Blog

There are such a lot of improbable day journeys from Prague! I’ve been residing in Prague for a number of years now, and have been exploring the Czech Republic in depth — together with many, many day journeys from town.

So many individuals go to the Czech Republic and don’t go away the Prague metropolis limits — however there are such a lot of lovely locations value visiting.

So what are the perfect locations to go to on a day journey from Prague? My high advice is all the time the city of Kutná Hora, a fairly city house to an fascinating church fabricated from human bones, however on this listing you will have the whole lot from pure wonders to fascinating missed cities!

Needless to say for an optimum day journey, I like to recommend a journey of two hours every method or much less. You may go a bit past — wish to Brno, Český Krumlov, or Olomouc — however I additionally assume it is best to think about staying in a single day if it’s an extended journey.

Each journey on this listing is both doable by prepare (usually direct prepare), bus, or guided tour.

(Planning a visit to Prague? You should definitely try my favourite uncommon issues to do in Prague, finest Prague eating places, and what NOT to do in Prague!)

This submit was revealed in March 2024.

Kutná Hora

Kutná Hora is my private decide for the perfect day journey from Prague. I all the time advocate it to Prague guests as a result of it’s a extremely fairly Bohemian city with an enchanting chapel constructed of bones; it’s a brief, 50-minute journey from Prague; tickets are simple to purchase; and excursions are aplenty.

The bone church — its actual title is Sedlec Ossuary — is the principle sight value visiting. It’s creepy and engaging, whereas being an architectural marvel. (Know that images is now allowed right here.)

However past the ossuary, the city of Kutná Hora is so underrated! It’s painted in lovely Bohemian pastel colours, with pretty church buildings, cute eating places, and flowers blooming in all places. The proper simple getaway that allows you to see Bohemian life past Prague.

Finest issues to do in Kutná Hora: Go to the bone church, in fact! But additionally take time to walk across the metropolis middle, and seize a pleasant Czech lunch (I loved the meals and setting at Staročeská restaurace V Ruthardce).

The Cathedral of St. Barbara is a spectacular gothic masterpiece, and don’t miss the Czech Museum of Silver and the Church of St. James. However Kutna Hora is a good place to get misplaced.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? I believe Kutná Hora is fairly simple to do by yourself by way of public transit, however if you happen to’d reasonably have the benefit of going with a tour information, you are able to do that!

Guide a tour to Kutná Hora from Prague: This top-rated Kutná Hora tour from Prague consists of round-trip transportation out of your resort in Prague, a tour of Kutná Hora city, and admission to Sedlec Ossuary.

Methods to get to Kutná Hora from Prague independently: Head to Prague’s predominant prepare station, Hlavní nádraží (the station is abbreviated as Praha hl. n). Use the machines to purchase a ticket to Kutná Hora hl.n. The journey is 50 minutes direct; there are additionally trains which have a switch in Kolín, that are nearer to 90 minutes every method.

From the station it’s a couple of 15-minute stroll to the bone church, then an extra 30-minute stroll (or 15-minute walk-and-bus journey) to town middle.

When you’ve got a rental automotive, Kutná Hora is about an hour’s drive from Prague.

Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is totally spectacular — a stunning medieval metropolis in South Bohemia that appears plucked straight from a fairy story, cliches be damned. The town is encircled by a river and topped with a citadel overlooking the beautiful city. Spending time in a small metropolis like this makes a beautiful foil to the massive metropolis of Prague.

Truthfully, I urge individuals to keep in a single day in Český Krumlov, reasonably than do a day journey. Overnighting is so a lot better — town is so peaceable and beautiful when the day-trippers go away, plus you’ll have extra time to discover, and it’s a fairly far journey every method.

However I perceive that many vacationers solely have time for a day journey. If that’s all you will have, that’s nice. Begin your day early, finish it late, and also you’ll have a good time. It’s one of the fashionable day journeys from Prague for a motive.

Finest issues to do in Český Krumlov: Head as much as the citadel for a postcard-perfect picture of the city (and the sunshine is finest within the late afternoon). Rent a raft and go paddling alongside the Vltava River. Discover all of the artsy little outlets, and have a meal at a restaurant on the banks of the river. And head to Apoteka, one in every of my favourite bars within the Czech Republic — they’re a cocktail bar with a menu of quirky craft cocktails. Strive the popcorn bitter!

