Czech Republic Travelers Recommend

With winter's thaw, Prague’s streets spring to life, and visitors can enjoy the city’s top attractions without peak summer crowds. Take advantage of the good weather to cruise the streets on an e-scooter, enjoy a tour of top eateries, and visit the Bohemian countryside. Here are some ways to enjoy spring in Prague.

• See the top attractions around Prague with a guided full-day citywide tour, or a combo sightseeing tour and river cruise.
• Explore one of the largest medieval castles in Europe with a guided tour of Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Escape the bustling city to wander in the countryside on a small-group hiking adventure in the Divoká Sárka natural reserve.
• Take in the picturesque landscape with a day trip to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park.
• Experience the local cuisine with a guided food-focused walking tour, or a beer tasting and tapas excursion.
• Take advantage of the changing weather to zip around the city streets with a guided e-scooter tour or group bike tour.
• Enjoy the Vltava River on a dinner cruise or enjoy Prague’s hidden canals on a sightseeing cruise.
• Treat yourself to a classical music concert at one of Prague's elegant concert halls or the stately Prague Castle.

Having produced emperors and kings, artists and astronomers, Prague has worked its magic on generations of visitors. From strolling the medieval center’s maze of cobbled lanes to tasting Czech tapas and cruising the Vltava River, there are some things you simply must do when you’re here.

See below for our can’t-miss activities in Prague.

Known for sunshine and balmy weather, Prague truly comes to life in summer. From sampling Czech pilsner and cruising along the river, to zipping through the streets on an e-scooter and hiking in the countryside, here’s how to make the most of a summer trip to this historic city.

• Discover Prague from top to bottom on a full-day comprehensive tour complete with lunch, sightseeing, and a cruise.
• Take advantage of the warm weather and feel the wind in your face on an e-scooter sightseeing tour.
• Hang out on the Prague waterfront at an evening riverside party, and drink and dine under the iconic Charles Bridge.
• Sip your way around this beer-friendly city on a beer and tapas walking tour, beer tasting, or beer garden tour.
• Uncover some of Prague’s hidden gems on a private, off-the-beaten-path sightseeing excursion.
• Steep yourself in Czech history and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites on a half-day or full-day excursion to Kutna Hora.
• Experience the natural beauty of the Bohemian countryside with a day trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park.
• Relax on the water and enjoy the local cuisine on a Vltava River dinner cruise or sightseeing canal cruise.
• Give yourself a scare with a not-so-typical ghost walking tour.

Winter is a great time to visit Prague and take advantage of discounted accommodations and world-class Christmas markets. Without the throngs of travelers you’d find in the summer, you can easily book a guided tour, visit the city's top sights, and head to the mountains for some skiing. Here's how to make the best of winter in Prague.

• See top attractions around the city while avoiding the chilly temperatures with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Visit one of the most popular attractions in Prague without waiting in a chilly ticket line with a skip-the-line tour of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral.
• Escape the city for a day of skiing or snowboarding at the Klinovec Ski Resort.
• Learn how to prepare traditional Czech cuisine with a chef-led cooking class and market tour.
• Sample some of Prague's best local brews, from pilsners to porters, with a guided beer tasting.
• Get into the holiday spirit with a Prague Christmas market tour.
• Visit one of Prague's historic concert halls for a classical music concert.
• Head to the theater to experience a neon-lit black light stage show.
• Grab your favorite person and enjoy an indulgent, multi-course dinner and a concert at the Grand Hotel Bohemia.

With three days in Prague, you have plenty of time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, see its most famous sights, learn about its rich history, and even head out of town and into the surrounding countryside. Here are a few ways to experience the very best of Prague in 72 memorable hours.

Day 1: See the City’s Sights

On your first morning in Prague, get your bearings on a guided walking or Segway tour that ticks off Prague’s major sights, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Town Square and Charles Bridge; some tours also include lunch and a river cruise. For the flexibility of independent exploration, a hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to create your own itinerary, and you can combine it with a river cruise and a walking tour.

