Central Bohemia (Středočeský kraj) encircles Prague with a landscape of medieval castles, limestone gorges, UNESCO heritage towns, and pastoral river valleys. The region holds more castles per square kilometer than almost anywhere in Europe, anchored by the iconic Karlštejn Castle, the silver-mining heritage of Kutná Hora, and the forested wilderness of the Bohemian Karst.
Central Bohemia is one of the safest travel destinations in Europe. The overall crime rate is low, violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and tourist infrastructure is well-developed. Standard urban precautions apply in Kutná Hora and at popular sites.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Topic
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
- Detail
- Ticks are present in forested areas (Bohemian Karst, Křivoklátsko, Kokořínsko). TBE vaccination is recommended for visitors planning extensive forest hiking. Lyme disease risk also exists — check for ticks after every forest walk; tuck trousers into socks.
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- Tap water
- Detail
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Central Bohemia. No special precautions needed.
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- Pharmacies (lékárna)
- Detail
- Available in all towns. Kutná Hora: Lékárna u Anděla, Havlíčkovo náměstí 513, open Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00. Benešov: Lékárna Benešov, Žižkovo náměstí 2, Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00.
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- EHIC / GHIC cards
- Detail
- EU citizens with EHIC (or UK citizens with GHIC) receive the same healthcare as Czech citizens. Register with a local GP or go to a hospital emergency department (pohotovost). Non-EU travelers should carry travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
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- Allergies
- Detail
- Czech cuisine uses heavy amounts of wheat, pork fat, and dairy. Communicate allergies in Czech: 'Mám alergii na…' (I am allergic to…). Nut allergies are less well understood; always verify.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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