9 Best Day Trips From Prague & How to Visit Each One
Prague is an incredibly beautiful medieval city to explore over a few days. With iconic landmarks, cobblestone streets, and a rich history, most travelers opt to spend most of their time exploring this picturesque capital city.
Don’t miss the many worthwhile day trips from Prague, too. Leave the bustling city, and be surprised by all the diversity that the Czech Republic offers. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning natural wonders, World War II Memorials, stunning castles, famous breweries, and fairytale villages, taking at least one day trip from Prague is an absolute must.
Prague has an easy-to-navigate public transportation system within the city limits and throughout the entire. e country. A majority of the best day trips from Prague are less than two hours away from the city and can be reached independently. Find numerous bus companies and an efficient rail system that connects Prague with the Czech Republic and other countries.
However, there are numerous highly rated tours from Prague to almost all of the popular day trips.
Here are some of the best day trips from Prague Czech Republic and how to reach them.
Table of Contents
- 9 Best Day Trips from Prague & How to Reach Them
- Helpful Tools to Plan the Best Day Trips from Prague
- Prague as a Base for Day Trips
- Where to Stay in Prague Czech Republic
- Conclusion 9 Worthwhile Day Trips from Prague
9 Best Day Trips from Prague
The many day trips from Prague are extremely diverse, so choose which interests you the most.
- Spend the day sipping water and relaxing at the unique spa town of Karlovy Vary
- Tour the world-famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery and sample authentic Czech cuisine in Pilsen
- Wander the historic center of the fairytale village of Český Krumlov
- A visit to the Terezín Memorial is a somber day trip from Prague, but it is so important
- Adventure lovers should not miss a chance to explore and hike in Bohemian Switzerland.
- Enjoy the charming little Bohemian village of Tabor
- Discover the bizarre Chapel of the Bones in Kutna Hora
- One of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic is the Karlštejn Castle
- One of the closest day trips from Prague is the haunting Lidice Memorial
1 | Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Two hours to the west of Prague lies Karlovy Vary, a unique spa town, for those looking to unwind and relax.
Karlovy Vary, or Carlsbad, has multiple thermal springs located throughout the city center. It is said that there are almost 90 thermo-mineral seeps in the center of this spa-focused town in the Czech Republic. With all this mineral water, there are plenty of options to sample the curative waters and soak in their healing goodness.
One of the top things to do in Karlovy Vary is to sample the natural mineral waters that are said to contain healing properties. The mineral waters have elaborate gazebos and colonnades built over them, so enjoy the elegant architecture while sipping on the therapeutic water.
Since Karlovy Vary is built along the Ohre and Tepla Rivers, it’s nice to enjoy a stroll along the promenade. There are lovely views of the city boasting pastel buildings. Take a break by enjoying a walk-in spa, or climbing up the surrounding hills to savor the picturesque vistas of the river valley.
This day trip from Prague would best suit those looking to try something a little different and indulge in one of the 11 UNESCO Great Spa Towns of Europe.
How to Get to Karlovy Vary from Prague
The good news is that Karlovy Vary is one of the most popular day trips from Prague, so it’s convenient to reach by public transportation, driving, or an organized tour from Prague.
🚌 Bus Prague to Karlovy Vary | Both FlixBus & RegioJet offer frequent bus departures from Prague | Buses to Karlovy Vary depart Prague from Florenc Central Bus Station | Average Fare: 150 Kč | Duration: +/- 2 hours
🚗 Drive to Karlovy Vary in under 2 hours, but be mindful that parking can be a hassle and expensive
➜ A popular Karlovy Vary Day Tour from Prague that highlights the mineral springs and includes a stop at the Moser Glassworks Museum
2 | Pilsen (Plzeň)
The Czech Republic’s most famous beer, Pilsner Urquell, is produced in a town that shares its name of the beer: Pilsen. The Czechs love their beer and consume more per capita than any other country in the world.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or not, you will more than likely appreciate a Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour.