Spend the afternoon taking a closer look at Prague’s most important landmarks, such as Prague Castle’s sprawling complex of museums, churches, palaces, and gardens, which you can visit alone or on a private or group tour. If going independently, buying skip-the-line tickets ensures you don’t waste time waiting to get in.

In the evening, get a taste of traditional Czech music and dance at an entertaining folklore show. Most include a hearty dinner and unlimited beer and wine.

Day 2: Dive into Prague’s History and Culture

Whether your interest is in the history of Jewish Prague, the city’s experiences during World War II and the communist era, or the quality beer for which the Czech Republic is famous, today is the day to indulge those interests with an in-depth themed tour. Tours of Jewish Prague generally explore the old Jewish neighborhood, Josefov, as well as the Old Jewish Cemetery, synagogues, and sites associated with famous Jewish author Franz Kafka. WWII and communist-themed tours visit the old headquarters of the KGB, communist party, and Nazis, as well as sites where major events took place. And beer-themed tours swing by several local bars and breweries. 

Whether or not you’ve sampled some brews during the day, come evening you can toast your second day by embarking on a pub crawl through some of the city’s liveliest nightspots—most tours include drinks and some come with food as well.

Day 3: Head Out of Town

Thanks to the city’s central location and your ample time, there are many options for easy day trips from Prague. You can visit the charming town of Cesky Krumlov, whose historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site; Kutna Hora to see its famed bone church; the spa town of Karlovy Vary; or even as far afield as Dresden, Germany, or Vienna, Austria. All are reachable on a full-day tour, which allows you to skip the hassle of renting a car or figuring out train timetables.

After a full day of exploring beyond the city limits, spend the evening soaking up the views of Prague’s twinkling city lights and floodlit castle on a cruise along the Vltava river. Many boat trips include dinner and drinks.

Fall is a great time to visit Prague, with fewer crowds and more manageable ticket lines than the peak summer season. Travelers who don’t mind slightly chilly days can balance indoor and outdoor activities, biking when the sun shines and tucking into a hearty meal when the weather turns. Here are options for fall in Prague.

• Immerse yourself in Czech history on a guided tour of Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and St. George’s Basilica.
• Bundle up and enjoy a refreshing breeze while sightseeing around the city on a bike tour or e-bike tour.
• Experience Prague's culinary heritage and indulge in the local cuisine with a guided food-focused walking tour.
• Sip some of the city's favorite local brews and snack on traditional pub fare with a guided beer walking tour.
• Head to the theater for black light performance, a local specialty that utilizes fluorescent costumes and stage effects.
• Experience a classical music concert in one of Prague's elegant venues, such as the must-visit Prague Castle.
• Treat yourself to a romantic multi-course dinner with live music at the historic Grand Hotel Bohemia.
• Take in views of the lit-up city skyline with a Vltava River dinner cruise.

Home to fairytale castles, soaring spires, and charming cobbled streets that wind their way through city squares, Prague is a feast for the eyes. Among the highlights are historic monuments and the picturesque islands along the Vltava River. The city is also home to many fascinating museums—here are a few of the favorites.

LEGO® Museum

This museum is a must for children and grown-up LEGO enthusiasts. Learn about the history of the beloved colorful building blocks and explore more than 3,000 different LEGO models of varying sizes, from pirate ships to Harry Potter. The LEGO versions of monuments from around the world are a particular highlight. The on-site shop has plenty of models to take home and build. 

**How to Visit:**Buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance to beat the crowds at this popular attraction. 

Apple Museum

This quirky museum houses the largest private collection of Apple-brand products in the world. Take a walk down memory lane to see some of the earliest Apple computers and view some of the latest models. Follow the story of founder Steve Jobs, who went from college dropout to tech titan. The series of pop-art celebrity portraits in the basement is also worth exploring. 

**How to Visit:**Book your ticket in advance to ensure you can visit on the day of your choice. Groups can benefit from a discounted rate.

Mucha Museum

Relive Prague’s art nouveau heyday at the Mucha Museum. Dedicated to the work of Alphonse Mucha, the museum has an in-depth collection ranging from his famous Parisian posters to exquisite decorative panels, plus photographs and artifacts belonging to the artist. 

