15 Best Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

If you’re looking for an amazing place to visit in Eastern Europe, consider the Czech Republic (Czechia). The Czech Republic is a stunning country with an enthralling history and culture, plenty of interesting places to visit, sights to see, and delicious foods to try – not to mention a whole lotta beer.

No matter what you’re searching for in a blockbuster vacation, this country is packed with historical sites, beautiful cities, awesome nightlife, family fun, and plenty of activities to keep you busy no matter what time of year you visit. With that in mind, read about some of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet village to wander around or want to explore some of Europe’s most fascinating cities, Czechia has something for everyone. From the cobblestone streets and buzzing nightlife of the Czech capital city of Prague to the stunning small castle town of Český Krumlov (and everything else in between), there’s plenty to see and do in this terrific Central European country.

So if you happen to be planning a trip to Czechia, be sure to add these best places to visit to your Czech Republic itinerary and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Charles Bridge
• Best park – Šumava National Park
• Best free activity – Prague Astronomical Clock
• Best activity for kids – Aqualand Moravia
• Best activity for adults – Brno Ossuary
• Best food – kyselo (sauerkraut soup), and bramboráky (potato pancakes)
• Best nightlife – Wandering Old Town Prague
• Best all-around accommodation – The Julius Prague

Things to Do in the Czech Republic & Places to Visit

1. Charles Bridge

Address: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

One of the most iconic Czech attractions, Karlův Most (or the Charles Bridge), is a must-visit for places to visit in Prague. The construction of this gorgeous bridge began in 1357 under the reign of King Charles IV and took 45 years to complete before being opened in 1402.

Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only medieval stone arch bridge that spans over 1,600 ft in length across the Vltava River, linking Old Town Prague with Lesser Town Prague.

The intricate, beautiful architecture of the bridge is an intriguing sight to see in itself, and there are plenty of additions to the bridge to see along the way. Statues line both sides of the bridge, and there are plenty of spots along the bridge where you can enjoy wonderful views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the cityscape.

Charles Bridge is a huge tourist attraction due to the rich history surrounding it and its sheer beauty so it can get quite crowded. The best time to visit is early morning or late at night when fewer people are around. If you can, I recommend visiting the bridge in winter when covered in a blanket of snow – it’s truly magical, worthy of any picture postcard.

After strolling down the famous bridge, take some time to discover the rest of Lesser Town Prague. This historic neighborhood is situated on the hill below Prague Castle, filled with charming cobblestone streets, baroque fountains, quaint cafes, and beautiful parks.

This part of town is the perfect place to join a food tour and try traditional foods like trdelnik (a pastry made of rolled dough that is grilled and coated in sugar) or klobasa (a type of Bohemian sausage – I mean, it’s from Bohemia, not that it’s a struggling, unwashed poet). And at the end of the day, nearby hotels like The Julius Prague offer travelers the perfect mix of luxury and comfort in between sightseeing.

2. Ceský Krumlov Castle

Address: Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia

Located in the South Bohemian region of Czechia, Český Krumlov Castle is a must-visit for any castle lover. This abandoned medieval castle dates back to the 13th Century and is one of the largest in the country, with over 40 buildings and 200 rooms.

Český Krumlov Castle is set on a hill above the picturesque town of Český Krumlov and offers wonderful views of the town and the surrounding countryside. It’s equipped with a Bear Moat (yes, you read that correctly), making it one of the most unique castles in Europe. Český Krumlov Castle is listed as a national heritage site and is the second-most visited castle in the Czech Republic, right after the enormous Prague Castle.

The castle is open to visitors all year round, but I’d recommend visiting in summer when the weather is nicer and there are more activities taking place on the castle grounds. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, which include the castle gardens, a museum, and the Český Krumlov Baroque Theatre of 1767, one of the best-preserved Baroque theaters in the world. There are also many events held at the castle throughout the year, such as concerts, plays, and festivals.

Český Krumlov is not far from the medieval city of Prague, and you could easily take a day trip to Český Krumlov to explore for the day. The easiest way is with a guided tour from Prague – this way, you don’t have to worry about arranging transportation and you’ll get to hear all about the castle’s history from a knowledgeable guide.

