Places to Go in Czech Republic: Cities, Castles and Natural Wonders

The Czech Republic is a beautiful country in Central Europe. It has many towns, castles and church towers that have been around for centuries. Many people start their journey in the city of Prague. From the capital you can easily reach historic towns, spa resorts and national parks. So what are the best places to visit in the Czech Republic?

Prague: The Historic Capital of Czechia

Most people begin their trip to the Czech Republic in Prague. Prague is one of the best cities to visit in the Czech Republic. It has a deep and visible history.

The Old Town and Historic Centre

When you walk into the centre of Prague you immediately feel the history. The streets are narrow and old. In the old square you will find the Astronomical Clock. It has been working for centuries. Every hour small figures appear above the clock. This has been happening for more than six hundred years!

A long time ago Charles IV ruled Prague. He helped turn Prague into one of the most important cities in Europe. He built universities, churches and new parts of the city. Many of these buildings you can still visit today.

Iconic Landmarks of the City

When you cross the river you will see Prague Castle. It is a vast complex with palaces, courtyards and cathedrals. You can walk along the terraces and look out over the city.

Charles Bridge connects the two sides of the city. Writers and artists have always been drawn to this part of Prague. One of them was Franz Kafka, who is known for his unique stories about life.

Going to Prague? Read this 3-day route through Prague with the best highlights and activities.

Český Krumlov and Other Medieval Towns

Once you leave Prague you will discover towns that are just as historic as the tourist cities in the Czech Republic. These places show how people traded and mined centuries ago.

Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is one of the best places to go in the Czech Republic. The town sits beside a curve in the Vltava River. Above it rises a large castle complex that was once used as the residence of powerful noble families. You can walk through richly decorated halls and enjoy beautiful views over the town and surrounding mountains.

The town still looks much as it did centuries ago. The historic buildings remain intact. UNESCO protects the town so it is well preserved.

Kutná Hora and Historic Mining Towns

Seven centuries ago silver was discovered in Kutná Hora. This made the town very wealthy. As a result, impressive buildings were constructed, including a grand cathedral.

By the 14th century Kutná Hora had become one of the most powerful towns in the kingdom. Many people worked there, including merchants and church leaders.

You can visit both Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora during your trip. Staying overnight in one of these towns is a great way to explore both.

Beautiful Spa Towns and Wine Regions in Czechia

The Czech Republic has a lot to offer. You will find spa resorts and hills covered in vineyards. These places have been popular with tourists for over 200 years.

Karlovy Vary

When you get to Karlovy Vary you will see beautiful buildings that rise above the Teplá River. Karlovy Vary is also very famous for its springs. A long time ago people from all over Europe came to Karlovy Vary to drink the mineral water. They thought it would help them digest their food.

In the middle of Karlovy Vary you can find the colonnades that connect the spa buildings. The hot springs still work today. The water comes out of stone fountains. Each spring has minerals so you can use cups to taste the water from the springs. If you want to take photos it is best to walk along the colonnades in the afternoon.

If you travel south you will come across many vineyards. They stretch across the hills near the border with Austria. Mikulov is a town where people have been making wine for hundreds of years. There are streets with wine cellars carved into the limestone hills. They are still used to store wine.

A visit to Mikulov Castle is another great thing to do in the Czech Republic, with views over the town of Mikulov. It looks over church towers, vineyard fields and small squares. This region is close to the centre of Europe so you can see influences from Austria and Hungary in the buildings and food, with dishes like schnitzel, goulash and stews.

In the Moravian Wine Region people mainly grow grapes like Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling. There are harvest celebrations all year round. These include music, wine tastings and local food.

If you visit the Moravian Wine Region you can take a tour of the wine cellars in Mikulov. You can walk through the streets in Mikulov before tasting the wine.

The Best Places to Go in the Czech Republic to See Nature

The Czech Republic has a lot of forests. There are parks that protect sandstone formations, mountain ridges and ancient beech forests. These natural landscapes show another side of the Czech Republic.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Near the border lies Bohemian Switzerland National Park. It is one of the best places to go in the Czech Republic if you like nature. It is known for its sandstone rock towers and deep valleys. Over time the rocks have been shaped by wind and water. They have formed arches and cliffs that're truly impressive.

You can walk through forests in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, follow streams and cross bridges and stairways. The rock formations look especially beautiful in the morning light.

If you want to take photos it is best to arrive early in the national park. You can start your hike in the village of Hřensko. Try to reach the Pravčická Gate before it gets too warm.

Jizera Mountains

In the north, the Jizera Mountains stretch along the border. The mountains are covered in spruce forests and peat bogs. There are also protected beech forests recognised by UNESCO. In winter the area becomes popular for skiing. There are mountain huts where you can rest.

