Prague, the Czech capital, is one of the most fascinating cities to explore. However, the sights of the Czech Republic that are worth visiting go beyond the country's capital, even if many of them are close to Prague. When planning your travel itinerary, don’t miss out on the best tours and day trips from Prague.
Here are the most recommended destinations for excursions from Prague that will allow you to broaden your vision of the Czech Republic. We hope that this list of top tours and day trips from Prague will help you complete your trip to one of the most charming cities in Europe and the world.
Best Excursions from Prague
1. Český Krumlov
It is no wonder that Český Krumlov is considered one of the best destinations for an excursion from Prague as it is one of the most visited destinations in the Czech Republic. If in Prague you can find the largest castle in the world, here is the second largest castle in the country. Český Krumlov is home to over 300 historical buildings and the city was declared a World Heritage Site in 1992. Everything in Český Krumlov seems to be perfectly arranged to make the city seem like a fairytale from a Renaissance castle at the top of hill, charming churches with bell towers, cobbled pedestrian alleys, Renaissance and Baroque houses to the palaces painted in pastel colors. You can visit Český Krumlov during this day trip from Prague: Full-Day Trip to Český Krumlov.
If you are fond of beer, you will like to know that Český Krumlov is located just a few kilometers from České Budějovice, the place where the famous Budweiser beer originates, and that there are excursions that visit the two cities in a single day. You can check Český Krumlov and České Budějovice Day Trip from Prague.
How to get from Prague to Český Krumlov
The medieval town of Český Krumlov is not too close to Prague, it is 176 kilometers to the south, two and a half hours by car.
There are daily Flixbus or RegioJet buses that leave every hour from the central station (Florenc) or Na knížecí station. Buses are leaving to Český Krumlov every hour from 6:00 until 21:00. Buses from Český Krumlov to Prague depart from 5:00 to 20:00. The trip takes around 3 hours.
Buy online bus tickets from Prague to Český Krumlov.
You can also take a train that leaves Prague to Český Krumlov in the early morning. The train will stop at České Budějovice where you will need to change trains and head to Český Krumlov. The trip takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The last train from Český Krumlov to Prague leaves at 19:00 and you need to make the connection in České Budějovice as well.
Buy online train tickets from Prague to České Budějovice.
A more comfortable and interesting alternative is to book this excursion of Full-Day Trip to Český Krumlov with a guide that will allow you to visit this romantic town, explore it and learn more about the history of Český Krumlov as well as enjoy a delicious lunch at a tavern. The tour lasts about 10 hours and offers great value for money, as it includes hotel transfers, transportation by air-conditioned bus, guide and lunch.
Where to stay in Český Krumlov
If you have plenty of time, it is worth to stay overnight, so you could enjoy the city at sunset and sunrise as well as explore the city without tourist crowds. It is recommended to stay right in the center of the city.
Some of the best rated hotels in Český Krumlov:
2. Karlovy Vary
There are several excursions from Prague that allow you to discover the spa tradition of the Czech Republic and Karlovy Vary is the best known.
Karlovy Vary is a spa town nestled in the middle of nature whose streets are also very charming. It was founded in the 14th century, when Emperor Charles IV made a hunting lodge in the area. Its peak took place between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, when the artists and politicians such as Sigmund Freud, Beethoven, Tolstoy or Karl Marx, came to this town for treatments.
Karlovy Vary became famous because of the 12 thermal waters existing in the city. The colonnades where the different medicinal sources are located is probably the most famous area of town. You can also taste the hot water with healing properties that flows from its sources, or even go to a natural spa.
The city, in addition to the thermal centers and its sources, is an architectural wonder. You will see beautiful buildings, as well as large pavilions. In addition to the historic architecture and thermal waters, the International Film Festival also attracts tourists during the summer.
This town is also known for the delicious Becherovka herbal liqueur and the delicious waffles filled, that you can taste on this tour from Prague. You can read our experience of the trip to Karlovy Vary from Prague.
If you will be going to Karlovy Vary, we would also recommend to visit the Moser Glassware Factory, producing one of the most luxurious crystals in the world. It will leave you speechless, its beauty, and also its price.
How to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary
As the town is located about 130 kilometers from Prague, the fastest and most practical way to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary is by bus from the central bus station (Florenc). Buses depart every hour and the trip lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Buy online bus tickets from Prague to Karlovy Vary.
Another good idea is to rent a car and take the opportunity to do a mini road trip.
You can also choose an organized excursion of Karlovy Vary Guided Day Trip. This trip will bring you to explore the popular and historic Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary on a day trip from Prague, taste the healthful spa waters from the local springs, and stop for a break to enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch.
