Prague dazzles visitors with its fairytale architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene—but beyond the city limits lies a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. The Czech Republic offers an impressive variety of landscapes, from rolling hills and dense forests to medieval towns and majestic castles, all within easy reach of the capital.
Here is a list of 20 exceptional day trips from Prague that showcase the Czech Republic’s true diversity and beauty.
Kutná Hora
Just an hour from Prague by train, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts impressive Gothic architecture and a fascinating mining history. The stunning St. Barbara’s Cathedral with its soaring spires dominates the skyline, while the unusual Sedlec Ossuary—decorated with the bones of some 40,000 people—offers a macabre yet fascinating experience.
Once the silver mining center of the Bohemian kingdom, Kutná Hora retains much of its medieval charm.
Karlštejn Castle
Founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV, this imposing Gothic fortress perches dramatically on a hillside just 18 miles southwest of Prague. The castle was built to safeguard the crown jewels and imperial regalia, making it among the most significant castles in Czech history.
A well-preserved interior features the Chapel of the Holy Cross, adorned with semi-precious stones and medieval art treasures, while the surrounding countryside offers beautiful hiking trails.
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Český Krumlov
Though a bit further, just over two hours from Prague, this medieval storybook town is worth every minute of travel. The UNESCO-protected old town curves around a bend in the Vltava River, creating a picturesque scene straight from a fairy tale.
Its massive castle complex—the second largest in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle—towers above the red-roofed buildings below. The town’s narrow cobblestone streets, artisanal shops, and riverside cafés invite leisurely exploration.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Despite its name, this breathtaking national park sits entirely within the Czech Republic along the German border. The park’s dramatic sandstone formations, deep gorges, and dense forests create a landscape that feels worlds away from urban Prague.
The iconic Pravčická Gate—Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch—provides a magnificent focal point, while boat rides through the tranquil Kamenice Gorge offer a peaceful perspective of this natural wonderland.
Karlovy Vary
The Czech Republic’s premier spa town has been welcoming visitors seeking healing thermal waters since the 14th century. The elegant colonnades house natural hot springs where visitors can sample the mineral-rich waters believed to have medicinal properties.
The town’s distinctive pastel-colored buildings create a sophisticated backdrop for strolling along the Teplá River. Food enthusiasts, meanwhile, shouldn’t miss the town’s traditional wafer cookies or a visit to the Moser Glass Factory.
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Terezín Memorial
This former Nazi concentration camp offers a sobering but important historical experience. The fortress town was converted into a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp during World War II, where tens of thousands perished.
Today, the memorial provides powerful insight into the Holocaust through its museums and preserved grounds. The Small Fortress, the ghetto museum, and the cemetery stand as solemn reminders of the atrocities committed here.
Konopiště Castle
Once the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked World War I, this chateau houses an impressive collection of historical weapons, hunting trophies, and period furnishings. The castle’s elegant interior reflects the Archduke’s tastes, while the surrounding gardens feature rose beds, statues, and a scenic lake.
Located less than 30 miles from Prague, it makes for an easy half-day excursion.
Pilsen
Beer lovers rejoice in this city that gave the world Pilsner-style lager. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery offers fascinating tours showcasing the brewing process that helped revolutionize beer production worldwide.
Beyond its brewing heritage, the city boasts a charming old town with the Gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the Renaissance town hall, and the third-largest synagogue in the world. The city’s underground tunnel network provides another unique attraction.
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Brno
The Czech Republic’s second-largest city offers a less touristy alternative to Prague with its own distinct charm. Špilberk Castle dominates the skyline, while the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul sits majestically on Petrov Hill.
The city’s thriving café culture, modern architecture, and excellent museums make it an engaging cultural destination. Brno also serves as a gateway to the Moravian wine region, adding another dimension to your visit.
Křivoklát Castle
This well-preserved Gothic castle dates back to the 12th century and sits amid the dense forests of the Czech Republic’s central region. Once a royal hunting lodge, the castle houses an impressive library of 52,000 volumes, a dungeon with torture instruments, and a collection of Gothic paintings and sculptures.
The surrounding Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area offers beautiful hiking opportunities through pristine nature.
