Best day trips from Prague

The city of thousand spires has always been among the most favourite tourist destinations in Europe. Stunning architecture, excellent food and cheap prices – what more could you ask for? However, the Czech Republic offers many more attractions. Therefore, if you have extra time, exploring more of this beuatiful country is definitely worth it. That is why I have prepard for you the ultimate guide for the best day trips from Prague!

Are you ready? Let’s Czech it out.

1. Karlstejn Castle

Only a 40-minute drive from Prague is situated the magnificent Karlstejn Castle. The castle was built in the middle of 14th century and it primarily served as a “safe” for  the crown of Emperor Charles IV. You have the possibility to choose between three guided tours: First tour takes you through the history of cold-blooded knights and emperor’s private quarters and chambers with crown and other valuables. Second tour regards only jewels of the Holy Empire and third one includes the 3rd, 4th and 5th floor of the Great Tower which gives you the opportunity to get the best panoramic view of the countryside.

How to get to Karlstejn

Karlštejn is located about 30 kilometers from Prague. The easiest way to get to Karlštejn from Prague is by train. Trains depart from the main railway station in Prague every day every 30-60 minutes. The journey lasts around 40 minutes and a train ticket costs only about 3 euros.
In addition, there are many organized half-day trips from Prague to Karlštejn from around 35 euros. The price includes the entrance fee and a professional guide.

2. Terezin Concentration Camp

If If you want to learn more about the history of one of the largest concentration camps of World War II, you should not miss this trip. The tour is led by a professional guide who will explain every detail you will see as you walk through the campsite. Terezín was originally founded in the 17th century to protect Prague from invaders, but during World War II it was turned into a Jewish ghetto and thousands of people were killed during that time.

Once there, you can choose whether you want to visit just one attraction or both the Small Fortress and Ghetto Museum. They both include a visit to Magdeburg Barracks. The price of an individual ticket is around 10 euros, the price of a combined ticket is around 12 euros. They also offer discounted prices for children, students and seniors. In addition, it is possible to have guided tours in Czech, English, German, Russian and Italian.

How to get to Terezin

There are two ways to reach Terezin from Prague: train and bus. Both are convenient, cheap and will get you there pretty fast.
The nearest train stop is in Bohusovice nad Ohri (around 2,3 km from Terezin). The train leaves at least once every hour from the Prague main train station. The journey lasts around 1 hour and 10 minutes and the price of a single ticket costs around 3-5 euros.
If you decide to take the bus, keep in mind that the buses from Prague to Terezin depart from Prague Holesovice bus station. The line which runs to Terezin is 550911 Litomerice – Praha which makes a stop in Terezin.

3. Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a town in the South Bohemia region and it is situated on both banks of the Vltava river. The old historic town centre has remained intact for centuries and it is an example of how towns in Central Europe used to look like during Middle Ages. Thanks to the preservation of the town centre and its labyrinth-like streets, Cesky Krumlov was included on UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1992. The most iconic symbol of this town is  Cesky Krumlov Castle which dominates the historic core.

The Castle is actually a complex of buildings and palaces, five courts and a park so you can choose which parts you want to visit (see here possible tours). The other most significant structure is definitely St Vitus church from 13th century. Climb up to the top of the church tower and get the most spectacular view of the city. For those more adventurous, we recommend visiting Museum of Torture which shows how criminals were punished throughout the centuries – some of the methods and instruments are particularly horrifying, yet extremely creative!

How to get to Cesky Krumlov

The best way to reach Cesky Krumlov is by bus. Buses from Prague to Cesky Krumlov depart from Prague Na Knizeci bus station and the price of a single ticket is around 2-6 euros. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes.

4. Karlovy Vary

Also known as Karlsbad, Karlovy Vary is a town rich with history, founded in 1358. The town is mostly known for its hot springs in Hot Spring Colonnade spa centre which boasts a geyser that shoots around 2000 liters of water into the air every minute. Don’t miss to visit the Underground Spring which is very popular among tourists because you get to explore the cave-like springs and see how the whole process of thermal springs works. There are 15 colonnades in Karlovy Vary, but the most attractive one (and the largest) is Mill Colonnade with 124 columns and 5 springs. I also recommend visiting Market Colonnade as well as Castle Colonnade. If you have extra time, go to Moser Museum known for the history of glasswork. The guided tour presents you with more than 1000 exhibits and you can even see the glassmaker making these products on spot!

How to get to Karlovy Vary

The easiest, and probably cheapest way to reach Karlovy Vary is by bus. Buses from Prague to Karlovy Vary depart from Prague UAN Florenc bus station and the price of the ticket ranges from approximately 5 to 7 euros. The journey lasts around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

5. Pardubice

Just 1 hour drive from Prague you will find the charming town of Pardubice. Pardubice looks like a mini-Prague and it is much less crowded. That means that you will have plenty of time to explore the entire town. The symbol of Pardubice is Zelena brana (or Green Tower in English) which very much resembles the famous Clock Tower in Prague. The entrance costs around 2 euros and it gives you the perfect panoramic view of the old town. In addition, they offer discounted prices for children, students and seniors.
I also higly recommend visiting Pardubice Castle, the Gothic-Renaissance chateau which used to be the residence of Pernstejn family. Today it houses the Museum and Gallery of East Bohemia.
Fun fact: Pardubice has more than 5 centuries long tradition of making gingerbread cookies. That is why the town is known as the “king of gingerbread” and there is even a museum dedicated to the production of these delicious cookies. Therefore, if you’re a fan of gingerbread, Pardubice is the place for you.

