Summary
In the very heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic emerges in a confident blend of Bohemian history, Moravian allure, and Slavic elegance. Its cities are filled with Gothic marvels, its towns showcase Baroque splendor, and its countryside boasts stunning forests, cave systems, and mountains. Explore this compilation of the premier destinations to visit when traveling through this cherished region of Europe.
1. Prague
No inventory of the Czech Republic’s premier locations would be complete without mentioning its iconic capital, which rises gracefully from the winding meanders of the Vltava River in the heart of Bohemia, featuring a harmonious blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Medieval architecture. Rich in history, the so-called City of a Hundred Spires is renowned for its beautifully adorned Old Town, anchored around a picturesque central square, which boasts a remarkable astronomical clock and the pointed turrets of the Church of Our Lady before Tyn.
Visitors can also meander among the saintly statues on the Charles Bridge and explore Prague Castle (one of the largest in the continent), seek the echoes of Kafka’s literary shadows, or simply savor a variety of unpasteurized Czech beers, traditional Bohemian dumplings, and partake in one of Europe’s most vibrant nightlife scenes.
2. Cesky Krumlov
A fairy-tale town perched on the edges of the Vltava River south of Ceske Budejovice, Cesky Krumlov stands as a true jewel of South Bohemia. Its Old Town, recognized by UNESCO for its labyrinth of medieval streets, 13th-century relics, and layers of architectural history, remains largely unscathed by conflicts and wars.
However, the undeniable highlight here is the imposing structure of Cesky Krumlov Castle, with its grand bulwarks, bridges, and towers, where Rococo gardens and painted towers, the captivating Church of St. Vitus, and even a moat home to black forest bears attract substantial numbers of visitors year-round.
3. Castle Karlstejn
Castle Karlstejn, a monumental tribute in stone to the esteemed Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, rises magnificently above the lush Czech valleys just southwest of Prague. This splendid Gothic structure is one of the nation’s most visited medieval relics.
Tourists who arrive here are invited to ascend the hill and pass beneath the two-story port houses into the central courtyards, where the renowned Big Tower and Chapel of the Holy Cross once safeguarded the valuable Royal Jewels and Imperial Regalia of Czech kings. The vistas extend to showcase the undulating hills of Bohemia and the lush forested regions surrounding the country.
4. Brno
Brimming with vibrant student energy during academic terms, Brno, the capital of South Moravia, defies its reputation as a relatively quiet locale, showcasing some of the nation’s top drum and bass clubs and a burgeoning café culture rivaling that of Prague and Vienna.
Additionally, visitors can explore the charming Old Town district, the second largest in the country, where the spired Neo-Gothic towers of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul oversee cobblestone squares, while the somber tunnels of the Brno Ossuary lie beneath. Spilberk Castle commands a bluff within the town, and the Brno Reservoir buzzes with recreational activities in the summertime, offering ample opportunities for boating, swimming, and outdoor socializing.
5. Ostrava
Located at the northern edge of Moravia, where the Czech Republic transitions into Silesia and the borders of Poland, Ostrava is a down-to-earth city that marries historical beauty and Baroque magnificence in its Old Town with a distinctive blend of Soviet Realism, Russian Brutalism, and post-industrial landscapes.
Visitors may head straight for landmarks such as the Michal Colliery to uncover the city’s rich industrial history or stroll through the city’s deeper narratives amidst the neoclassical façades of Masaryk Square. Furthermore, the revitalized Lower Vitkovice Area invites exploration, complete with glass elevators, viewing platforms, the Gong exhibition center, and monumental blast furnaces among other captivating sites.
6. Karlovy Vary
Majestic, opulent, and exuding the charm characteristic of a royal retreat once frequented by Russian emperors and Beethoven, Karlovy Vary (formerly Karlsbad) is undeniably one of the most stunning destinations in all of Bohemia. It is adorned in elegant neoclassical architecture, interspersed with exquisite fin de siècle constructions and a variety of Art Deco fountains, all situated within the wooded valleys surrounding the celebrated mineral springs of the Tepla River.
Visitors should be sure to explore the unique range of innovative holistic treatments available at the various spa centers, ranging from sulfurous immersion baths to Turkic hammam experiences. For those less inclined toward wellness, delightful outdoor cafés on Vridelni Street are inviting, or the hills offer hiking opportunities in true Bohemian fashion.
7. Liberec
The charming and unpretentious town of Liberec, home to around 100,000 residents, offers an ideal backdrop to explore the Republic’s intriguing blend of Slavic, Germanic, and Austrian cultures. The city is enveloped by the pointed peak of Jested Mountain, marking the threshold of the Jizera mountain range, which unfolds in a panorama of Nordic skiing trails and fir forests bordering Poland.
Here, the city’s most notable landmark stands prominently: the Jested Tower hotel and panoramic restaurant overlooks the hills. Below, connected by cable car, are the painted facades of Liberec Castle along with numerous splendid 19th-century townhouses, complementing some of the nation’s most distinguished university departments.
