10 Best Places to Visit in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, with its fairytale castles, medieval towns, and stunning landscapes, offers travelers an enchanting European experience. From the historic streets of Prague to the spa town of Karlovy Vary, this Central European gem combines rich history with breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re drawn to Gothic architecture, picturesque town squares, or the country’s famous beer culture, Czech Republic promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Join us as we explore the 10 best places to visit in this captivating country.

1. Prague – The City of a Hundred Spires

No list of the best places to visit in Czech Republic would be complete without Prague. As the country’s capital and largest city, Prague captivates visitors with its well-preserved medieval core and magical atmosphere. The city’s skyline, dominated by countless spires, has earned it the nickname “City of a Hundred Spires.”

Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle complex in the world, watches over the city from its hilltop perch. Within its walls, you’ll find the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, whose Gothic architecture and stained glass windows leave visitors in awe. The castle has been the seat of Czech rulers for over a thousand years, making it a true historical treasure.

The iconic Charles Bridge, with its 30 Baroque statues lining both sides, connects Prague’s Old Town with the Lesser Town. Crossing this 14th-century stone bridge offers spectacular views of the Vltava River and the city’s distinctive architecture. For the best experience, visit at sunrise before the crowds arrive.

Prague’s Old Town Square serves as the heart of the city’s historic center. Here, the medieval Astronomical Clock performs its hourly show, delighting onlookers with its procession of apostles. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings representing various architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque.

Best Things to Do in Prague

2. Český Krumlov – A Fairytale Medieval Town

Often described as a fairytale town, Český Krumlov is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Czech Republic. Located in South Bohemia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site charms visitors with its well-preserved medieval center and picturesque setting on the Vltava River.

The town’s crowning glory is Český Krumlov Castle, the second-largest castle complex in the country after Prague Castle. Its distinctive tower, painted in vibrant colors, dominates the town’s skyline. The castle complex includes beautifully landscaped gardens, a unique Baroque theater, and a moat that was once home to live bears – a tradition that continues today.

Wandering through the town’s cobblestone streets reveals a treasure trove of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The buildings, with their colorful facades and red-tiled roofs, create a postcard-perfect scene that photographers will love. The Vltava River winds through the town, adding to its romantic charm.

Best Things to Do in Český Krumlov

3. Karlovy Vary – The Spa Town

Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) is the Czech Republic’s most famous spa town, drawing visitors for centuries with its healing hot springs. Founded in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, this elegant town nestled in western Bohemia offers a perfect blend of wellness, history, and architectural beauty.

The town is renowned for its 12 main hot springs, where visitors can sample the mineral-rich water said to have medicinal properties. These springs are housed in stunning colonnades – the Mill Colonnade, Market Colonnade, and Hot Spring Colonnade – each showcasing different architectural styles from Neo-Renaissance to Art Nouveau.

Beyond its spa heritage, Karlovy Vary captivates with its colorful buildings in pastel hues lining the Teplá River. The town’s setting in a valley surrounded by forested hills adds to its picturesque charm. Film enthusiasts might recognize Karlovy Vary as the filming location for scenes in the James Bond movie “Casino Royale.”

Best Things to Do in Karlovy Vary

4. Kutná Hora – The Silver City

Once a wealthy silver mining town that rivaled Prague in importance, Kutná Hora now stands as one of the most fascinating historical places to visit in Czech Republic. Located about an hour east of Prague, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s medieval past.

The town’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Sedlec Ossuary, commonly known as the “Bone Church.” This small chapel is decorated with the bones of an estimated 40,000-70,000 people, arranged in elaborate chandeliers, coat of arms, and other artistic displays. While macabre, it’s a powerful reminder of mortality and a unique artistic expression.

St. Barbara’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, dominates the town’s skyline with its distinctive tent-like roof and flying buttresses. Built by the town’s silver miners in honor of their patron saint, the cathedral features magnificent stained glass windows and medieval frescoes depicting mining life.

The Italian Court, once a royal residence and mint where the Prague Groschen was produced, offers insights into the town’s silver mining heritage. Today, it houses a museum where visitors can learn about the minting process and the town’s economic importance during the Middle Ages.

Best Things to Do in Kutná Hora

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Czech Republic

Before continuing with our list of the best places to visit in Czech Republic, here are some essential travel tips to enhance your experience:

Staying Connected

Having reliable internet access is essential when traveling through Czech Republic, whether for navigating between the best places to visit, translating Czech phrases, or sharing your experiences. While many cafés and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, having your own mobile data connection ensures you’re always connected.

5. Telč – The Town of Colorful Houses

The small town of Telč in southern Moravia is often described as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Czech Republic. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its perfectly preserved Renaissance architecture and fairy-tale charm.

The highlight of Telč is its magnificent main square, Zacharias of Hradec Square, lined with colorful Renaissance and Baroque houses featuring high gables and arcades. These pastel-colored buildings, often called “the painted ladies of Telč,” create one of the most picturesque town squares in Europe. Each house displays unique architectural details while maintaining a harmonious overall appearance.

Telč Castle, originally built in Gothic style and later reconstructed in Renaissance style, anchors one end of the square. The castle’s elegant interiors feature richly decorated ceilings, period furniture, and an impressive armory collection. The castle grounds include a beautiful English-style park perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The town is surrounded by a system of artificial ponds that once served as part of its defensive system. Today, these ponds enhance Telč’s picturesque setting and offer lovely reflections of the colorful buildings.

Best Things to Do in Telč

6. Brno – The Cultural Hub

As the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, Brno offers visitors a vibrant cultural scene without the tourist crowds of Prague. Located in the South Moravian Region, this university town combines historical attractions with modern energy, making it one of the most dynamic places to visit in Czech Republic.

