5 Best Places to Visit in Czechia
Here is the list of 5 must-visit places in Czechia every traveler should put on the travel itinerary. The Czech Republic is not only about Prague, but you will find here many interesting places worth visiting. Explore Prague, Karlovy Vary, Ostrava, Cesky Krumlov, and Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
The Czech Republic is a rather small landlocked country in Central Europe with a long captivating history, beautiful medieval cities, majestic castles, amazing nature, and as we like to think, the best beer in the world.
It's also a place which is getting every year more attention from international travelers, and the word Czechia is buzzing among visitors from all around the globe.
Although most of the travelers have already heard about Prague, the capital of Czechia and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, when it comes to other attractions outside the city, not many people know what is possible to see and do in the country.
Of course, we included Prague in the list of five best places to visit in the Czech Republic, simply because it is so exceptional, but in this article, we would like to introduce you other destinations worth noticing and worth putting on your travel itinerary.
When we were creating this list, we didn’t think of off-beaten path destinations, secluded places without tourists, but quite the opposite.
We wanted to show you the top attractions which are the most popular, and we must add, for a reason. In case your schedule allows it, you should consider putting those five must-visit places on your Czechia itinerary.
The great thing about the country is that it is pretty small, and it is possible to visit most of the parts of the Czech Republic on a day trips from Prague, maybe except for Ostrava, because it takes some time to get there (and back).
As we are locals, we know about many amazing places to visit not many travelers know about, but in this post, we really wanted to show you the best of the best what the Czech Republic has to offer, and it's more aimed at first-time visitors.
Without further ado, here is the list of must-visit places in the Czech Republic.
PRAGUE
The one and the only, Prague is often considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has several catching nicknames as the heart of Europe, mother of cities, or the city of hundred spires.
It's been and still is an inspiration for travelers, artists and the mesmerizing beauty attracts millions of tourists every year.
So obviously the number one on our list couldn't have been anything else than the capital of the Czech Republic.
It's the largest city in Czechia and the place with many top attractions - see Must-Visit Places in Prague - so you can easily spend a week just by exploring the city alone.
We consider 3 days in Prague to be an absolute minimum, to see some of the best things the city has to offer. Being said that, you might not have that much time, so check out also this 1-Day Prague Itinerary.
And what are the top places you must visit in Prague?
Prague Castle, National Museum, Vysehrad, Kampa, Old Town, Municipal House, St. Vitus Cathedral, Petrin Hill or Charles Bridge just to name a few.
As you can see, most of the must-see things in Prague are historic architectural gems, but the city also boasts many parks, lively neighborhoods, restaurants and coffee shops.
Don’t forget to check out our post Prague Guide for First-Timers: Everything You Need to Know.
When getting around Prague, use public transport. It's cheap, comfortable, and reliable.
WHERE TO STAY IN PRAGUE
Budget: Hostel Boudnik | Mid-range: Nyx Hotel Prague | Luxury: Augustine Prague
OSTRAVA
Once an important mining city often nicknamed as steel heart or black Ostrava has been slowly transforming into a modern capital of Moravian-Silesian region.
The whole region is slowly moving away from the coal mining history to a new future, and Ostrava is the leader in the transformation.
Ostrava is not anymore a dirty city where only people who were born here were forced to live as they were closely tied to the place by their family roots.
From Prague, it's easy to catch a train by Regiojet to get to Ostrava.
So what to expect from Ostrava? firstly, you should read our Ostrava Travel Guide.
One of the must-visit places in the city is the large industrial area Dolni oblast Vitkovice saved from demolition.
Luckily the idea of revitalization prevailed, and the complex was rebuilt into a technical monument and a museum.
The massive historic gas holder now serves as a remarkable multifunctional event center for conferences, art exhibitions or a study purposes, and the Great Hall in the upper part seats almost 1600 people.
We do not know why, but we really enjoy visiting places which were once a shame of the city and were turned into lively, prosperous tourist attractions.
Although the comparison might seem funny when talking about Ostrava, the very similar place we visited or rather a very similar feeling we had when walking the High Line in New York.
Two major events are happening every year in the city. Colours of Ostrava is a multi-genre music festival held in Dolni oblast Vitkovice near the city center, and Zlata Tretra is annual athletics event.
And the best part about traveling to Ostrava is a great, affordable, and comfortable train connection between Prague and Ostrava (Pendolino is the fastest train on this route).
Those of you looking for nightlife won't be disappointed in Ostrava, as there is a famous street Stodolni with many bars and restaurants, but it is the most lively on Friday and Saturday evening.
Ostrava can also be your base for visiting Beskydy mountains, in case you need more fresh air.
WHERE TO STAY IN OSTRAVA
Budget: U Betty | Mid-range: Harmony Club Hotel | Luxury: Mercure Ostrava Center
CESKY KRUMLOV
In the southern Bohemian region, you will find another UNESCO gem, Cesky Krumlov, a small historic town set in the picturesque landscape of meandering Vltava river with an impressive castle towering on the hill above the valley.
