10 Stunning Places I recommend visiting in the Czech Republic

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Telč

(pronounced: TELCH)

Telč was one of the biggest surprises of my trip to the Czech Republic. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with such a small town, but within minutes of arriving, I was completely captivated by its colourful Renaissance architecture and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

The UNESCO-listed main square is lined with beautifully preserved pastel buildings, elegant arcades, and cafés where you can sit and watch local life unfold. 

At one end of the square sits Telč Château, while peaceful fish ponds surround parts of the town and create beautiful reflections of the historic buildings. 

Despite its beauty, Telč never felt crowded or overly commercialized. I loved watching locals cycling through the square and browsing the same shops and bakeries they've used for generations. It felt like a real town rather than an open-air museum.

Although you can explore most of Telč in just a few hours, I found myself slowing down, lingering over coffee, and simply admiring the architecture. It's one of those places that quietly wins you over without trying too hard.

How Telč fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Telč is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Prague, although it also fits well into a road trip through South Moravia alongside Brno and the surrounding wine region.

If you have extra time beyond the Czech Republic's headline destinations, this charming little town is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Olomouc

(pronounced: OH-lo-moats)

Olomouc is packed with beautiful Baroque architecture and fascinating history, but without the crowds you'll find in Prague. I loved being able to wander through the historic centre at my own pace and really soak in the atmosphere.

One of the highlights for me was seeing the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column towering over the main square. 

I also found the city's Astronomical Clock fascinating. Unlike the famous clock in Prague, this one was redesigned during the Communist era, replacing saints with workers, farmers, and scientists. It's unlike anything else I've seen in Europe and gives you an interesting glimpse into the city's more recent history.

If you visit Olomouc, you have to try the local specialty, Olomoucké tvarůžky. It's a strong-smelling aged cheese that's famous throughout the Czech Republic. 

I tried it on a traditional tvarůžky burger, and while I'll admit the aroma is a little intimidating at first, I actually ended up enjoying the rich, tangy flavour far more than I expected. It's definitely one of those foods that's worth trying at least once.

How Olomouc fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Olomouc pairs perfectly with Brno, Telč, and the South Moravian wine region.

While it can be visited as a long day trip, I think it deserves a full day to appreciate its architecture, history, and fantastic local food scene without rushing.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Bohemian Switzerland completely changed my perception of the Czech Republic. 

Before visiting, I pictured medieval towns, castles, and historic cities. I wasn't expecting to find towering sandstone cliffs, deep forested gorges, and one of the most spectacular natural landscapes I've seen in Central Europe.

The highlight for me was hiking to Pravčická Brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. The walk itself was beautiful, winding through peaceful forests before opening up to incredible viewpoints across the surrounding landscape. Standing beneath the enormous arch really made me appreciate just how unique this national park is.

I also loved taking the small boat through the Kamenice Gorge. Floating between the towering sandstone walls while the boatman pulled us through some of the narrowest sections by hand was unlike anything I'd experienced before. 

It felt surprisingly peaceful and was one of those travel moments that sticks with you long after you've gone home.

If you've already explored Prague, I think Bohemian Switzerland offers a completely different side of the Czech Republic that's absolutely worth experiencing.

How Bohemian Switzerland National Park fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Bohemian Switzerland makes an excellent day trip from Prague, although I'd recommend spending a night nearby if you enjoy hiking and photography.

It also combines perfectly with Germany's neighboring Saxon Switzerland National Park if you're planning a broader Central European road trip.

Kutná Hora

(pronounced: KOOT-nah HO-rah)

Kutná Hora is one of the most fascinating day trips you can take from Prague. It combines incredible medieval architecture with one of the most unusual churches I've ever visited, making it a destination that's unlike anywhere else in the Czech Republic.

The first place I explored was St. Barbara's Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic church whose soaring ceilings and intricate stonework rival some of Europe's most famous cathedrals. It's absolutely worth taking the time to wander through before heading to the town's most famous attraction.

The Sedlec Ossuary, often called the Bone Church, is unlike anything I've ever experienced. 

Decorated with the bones of around 70,000 people, the interior somehow manages to feel both eerie and strangely beautiful at the same time. 

Chandeliers, garlands, and even a family coat of arms have all been carefully constructed from human bones. Walking through the small chapel was both haunting and fascinating, and it's one of those places that stays with you long after you've left.

The historic centre itself is also worth exploring, with quiet medieval streets that tell the story of the silver mining wealth that once made Kutná Hora one of the most important towns in Bohemia.

How Kutná Hora fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Kutná Hora is one of the best day trips from Prague and fits easily into a first-time Czech Republic itinerary.

If you have an extra day in the capital, I think this is one destination that's absolutely worth making time for.

Brno

(pronounced: BUR-no)

Brno is one of those cities that deserves far more attention than it gets. As the capital of Moravia, it has a beautiful historic centre, an excellent food scene, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a couple of days exploring without ever feeling rushed.

