Prague is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. However, if you’re looking to get out of the city for a day or two, there are plenty of great places to visit that are easily accessible by train. The extensive and efficient rail network in and around the capital makes it easy to travel to popular destinations that are located relatively close by. So if you’re looking to add a variety of options to your trip, here are 10 of the best places to visit near Prague by train.
Best Places To Visit Near Prague By Train
1. Pilsen
One thing about the Czech Republic that you’ll quickly learn is that it’s home to some of the best beer in the world. So, of course, one of the best places to visit near Prague by train is Pilsen, the birthplace of Pilsner beer.
Pilsen is about 1.5 hours from Prague by train, and it’s easy to get there without advance planning. There are about 60 trains that depart from Prague to Pilsen every day, making it one of the most popular days trips from the city.
Pilsner beer was first brewed in 1842, and today, you can visit the Pilsner Urquell Brewery to see how it’s made. The tour includes a visit to the brewing hall, the fermentation cellar, and the bottling plant. And, of course, you’ll get to sample some of the beer at the end.
In addition to the brewery, Pilsen is also home to a number of other attractions. This includes the Plzen Zoological Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the Czech Republic; the West Bohemian Museum, which chronicles the city’s history and its people; and the Great Synagogue, which is one of the largest synagogues in Europe.
Pilsen is a great place to spend a day if you’re interested in beer and brewing. You can also learn about the city’s history and see some of its most important landmarks.
Read More: 16 Best Things to Do in Pilsen
2. Cesky Krumlov
If there’s one place you shouldn’t miss when visiting places near Prague by train, it’s Cesky Krumlov. This small town, located about 3 hours from Prague, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the “Prague of the south.” The train departs from Prague every two hours, and the tickets never sell out, so you can usually buy them on the day of your journey.
Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town with plenty of things to see and do. The main attraction is Cesky Krumlov Castle, one of the Czech Republic’s largest castles. The castle complex includes a number of museums, gardens, and even an outdoor theater.
Other highlights include the Renaissance-style Church of St. Vitus, the Egon Schiele Art Centre, and the Cesky Krumlov Puppet Museum. The town itself is also worth exploring, and you can easily spend a few hours walking around the picturesque streets and admiring the architecture. Be sure to take a leisurely boat ride down the Vltava River, which runs through the town, and explore the many quaint shops and cafes.
Read More: 20 Best Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov
3. Melnik
Many tourists visit Prague and don’t even realize that the Czech Republic has its own wine region just a short train ride away. I also had no idea until I did some research and discovered Melnik, a small town in Central Bohemia that is home to vineyards, castles, and museums.
The town of Melnik is located about an hour from Prague by train, and it’s easy to get there with a direct connection from the main train station. Once you arrive, you can explore the town’s medieval center, which is full of cobbled streets and historic buildings.
If you’re interested in wine, there are several wineries that offer tours and tastings. Some popular wineries include Sintica Winery, Orbelus Winery, and Villa Melnik Winery. All of these wineries produce high-quality Czech wine, and you can even buy bottles to take home with you.
In addition to the wine, there’s also the Chateau Melnik Castle, a Gothic-style castle that was built in the 10th century, and the Regional Museum Melnik, a museum housed in a former monastery that features exhibits on the history of the town. You can also visit the Melnik Underground Well, a 14th-century well that used to supply water for the town’s residents. It’s the oldest and widest well in the Czech Republic.
Melnik is a great place to visit if you’re looking to escape the city for a day and learn about the Czech Republic’s wine industry. It’s definitely one of the most famous places to visit near Prague by train, and I recommend spending at least a few hours exploring this charming town.
Read More: 10 Best Parks in Prague
4. Cesky Raj
Cesky Raj, which means “Bohemian Paradise,” is a protected area in the Czech Republic that is known for its natural beauty. This region is located about 2 hours from Prague by train and is a great place to escape the city for a day. Trains depart from Prague’s main train station every 2 hours, making it easy to get there without having to plan in advance.
Once you arrive in Cesky Raj, you’ll find yourself surrounded by forests, cliffs, and canyons. There are plenty of hiking and cycling trails to explore, and you can even go rock climbing in some of the more popular areas.
I suggest hiking to Pravccka Gate, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, exploring Trosky Castle, a ruined castle that dates back to the 14th century and visiting Prachovske skaly, a rock formation with over 200 caves and tunnels.
Cesky Raj is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best places to visit near Prague by train. I recommend spending at least a day exploring this beautiful region.
5. Karlovy Vary
Another one of the best places to visit near Prague by train is Karlovy Vary. This spa town is located in Western Bohemia and is a popular destination for Czechs and foreigners. A trip to this town by train will take you around 3 hours from Prague, making it a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Karlovy Vary hot springs have been used for therapeutic purposes since the 14th century. Today, over a dozen springs are open to the public, and you can even drink the water from some of them. The most famous spring is the Mill Colonnade, built in the 19th century.
