May holidays in the Czech Republic from Almaty: tours

May holidays in Czechia are 1 and 8 May, two public days off, between which the country lives at its usual pace. In early May in Prague and at the western resorts it is already warm during the day, around 18–20 degrees, but the evenings are cool. The first week of the month is the peak of domestic tourism: Czechs take short vacations, so accommodation and tickets are booked two to three months in advance.

When to go and how everything works

These holiday dates in Czechia are a short window between the winter lull and the summer influx. It is warm here, but without exhausting heat, and locals themselves set off on short trips. Let us break down how these dates work and why they are worth planning in advance.

Public days off and their impact on the city

In Czechia, 1 May is a public day off, and 8 May is Victory Day. On these dates shops and some museums are closed. For a tourist this means that the May holidays split the week into two unequal halves: between the red days of the calendar life goes on as usual, while the holidays themselves change the city's schedule. Prague on such days fills with Czech families who come for the weekend from the regions. Large shopping centres usually operate, but small shops and pharmacies in the centre may close. Museums and galleries are more often open than closed, however it is worth checking the schedule the day before. Cafes and restaurants in tourist quarters operate, while in residential districts some establishments take a short break. It is useful to plan in advance what to see on these days so as not to waste time on closed doors.

The peak of domestic tourism and hotel occupancy

The first week of May is the peak of domestic tourism in Czechia. Czechs take short vacations and go to the capital and to the western resorts. Hotels in Prague and at the resorts for the May holidays are booked in advance, and available rooms get more expensive closer to the dates. This applies both to popular spa towns and to small guesthouses in historic centres. If the trip falls on the first days of the month, accommodation is best looked for several months ahead. On the holiday dates, prices for stays rise more noticeably than on ordinary May weekdays. Demand affects both trains and car rentals. Those who want to save money and avoid the bustle should look at less promoted destinations.

How to prepare a trip from Almaty?

From Almaty to Czechia people fly with a transfer, and this sets the rhythm of the entire preparation. The May holidays coincide with high demand for tickets, so it is worth preparing in advance. Below is what is important to consider before departure.

A flight with a transfer and buying tickets in advance

There are no direct flights from Almaty to Prague, you will have to fly with a transfer via Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt or Warsaw. Tickets for the May holidays get more expensive, it is better to buy them two to three months ahead. A connection in Istanbul or Dubai usually takes several hours, and this is worth considering when choosing a flight. The earlier the ticket is bought, the wider the choice of connections and the lower the price. In high season there are almost no free seats on convenient dates. If you are flying with the whole family, tickets are worth taking in one booking. The return flight is also better planned in advance so as not to adjust to whatever is left.

What to put in hand luggage and how to pack

It is worth putting documents, medicines and a charger in hand luggage — during a transfer baggage sometimes arrives later. The journey from Almaty takes almost a day, so water, a snack and a spare T-shirt will come in handy in the backpack. Carry medicines in their original packaging, and keep copies of your accommodation booking at hand. In Czechia an adapter for the socket will come in handy: here the plug standard is different. It is better to have cash in korunas for the first days in advance. A warm scarf or a light jacket will help at night at the transfer airport. A backpack packed in advance saves nerves on the road.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the Republic of Kazakhstan, https://mzv.gov.cz/astana/ru/vizy_i_konzulskie/index.html. The information on this page was verified on 14.09.2026.

What to consider on the holidays

The holiday dates change the rhythm of Czech cities: some places are closed, some are crowded. The May holidays require flexibility in plans from a tourist. Let us break down the everyday details that most often catch people off guard.

Opening hours of shops, museums and restaurants

On the holidays of 1 and 8 May, some restaurants and shops operate on reduced hours, large shopping centres usually operate. Small grocery shops in the centre of Prague may close for the whole day. Museums and galleries are most often open, but the schedule is worth checking the evening before. Pharmacies on holidays are on duty in turn, and finding a round-the-clock one can be difficult. Cafes in tourist quarters operate, while in residential districts some establishments take a break. If you plan dinner at a popular restaurant, it is better to book a table in advance. On the remaining May days the schedule is usual, and the city lives its habitual life.

