The Czech Republic is a small, landlocked Central European country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
The country is abundant in majestic castles and churches, beautiful countryside, and bustling cities.
The Czech Republic is bursting with a variety of activities and attractions, whether you wish to explore the region’s rich history and culture or simply relax and enjoy the gorgeous natural beauty.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 things to do in the Czech Republic.
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Top 10 things to do in the Czech Republic
1. Take a tour of Prague’s top landmarks
Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital city, is noted for its gorgeous architecture, rich history, and active cultural scene.
Visitors to Prague may enjoy the city’s various cultural attractions, which include medieval castles and cathedrals, museums and galleries, and a thriving music and arts scene.
The top 10 attractions in Prague:
1. Prague Castle – the world’s biggest castle complex and the official residence of the Czech president.
2. The Charles Bridge – a medieval stone bridge over the Vltava River lined with saint sculptures.
3. The Old Town Square – home to the famous Astronomical Clock and surrounded by historic buildings and restaurants.
4. The Czech National Museum – a museum that holds a vast collection of items and artworks from Czech history.
5. The Národní divadlo (National Theatre) – a stunning opera house in the center of Prague.
6. The Petřín Tower – a hilltop tower with stunning views of the city.
7. The Jewish Quarter – a historic neighborhood with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
8. The Vyšehrad Castle – a castle and fortification located in the city’s south.
9. The Prague Zoo – houses over 4,000 animals from all over the world.
10. The Mucha Museum – a museum dedicated to the work of Czech Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha.
Aside from these attractions, Prague boasts a strong arts and cultural scene, with a variety of galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city also has a diverse choice of food and shopping options, as well as a thriving nightlife.
2. Take a trip to the majestic Český Krumlov Castle
Český Krumlov Castle is a stunning castle located in the small town of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. It’s located only 2.5 hours from Prague.
The castle, which was built in the 13th century, is a beautiful example of Gothic, Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. It was expanded and renovated over the centuries by the Rožmberk and Schwarzenberg noble families, and is now one of the most important historic sights in central Europe.
Visitors to the castle can explore its many courtyards, gardens, and buildings, including a theater, a brewery, and a castle tower with an arcaded barrel-vaulted gallery and a belfry. The castle is surrounded by lush parks and gardens, and features stone fountains and sculptures from the 16th century.
The Cloak Bridge, which connects the IVth and Vth courtyards of the castle, is a covered arched bridge that was originally built as a drawbridge but was later rebuilt in stone.
3. Visit the Kutná Hora Sedlec Ossuary
(Photo by Pudelek (Marcin Szala) – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5568806)
Kutná Hora, a city located just a short trip from Prague, is known for its rich history and stunning architectural wonders.
One of the city’s main attractions is the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Kutná Hora Bone Church. This unique building is filled with sculptures created from the bones of over 40,000 people and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
The bones in the ossuary are thought to be the remains of those who were buried at the Sedlec Monastery cemetery. It was considered a hallowed spot when the King of Bohemia brought back dirt from Jerusalem and spread it throughout the cemetery.
Visitors may now tour the ossuary and observe the bones organized in various creative shapes, such as a bone chandelier constructed from every bone in the human skeleton.
While some may find the Sedlec Ossuary unpleasant, it is a fascinating sight to see and a tribute to the city’s past. So it’s absolutely worth visiting Kutná Hora to witness this one-of-a-kind and unforgettable location.
4. Escape to the Bohemian Spa Town of Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary, also known as the Bohemian Spa Town, is a popular destination in the Czech Republic for its world-renowned hot springs and luxurious spas.
Located in Western Bohemia, this 14th-century town is renowned for its medicinal hot springs, including the famous Vřídlo. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and adorned with picturesque and colorful buildings, Karlovy Vary is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
In addition to its spa offerings, Karlovy Vary is known for its stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in art and history.
Visitors can also enjoy leisurely forest walks and witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms that adorn the town in spring.
Whether you’re looking to relax at the spas or take in the sights and sounds of nature, a day trip from Prague to Karlovy Vary is a must.
5. Explore the beauty of Podyjí National Park
Podyjí National Park is a gem of nature in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, located along the border with Austria.
The park’s small size belies the wealth of natural beauty it contains, including tranquility, breathtaking views, and a variety of rare flora and fauna.
The symbol of the park is the black stork, which nests in the park every summer. Podyjí National Park is also home to many species of mammals, including otters, beavers, roe deer, foxes, and wild boars.
The park is well-known for its heath environment and uncommon plant species such as Pulsatillas, Irises, and Orchids.