One of the highlights of my visit was touring Villa Tugendhat, one of the world's most important examples of modernist architecture. 

Even though it was completed in 1930, the clean lines, open spaces, and floor-to-ceiling glass still feel remarkably modern today. It's one of the few places where I found myself stopping to appreciate almost every room.

I also enjoyed walking up to Špilberk Castle for panoramic views over the city before wandering back through the Old Town to see the twin towers of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. 

By the evening, Brno's cafés and restaurants were buzzing with locals, giving the city an authentic feel that I really appreciated. I found the dining scene to be outstanding, with fantastic meals that were noticeably more affordable than in Prague.

Brno has all the ingredients of a great European city, just without the overwhelming crowds.

How Brno fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Brno makes an excellent base for exploring Moravia and pairs perfectly with Olomouc, Telč, and the surrounding wine region.

I recommend spending at least two nights here before continuing on to discover some of the Czech Republic's most underrated destinations.

Moravian Wine Region

(pronounced: moh-RAY-vee-an)

Before visiting the Czech Republic, I had no idea it produced wine. 

Like most people, I associated the country almost entirely with beer. After spending time in South Moravia, I can confidently say the wine region deserves far more international attention.

I based myself in Mikulov, which quickly became one of my favourite towns in the country. Sitting beneath its hilltop château and surrounded by vineyards, it's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. 

One of my favourite days was cycling through the countryside between vineyards, tiny wine villages, and the spectacular Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. The route was easy to follow, and it felt like every few kilometres there was another beautiful viewpoint or welcoming wine cellar waiting to be discovered.

Of course, I also spent plenty of time sampling the local wines. The crisp white wines produced here were excellent, and visiting family-run wine cellars made the experience feel much more personal than larger wine regions elsewhere in Europe. 

Combined with the peaceful countryside and the lack of international crowds, it became one of my favourite parts of the Czech Republic.

How the Moravian Wine Region fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

The Moravian Wine Region pairs perfectly with Brno, Olomouc, and Telč, making it an excellent addition to a road trip through eastern Czechia.

I recommend spending two or three nights here so you have time to explore the vineyards, historic towns, and countryside at a relaxed pace.

Český Krumlov

(pronounced: CHESS-kee KROOM-lov)

Český Krumlov is one of those places that looks almost too perfect to be real. 

The first time I saw the castle rising above the bend in the Vltava River, with the colourful rooftops packed tightly beneath it, I understood why it's one of the Czech Republic's most photographed destinations.

I spent hours wandering the cobbled streets, climbing to viewpoints around the castle, and exploring one of the largest castle complexes in Europe. 

One of the most fascinating parts was touring the château theatre, where the original 17th-century stage machinery is still preserved. It's incredible to see how performances were staged hundreds of years ago.

My favourite experience, though, was renting a canoe and floating down the Vltava River beneath the castle walls. 

Seeing the town from the water gave me a completely different perspective, and drifting slowly along the river while looking up at the castle felt like something out of a fairytale.

I would definitely recommend staying overnight if you can. Once the day-trippers head back to Prague, the streets become much quieter, and the whole town takes on a completely different atmosphere that I enjoyed far more than the busy daytime crowds.

How Český Krumlov fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Český Krumlov is one of the country's must-visit destinations and combines perfectly with Prague or a road trip through South Bohemia.

Plzeň

(pronounced: PUL-zen)

As someone who enjoys learning about local food and drink wherever I travel, Plzeň was an easy addition to my Czech Republic itinerary. 

This is the birthplace of Pilsner beer, and after visiting, I don't think you can fully appreciate just how influential this city has been on brewing until you've experienced it for yourself.

The highlight of my visit was touring the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Walking through the historic cellars and learning how the world's first golden lager was created was fascinating, but my favourite part came right at the end. 

Tasting an unfiltered Pilsner drawn straight from a wooden barrel in the original underground cellars was unlike any beer I'd tasted before. It was incredibly fresh, smooth, and completely different from the bottled versions I'd had at home.

Beyond the brewery, I enjoyed wandering through Republic Square, visiting the impressive Great Synagogue, and exploring the network of medieval tunnels beneath the city. Together, they gave me a much better appreciation for Plzeň's history beyond its world-famous beer.

Even if you're only a casual beer drinker, I think Plzeň is well worth visiting. It's a city that helped shape one of the world's most popular beer styles, and that's a story worth experiencing firsthand.

How Plzeň fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Plzeň makes an excellent day trip from Prague and pairs well with Karlovy Vary if you're exploring western Bohemia.

Karlovy Vary

(pronounced: KAR-lo-vee VAH-ree)

Karlovy Vary feels completely different from anywhere else I visited in the Czech Republic. Walking along the river, surrounded by grand hotels, elegant colonnades, and colourful Art Nouveau buildings, it was easy to imagine why Europe's royalty, artists, and composers once came here to unwind.

