especially if you follow our advice in this budget travel guide.

More travel advice:
• How to save on your hotel reservations in Prague
• 3 Great budget destinations beyond Prague
• 5 “Off the beaten path” Bohemian gems

Budget travel tips for the Czech Republic

Here’s how to visit the Czech Republic like a true Cheapo.

Getting to and around the Czech Republic

There are a number of low budget airlines that fly into Prague from all around Europe. Additionally, you can take advantage of its central location and catch a bus or a train within a few hours from Munich, Berlin, Vienna, or Bratislava.

Search for flights with CheapoSearch

Once you’re in Prague, you can enjoy unbelievably cheap train fares on Czech Railways to get from place to place, usually on time and in comfortable environs. You can also use a budget bus line like Flix to explore the Czech Rebuplic. The roads are modern and the railway links are excellent.

Renting a car

Should you wish to rent a car for your voyage, it can be a great way to experience the smaller towns and castles you’ll encounter along the way. With car rentals, you can expect any highway tolls to be prepaid and petrol costs are similar rates to neighboring countries.

Related: Find cheap rental cars in the Czech Republic

Golden Star House in Prague is just one example of enchanting budget hotels in the Czech Republic. Photo: Booking.com

Budget hotels in the Czech Republic

Although not as quite as cheap as they used to be, hotels in the Czech Republic are still an incredible bargain, especially when compared to other major European destinations.

Search more than 13,000 properties in the Czech Republic

Since you’ll probably be starting or ending your Czech adventure in Prague, make sure to reserve your room early. A  hotel in a central location can still be found for under $50 per night. Looking for some suggestions? Stay at one of our favorite budget hotels in Prague.

Exploring the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic features several beautiful and fascinating destinations which have something to offer to just about everybody. Whether you want to be an urban explorer in the historic city of Prague, wander the verdant green countryside that populates most of the country, or get a taste of life as it was in its preserved renaissance era towns and castles, you’ll find a ton of things to do.

Here are a few of our favorite suggestions of places to visit which cover the highlights of the country for most travelers:

Prague

The unforgettable, unmissable, Golden City. This is a place that most travelers fall in love with at first sight and will come back to visit again and again. It’s difficult to know where to start with Prague as there is so much to see, so you might want to take a look at our Prague city guide to help you along.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, we recommend that you take your first steps in the official center point of the city at Old Town Square (Stare Mesto) and just pick a direction and walk. You are bound to discover your own route which features amazing historical architecture, great old style pubs, and wonderful museums.

Brno

Not often visited by travelers in the past, this second city of the Czech Republic is gaining a reputation as a necessary stopover between Prague and its neighboring capital cities such as Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Combining a revitalized downtown full of stunning squares and churches, and a hot new culinary scene, as well as an authentic culture that holds onto its roots as a hard-partying student city, it can be a great experience to spend a couple days here.

As an added bonus, Brno is nearby the Moravian wine country, an area that offers gorgeous nature and cheap, tasty wine in a friendly locale.

Read more in our budget travel guide to Brno.

The quaint streets of Karlovy Vary. Photo: Kristof

Karlovy Vary

This opulent, picturesque spa town set in the country’s northwestern border near Germany goes back to the year 1370 when the King of Bohemia discovered its hot mineral springs and decided to build a royal settlement. Now eight centuries later, Karlovy Vary is still a top destination thanks to its beautiful spas as well as its stunning historical town center full of restaurants, cafes, and parks. For movie buffs, there is an annual film festival each summer which screens dozens of movies and plays host to several Hollywood stars, with a one day pass costing only 250kc (about $12).

Accommodations: Search more than 450 hotels in Karlovy Vary

Cesky Krumlov

The magical fairytale city of Cesky Krumlov is a highlight for many visitors.  This Renaissance-era town is comprised of a castle on the hill, red roof tiles, narrow cobblestoned streets, tiny cafes and restaurants that capture the spirit of the country’s old life. As an added bonus the old town is encircled by a river which shoots out to the nearby forest, giving you the opportunity to rent a canoe and float through the natural beauty of the region for a few hours, stopping for beer and grilled food at riverside restaurants along the way. What’s not to like about that?

Accommodations: Find your hotel in Cesky Krumlov with 200+ options

Cesky Raj

For those in search of the beauty of the great outdoors, Cesky Raj (translated into English as “Czech Paradise”) will give you what you want and more. Set in a forested nature preserve only 90 kilometers northeast of Prague, this area offers activities for outdoor adventurers such as hiking, cycling, rafting, and climbing. Stay in a guest house, private apartment, or go camping. Local prices are cheaper than what you’ll find in the cities and the natural scenery is as good as it gets.

