Most of the tourists are visiting only Prague and rarely go outside of the capital. However, there is a lot of cities to visit in the Czech republic. And there is a lot of interesting places all around, so it would be a shame to stay just in Prague. Besides the Czech Republic is a relatively small country, so it is possible to visit most of those cities as a day trip from Prague.
Best cities to visit in the Czech Republic (that are not Prague)
Table of Contents
source of the picture is from this blog
First, let’s speak a little bit about geographic. In general, the Czech Republic is divided into three main regions. The biggest part is called Bohemia – although as far as I know, it has nothing to do with Bohemian Rhapsody. Bohemia is the part, where you can find Prague but also a lot of castles. Bohemia also has a well-known spa triangle with other interesting cities to visit.
Moravia is the second biggest region in the Czech Republic. It is famous for its folklore. Funfairs are still pretty common in the Czech Republic and in Moravia, there is a lot of traditions around it. For example, people here very often wear traditional folklore dresses. Even today it is quite common. Another tradition is local cakes that are very often well decorated. There is also a lot of folklore songs and dances, that people enjoy on funfairs but sometimes also just on Sundays.
Lastly, Czech silesia is the part that we kept after the Habsburg monarchy lost its power and countries were divided. The biggest part of Silesia is in Poland. The Czech Republic has only a small part, which is also full of folklore. And because of its natural resources, there is a lot of mining of coal going on. For visitors that can mean two things – first, sometimes the air is a little bit polluted so perhaps a breathing mask is a good idea if you want to visit Ostrava. Second, you can see amazing industrial zones, some of them are open for the public to visit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the country.
Cities to visit in Bohemia region
Český Krumlov
Here is one of the most visited cities after Prague. Český Krumlov has the second biggest castle in the Czech Republic and it is part of UNESCO heritage. The city is bisected by the Vltava river, the same as the one in Prague. That means that from the town you can see beautiful views dominated by the castle from the 13th century. The castle has Gothic, renaissance and baroque elements, which is making it quite special.
If you like art, there is also an Egon Schiele museum. Full of paintings and drawings of this Austrian artist. You would recognize that this is a special building by the fact, that there are paintings on the buildings as well. And if you don’t know who he was, don’t worry. I didn’t know it either before I went there, but I did enjoy the presentation of his art.
The city is located about 2 hours from Prague. There is a lot of tours that offer a guided tour to Český Krumlov.
Pilsen
City where I was born but also and that is possibly more important, where the legendary Pilsner was invented. Yes, this is the birthplace of the legendary Pilsen lager that is now world-famous. Pilsen is only about 90km from Prague, which makes it also a great day trip. So what to do here? Well, first of all, for all beer lovers, there is the brewery that you can actually visit. They make tours in English, German and Russian as well. You get to know here everything from how to make beer like this and why it is so special, to how much they produce (spoiler alert: a lot!).
Else you can also visit the local cathedral of Bartholomew or Great synagogue that was built in the 19th century. If you are interested in history, there is an underground to explore. Lots of medieval tunnels and wells. All accessible through the guided tour from the main square.
Hradec Králové
If we translate Hradec Králové we would get to know that it is Castle of Queen. In the middle ages, kings tend to build cities for their queen and this was one of them. Meaning that there was a castle, although the closest castle that you can visit here is called Hrádek u Nechanic and it is a little bit outside of the town, but not within the reach. Only about 15 minutes by bus.
This chateau was build in the 19th century although it is built in the gothic style. It was built relatively late and only for the dynasty, that was not in power, but still decided to have chateaux. This castle is not for battling purposes more like for romantic stays of nobles. And it is pretty visible on it. From 2001 it is part of the cultural heritage of the Czech republic.
Another interesting monument that is actually in the city center of Hradec Kralove is called the White Tower. The tower was build in 1571 and there is a great view from it. Till today it is one of the tallest buildings in the city.
Other than that, the city is known for the food making industry but also for local IT. There is also the well-known brand of pianos that was founded here in Hradec Kralove. Petrof is now known all around the globe and until today they have factories here in HK.
Hradec Králové can be an interesting day trip from Prague, mainly because it is an only hour and a half from Prague. There are regular train departures from central station, it goes approximately every hour. It is also an easy way of reaching the city center.
