9 Best Day Trips from Prague
Prague is one of the most beautiful European cities full of things to do, and if you plan to stay longer, these are our recommended best day trips from Prague. Visit Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora, Karlovy Vary, Pilsen, and more amazing places in the Czech Republic on a day tour from Prague.
Prague, the heart of Europe and the capital of the Czech Republic, is always a joy to visit.
The city is full of history, incredible medieval architecture, and mythical tales and legends. We could write about Prague for years, but today we want to show you must-visit places outside of the capital city.
For several reasons, most of the visitors to the Czech Republic visit Prague and Prague only, and they skip entirely the rest of the country. And we think that this has to be changed because also other places in our country deserve the attention of international travelers.
We've put together a list of nine incredible places in the Czech Republic you can visit on a day trip from Prague either independently or with an organized tour.
From exploring majestic medieval castles to tasting a traditional Pilsen lager beer, from hiking in the lush forests to drinking from hot springs, the Czech Republic is no short of stunning places and best activities for all types of travelers.
Exciting day trips from Prague will allow you to fully appreciate the diversity of the Czech Republic and show you that this beautiful country in Central Europe is full of surprises.
So, without delaying any further, here is the list of the best day trips and tours from Prague.
TEREZIN
What has been the most eye-opening travel experience you've ever had? For us, a trip to Terezin is somewhere on the top of the list.
Terezin, also known as Theresienstadt, lies about an hour north of Prague. It was built as a fortress between 1780-1790 to protect the Bohemian Kingdom against the Prussian troops during a one-month-long Austria Prussia war (also known as Seven Weeks' War).
Later on, Terezin served as a prison, and fast forward to the 20th century (during WWI) the fortress became a prison for political prisoners.
But the true horrors were yet to come. In 1940, Germany turned Terezin into a ghetto and concentration camp.
Despite the fact, that Terezin was not an extermination camp, almost 35000 people died here within a few years, as the living conditions were inhumane.
If this is your first time in Europe, and you've never visited a similar place to this one, you should really change that.
Terezin is one of the lesser-known concentration camps, though the story of this fortress remains incredibly powerful.
In other words, this will be a strong learning experience for everyone.
Reserve at least a half-day for visiting Terezin. We spent there the whole day as we wanted to see as much as possible the destination had to offer.
You can get to Terezin by bus or rental car from Prague. Or take a Terezin Tour from Prague.
BOHEMIAN PARADISE
Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) is UNESCO Geopark and home to sandstone towers, rock cities, beautiful castles, deep ravines, dense forests, awesome trails, and one bearded bandit.
Well, the bandit, Rumcajs, is only a fictional Robin Hood-like character from a popular Czech children's animated tv-show, so you probably won't meet him there, but everything else we've mentioned is true.
The rock formations in this part of the country are stunning, and there are many places you can go to see them.
The most popular rock formations are called Prachovske Skaly, Drabske Svetnicky, and Hruboskalske Skalni Mesto, but there are other fascinating attractions as well. If you like European castles, you will have a blast in Bohemian Paradise.
You must visit the castle Kost (Bone) known for characteristic White Tower or one of the symbols of Bohemian Paradise, Trosky Castle, which is technically a ruin, though it's worth your time.
The first time we visited Bohemian Paradise together with Lucie was on a very frugal camping trip years and years ago, and many things went wrong on that trip (especially the camping part of the adventure).
But we still have only the fondest memories of this incredible place.
Those memories, when you go camping and 'someone' forgets a sleeping bag at home will stay forever.
Even though Bohemian Paradise is now well-known among international travelers, it's also a must-visit place among Czechs who love to travel on the weekends, holidays, and during summertime.
The best way to visit Bohemian Paradise is by car, so you can explore it in your own pace.
Or you can take a Bohemian Paradise Walking Tour from Prague.
In case you have more time, and in case you can freely choose the time of year when you visit the Czech Republic, we recommend you to stay at least one night in the area during autumn which is according to us the most magical time to see Bohemian Paradise.
CESKY KRUMLOV
Ouf of the 9 places on this list that you must visit from Prague, Cesky Krumlov is definitely the most famous one.
A small town in South Bohemia became overly popular among international visitors in the past few years, but we can't blame anyone for putting Cesky Krumlov on an itinerary.
The setting of the city is incredibly striking and the views of a deep valley with meandering Vltava River making its way through and a beautiful castle on the top of the cliff are hard to beat.
Cesky Krumlov for sure, has a lot to offer.
This UNESCO town can get really crowded, as it's popular among Asian bus tours, so you need to plan your trip from Prague to Cesky Krumlov a little bit more carefully if you want to avoid crowds.
By the way, we would recommend you to include nearby Holasovice, a charming UNESCO village with traditional Czech rural architecture, in your day itinerary as well.