A typical Czech dish at lunchtime. With beer, of course! Photo: Reed

Cheap eats in the Czech Republic

Order the set lunch menu

One of the great values to be found in all of Europe is lunchtime in the Czech Republic. Nearly every restaurant offers a set menu Monday through Friday. Typically costing between 100-140kc ($5-7), this deal is a super affordable price for lunchtime workers. And yes, it’s a very generous portion of food for the money.

When in Prague you can choose pretty much any cuisine you want — classic Czech dishes, Vietnamese, Mexican, burgers, Indian, or vegetarian. You’ll eat cheap and very well!

Visit local taverns

Hit up a neighborhood pub and you’ll be eating authentic food made for the tastes and budgets of locals. Expect an unadorned, heaping portion of roast pork, goulash, or fried schnitzel, accompanied by a mountain of potatoes or dumplings. Total cost? No more than $5-6 per person!

During your stay in Prague, follow these tips to save on your restaurant bill.

Shop at farmers markets

In the cities throughout the country you can expect to find a farmers market operating at least once per week, but in Prague, they happen nearly every day. At these markets, you’ll find tons of fresh produce along with food stands offering cheap and tasty burgers, sausages, soups, and cakes. Grab a few items, find a comfortable park bench and enjoy a picnic!

Sip Czech beer

It wouldn’t be right to not give beer its own section in this budget guide. Czech beer is not only one of the best in the world, it’s also one of the cheapest. For 40kc ($2) or less, you can get a beer at nearly any tavern or restaurant in the city and enjoy the flavor and quality that makes it the favorite beverage in the nation. And did we mention the amazing beer gardens in Prague?

Start with the undisputed king of Czech beer (Pilsner Urquell) and then sample the other local brands to find the one which suits you best. You pretty much can’t go wrong with any choice you make. Before you drink just don’t forget to clink glasses with your neighbors, offer a hearty “Ahoj!”, and touch the table with your glass before swilling it down.

Try to squeeze in a visit to Pilsen, famous for its “Pilsner” beer. For the perfect souvenir, bring home a Czech beer coaster.

More budget tips for the Czech Republic

For even more ideas, you can browse our blog posts on the Czech Republic and Prague. How do you save money when you’re visiting Prague and beyond? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Czech Republic travel tips for Cheapos appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Brno is a city that many travelers don’t know much about beyond seeing it as a name on the map somewhere between Prague and Vienna.

But this city, the second biggest in the Czech Republic, has its own unique charms. With a beautiful Gothic cathedral, quaint cobblestoned squares, and a fun dining scene, it’s a destination you are likely to be pleasantly surprised by.

More reading about the Czech Republic:

• A Budget travel guide to Prague
• Czech destinations beyond Prague
• Our favorite budget hotels in Prague

Budget travel guide to Brno, Czech Republic

To help you get the most of your stay in Brno, we’ve gathered together the following tips to help you save on everything from hotels to dining out.

Getting there

By plane

Served by several low budget airlines, the international airport in Brno can be a great way to start a trip to the region. It’s located only 7.5 kilometers from the city center which makes it an easy taxi ride to get to your hotel.

As with most central European countries, it’s not advised to ever take a taxi that you’ve not ordered in advance, as there is a good chance that you will be overcharged. Be careful.

Savings tip: Take the public bus from the airport to the city center. With a ticket that only costs 25kc (about $1.20) and a trip that only takes 20 minutes, it’s an easy way to save.

Arriving by train or bus

Arriving by bus will take you to the Brno AS Bus Station, which is served by major international bus companies such as Flixbus. This station is only a few minutes walk to the city center. Similarly, the main train station, Brno Hlavni Nadrazi, drops you right in the city center for your convenience.

By car

If you rent a car and plan to incorporate Brno into your itinerary, you can get there in less than 90 minutes from Vienna and Bratislava and less than two hours from Prague.

Getting around Brno

The city is comfortably compact, making it easy to explore by foot. You ought to be able to see most of the sights and explore the Old Town center in less than a day, including a stop for lunch.

Public transport tips

Should you wish to use Brno’s public transport system, a ticket costs only 10kc (about $.50).

Be sure to buy your ticket in advance from an automatic ticket dispenser or from a convenience store. Once on the bus or tram, look for the ticket validating machine to punch your ticket.

There is a chance your ticket will be inspected by a public transport official, who will identify themselves with a badge. If you get caught without a validated ticket, the fine is €40.

