1. Český Krumlov (UNESCO)
The castle interiors are closed in winter (Nov. 1 – Mar. 31)
It is no wonder that Český Krumlov is one of the most visited locations in Czechia. This small historic town is truly beautiful. Lots of people come here just for a day but we’ve always enjoyed staying overnight to be able to take our time and enjoy the quiet streets after dark.
The medieval town of Český Krumlov is a pride of the Southern Bohemia region. Its architecture has been preserved through the ages thanks to the area’s peaceful history. In the 1990s, the historic center of Český Krumlov was skillfully restored to picturesque beauty that draws visitors from all over the world. The Castle and Chateau of Český Krumlov is the second largest castle complex in the country. Its exterior courtyards, Italian-style gardens, and rich interiors are well worth visiting, not to mention the view from the castle area or the castle tower.
If you don’t have the time to spend two days visiting Český Krumlov or if you prefer to join a guided tour from Prague, you can do so on a day trip.
Read more about Český Krumlov on our Český Krumlov pages.
Travel from Prague to Český Krumlov on Your Own
A train from the Prague Main Station takes 3 – 3.5 hours with a transfer in České Budějovice (check train schedules). A direct bus ride from the Prague Na Knížecí, Roztyly or Florenc bus stations takes from 2 hrs 50 minutes – RegioJet buses leaving from Na Knížecí Station are the fastest (check bus schedules).
Even if you travel to Krumlov on your own, you can still book a guided tour of the town. Here are a few ideas:
Book a Guided Tour from Prague to Český Krumlov
Below are some day trips you can book from Prague to Český Krumlov. You’ll be leaving Prague in the morning and returning in the evening. Free cancellation is usually possible until 24 hours before the tour.
2. Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area
The Bohemian Paradise is a beautiful natural area about 90 km norht-east of Prague. It is best known for its amazing sandstone rock formations (so called “rock towns”), which are mainly concentrated in Prachov Rocks and Hruboskalsko Rocks, both wonderful areas for hiking. The region also offers important historical landmarks, such as the imposing Gothic Kost Castle, the Valdštejn Castle, or the picturesque ruins of the Trosky Castle that have become a symbol of the area. The pretty town of Jičín is a great base for exploring Prachov Rocks while the town of Turnov is closer to Hruboskalsko Rocks.
We recommend spending at least two full days in the area although a day trip is also an option. It is best to have a car to get around but you can also travel from place to place by local buses or trains. It will require more planning and keeping to a schedule, but it can be done.
Travel from Prague to Bohemian Paradise on Your Own
A direct bus ride from the Prague Černý Most bus station to Jičín takes 1 hour 25 minutes (check bus schedules).
Book a Guided Tour from Prague to Bohemian Paradise
If one day is all you have time for, it is still worth it to visit Bohemian Paradise and do some hiking in this unusual, picturesque area. There are some guided day tours that leave from Prague.
3. Brno
With a population of about 380,000, Brno is the second largest city of the Czech Republic and the largest city in the Moravia region. Its many sights will keep you busy for a couple of days. You shouldn’t miss the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the Old Townhall, the underground tunnels beneath the Vegetable Market, or the second largest ossuary in Europe. The historic prison at Fort Špilberk with its underground cells was one of the most terrible prisons of Europe in the 18th century. On a lighter note, Brno is also home to the functionalist UNESCO-listed Vila Tugendhat, a great example of modern architecture from 1930 (tickets must be purchased several months in advance unless you buy the BRNOPAS).
Travel from Prague to Brno on Your Own
A direct train from the Prague Main Station to Brno takes 2.5 – 3 hours (check train schedules). A direct bus from the Prague Florenc Station also takes 2.5 – 3 hours (check bus schedules).