With such a large facility and multiple beers brewed here, Pilsner Urquell offers a wide range of tours. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour includes a visit to the bottling facilities, the brew house, and a walk through the underground ice cellars.
Towards the end of the tour, enjoy a beer in the underground cellar straight from the barrel. This is a unique way to taste the famed Pilsner Urquell Beer.
There are more things to see in Pilsen than simply the brewery. Stroll through the main plaza that showcases the Gothic Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. There are many green spaces and parks found throughout the city.
In Pilsen, find tons of excellent restaurants that serve traditional Czech food. Of course, they all serve unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell on draft.
World War II history buffs shouldn’t miss the Patton Memorial Museum. This small museum focuses on General Patton and the liberation of Pilsen during World War II. Nearby, find the Thank You America Memorial which passes a beautiful synagogue.
How to Day Trips to Pilsen from Prague
Day trips from Prague to Pilsen are easy via train, public bus, driving, or as part of a tour.
🚆 Prague to Pilsen Train | Trains from Prague to Pilsen depart frequently from Praha Hl.N, Prague’s main train station | Duration: Under 1 hour 30 minutes | Average One-Way Fare: 175 CZK ($7.50 USD) | Purchase Tickets online via České Dráhy
🚌 Prague to Pilsen Bus | FlixBus offers frequent buses from Prague to Pilsen | Duration: 1 hour | Average One-Way Fare: 140 CZK ($6 USD) | FlixBus Tickets & Timetables
🚗 Drive to Pilsen from Prague in about an hour. Remember, there is a zero-tolerance drinking and driving policy, so it may be best to sleep in Pilsen rather than drive back to Prague.
➜ Find typical Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour, or more private Pilsner Urquell Brewery and Pilsen City Tours. One of the best food tours includes Pilsen on this Beer and Wine from Prague.
3 | Český Krumlov
By far one of the most popular day trips from Prague is to the fairytale village of Český Krumlov. This picturesque town’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with beautiful cobblestone streets and boasts a castle perched on top of the hill.
The Vltava River cuts through the heart of the village, so make sure to wander along one of the many scenic bridges. During the summer months, one of the more popular things to do is tube or raft the river.
Český Krumlov is one of the most iconic villages in Southern Bohemia with many incredible viewpoints scattered throughout the village. There are plenty of gardens, museums, and art centers to keep visitors busy.
While Český Krumlov is the most popular day trip from Prague, it is a little bit farther to reach. Its beauty is often overshadowed by the hoards of day trippers and tour buses.
Visiting Český Krumlov is most definitely worth it, but if you have the time, spend at least a night in Český Krumlov to savor the charm in the mornings and evenings after the day trippers return to Prague.
How to Day Trip to Český Krumlov from Prague
🚆 Prague to Český Krumlov Train | Trains from Prague to Český Krumlov depart from Praha Hl.N, Prague’s main train station | Some trains require a transfer at České Budějovice | Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours | Average One-Way Fare: 350 CZK ($15 USD) | Purchase Tickets online via České Dráhy
🚌 Prague to Český Krumlov Bus | FlixBus offers frequent buses from numerous Prague bus stations to Český Krumlov | Duration: Typically around 3 hours | Average One-Way Fare: 200 CZK ($8.50 USD) | FlixBus Tickets & Timetables
🚗 Drive to Český Krumlov from Prague in a little over 2 hours. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, but we found free parking sleeping at Ubytování Na Hřišti which is a super easy walk to the historic center. Český Krumlov is the perfect addition to a road trip through the Czech Republic.
➜ There are numerous full-day tours from Prague to Český Krumlov with small groups and also full-day private guided tours from Prague to Český Krumlov
4 | Terezín Memorial
The Terezín Memorial can be a heavy and emotionally long day trip from Prague. This moving memorial from Prague is spread across the whole city of Terezín.