The Brno City Hall tower in the fog. Photo: Roman

Things to do in Brno

This relatively small city packs in a surprising number of attractions. Whether appreciating the beautiful architecture in the city center, touring the 600-year old Cathedral, or enjoying a hearty meal in a medieval tavern, you’ll find plenty of fun stuff to see and do.

Old Town

Brno has a wonderfully preserved old town center that dazzles the eye. Mostly comprised of an eclectic mix of architecture that includes Baroque, Communist-era Functionalist, as well as more modern styles, you can’t help but be aware of the city’s legacy all around you.

Through most of the city center, you’ll find your way walking through old squares and narrow alleyways that harken back to life from hundreds of years ago. Don’t miss Stara Radnice (the Old City Hall) with its 63-meter tall tower, the classic Moravske Namesti (Moravian Square), and Zelnak (the vegetable market), a quaint square where you can still find local farmers selling fruits, veggies and artisanal products.

Freedom Square

Namesti Svobody, or Freedom Square, is the main square in Brno, and the place where you can really feel the heartbeat of the city. This is the official location for most major city-sponsored events that take place throughout the year, including the Christmas and Easter Markets. You’ll also be able to find many restaurants and cafes where you can sit down and grab a meal while observing local culture in action.

Cathedral with free admission

That huge, ominous, dual-spired church that can be seen off in the distance is none other than the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. It’s history dates back to the 11th century, but as with most churches in Europe, war and stylistic upgrades have led it to be constructed and re-constructed, again and again, leading it to its current state in the dramatic gothic style. Admission is free, which makes it the ultimate budget attraction.

Museums and parks

Brno is home to the oldest city park in the Czech Republic dating to the year 1786 — the beautiful and vast Luzanky Park. Inside you’ll be able to explore more than 22 hectares of grassy fields, streams, statues, sculptures, and a Viennese designed pavilion from 1885 created for hosting balls and concerts. To get there from the city center, it is only a 15-minute walk or a couple stops on the tram.

A must-see in Brno is the Spilberk Castle has a long and incredible history with walls that date back more than 800 years. Used as a residence of Moravian royalty, an empirical military fortress, and a brutally harsh prison for dissenters, it has countless stories to tell. With an admission price of only 90kc (about  $4.50), it’s a great option for budget travelers.

The Spilberk Castle also houses the Brno City Museum. Here you can enjoy fantastic exhibits that cover both the history of the city and the history of the castle. Other exhibits worth looking at include the Brno Architecture exposition, an art gallery that explores the trends of renaissance art to the modern day, and an 18th-century Baroque pharmacy. Tickets cost 150kc (about $7.50) per person.

The best views

Climb up to Spilberk Castle to catch a gorgeous view of the city and the surrounding countryside. If you want to get up higher and are willing to pay for an even better panorama, you can go to the castle’s View Tower (50kc or $2.50).

Free walking tours

There are several paid tours in the city but budget travelers can take advantage of the free tours offered by Brno Free Walking Tour or MyTourBrno. These are seasonal tours, so contact them in advance to make sure they are operating while you are in town.

Cheap eats in Brno

Czech food is pretty similar to the classic cuisines of the central European region. Expect to get a heavy dose of roasted meat, dumplings, and a touch of pickled vegetables on most dishes you order. It’s stick-to-your-ribs delicious, but you may need some alternatives if staying for more than a day or two.

Here are some of our local favorites, both traditional and international, in Brno to eat well for less:

Pegas

What could be more Czech than eating huge plates of meat and drinking delicious homemade beer in a 14th-century tavern in the historic center? For under $10 per dish, Pegas (Jakubska 4) offers all of the classics including beef goulash, roast pork with cabbage, and Svickova (beef tenderloin in a sweet creamy sauce) with dumplings. For the cost of under $2 per half-liter, you can enjoy four different kinds of craft beer that they make on premises.

Stay at Hotel Pegas Brno to be just upstairs from this authentic restaurant. You want have far to go after a few liters of beer!

Pivovarska Starobrno

Come to Pivovarska Starobrno (Mendlovo Namesti 20), one of Brno’s biggest and most famous breweries, and stay for the fun beer garden setting. For about $10 or less, you can get a fried chicken schnitzel, enjoy a roast chicken supreme with potatoes au gratin, or get a bowl of warming cabbage soup with bacon, sausage, and potatoes for a mere $2.50. It doesn’t need to be said to try a half-liter of the fresh, unfiltered beer for only $2.25.