One of the first things I did was buy one of the town's traditional porcelain spa cups and join everyone else wandering between the hot mineral springs. 

I won't pretend the mineral water was my favourite drink of the trip, it has a very distinctive taste, but trying it is all part of the Karlovy Vary experience. 

I also couldn't resist sampling the famous spa wafers, which paired much better with the mineral water than I expected.

My favourite part of the day came in the evening when I walked along the promenade above the spa district. Looking down at the beautifully illuminated buildings reflected in the river was one of the most peaceful moments of my trip, and it gave the town an atmosphere that felt both elegant and nostalgic.

Karlovy Vary isn't about rushing between attractions. It's a place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and embrace the traditions that have made it famous for centuries.

How Karlovy Vary fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Karlovy Vary makes an easy day trip from Prague, but I think it's even better as an overnight stay.

It also pairs perfectly with Plzeň if you're exploring western Bohemia, giving you the chance to experience two very different sides of the Czech Republic.

Prague

(pronounced: PRAHG)

Prague is one of those cities that completely lives up to the hype. I've visited several times, and every trip reminds me why it's consistently considered one of Europe's greatest destinations. 

Around almost every corner, you'll find another incredible church, palace, hidden courtyard, or centuries-old street that somehow feels untouched by time.

One of my favourite memories was getting up before sunrise to walk across Charles Bridge while the city was still waking up. 

With the morning mist hanging over the Vltava River and Prague Castle glowing above the rooftops, it felt like I had one of Europe's most beautiful cities almost entirely to myself. It's a completely different experience from the bustling afternoons, and one I'd recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.

Of course, I also spent plenty of time exploring Prague Castle, wandering through Malá Strana, watching the Astronomical Clock strike the hour, and discovering quieter neighbourhoods like Vinohrady, where I found some of my favourite cafés and restaurants. 

Even after several visits, I still feel like there are entire parts of Prague left to explore.

That's probably what I love most about the city. It's famous for all the right reasons, but it always gives me another reason to come back.

How Prague fits into your Czech Republic itinerary

Prague is the perfect place to begin or end your Czech Republic adventure and deserves at least four days.

It also makes an excellent base for day trips to Kutná Hora, Karlovy Vary, and Telč, making it easy to experience some of the country's best destinations without changing hotels.

The Czech Republic is compact enough that you can see a surprising amount in a relatively short trip.

Whether you're planning a long weekend in Prague or a more in-depth journey through Bohemia and Moravia, these are the routes I'd personally recommend.

5-Day Czech Republic Itinerary

Why this route? This itinerary focuses on the Czech Republic's greatest highlights while keeping travel straightforward. You'll experience Prague's incredible history, the fascinating Bone Church in Kutná Hora, and finish in the fairytale streets of Český Krumlov.

7-Day Czech Republic Itinerary

Why this route? This itinerary combines the Czech Republic's famous landmarks with some of my favorite underrated destinations. You'll experience medieval towns, incredible architecture, fantastic food, and the beautiful vineyards of South Moravia without spending too much time in the car.

10-Day Czech Republic Itinerary

Why this route? If I had ten days to explore the Czech Republic for the first time, this is the itinerary I'd choose. It combines the country's world-famous cities with its beautiful countryside, national parks, historic towns, castles, and wine region while giving you a much broader picture of Czechia than Prague alone.

*Driving is recommended for portions of this itinerary, particularly when visiting Český Krumlov, the Moravian Wine Region, and Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Renting a car provides the greatest flexibility, although many destinations can also be reached by train.

Why I keep coming back to the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is one of those destinations that rewards travellers who venture beyond the obvious. While Prague is undeniably spectacular, some of my favourite memories have come from exploring medieval towns, peaceful wine regions, dramatic national parks, and smaller cities that rarely make the typical tourist itinerary.

I can spend one trip wandering centuries-old castles, the next hiking through sandstone landscapes, and another cycling between vineyards in South Moravia or discovering charming towns like Telč and Olomouc.

If it's your first visit, don't feel like you have to see the entire country at once. The Czech Republic is easy to explore, but it's even more rewarding when you slow down, leave room for unexpected discoveries, and experience the places beyond Prague.

FAQs about traveling to the Czech Republic

Ready to explore the Czech Republic? Optimise Travel is here to help

The Czech Republic may be best known for Prague, but there's so much more to discover beyond the capital.

From the fairytale streets of Český Krumlov and the vibrant cafés of Brno to the vineyards of South Moravia, the sandstone landscapes of Bohemian Switzerland, and the elegant spa town of Karlovy Vary, every region offers its own unique character and experiences.

At Optimise Travel, we create personalized travel itineraries based on your interests, travel style, and budget. Whether you're dreaming of exploring medieval castles, wandering UNESCO-listed towns, or discovering hidden gems beyond the usual tourist trail, we'll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.

If you'd like help planning your trip to the Czech Republic, click here to learn more about our concierge travel services.