**How to Visit:**Get free entry to the Mucha Museum along with other popular museums in the city with the Prague Welcome Card.

Jewish Museum (Zidovske Muzeum)

Learn about the sometimes tragic history of Jewish people in Prague at the Jewish Museum, which is spread across different sites in the Josefov neighborhood. As part of the experience, visit several synagogues, a ceremonial hall, gallery, and cemetery for a moving reminder of the need for peace for all peoples. 

**How to Visit:**Join a tour with a specialized guide that includes entry to the museum for a more in-depth experience. 

Museum of Communism

Part of Communist Eastern Europe for several decades, Prague has several sites that explore what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. The Museum of Communism is one of the most comprehensive. Focused on exploring daily life, politics, education, art and more under the Communist regime, the museum features propaganda posters and other artifacts, plus life-size recreations of a schoolroom, workshop, and interrogation room.

**How to Visit:**Gain extra insight into this part of Prague’s history by visiting the museum with a guide. 

The Czech Republic, known for its architectural wonders, is home to some of Europe’s most picturesque castles—everything from imposing fortresses protecting crown jewels to romantic summer chateaus. Here are your options for visiting from Prague.

Prague Castle

Considered the largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle comprises a sprawling complex of structures—churches, courtyards, gardens, and royal residences—built between the 10th and 20th centuries. Don’t miss the St. Vitus Cathedral, a symbol of the Czech Republic, towering over the castle walls.

**How to Visit:**Join a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed castle grounds to uncover its 10 centuries of history.

Karlstejn Castle

Built by King Charles IV in the 14th century, imposing Karlstejn Castle was designed to protect the royal family’s crown jewels and collection of holy relics. The first view of this magnificent, Disney-like castle on a hill is a highlight in the Czech Republic.

**How to Visit:**Choose a guided half-day tour or hop on a bike and follow your guide to the castle along the banks of the River Vlatva from Prague.

Konopiste Castle

Archduke Franz Ferdinand spent the last decades of his life hidden away in Konopiste Castle, his favorite country retreat, before his assassination in 1914 ignited a world war. Learn more about the archduke and his passion for hunting and St. George on a visit to this impressive Gothic and Renaissance chateau.

**How to Visit:**Explore the castle on an easy half-day tour from Prague (guided or private), or combine your excursion with stops at Novy Knin and Karlstejn Castle.

Cesky Krumlov Castle

The Renaissance-style Cesky Krumlov Castle occupies a hilltop overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of the same name. Considered to be among the most beautiful castles in the country, Cesky Krumlov is a must-see in southern Bohemia.

**How to Visit:**Travel through the scenic Bohemian countryside on a guided day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague. Tours of the cobbled Old Town often include entrance to the castle.

Two days in Prague allow you time to thoroughly experience its most famous sights—such as UNESCO World Heritage–listed Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square—while also exploring lesser-visited areas and attractions related to the city’s fascinating and turbulent history. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in the Czech Republic’s charming capital.

Day 1: Revel in the Old Town and Castle District

**Morning:**Get your bearings while checking off Prague’s major sights, including Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, with a private or group city sightseeing tour. Stroll the historic streets on a walking tour, or cover more ground in less time on a bicycle tour. For more flexibility, create your own itinerary with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

**Afternoon:**Take a closer look at the city’s most important landmarks. Explore Prague Castle’s complex of museums, churches, palaces, and gardens on a private or group tour, or independently with prepurchased skip-the-line tickets. Some tours also include time to wander through the Mala Strana district, on the castle’s slopes.

**Night:**Soak up the views of the twinkling city lights and floodlit castle on an evening cruise along the Vltava river. Many cruises include dinner (buffet or set menu) and drinks, and some also feature live music.  

Day 2: Unpeel Prague’s Layers of History

**Morning:**Discover the stories of Prague’s once-thriving Jewish community with a walking tour of Jewish Prague. These tours usually include visits to the Jewish Museum, Old Jewish Cemetery, synagogues, and sights associated with famed Jewish author Franz Kafka. 