How to get to Pardubice

The best way to reach Pardubice is by train. Trains from Prague to Pardubice depart from Prague main railway station and the price of a single ticket costs approximately 8-12 euros. The journey takes around 1 hour.

6. Pilsen

Welcome to the hometown of lager beer! Pilsen is probably the most famous town in Europe known for beer production. The brewery Pilsner Urquell made first lager beer back in 1842 and since then it is among the most successful beer companies in Europe. Visiting the brewery and getting acquainted with the history of the first Czech lager was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my visit to Pilsen. I got to see how they mix the ingredients to get the unique taste and I learnt all about my favorite type of beer. A little tip – you might want to bring a jacket with you because the temperature in the cellars is quite low. Besides the brewery, I also recommend taking a stroll through Republic Square and visiting St. Bartholomew’s cathedral. If you climb all the way up to clocktower you will get an amazing view of the city!

How to get to Pilsen

There are two ways to reach Pilsen, bus and train.

Buses from Prague to Pilsen depart from Prague Zlicin bus station at least once every hour. The price of a single ticket costs approximately 2-5 euros.
Trains, on the other hand, depart from Prague main railway station and one-way ticket costs around 4 euros. Trains depart every hour and the journey lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

7. Krkonose

Krkonose are Czech Republic’s highest mountain range and a very popular ski resort among local and foreign tourists. Not only that, National park Krkonose encompasses the majority of the mountain range, while the other part belongs to Polish national park. On the very border between Czechia and Poland is located the highest peak called Snezka. Once you get there, you will find meteorological sci-fi looking station where you can take a lunch break in a bistro or get yourself a cup of coffee.

In addition, National park Krkonose has been working on projects to make Krkonose more accessible to those with physical disabilities and there are even specially designed paths so everyone could enjoy fresh mountain air.

How to get to Krkonose

The easiest and cheapest way to reach Krknose is by bus. The buses depart several times a day from Cerny Most bus station in Prague and the closest bus station to Krknose is in Spindleruv Mlyn (approx. 9 km from Krkonose). The price of a single ticket costs around 10 euros and the journey lasts around 2 hours and 50 minutes.
However, for this kind of trip I recommend renting a car in case you don’t have your own because the mountains are more accessible by car.

8. Adrspach-Teplice Rocks

Adrspach-Teplice Rocks are definitely something you haven’t seen before – thousands of tall rocks, each in a different, peculiar shape, with hiking trails between them. I literally had a feeling like I was walking through a labyrinth. It is so fascinating! What’s more, there are numerous highlights: stunning bridges above river streams, a hidden waterfall inside the rocks and, the best for last, a fairytale-like lake with crystal clear water and a sandy beach. Although you might get tempted to take a swim, keep in mind that swimming is strictly prohibited. However, you have an option to rent a boat and paddle around this magnificent lake.

Another great thing about Adrspach is that the entrancce fee is really cheap. Namely, the tickets cost between 5 and 10 euros, depending on whether you’re visiting in the high or low season.

How to get to Adrspach-Teplice

Getting to Adrspach by public transport can be tricky but it’s not impossible. It does last a bit longer, but I’d say it’s totally worth it. There are two ways: train or bus.
The trains depart from Prague main railway station to Starkoc (every 3 hours) and when you get to Starkoc, you will need to transfer to train to Teplice Nad Metuji (approx. 5 km from Adrspach) which departs every hour. Total travel time is around 3 hours and 50 min and the ticket costs around 10 euros.
If you decide to take the bus, you’ll find it at Prague UAN Florenc station. The bus will take you to Hronov and it departs every 4 hours. In Hronov you’ll need to transfer to train to Teplice Nad Metuji which departs every hour. Total travel time is arouund 3 hours and 40 minutes and the ticket costs around 10 euros.

9. National Park Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland (also known as the České Švýcarsko National Park) is one of 4 national parks in Czech Republic. České Švýcarsko is particular because it shares border with German Saxon Switzerland National Park. Furthermore, the main attraction in the park is Pravcicka brana, the biggest sandstone arch in Europe. Fun fact: it was featured in the first part of the Chronicles of Narnia trilogy. This area is known for having a large number of castles which were mostly used to control trade routes, such as Falkenstejn Castle and Saunstejn Castle. If you’re visiting the park, I highly recommend taking a boat cruise down the Kamenice river canyon where you will see stunning Edmund’s Gorge. Last but not least, wrap up the visit to the park with a spectacular panoramic view from Mariina Skala viewpoint – but, be prepared for climbing 600 steps up to the top!

How to get to Bohemian Switzerland

The easiest way to get to NP Bohemian Switzerland is by taking a train from Prague main railway station to Decin and then from Decin to Hrensko or Mezni Luoka (beginning of the hiking trail). The journey to Decin takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. One way ticket costs around 15-20 euros.

If you are planning to visit Prague, here’s a guide for three-day city break for the best experience in Czechia’s capital!

In case you’re travelling by plane, read our article on how to get to Prague from Prague Airport.