Odds are, if you’re considering a trip to the Czech Republic, you’re thinking about its capital – Prague. I absolutely adore Prague. In fact, I recently spent a month working from the Czech Republic with Prague as my home base! But, there is so much more to this central European country than the big city. In fact, there are so many places to visit in the Czech Republic, you could easily spend a month driving all over the country and find yourself still hungry for more… like I did!
While the Czech Republic is worthy of endless exploration, you might not have endless time to visit the entire country in one trip. If you’re flying into Prague for a quick visit of a week or less, I recommend taking at least one or two short trips outside of the city to see other beautiful places in the Czech Republic. But, if you have more time, rent a car and explore! From wine country, to sandstone cliffs, to old castles, and spa towns, you might be surprised by how this relatively small country packs a mega punch.
Below, you’ll find 7 of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic, whether you’re into big cities or small towns, wine or beer, and castles or modern architecture!
7 Amazing Places to Visit in the Czech Republic
1. Prague
We have to start with Prague, the gothic, endlessly impressive city of a hundred spires – and, most likely the reason you’re thinking of visiting the Czech Republic in the first place. As the country’s capital and largest city, Prague inspires an abundance of charm and awe in the millions of tourists that visit its cobbled streets each year.
I first visited this city when I was studying abroad in Europe in college. On a whirlwind one-day trip, I was completely taken by Prague’s gothic towers, sweeping views, and fascinating history. I loved it so much that I recently returned to spend a month working remotely in the country, with Prague as my home base.
As far as best places to visit in the Czech Republic go, this list couldn’t begin without Prague.
Things to Do in Prague:
- Explore the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Golden Lane
- Linger in the Old Town Square (and catch the Astronomical Clock at the top of the hour!)
- Climb up Petrin Hill for sweeping views from the Petrin Tower
- Walk across the impressively well-preserved Charles Bridge
- Check out Prague’s old-meets-new coffee culture, in old-school Czech cafes like Cafe Savoy and Cafe Louvre, and innovative, sleek new coffee shops like Maze Lab and Cafe Tone
- Take a Prague Foodie Tour to get a fresh perspective on the flavors of Czech cuisine
- Hang out at a local pub or beer garden, like U Kunstatu or Letna Beer Garden
- If you’re visiting Prague in the winter months, check out the city’s phenomenal Christmas Markets!
Places to Stay in Prague:
- The Augustine, Luxury Collection (Read my full review of the Augustine here!)
- Design Hotel Neruda
- Hotel Josef
- Miss Sophie’s
- Hostel Elf
How Much Time to Spend in Prague:
3 days minimum.
I recommend planning to spend at least 3 days in Prague before venturing out to other parts of the Czech Republic. This should give you enough time to admire some of the city’s most famous sights, wander around Prague’s winding medieval streets, and get a taste of Czech coffee and beer culture. But, don’t be surprised if that 3-day visit makes you hungry for more. After a month in this country, I am still obsessed with Prague and already itching to go back.
RELATED: The Ultimate 3 Day Prague Itinerary
2. Cesky Krumlov
A popular day trip from Prague – but definitely worthy of a weekend or more – Cesky Krumlov is the second-most visited place in the Czech Republic. This small medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-known, and best-loved, for how well it has endured over the centuries. Stepping into Cesky Krumlov is like stepping back in town three or four centuries and seeing what small town life might have been like in the time of castles and Bohemian royalty.
In the summers, you can drink pilsners outdoors or float leisurely down the winding Vltava River. In the winters – when I visited – you can see Cesky Krumlov in the snow, and possibly catch this town’s amazing Christmas markets! This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic, which is why it’s such a popular draw for visitors.
Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov:
- Explore the Cesky Krumlov Castle and climb up the Castle Tower
- Have your historic portrait taken at the Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
- Listen to Gypsy music at the Gypsy Hole
- Float down the Vltava River on a river tour
- Take a day trip to Sumava National Park
- If you’re visiting Cesky Krumlov in the winter months, check out the town’s amazing Christmas Markets!
Places to Stay in Cesky Krumlov:
RELATED: Your Year-Round Guide to Cesky Krumlov
How Much Time to Spend in Cesky Krumlov:
Possible in 1 day, but 2 – 3 is ideal.
Cesky Krumlov is one of the most popular day trips from Prague. But, I recommend spending at least one night here because it is spectacular after dark, when the crowds have thinned, and the town transforms. You can wander the medieval streets and admire the castle at night, and duck into one of the town’s cozy pubs for a pint or a cocktail when it starts to get chilly outside.
Driving Distance from Prague to Cesky Krumlov:
2 hours by car
3. Kutna Hora
If you’re looking for unique places in the Czech Republic to visit, consider adding Kutna Hora to your list. Another small UNESCO town, Kutna Hora offers architectural gems that rival Prague’s most famous landmarks.