See Related: The Most Amazing Natural Arches in the World

3. Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Address: Petrov 9, 602 00 Brno 2, Czechia

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is a Roman Catholic cathedral located on Petrov Hill in Brno. The cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the country and is the seat of the Archbishop of Moravia. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit when in Brno, especially if you consider yourself a historic architecture aficionado or an art buff.

The cathedral was built in the 13th Century and is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The outside of the cathedral sports a traditional Gothic design, while the ornate interior sports beautiful Baroque frescoes and sculptures. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul houses many beautiful works of art, including a stunning stained glass window designed by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha.

On a more grisly note, the cathedral also has a crypt that holds the remains of some of Moravia’s most important religious figures. If you think this is as grisly as it can get in Czechia, read on!

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is open to the public all year round, and admission is free. Do note that if you’re visiting during Mass, you may not be able to enter the cathedral, but you can still admire the exterior from the outside.

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Czechia

4. Brno Ossuary

Address: Jakubské nám., 658 78 Brno-střed, Czechia

What’s cooler than an underground ossuary with thousands of bones rediscovered after hundreds of years? Not much, in my opinion! The Brno Ossuary is located beneath the Church of St. James in Brno. It is estimated that the ossuary contains the remains of over 50,000 people, making it the second-largest ossuary in Europe after the Catacombs of Paris.

It is said that the Ossuary originated in the 13th Century (and may have been added to as late as the 17th Century) when the church graveyard capacity became too much for the city ravaged by plague and cholera. It wasn’t rediscovered until 2001 when workers were repairing the church.

Once the Ossuary was revealed, it quickly became a popular tourist attraction in Brno. Visitors to the Ossuary will find bones arranged in various creative ways, such as pillars, pyramids, and the walls themselves being made from bones.

If you’re interested in visiting an unusual attraction that will give you goosebumps, add the Brno Ossuary to your list. It’s not huge and you can spend maybe an hour here, but it’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Czechia.

The Ossuary is open every day except for Mondays and admission is just a few dollars. Do also keep in mind that the Ossuary is located underground, and there are a lot of stairs (over 200!) to get to it.

See Related: Best Hotels in Prague, Czech Republic

5. Prague Astronomical Clock

Address: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

Another popular tourist attraction in Prague is the Astronomical Clock (or Prague Orloj) in Old Town Square. The clock, first installed in 1410, is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock in the world that is still working. For us at ViaTravelers, this is one of our favorite attractions worldwide.

This magnificent clock is incredibly complex and has many moving parts that represent the positions of the sun, moon, and stars. It also has an hourly show where the 12 apostles move past a small window at the top of the clock.

The Astronomical Clock is definitely worth seeing in Prague, even if you are like me and are not particularly interested in astronomy or clocks. The clock is located in a very accessible location in the heart of Prague and is very easy to get to. There is no admission fee to see the clock from the street, so be sure to look if you are exploring Old Town Square.

There is no shortage of things to do near the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. You can find plenty of restaurants and cafes to grab a bite, bars and pubs to grab a yummy local beer, or you can do some souvenir hunting or get a dose of retail therapy. Plus, if you’re interested in learning more about the history of Prague, you can also visit the Old Town Hall, which is right next to the clock.

This part of town is a convenient place to start a day of sightseeing around Prague. When bumbling around this part of the city, I highly recommend taking a walking tour of the city or a boat cruise on the Vltava River to see all the sights that Prague has to offer.

6. Moravian Karst Caverns

Address: Moravský kras, Czechia

For another unique attraction, head to the Moravian Karst region to see the spectacular caves and rock formations. Moravian Karst is a limestone region that covers an area of over 500 square kilometers. A relatively short distance from Prague, you can find over 1,100 caves and sinkholes here, making it one of the largest karst regions in Europe.

The most popular cave in the Moravian Karst is the Macocha Abyss, an enormous sinkhole 138 meters deep – and not for the faint of heart! The adventurous in your party can take an elevator down into the abyss or hike down. Once at the bottom, there is a small lake that you can row across in a boat – again, while completely enthralling, it ain’t for the faint of heart.

If delving into the depths seems a bit too much for you, the views from the top of the Macocha Abyss are also breathtaking and not to be missed. There are also some pretty great opportunities for hiking in the area too.

