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There are such a lot of incredible day journeys from Prague! I’ve been dwelling in Prague for a number of years now, and have been exploring the Czech Republic in depth — together with many, many day journeys from the town.
So many individuals go to the Czech Republic and don’t depart the Prague metropolis limits — however there are such a lot of stunning locations value visiting.
So what are the perfect locations to go to on a day journey from Prague? My prime advice is all the time the city of Kutná Hora, a reasonably city residence to an attention-grabbing church made from human bones, however on this listing you’ve all the pieces from pure wonders to attention-grabbing neglected cities!
Remember that for an optimum day journey, I like to recommend a journey of two hours every means or much less. You’ll be able to go a bit past — wish to Brno, Český Krumlov, or Olomouc — however I additionally suppose it’s best to contemplate staying in a single day if it’s an extended journey.
Each journey on this listing is both doable by practice (usually direct practice), bus, or guided tour.
(Planning a visit to Prague? You should definitely try my favourite uncommon issues to do in Prague, greatest Prague eating places, and what NOT to do in Prague!)
This put up was printed in March 2024.
Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is my private choose 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 a captivating chapel constructed of bones; it’s a brief, 50-minute journey from Prague; tickets are straightforward 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 interesting, whereas being an architectural marvel. (Know that pictures is now allowed right here.)
However past the ossuary, the city of Kutná Hora is so underrated! It’s painted in stunning Bohemian pastel colours, with pretty church buildings, cute eating places, and flowers blooming all over the place. The right straightforward getaway that permits you to see Bohemian life past Prague.
Finest issues to do in Kutná Hora: Go to the bone church, after all! 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 e book a tour or go independently? I feel Kutná Hora is fairly straightforward to do by yourself through public transit, however when you’d fairly have the convenience 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 contains round-trip transportation out of your lodge in Prague, a tour of Kutná Hora city, and admission to Sedlec Ossuary.
How you can get to Kutná Hora from Prague independently: Head to Prague’s essential practice 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 means.
From the station it’s a few 15-minute stroll to the bone church, then an extra 30-minute stroll (or 15-minute walk-and-bus journey) to the town middle.
If in case you have 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. Town is encircled by a river and topped with a fortress overlooking the beautiful city. Spending time in a small metropolis like this makes an exquisite foil to the large metropolis of Prague.
Actually, I urge folks to remain in a single day in Český Krumlov, fairly than do a day journey. Overnighting is so a lot better — the town is so peaceable and beautiful when the day-trippers depart, plus you’ll have extra time to discover, and it’s a fairly far journey every means.
However I perceive that many vacationers solely have time for a day journey. If that’s all you’ve, that’s wonderful. Begin your day early, finish it late, and also you’ll have a good time. It’s probably the most widespread day journeys from Prague for a cause.
Finest issues to do in Český Krumlov: Head as much as the fortress for a postcard-perfect photograph of the city (and the sunshine is greatest 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 among my favourite bars within the Czech Republic — they’re a cocktail bar with a menu of quirky craft cocktails. Attempt the popcorn bitter!
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? When you’re an skilled traveler, you’ll be snug getting your self there by public transportation. However when you’d fairly calm down and have another person deal with all of the logistics, taking the tour is a good concept, 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 contains round-trip transportation through shuttle, in addition to a tour of Český Krumlov and a while to discover by yourself.
How you can get to Český Krumlov from Prague independently: You’ll be able to both take the practice 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 couple of trains to Český Krumlov are direct, however most require a change in Ceské Budjevice, and the practice station is a few 20-minute stroll from the town middle.)
Buses to Český Krumlov depart from Na Knížecí, a bus station proper by the Anděl metro cease in Prague. The bus takes just below three hours.
If in case you have 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 aspect known as Saxon Switzerland.)
When you’re seeking to escape Prague for the day to expertise nature, Bohemian Switzerland Nationwide Park is residence to essentially the most awe-inspiring mountain views within the Czech Republic. Come right here for dense forests, deep gorges, and recent 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 to put on good mountaineering footwear!
Finest issues to do in Bohemian Switzerland: Hike three miles to Pravčická Gate, the biggest sandstone arch in Europe (pictured above). Take a ship by means of 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 mountaineering trails! Czechs LOVE to hike.
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? I strongly advocate going with a tour, because it’s not straightforward to do by public transportation.
Guide a tour to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague: This top-rated Bohemian Switzerland day journey from Prague contains round-trip transportation from Prague, and your alternative of two choices: you possibly can both do a average hike to Pravčická Gate, or take a ship journey down the gorge. After you’ll have lunch and a go to to the German aspect of the park to go to Bastei Bridge and Tiské stěny, the Tisna Rocks, earlier than heading residence.
How you can get to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague independently: Driving is your 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 practice from Prague’s essential practice 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’ve a three-mile hike to the gate.