**Afternoon:**Themed tours offer the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest. Take a deep dive into Prague during WWII and the communist era; tour hidden Prague—its little-known alleys and locals’ favorite neighborhoods; or learn more about the history, culture, and cuisine of Bohemia.

**Night:**Conclude your visit to Prague by experiencing its nightlife. Your options include embarking on a pub crawl through some of the city’s liveliest nightspots—most tours come with drinks and some include food. Alternatively, you can enjoy traditional music and dance at a folklore dinner.

Prague, and the Czech Republic in general, is well-known for its fine beer, but there's much to discover with Czech food too. From meaty stews to hearty cakes, Czech cuisine will fill you up. Learn about the country's rich food traditions, try something new, and have fun doing so with these food-focused recommendations.

Must-Try Dishes

Czech food is often described as hearty, with heavy meats, stews, and sweet treats. It shares some characteristics with the cuisines of its neighbors—Poland, Germany, Hungary, Austria—but also has its own specialties.

For a light snack, try chlebíčky, an open-faced sandwich with toppings like ham and pickles, or palačinky, a crepe with cream and fruit. For a more substantial meal, goulash appeals to meat eaters. Although the spiced stewed dish is originally Hungarian, the Czech version tends to contain more meat. Smažený sýr, cheese covered in breadcrumbs, deep-fried, and served with tartare sauce, and grilled whole trout are other popular main-course options. Travelers with a sweet tooth should try Czech desserts, such as medovnik (layered honey cake) and trdelnik, a tubular rolled pastry sprinkled with sugar displayed in shop windows.

Must-Do Experiences

• Go on a micro-brewery tour or pub crawl while in Prague. You learn about the different varieties of Czech beer and get to try plenty.
• Relax on an afternoon tea or dinner cruise on the Vltava River, which often include live music and a buffet. The city’s architectural treasures along the banks of the river are beautifully lit up at night.
• Join a food walking tour to taste local delicacies with a guide and sightsee at the same time.

A cultural beacon in Central Europe, Prague is replete with artsy options, from ornate palaces and art-filled religious sights, to architecture walking tours. Here’s how art lovers can make the most of a visit to this historic city.

Prague Castle – 9th-century castle complex and cathedral

The stately Prague Castle is a must on any Prague itinerary. Explore the complex and St. Vitus Cathedral, where Czech kings and queens were crowned. Join a guided tour to learn about the castle’s famous residents.

Lobkowicz Palace Museum – Fine art in a regal setting

Fine arts enthusiasts visiting Prague Castle shouldn’t miss the Lobkowicz Palace Museum, which features one of the largest private art collections in the country. Wander more than 20 galleries, and marvel at the royal portraits, historic instruments, and paintings from artists such as Brueghel the Elder and Diego Velázquez.

Architecture Walking Tour – Art nouveau and cubist design

Art and design buffs can escape the museums and hit the streets to visit the 20th-century architectural relics scattered throughout Prague. Uncover modern architecture styles, see landmark buildings showcasing the best of 20th-century design, and learn how Czech history influenced the city’s avant-garde creators. 

Museum of Medieval Torture – Gruesome displays

To delve into the darker side of European history, check out Prague’s Museum of Medieval Torture, just steps from the Charles Bridge. Four floors of exhibits feature actual medieval torture devices, depictions of torture methods, and captions in eight languages.

LEGO®  Museum – Kid-friendly exhibitions in Central Prague

If you’re looking for a more family-friendly art experience, spend a few hours at Prague’s LEGO Museum. Highlights include LEGO models of famous Czech buildings, and a playroom where kids can let their creative minds go wild. 

Prague's favorite drink is beer—in fact, the Czechs drink more per capita than other country in the world—and records show that this beverage was produced in Bohemia in as early as 859 AD. Classic Czech brands include Staropramen, Budvar, Gambrinus,and the dark Kelt, but the most famous of all is Pilsner Urquell, brewed in Pilsen since 1295. Most beers produced in the Czech Republic today are lagers, which you can experience on a beer tour in Prague. See below for your options.

• To learn about brewing Pilsner, take a d ay trip to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and taste a couple of glasses of beer ( pivo in Czech) in the restaurant afterwards.