Mariánské Lázně
The second of Bohemia’s famous spa triangle towns features over 100 mineral springs and elegant Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau architecture. The town’s colonnade, with its famous singing fountain, creates a romantic atmosphere, while the surrounding parks and forests provide peaceful retreats in every season.
The town has welcomed many famous visitors throughout history, including Goethe, Chopin, and King Edward VII of England.
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Telč
This UNESCO-protected town seems frozen in time with its perfectly preserved Renaissance and Baroque houses surrounding a picturesque town square. Each pastel-colored building tells its own story through intricate facades and decorative gables.
The town’s Renaissance château features richly decorated interiors and beautiful English-style gardens. Though slightly farther from Prague, Telč rewards visitors with its architectural harmony and tranquil atmosphere.
Litomyšl
Another UNESCO gem, Litomyšl centers around its stunning Renaissance château, which has unique sgraffito decorations on its exterior walls. As the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana, the town celebrates its musical heritage through regular festivals and events.
The arcaded square, monastery gardens, and modern architectural additions create an engaging mix of historical and contemporary Czech culture.
Velká Amerika Quarry
Sometimes called the “Czech Grand Canyon,” this flooded limestone quarry creates a dramatic landscape just west of Prague. The crystal-clear turquoise water reaches depths of 100 feet, surrounded by sheer rock walls rising dramatically from the water’s edge.
Nearby trails connect several abandoned quarries, including Malá Amerika (Little America) and Mexico, offering stunning viewpoints and photography opportunities.
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Adršpach-Teplice Rocks
This unique rock formation complex features towering sandstone pillars, narrow passages, and moss-covered caverns, creating an otherworldly landscape. Walking trails wind through the labyrinth of stone towers with names like “Sugar Cone” and “Mayor and Mayoress,” while a small lake offers boat rides during summer months.
The site has inspired numerous fairy tales and served as a filming location for fantasy movies.
Jindřichův Hradec
This charming town centers around its impressive castle and château complex, which spans the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The town sits picturesquely on the banks of the Nežárka River, with the château reflected in the adjacent lake.
Notable attractions include the world’s largest mechanical nativity scene (Krýzovy jesličky), the Gothic Church of the Assumption, and regular cultural events throughout the summer months.
Průhonice Park
Just outside Prague’s city limits, this botanical wonderland spans nearly 600 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds surrounding a Neo-Renaissance château. The park is especially magnificent during spring when over 8,000 rhododendrons and azaleas burst into bloom.
Meandering paths lead through varied terrain featuring streams, ponds, meadows, and forest groves housing numerous tree and plant species from around the world.
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Lidice Memorial
This powerful memorial commemorates the village completely destroyed by Nazis in 1942 in retaliation for the assassination of Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich. The moving Bronze Children’s Monument by sculptor Marie Uchytilová honors the 82 children who perished, while the museum and rose garden create space for reflection on this tragic chapter of Czech history.
The reconstruction shows the layout of the original village through subtle landscaping.
Dresden, Germany
Though crossing into Germany, Dresden’s proximity to Prague makes it an excellent international day trip. The city’s magnificent Baroque architecture earned it the nickname “Florence on the Elbe” before World War II bombing destroyed much of the historic center.
Today, meticulously restored landmarks like the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and Semperoper opera house showcase Dresden’s cultural significance and resilience.
Olomouc
This vibrant university town in Moravia boasts an impressive collection of Baroque architecture and one of the most beautiful main squares in the Czech Republic. The Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage monument, dominates the square with its intricate sculptures and impressive height.
The astronomical clock, St. Wenceslas Cathedral, and numerous fountains add to the city’s charm, while the student population ensures a lively atmosphere in cafés and pubs. Olomouc offers a less touristy alternative to Prague with equally impressive cultural attractions.
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Beyond the Capital
The Czech Republic may be a relatively small country, but it packs incredible diversity into its borders. These day trips from Prague reveal the nation’s multifaceted character, from its medieval heritage and natural wonders to its spa traditions and somber historical sites.
Each destination offers a unique perspective on Czech culture, creating memories that will last long after your return to Prague’s bustling streets.
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