Other popular caves with underground bodies of water in the Moravian Karst region include the Punkva Caves, which can also be explored by boat, and the Balcarka Cave. Overall, Moravian Karst is an incredible region, choc full of natural wonders, and is the place to visit if you’re after something out of this world to explore.

See Related: Best Museums in Prague, Czechia

7. Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Address: Národní park České Švýcarsko, Czechia

If you visit anywhere in the Czech Republic, Bohemian Switzerland National Park should be high on your list – high. This breathtaking park (aka Bohemian National Park, Bohemian Switzerland, or Czech Switzerland) is located in the country’s northwestern region and covers over 700 square kilometers.

This unique destination hosts near ethereal landscapes, including forests, rivers, lakes, and cliffs, each ripped from the pages of a fairy tale or fantasy novel. It has to be seen to be believed. If you haven’t gathered already, is easily one of the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic.

This picturesque park is a great place to go hiking, sightseeing, camping, canoeing and kayaking, biking, and rock climbing. There are several different trails that you can hike, ranging in difficulty, with something for every skill level. The most popular trail is the Pravčická Gate, a natural sandstone arch 52 feet high and 26 meters wide. The trail to the Pravčická Gate is about 3 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. I say this a lot, but do not forget your camera!

If you are interested in history, you can also visit the Trosky Castle, a ruined castle that dates back to the 14th Century. Trosky Castle is located on a hilltop and is one of the best places to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Bohemian National Park is the ideal destination for an escape from the humdrum of the everyday grind in the corner of Czechia that is so stunning it’s almost surreal. It’s easy to spend a few days exploring all that the park has to offer. And, if you’re interested in a unique place to stay, you can even camp in the park, with several campsites located throughout the park to make for a truly memorable experience.

The best time to visit Bohemian National Park is from May to September when the weather is warm, and more activities are available. Still, it’s utterly beautiful any time of year.

8. Hluboká Castle

Address: Zámek 142, 373 41 Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czechia

This historic castle is another of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic if you love a good castle. Hluboká Castle was built in the 13th Century and is located in the charming town of Hluboká nad Vltavou. The castle has undergone several renovations over the years, most notably in the 19th Century when it was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style. The Hluboká Castle is located in South Bohemia and is about a 2-hour drive from Prague.

There are over 140 rooms and chambers to see here, including the Great Hall, the Chapel, and the Hunting Room. The castle also features 11 towers and a kitchen preserved with 19th Century kitchen equipment.

The castle is open and can be explored on a self-guided tour. The castle grounds are also lovely to wander around, and you can even get a drop of royal treatment and take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the property.

See Related: Best Castles in the Czech Republic to Visit

9. Šumava National Park

Address: Národní park Šumava, Czechia

Nature lovers looking for places to ramble in the Czech Republic will want to check out Šumava National Park. Šumava National Park is the largest national park in the Czech Republic and one of the largest in Europe. It’s also close to Český Krumlov Castle, so you could make a real day trip out of it and explore both!

The park covers an area of over 263 square miles in southwestern Bohemia, along the border with Germany and Austria. A source of spellbinding vistas and ecosystems, including forests, meadows, rivers, and lakes, there are also several caves that can be explored at Šumava National Park.

Šumava National Park is great for hiking, camping, and fishing. Of the different trails that you can hike, they range from easy to difficult. A nice, easy trail is the Český Krumlov Castle Loop, which is about 1.2 miles long and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Regardless of your plans, Šumava National Park is the perfect place to take a break from the cities and enjoy some time in nature.

10. Pruhonice Park and Castle

Address: 252 43 Průhonice, Czechia

If seeing one of the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic sounds like a gas, you’ll want to visit Pruhonice Park and Castle. This attraction is located just outside Prague and is a great place to spend a day if you need historical eye candy.

Pruhonice Castle and its surrounding Pruhonice Park are recognized as a National Cultural Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dates back to the 13th Century, but the park was not created until the 19th Century, designed in the style of an English garden and covering over 200 acres. At Pruhonice Park, you can admire different plant species, including over 1,600 trees and shrubs. The park also has several greenhouses, which are open to the public.

The castle is open for tours, and you can explore the grounds on your own or guided tour. The castle features a library, a private church, a conservatory, and a stunning ballroom, all of which are open to the public. You can easily stretch out a full-day trip here if you take it slowly, which is well worth it if you have the time.