There are cycling and hiking routes that cross the Jizera Mountains. Merchants once travelled along these routes to transport goods between Bohemian towns and other parts of Central Europe.

Historic Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

There are more cities in the Czech Republic that're worth visiting. They show how history and industry developed across the country.

Brno

Brno is the second-largest city in the country. It is a centre of education and science. There are cafés, theatres and galleries throughout the centre of Brno.

From the hill above the town of Brno you can see the streets that once formed the walls. The city also has architecture like Villa Tugendhat, which's a UNESCO heritage monument.

Brno is located along trade routes between Vienna and Prague. You can see influences from countries in the citys development.

If you visit Brno it is best to walk from Freedom Square to Špilberk Hill before sunset. You will enjoy a view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Olomouc

Olomouc is a university city known for its Baroque architecture. The central squares feature fountains, churches and the Holy Trinity Column. Olomouc has a long academic tradition. Palacký University was founded here in 1573, and the city has been a centre of learning ever since.

There are cafés, bakeries and small museums along the streets of Olomouc. The city has a nice atmosphere with local events and markets throughout the year.

If you visit Olomouc in the evening, you can see the fountains and church towers illuminated.

Plzeň

Plzeň is a city west of Prague. It is famous for Pilsner beer, which was first brewed there in 1842. The city still produces beer using the same methods. The city centre of Plzeň features churches, Renaissance houses and wide squares. Beer culture remains strong in the city. There are restaurants and traditional pubs where you can try the beer.

If you take a brewery tour you will have the opportunity to taste the beer in the cellars. It is best to book the tour during the day so you have time to explore the city afterwards.

There are also tunnels built during the Middle Ages in Plzeň. You can visit them on a guided tour. In the past they were used to store food and beer barrels.

What to Do in Czech Republic Beyond Sightseeing

Old towns and castles usually get most of the attention when people visit the Czech Republic. The truth is, daily life in the country is about so much more than walking through historic squares. The local traditions, architecture and regional culture of the Czech Republic give you unique things to do in the Czech Republic once you start exploring a bit deeper.

Music Festivals and Cultural Events

Throughout the year different regions celebrate their traditions through music festivals, food celebrations and seasonal harvest events. Many of these festivals take place in historic theatres, castles and town squares, which gives performances a unique atmosphere.

One of the most famous classical festivals is Prague Spring International Music Festival, held every May and June in Prague. The festival began in 1946 and features orchestras, opera productions and chamber music concerts performed in venues such as the Rudolfinum and Municipal House.

In the western spa town of Karlovy Vary, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival takes place each July. Although known mainly as a film festival, concerts and cultural events accompany the screenings across the town.

During autumn many Moravian towns celebrate the wine harvest festivals, locally called vinobraní. Cities such as Mikulov and Znojmo organise parades, traditional music performances and wine tastings, usually in September.

Want to know when to go, which route to take and how to prepare for your trip? Read our Czech Republic travel guide.

Literature and Writers in Czech Culture

Literature has long played an important role in Czech cultural life. Prague in particular is closely connected with Franz Kafka, one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century.

Kafka lived in Prague for most of his life and wrote famous works such as The Metamorphosis and The Trial. Today visitors can see places connected to his life, including the Kafka Museum near Charles Bridge and the house in Old Town where he was born.

Czech literature also includes important writers such as Milan Kundera and Jaroslav Hašek, whose novel The Good Soldier Švejk became a well known satire of life during the First World War.

Beer Culture and Local Brewing Traditions

Beer culture is deeply connected with everyday life across the country. Brewing traditions date back to the Middle Ages, and many towns still produce beer using historic methods.

The city of Plzeň became famous in 1842 when brewer Josef Groll created the first pale lager known as Pilsner, which later influenced beer styles across Europe. Visitors can still tour the Pilsner Urquell brewery and see historic cellars where beer matured in oak barrels.

Traditional Czech pubs serve locally brewed lagers and darker beers, often accompanied by hearty regional dishes. In many towns smaller craft breweries have appeared in recent years, continuing the country’s long brewing tradition.

Outdoor Activities and Landscapes

Outside the towns of the Czech Republic you will find large areas of forest, rivers and mountain ranges in the Czech Republic. Hiking routes run through parks and countryside regions that add another dimension to places to see in the Czech Republic.

The northern regions of the Czech Republic include mountain ranges like the Jizera Mountains. During hikes in the Czech Republic, we usually recommend carrying a trail map or downloading one beforehand. Some routes pass through forest areas where mobile signals can become unreliable.

Want more tips on how to stay safe in Czechia? Read our blog about safety in the Czech Republic.

River activities also appear during summer months in the Czech Republic. Canoeing along the Vltava River has become one of the popular outdoor activities in the Czech Republic.

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