Quick Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Day Trip

The Czech Republic is compact, making travel easy. Most destinations are accessible within a two-hour drive or train ride. To help you choose quickly, we have categorized the top options below.

• Best for history: Terezín Concentration Camp or Kutná Hora.
• Best for romance: Český Krumlov or Karlštejn Castle.
• Best for nature: Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
• Best for relaxing: Karlovy Vary (modern spas and hot springs).

Planning is simple. Check train schedules online or book a guided tour for ease. Always check opening times, especially on Mondays when castles often close.

10 Best Excursions from Prague for Every Traveler

This list covers the most unforgettable experiences near the capital. We selected these based on accessibility and cultural value. Explore these amazing sights to see the real Bohemia.

1. Name: Český Krumlov Type: Historic Town Why go: It is a UNESCO World Heritage gem. The town looks exactly like a fairy tale. You will explore a massive castle complex and winding medieval streets. Best for: Couples and photographers. Where: South Bohemia (approx. 170 km south). Time: Full day (10-12 hours). Cost: Free to walk; Castle tours ~300 CZK. Getting there: Take a FlixBus or RegioJet bus for the fastest direct route (3 hours). Read our full Český Krumlov guide here. Tip: Visit the castle gardens for the best free panoramic views.
2. Name: Kutná Hora Type: History & Macabre Why go: It was once the silver treasury of the kingdom. The main draw is the Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel decorated with human bones. The St. Barbara's Cathedral is also a gothic masterpiece. Best for: History buffs and unique sights. Where: Central Bohemia (approx. 70 km east). Time: Half-day or full day. Cost: ~160 CZK for Ossuary entry. Getting there: Trains run frequently from majestic Hlavní nádraží station. Everything you need to know about the Bone Church trip. Tip: Buy a combined ticket to see all three major historical sites.
3. Name: Bohemian Switzerland National Park Type: Nature & Hiking Why go: Discover the Pravčická brána, Europe's largest sandstone arch. The landscapes here inspired the Chronicles of Narnia films. It offers fresh air and dramatic rock formations. Best for: Hikers and outdoor lovers. Where: Hřensko (Northern border). Time: Full day (12 hours). Cost: Park entry is nominal; boat rides cost extra. Getting there: Train to Děčín, then a local bus to the park entrance. Check out our hiking guide for this park. Tip: Wear sturdy hiking shoes as trails can be rocky and uneven.
4. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Medieval Fortress Why go: This castle was built by Emperor Charles IV to house royal jewels. It sits dramatically on a hill surrounded by forests. It is one of the most famous Czech castles. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: Central Bohemia (30 km southwest). Time: Half-day (5-6 hours). Cost: Tours range from 260 to 800 CZK. Getting there: A short 40-minute train ride leaves from Prague regularly. See how to plan your Karlštejn visit. Tip: The walk up to the castle is steep, so take the horse carriage if needed.
5. Name: Terezín Concentration Camp Type: Historic Memorial Why go: This is a somber but necessary educational experience. You can tour the Small Fortress and the Ghetto Museum. It serves as a powerful memorial to Holocaust victims. Best for: Educational insight. Where: North of Prague (60 km). Time: Half-day (5-6 hours). Cost: Combined ticket ~220 CZK. Getting there: Buses depart frequently from Nádraží Holešovice station. Learn how to visit Terezín respectfully. Tip: Bring water and snacks, as facilities on-site are limited.
6. Name: Karlovy Vary Type: Spa Town Why go: Famous for thermal springs and colorful architecture. You can taste mineral waters from various colonnades. It hosts a world-famous film festival annually. Best for: Relaxation and luxury. Where: West Bohemia (130 km west). Time: Full day. Cost: Free to walk; Spas vary. Getting there: Direct buses run often from Florenc station. Plan your spa day in Karlovy Vary. Tip: Buy a porcelain cup to drink the thermal water like a local.
7. Name: Dresden Type: City Break (Germany) Why go: Cross the border to see the "Florence on the Elbe". Visit the stunning Zwinger palace and the restored Frauenkirche. It offers great shopping and museums. Best for: Art lovers and cross-border explorers. Where: Saxony, Germany. Time: Full day. Cost: Train tickets ~500-800 CZK. Getting there: EC trains take just over two hours. See our one-day Dresden itinerary. Tip: Bring your passport since you are crossing into Germany.
8. Name: Plzeň (Pilsen) Type: Beer & Industrial History Why go: This is the birthplace of Pilsner Urquell beer. You can tour the brewery and taste unpasteurized beer in cellars. The city also features a lovely main square. Best for: Beer enthusiasts. Where: West Bohemia (90 km southwest). Time: Half-day or full day. Cost: Brewery tour ~300 CZK. Getting there: Trains run hourly and take roughly 90 minutes. Book your brewery tour details here. Tip: Visit the Great Synagogue, the second largest in Europe, nearby.
9. Name: Konopiště Castle Type: Royal Residence Why go: This was the final home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The castle is filled with thousands of hunting trophies and armor. The surrounding rose gardens are beautiful in summer. Best for: Castle lovers and history buffs. Where: Near Benešov (50 km south). Time: Half-day. Cost: Tours start around 240 CZK. Getting there: Take a train to Benešov u Prahy, then walk or bus. Guide to Franz Ferdinand's castle. Tip: Check out the castle moat, which is famously home to bears.
10. Name: Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) Type: Nature & Geopark Why go: This UNESCO Geopark features massive sandstone towers. The Prachov Rocks offer a maze of trails and viewpoints. It is a stunning natural playground. Best for: Active families and climbers. Where: Northeast of Prague. Time: Full day. Cost: Entry to rock cities is nominal. Getting there: Train to Jičín or Turnov, then local bus. Tip: Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds on narrow stairs.

Practical Tips for Visiting Towns Near Prague

Travel in the Czech Republic is reliable and safe. A little preparation makes your day trip much smoother. Here are essential tips for seamless excursions.

Use the IDOS app. This app combines all train and bus schedules nationwide. It is indispensable for planning connections. You can often buy tickets directly in the app.

Check opening hours. Many castles and museums close on Mondays. In winter (November to March), some castles outside Prague close completely. Always verify official websites before leaving.

Validate your ticket. If you travel by train within the city limits first, validate it. On long-distance trains, the conductor will check your ticket at your seat. For more inspiration, visit the Visit Czechia website.