Špilberk Castle, once a royal castle turned notorious prison, dominates the city from its hilltop position. Today, it houses a museum where visitors can learn about the castle’s dark history and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its bastions.

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, with its distinctive twin spires, is Brno’s most recognizable landmark. This Gothic cathedral stands on Petrov Hill and can be seen from throughout the city. The cathedral’s bells ring noon at 11 AM, a tradition dating back to the Thirty Years’ War.

Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This revolutionary building, completed in 1930, features an open floor plan, large glass walls, and innovative use of modern materials.

Best Things to Do in Brno

7. České Budějovice – The Beer City

České Budějovice, the capital of South Bohemia, is best known as the birthplace of the original Budweiser beer (Budvar). This charming city combines a rich brewing heritage with impressive architecture, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Czech Republic for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The city’s main square, Přemysl Otakar II Square, is one of the largest in Europe and serves as the heart of České Budějovice. The square is surrounded by colorful Renaissance and Baroque buildings, including the impressive Baroque town hall. At its center stands Samson’s Fountain, a magnificent Baroque masterpiece depicting Samson fighting a lion.

The 72-meter-tall Black Tower offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside for those willing to climb its 225 steps. Built in the 16th century as a watchtower and bell tower, it now serves as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

No visit to České Budějovice would be complete without touring the Budweiser Budvar Brewery, where the original Czech Budweiser beer has been brewed since 1895. The brewery tour explains the beer-making process and concludes with a tasting of the unpasteurized version of this famous lager.

Best Things to Do in České Budějovice

8. Olomouc – The Hidden Gem

Often overlooked by international tourists, Olomouc is considered by many Czechs to be the country’s most beautiful city after Prague. Located in the eastern region of Moravia, this university town offers magnificent architecture, fewer crowds, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the best places to visit in Czech Republic for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

The city’s main square is dominated by the Holy Trinity Column, a spectacular Baroque monument standing 35 meters tall and inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This ornate column, completed in 1754, features numerous sculptures of saints and biblical figures, with a chapel built into its base.

Olomouc’s Town Hall, with its astronomical clock, is another highlight. Unlike Prague’s medieval clock, Olomouc’s was rebuilt in the Socialist Realist style after World War II, replacing religious figures with workers, athletes, and scientists – a fascinating reflection of the communist era.

The city boasts six beautiful Baroque fountains scattered throughout the historic center, each depicting a different mythological figure. St. Wenceslas Cathedral, with its impressive 100-meter spire (the second-tallest church tower in the country), showcases Gothic architecture at its finest.

Best Things to Do in Olomouc

9. Bohemian Paradise – The Natural Wonder

For nature lovers, Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) offers a stunning landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Located northeast of Prague, this UNESCO Geopark was the first protected natural area in Czech Republic and remains one of the most beautiful places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

The region is characterized by its unique sandstone rock formations, which have been shaped by erosion over millions of years into towering pillars, deep canyons, and labyrinthine passages. These otherworldly formations, often resembling towers and cities, create a magical landscape that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.

Scattered throughout Bohemian Paradise are several medieval castles and ruins that add a historical dimension to the natural beauty. Trosky Castle, with its distinctive twin towers built atop basalt volcanic plugs, is the most iconic. Kost Castle, one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the country, appears to rise organically from the surrounding rocks.

The region offers numerous hiking trails that wind through pine forests, past rock formations, and to panoramic viewpoints. The most popular route is through Prachovské skály (Prachov Rocks), where narrow passages between towering sandstone formations lead to breathtaking vistas.

Best Things to Do in Bohemian Paradise

10. Mikulov – The Wine Country

Nestled in the heart of South Moravia’s wine country near the Austrian border, Mikulov charms visitors with its picturesque setting, wine culture, and rich history. This small town surrounded by vineyards and limestone hills completes our list of the 10 best places to visit in Czech Republic.

Dominating the town’s skyline is Mikulov Castle, a magnificent Baroque château perched on a rocky outcrop. Originally a Gothic castle from the 13th century, it was transformed into its current form after a fire in the 18th century. Today, the castle houses the Regional Museum with exhibits on local history, viticulture, and Jewish heritage.

Mikulov was once home to one of the most important Jewish communities in Moravia. The town’s Jewish quarter, with its synagogue, cemetery, and ritual bath (mikvah), offers insights into this rich cultural heritage. The Jewish cemetery, with nearly 4,000 tombstones dating back to the 15th century, is one of the largest and most significant in Central Europe.

The surrounding Pálava Hills, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, provide not only the perfect terroir for winemaking but also opportunities for hiking and cycling through vineyards and limestone landscapes. The region is particularly known for its white wines, especially Riesling and Pálava varieties.

Best Things to Do in Mikulov

Planning Your Visit to Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from the historic streets of Prague to the natural wonders of Bohemian Paradise. Each of the 10 best places to visit in Czech Republic highlighted in this guide provides a unique perspective on the country’s rich cultural heritage, architectural treasures, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re planning a week-long adventure or a more extended exploration, consider combining several destinations to experience the full breadth of what Czech Republic has to offer. The country’s compact size and excellent transportation network make it easy to visit multiple locations even on a shorter trip.

Remember to plan ahead for popular attractions like Prague Castle or Villa Tugendhat, which may require advance reservations. And don’t forget to venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths – some of the most memorable experiences await in lesser-known towns and natural areas.

With its fairytale castles, historic towns, healing spas, and natural wonders, the Czech Republic promises unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. We hope this guide to the 10 best places to visit in Czech Republic helps you create your perfect itinerary for exploring this Central European gem.