Vegalite

Hidden amongst the restaurants in Brno focused on carnivorous cuisine is this gem of a vegetarian eatery. Well priced with plates such as veggie lasagna, Asian stir-fry, and the classic fried cheese, Vegalite (Slovákova 10) is a miracle find for vegetarians. The best part is that the prices are incredibly low, with average costs coming in at between $5-7 for per plate.

Affordable Nightlife

Brno is the student capital of the Czech Republic, which can only mean that there are tons of affordable bars and fun-loving people to enjoy a night out with.

To help you get started, we’ve listed a few places to enjoy a night on the town:

Vycep Na Stojaka

Set right at Jakubse Namesti (Jacob’s Square), in the heart of Brno’s most happening nightlife area, Vycep na Stojaka (Behounská 16) is a beer lover’s paradise. Offering numerous microbrews on tap at Czech prices, you are certain to sample more than your fair share by the time you leave. Just don’t plan on staying too long because the bar is completely without chairs (hence the word stojaka, or “standing”, in the name of the bar). If you get hungry, you can try the homemade sausage.

U Alberta

U Alberta (Pellicova 10) is the beer connoisseur’s bar of choice. With a wide variety of ever-changing locally-produced beers, a charming and low key atmosphere, and a location in the green area underneath Spilberk Castle, it’s a great place to enjoy a few glasses and have a chat with some friendly locals.

Charlie’s Hat

A high-spirited underground pub, Charlie’s Hat (Pod Horkou 94) is where you can pull up a chair to the bar and find friendly folks ready to chat or go dancing if the mood strikes you. Try the Czech made Bernard beer on tap ($2.50 per .5L) or a Mojito ($4.50).

Metro Music Bar

Metro (Poštovská 6) is a cool local music club that offers an excellent variety of eclectic music styles depending on the night. With live blues, jazz, rock, gypsy, or DJs, this is a great spot for listening or dancing without spending more than a few dollars for cover charge on most evenings.

Hotel Royal RICC is an affordable splurge oozing with old-school Czech style.

Cheap hotels in Brno

There are lots of hotels in the Old Town area around Freedom Square, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a good night’s sleep for a good price. Here are a few of our favorite options below.

Search more than 300 hotels in Brno.

Around $100

Hotel Omega Brno is a nice option for budget travelers with low rates, free breakfast, and an underground parking garage. Sono Hotel offers surprisingly affordable rooms for such a grand building and breakfast is included in the rate.

Affordable splurges

If you want to enjoy a little of the old-world charm that the Czech Republic is famous for. You might want to spend a little more on your hotel in Brno. Grandhotel Brno is a lovely choice in the heart of the city that has been welcoming guests for more than 140 years. Nestled in Old Town, Hotel Royal RICC is where you can find a romantic Czech atmosphere in beautiful rooms with elaborate ceilings and stained glass windows. They’ll even greet you with a glass of Champagne on your arrival!

Headed to Prague before or after your Brno visit? Check into one of our favorite Prague budget hotels.

Your Brno tips

Have you been to Brno? Tell us your best tips for visiting in the comments section below.

The post Czech Republic: A Budget travel guide to Brno appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Ceské Budejovice

German name: Budweis

First, let’s get one thing straight: It’d be a sin to confuse Ceské Budejovice’s famous beverage with American Bud “beer.” This city is home to Budweiser Budvar, the globally exported lager. This is the one and only, and you’ll be schooled on the pedigree.

Meanwhile, the city’s historical, hectare-wide main square is a lively scene with tall townhouses, fun bars, and good restaurants.

Fine-dining doesn’t get more budget-friendly than in Restaurace U Solne brany. You’ll find it right off the historical center. To give you an idea, my full-course dinner feast:

• Starter of exquisite venison terrine with cranberries and quail egg (€3.15);
• Main Course: roasted pork Ttenderloin with seasonal mushroom ragout and mushroom truffle cream (€7.77);
• Dessert for €2.59.
• Grand total of just over €13, all the while being serenaded by a live jazz pianist!

What to do

Take a tour of the Budvar Brewery. Check out the mini-museum, complete with films and historical info. Plus, you can experience their take on all the legal clashes surrounding their fight for their name against you-know-who. During the guided tour, peek in at the brewing and bottling process — after sampling a free taste, of course!

Regular guided tours take place at 2 pm every weekday and cost €4 per adult. We took our two kids along; they were mesmerized with all the big bottling machinery!

Stay

Luxury apartments for the price of a budget hotel! Residence U Cerné veže (Cerne Veze 13, Ceske Budejovice 370 01, Czech Republic). Family or party-sized, furnished pads with a breakfast buffet from €60 per night.