If you’d like to stay nearby the Castle, there are several top hotels and vacation rentals located in Pruhonice. I recommend the Hotel Tulipan Pruhonice. It’s a quaint little hotel, blending a homey feels with a clean, modern aesthetic, located right next to the park, and breakfast is included in the price of your stay.

See Related: Days in Prague Itinerary

11. Kutná Hora

Address: Čáslavská 274, 284 01 Kutná Hora, Czechia

Another one of the best cities to visit in the Czech Republic is Kutná Hora. Kutná Hora is located about an hour outside Prague, in the Central Bohemian Region. It’s a relatively small town with only about 20,000 inhabitants and a great place to visit for a low-key day trip.

Kutna Hora is a great place for those interested in history and architecture. The city is full of beautiful churches and historical buildings, so you can easily stay busy here for a day or two. I recommend visiting Kutna Hora if you’re considering leaving Prague for a day and exploring another part of the Czech Republic.

If you didn’t quite get your fill of grisly architecture at the Brno Ossuary, worry not – this modest city is best known for a unique church known as the Bone Chapel, which is decorated with the carved and bleached bones of over 40,000 people.

The Bone Chapel, or Sedlec Ossuary, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kutná Hora. Like its cousin in Brno, it’s a fascinating and chilling display of death that is so gratuitous that you forget that you’re staring at wall-to-wall human remains. Decorative fixtures? Bones. Chandeliers? Bones. The coat of arms? Bones. Bones, bones, bones.

If you happen to be staying in Prague and want to visit the village for the day, consider taking a guided half-day tour of Kutná Hora from Prague. That way, you can learn about the history of Kutná Hora and see all of the best sights and bones galore without worrying about transportation or getting lost.

12. Baroque Farms of Holašovice

Address: 373 84 Jankov, Czechia

Holašovice is one of the best-preserved cultural landmarks in the Czech Republic – and, to no surprise whatsoever, it’s another one of the Czech Republic’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Holašovice is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Central European village from the turn of the 19th Century. In this small village in South Bohemia, you’ll find several baroque-style farmhouses that date back to the 18th Century. The houses are decorated with traditional yellow, blue, and white patterns, truly beautiful examples of Czech history in the flesh.

When you visit Holašovice, be sure to walk around the village and explore these old farmhouses. You can also visit the Regional Museum in one of the historic houses. The museum features exhibits on the village’s history and culture, as well as traditional Bohemian clothing and furniture.

The village is in the Český Krumlov district, about 3 hours south of Prague. If you’re staying in Prague and want to visit Holašovice, I recommend a day trip. There are many different tour companies that offer day trips to Holašovice from Prague, which makes it easy to get there and back in a day. Or, for more flexibility, consider renting a car for the day and driving down to Holašovice on your own.

See Related: Is Prague Safe? Things to Know for Travelers

13. Karlovy Vary

One of the best Czech cities to visit is Karlovy Vary, which is located in western Bohemia. This spa town is a popular tourist destination – and from one glance it’s easy to see why. Apart from the gorgeous scenery, beautiful architecture, and stunning gardens, Karlovy Vary is home to several different thermal springs, which are said to have healing properties.

Some of the best places to visit in Karlovy Vary include the Hot Spring, the Mattoni Colonnade, and the Mill Colonnade. The Hot Spring (or Vřídlo) is a must-see for visitors. It’s the largest and most famous thermal spring in Karlovy Vary, and the Hot Spring Colonnade can be found in the heart of the Spa Center.

The Mattoni Colonnade is a beautiful glass structure that was built in the 19th Century, and it’s a great place to relax and take in the scenery. The Mill Colonnade is another one of Karlovy Vary’s thermal springs, and it’s located in a picturesque setting next to the River Teplá.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Karlovy Vary, I recommend visiting the Regional Museum. This museum has exhibits on the history of the city, as well as the thermal springs. You can also take a guided tour of Karlovy Vary, which is a great way to see all of the major sights in the city.

When you visit Karlovy Vary, be sure to try some of the local dishes. The city is known for its beef goulash, a hearty stew made with beef, onions, and paprika. Karlovy Vary is also known for its spicy sausage, which I cannot get enough of.