• As you can hardly move in the city center for bars and pubs, play it safe and call in the experts—take a hugely popular guided bar crawl through Prague's traditional beer cellars. Led by pivo masters who introduce you to a fine selection of Czech beers, you’ll get to visit several beer cellars and taste various ales.

• In addition to the city's dozens of historic beer cellars, microbreweries and gastro pubs have recently become big business in Prague. If you have a healthy interest in Czech cuisine, combine your beer-tasting experience with a visit to a couple of handpicked pubs to sample prize-winning boutique beers along with local dishes. As you drink, the supply of Czech goulash, schnitzel, and dumplings comes thick and fast.

Well-known for its beer, Prague tempts foodies with all sorts of savory snacks that go perfectly with an ice-cold pilsner. From chlebicky to goulash, here are some of the Czech capital’s must-taste treats. 

Czech Pilsner

Locals love it, pubs around the world pour it, and Prague travelers can sample a fresh Czech pilsner straight from the source. Whether you visit the world-renowned Staropramen Brewery, or join a small-group beer tasting tour in Central Prague, you’re sure to find a classic pilsner on the menu.

Chlebicky

Since Czech people love their beer, it’s no surprise that salty finger foods are a local staple. A regional favorite is chlebicky, an open-faced sandwich with diverse toppings, from cured meats and cheese to hard-boiled eggs. You can find these on the menu at most cafés, pubs, and bakeries in the Old Town.

Utopenci

Another pub favorite—particularly in Prague 1, the city center—utopenci are pickled sausages flavored with peppercorns and allspice and cured in vinegar. Eat them with fresh bread and, of course, a chilled pint of beer.

Goulash

Though often closely associated with Hungary, goulash is actually a popular Central European dish with local variations served around the region. Prague’s version of this rich meat stew is flavored with paprika and a dash of marjoram, and served with dumplings. Find it at traditional Bohemian eateries around Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. 

Prague Ham

Brine-cured, smoked ham is ubiquitous around Prague. Head to a food market, where vendors slice up and dole out this roasted delicacy the traditional way, with a heaping side of boiled potatoes. 

Prague's numerous green spaces, from free city parks to flower- and statue-filled royal gardens, can provide a quiet and relaxing escape from the noise of the busy city center. Here are your options for enjoying Prague's best parks and gardens.

Petrin Hill

Petrin Hill, once the vineyard of King Charles IV, today houses a landscaped gardens, a mirror maze, a 17th-century wooden church relocated from the Ukraine, and an observation tower with some of the best views over Prague's Old Town. A short stroll through the park leads to Strahov Monastery and Prague Castle.

**How to Visit:**Hop on a Segway tour and cruise through Prague to Petrin Hill.

Letna Park

Letna Park, one of Prague's largest free green spaces, sits in the center of the city and teems with joggers, skateboarders, and cyclists zipping along its paths and tree-lined avenue. The park's Hanavsky Pavilion affords unparalleled views of Prague and the Vltava River.

**How to Visit:**Hop on a bike and follow your guide on a tour of Prague's green spaces.

Vrtba Garden

Vrtba Garden is one of Central Europe's most stunning baroque gardens. Situated on the slopes of Petrin Hill and hidden away behind an unassuming entrance, the statue-filled, terraced garden offers stellar views of the Lesser Quarter and St. Nicholas Cathedral.

**How to Visit:**With the intimacy of a small group, tour some of Prague's best Renaissance and baroque gardens.

Wallenstein Palace Gardens

Prague's vast Wallenstein Palace complex features a huge baroque garden, built for Duke Albrecht of Wallenstein during the 17th century. Bronze statues of Greek gods line gravel paths while mythical fountains sparkle in the sunlight.

**How to Visit:**Stroll through Wallenstein Palace Gardens, along with the Royal Gardens, on a small-group tour of the city's baroque gems.