Back to Cesky Krumlov. It's not a bad idea to stay in Cesky Krumlov overnight to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.
Also keep in mind, that it takes two and a half hours just to get there from Prague, so you will need a full day to visit this charming town, as you will spend at least five hours on the road.
To sit, relax and not to worry about anything, you can take a Cesky Krumlov Tour from Prague.
Or consider taking a Cesky Krumlov Private Tour, which is more expensive, but you won't have to travel with others.
In case you want to get there independently, read this helpful blog post How to Get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague.
TELC & TREBIC
Telc is often rated as one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, Trebic is full of history and home to well-preserved Jewish Quarter and the Jewish Cemetery.
Both towns earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, and they offer plenty of things to do.
The historic part of Telc is all about Renaissance and Baroque architecture, beautifully decorated facades, and stunning main square.
The best attraction in the city is the principal square itself (full name is Namesti Zachariase z Hradce, named after a local nobleman), lined with a unique set of colorful and ornamented townhouses, archways, and galleries.
Later on, do not miss the 17th-century chateau, with a beautiful park, and don't forget to climb the tower for amazing views of the town and its surroundings.
Trebic lies on both banks of Jihlava River and will entertain both architecture and history lovers for hours.
Visitors of this charming town have an excellent opportunity to learn about the long history of Trebic, which dates back to 1101 when the Benedictine Monastery was established.
The first official record mentioning Trebic comes from 1277, and two centuries later, Matthias Corvinus of Hungary conquered and destroyed the town (in 1468). Fast forward to the 1990s, the historic part of the town was renovated and became one of the must-visit places in the Czech Republic.
Despite the fact, that the Jewish Quarter is very compact, it's well-preserved and definitely worth visiting, as you won't find many places like this in the Czech Republic.
Telc is a 2-hour ride from Prague and another 30 minutes by car from Trebic, and you are going to need to rent a car or join an organized tour.
Getting there by public transport would be too much hassle in this case, as you would have to change the bus, then find another bus between the towns and then get back to Prague.
If time allows you might want to stay in Telc overnight.
Or take a Telc and Trebic Tour from Prague to visit both towns in one day.
KARLOVY VARY
Are you looking to visit one of the Czech famous spa towns? Then you can't go wrong with Karlovy Vary, the well-known spa town in the Czech Republic.
It's also a popular spa town in Europe, and many visitors arrive in the city every year to see what the fuss is about.
And what to expect from Karlovy Vary? Exquisite spa treatments, hot springs, gorgeous architecture, elegant colonnades, and beautiful surroundings.
Every year in July, Karlovy Vary hosts the biggest film festival in the Czech Republic, and the city becomes a home to film lovers for a week.
When in the town, don't forget to buy a spa cup, a unique shaped cup that's used to drink mineral water from the spring.
Karlovy Vary lies in the west corner of the Czech Republic near the German borders, and it takes more than two hours to get there from Prague.
You need to have a car to get there or hop on a bus, or if you prefer guided tours, go on a Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague with a professional guide.
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!
KUTNA HORA
Since the Middle Ages, Kutna Hora was known as a treasury of the Czech Kingdom. Famous for its silver ore mines and minting coins (Groschen), Kutna Hora quickly became one of the most important towns at the time even competing economically with the capital Prague.
You might find this small-sized town a bit different from other towns in the Czech Republic, but it's one of the most heavily visited places on the list for a reason.
Thanks to its perfect location and accessibility from Prague, Kutna Hora is a must-visit place for all visitors to the Czech Republic, and international travelers love to visit this charming town on a day trip from Prague.
The name of the city derives from two Czech words: 'kutat' which translates into mining and 'hora' which means mountain, you put the words together, and you have Kutna Hora.
So what should you expect from Kutna Hora?
The most famous place to visit in Kutna Hora is St. Barbara Church, which was named after the same-name patron of miners.
A 14th-century gothic church standing on the top of the hill has breathtaking interiors and is one of the most famous churches in the Czech Republic.
You can walk around the core of the town, visit the mining museum, and learn everything about history.
Another reason to visit Kutna Hora is a fascinating church that lies outside the town in the nearby village Sedlec. Yes, we are talking about the famous Sedlec Ossuary, which holds a collection of 40 000 bones and skeletons and is called a Bone Church for this reason.
In other words, Kutna Hora is worth your time and attention, and you might spend a lovely day there, once you get tired of Prague.
Getting to Kutna Hora is very straightforward, and you have plenty of choices here.
The easiest way to get there is with a Kutna Hora Tour from Prague, that includes a knowledgeable guide and transportation.
If you have a car, it will take you less than an hour to get there.
You can also take a direct train from Prague Main Station (bus ride takes longer), and visit the town independently.