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? If you happen to’re an skilled traveler, you’ll be comfy getting your self there by public transportation. However if you happen to’d reasonably chill out and have another person deal with all of the logistics, taking the tour is a good thought, particularly because it’s sooner to drive to Krumlov than take public transportation.

Guide a tour to Český Krumlov from Prague: This top-rated Český Krumlov tour from Prague consists of round-trip transportation by way of shuttle, in addition to a tour of Český Krumlov and a while to discover by yourself.

Methods to get to Český Krumlov from Prague independently: You may both take the prepare or the bus, however I like to recommend the bus as a result of it’s direct and the bus station is far nearer to city. (A number of trains to Český Krumlov are direct, however most require a change in Ceské Budjevice, and the prepare station is a couple of 20-minute stroll from town middle.)

Buses to Český Krumlov go away from Na Knížecí, a bus station proper by the Anděl metro cease in Prague. The bus takes slightly below three hours.

When you’ve got a rental automotive, Český Krumlov is about two hours and quarter-hour from Prague.

Learn Extra: Information to Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Bohemian Switzerland

Regardless of its title, Bohemian Switzerland isn’t Switzerland in any respect — that is the title for a stunning pure area within the Czech Republic, proper on the German border. (The German facet is named Saxon Switzerland.)

If you happen to’re trying to escape Prague for the day to expertise nature, Bohemian Switzerland Nationwide Park is house to essentially the most awe-inspiring mountain views within the Czech Republic. Come right here for dense forests, deep gorges, and contemporary mountain air.

The Tiské stěny — the Tisna Rocks — is a spectacular space with misty, high-piled rock formations and cliffs, and served as a mystical backdrop in The Chronicles of Narnia films.

Bohemian Switzerland is a good spot to go to year-round, and tour operators adapt their journeys to the present climate circumstances. Be sure you put on good climbing sneakers!

Finest issues to do in Bohemian Switzerland: Hike three miles to Pravčická Gate, the biggest sandstone arch in Europe (pictured above). Take a ship via the gorges of the Kamenice River. Cross the German border to go to the Bastei Bridge and the spa city of Unhealthy Schandau. And if you wish to be impartial, there are such a lot of climbing trails! Czechs LOVE to hike.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? I strongly advocate going with a tour, because it’s not simple to do by public transportation.

Guide a tour to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague: This top-rated Bohemian Switzerland day journey from Prague consists of round-trip transportation from Prague, and your selection of two choices: you may both do a reasonable hike to Pravčická Gate, or take a ship journey down the gorge. After you’ll have lunch and a go to to the German facet of the park to go to Bastei Bridge and Tiské stěny, the Tisna Rocks, earlier than heading house.

Methods to get to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague independently: Driving is the best choice, because it’s a lot sooner and simpler. Bohemian Switzerland Nationwide Park is about one hour and 45 minutes from Prague. If not, take a prepare from Prague’s predominant prepare station, Praha hl.n., to the city of Děčín, and from there take a bus to the city of Hřensko. Get off at Hřensko–Pravčická brána or Mezní, and from right here you will have a three-mile hike to the gate.

Karlštejn Fortress

If you happen to’d wish to see extra of the Czech Republic in addition to Prague, however don’t wish to go too far or commit an excessive amount of time, Karlštejn is a superb day journey from Prague. This citadel dates again to the 14th century, when King Karel IV dominated Bohemia.

The citadel is stuffed with artistic endeavors and historical past in the present day, and the structure is fascinating. Excursions of the citadel go away repeatedly, and so they all the time have excursions in English.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Karlštejn Fortress is straightforward to get to by public transportation, however excursions usually add on a go to to a different website, just like the Koneprusy Caves.

Guide a tour to Karlstejn Fortress from Prague: This group tour to Karlštejn Fortress additionally features a go to to the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled Koneprusy Caves, a go to to Large America canyon, and lunch at a conventional Czech tavern.

Methods to get to Karlštejn Fortress from Prague independently: From the principle prepare station in Prague, Praha hl.n., take the S7 prepare within the route of Karlštejn. The journey is direct and takes about 41 minutes. This can drop you within the city of Karlštejn; from right here you may stroll as much as the citadel.

