Charming and interesting, Prague makes for a dream city-break. Hardly any bucket list that does not contain it. There are a lot of things to do in the Czech capital to keep you busy for one week and still want to return. This being said, Czechia has many more wonders. You’ll regret not taking your time to explore them, especially as some can be done on day trips from Prague.
We visited almost all the sites below and more as part of our road trip this June. However, Prague is located in the center of the country, which makes it pretty easy to reach any of the sites, enjoy them and come back in the evening. As per transportation, no need to worry. There are buses and trains that connect the capital to the other parts of the country and even cities in the nearby countries.
If you also want to get out of the busy city and escape the crowds for a day, here are some great ideas that could satisfy even the most picky traveler.
Best day trips from Prague: The top 6 side excursions for travelers
1. Karlovy Vary
This enchanting city has gained world-fame over the last 5 centuries as a luxurious and opulent spa town. It was good enough for nobles to spend their honeymoons. Why wouldn’t you do the same, at least for a few hours?
Walk through the lovely streets of Karlovy Vary and enjoy the extravagant mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Easily one of the best things to do in Karlovy Vary. Stop at each of the 5 colonnades to admire them and decide which one is your favorite.
Buy yourself a cute porcelain cup for sipping the mineral water of the hot springs. The cups come in different shapes and colors and will make for a great souvenir, besides protecting you against the hot water. Each spring is said to have its own internal or external healing properties and varies in temperature.
After trying as many of them as you like, indulge into a traditional snack, spa wafers. They don’t cost much and have different flavors. We had a few there and also bought some boxes to take with us. The ones with hazelnuts and apple with cinnamon were our favorites.
Another must-try is the local herbal spirit, Becherovka. It’s not only an alcoholic drink, but also a digestion aid and cough syrup. We were not huge fans of the taste, but took a tiny bottle home.
What better way to end your visit in a spa city than a spa treatment? Choose a traditional one, with baths and massage at one of the many spas and wellness centers, or go for a more modern beer bath, as we did. No matter what you choose, it’ll be hard to be disappointed.
We stayed overnight in Karlovy Vary, but if you are in a hurry, spend at least a few hours in this gorgeous town on a day trip from Prague.
2. Ceski Krumlov
The tiny fairy-tale town has captured the attention of many during the last few years. It’s easy to see why and it surely deserves its spot in a list of best day trips you can take from Prague.
The town and the castle were built in the 13th century. Since 1992 it’s an UNESCO World Heritage site. The charming castle, the colorful buildings in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles, the fresco paintings present around the town and cobblestone streets attract visitors from all over the world.
Don’t miss the castle gardens, the blacksmith training you can attend in the first courtyard of the castle and a lazy ride in a canoe down the river (or at least enjoy a yummy meal as you watch the rafters go by).
3. Trebic
You’ve probably never heard of this charming tiny town that comprises not one, but two UNESCO sites: St. Procopius Basilica and the Jewish Quarter and cemetery.
Trebic was founded in 1101. The impressive basilica came first and the entire town was founded around it. Trebic got city rights in the 14th century. Christians and Jews lived in harmony in this little town, but not together. The Jewish people were built a separate neighborhood across the river from the city center.
Today it’s the best preserved Jewish district in Europe and the only Jewish-related place on the list outside of Israel. Among the 100 or so buildings, there are two synagogues, a town hall, a rabbi’s house, an almshouse, two schools, and a hospital. On top of the hill lies the ivy-covered cemetery with around 11000 graves.
4. Kutna Hora
Kutna Hora is one of the most popular day trips from Prague, due to its proximity and uniqueness. It can even be done on an afternoon, if you don’t want to travel too far from the big city. It has developed in the 13th and 14th century as a result of silver ore exploitation in the area.
The biggest attraction is the Sedlec Ossuary, a cave-like space where the skeletons of more than 40000 people have been turned into artistic decorations and furniture. They were mostly victims of the 14th and 15th century plague and wars. It’s kind of macabre, but without doubt interesting. Even more when you find out that all this has been commissioned by a family in the 19th century. The central masterpiece is a chandelier that contains at least one bone from each in a human body, from the toe to the skull. No wonder it’s an UNESCO site.
But Kutna Hora has one more UNESCO site that’s worth a visit, as you’re already so close, St. Barbara Church, a medieval Gothic jewel with interior frescoes. St. Barbara is the patron saint of the miners and as thus has a direct connection with the development of this town.
This is the only site on the list that we didn’t visit, but I commit to see it next time and confirm if it’s as creepy as it sounds.
5. Bohemian Switzerland
It’s time to get away from the urban landscape and enjoy a slow-paced hiking experience in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Well-worn paths will take you to strange rock formations, beautiful canyons, dense forests, cute houses, and amazing viewpoints, that leave one speechless and provide great photo opportunities.
The main attraction of the park is Pravcicka Gate, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe and the symbol of Bohemian Switzerland. It has even been featured in the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The must-see arch is 27 m long and 16 m high.
However, you can’t leave the park without going on an idyllic boat ride in the rocky canyons of Kamenice river. Find all the information you may need in the separate article about our trip to Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
6. The Moravian Karst and Punkva Cave
If you don’t really want to hike much, but enjoy being in the nature and are in for an adventure, this one is for you. The Moravian Karst will make for a long day trip, but I promise it’s worth it.
There are 5 caves in the complex, but the one everyone wants to see is Punkva Cave, due to the underground boat ride. While I’m pretty sure the others are equally impressive, I recommend you visit at least this one. If you have time, choose one more, as for those it’s easier to find a spot once you get there. Read also my article about Punkva Cave and Macocha Abyss.
Prague is not only an amazing city, but it also makes for a great base to visit more of the wonders that Czech Republic has to offer. No matter if you choose to sip some mineral water from a funny cup, visit a romantic castle, hike the dense forest or go on an underground boat trip, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. All these places are perfect for a day trip from Prague and I hope you’ll give a chance to as many of them as possible.
Check also some Airnb properties if you wish to stay longer in Prague and do as many day trips as possible.
Tell me which of the day trips from Prague attracts you more in the comments!
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