If the Czech Republic isn’t already on your bucket list, now is the perfect time to change that. This hidden gem in Central Europe is home to an array of incredible destinations. We spent five weeks on an unforgettable road trip with our baby, visiting some of the country’s most captivating sights. From enchanting fairytale castles and scenic hikes to unique national parks and picturesque towns that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Czech Republic offers much more than its iconic capital. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the 10 most beautiful places that should be on every traveler’s itinerary when exploring this remarkable country.
Recommended read: be sure to explore all our blogs about the Czech Republic here.
Top 10 places to visit in Czechia
#1 Prague
Prague, the capital, is truly a destination in its own right. We’ve visited this enchanting city multiple times, and with each visit, we find ourselves falling deeper in love with its captivating old town. The cobblestone streets, the historic buildings, and the rich atmosphere provide endless opportunities for discovery. Some of Prague’s most famous attractions include the Old Town Square, home to the world’s oldest functioning astronomical clock, and the grand Prague Castle, which stands high above the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Another must-see is the iconic Charles Bridge, lined with statues and bustling with street vendors, as well as the John Lennon Wall, a colorful and powerful symbol of protest from the communist era. Don’t miss the Strahov Monastery Library, a short walk from the bridge. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, it’s an absolute gem in the city’s architectural treasure trove.
#2 The Prachov Rocks
The Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places for hiking in the Czech Republic, and its standout feature is the Prachov Rocks. This area of the reserve is home to a one-of-a-kind landscape, where dramatic rock formations rise alongside dense forests and uniquely shaped cliffs. Together, these elements create what is often referred to as a “rock city,” with each rock formation bearing a name, usually after the first climber to reach its summit. The Prachov Rocks, or Prachovské Skály in Czech, were sculpted over centuries by the relentless forces of weathering and the region’s unpredictable climate.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of hiking trails that provide stunning views of the rocks from above, as well as paths that lead you through the heart of these towering formations. Be prepared for a bit of scrambling, narrow staircases, and, of course, some truly breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe at every turn.
#3 Hluboká Castle
The Czech Republic boasts an impressive number of castles, and Hluboká Castle stands out as one of the most iconic. Nestled in the southern region of Bohemia, it’s easily accessible from popular destinations like Prague (just under a two-hour drive) and Český Krumlov (only 45 minutes away), making it a favorite stop for travelers.
Hluboká Castle was inspired by Windsor Castle in England, and its design clearly mirrors this royal influence. The castle is the perfect embodiment of a fairytale fortress, with its pristine white walls, towering spires, majestic battlements, and grand entrance doors. Although several different castles have stood on this site throughout history, the current fairytale design was constructed in the nineteenth century. The castle was once home to the Schwarzenberg family until World War II, when it was seized by the German occupiers.
Today, visitors can choose from a variety of guided tours, including one that explores the private quarters of the Schwarzenberg family. However, even without a tour, the castle is still worth a visit. You can stroll through the charming courtyards, wander through the beautifully landscaped English gardens, and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings and breathtaking views of this magnificent historical treasure.
#4 Picturesque Český Krumlov
Would Český Krumlov be the second most visited city in the Czech Republic after Prague? We wouldn’t be surprised, because this enchanting town in southern Bohemia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country. It’s no wonder that it’s proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Every corner of this picturesque town seems designed for a photograph, with its historic Renaissance buildings adorned with ancient frescoes, the meandering river that flows through the heart of the town, the majestic castle that overlooks it all, and the stunning viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It’s rare for a place to look just as beautiful in real life as it does in photos, but Český Krumlov certainly exceeds expectations. The best way to experience the magic of the town is by simply wandering through its charming streets or by renting a canoe to glide along the winding river that flows right through the town.
Recommended read: Check out all our blogs about the highlights of Český Krumlov here.
#5 Sněžka Peak in the Giant Mountains
The Giant Mountains, located on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic, are one of the most popular mountain ranges in the Czech Republic. While the majority of the range is situated within the Czech Republic, it is a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts. From Prague, it takes about two hours by car to reach these breathtaking mountains, making it easy to add a nature getaway to a city trip.