Plzeň

Are you an enormous fan of Czech beer? You’ll be delighted with Plzeň (Pilsen). This city is house to the Pilsner Urquell brewery, and lots of a Czech and vacationer have made the pilgrimage out to strive the world’s finest beer at its supply.

Not a beer drinker? You may nonetheless have enjoyable in Plzeň if you wish to, however you might need extra enjoyable in one of many aforementioned cities on this listing. Even so, you may soak up the perfect views of Plzeň from the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew — or head underground to discover the tunnels which have been beneath town for hundreds of years!

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? If you happen to’re simply visiting the brewery, simply guide your self a prepare ticket — however if you wish to add on glassblowing, I like to recommend reserving a tour.

Guide a tour to Plzeň from Prague: This group tour from Prague to Plzen consists of transportation from Prague, admission to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, lunch in a Czech pub, and a go to to the Bohemia glassworks in Nizbor, which is a pleasant cultural approach to complement your day journey from Prague!

Methods to get to Plzeň from Prague independently: From the principle prepare station in Prague, Praha hl.n., guide one of many many trains to Plzeň, and that journey takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you may guide a Flixbus departing from the principle bus station in Florenc, and that journey takes about 50 minutes.

Karlovy Differ

Karlovy Differ is among the most elegant cities within the Czech Republic, made well-known because of the wealthy geothermal waters surrounding town. At this time Karlovy Differ is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site — one of many Nice Spa Cities of Europe — and there are many spas you may go to (my favourite is Lodge Thermal, with a heat outside pool you may take pleasure in year-round).

Along with the thermal springs, Karlovy Differ has good climbing trails surrounding the city, the Moser glass works, good eating places and purchasing, lovely arcades the place you may pattern all of the spa waters along with your signature cup, and so they even placed on a world-renowned movie pageant in the summertime!

My husband and I went to Karlovy Differ for a mini-moon proper after we did our authorized marriage ceremony in Prague. It couldn’t have been a more sensible choice — although we had the good thing about having fun with a relaxed three-day go to reasonably than a fast day journey from Prague! I’d advocate staying in a single day if you happen to can, however a day journey remains to be value it, too.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? It’s simple sufficient to get to Karlovy Differ by public transit; if you happen to’re doing it by yourself, I like to recommend going early and coming again late, as there’s a lot to do.

Guide a tour to Karlovy Differ from Prague: This Karlovy Differ day journey from Prague consists of transportation from Prague, a metropolis tour, and 4 hours to discover by yourself.

Methods to get to Karlovy Differ independently: There are each trains and buses working from Prague to Karlovy Differ — however there are a LOT extra buses than trains. Each buses and trains take about two hours every method.

Tábor

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a pleasant little city that’s extra fashionable with Czechs than worldwide guests, I’m an enormous fan of Tábor. This beautiful little city in South Bohemia is house to about 34,000 inhabitants — simply large enough for locating a bunch of issues to do.

In Tábor, you may wander the colourful streets of the city middle; climb the tower of Kotnov Fortress, with the perfect view of city; and for a scrumptious and weird meal within the Czech Republic, the restaurant Rafariz dishes up luxurious Uyghur-style noodle dishes.

One other nice choice is to hike alongside the Lužnice River. There’s a straightforward path alongside the river’s edge, and I actually loved this! When you get to the city of Malšice, merely hop on the prepare again to Tábor.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Independently, because it’s simple on public transportation and this isn’t a well-liked tour vacation spot.

Methods to get to Tábor independently: There are many trains from Prague to Tábor. From Prague’s predominant prepare station, you may count on a journey of an hour and quarter-hour on the native prepare, making it a straightforward day journey.

Posázavská Stezka

Czechs LOVE getting out of town on the weekends to hit the climbing trails. And whereas there are such a lot of climbing day journeys from Prague you are able to do by prepare, one I like to advocate is the Posásavska Stezka, positioned south of town.

It is a very nice hike alongside the river, with some reasonable up-and-down segments. Altogether it is best to count on 2.5-3 hours of climbing — and find time for a beer on the pub exterior Petrov u Prahi station! Czechs just about hike to the pub; it’s what they do!

If you happen to do that hike on the sooner facet, you’ll have loads of time within the afternoon to spend in Prague. It’s extra of a half day journey than a full day journey from Prague.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Go independently. I don’t know of any excursions doing this route.