There are many highlights within the park, including the Šobes vineyard, Fladnitz, and Havraníky Heath, Sealsfield’s Stone, the King’s Throne, and the Dyje floodplains.
6. Visit the Karlštejn Castle
Karlštejn Castle is a stunning 14th-century castle located about 30 kilometers southwest of Prague.
Built by Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1348, it was used as a repository for royal treasures, holy relics, and crown jewels. It has undergone renovations over the centuries, including a transition to a Renaissance style in the 16th century and its current neo-Gothic style in the 18th century.
Karlštejn Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscape.
The chapel of the Holy Cross is a highlight, featuring 129-panel paintings and the St. Wenceslas Crown. The castle also has the Imperial Palace, Marian Tower, and Great Tower, as well as the Burgrave’s Palace and its unique 80-meter-deep well tower.
Karlštejn Castle is a must-see destination for tourists visiting the Czech Republic. Its rich history, neo-Gothic and Renaissance architecture, picturesque landscaping, and the peaceful surrounding make it a unique and memorable experience.
7. Discover the Natural and Historic Wonders of Bohemian Paradise
Bohemian Paradise, also known as Český ráj, is a protected landscape area and tourist region in the Czech Republic, located about 90 kilometers northeast of Prague.
The region is well-known for its magnificent natural beauty and quantity of historical landmarks, making it a favorite tourist and artist destination.
The name “Bohemian” refers to the region’s historical Czech land, not to the term for nonconventional individuals. The tourist region of Bohemian Paradise does not have clearly defined borders, but it is generally understood to encompass the area between Mladá Boleslav, Sychrov, Bozkov, Nová Paka, Staré Hrady, and Libeň. It is divided among three administrative regions and five districts.
The Protected Landscape Area Bohemian Paradise, on the other hand, has clear borders and is located partially within the tourist region. It was established in 1955 as the first nature reserve in the Czech Republic, and was later expanded in 2002. It is located near the town of Turnov.
Some of the notable natural landmarks in Bohemian Paradise include the Prachov Rocks, Hrubá Skála Rocks, Příhrazy Rocks, and Podtrosecká Valleys. The region is also home to several historic landmarks, such as Kost Castle, Hrubá Skála Chateau, Trosky Castle, Drábské Světničky, and the castles of Bezděz, Ralsko, Frýdštejn, and Valečov.
8. Sample beer in the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň
The Czech Republic is well-known for its tasty beers, and a brewery tour is an excellent chance to learn about the country’s rich brewing history while also sampling some of its most famous beers.
One of the famous breweries, founded in 1842, is the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň. It’s the birthplace of pilsner beer, a style of beer that is appreciated all over the world.
Visitors to the brewery can take a tour to learn about the brewing process, the history of pilsner beer, and the materials and techniques used to manufacture it.
The brewery also conducts beer tastings, allowing guests to experience some of the best pilsners and other beers from the Czech Republic.
9. Pay a tribute at the Terezín Memorial
The Terezín Memorial is a former concentration camp turned museum that honors the victims of the Holocaust.
The Terezin Concentration Camp is a site of immense historical significance located in the Czech Republic. Originally intended as a holiday resort for Czech nobility, the camp was transformed by Nazi Germany into a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp during the occupation of Czechoslovakia.
Over 150,000 Jews from various countries were sent to Terezin, many of them highly educated and skilled individuals.
Terezin now serves as a sobering reminder of the Holocaust’s atrocities, as well as a place of reflection and education for tourists.
10. Brno’s Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Brno is a historical and architectural marvel that stands tall above the city. Its origins can be traced back to an 11th-century Romanesque chapel, but the cathedral was later rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 18th century.
The interior is adorned with Baroque decorations, including the Kapistránka pulpit and the crypt, which contains the remains of Brno’s original city walls.
Visitors can also climb the two 84-meter-high towers to hear the church bell that rings at 11 am every day, a tradition that dates back to a successful defense against an attacking army.
11. Discover the beauty of Hluboká Castle
Hluboká Castle is a well-known castle that is visited by many people and is located close to České Budějovice, on a pond basin and above the Vltava River.
It was originally built in the 13th century by King Premysl Otakar II and has undergone several reconstructions, most notably in the 1660s when the Schwarzenberg family transformed it into a Neo-Gothic castle inspired by Windsor Castle in England.
Visitors can explore the castle’s 140 richly decorated rooms, eleven towers and bastions, and an extensive art collection. The castle also features beautiful English-style gardens and hedge mazes, as well as a modern 19th-century kitchen.
Tour options include private apartment tours, tower climbs, and visits to the social rooms, which include a reading room, a smoking room, and a library. Hluboká Castle is a must-see destination for castle enthusiasts and history buffs.
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