Where to stay in Karlovy Vary
If you decide to stay longer in the town and enjoy the thermal spa, the best hotel options in Karlovy Vary can be found here: Hotels in Karlovy Vary
3. Karlstejn Castle
Czech Republic is a land of castles and one of the most popular of them is Karlstejn. Karlstejn Castle, or Charles IV Castle, is one of the most iconic fortresses in the Czech Republic. It is located on top of a hill in the town of Karlstejn just 30 km from Prague, so this beautiful castle can be visited on a half-day tour from Prague. Karlstejn Castle was built by the order of Charles IV in the 14th century to store the treasures of Bohemia. After several renovations, the current appearance reminds us more of a transitional style between Gothic and Renaissance. It is a quite impressive fortress with a beautiful environment and you have to climb a very steep slope. The interior of the castle is not so spectacular, and to access it you must do it with a guided tour. You can read our experience at Karlstejn Castle.
How to get from Prague to Karlstejn Castle
You can get to Karlstejn Castle by train from Prague. Trains to Karlstejn Castle start departing at 5:00 and leave every hour. The last train leaving Karlstejn Castle for Prague is around 23:30. The trip takes only 40 minutes and costs less than 5 euros a ticket.
You can also take Half-Day Trip to Karlštejn Castle from Prague where you will enjoy the tour with local guide, see the castle interiors and the treasury where the crown jewels were kept, and learn more about the history and legends of Karlštejn Castle.
4. Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is another of the most famous destinations for an excursion from Prague. A mining town founded in the 13th century, Kutná Hora is just over an hour's drive from Prague. Two places declared World Heritage Sites are located here: the Church of Santa Bárbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Sedlec. However, the most surprising thing about Kutná Hora is a chapel full of bones and skulls! It is known as the Sedlec Ossuary, over 40,000 human bones are exposed there, most of which are people who died from the Black Death in Europe.
If you are not only going to see bones, the city has a picturesque old town where you can spend a pleasant day among colored houses, the fabulous Italian Court, medieval Ruthardka Street and a visit the gothic masterpiece of St. Barbara's Church.
How to get from Prague to Kutná Hora
If you do not rent a car, it is best to arrive by train. The train leaves from the Hlavní Nádraží station to Kutná Hora and the journey is 50-60 minutes. The train costs less than 5 euro each way. Just pay attention that as soon as you arrive in the city of Kutná Hora you need to take another one and get off at Kutná Hora-Sedlec station, which is where the ossuary located.
There are also several recommended tours to Kutná Hora at good price including the best seller Kutna Hora UNESCO Site Tour with Bone Chapel. The guided tour will take you to discover the historic buildings and haunting bone chapel of Kutná Hora. Remember to book in advance.
Where to stay in Kutná Hora
You can stay overnight in the Old Town where a number of historic sights, as well as restaurants and cafés are located.
Some of the best rated accommodations in Kutná Hora:
There are many things to see in Prague, as well as many dishes and drinks to taste! Prepare your stomach and take advantage of the walks through the Old City to enjoy traditional Czech cuisine in Prague.
5. Terezín Concentration Camp
Not all excursions are cheerful, but it’s important to know the history, what the country has been through. If you're interested in this, visiting Terezín Concentration Camp is a really interesting excursion from Prague.
Terezín Concentration Camp is one of the infamous Nazi concentration camps that populated Central Europe during World War II. In this concentration camp, the Nazis locked up almost 150,000 Jews, a great majority of Czech origin, of whom many died and others were sent to their final destination, the terrible camps of Aushwitz and Treblinca (Poland).
Terezín Concentration Camp is located in the small town of Theresienstadt, about 60 kilometers from Prague. Today, it is really well preserved and open to the public. This camp has become a museum in memory of the victims, where you can visit the Ghetto Museum with an exhibition on the Nazi occupation, the barracks, the Jewish cemetery, and the crematorium.
How to get from Prague to Terezín Concentration Camp
To get to the camp on your own, you will have to take a bus at the Florenc station or at the Holesovice station in Prague. From there, the bus will take you to Terezín in just under an hour. There are several departure times throughout the day.
A more comfortable way to get there is taking Terezín and Ghetto Museum Guided Tour. This is the best option for getting familiar with this historical site as Terezín concentration camp has the number of stories and anecdotes that are explained to you on the guided tour.
6. Bohemian Switzerland National Park
If you love outdoor adventure activities and nature, there is no better day trip from Prague than going to Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Bohemian Switzerland National Park is the youngest of the Czech Republic’s four national parks. It stretches east of the Elbe River, near the border with Germany, and is famous for its characteristic sandstone formations.
The most popular natural attraction in Bohemian Switzerland National Park is called Pravcicka Gate, famous for being Europe’s largest sandstone arch. The site was used as a filming location for the movie Narnia.
