Why the Czech Republic rewards city-hoppers
Compact, walkable and connected by cheap, frequent trains, the Czech Republic packs Gothic spires, Baroque squares and beer halls into easy day trips. Here are the cities worth your time and the single highlight in each.
Prague
The capital is known for its medieval Old Town, the largest ancient castle complex in the world and a skyline of a hundred spires. Cross the Charles Bridge at dawn before the crowds, then watch the Astronomical Clock chime on Old Town Square.
- Highlight: Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
- Tip: A half-litre of Pilsner often costs less than bottled water
Cesky Krumlov
A UNESCO-listed town wrapped in a loop of the Vltava River, known for its Renaissance castle and red-roofed lanes frozen in the 1500s.
- Highlight: The castle tower and the rare Baroque theatre
- Tip: Rent a canoe to paddle the river bend around the old town
Brno
The lively second city and student hub, known for its cafe culture, functionalist architecture and the Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO).
- Highlight: The Spilberk fortress and the eerie ossuary beneath St. James' Church
Karlovy Vary
The grand spa town in the western forests, known for its colonnades, hot mineral springs and Becherovka herbal liqueur.
- Highlight: Sipping spring water from a traditional porcelain cup along the Mill Colonnade
Olomouc
An underrated Moravian gem, known for its Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO) and a student vibe without the tourist prices.
- Highlight: The astronomical clock, rebuilt in socialist-realist style
Kutna Hora
A former silver-mining boomtown, known for the Sedlec Ossuary decorated with tens of thousands of human bones and the soaring St. Barbara's Church.
- Highlight: The bone chapel and its chandelier
Stay connected in Czech Republic
A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation and bookings the moment you land, with no roaming fees or hunting for Wi-Fi.
Get your Czech Republic eSIM in 30 seconds
Instant delivery, 4G/5G speeds, no roaming bills.
View Czech Republic plans →