12 Best Places To Visit In The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has in recent years become a popular destination in Europe for tourists. Situated in the heart of Europe, it is bordered by countries like Germany, Poland, and Austria. The country has a diverse landscape, with a mix of forests, mountains, and plains. Its capital, Prague, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. But there’s much more to see than just Prague.

My trip to the Czech Republic was one of the most memorable experiences, as the country has a rich culture and history. And to help you plan your trip, here is a list of the 12 best places to visit in the Czech Republic. Whether you’re interested in nature and history or just want to see some of the most beautiful places in the world, the Czech Republic has it all.

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Best Places To Visit In The Czech Republic

1. Prague

As the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is unsurprisingly one of the country’s most popular places to visit. The city is home to a number of world-renowned historic landmarks, which are among the top tourist attractions in the Czech Republic.

Start your sightseeing in Prague at the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll down cobbled streets and admire the beautifully preserved architecture of places like the Old Town Hall, the astronomical clock, and other structures from the Middle Ages.

Next, head to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The castle complex, which is over 1,000 years old, contains a number of palaces and cathedrals, as well as the famous St. Vitus Cathedral. Visitors can also take sweeping views of the city from the castle’s towers and walls.

Afterward, cross the Charles Bridge to get to the Lesser Town Quarter. This is a 14th-century stone bridge that is lined with 30 statues of saints, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague. And when you cross to the other side, you can visit places like St. Nicholas Church and the John Lennon Wall. And finally, no trip to Prague would be complete without a visit to the Jewish Quarter, with its synagogues, cemetery, and Holocaust Memorial.

While there’s plenty to see and do in Prague, I also enjoyed just wandering around the city and soaking up its atmosphere. I loved strolling through the city’s many parks and gardens and admiring its historic architecture. And, of course, I made sure to try some of the delicious Czech food.

2. Kutna Hora

For a taste of medieval history, be sure to add Kutna Hora to your list of places to visit in the Czech Republic list. This city, located about an hour’s drive from Prague, was once one of the richest places in Europe, thanks to its silver mines.

Today, Kutna Hora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. The city’s historic center is home to numerous landmarks, including the Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara, the Sedlec Ossuary (a chapel adorned with the bones of 50,000 people), and the 15th-century Stone House.

Be sure to also visit the town’s Silver Mine, where you can tour the tunnels and see how the silver was extracted. And don’t miss the chance to sample some local delicacies, including the famous trdelnik (a type of pastry).

All in all, a visit to Kutna Hora is a must for anyone interested in Czech history or architecture. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the city’s landmarks to learn more about its fascinating past.

3. Ostrava

Ostrava is a city in the northeastern Czech Republic and the capital of the Moravian-Silesian Region. It’s known for its coal-mining history, but has undergone a major transformation in recent years into a modern, vibrant city.

The city center has been beautifully redeveloped, with lovely parks, modern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Masaryk Square is the main square in Ostrava and a great place to start exploring the city. Here you’ll find the New City Hall, a beautiful baroque building with an interesting history. Stodolni Street is the main nightlife area, with a huge selection of bars and clubs to suit all tastes.

Another popular place to see in Ostrava is the Silesian Ostrava Castle, a large castle complex that dates back to the 13th century. The castle has been beautifully preserved and is now open to the public as a museum.

For culture lovers, Ostrava is home to the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre, the New City Hall, and numerous museums. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Colours of Ostrava, a large music festival that takes place in July.

If you’re looking for a fun and modern city with the best things to do in the Czech Republic, Ostrava is a great option.

4. Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a small city in the Czech Republic that is overflowing with charm. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

Cesky Krumlov Castle is the city’s main attraction and is one of the largest castles in the country. The castle complex includes a number of buildings, courtyards, and gardens, as well as a castle museum. The castle grounds offer great views of the city and the river, and are a perfect place to take a break from sightseeing.

Other places of interest in Cesky Krumlov include the Egon Schiele Art Center, which houses a collection of works by the famous Austrian painter, and the Church of St. Vitus, which is one of the city’s most important religious landmarks. In addition, this is an excellent base for exploring the Bohemian countryside. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area, including hiking, canoeing, and cycling.

As you can see, there are many things to see and do in Cesky Krumlov, making it one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic. I highly recommend spending at least a day or two exploring this charming city.

5. Olomouc

If you’re looking for a charming Czech city to add to your places to visit, look no further than Olomouc. This city was originally founded as a Roman fort and later became an important stronghold for the Kingdom of Moravia.

Today, Olomouc is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and stunning holy places. The city’s main castle, Olomouc Castle, dates back to the 12th century and is one of the famous attractions in the Czech Republic. The castle complex includes a number of buildings, making it a great place to spend a day exploring.

Other noteworthy landmarks include the astronomical clock, an art museum, and six baroque fountains. Olomouc is also home to the largest trinity column in the world, which stands at an impressive 35 meters tall.

So if you’re looking for a city with plenty of history and culture, Olomouc should be high on your list of places to visit in the Czech Republic.