How to get from Prague to Bohemian Switzerland National Park
The national park is located about 130 km north of Prague. You will have to go to the town of Hřensko, a scenic village of half-timbered houses. For getting there you need to take a train to Děčín and then take the bus to Hřensko. The total trip on this route should take about 2 hours. From the Hrensko town, you need to trek about 4 km to the arch.
The park is immense, full of trails and the accesses are far from cities and train stations so it might be better for you to take the tour. There are tours for all tastes, for families, groups, and beginners. Not to mention that it is an adventure activity, so it is good to have a guide who knows better about the area. You can choose the Bohemian Switzerland Private Day Trip from Prague where you can explore pretty historic villages of Hřensko, take a short hike and river cruise.
Where to stay around Bohemian Switzerland National Park
If you decide to stay overnight near the park, our suggestion is to stay in Hřensko, which is a good base for hiking. Restaurants, grocery stores as well as Hřensko Bus Station are also located in the town center and within a walking distance.
Some of the best rated accommodations in the town:
7. Olomouc
Olomouc in the Central Moravian region is located just over 2 hours by train from Prague. This off-the-beaten track destination is known for its historic architecture and impressive monuments that are included in the UNESCO-list.
Some of its most essential places are found in its two main squares, where you can find the Column of the Holy Trinity, the Town Hall, which has a beautiful Astronomical Clock, and several baroque architecture buildings and fountains. In addition to all these, you cannot miss a visit to some of the most important churches such as the Cathedral of San Venceslao, San Mauricio or San Miguel.
How to get from Prague to Olomouc
To get to Olomouc from Prague you can catch a train at the Prague Central Station (Praha hlavni nadrazi). Trains from Prague to Olomouc start departing from 6:00. The last train from Olomouc to Prague leaves at 20:00. The journey takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. You can book train tickets from Prague to Olomouc in advance.
8. Pilsen
Pilsen, located less than 100 kilometers from the capital, is one of the most cultural cities in the Czech Republic. Pilsen may not be as charmful town as Karlovy Vary and Český Krumlov, but it also has some nice corners like its main square that combines modern buildings with medieval architecture. There is St. Bartholomeus Cathedral, which has the highest spire in the Czech Republic.
In fact, the main attraction here is the Pilsner Urquell brewery, producing a world-famous brand beer. So if you like the beer scene in Prague, you'll love Pilsen.
Get the most out of your visit to Pilsen by joining Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting. You will travel on the brewery bus to one of the most modern bottling facilities, which processes 120,000 bottles per hour. You will learn about the ingredients from which this pilsner is brewed and discover the heart of the brewery: 3 brew houses from different centuries. The tour culminates with a tasting of unfiltered Pilsner Urquell beer in the historic cellars.
Extra Tip: The Czech Republic is the country where the most beer is consumed in the world and there are many varieties among the more than 250 commercial brands sold in the country. A good way to sample some of the best beers in town is to book one of Prague Beer Tasting & Brewery Tours
How to get from Prague to Pilsen
The best option to come here by bus. Pilsen is only 100 kilometers from Prague, so you will reach it in about an hour and a half.
You can also travel from Prague to Pilsen by train. There are several trains during the day with the last train from Pilsen to Prague being at 21:00.
You can buy online bus and train tickets from Prague to Pilsen.
9. Dresden, Germany
So far, all the options for a day trip from Prague were within the Czech Republic. But if you want to take advantage of your trip to Prague and visit other countries in the area, don't miss Dresden. The German city of Dresden is one of the places that can be visited in one day by taking an excursion from Prague, since it can be reached in two hours.
The city of Dresden is known as the “Florence of the Elbe” because they say that it looks like the Tuscan city. Dresden, which is part of the World Heritage Site, is home to magnificent Baroque churches, palaces and the charming old town. This German city, completely destroyed by the bombing during World War II, was reborn from its ashes thanks to a magnificent reconstruction that gave it back its splendor in the Middle Ages.
Some of the places you should not miss are the Frauenkirche Church, the Augustus Bridge, the Zwinger Palace, with its gardens and galleries, and the world famous Semperoper Dresden Opera House. For the best view of the city, head to the lovely Brühl's Terrace, which overlooks the Elbe and its river boats.
How to get from Prague to Dresden
The best way to get to Dresden from Prague, located 140 kilometers north, is by bus from the Florenc station. The journey takes about two hours and you will be dropped off at the Dresden-Hauptbahnhof train station, located near the center.
You can buy online bus tickets from Prague to Dresden.
There is also a Full Day Tour to Dresden from Prague where you will spend the day in Dresden and explore its sights including Zwinger Palace, Church of the Virgin Mary, Zwinger Gallery and more.
Other Prague Tours
If you want more excursion options in Prague, take a look here: All the best tours & things to do in Czech Republic
Tips
Prague is one of the richest cities in Central Europe in terms of places to visit that can be found in the list of Top Prague Attractions.