The close vicinity to Prague makes it an easy day trip; however, the day is filled with the harsh realities of what happened here during World War II.
There is so much to see at the Terezín Memorial, including the Small Fortress, the Memorial on the Ohře River, the Ghetto Museum, and more. Each site is powerful and shows how the Terezín Concentration Camp was used as a propaganda site during World War II.
The Terezín Memorial should not be missed when visiting Prague.
How to Reach Terezin from Prague
🚌 Prague to Terezín Bus | Bus Route: 413 | Departure Location: Letňany Station | Departures: Hourly, but check the current timetables here | Duration: 1 hour
🚗 Drive to the Terezín Memorial from Prague, which is about 40 miles to the Northwest of the city. Plan on the drive taking about an hour, depending on the traffic. Be mindful that parking fees apply throughout the city.
➜ This is a popular Terezin Day Tour from Prague. Another option is to visit Terezin Concentration Camp & Bohemian Switzerland on a combined day trip from Prague.
5 | Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Bohemian Switzerland is a must-visit natural site to visit in the Czech Republic. Found to the north of Prague, Bohemian Switzerland shares a border with Germany and showcases unique sandstone landscapes.
One of the most popular places to visit in the National Park is Pravčická Brána, a natural sandstone archway that boasts breathtaking views.
Highlights of visiting Bohemian Switzerland National Park include numerous hiking trails, enchanting forests, and unique landscapes filled with biodiversity.
The landscapes here remind me of the lesser visited Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area, another stunning natural landscape area that is on the way to Wroclaw Poland.
How to Get to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague
The easiest way to reach Bohemian Switzerland from Prague is by car. In fact, Dresden Germany is closer to this National Park than Prague.
Hřensko is the most popular entryway into the National Park.
While it is possible to reach via public transportation, the journey can be long. All roads lead to Hrensko.
🚗 Drive to Hřensko from Prague, which is over 2 hours from the city. Arrive early as the parking lot can fill up. It’s a hike or seasonal bus ride up to the park entrance.
➜ This Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Prague is a great tour option. If you want to hike, try this Prague- Hiking Tour of Bohemian Switzerland.
6 | Tabor Village
Tabor is a wonderful town that offers the perfect taste of authentic Southern Bohemia.
Tabor is small enough and close enough to Prague to explore in under a few hours. This cute village is often overshadowed by its famous neighbor to the south, Český Krumlov. Tabor village can make an excellent alternative for those travelers seeking a more intimate and less touristic experience than Český Krumlov.
This charming little city packs a big punch for its size. Tabor boasts leafy trails with vistas of the castle, an attractive monastery, a fun church tower smack dab in the center of town, picturesque streets, and some excellent foodie options. There are museums, underground tunnels, and city walls to explore.
The village is well-marked with useful signboards, making it a pleasure to stroll past the colorful facades of the buildings. Find a beautiful man-made Jordán Lake, which is an ideal place to swim on a hot summer day.
Tabor is a charismatic city in which to enjoy a taste of Southern Bohemia and one of the most underrated day trips from Prague.
How to Visit Tabor as a Day Trip from Prague
The easiest way to visit Tabor is by train, bus, or car.
🚆Prague to Tabor Train | Average 2nd Class Fare: 185 CZK | Average Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes | Depart: frequently from Praha Hl.N | Check Train Tickets from Prague to Tabor
🚌 Prague to Tabor Bus | Frequent Departures Operated by FlixBus | Average Summer Fare: 200 CZK | Average Duration: 1.5 hours | Purchase Online Tickets here
🚗 Drive to Tabor from Prague with ease in about an hour. Tabor is conveniently found between Prague and Ceske Budejovice. Parking is regulated in Tabor, so keep this in mind when visiting
7 | Kutna Hora & Sedlec Ossuary
One of the best day trips from Prague is also one of the most unique. The Sedlec Ossuary is the Czech Republic’s famous Chapel of the Bones and it is found in Kutna Hora.