Karlštejn Fortress
When you’d wish to see extra of the Czech Republic apart from Prague, however don’t need to go too far or commit an excessive amount of time, Karlštejn is a wonderful day journey from Prague. This fortress dates again to the 14th century, when King Karel IV dominated Bohemia.
The fortress is stuffed with artistic endeavors and historical past right this moment, and the structure is attention-grabbing. Excursions of the fortress depart repeatedly, they usually all the time have excursions in English.
Do you have to e book 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 web site, 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 Huge America canyon, and lunch at a standard Czech tavern.
How you can get to Karlštejn Fortress from Prague independently: From the principle practice station in Prague, Praha hl.n., take the S7 practice within the route of Karlštejn. The journey is direct and takes about 41 minutes. It will drop you within the city of Karlštejn; from right here you possibly can stroll as much as the fortress.
Plzeň
Are you an enormous fan of Czech beer? You’ll be delighted with Plzeň (Pilsen). This city is residence to the Pilsner Urquell brewery, and lots of a Czech and vacationer have made the pilgrimage out to attempt the world’s greatest beer at its supply.
Not a beer drinker? You’ll be able to 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 possibly can absorb the perfect views of Plzeň from the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew — or head underground to discover the tunnels which were beneath the town for hundreds of years!
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? When you’re simply visiting the brewery, simply e book your self a practice 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 contains 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 method to complement your day journey from Prague!
How you can get to Plzeň from Prague independently: From the principle practice station in Prague, Praha hl.n., e book one of many many trains to Plzeň, and that journey takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you possibly can e book a Flixbus departing from the principle bus station in Florenc, and that journey takes about 50 minutes.
Karlovy Range
Karlovy Range is likely one of the most elegant cities within the Czech Republic, made well-known as a result of wealthy geothermal waters surrounding the town. Immediately Karlovy Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Website — one of many Nice Spa Cities of Europe — and there are many spas you possibly can go to (my favourite is Resort Thermal, with a heat out of doors pool you possibly can get pleasure from year-round).
Along with the thermal springs, Karlovy Range has good mountaineering trails surrounding the city, the Moser glass works, good eating places and procuring, stunning arcades the place you possibly can pattern all of the spa waters along with your signature cup, they usually even placed on a world-renowned movie competition in the summertime!
My husband and I went to Karlovy Range for a mini-moon proper after we did our authorized wedding 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 fairly than a fast day journey from Prague! I’d advocate staying in a single day when you can, however a day journey continues to be value it, too.
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? It’s straightforward sufficient to get to Karlovy Range by public transit; when you’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 Range from Prague: This Karlovy Range day journey from Prague contains transportation from Prague, a metropolis tour, and 4 hours to discover by yourself.
How you can get to Karlovy Range independently: There are each trains and buses operating from Prague to Karlovy Range — however there are a LOT extra buses than trains. Each buses and trains take about two hours every means.
Tábor
When you’re searching for a pleasant little city that’s extra widespread with Czechs than worldwide guests, I’m an enormous fan of Tábor. This beautiful little city in South Bohemia is residence to about 34,000 inhabitants — simply large enough for locating a bunch of issues to do.
In Tábor, you possibly can 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 strange meal within the Czech Republic, the restaurant Rafariz dishes up luxurious Uyghur-style noodle dishes.
One other nice possibility 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 practice again to Tábor.
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? Independently, because it’s straightforward on public transportation and this isn’t a well-liked tour vacation spot.
How you can get to Tábor independently: There are many trains from Prague to Tábor. From Prague’s essential practice station, you possibly can count on a journey of an hour and quarter-hour on the native practice, making it a straightforward day journey.
Posázavská Stezka
Czechs LOVE getting out of the town on the weekends to hit the mountaineering trails. And whereas there are such a lot of mountaineering day journeys from Prague you are able to do by practice, one I like to advocate is the Posásavska Stezka, positioned south of the town.
It is a very nice hike alongside the river, with some average up-and-down segments. Altogether it’s best to count on 2.5-3 hours of mountaineering — and find time for a beer on the pub outdoors Petrov u Prahi station! Czechs just about hike to the pub; it’s what they do!
When you do that hike on the sooner aspect, 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 e book a tour or go independently? Go independently. I don’t know of any excursions doing this route.
How you can get to the Posásavska Stezka independently: Take the practice from Prague’s essential practice station to Kamenny Přivoz station and take it again to Prague from Petrov u Prahi. Every means it’s just below 90 minutes.
Terezín
Not all day journeys from Prague are about enjoyable and video games — and when you’re seeking 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 — but it surely 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 dwelling circumstances. Round 150,000 Jews handed by means of 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 could be for Jews to go.
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? I strongly advocate reserving a tour to Terezín from Prague. The websites are unfold out everywhere in the city, and it’s a a lot better expertise when you have an area information.
Guide a tour to Terezín from Prague: This top-rated Terezín tour contains transportation from Prague (together with elective lodge 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.
