Adventurous Kate incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you make a purchase order by these hyperlinks, I’ll earn a fee at no additional value to you. Thanks!
There are such a lot of incredible 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 the most effective locations to go to on a day journey from Prague? My high suggestion is at all times the city of Kutná Hora, a fairly city residence to an attention-grabbing church made from human bones, however on this checklist you’ve got all the pieces 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 approach or much less. You may go a bit past — wish to Brno, Český Krumlov, or Olomouc — however I additionally assume it is best to take into account 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? You should definitely take a look at my favourite unusual things to do in Prague, best Prague restaurants, and what NOT to do in Prague!)
This publish was revealed in March 2024.
Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is my private decide for the most effective 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 interesting 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 primary 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 pretty church buildings, cute eating places, and flowers blooming all over the place. The proper simple getaway that permits 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 superb 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 should you’d somewhat have the benefit 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 consists of round-trip transportation out of your resort in Prague, a tour of Kutná Hora city, and admission to Sedlec Ossuary.
Tips on how to get to Kutná Hora from Prague independently: Head to Prague’s principal 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 approach.
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 have a rental car, 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. The town is encircled by a river and topped with a fortress overlooking the attractive city. Spending time in a small metropolis like this makes an exquisite foil to the massive metropolis of Prague.
Actually, I urge individuals to stay overnight in Český Krumlov, somewhat than do a day journey. Overnighting is so significantly better — town is so peaceable and wonderful when the day-trippers go away, plus you’ll have extra time to discover, and it’s a fairly far journey every approach.
However I perceive that many vacationers solely have time for a day journey. If that’s all you’ve got, that’s wonderful. Begin your day early, finish it late, and also you’ll have a good time. It’s probably the most well-liked day journeys from Prague for a motive.
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 retailers, 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. Strive the popcorn bitter!
Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? In the event you’re an skilled traveler, you’ll be comfy getting your self there by public transportation. However should you’d somewhat loosen up and have another person deal with all of the logistics, taking the tour is a superb 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 consists of round-trip transportation by way of shuttle, in addition to a tour of Český Krumlov and a while to discover by yourself.
Tips on how 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 have a rental car, Český Krumlov is about two hours and quarter-hour from Prague.
Learn Extra: Guide 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 beautiful pure area within the Czech Republic, proper on the German border. (The German aspect known as Saxon Switzerland.)
In the event you’re seeking 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 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 motion pictures.
Bohemian Switzerland is a superb spot to go to year-round, and tour operators adapt their journeys to the present climate circumstances. Be sure to put on good climbing 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 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 climbing trails! Czechs LOVE to hike.
Do you have to guide 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 trip from Prague consists of round-trip transportation from Prague, and your alternative of two choices: you possibly can 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 aspect of the park to go to Bastei Bridge and Tiské stěny, the Tisna Rocks, earlier than heading residence.
Tips on how to get to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague independently: Driving is your 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 principal 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’ve got a three-mile hike to the gate.
Karlštejn Citadel
In the event you’d wish to see extra of the Czech Republic moreover 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 crammed with artworks and historical past in the present day, and the structure is attention-grabbing. Excursions of the fortress go away repeatedly, they usually at all times have excursions in English.
Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Karlštejn Citadel is straightforward to get to by public transportation, however excursions typically add on a go to to a different web site, just like the Koneprusy Caves.
E-book a tour to Karlstejn Citadel from Prague: This group tour to Karlštejn Castle additionally features a go to to the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled Koneprusy Caves, a go to to Large America canyon, and lunch at a standard Czech tavern.
Tips on how to get to Karlštejn Citadel from Prague independently: From the primary prepare station in Prague, Praha hl.n., take the S7 prepare within the course of Karlštejn. The journey is direct and takes about 41 minutes. This can 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 strive the world’s greatest beer at its supply.
Not a beer drinker? You may 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 possibly can soak up the most effective views of Plzeň from the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew — or head underground to discover the tunnels which were beneath town for hundreds of years!
Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? In the event you’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.
E-book 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!
Tips on how to get to Plzeň from Prague independently: From the primary prepare station in Prague, Praha hl.n., guide one of many many trains to Plzeň, and that journey takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you possibly can guide a Flixbus departing from the primary bus station in Florenc, and that journey takes about 50 minutes.
Karlovy Differ
Karlovy Differ is without doubt one of the most elegant cities within the Czech Republic, made well-known as a result of wealthy geothermal waters surrounding town. At the moment Karlovy Differ is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site — one of many Nice Spa Cities of Europe — and there are many spas you possibly can go to (my favourite is Lodge Thermal, with a heat outside pool you possibly can get pleasure from year-round).
Along with the thermal springs, Karlovy Differ has good climbing trails surrounding the city, the Moser glass works, good eating places and buying, lovely 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 Differ for a mini-moon proper after we did our authorized marriage 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 somewhat than a fast day journey from Prague! I’d suggest staying in a single day should you can, however a day journey continues to be price it, too.
Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? It’s simple sufficient to get to Karlovy Differ by public transit; should you’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 Vary day trip from Prague consists of transportation from Prague, a metropolis tour, and 4 hours to discover by yourself.
Tips on how 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 approach.
Tábor
In the event you’re on the lookout for a pleasant little city that’s extra well-liked 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 possibly can wander the colourful streets of the city middle; climb the tower of Kotnov Citadel, with the most effective 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.
Do you have to guide a tour or go independently? Independently, because it’s simple on public transportation and this isn’t a preferred tour vacation spot.
Tips on how to get to Tábor independently: There are many trains from Prague to Tábor. From Prague’s principal prepare station, you possibly can 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 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 suggest is the Posásavska Stezka, situated 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!
In the event 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 guide a tour or go independently? Go independently. I don’t know of any excursions doing this route.
Tips on how to get to the Posásavska Stezka independently: Take the prepare from Prague’s principal prepare station to Kamenny Přivoz station and take it again to Prague from Petrov u Prahi. Every approach it’s slightly below 90 minutes.
Terezín
Not all day journeys from Prague are about enjoyable and video games — and should 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 have been despatched between 1941 and 1945.
Terezín wasn’t explicitly an extermination camp — nevertheless 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 right here altogether; solely 17,000 have been saved after liberation.
Creepily, this camp additionally served as a propaganda piece and was crammed with flowers and fairly buildings, serving as a backdrop about what a pleasant place it will be for Jews to go.
Do you have to guide 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 significantly better expertise when you have a neighborhood information.
E-book a tour to Terezín from Prague: This top-rated Terezín tour consists of transportation from Prague (together with non-obligatory 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.
Tips on how to get to Terezín independently: To get to Terezín, head to Letňany station in Prague (not the primary bus station) and get on Bus 413. Inform the driving 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 perfect 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 outdated city.
You would merely go to Liberec city — however for a deal with, take into account visiting Ještěd Tower, an uncommon resort and restaurant in an area ship-like form, with home windows overlooking the pure fantastic thing about the encircling panorama. I beloved 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? Positively go independently; I don’t assume any excursions from Prague exist.
Tips on how 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 somewhat 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
In the event you like the concept of Karlovy Differ, however need to go to a spa city that’s somewhat 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.
In the event you’re spending a day right here, it is best to make a reservation on the spa on the Lodge 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 may guide spa therapies, too.
That stated, 2.5 hours every approach is a bit lengthy for a day journey, and also you would possibly get extra out of your time should you 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.
Tips on how to get to Mariánské Lázně from Prague independently: Take the prepare from Prague’s principal 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 guarantee that the markets are literally on — Christmas market season in Germany is shorter than Prague’s, often operating from December 1-23.)
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is without doubt 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 guide to planning a German Christmas Market trip!).
Is Dresden price it if it’s not Christmas market season? Actually, until you’ve got one thing particular you’ve wished to go to in Dresden, I’d select someplace else on this checklist. (I did actually get pleasure from visiting the VW Golf manufacturing unit, watching all of the automobiles being manufactured!)
Lastly, should you’re intent on visiting Germany on a day journey from Prague, Dresden is your greatest guess — 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? Positively go independently. Transportation couldn’t be simpler.
Tips on how 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 principal prepare station or a bus from Prague’s principal 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 appears like a small, barely shabbier model of Prague — however cheaper and plenty of enjoyable, too!
My absolute favourite factor to do in Brno is go to Villa Tugendaht, a REALLY cool trendy residence. In the event you’re enthusiastic about design or structure within the least, you’ll find it irresistible! You must book tickets ahead.
Aside from that, make sure you 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 believe that Brno is best as an in a single day vacation spot. And should you’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.
Tips on how to get to Brno independently: From Prague’s principal prepare station, there are fixed trains to Brno. Trains take about 2.5 hours. You may as well 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 believe town has a extremely nice vibe and a few good eating places and cafes.
The town’s principal sq. is residence to a Holy Trinity Column that itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Moreover, there are many fountains, an astronomical clock much like Prague’s, a number of church buildings and parks, and some museums.
Olomouc additionally makes their very own signature cheese. Full disclosure — I really like cheese, however this cheese isn’t my favourite, so I like to recommend making an attempt a small plate, not ordering it on your principal meal!
Olomouc isn’t the type of metropolis you go to with a guidelines — it’s extra of a spot to take in 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 favor 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 preferred tour vacation spot.
Tips on how to get to Olomouc independently: From Prague’s principal prepare station, there are fixed trains to Olomouc. In order for you a deal with, the Leo Categorical trains run this route and have a NICE enterprise class. You may guide these at leoexpress.com. Trains take 2-2.5 hours every approach. 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 doable — 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 should you 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!