If you haven’t heard of Kutna Hora, you might have heard of its famous – albeit a bit macabre – ‘Bone Church,’ formally known as the Sedlec Ossuary. I first read about the Sedlec Ossuary when I was in college studying dark tourism, and it was surreal to finally go and visit it in real life. Many come to visit the Sedlec Ossuary and move on, but I recommend spending at least a couple hours, if not an overnight, visiting this historically significant town.
Kutna Hora came into prominence in the 13th century as a hotbed for silver mining. Everyone began moving to Kutna Hora to get a piece of the wealth this region promised, and for a short time, Kutna Hora even became the financial center of central Europe. Today, you can visit the town’s most famous landmarks, learn about its mining history, and wander its historical center at a slower pace than you’ll find in Prague.
Things to Do in Kutna Hora:
- Admire the Cathedral of St Barbara
- Learn more about Kutna Hora’s history at Hradek’s Czech Museum of Silver Mining
- Go inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption
- Explore the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Bone Church or Bone Cathedral
Places to Stay in Kutna Hora:
How Much Time to Spend in Kutna Hora:
Possible as a half-day or 1-day trip from Prague.
Kutna Hora is a popular half- and full-day trip from Prague, and is only 1 hour away from the city by car. I was able to see most of the sights included above in a half day easily (excluding the silver mining museum), but I didn’t get to spend as much time wandering around Kutna Hora’s historic center as I would’ve liked to. I think opting for a full day, or an overnight, will give you a more well-rounded experience when visiting this city.
Driving Distance from Prague to Kutna Hora:
1 hour by car
4. Mikulov
In the South Moravia region of the Czech Republic, Mikulov is a beautiful little town in the heart of wine country. This is a bit more of an ‘off-the-beaten path’ place to visit in the Czech Republic for tourists. But, it’s a very popular place for locals to go in the summers for wine tasting and wellness.
While Mikulov is a great home base for exploring Mikulovska (the surrounding wine region), it’s equally worthy of exploration on its own. Head up to the Mikulov Chateau for a tour of the castle, sample Moravian white wine at the local tasting rooms, and admire the small but oh-so-photogenic central town square.
I spent a couple nights in Mikulov over the winter, which is admittedly an unconventional time of year to visit as the Chateau and many wineries are usually closing for the season. But, there were a good amount of year-round wine tasting rooms I got to visit and it was epic to sample white wine in the snow! If you go in the winter, I highly recommend staying at a wellness or spa hotel so you can cozy up indoors with a sauna and a massage.
Things to Do in Mikulov:
- Tour the Mikulov Chateau
- Rent a bicycle and go biking along the Mikulov Wine Trail
- Visit local tasting rooms like the Vinarstvi Volarik and the Vinoteka Mikulov
- Explore the picture-perfect main town square, and don’t miss the Holy Trinity Column or the Dietrichstein Tomb
- Climb up Svaty Kopecek, or the Holy Hill of Mikulov, for panoramic views of the town
- Take a detour to the UNESCO Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
Places to Stay in Mikulov:
How Much Time to Spend in Mikulov:
You could definitely come to Mikulov on a day trip and see the Mikulov Chateau, wander the town center, and grab a glass of wine before returning to Prague, Brno, or even Vienna (which is only 1 hour away).
But, of course, I recommend two nights here, as that’ll give you enough time to explore and take it easy by wine tasting your way around the region and enjoying some quality spa time without being rushed.
Driving Distance from Prague to Mikulov:
2.5 hours by car
5. Znojmo
Another picturesque historic town in South Moravia, Znojmo is equally as much of a summer hotspot for Czech wine lovers. Located above the Dyje River, the entire city of Znojmo is suspended up high, with panoramic views of the surrounding wine region.
Like Mikulov, Znojmo is one of the more seasonal places to visit in the Czech Republic, and you might not find as much going on in the winter months (which is when I visited, go figure!). But, it is still beautiful and charming to wander the windy streets any time of year.
Things to Do in Znojmo:
- Visit St. Nicholas Church, dating back to the 1100s
- Check out the views of the area from the Znojmo Castle
- Explore one of the largest underground tunnel complexes in central Europe, the Znojmo Underground
- Go wine tasting or hop on the Znojmo Vinobus
- Take a stroll or bike ride through Podyjí National Park, on the border between the Czech Republic and Austria
Places to Stay in Znojmo:
How Much Time to Spend in Znojmo:
You can see Znojmo in a day, but if you plan on indulging in some wine tastings or driving around the surrounding areas, an overnight stay is recommended.
Driving Distance from Prague to Znojmo:
2.5 hours by car
6. Brno
The country’s lesser-known big city, Brno, is one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic after Prague. In fact, it’s one of my personal favorite places on this list!