How you can 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 on 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 an exquisite assortment of structure, together with an uncommon Neo-Renaissance city corridor!
The very best a part of visiting Liberec is just 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 may merely go to Liberec city — however for a deal with, contemplate visiting Ještěd Tower, an uncommon lodge and restaurant in an area ship-like form, with home windows overlooking the pure great thing about the encompassing panorama. I liked visiting this place; the pumpkin soup was GREAT and it was a enjoyable little tour!
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? Undoubtedly go independently; I don’t suppose any excursions from Prague exist.
How you can get to Liberec independently: To get to Liberec from Prague, head to Černý Most Station (the top of the B line) and take a bus to Liberec, which takes a bit of 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 few 20-minute drive).
Mariánské Lázně
When you like the concept of Karlovy Range, however need to go to a spa city that’s a bit of extra quiet, Mariánské Lázně makes a good selection 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.
When you’re spending a day right here, it’s best to make a reservation on the spa on the Resort 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’ll be able to e book spa remedies, too.
That mentioned, 2.5 hours every means is a bit lengthy for a day journey, and also you may get extra out of your time when you in a single day right here (or go to Karlovy Range, which is a bit nearer).
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? Go independently. I don’t know of any excursions that exist.
How you can get to Mariánské Lázně from Prague independently: Take the practice from Prague’s essential practice station to Mariánské Lázně. Trains run hourly, however each different hour it’s an oblique practice that requires altering in Plzen. The journey is about 2.5 hours. From the station I counsel hopping on the bus to the 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 guarantee that the markets are literally on — Christmas market season in Germany is shorter than Prague’s, normally operating from December 1-23.)
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is likely one of the greatest in Germany, with a number of markets stretching throughout totally different neighborhoods. Come right here for gluhwein, lebkuchen, and every kind of tasty goodies (and make sure you learn my information to planning a German Christmas Market journey!).
Is Dresden value it if it’s not Christmas market season? Actually, except you’ve one thing particular you’ve wished to go to in Dresden, I’d select someplace else on this listing. (I did actually get pleasure from visiting the VW Golf manufacturing facility, watching all of the automobiles being manufactured!)
Lastly, when you’re intent on visiting Germany on a day journey from Prague, Dresden is your greatest wager — it’s shut by with tons of transportation choices. Nuremberg and Berlin are too far.
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? Undoubtedly go independently. Transportation couldn’t be simpler.
How you can get to Dresden independently: You’ll be able to both go by practice or bus, and each methods take about two hours and quarter-hour, although buses are cheaper. You’ll be able to take a practice direct from Prague’s essential practice station or a bus from Prague’s essential bus station in Florenc.
Brno
The second-largest metropolis within the Czech Republic is usually neglected by vacationers — however Brno (BUR-no) has a lot to supply. The most important metropolis within the Moravia area of the jap Czech Republic, Brno seems like a small, barely shabbier model of Prague — however cheaper and loads of enjoyable, too!
My absolute favourite factor to do in Brno is go to Villa Tugendaht, a REALLY cool trendy residence. When you’re inquisitive about design or structure within the least, you’ll find it irresistible! You need to e book tickets forward.
Apart from that, make sure you 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).
Actually, I feel that Brno is best as an in a single day vacation spot. And when you’re touring from Prague to Vienna or vice versa, it’s a pleasant place to cease in between.
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? Go independently. Transportation could be very straightforward.
How you can get to Brno independently: From Prague’s essential practice 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 among my favourite locations within the Czech Republic, and also you by no means see it talked about on “better of” lists! Actually, there aren’t a ton of issues to do, however I feel the town has a extremely nice vibe and a few good eating places and cafes.
Town’s essential sq. is residence to a Holy Trinity Column that itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Moreover, there are many fountains, an astronomical clock much like Prague’s, plenty of church buildings and parks, and some museums.
Olomouc additionally makes their very own signature cheese. Full disclosure — I like cheese, however this cheese is just not my favourite, so I like to recommend making an attempt a small plate, not ordering it on your essential meal!
Olomouc isn’t the sort 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 may desire staying in a single day.
Do you have to e book a tour or go independently? Go independently. Transportation is straightforward and this isn’t a well-liked tour vacation spot.
How you can get to Olomouc independently: From Prague’s essential practice station, there are fixed trains to Olomouc. If you need a deal with, the Leo Specific trains run this route and have a NICE enterprise class. You’ll be able to e book these at leoexpress.com. Trains take 2-2.5 hours every means. 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 attainable — 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 night time when you don’t thoughts the lengthy journey.
Bratislava, Slovakia — 4:15 by practice.
Berlin, Germany — 4:30 by practice.
Vienna, Austria — 4:30 by practice.
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 practice.
Extra on the Czech Republic:
Have you ever been to Prague? What’s your favourite day journey? Share away!