Search all hotels in Ceské Budejovice

Getting there

Trains from Prague run every hour; tickets cost about €6 per person. The journey is roughly 2 ½ hours.

More affordable Czech destinations

Ceské Budejovice is just one stop on our tour of budget-friendly Czech destinations. These also include:

• Plzen
• Františkovy Lázne

Also going to Prague?

Be sure to check out our recommended budget hotels in Prague, and our articles on how to save when visiting the city.

The post Budget guide to Ceské Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Františkovy Lázne

German Name: Franzensbad

Much smaller than Pilsen, but known for its equal charm. Františkovy Lázne has been a wellness holiday destination for centuries. Goethe himself described it as “heaven on earth,” and it was the setting for Milan Kundera’s novel, “The Farewell Party.” At the height of its popularity, Beethoven and Johann Strauss visited, no doubt taking a dip in one of its 20+ mineral springs and going for mud baths.

It’s still got wellness hotels and traditional treatments, although Thai massage spas have since moved in. And here, too, the price is right.

What to Do

Walk around the town parks or take a relaxing spa trip. A half-day pass to the Aquaforum for two adults and two kids costs only €18!

Penzion U Namornika on the on the outskirts of Františkovy Lázne. Photo: Booking.com

Stay

Penzion U Námorníka
Družstevní 203/5 a 202/7, Františkovy Lázne, 351 01
Doubles from $43

This three-star pension is perfect for families, with its large outdoor garden and playground (complete with pirate ship!). A shared kitchen and low rates only sweeten the deal.

Search all hotels in Františkovy Lázne

Getting there

Františkovy Lázne is mere steps from the eastern German border. A direct train ride from Prague is just over 2 hours long.

More affordable Czech destinations

Františkovy Lázne is just one stop on our tour of budget-friendly Czech destinations. These also include:

• Plzen (German Name: Pilsen)
• Ceské Budejovice (German name: Budweis)

Also going to Prague?

Be sure to check out our recommended budget hotels in Prague, and our articles on how to save when visiting the city.

The post Budget guide to Františkovy Lázne (Franzensbad), Czech Republic appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Pilsen

Local name: Plzen

“The government that raises the price of beer will fall,” the old Czech saying goes.

Named the EU Cultural Capital for 2015, Pilsen is best known for, what else, Pilsener (or “Pilsner”) beer. Back in the 1200’s, the townspeople were allowed to brew and sell beer right in their homes. (Remember Good King Wenceslas?)

Today, the city’s draw is still its old local taverns. There, you can taste the distinct and flavorful Pilsner Urquell and follow a “beer trail” to find out how traditional secrets were guarded through many generations.

What to Do

Eat. Drink by the pitcher. Try the beer spa of Purkmistr brewery which takes groups up to 16 for a fun experience of massages and sauna. Skeptical whether hops and yeast can actually have a healing or cleansing effect on your skin? There’s only one way to find out. (Beer baths from €27.)

The Hotel Rango, Pilsen Photo: Booking.com

Stay

The Hotel Rango is a lovely three-star family-run property located in the historical center of Pilsen (literally less than a minute from the city’s main square). Its location alone makes it an easy walk home at night…

Doubles from $56 a night

Search all budget hotels available in Pilsen

Getting there

From Prague Airport, 90 km/50 minutes by car. There’s also a direct bus trip from Prague. Check schedules at www.idos.cz. Trains from Prague leave to Pilsen every hour.

More affordable Czech destinations

Pilsen is just one stop on our tour of budget-friendly Czech destinations. These also include:

• Františkovy Lázne (German Name: Franzensbad)
• Ceské Budejovice (German name: Budweis)

Also going to Prague?

Be sure to check out our recommended budget hotels in Prague, and our articles on how to save when visiting the city.

The post A budget guide to Pilsen (Plzen), Czech Republic appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

“Everything in Czech Republic is heavy!” came the curt reply.

And so I gave in, succumbing to giant portions of crispy roast duck with plump Knedliky dumplings. And afterwards, palacinky — sugary, stuffed crepes. There was beer, beer, and more beer. It was all delicious.

When the bill for dinner came round, I nearly fell off my chair: €22 for all that — for all of us? Surely, they had made a mistake!

Czech please! A budget traveler’s dream

But no, this was Western Bohemia, a budget traveler’s dream. After Budweisers at the amber-lit Budweiser city square, we went bar-hopping and food-tripping. We toured small spa towns with their preserved architecture. We swam in thermal pools for a third of the price of what they charged across the border in Germany.

