Czechia's top landmarks include Prague Castle and Charles Bridge in Prague itself, the Gothic Karlštejn Castle and Kutná Hora with its famous bone chapel in the centre of the country, the town of Český Krumlov and Hluboká Castle in the south, the spa town of Karlovy Vary and the "beer capital" Plzeň in the west, plus the Adršpach Rocks in the northeast. Most of these lie within one to two hours of Prague, making them perfect for day trips by train or bus. Below is a region-by-region breakdown to help you plan your route.
Prague — the Heart of the Country
The capital is home to the country's most iconic sights, so it makes sense to start your exploration of Czechia right here.
- Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) — one of the largest castle complexes in the world and the seat of the Czech president. Inside you'll find the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral (katedrála svatého Víta), the Old Royal Palace, and the picturesque Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička).
- Charles Bridge (Karlův most) — a 14th-century stone bridge over the Vltava, commissioned by Emperor Charles IV and lined with thirty Baroque statues. It links the Old Town (Staré Město) with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana).
- Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), home to the Astronomical Clock (Orloj) on the Old Town Hall tower — one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world.
- Vyšehrad — a fortress overlooking the Vltava, with the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Slavín cemetery, the resting place of Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana.
For a deeper dive into what to see in the city, browse our places/ section, check out events and exhibitions in poster/, and follow the latest city news in news/prague/.
Central Bohemia: Castles and a Bone Chapel
Within an hour of Prague are two sites well worth a full day trip.
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- Karlštejn Castle (hrad Karlštejn) — a Gothic fortress founded by Charles IV in the 14th century, about 30 km southwest of Prague. It was originally built to safeguard the imperial coronation jewels and relics.
- Kutná Hora — once a major silver-mining centre, its historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Sedlec Ossuary (Kostnice v Sedlci), a chapel decorated with human bones, and the magnificent Gothic St. Barbara's Cathedral (chrám svaté Barbory).
South Bohemia: Český Krumlov and Hluboká
Southern Czechia offers postcard-perfect towns nestled in the bends of the Vltava and castles surrounded by fishponds.
- Český Krumlov — a medieval town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle complex is the second-largest in Czechia after Prague Castle, featuring a Baroque castle theatre and a tower offering sweeping views over the historic centre wrapped in a bend of the river.
- Hluboká Castle (zámek Hluboká nad Vltavou) — a snow-white neo-Gothic palace, rebuilt by the Schwarzenberg family in the style of England's Windsor Castle. It sits close to the town of České Budějovice, birthplace of Budweiser Budvar beer.
West Bohemia: Spa Towns and Beer
The west of the country is famous for its mineral springs and world-renowned brewing tradition.
- Karlovy Vary — Czechia's most famous spa town, built around thermal springs. Here the hot geyser Vřídlo shoots into the air, colonnades stretch along the river (including the Mlýnská kolonáda), the herbal liqueur Becherovka is produced, and the town hosts an international film festival.
- Mariánské Lázně — the country's second most popular spa town, known for its "Singing Fountain" (Zpívající fontána).
- Plzeň — the birthplace of Pilsner-style beer: the Pilsner Urquell brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj) has been brewing its pale lager since 1842 and offers tours through its historic brewing halls and cellars.
For beer halls and restaurants in Prague where you can try Czech cuisine, check our guides in places/eda/restaurants/, and for cafés, see places/eda/cafe/.
Northeast Czechia: Rock Formations and Nature
Beyond the towns and cities lie striking natural landscapes cherished by hikers.
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- Adršpach-Teplice Rocks (Adršpašsko-teplické skály) — a "rock town" of sandstone towers and gorges near the Polish border, complete with a lake in a former quarry. One of the country's most photogenic natural sites.
- Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) — the first Czech geopark under UNESCO's aegis, with rock formations, Hrubá Skála Castle, and the ruins of Trosky Castle.
Getting There and What to Know
Getting around Czechia is easy using the national rail operator České dráhy and bus companies (RegioJet, FlixBus, and others); most destinations in this guide can be reached as half-day or full-day trips from Prague.
- Check opening hours and ticket prices on the official websites of castles, the ossuary, and breweries — these change seasonally, and popular sites (Karlštejn, the castle theatre in Český Krumlov, Pilsner Urquell tours) often require pre-booked time slots.
- Many historic centres and nature reserves are best visited in the shoulder season — Prague, Český Krumlov, and Karlovy Vary can get crowded in summer.
- For castles and rock trails, pack comfortable shoes and allow extra time to get from the train station to the site itself.
This article is intended for general reference. Please check official attraction and transport operator websites before your trip for up-to-date opening hours, ticket prices, session schedules, and visiting conditions.
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