Karlovy Vary is only about an hour and a half from Prague, so you can easily visit for a day trip. That said, if you do feel like staying there, check out the Spa Hotel Thermal – I shouldn’t have to tell you what kind of treatment you can expect here.

14. Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort

Address: Špindlerův Mlýn 281, 543 51 Špindlerův Mlýn, Czechia

Regarding holiday destinations in the Czech Republic, Špindlerův Mlýn is a great choice for winter sports enthusiasts. This ski resort is located in the Krkonoše Mountains, one of the most popular places to go cross-country skiing in Czechia.

No matter when you visit Špindlerův Mlýn, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. If skiing isn’t your bag, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Špindlerův Mlýn, such as snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding.

In addition to winter sports, you can go hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Špindlerův Mlýn to enjoy the view.

If you’ve chosen to visit Špindlerův Mlýn in the winter, I recommend booking a hotel in the town center to save a few pennies. If you’re searching for a more luxurious option, there are a few 5-star hotels in Špindlerův Mlýn.

For a spell of sheer relaxation, I recommend booking a stay at the Hotel Bedriska Wellness Resort and Spa. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. For an authentic Czech experience, I recommend staying at the Hotel Praha – the rooms are modern and comfortable, while the hotel grounds and outside keep their Bohemian charm.

PRO TIP: If you are planning on visiting Špindlerův Mlýn in winter, I recommend booking your trip in advance. The ski resort is very popular, so accommodations fill up quickly – especially during peak season.

If you’ve chosen to visit Špindlerův Mlýn in the summer, I actually recommend staying at one of the camping grounds. There are many different camping grounds to choose from, and they’re all located in scenic areas, so there’s no bad option. If sleeping under the stars is a little too rustic for you, there are also a number of different vacation homes and cabins in Špindlerův Mlýn, (like this adorable, affordable little cabin), so you’ll be able to find something that fits your budget.

Regarding food, you’re in for a treat, as Špindlerův Mlýn has options for days. There are many restaurants and cafes in the city center, as well as a few hopping bars. And, when searching for something specific, you can always ask the staff at your hotel – they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

Some of the local dishes that you should try while you’re in Špindlerův Mlýn include svíčková na smetaně (beef sirloin in cream sauce – love this stuff), kyselo (sauerkraut soup), and bramboráky (potato pancakes – probably my favorite). And, of course, you can’t go to the Czech Republic without trying some local beer – after all, it is the home of lager.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Prague with Kids

15. Aqualand Moravia

Address: 691 22 Pasohlávky, Czechia

For summer antics in the Czech Republic, head to Aqualand Moravia, one of the largest waterparks in Central Europe. Aqualand Moravia is located in Pasohlávky, and it’s a great place to cool off on a hot day.

The waterpark has several attractions, including slides, pools, and a lazy river. If you’re traveling with young kids, they’ll love the children’s play area. In addition to the waterpark, Aqualand Moravia also has a spa so that you can relax and unwind after a day of swimming.

I recommend booking a cabana if you visit Aqualand Moravia with the kids. The cabanas are in the children’s play area, with a television, a fridge, and a safe. And, if you want to make your cabana reservation in advance, you can do so on the Aqualand Moravia website.

Aqualand Moravia even has its on-site hotel, the Hotel Aqualand Inn so that you can stay close to the action. Seeing bumper crowds in summer, Aqualand Moravia is open year-round, so you can visit no matter when you’re traveling to Czechia.

Getting around the Czech Republic

When it comes to getting around the Czech Republic, there are a few different options. The most popular way to get around is by car. Because things are so spread out in the Czech Republic, having a car is the best way to see everything. If you rent a car, I recommend using someone like RentalCars.com and booking online in advance to ensure the best rate.

If you are uncomfortable driving in a foreign country, you can also take the bus. The Czech Republic has a reliable bus network; you can find schedules and tickets online. Another option for getting around the Czech Republic is by train.

The Czech Republic has an extensive rail network, so you can easily get from one city to another. Traveling to a smaller town or village may require a taxi. Taxis in the Czech Republic are relatively affordable, and you can find taxis at most major airports and train stations.

If you are visiting Prague, I recommend using public transportation – it’s very cheap and quite easy to get around. Just be sure to buy a ticket before you get on the bus or the metro.

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