Money: the koruna, exchange and card payment

The Czech koruna is the local currency, and it is more profitable to exchange tenge or dollars at exchange offices in the centre, not at the airport. Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted almost everywhere in Czechia, but a small reserve of cash in korunas will come in handy for markets and small cafes. The rate at the airport and at the station is usually unfavourable, while in the city centre you can find acceptable conditions. ATMs dispense korunas at the bank's rate, and this is a convenient way to get cash. On holidays some exchange offices may not work, so money is worth exchanging in advance. Small amounts in korunas will come in handy for transport, souvenirs and tips. Large purchases can safely be paid for by card.

How to get to the resorts and what to choose

The western resorts of Czechia are the main goal of many May trips. Trains and buses run to them from Prague, and some prefer a rented car. The choice of destination depends on what you want: treatment, quiet or company.

Trains and car rental in high season

Trains between Prague and the western resorts run frequently, and tickets for the holidays should also be bought in advance. Car rental during the holidays is more expensive and requires booking in advance, and in Prague it is more convenient to get around by tram and metro. For driving around Czechia, a vignette is required for using toll roads, sold at gas stations. It is calmer to get to Karlovy Vary or Marianske Lazne by train: you do not need to look for parking in the resort center. A car gives you the freedom to stop in Jachymov or Teplice along the way, but in high season hotel parking lots are full. If you are visiting several resorts, a car saves time on transfers.

Calm options versus popular destinations

Jachymov and Teplice have fewer tourists than Karlovy Vary — this is an option for those who want a calm holiday. In the resorts of Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne, the season begins in May, and prices for accommodation and treatments rise. Popular destinations offer more entertainment, concerts, and shopping opportunities. Calm resorts win on price and on a sense of unhurriedness. If the goal is treatment and walks, a small town will suit better than a noisy center. Frantiskovy Lazne is good for families with children: everything is close, and the pace is unhurried. Teplice has more city life, but less spa atmosphere.

What to do in early May?

Early May in Czechia is a time of festivals, concerts, and city celebrations. The May holidays give a reason to go out into the streets: squares, parks, and embankments fill with people. We will tell you how to fill the days and how to dress.

Festivals, concerts, and sales

May is a time of sales and festivals; concerts and gastronomic events take place in Prague, and entry to many is free. City holidays in the squares include music, food, and craft fairs. Shops in the center hold seasonal discounts on spring collections. Concerts in churches and concert halls should be booked in advance: they are popular during the May holidays. Gastronomic festivals introduce Czech cuisine and local beer. Concerts and guided walks also take place in resort towns. Event schedules are published on city tourism websites.

Weather and what to put in your suitcase

During the May holidays in Czechia it is already warm during the day, but the evenings are cool — a light jacket and an umbrella will not hurt. During the day the temperature is comfortable for walks, but by night it becomes noticeably cooler. Rain in May does happen, but usually brief. It is worth putting comfortable shoes in your suitcase for long walks along cobbled streets. A jacket with a hood will be useful both in the evening and on a trip to a resort. Sunscreen and sunglasses are not superfluous: the May sun is already active. For spa treatments, take a swimsuit and slippers. A warm sweater will help on cool evenings by the water.

In short

• The May holidays are May 1 and May 8; on these days some shops and museums are closed.
• The first week of May is the peak of domestic tourism; accommodation in Prague and at resorts is booked in advance.
• There are no direct flights from Almaty; fly with a transfer via Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, or Warsaw.
• Tickets for the May holidays are bought two to three months in advance; accommodation is booked ahead of time.
• The Czech koruna is the local currency; it is more profitable to exchange money in the center, not at the airport.