The next day, we booked our luxury apartment an extra night. As a couple with two kids, the €60 price tag was too enticing to go home. It was smack in the historical center, had two bathrooms, two bedrooms, kitchen, and lounge. Even a breakfast buffet was included.

While most visitors head to Prague, budget travelers will also have a blast in these three cities. Here, culture doesn’t just “come alive” — it’s been around for hundreds of years. And so has the delicious, legendary beer.

Our tour of the Czech Republic outside Prague

Here are three destinations beyond Prague in the Czech Republic that should definitely be on every budget traveler’s shortlist:

1. Pilsen

2. Františkovy Lázne

3. Ceské Budejovice

Also going to Prague?

Be sure to check out our recommended budget hotels in Prague, and our articles on how to save when visiting the city.

The post Czech Republic: 3 Great budget destinations beyond Prague appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Claim to fame: Karlovy Vary

The famous Czech spa at Karlovy Vary (often styled as Carlsbad or Karlsbad in older travel literature) traces its origins back to the 14th century, and the curative properties of the thermal springs have underpinned a healthy spa trade ever since. Peter the Great twice came to Karlovy Vary (in 1711 and 1712), and a steady stream of Romanovs and other well-connected Russians followed in his wake. Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna of Russia visited no less than seven times.

Royal backing

A handful of spa communities claim to predate Karlovy Vary. One of the most interesting is Bardejovské Kúpele which lies in the hills of northern Slovakia. It was by all accounts commended by the Hungarian royals as early as the mid-13th century. Bardejovské Kúpele has pulled its share of titled visitors too, even including a Russian czar. Alexander I visited in 1821, taking time out to consult local doctors over his health. The spa at Bardejov was in the premier league of European spas in the 18th and 19th centuries, regularly attracting clients from the most distinguished families of Poland and Hungary.

The Hotel Ozon at Bardejovské Kúpele where wine is cheaper than water. Photo: © hidden europe

Staying at Bardejovské Kúpele

Today Bardejovské Kúpele has slipped slightly below the horizon, although its merits are still very much recognised among the Slovakian and Russian guests who make time for a cure at Bardejov. It has all the appeal of more celebrated spas (like that at Karlovy Vary), but without the crowds. We spent a weekend last month at Bardejovské Kúpele, and it was an excellent short break.

All traditional spas have an other-worldly quality, and Bardejovské Kúpele captures that to perfection. The classic spa town offers a retreat from the realities and stresses of everyday life, and the location of Bardejovské Kúpele assists in that quest. It is tucked away in a side valley that drains down into the River Kamenec. The city of Bardejov, which boasts a fabulous town square, is just ten minutes away from the spa by regular local bus. But to take the bus from Bardejov up to the spa is to move between two worlds. One trades in modern Slovakia and the pressures of life for a quieter, simpler world: one where the tempo is notably slower.

Treatments and facilities

There is no noise of traffic, but just the church bells and birdsong. There are well-marked walks through the hills, the rhythm of spa life and hushed conversations in long corridors. It is an oasis of peace. Ten different mineral springs are the spa’s key asset and, water therapies aside, a wide range of other treatments are on offer: from peat wraps to phototherapy. And all this comes at a fraction of the prices prevailing at a new generation of posh resorts in western Europe that play the spa card.

The competitive pricing extends across the full range of facilities. We stayed at the Hotel Ozon, where a glass of wine with dinner costs less than one euro. You can splash out and buy a whole bottle for five euros.

In the skanzen at Bardejovské Kúpele. Photo: © hidden europe

A bonus surprise

Bardejovské Kúpele has one thing that you’ll not find in other spas. It has an outdoor museum (locally known as a skanzen) with a very fine collection of buildings from the Carpathian region. It includes churches, farm buildings and houses that together showcase the range of local vernacular architecture. The skanzen buildings are mainly constructed of wood—a material so wholesome, so brimming with virtue, that it just adds to the feel-good factor that surrounds life at Bardejovské Kúpele.

The post A very affordable European spa vacation in Slovakia appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Linking two capitals: from €29 one way

But take another look. We judge the Prague to Berlin journey as one of the finest middle-distance hops anywhere in Europe. It is less than five hours by train between the two capitals. Reliable EuroCity services run every two hours along the route. Book when tickets first go on sale (three months prior to travel), and you can pick up bargain tickets for just €29 one-way. Leave buying a ticket till the day of travel, and that fare hikes up to a hefty €66.