Prague is far from the only first-class travel destination in the Czech Republic—there are many beautiful spa towns scattered throughout the country worth an entire trip. See below for some of the best.   Karlovy Vary

Easily the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary, apart from being a wonderful resort year round, is home to two national institutions: The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (the country’s largest and most prestigious), and the distillery that manufactures Becherovka, a distinctly Czech liquor flavored with anise seed, cinnamon, and a secret mixture of herbs and spices that can only be described as "Christmas in a bottle."   Trebon

Established in the middle of the 12th century, Trebon is home to less than 9,000 people, but it is visited by many, many more. Tourism is the primary industry for the town and the surrounding region. If you’re looking for something more than rest and relaxation, mark your calendar for the International Festival of Animated Films, which screens in Trebon each spring.   Frantiskovy Lazne

Frantiskovy Lazne (Franzensbad in German) is a world-famous spa town. Its dark recent history (as with many places in the former Sudetenland, the town’s German population was forcibly expelled in 1945) is overshadowed by the picturesque surroundings. The mineral water in its carbonic baths is said to have healing properties (particularly for the cardiovascular system), as are its mud treatments. The spa system was in fact the first peat pulp bath in the world, and many of its original pools are still in operation.

With its whimsical medieval architecture, hilltop castle, and baroque statue-studded Charles Bridge, Prague is one of Europe’s prettiest cities. It’s also blessed by a fascinating history, rich arts scene, and great beer. With only one day in town you’ll want to experience as much as possible, so here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Prague.

Morning: See the Sights

Prague’s network of cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards makes it a pleasure to explore on foot. To catch all of the city’s top sights, join a small-group walking tour that leads you through the main areas of interest, such as Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the Jewish Quarter. Some tours include lunch at a traditional Old Town restaurant and a river cruise along the Vltava. Alternatively, Segway, bicycle, and e-scooter tours reveal more in less time. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is ideal for travelers who want some more flexibility than an organized group tour: get off at any point of interest along the route and spend as long as you like there.

Afternoon: Behold Prague Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prague Castle’s complex of museums, churches, palaces, and gardens is the largest castle complex in the world—and is well deserving of a focused visit. If you want to tour the castle independently, skip-the-line tickets ensure you don’t waste precious time in long lines. Guided walking tours provide in-depth information about the castle’s history and architecture. Alternatively, booking a full-day private guided tour of Prague that allows you to customize your itinerary means you can spend as long as you’d like at the castle, between visiting other attractions.

Night: Cruise the Vltava River

Boat trips along the Vltava are available throughout the day, but an evening cruise benefits from the beauty of Prague’s buildings being illuminated after dark—the floodlit Prague Castle is a particularly lovely sight. Pick a cruise that includes dinner for a fully immersive (and romantic) experience; some also include live music. Alternatively, you can spend your evening sampling some of Prague’s best brews on a beer-tasting tour, or enjoying traditional Czech song and dance at a folklore dinner.

Český Krumlov combines a riverside setting with cobbled streets and Renaissance architecture. Add must-visit museums and great restaurants to the mix and you’ve got one of the Czech Republic’s top destinations. Here’s how to spend three days in Český Krumlov.

Day 1: Must-See Sights

A great way to get acquainted with Český Krumlov’s main landmarks is on a sightseeing tour. Tours typically visit Český Krumlov Castle, the Gothic church of St.Vitus, and the town's historical city center. If you’re particularly interested in the castle, pick a tour that includes a visit to its interiors—some even include a skip-the-line admission ticket. Alternatively, evening tours reveal the UNESCO-listed town when illuminated and let you explore without the daytime crowds.

In the evening, check out the restaurant scene in town. Le Jardin at the Hotel Bellevue is a local favorite, while U Dwau Maryi is famed for its generous Old Bohemian Feast, which features some of the Czech Republic’s most traditional dishes.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

The Vltava River—which connects Český Krumlov to the Czech capital of Prague—is easily accessible from town, so start the morning with some tubing, rafting, or boating.

After an energetic start to the day, dive into regional history and culture. Don a hard hat and ride an electric wagon through the Czech Republic's last graphite mine on a tour of the Graphite Mine or admire a to-scale model of Český Krumlov at the turn of the 19th century at The Regional Museum. The Egon Schiele Centrum Museum is dedicated to the work of the Viennese artist who briefly resided in the town, while the Marionette Museum, housed in the former Church of St Jošt, displays Czech marionettes and puppets.