KARLSTEJN CASTLE
Do you have European Castles on your bucket list?
Well, we have great news for you, the Czech Republic is home to one of the most beautiful castles in the world.
Medieval castles are perfect for a romantic visit at any time of the year, and if you ask any Czech person, what is the most famous castle in the country, you are going to hear the answer Karlstejn often.
Obviously, you have to tour Prague Castle first, but when your visit is over, head out of the city and explore Karlstejn.
In 1348, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, founded the remarkable Karlstejn Castle as a representative seat at first and then used it as a treasury for Bohemian crown jewels (nowadays you can see a replica there).
The castle endured the centuries, became one of the symbols of the Czech Republic, and it's still standing to this day in good shape.
Karlstejn stands on a rock approximately 300 meters above sea level and towers above the valley and forested area, and if you like hiking, there are some nice trails in the area as well.
As a prominent Czech landmark, Karlstejn is also very popular among Czechs and has featured in many movies and (historical) novels.
Of course, Karlstejn is not the only must-visit castle in the country, and there are many worthwhile castles scattered around Czechia, and although it might be a hustle to visit them without a car, they are really worth your time.
To make your life easier (and if you are interested in a guided tour), you can book a Karlstejn Castle Tour.
BOHEMIAN AND SAXON SWITZERLAND
Bohemian Switzerland (sometimes reffered as Czech Switzerland) is the youngest national park in the Czech Republic and the perfect getaway from the busy streets of Prague.
Drive only two hours from the Czech capital, and you will arrive in a natural paradise packed with amazing rock formations, deep canyons, narrow gorges, rolling hills, wildlife, traditional architecture, and great hiking trails.
This national park is an all-year-round destination, though the best time to visit Bohemian Switzerland is in autumn. It's the time of the year when the leaves change the color, and the landscape turns into colorful wonderland with typical red and yellow shades.
The whole region is home to deers, falcons, bats or owls, and you might have a chance to spot wild animals if you start hiking early. Setting off in the morning is also a good strategy to avoid the crowds.
Bohemian Switzerland NP is best explored on foot, as most of the excellent lookouts are only accessible by hiking.
Speaking of which, walking and hiking is the best activity to do while in the park, although you might want to take a boat trip through the incredible gorges.
Pravcicka Brana, the largest sandstone arch in Europe, is the symbol of the park and the top attraction you shouldn't miss. The unique natural bridge has a span of 26.5 meters and is 16 meters high, which is what makes it one of the greatest natural treasures in the Czech Republic.
Furthermore, you can visit the northern Saxon part of the national park, which lies just across the borders in neighboring Germany, although you will need more time for this.
The incredible landscapes attract not only tourists, but also filmmakers, and several shots of The Chronicles of Narnia or Carnival Row were shot here.
Booking a Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Tour from Prague makes sense if you want to see the best places in the area in one day.
You can also rent a car and explore the park on your own.
PILSEN
You can't leave the Czech Republic without visiting a brewery, and there is not a better place to go than the birthplace of a lager beer, Pilsen (Plzen).
By a decree from King Wenceslaus II (who also officially founded the city in 1295), residents were allowed to brew a beer, however, they did it in a very uneducated way, so the quality was not great (to put it mildly).
The quality of the beer fluctuated from batch to batch throughout the centuries until everything has changed in 1842 when German master brewer prepared a new type of beer - Pilsner lager.
Nowadays, you can take a tour around the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery, and learn everything about the production and history of the beer and company.
But Pilsen has much more to offer than just a beer, so you can spend a beautiful day exploring the city, that lies about 90 kilometers west of Prague, and still not see all the attractions.
And what to see and do in Plzen?
The inner city is very compact, and you can walk everywhere on foot. Visit the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, Great Synagogue (second largest in Europe), Renaissance Town Hall, historical underground network, and of course, the brewery.
Then you can hit some museums or art galleries, or visit one of the many annual cultural events.
You can easily take a bus or train from Prague to get there independently.
Or take a Pilsen City and Pilsner Brewery Guided Tour from Prague.
PRAGUE GUIDES
Here you can find links to all the services and articles you might find useful when planning your big trip to Prague, Czechia.
Firstly, you should read 1-Day Prague Itinerary or 3 Days in Prague, which will help you decide how to plan your trip, then Must-Visit Places in Prague including the best places in Prague worth visiting.
We've written a full post on Is Prague Safe for Travelers, and How to Get from Prague Airport.
Getting Around Prague is easy with our post, and we've also created a separate post on How to Use Metro in Prague.
We hope you've enjoyed our list, and would love to hear from you back, what you think about the places we’ve included in this blog post.
And as usual, enjoy your trip to the Czech Republic and safe travels!
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.