The main tourist season in the Czech Republic is between May and the end of September so visiting Cesky Krumlov outside this period is a good idea.
The city is extremely popular with foreign tours especially Asian tourists as they flock in the town on a day trips from Prague.
So it's better to visit the town early in the morning or late in the afternoon, in case you are traveling independently and want to avoid crowds.
Make sure to read our blog post on How to Get to Cesky Krumlov independently.
Being said that, taking a Cesky Krumlov Tour is the easiest way to see this town.
On the other hand, there is a reason why is Cesky Krumlov so popular. Although we have quite many historical cities and towns in the Czech Republic, the settings of Cesky Krumlov is absolutely exceptional, and you cannot expect to have the place just for yourself.
Cesky Krumlov is also a gateway to a Sumava (Bohemian Forest) National Park featuring great hiking and biking trails for all age groups. That’s not all.
You can include on your trip also other beautiful places of South Bohemian Region such as Tabor, Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle, Ceske Budejovice, or Holasovice.
Most of the visitors to Cesky Krumlov arrive during the morning, rush around the city, eat in overpriced restaurants only to be back in Prague in the evening. To soak up the atmosphere, if time allows, we definitely recommend you to spend a night in the medieval city.
The experience will be completely different, much more relaxed, you will have time to look for less touristy places to eat, and you will even have time to add a cultural program to your itinerary.
WHERE TO STAY IN CESKY KRUMLOV
Budget: Tiffany | Mid-range: Hotel U Maleho Vitka | Luxury: Hotel Ebersbach
KARLOVY VARY
Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad or Karlsbad, is the most famous and the most visited spa town in the west region of Czechia about 130 kilometers from Prague.
In 1370, Karel IV, the king of the Czech lands, and the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire founded the city on the confluence of two rivers, Tepla and Ohre, and the city was afterward named after him as a tribute.
It's the city of hot springs, collonades, unique architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere best to be explored on foot in a leisure pace with a special drinking cup in your hand.
That's right, you can explore the city and taste the water from all the healing springs for free.
And if you think, that you need something stronger, you can give a try to a traditional Czech herbal liqueur called Becherovka first distilled in Karlovy Vary.
You can book a Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague here, visit Karlovy Vary by public transport or by car.
Although it is doable in only one day from Prague, Karlovy Vary has many things to offer, and you can easily spend here a night.
And here is an extra tip for culture lovers, every year, the city hosts the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival which is the most prestigious movie event in Central and Eastern Europe.
The festival always starts at the end of June and lasts until mid-July, so in case you are traveling on a budget or do not like overcrowded places, avoid Karlovy Vary during this time.
WHERE TO STAY IN KARLOVY VARY
Budget: Hotel Derby | Mid-range: Spa Hotel Olympia | Luxury: Grandhotel Pupp
BOHEMIAN SWITZERLAND NATIONAL PARK
Although it is fun to visit cities in the Czech Republic, and although the country is not famous for high snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes as other destinations in Europe, it does not mean you won't find here beautiful nature.
If we should give you only one tip, it is truly worth to explore the scarcely populated northern part of Czechia, home to Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
On the borders with Germany lies Ceske Svycarsko Narodni Park, a charming forested area with sandstone formations, gorges, creeks, table mountains, and conical shaped hills.
Just across the borders, the park has a twin and is adjacent to Saxon Switzerland National Park.
You shouldn't miss Pravcicka Brana, the most famous rock formation, and the symbol of the park. Among other top attractions are Edmundova Souteska, Tiske Skaly or Mariina Vyhlidka.
There are many well-maintained hiking trails, and the park is visited by locals, but also by Germans and Polish travelers almost all year round.
You can take a Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Tour from Prague if you'd like to visit both National Parks in one day.
The best time to visit the national park is during the autumn when the leaves change color to bright yellow and crimson red, and the morning mists put on a spectacular show.
It is for sure not possible to see everything the park has to offer in only one day, so you can spend a night in Decin, the closes larger city, or in the villages scattered around the park.
WHERE TO STAY IN DECIN
Budget: Hostel Decin na Skrivance | Mid-range: Hotel Ceska Koruna | Luxury: Zlata Lipa - Wellness Hotel
SAFETY
Czechia is one of the safest countries in the world. When using public transport in big cities, beware of pickpockets.
Other two common problems tourists may encounter in Prague are dishonest taxi drivers overcharging people for getting around the city, and money exchange agencies offering unfavorable exchange rates.
Don't forget to read our blog post Is Prague Safe for Travelers?
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHEN TO GO
The Czech Republic is an all-year-round destination, and you can visit all the places on the list no matter the time of the year.
That’s being said, the best time of the year to visit our country is from spring to autumn.
The winter brings unpleasant weather, low temperatures, and cloudy days with the shortest period of daylight. On the other hand, it’s also the time when you can visit some of the places without hordes of people.
For more information, check out this article Best Time to Visit Prague.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Get Around: Buses and trains are an affordable way to get around the Czech Republic. Regiojet offers clean and modern buses and trains with all the amenities.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