Kutná hora
The history of this town began in 1142 when it was founded. The first Cistercian monastery raised with the city at that time. Kutná hora is one of the cities for miners. From 1260 people were mining silver here, although the earliest findings of silver started around the 10th century.
Perhaps the most recognizable monument of Kutná hora is famous for, is st. Barbara’s church. The church is one of the most famous churches in the Czech Republic and it is part of UNESCO heritage. The main reason for it is the outside architecture, the building of this church began in 1306 but due to wars and change of reign was finished in 1906.
Another reason for visiting Kutná hora is Sedles Ossuary. It is a small chapel, located inside of the church of All saint. The ossuary is decorated by human bones, it is believed that there are up to 70 thousand human bones in the ossuary decoration. The most famous decoration is perhaps the chandelier made entirely of bones.
If you want to go to Kutná Hora, you can take either bus or train from Prague. The train should take only about 45 minutes to get there and but for about an hour. Some tour companies also offer guided tours to Kutná Hora, but you can do it on your own if you don’t mind reading about the city from the leaflets.
Cities to visit in Moravia region
Brno
Let’s start in a region called Moravia. Brno is like the capital of Moravia. At the same time, it is very much anti-Prague city. In general, people from Moravia don’t like people from Prague. It is the old villages vs big city fight. But anyway, Brno is still the second biggest city in the Czech Republic and it is worth to visit.
So what can you do there? First of all, there is more nature than in Prague. So, for example, you can visit there Moravian Karst, which is a nature reservation with historical caves. You can also visit Špilberk Castle. This castle from the 13th century is also a city museum with interesting exhibitions. If you are missing a cathedral similar to the one in Prague, don’t be sad, there is one also from the 13th century, looking very similar to the one in Prague. It is the cathedral of st. Peter and Paul. And for architecture lovers, there is Villa Tugendhat, a modernist house, that was restored in 1929. In fact, it was in this very building, where the politicians decided, that Czechoslovakia will get separated into Czechia and Slovakia.
Brno makes a little bit longer day trip from Prague, as the train takes about 2,5 to three hours. But it is possible to do it in one day, although it might not be the most comfortable day trip. I would recommend to stay here overnight and perhaps consider some other visit some other cities around in Moravia region.
Olomouc
Holy Trinity column Photo: Pixabay
Olomouc should be also on your list if you want to visit more cities in the Czech republic. It is another historical city, not as big as the Czech Republic is, but certainly big enough to entertain you for a day. There is the saint trinity column, which is definitely worth to see. It dates to the early 1700 and it is one of the dominant in the city.
Another great thing to visit in the Czech Republic would be Saint Wenceslas Cathedral in Olomouc. It is another great looking Gothic-style cathedral. And if you are an animal lover, Olomouc has one of the best Zoos in the Czech republic.
Mikulov
Mikulov is in the southern part of the Moravia region. It is a city in the middle of vineyards and every year at the end of summer there is a festival that celebrates the wine industry here. The most famous wine from this region is called Pálava and it is sweet white wine. A nice one.
The main dominant of the city isn’t just vineyards all around but also the local castle. The first stone of the castle comes back from 1390 but the current look of it comes from the 18th century, where it was rebuilt and renovated.
Mikulov has a lot of other little churches and chateaux around, that I would certainly recommend visiting. The best time for visiting this city is the summer where you will probably have the best look. You can enjoy here one of the best Czech wine.
Because Mikulov is located in south Moravia, it is not easy to make it as a day trip from Prague. It takes about 3 to 3 and a half hours to get here from Prague. But there are several options. You can visit Mikulov as a day trip from Brno or other cities in the Moravian region or you can reach the city from Viena. Mikulov lays directly on the border with Austria, making it easier to get here from Viena.
Cities to visit in Czech Silesia region
Ostrava
Ostrava is another city in the Moravian region. This time it is the Moravian-Silesian region and Ostrava is the biggest city here. This city lays only 15 km from polish borders, which means it might not be the best day trip from Prague, but you can certainly visit it from Krakow.
But anyway, Ostrava is mainly steel city. Meaning that in this place was (and still is) a lot of mining. So you can visit here, for example, the mining museum, where you get to know everything about local mining history. And since we are at mining, you can also visit lower Vítkovice, which is industrial heritage, located in Vítkovice neighborhood in Ostrava. And what it is? Lower Vítkovice is an industrial area of ironworks with a unique industrial architecture style.