Methods to get to the Posásavska Stezka independently: Take the prepare from Prague’s predominant prepare station to Kamenny Přivoz station and take it again to Prague from Petrov u Prahi. Every method it’s slightly below 90 minutes.

Terezín

Not all day journeys from Prague are about enjoyable and video games — and if you happen to’re trying to perceive one of many darkest chapters in Czech historical past, I like to recommend a go to to Terezín, a former focus camp. Terezín (Theresienstadt Ghetto) is a camp the place Jews from throughout Europe had been despatched between 1941 and 1945.

Terezín wasn’t explicitly an extermination camp — however it was designed to be a holding place earlier than sending prisoners on to Auschwitz or Treblinka to be killed. Many died from sickness, hunger, and poor residing circumstances. Round 150,000 Jews handed via right here altogether; solely 17,000 had been saved after liberation.

Creepily, this camp additionally served as a propaganda piece and was stuffed with flowers and fairly buildings, serving as a backdrop about what a pleasant place it might be for Jews to go.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? I strongly advocate reserving a tour to Terezín from Prague. The websites are unfold out all around the city, and it’s a a lot better expertise if in case you have an area information.

Guide a tour to Terezín from Prague: This top-rated Terezín tour consists of transportation from Prague (together with non-compulsory resort pickup) and a guided three-hour historic tour of Terezín. It’s a half-day tour, so that you’ll have most of your afternoon again in Prague.

Methods to get to Terezín independently: To get to Terezín, head to Letňany station in Prague (not the principle bus station) and get on Bus 413. Inform the motive force you’re going to Terezín, pay to your ticket, and get off on the cease Terezín U Památniku, and the small fortress is a brief stroll from the bus cease. From there the opposite websites on the town are as much as a 15-minute stroll away.

Liberec

One uncommon day journey from Prague is the city of Liberec (LEE-ber-ets), a metropolis near the German and Polish borders. In Liberec you’ll discover a nice small metropolis with a beautiful assortment of structure, together with an uncommon Neo-Renaissance city corridor!

The most effective a part of visiting Liberec is solely exploring the streets. Whereas it isn’t a tourism powerhouse like Český Krumlov and even Brno, I discover wandering round to be a worthwhile exercise right here. Don’t miss the villas behind the city corridor, and there are some good cafes tucked into the colourful streets of the previous city.

You can merely go to Liberec city — however for a deal with, think about visiting Ještěd Tower, an uncommon resort and restaurant in an area ship-like form, with home windows overlooking the pure great thing about the encircling panorama. I liked visiting this place; the pumpkin soup was GREAT and it was a enjoyable little tour!

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Undoubtedly go independently; I don’t assume any excursions from Prague exist.

Methods to get to Liberec independently: To get to Liberec from Prague, head to Černý Most Station (the tip of the B line) and take a bus to Liberec, which takes just a little over an hour. If you wish to get to Ještěd Tower, public transportation doesn’t go there — you’ll both must drive from Prague or take a taxi from Liberec (a couple of 20-minute drive).

Mariánské Lázně

If you happen to like the thought of Karlovy Differ, however wish to go to a spa city that’s just a little extra quiet, Mariánské Lázně makes a sensible choice for a (barely far) day journey from Prague. One other of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Spa City of Europe, Mariánské Lázně is a quiet, bucolic getaway the place pure sizzling springs abound.

If you happen to’re spending a day right here, it is best to make a reservation on the spa on the Lodge Nové Lazné, which has a stunning, elegant, Roman-style bathing space with a number of swimming pools, together with saunas, steam rooms, and chilly plunges. You may guide spa remedies, too.

That mentioned, 2.5 hours every method is a bit lengthy for a day journey, and also you would possibly get extra out of your time if you happen to in a single day right here (or go to Karlovy Differ, which is a bit nearer).

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Go independently. I don’t know of any excursions that exist.

Methods to get to Mariánské Lázně from Prague independently: Take the prepare from Prague’s predominant prepare station to Mariánské Lázně. Trains run hourly, however each different hour it’s an oblique prepare that requires altering in Plzen. The journey is about 2.5 hours. From the station I counsel hopping on the bus to town middle, because it’s a 30-minute uphill stroll in any other case.

Dresden, Germany

Are you visiting Prague for Christmas market season? I completely advocate taking a day journey to Dresden, Germany! (Simply be sure that the markets are literally on — Christmas market season in Germany is shorter than Prague’s, normally working from December 1-23.)

