The Czech Republic captivates visitors with its fairytale castles, medieval towns, and rich cultural heritage. From Prague's stunning architecture to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and the natural beauty of Bohemian Switzerland, this Central European gem offers diverse experiences for every traveler.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Kutna Hora
Highlights: Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) — chandeliers and decorations made from 40,000 human bones · St Barbara's Cathedral — stunning Gothic UNESCO-listed church · Italian Court — medieval royal mint and silver museum · Historic silver mine tour underground
Karlstejn Castle
Highlights: 14th-century Gothic castle built by Emperor Charles IV to guard the Czech Crown Jewels · Chapel of the Holy Cross with semi-precious stone walls · Scenic walk through Berounka river valley · Medieval village with local wine cellars at the base
Cesky Krumlov
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage baroque castle with a unique revolving auditorium · Historic old town on a dramatic bend of the Vltava river · Rafting or kayaking through the town in summer · Egon Schiele Art Centrum — world-class gallery in a small town
Karlovy Vary
Highlights: 12 mineral springs along the colonnades — tradition is to sip the mineral waters from a porcelain cup · Imperial spa architecture and Art Nouveau colonnades · Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July · Becherovka liqueur distillery tour and museum
Terezin Memorial
Highlights: Small Fortress — Nazi Gestapo prison used during WWII · Terezin Memorial and Ghetto Museum — moving exhibitions on the Jewish community imprisoned here · Jewish cemetery with over 10,000 graves · Preserved barracks and original transport infrastructure
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Highlights: Pravcicka brana — the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe · Kamenice Gorge boat rides through narrow canyon passages · Dramatic sandstone rock formations and deep forested valleys · Cross-border hiking into Saxonian Switzerland in Germany
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised guided day tours from Prague from $35-75 per person; pick-up from hotel included. Popular: Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov, Terezín.
- Private
- Private car with driver from $150/day for groups; ideal for Moravian wine country or custom itineraries.
- Public
- Czech Railways (cd.cz) and RegioJet connect all major day-trip destinations from Prague Main Station. Buses (RegioJet, FlixBus, Student Agency) are faster and cheaper for Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary.
- Rental
- Car rental from $25-40/day; best for Šumava, Bohemian Switzerland, or multi-stop Moravia wine country tour. Highway vignette required ($16 for 10 days).
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Buy train tickets online at cd.cz or via the CD Průvodce app at least a few days ahead — cheaper fares and guarantees a seat on popular routes
Český Krumlov is only reachable by bus or car from Prague (no direct train) — Student Agency bus runs daily at affordable fares from Florenc or Na Knížecí terminals
Combine Kutná Hora and the Bone Church in one day — buy the Kutná Hora combo ticket ($15) covering both the Sedlec Ossuary and St. Barbara's Cathedral
Start Karlštejn trips early — the castle fills with tour groups by 11AM; take the 8AM train from Prague Smíchov for a peaceful morning visit
Terezín Memorial is emotionally demanding — allow a full day, go early, and consider hiring a guide for historical context