The easiest way to get to Ostrava from Prague is to take a train. The ride to this city takes about 3 hours, so it is possible to make it as one day trip, but there is going to be a time pressure on getting back. So I would recommend to stay for the night and perhaps venture around the city. But to Ostrava, it is easier to get to from Poland and it can be taken as a day trip from Krakow.
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I studied abroad in Prague and agree there are so many other beautiful cities! My favorite that isn’t mentioned is actually Karlovy Vary which is known as a spa town and where they filmed scenes from James Bond actually!
I know, I’m planning a special post about spa towns in the Czech republic, and Karlovy Vary will be definitely there 😉
I love this! I live in Berlin and have been looking for places in Czech to visit!
I would love to visit Czech Republic again. I can see why Český Krumlov is such a highly visited area. The industrial festival looks neat as well!
Oh this great! I’ve never heard of most of these and I love to visit smaller towns.
I have always wanted to visit Prague but I also so much want to see the smaller towns to get a real feel of the Czech Republic. I had heard of Brno and Cesky Krumlov. Never knew about the rest. Thanks for the list. Now I know what to include in my itinerary.
Brno and Pilsen must be my favorite cities in the Czech Republic (after Prague… yes, I’m a sucker for Prague I know!), the smaller towns in the country retain a beautiful and traditional atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Great insight of more off-the beaten areas in the country.
Beautiful, Olomouc looks like my kinda place!
I haven’t been to any of those cities (or to Prague), but they all look so pretty and interesting.
My daughter lived in Prague for a couple of months and managed to travel to many of the cities and places you mentioned. She loved them.
Ok Albi, I feel like you wrote this for me and my partner! We have been to Prague so many times (and loved it) but never outside of Prague. Four visits between going for ourselves and returning with friends — I think Pilsen is next.
This is very helpful so thank you! A lot of people stick to the main city and don’t know that they’re missing some incredible sites and activities.
They all look beautiful but Český Krumlov especially so. I’d love to visit Czech republic again and while Prague is nice I’d have to go see some other places too. Thanks for some great ideas
How have I still not been to the Czech Republic?! It looks so lovely! I’d love to visit them all!
I’d love to go back and visit Prague and some of these places!
Brno and Český Krumlov have been on my wish list of places to visit for a while now, but I wasn’t familiar with Olomouc. The Holy Trinity Column looks gorgeous, and I love Gothic cathedrals, so on the list it goes 🙂 Thanks for the suggestions!
I know very little about the Czech Republic, so this was so awesome to see some other cities highlighted besides just Prague! They all look so beautiful!
Great guide! I would love to visit some of these lesser know cities in Czech, I will have to look into them for future travels. They look beautiful!
I have visited Prague a few times but had not ventured out of the City. The one place I would really like to go is Český Krumlov. Thanks for a great guide with useful suggestions.
Love all the descriptions… and the pilsen! Keep on inspiring us.
Now this is a good lesson in geography because I haven’t heard of many of these cities. Such a pity to hear that the people of Brno do not like people from Prague! I have only heard of Český Krumlov from this list and it looks beautiful, I wish I had known about it during my visit to Prague because I would have loved to take a day trip there! Maybe next time.
Great post! I really want to visit the Czech Republic, especially during Christmas! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Krystianna @ Volumes and Voyages
Beautiful cities. Hopefully will manage to visit the Czech Republic one day.
I love Prague but have so much more to explore! I like the map features on your page.
Czech Republic has so many beautiful cities. I really love the architecture there. I visited Prague and Cesky Krumlov when I did my European Christmas market trip last year and they both made me feel like I was in a fairytale! Great guide! 🙂
I’ve only visited Cesky Krumlove of this list, so have a lot to visit still in the Czech Republic. It’s so beautiful.
Oh how much I lovr Cesky Krumlov! I’ve been there three times already because it’s only a 2-hour drive from my place 🙂 Such a gorgeous place! I’d love to visit the other ones too!
It’s so interesting to know more about Czech Republic! I have visited Prague and I heard about Pilsen and Brno when I was there but didn’t had the opportunity to visit! Thanks for the info and reco!
Ever since I had several friends study abroad in Prague it has been on my list. Lovely share – thanks! 🙂
Czechia is just amazing. We have been in prague and then went for a spa stay in Krušné hory ( https://www.honourandgrace.com/ ) and the naturea round was so beautiful.