A fairy-tale capital, and the birthplace of pilsner beer.
Prague's largely intact medieval and baroque center makes it one of the best-preserved capitals in Europe, easily paired with smaller historic towns and spa resorts further afield.
Svíčková
Braised beef in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings.
Trdelník
A rolled, grilled pastry dusted with sugar and cinnamon, sold on nearly every corner.
Czech beer
Home of pilsner-style lager, with some of the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.
Goulash
A rich, paprika-spiced meat stew, usually served with bread dumplings.
Prague Castle
According to Guinness World Records, the largest ancient castle complex in the world, its grounds including the towering Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the colorful Golden Lane of tiny former craftsmen's houses. It has served as the seat of Czech rulers for over a thousand years and remains the official residence of the president today. A full visit can easily take most of a day.
Charles Bridge
A 14th-century stone bridge lined with thirty baroque statues, connecting Prague's Old Town to the castle district across the Vltava River. It's pedestrian-only and lively with street artists and musicians throughout the day, though sunrise offers a rare quiet crossing. The bridge towers at either end can be climbed for views along its length.
Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square
The oldest astronomical clock still operating anywhere in the world, installed in 1410 and mounted on the Old Town Hall tower. Every hour, a small mechanical show of moving apostle figures draws crowds below, followed by a crowing rooster and chiming bells. The tower itself can be climbed for panoramic views over the Old Town's red rooftops.
Český Krumlov
A small medieval town built around a dramatic bend in the Vltava River, its castle and pastel old town largely unchanged since the Renaissance. It's compact enough to explore fully in a day, though its atmosphere makes an overnight stay worthwhile. Kayaking or rafting the river loop around the town is a popular addition.
Karlovy Vary
A spa town built around naturally hot mineral springs, its colonnades and pastel townhouses drawing visitors since the 14th century, including composers and royalty over the centuries. Drinking the mineral water from small spouted cups, sold at souvenir stalls throughout town, is a local tradition. It also hosts a well-regarded international film festival each summer.
Kutná Hora & the Bone Church
A small town once wealthy from silver mining, its most unusual attraction a small chapel decorated entirely with the bones of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people, arranged into chandeliers, garlands, and a coat of arms. The nearby Cathedral of St. Barbara adds a more conventional but equally striking Gothic counterpoint. It's an easy day trip from Prague.
8 days covers Prague, Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov, and Karlovy Vary without rushing. 5 works for just Prague and one day trip; 10+ lets you add Brno or Moravian wine country.
1. Days 1–3
Prague
Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town's astronomical clock.
2. Day 4
Kutná Hora
A day trip to the Bone Church and St. Barbara's Cathedral.
~1h by train from Prague
3. Days 5–6
Český Krumlov
The riverside medieval town, with time for kayaking the loop.
~2.5h drive from Kutná Hora
4. Days 7–8
Karlovy Vary
The spa town's colonnades and mineral springs before returning to Prague.
~2h drive from Český Krumlov
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in the Czech Republic without a visa?
90 days within any 180-day period for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders — the standard Schengen rule. EES biometric registration is now active at the border.
Which airport should I fly into?
Prague's Václav Havel Airport (PRG), the country's main international gateway.
Is Prague overrun with tourists?
The Old Town and Charles Bridge get genuinely crowded in peak season. Visiting early morning or exploring Prague Castle's grounds later in the day helps avoid the worst of it.
Is the Czech Republic expensive to visit?
Noticeably better value than Western Europe, especially for food and beer, though Prague's most central tourist areas run higher than the rest of the country.