This is not one of those high-speed journeys on modern infrastructure. It is, rather, rail travel as it used to be. The route catches the warp and weft of the landscape, tracking north from Prague through soft Bohemian countryside and then following the Elbe Valley downstream into German Saxony.

Picture windows for sightseeing

No slick bullet-nosed trains on this route. And that’s no loss, for the Czech, Austrian and Hungarian rolling stock used on the EuroCity services from Prague to Berlin all have a nicely retro feel. The seats are ample and comfortable and most carriages have large picture windows — perfect for sightseeing.

Grab a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for the best views. Heading north from the Czech capital you sense the spirit of the countryside that so inspired the Czech composer Smetana — his Má vlast is the perfect soundtrack for the journey.

Highlights of the journey

Just over an hour out of Prague, the valley sides begin to tilt ever sharper, and the finest stretch of the journey is the spectacular gorge of the River Elbe just beyond the station stop at Decín. Once over the border into Germany, there are fine views of sandstone turrets and perched castles — all good Romantic stuff.

Later in the journey, the train sweeps through Dresden before heading north through seemingly-endless forests to Berlin. Catch those forest landscapes on a fine summer evening and they unfold to reveal glades of rare beauty. This is truly a ride worth making.

The post Prague to Berlin: A train ride worth taking appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That’s right, it’s not all hotels all the time here at EuroCheapo (just most of the time). We love to recommend hostels, as long as they’re clean, central, and have the option of booking a private room. And if they have a little bit of character, all the better. Prague has a bunch of properties that meet these criteria with flying colors.

So if you’re willing to step out of your hotel comfort zone, you might want to Czech, er, check out the following Prague hostels. (Note that each of these properties offers privates in addition to dorms.)

Czech Inn
Francouzska 76,10100 (Vinohrady)
Dorms from $15; Doubles from $64
Great for: hostel doubters

For anyone skeptical of trying a hostel in place of more traditional accommodation, the Czech Inn (bonus points for “Czech” puns!) would be a good place to start. Featuring privates and apartments in addition to dorms, the hostel has a sleek, artsy feel to match its location in the hip Vinohrady neighborhood.

Some nice touches (chandeliers, fancy showers) help the Czech Inn transcend typical expectations of budget sleeps. With a bar area and lobby that houses an art gallery, you may forget you’re in a hostel at all.

The breakfast room at the Dlouha Hostel acts as a lively bar at night.

Dlouha Pension and Hostel
Dlouha 33,11000 (Stare Mesto)
Dorms from $17; Doubles from $44
Great for: party-seekers

Of course, not everyone wants to forget they’re in a hostel, and many are looking for certain elements associated with this breed of accommodation–namely, youthfulness and a place to party.

If that’s the case, the Dlouha Pension and Hostel would be a good choice. Its location on the lively Dlouha Street in Stare Mesto provides easy access to plenty of trendy nighttime hotspots.  The hostel itself isn’t just a snoozer either,  featuring a fun bar complete with foosball and a jukebox.  And while the furnishings are basic, this doesn’t seem to bother the hostel’s youthful clientele.

Hostel Sokol
Nosticova 2, Prague 1 (Mala Strana)
Dorms from $15; Doubles from $35
Great for: strict budgets

If all you need out of your hostel is a super-Cheapo sleep, the Hostel Sokol is your best bet.  The barracks-like accommodations are as plain as can be–but they’re clean, comfortable and bargain-bin cheap. As an added bonus, the ever-friendly Sokol provides a great Mala Strana location and a rooftop terrace with unbeatable views.

Hostel Tyn
Tynska 19, Praha 1 (Stare Mesto)
Dorms from $18; Doubles from $50
Great for: sightseers

In a neighborhood where hotel rates can make it seem more like you’re in London than Prague, the Hostel Tyn provides a breath of Cheapo fresh air.  While the furnishings and decor are fairly basic, the Tyn’s great rates and location (a stone’s throw from Old Town Square) are perfect for those who want to step right into Prague’s Gothic charm without feeling it in their wallets.

The garden at Sir Toby’s Hostel is a great place to hang out.

Sir Toby’s Hostel
Delnicka 24,17000 Prague 7 (Holešovice)
Dorms from $12; Doubles from $65
Great for: socializing

It may be a little out of city center, but Sir Toby’s Hostel in the up-and-coming Holešovice neighborhood provides enough laidback comfort to make up for a slightly longer hike to the main sights.