Day 3: Take a Trip

Though many travelers only visit Český Krumlov, there’s much more to see in the South Bohemia region. České Budějovice, which is home to the original Budweiser Budvar Brewery, is just a 30-minute drive from Český Krumlov. Every afternoon, the brewery runs 60-minute tours that guide visitors through the manufacturing process of Budvar, from the brewing system to tasting. Conclude your visit to the brewery with a meal and a few brews in the Budvarka restaurant, which serves Czech cuisine.

If you’re a history buff, visit the Gothic, 13th-century Hluboká Castle, which is a 40-minute drive from Český Krumlov. Some tours visit both the castle and the brewery in a single day trip. However you spend your day, leave time in the evening to toast your three days in Český Krumlov with a drink at one of its best bars, such as Apoteka Café Bar or Zapa Bar.

Two days in Český Krumlov give you time to thoroughly explore the charming Czech town—which boasts UNESCO World Heritage status—and get a sense of its history and culture. Here’s how.

Day 1: Explore the Sights

Morning: Check off Český Krumlov’s major attractions on a walking tour that offers a more detailed introduction to local history. Tours typically cover the Old Town, St. Vitus Church (Kostel sv. Vita), and Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau complex.

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon catching up on regional history and culture. The Regional Museum houses archaeological artifacts, Bohemian antiques, and a to-scale model of 19th-century Český Krumlov, while the Egon Schiele Centrum Museum is dedicated to the work of the Viennese artist Schiele, who briefly resided in the town.

Night: Conclude an action-packed first day with dinner at one of the town’s many good restaurants. Afterward, have a nightcap at a cocktail bars such as Apoteka Café Bar or Zapa Bar.

Day 2: Dive Deeper

Morning: Start your second day with a visit to the Graphite Mine, located just outside of the center. Don a hard hat and ride an electric wagon through the Czech Republic's last graphite mine on a that tour introduces you to the mining history of the area.

Afternoon: The town of České Budějovice is just a 30-minute drive from Český Krumlov. There, you can tour the original Budweiser Budvar Brewery. Another option is visiting the 13th-century Hluboká Castle, a Gothic fortress hailed as one of the most beautiful in the Czech Republic.

Night: Spend your final evening in the popular U Dwau Maryi restaurant, located inside a building that dates back to the Middle Ages. The restaurant’s signature Old Bohemian Feast features an array of traditional Czech dishes.

Hailed as one of central Europe’s prettiest towns, Český Krumlov charms with its fairy-tale castle and an Old Town square filled with Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Here’s how to make the most of one day in the UNESCO-listed town. 

Morning: Take in the Sights

You can skip the stress of advance planning on a day trip to Český Krumlov from Prague. Most tours include round-trip transport, and hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you the hassle of driving and arranging transfers yourself. Whether you’re daytripping or spending the night, a walking tour provides a great introduction and offers a more intimate glimpse into the town. Tours typically cover Český Krumlov Castle, the Gothic church of St. Vitus, and the Old Town. 

Afternoon: Immerse Yourself in Culture

Devote the afternoon to Český Krumlov’s cultural attractions. If you’re an art lover, head to the  Egon Schiele Art Centrum, a private gallery that houses a small collection of work by the Viennese painter Egon Schiele. Alternatively, the Regional Museum features archaeological artefacts, paintings, and folk art from the Šumava region, while the Marionette Museum—a branch of the National Marionette Theatre in Prague—is housed in the former Church of St. Jošt and displays Czech marionettes, puppets, and stage sets.

Night: Delve Deeper

The crowds that fill Český Krumlov during the day typically disperse come evening, making it a great time to explore the town. A private evening tour, which promises the undivided attention of a guide, offers a different perspective of the castle courtyards and cobbled streets of the Old Town. Alternatively, settle down in a local restaurant for the evening: Le Jardin, at the Hotel Bellevue, is often said to be the best in town, while U Dwau Maryi is favored for its old-style Czech cuisine. After dinner, cap your night with a cocktail at Apoteka.