There are such a lot of implausible 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 price visiting.

So what are one of the best locations to go to on a day journey from Prague? My high advice is at all times the city of Kutná Hora, a fairly city residence to an attention-grabbing church product of human bones, however on this checklist you could have all the things from pure wonders to attention-grabbing missed cities!

Understand that for an optimum day journey, I like to recommend a journey of two hours every method or much less. You possibly can go a bit past — wish to Brno, Český Krumlov, or Olomouc — however I additionally suppose you need to contemplate staying in a single day if it’s an extended journey.

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

(Planning a visit to Prague? Remember to take a look at 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 one of the best day journey from Prague. I at all times suggest 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 identify is Sedlec Ossuary — is the principle sight price visiting. It’s creepy and engaging, 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 lovely Bohemian pastel colours, with beautiful church buildings, cute eating places, and flowers blooming all over the place. The right simple getaway that allows you to see Bohemian life past Prague.

Greatest 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.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? I feel Kutná Hora is fairly simple to do by yourself through public transit, however if you happen to’d moderately have the convenience of going with a tour information, you are able to do that!

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

The way to get to Kutná Hora from Prague independently: Head to Prague’s primary 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.

You probably have a rental automobile, Kutná Hora is about an hour’s drive from Prague.

Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is totally spectacular — a beautiful 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 fort overlooking the attractive city. Spending time in a small metropolis like this makes a beautiful foil to the large metropolis of Prague.

Actually, I urge individuals to keep in a single day in Český Krumlov, moderately 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 could have, that’s fantastic. Begin your day early, finish it late, and also you’ll have a good time. It’s one of the standard day journeys from Prague for a motive.

Greatest issues to do in Český Krumlov: Head as much as the fort 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 retailers, and have a meal at a restaurant on the banks of the river. And head to Apoteka, considered one of my favourite bars within the Czech Republic — they’re a cocktail bar with a menu of quirky craft cocktails. Strive the popcorn bitter!

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? For those who’re an skilled traveler, you’ll be snug getting your self there by public transportation. However if you happen to’d moderately loosen up and have another person deal with all of the logistics, taking the tour is a good thought, particularly because it’s quicker to drive to Krumlov than take public transportation.

E book 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.

The way to get to Český Krumlov from Prague independently: You possibly can 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 way 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.

You probably have a rental automobile, Český Krumlov is about two hours and quarter-hour from Prague.

Learn Extra: Information to Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Bohemian Switzerland

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

For those who’re trying to escape Prague for the day to expertise nature, Bohemian Switzerland Nationwide Park is residence to probably 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 motion pictures.

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 mountaineering footwear!

Greatest 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 Dangerous Schandau. And if you wish to be unbiased, there are such a lot of mountaineering trails! Czechs LOVE to hike.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? I strongly suggest going with a tour, because it’s not simple to do by public transportation.

E book 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’ll be able to 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 facet of the park to go to Bastei Bridge and Tiské stěny, the Tisna Rocks, earlier than heading residence.

The way to get to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague independently: Driving is the best choice, because it’s a lot quicker and simpler. Bohemian Switzerland Nationwide Park is about one hour and 45 minutes from Prague. If not, take a prepare from Prague’s primary 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 could have a three-mile hike to the gate.

Karlštejn Fort

For those who’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 superb day journey from Prague. This fort dates again to the 14th century, when King Karel IV dominated Bohemia.

The fort is full of artworks and historical past immediately, and the structure is attention-grabbing. Excursions of the fort go away repeatedly, they usually at all times have excursions in English.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Karlštejn Fort is straightforward to get to by public transportation, however excursions typically add on a go to to a different website, just like the Koneprusy Caves.

E book a tour to Karlstejn Fort from Prague: This group tour to Karlštejn Fort additionally features a go to to the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled Koneprusy Caves, a go to to Massive America canyon, and lunch at a standard Czech tavern.

The way to get to Karlštejn Fort 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’ll be able to stroll as much as the fort.

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 plenty of a Czech and vacationer have made the pilgrimage out to attempt the world’s finest beer at its supply.

Not a beer drinker? You possibly can nonetheless have enjoyable in Plzeň if you wish to, however you may need extra enjoyable in one of many aforementioned cities on this checklist. Even so, you’ll be able to soak up one of the best 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!

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? For those who’re simply visiting the brewery, simply ebook your self a prepare ticket — however if you wish to add on glassblowing, I like to recommend reserving a tour.

E book 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 approach to complement your day journey from Prague!

The way to get to Plzeň from Prague independently: From the principle prepare station in Prague, Praha hl.n., ebook one of many many trains to Plzeň, and that journey takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you’ll be able to ebook 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 as a result of wealthy geothermal waters surrounding town. Right now Karlovy Differ is a UNESCO World Heritage Website — one of many Nice Spa Cities of Europe — and there are many spas you’ll be able to go to (my favourite is Resort Thermal, with a heat out of doors pool you’ll be able to take pleasure in year-round).