6. Brno

The second largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno, is a lively university town located in southeastern Moravia. The city has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, and its Old Town is home to a number of historic landmarks.

Must-see sights in Brno include the Spilberk Castle, a 13th-century fortress that once served as a prison, and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, an impressive baroque church with twin steeples.

Other popular places to visit in Brno include Freedom Square, a beautiful pedestrian square lined with cafes and restaurants, and the Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of early modern architecture.

No trip to Brno would be complete without a tour of the Moravian Karst, a limestone region just outside the city that is home to a number of caves, including the famous Macocha Abyss.

I had a great time exploring all that Brno has to offer. The city’s lively atmosphere and rich history make it a great place to visit. And its location in the heart of Moravia makes it a perfect base for exploring the region.

7. Karlovy Vary

A world-famous spa town, Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), is located in western Bohemia near the border with Germany. The city has been a popular destination for centuries, and its 13 main springs and over 60 smaller ones have made it a center of the European spa industry.

But it’s not just the spa waters that attract visitors from all over the world to Karlovy Vary. The city’s picturesque setting, with its Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic.

Take a stroll down the city’s main street and admire the grandiose architecture of the colonnades and hotels. Afterward, visit the Moser Glass Factory to see how the world-renowned glass is made. And finally, ride the funicular up to Diana Observation Tower for sweeping views of the city and countryside. And if you visit the town during summertime, don’t miss the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film events in Central Europe.

During my time in Karlovy Vary, I enjoyed exploring the city’s many parks and gardens as well as touring some of its historic landmarks. I also made sure to visit a few of the city’s famed spa resorts to relax and rejuvenate.

8. Pilsen

Pilsen is best known for its beer, which has been brewed here since the city was founded in the 13th century. The local beer, Pilsner Urquell, is world-renowned and available in pubs and restaurants all over the city. For this reason, I suggest starting your visit to the Brewery Museum. Here you’ll learn all about the history of brewing in Pilsen and have the opportunity to taste the local beer.

After the brewery, head to the center of town and explore Pilsen’s main square. This beautiful square is lined with pastel-colored buildings and is home to the city’s grandest church, the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. This cathedral is worth a visit for its stunning interior, which is filled with beautiful artwork.

The town is also home to several parks and attractions that are perfect for a summer day. For example, you can visit the West Bohemian Museum or take a leisurely stroll through Zoo Pilsen.

Pilsen is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere and some delicious beer. And the best part is that it’s relatively affordable and only 2 hours away from Prague by train.

9. Sumava National Park

Sumava National Park is one of the Czech Republic’s most popular tourist destinations. The park, which covers nearly 680 square kilometers, is located southwest of the country and borders Austria and Germany.

With its mix of forests, meadows, and rivers, Sumava National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, boar, foxes, badgers, otters, lynxes, and brown bears. There are also more than 1,000 species of plants, including many rare and endangered species.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. And with all of the park’s breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder that Sumava National Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Czech Republic.

10. Liberec

Another one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic is Liberec, a charming city located in the country’s northwest region. Surrounded by mountains and forests, Liberec is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities.

The city’s most famous landmark is the Jested Tower, a 94-meter-tall TV tower with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This unique tower, which resembles a rocket ship, was built in the 1970s to transmit television signals. However, it’s now used as a hotel and restaurant. During winter, the tower’s slopes are transformed into a popular sledding spot.

Other notable Liberec attractions include the Frydstejn Castle and iQLANDIA planetarium and science museum. The castle dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the Liberec region. iQLANDIA, meanwhile, is a great place to take the kids, with its hands-on science exhibits and planetarium shows.

11. Bohemian Switzerland National Park

If there’s one place in the Czech Republic that encapsulates the country’s natural beauty, it’s Bohemian Switzerland National Park. This lush, forested parkland is dotted with idyllic sandstone rock formations, which have been weathered over time into unique shapes.

The best way to see the park is by taking a leisurely hike along one of the numerous marked trails. I highly recommend the Gabriela’s Trail, which takes you past some of the most scenic places in the park, including Pravcicka Gate, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. This arch is an impressive 16 meters high and 26 meters long, making it one of the most popular Czech attractions.

This park is also home to the largest forest in the Czech Republic, which is a haven for wildlife. You’ll also find several plant species that are unique to this part of the world.

All in all, Bohemian Switzerland National Park is an unforgettable place and a must-visit during your time in the Czech Republic.

12. Telc

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Telc is a beautifully preserved medieval town located in southern Moravia. Founded in the 14th century, Telc was a medieval fortress town and one of the most important trade routes in Central Europe.

The town’s historic center is a maze of cobbled streets lined with well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Highlights include the magnificent Telc Chateau, which now houses a regional museum, and the stunning Holy Ghost Church. The town is also home to a number of charming cafes and restaurants. So be sure to try the local Moravian wine, a specialty of the region.

In Summary

Although the Czech Republic is a small country, it is packed with places to see and things to do. Whether you’re interested in history, art, beer, or just exploring new places, this country has something for everyone. I hope this list of the 12 best places to visit in the Czech Republic has given you some ideas for your next trip.