8. Ceske Budejovice
Ceske Budejovice, recognized as the namesake of one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic beers, is brimming with microbreweries, taverns, and traditional Czech pubs—making it undoubtedly one of the best locations to savor authentic Slavic pivo (beer). Established in the 13th century by King Premysl Otakar II, the city showcases a splendid collection of colonnades and burgher mansions that characterize its central square.
This area is encircled by a network of cobblestone streets, adorned with the ornate Baroque carvings of Samson’s Fountain. Additionally, various museums narrate the rich history of South Bohemia, while the Budejovicky Budvar Brewery on the town’s northern edge remains one of its primary attractions.
9. Lipno
Ideal for hikers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts, skiers, snowboarders, and Nordic walkers, the lakeside mountain town of Lipno enjoys a picturesque setting amidst the soft hills and gentle valleys of the Cesky Krumlov District, mere moments from the Austrian border.
Compact and well laid-out, the town serves as a prime base for exploring the enchanting wilderness of South Bohemia and features a 21-kilometer inline skating circuit, a scenic reservoir, the intriguing Lipno Dam, and an array of ski runs suited for beginners and intermediate riders alike.
10. Moravian Karst
The Moravian Karst, covering over 1,000 caves and grottoes, gorges, and canyons, spans an impressive 92 square kilometers north of Brno. It is recognized for its striking geological features, ranging from sculpted stalactites and colossal stalagmites to underground rivers and sinkholes within the Punkva Caves, along with the vast chambers and meandering corridors of the grand Amaterska system.
The region is also home to the Macocha Gorge, the largest sinkhole canyon in Central Europe, which hosts the bubbling headwaters of the Punkva River. Activities such as hiking, caving, and biking are plentiful, and travelers may also wish to discover the Josefov blast furnaces and nearby Chateau of Rajec nad Svitavou.
11. Olomouc
Featuring a charming ambiance filled with student bars and cafés, Olomouc is considered one of the Czech Republic’s hidden treasures. It is situated on the plains of eastern Moravia, enriched with over 2,000 years of history that traces back to Roman times.
Convened by the influences of Germans, Swedes, Slavs, and Bohemian royalty, the city showcases stunning landmarks such as the Saint Wenceslas Cathedral and the Saint Maurice Church nestled within the remnants of its ancient castle walls. Intriguingly, the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column in the expansive central square truly captures attention; it is a remarkable representation of Central European Baroque architecture, unlike any other on the continent.
12. Pilsen
Once a holder of the title of European Capital of Culture (shared with Mons in Belgium), Pilsen is also the home of the renowned beer strain that shares its name, first brewed in the 19th century by Bavarian Josef Groll. The city is replete with captivating sights and attractions beneath its Old Town’s sea of red-tiled roofs.
Travelers can admire the impressive spires of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, delve into one of Europe’s largest subterranean civic passage systems, explore the curiously styled Great Synagogue, and marvel at the extraordinary Renaissance décor of the town hall designed by Giovanni de Statia. When the moment arises to sample that iconic beer, the Pilsner Urquell brewery is waiting alongside numerous traditional tank pubs and taverns where unpasteurized brews flow liberally.
13. Kutna Hora
Historically, Kutna Hora served as a formidable economic rival to Prague, gaining prominence with the discovery of silver in the nearby Central Bohemian hills. The town still displays the characteristics of its former richness and regal significance, most notably in the magnificent spires of the Church of Saint Barbara and the Italian Courtyard, where royal mints and former silver empires evoke a sense of medieval nostalgia.
Furthermore, the red-tiled roofs and storied history of the Old Town feel distinctly less touristy and offer a more authentic experience than its counterpart in Prague. Visitors should also ensure they explore the Kostnice Ossuary, where rows of human remains and intricate chandeliers, sculptures, and altarpieces crafted from human bones create an eerily captivating experience.
14. Bohemian Paradise
The inaugural natural reserve in the Czech Republic offers a mesmerizing landscape characterized by towering hoodoos, canyons, uniquely chiseled cliffs, cascading gorges, and rugged hills, all adorned with expansive stretches of pine forest. Visitors can traverse winding hiking trails and encounter the romantic silhouettes of castles like the precipitous Trosky keep.
Exploring the region allows one to delve into ancient rock towns that appear to rise organically from the surrounding sandstone ridges, investigate dramatic dolomite caves at Bozkov, admire traditional timber architecture in the quaint villages, enjoy water sports, and take part in horseback riding amidst the historic châteaux—all amidst an enticing variety of outdoor activities.
15. Krkonose National Park
The breathtaking terrains of Krkonose National Park can be found straddling the border with Poland in the extreme northeast of the country. With its babbling mountain streams and mist-covered fir forests, this rugged landscape culminates at Snezka Mountain—the highest peak not just in the Czech Republic but across the Sudetes range.
Moreover, a wealth of walking trails wander through the park, and ski fields emerge spontaneously during winter months, giving travelers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the scenic landscapes of meadows, timbered hillside, towering spruces, iconic lichen-splattered rocks, and rolling alpine panoramas.