Along with the thermal springs, Karlovy Differ has good mountaineering trails surrounding the city, the Moser glass works, good eating places and buying, lovely arcades the place you’ll be able to pattern all of the spa waters along with your signature cup, they usually 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 wedding ceremony in Prague. It couldn’t have been a better option — although we had the advantage of having fun with a relaxed three-day go to moderately than a fast day journey from Prague! I’d suggest staying in a single day if you happen to can, however a day journey continues to be price it, too.

Must you ebook 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.

E book a tour to Karlovy Differ from Prague: This Karlovy Differ day journey from Prague contains transportation from Prague, a metropolis tour, and 4 hours to discover by yourself.

The way to get to Karlovy Differ independently: There are each trains and buses operating 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

For those who’re in search of a pleasant little city that’s extra standard 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 sufficiently big for locating a bunch of issues to do.

In Tábor, you’ll be able to wander the colourful streets of the city middle; climb the tower of Kotnov Fort, with one of the best 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 choice is to hike alongside the Lužnice River. There’s a simple 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.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Independently, because it’s simple on public transportation and this isn’t a preferred tour vacation spot.

The way to get to Tábor independently: There are many trains from Prague to Tábor. From Prague’s primary prepare station, you’ll be able to count on a journey of an hour and quarter-hour on the native prepare, making it a simple day journey.

Posázavská Stezka

Czechs LOVE getting out of 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 prepare, one I like to suggest is the Posásavska Stezka, positioned south of town.

It is a very nice hike alongside the river, with some average up-and-down segments. Altogether you need 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!

For those who 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.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Go independently. I don’t know of any excursions doing this route.

The way to get to the Posásavska Stezka independently: Take the prepare from Prague’s primary 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 have 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 by means of right here altogether; solely 17,000 have been saved after liberation.

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

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

E book a tour to Terezín from Prague: This top-rated Terezín tour contains transportation from Prague (together with elective 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.

The way 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!

One of the 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 outdated city.

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

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Undoubtedly go independently; I don’t suppose any excursions from Prague exist.

The way to 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 just a little over an hour. If you wish to get to Ještěd Tower, public transportation doesn’t go there — you’ll both have to drive from Prague or take a taxi from Liberec (a couple of 20-minute drive).

Mariánské Lázně

For those who like the concept of Karlovy Differ, however need 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 scorching springs abound.

For those who’re spending a day right here, you need to make a reservation on the spa on the Resort Nové Lazné, which has a beautiful, elegant, Roman-style bathing space with a number of swimming pools, together with saunas, steam rooms, and chilly plunges. You possibly can ebook spa remedies, too.

That mentioned, 2.5 hours every method is a bit lengthy for a day journey, and also you may 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).

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Go independently. I don’t know of any excursions that exist.

The way to get to Mariánské Lázně from Prague independently: Take the prepare from Prague’s primary 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 suggest 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 operating from December 1-23.)

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is among the finest in Germany, with a number of markets stretching throughout completely 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 price it if it’s not Christmas market season? Actually, until you could have one thing particular you’ve wished to go to in Dresden, I might select some place else on this checklist. (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 guess — it’s shut by with tons of transportation choices. Nuremberg and Berlin are too far.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Undoubtedly go independently. Transportation couldn’t be simpler.

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

Brno

The second-largest metropolis within the Czech Republic is commonly missed by vacationers — however Brno (BUR-no) has a lot to supply. The biggest metropolis within the Moravia area of the jap Czech Republic, Brno appears like a small, barely shabbier model of Prague — however cheaper and a variety of enjoyable, too!

My absolute favourite factor to do in Brno is go to Villa Tugendaht, a REALLY cool fashionable residence. For those who’re interested by design or structure within the least, you’ll find it irresistible! It’s best to ebook tickets forward.

Aside from that, make sure to take a look at 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 if you happen to’re touring from Prague to Vienna or vice versa, it’s a pleasant place to cease in between.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Go independently. Transportation may be very simple.

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

Olomouc

Olomouc (o-lo-MOATS) is considered one of 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 town has a extremely nice vibe and a few good eating places and cafes.

Town’s primary 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, numerous 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 to your primary 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 simply may choose staying in a single day.

Must you ebook a tour or go independently? Go independently. Transportation is straightforward and this isn’t a preferred tour vacation spot.

The way to get to Olomouc independently: From Prague’s primary prepare station, there are fixed trains to Olomouc. If you would like a deal with, the Leo Specific trains run this route and have a NICE enterprise class. You possibly can ebook 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 suggest 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!