With its picturesque trails, gurgling mountain streams, meadows filled with grazing goats, rocky paths, towering peaks, and panoramic views, it’s no wonder that hiking is a favorite activity here. The highest point in the range is Sněžka, standing at 1,603 meters. You have the option to hike up to the summit, or for a more leisurely experience, you can take the cable car to the top. We chose the cable car to ascend and hiked down, giving us the chance to take in the full beauty of the area.
Recommended read: For additional tips, useful information, and a hiking map of Sněžka in the Giant Mountains, check out this blog.
#6 The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape
Located in the far southeast of the Czech Republic, near the Austrian border, is one of the country’s most remarkable destinations: the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. This vast park is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is proudly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area was once the private estate of the Liechtenstein princes, and they transformed it into an extraordinary landscape that covers over 200 square kilometers. The park is home to two impressive palaces, one in Lednice and the other in Valtice, both surrounded by an incredible array of historical and natural attractions. From a picturesque castle ruin and a Roman aqueduct to an ancient greenhouse, temples, hunting lodges, forests, chapels, a Moorish minaret, ponds, and streams, the landscape offers a wealth of sights to explore. If you’re traveling through South Moravia, this hidden treasure is well worth the detour.
#7 Modern and Vibrant Brno
As the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno is definitely worth a visit. Unlike Prague, which is filled with iconic landmarks, Brno stands out for its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. The city has a youthful energy, largely thanks to its student population, and this creates a lively environment with plenty of cafés, trendy restaurants, and exciting nightlife.
One of the city’s top attractions is Spielberg Castle. While the castle itself is interesting, the real highlight is the breathtaking panoramic view of the city it offers. Another quirky feature of Brno is its square, home to a unique astronomical clock. If you happen to be there at 11 a.m., be sure to witness an amusing local tradition. At this time, a glass marble drops from the clock shaped like a penis, and crowds gather eagerly each morning in the hopes of catching it. It’s a fun and unusual spectacle that’s sure to add a memorable twist to your visit.
#8 The Edmundsklamm in Hřensko
Hřensko may be the most famous town in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, but it remains a small and charming gem. Located on the border with Germany, this breathtaking nature reserve is less than an 8-hour drive from the Netherlands and offers an array of amazing hiking opportunities.
Two of the park’s most scenic hiking routes begin in Hřensko, and the one that takes you through the Edmundsklamm is not only the easiest but also the most stunning. This trail leads you through a narrow gorge, carved over time by a stream. For much of the hike, you’ll follow the water, eventually arriving at a jetty halfway through the gorge. At this point, the path ends, and you’ll take a boat to continue your journey through the gorge. Once you reach the end of the gorge, you have the option to take a bus back to Hřensko or, if you’re up for more adventure, you can connect to another of the park’s beautiful trails.
#9 Spa Town Marienbad
Over the centuries, Marienbad or Mariánské Lázně in Czech has built an outstanding reputation as a health resort, and it continues to attract visitors seeking relaxation and wellness. While the town is traditionally associated with older visitors who come for massages, bathhouses, and various wellness treatments, we, as a young family, found it to be one of the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic.
Although we may not fit the typical visitor profile, we were still enchanted by the town’s beauty. Marienbad is filled with impressive architecture, with the grand colonnade standing as the highlight, and it is surrounded by lush, green spaces. Instead of a central square, the heart of the town is a serene city park, complete with fountains and flowing water. Beyond the town, nature lovers will find a wealth of beautiful forests, lakes, and hiking trails to explore. As you stroll through the area, you can stop at one of the many fountains to drink from the famous healing mineral water, a hallmark of this spa town. After all, it is a place that has long been cherished for its therapeutic offerings.
#10 Rolling South Moravia
Southern Moravia is unquestionably one of the most stunning regions in the Czech Republic. Located in the southeastern part of the country, near the Austrian border, this area is renowned for being the heart of Czech wine production.
A visit to this region would be incomplete without indulging in a wine tour, enjoying a tasting, or simply picking up a glass of local wine at one of the many charming wine bars. As you cycle or take a road trip through South Moravia, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of rolling hills and expansive vineyards, landscapes often compared to the rolling beauty of Italy’s Tuscany. The region offers plenty of highlights, including the picturesque town of Mikulov, the lively city of Brno, and the magnificent Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, which we’ve already mentioned as one of the top attractions in the Czech Republic. Whether you’re a wine lover or someone simply looking to enjoy beautiful scenery, South Moravia has something truly special to offer.