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is among the finest in Germany, with a number of markets stretching throughout totally different neighborhoods. Come right here for gluhwein, lebkuchen, and all types of tasty goodies (and make sure to learn my information to planning a German Christmas Market journey!).

Is Dresden value it if it’s not Christmas market season? Truthfully, until you will have one thing particular you’ve needed to go to in Dresden, I might select someplace else on this listing. (I did actually take pleasure in visiting the VW Golf manufacturing facility, watching all of the automobiles being manufactured!)

Lastly, if you happen to’re intent on visiting Germany on a day journey from Prague, Dresden is your finest wager — it’s shut by with tons of transportation choices. Nuremberg and Berlin are too far.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Undoubtedly go independently. Transportation couldn’t be simpler.

Methods to get to Dresden independently: You may both go by prepare or bus, and each methods take about two hours and quarter-hour, although buses are cheaper. You may take a prepare direct from Prague’s predominant prepare station or a bus from Prague’s predominant bus station in Florenc.

Brno

The second-largest metropolis within the Czech Republic is usually missed by vacationers — however Brno (BUR-no) has a lot to supply. The most important metropolis within the Moravia area of the japanese Czech Republic, Brno looks like a small, barely shabbier model of Prague — however cheaper and lots of enjoyable, too!

My absolute favourite factor to do in Brno is go to Villa Tugendaht, a REALLY cool fashionable residence. If you happen to’re interested by design or structure within the least, you’ll adore it! It’s best to guide tickets forward.

Aside from that, make sure to try the Brno Ossuary (bone church!), see the “Brno Dragon” within the city corridor (it’s a crocodile!), and hit up the cool eating places and bars in Brno (together with my favourite, “The Bar that Doesn’t Exist,” an internationally lauded cocktail bar).

Truthfully, I believe that Brno is healthier as an in a single day vacation spot. And if you happen to’re touring from Prague to Vienna or vice versa, it’s a pleasant place to cease in between.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Go independently. Transportation may be very simple.

Methods to get to Brno independently: From Prague’s predominant prepare station, there are fixed trains to Brno. Trains take about 2.5 hours. You can too discover many buses alongside this route that take about the identical period of time.

Olomouc

Olomouc (o-lo-MOATS) is one in every of my favourite locations within the Czech Republic, and also you by no means see it talked about on “better of” lists! Truthfully, there aren’t a ton of issues to do, however I believe town has a extremely nice vibe and a few good eating places and cafes.

The town’s predominant sq. is house to a Holy Trinity Column that itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Moreover, there are many fountains, an astronomical clock just like Prague’s, numerous church buildings and parks, and some museums.

Olomouc additionally makes their very own signature cheese. Full disclosure — I like cheese, however this cheese just isn’t my favourite, so I like to recommend attempting a small plate, not ordering it to your predominant meal!

Olomouc isn’t the form of metropolis you go to with a guidelines — it’s extra of a spot to absorb the vibe. And contemplating that it takes 2-2.5 hours to get right here, that is additionally a spot that you just would possibly desire staying in a single day.

Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Go independently. Transportation is straightforward and this isn’t a well-liked tour vacation spot.

Methods to get to Olomouc independently: From Prague’s predominant prepare station, there are fixed trains to Olomouc. If you’d like a deal with, the Leo Specific trains run this route and have a NICE enterprise class. You may guide these at leoexpress.com. Trains take 2-2.5 hours every method. There are additionally loads of buses alongside this route.

Too Far for a Day Journey from Prague

I do know that it’s so tempting to slot in as many day journeys as potential — however I encourage you to not day journey to the next locations inside Central Europe. I’d advocate spending two nights in them, minimal, or maybe a single evening if you happen to don’t thoughts the lengthy journey.

Bratislava, Slovakia — 4:15 by prepare.

Berlin, Germany — 4:30 by prepare.

Vienna, Austria — 4:30 by prepare.

Nuremberg, Germany — 4:45 by bus.

Munich, Germany — 4:45 by bus.

Wroclaw, Poland — 4:45 by bus.

Salzburg, Austria — 5:30 by bus.

Budapest, Hungary — 6:45 by prepare.

Extra on the Czech Republic:

Have you ever been to Prague? What’s your favourite day journey? Share away!