The hostel provides a home away from home, with funky dorm-room furnishings to complement hip common areas that include a cellar bar and delightful backyard garden.  All of this, plus a sociable staff, combines to make Sir Toby’s a great place to set up shop in Prague and make a few travel buddies.

Want more? Check out our list of recommended hostels in Prague or our favorite budget hotels in Prague.

Your favorite hostels?

Have you stayed at any of these hostels? Or do you have other hostels in Prague you’d like to recommend?  Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

The post Prague: 5 hostel picks for every kind of Cheapo appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But every journey deserves time and in our recent meanderings by rail around Europe we’ve made some engaging slow diversions, favoring rural branch lines that really tap into the spirit of local landscapes.

Here are four great rural rail journeys that we have taken over the last four weeks, each one of them a ride to remember.

Pass traditional Trulli in Puglia aboard the FSE train. Photo © hidden europe

Italy: Peaches in Puglia

The regular Trenitalia rail fare from Bari to Taranto is €7.70. The journey between the two cities on the fast Trenitalia route is unexceptional. But for the same fare you can ride the Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) route via Martina Franca.

This really is the Italian outback. The FSE network in Puglia does not feature in most online databases of European rail schedules (not even in the Deutsche Bahn’s celebrated HAFAS system which shows only a subset of all European trains and is by no means as complete as some travelers imagine).

Our FSE train rattled south from Bari, eventually swapping half-built industrial parks for the orchards of the Puglian countryside. Peaches and almonds aplenty, and – as we climbed up into the hills – plenty of the classic Puglia trulli. These are dry stone buildings with distinctive conical roofs.

Czech Republic: Through the Erzgebirge

It is an easy journey from Bohemia to Saxony by train. Comfortable EuroCity services follow the main line through the Elbe Gorge and it is very pretty indeed. The run from Prague to Dresden takes just 2hrs 15mins.

But for a change last Monday, we took to the hills traveling via Karlovy Vary and Zwickau. There are four rail routes that cross the border between the Czech Republic and the German State of Saxony west of the Elbe Gorge, and all are worth a try. Each climbs over the hills, along the way making stops at the tiny villages that rely on the railway for links to the wider world. They are part of a family of routes, some entirely within Germany, marketed under the banner Erzgebirgsbahn – derived from the name of the mountain range that straddles the German-Czech border. The name Erzgebirge means the ‘ore mountains’, a hint of the rich history of mining in the region.

The Karlovy Vary to Zwickau train (with links at either end from Prague and on to Dresden respectively) averaged less than 40 kph (25 mph) on its tortuous and steep journey through hills and forests that this week still had plenty of lingering winter snow.

France: To Switzerland by stealth

We could of course have taken the fast train to Switzerland. Modern French TGV Lyria services streak from Dijon to the shores of Lake Geneva in just a couple of hours.

In mid-March, we opted instead for the slow alternative, taking local trains that followed switchbacks through the folded hills of the Jura. This is an exquisitely beautiful mountain range, the outermost ripples of the Alps that straddle the border of France and Switzerland between the Doubs Valley and Lake Geneva.

Highlight of the journey was the two-hour section from Besançon to La Chaux-de-Fonds. We found this little gem of a route tucked away in Table 376a of the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable. It is served by modern trains with panoramic windows well suited to sightseeing. Trains runs thrice daily from Besançon to Switzerland via the rural cross-border route, so do check times before setting out.

Germany: Across the Lüneburg Heath

Even tame landscapes have their minor rail routes, so it is always worth checking if there is a credible alternative to the fast train. The Thomas Cook European Rail Map is a good starting point for your research.

The main line from Hamburg to Hanover in northern Germany wins no medals for its scenic charm. Twice-hourly ICE trains speed between the two cities in just 80 minutes.

But there is an alternative. The Heidebahn cuts across the Lüneburg Heath, a sparsely populated area of delicate beauty that you simply miss if you follow the main line. True, you have to change trains along the way (always at Buchholz and sometimes also at Soltau), and the entire run from Hamburg to Hanover takes twice as long as on the fast ICE train. But it’s a chance to see an area rarely visited by tourists.

This rural rail service across the Lüneburg Heath is run by a private company rather than the Deutsche Bahn, but happily the times are shown in the Deutsche Bahn’s HAFAS online information system and schedule planner. Eurail and InterRail passes are valid.

Your favorite rural rail routes

We are always on the lookout for good rural rail diversions that warrant a mention in forthcoming editions of our book Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide for Independent Travellers. If you would like to suggest your personal favorites, we’d love to hear them.

The post Rural Rail Diversions: Choosing slow alternatives to fast trains appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.