While Prague is known for its eye-catching architecture and famous historically significant landmarks, Brno gets a bad rap for having less-stunning buildings and no sights to see (which I disagree with). Sure, you might not have as long a list of Tripadvisor recommendations to tick off in this city, but what Brno lacks in typical tourist attractions, it more than makes up for in other ways. A student city with a young population, Brno is all about the young energy and the buzzy ambience – cafe culture, fun bars, hip venues, great food, and even greater conversation. And, while you may not find as much of the gothic architecture Prague is known for, Brno has made a name for itself by helping to put modern architecture on the map.
This is the first city I ever visited in the Czech Republic, and one I will always visit whenever I return to the country. Go for yourself to see why!
Things to Do in Brno:
- Walk up to the Spilberk Castle for sweeping city views
- Visit the 10 Z Nuclear Fallout Bunker to see the remnants of one of the most highly classified nuclear fallout shelters from the country’s Communist era
- Check out the Labrynth beneath the Vegetable Market
- Leave all expectations behind and grab a cocktail at the mysterious Super Panda Circus
- See mummified remains at the Capuchin Crypt
- Take a half-day trip to explore the Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss
- Stroll through the exhibits at the Moravian Gallery
- Admire the Villa Tugendhat, an architectural masterpiece that helped kick off the modern architecture movement in Europe
Places to Stay in Brno:
How Much Time to Spend in Brno:
I don’t recommend Brno as a day trip, because this city is all about the vibe. You might get through all the “sights” in one day, but to really feel what this city is about, you’ll want at least one additional day to wander aimlessly, pop into cafes and restaurants simply because they look interesting, and sample Brno’s delightful bar and pub scene after dark.
Two to three nights is my minimum recommendation for exploring this city. For reference, I’ve visited Brno twice now and both times I’ve stayed four nights, though I could’ve easily stayed much longer if I had the time.
Driving Distance from Prague to Brno:
2 hours by car
7. Bohemian Switzerland
If this list has proven anything, it’s that the Czech Republic is full of spectacular towns and cities. But unlike the other recommendations on this list, Bohemian Switzerland (also known as Czech Switzerland, or Boho Swiss) is 100% for all my outdoor adventurers and scenic explorers!
Bohemian Switzerland is situated amongst the Elbe Sandstone Mountains straddling the Czech Republic and Germany, and is one of Europe’s remaining vast wildernesses. It encompasses two cross-country national parks – Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic, and Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany. Here, not only will you find preserved Ice Age-era sandstone rock formations, you’ll also find endless silver fir trees, rivers, and rolling hills veiled by misty clouds. Whether you like to hike, cross-country ski, or simply take in the scenic views, Bohemian Switzerland is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in the Czech Republic, and well worth a visit for those looking to get out of the city.
Things to Do in Bohemian Switzerland:
- Go for a hike to explore the unique landscapes and landmarks of Bohemian Switzerland, like the Pravcicka Gate and the old Valley Mill
- Take a boat ride through the Kamenice Gorge
- Climb around the Tisa Rocks
- Stop by the Elbe Sandstone Canyon Viewpoint
- Visit the stunning Bastei Bridge
- Explore the nearby gateway towns to Bohemian Switzerland, like Krasna Lipa and Varnsdorf
Places to Stay in Bohemian Switzerland:
How Much Time to Spend in Bohemian Switzerland:
I recommend spending at least two nights in Bohemian Switzerland, so you can have a full day to hike and drive around. Three or four nights would be ideal though, as many of the things to do in Bohemian Switzerland require a good investment of driving or walking time.
Driving Distance from Prague to Bohemian Switzerland:
1.5 hours by car
Other Places to Visit in the Czech Republic
While I didn’t have the chance to visit these places yet, they are at the top of my list for the next time I return to the Czech Republic! If you’ve been to any of these places, give me your tips in the comments section below.
- Pilsen (1 hour from Prague): The home of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery!
- Karlovy Vary (1.5 hours from Prague): A renowned spa town in the Czech Republic with natural hot springs.
- Ostrava (4 hours from Prague): An industrial hub on the border of Poland, and the third largest city in the Czech Republic
- Olomouc (3 hours from Prague): Often referred to as Moravia’s own version of Prague, thanks to its stunning architecture and landmarks.
There you have it! These are my top 7 favorite places to visit in the Czech Republic. Which are you planning to visit? Which have you already been to? Tell me below!
Read This Next:
- The Ultimate 3 Day Prague Itinerary: Landmarks, Food, History, and Art
- Your Year-Round Guide to Cesky Krumlov (1 and 2 Day Itineraries)
- Where to Stay in Prague: The Augustine Hotel
- Your Complete Guide to Working Remotely from the Czech Republic
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