In addition to the thermal springs, Karlovy Vary is also home to a number of other attractions, including the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe, and the Moser Glass Factory, where you can see how this famous Czech glass is made.
Read More: 17 Best Things to Do in Karlovy Vary
6. Olomouc
Olomouc is a historic city located in Moravia, the eastern part of the Czech Republic. This city is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s well worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in history and architecture. Olomouc is located about 3 hours from Prague by train andis a great weekend getaway option.
As you explore Olomouc, you’ll notice the city’s baroque architecture, which is some of the best in the country. The main square, Horni Namesti, is a great place to start your sightseeing. This square is home to the Astronomical Clock, a baroque fountain, and several notable churches.
Other highlights of Olomouc include the 11th-century Olomouc Castle, the Gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral, and the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to visit the Olomouc Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
All in all, Olomouc is one of the most famous places to visit by train from Prague. This charming city is filled with historical landmarks and beautiful architecture, making it a great place to spend a day or two.
7. Tabor
Tabor is a historic town located in South Bohemia, about 1.5 hours from Prague by train. There are about 30 trains that depart from Prague’s main train station every day, making it easy to get there without having to plan in advance.
Tabor was founded in 1420 by the Hussites, a Christian movement that was popular in Bohemia at the time. The town served as an important Hussite center, and you can still see evidence of this today in the town’s architecture.
Some of the most notable sights in Tabor include the Hussite Museum, dedicated to the history of the Hussites, and the Tabor Castle, a well-preserved castle built in the 15th century. Other things to see and do in Tabor include exploring the old town and visiting the Tabor Synagogue.
I spent a day exploring Tabor and found it to be a charming town with plenty of history. And although this town may not be as well-known as some other places to tour by train from Prague, it’s definitely worth a visit. I recommend spending at least a day here if you’re interested in learning about the Hussites and seeing some of the well-preserved architecture from that time period.
8. Karlstejn Castle
For a taste of medieval history, take a train to Karlstejn Castle, which is located about an hour from Prague. This castle was built in the 14th century by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. He built this castle to house his collection of holy relics, which included the Crown of Saint Wenceslas and the Cross of Christ.
Today, Karlstejn Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Czech Republic, and it’s easy to see why. The castle is incredibly well-preserved, and you can even tour the rooms where Charles IV’s relics were once kept.
If you’re interested in visiting the castle, I recommend taking a train from Prague’s main station. Trains depart every hour, and the journey takes about an hour. I also recommend buying a ticket in advance, as this is a popular attraction and tickets do sell out.
9. Podebrady
Another spa town you can visit by train from Prague is Podebrady, which is about an hour away by train. Trains depart and return from Prague’s main train station severally throughout the day, perfect for those who don’t want to plan their trip in advance.
Podebrady is most famous for its spa, which has been in operation since the early 19th century. This makes the main attraction in the town to be the Podebrady Spa, which offers a variety of treatments and therapies using the town’s thermal springs.
In addition to the spa, there are also a number of other things to see and do in the town. This includes exploring the Podebrady Castle, taking a boat ride on the Elbe River, and visiting the Film Legends Museum.
I went to Poderady for a day of relaxation, and I can definitely say it’s one of the best places to visit near Prague if you’re looking to unwind. I recommend spending at least a day here, and if you can, try to schedule your visit on a weekday when the spa isn’t as crowded.
10. Pardubice
Every country has a city known for horse racing, and in the Czech Republic, that city is Pardubice. The Pardubice Racecourse is the oldest and most famous racecourse in the Czech Republic, and its main event is held every October.
During the race, you can bet on the horses, enjoy the traditional Czech food and drink, and listen to live music. Even if you’re not a horse racing fan, the Pardubice Racecourse is worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.
In addition to horse racing, Pardubice is also known for its medieval castle, which dates back to the 13th century. The castle is located in the city center and is open to the public. And if you’re a fan of beer, be sure to try the local Pardubice beer, which is brewed in the city.
I made a day trip from Prague to Pardubice, which was a great way to see a different side of the Czech Republic. This city is located less than an hour from Prague by train, and if you’re a horse racing fan, it’s definitely worth a visit. If you have the time, I recommend spending a day or two as there is plenty to see and do in this city.
In Summary
Traveling by train is a great way to see the Czech Republic, and there are many beautiful places to visit that are just a short ride from Prague. I hope this list of the best places to visit near Prague by train has given you some ideas for your next trip. I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring these places and others in the Czech Republic. Thanks for reading!