Sedlec Ossuary is a tiny chapel filled with bones of the deceased, and what a sight it is to behold.
Along with the bizarre decoration of the chapel, comes a haunting legend of a beloved blind monk. He was said to have helped arrange the large pyramid bone structures scattered throughout the chapel. Supposedly, after the completion of his masterpieces, he was given the gift of his sight back.
There are over 30,000 people buried here, and their bones remain a reminder to all those who pass through the door that we are “equal” before God.
Kutna Hora is an old silver mining town, so there was a lot of money and influence in its history. While most people visit Kutna Hora to simply visit the Bone Chapel, there are plenty of things to see in Kutna Hora on a day trip from Prague. In fact, the historical town centre along with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
How to Day Trip to Kutna Hora from Prague
The Sedlec Ossuary is an easy day trip from Prague. Kutna Hora is only 50 miles to the east of Prague and can be reached by train, car, or on a day tour.
🚆Prague to Kutna Hora Train | Trains depart frequently from Praha Hl.N | Average 2nd Class Fare: 140 CZK ($6 USD) | Average Duration: 50 minutes | Train Tickets from Prague to Kutna Hora
🚗 Drive to Kutna Hora from Prague, but keep in mind that a car can be problematic due to the parking situation and the traffic! Parking is expensive and traffic in and out of Prague during rush hour can be obnoxious.
➜ This is a popular Half-Day Trip to Kutna Hora and Bone Church from Prague. Those seeking private tours will love this Kutna Hora Private day trip from Prague. For something a bit different try this Kutna Hora Private Day Trip from Prague by Train.
8 | Karlštejn Castle
Arguably one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic is the Karlštejn Castle. Located close to Prague, Karlštejn Castle is one of the easiest day trips from Prague. With its popularity and close proximity to Prague, visiting the Karlštejn Castle is oftentimes busy and full of tourists.
Psst… A fantastic castle in the Czech Republic with fewer tourists is the Bouzov Castle
Karlštejn Castle is a Gothic castle built during the 14th century. There is no denying the allurement of this castle, as it is one of the most fairy tale castles in the country. The only way to visit the interior castle is part of a guided tour.
How to Visit Karlštejn Castle from Prague
🚲 The Karlštejn Castle is close enough to Prague that it can be toured on a bike trip or as a full-day guided E-bike tour. Touring by bike offers stellar views of the countryside.
🚆Prague to Karlštejn Train | Trains depart frequently from Praha Hl.N | Average 2nd Class Fare: 71 CZK ($3 USD) | Average Duration: 40 minutes | Train Tickets from Prague to Karlstejn
🚗 Drive to Karlstejn from Prague, but keep in mind that a car can be problematic as there is only one car park in the town of Karlštejn. It’s still over a mile walk to the castle from the car park.
➜ This Small-Group Karlštejn Castle and Koneprusy Caves Tour is a popular day trip guided tour from Prague.
9 | Lidice Memorial
The Lidice Memorial is a must-visit day trip from Prague. This heartbreaking memorial is less than a 30-minute bus ride from downtown Prague, and without a doubt, should not be missed.
The memorial is a moving tribute to a village whose name was almost lost forever by the heinous actions of Nazi soldiers. Plan on spending around 4 hours visiting the educational museum, walking mindfully through the memorial, and touring the creative tributes in the art gallery.
The Czech Republic has many reminders of World War II scattered throughout the country, but the Lidice Memorial stuck with me as one of the most emotional tributes to the innocent victims of war.
How to Get to the Lidice Memorial
The Lidice Memorial is less than 30 minutes by public transportation from Prague.
🚌 Prague to Lidice by Bus | The most DIRECT bus from Nádraží Veleslavín is bus #300, which is a local and frequent bus.
🚗 Drive to Lidice Memorial from Prague, which is about 15 miles from the center of Prague. There are plenty of parking spots located right in front of the Memorial. Traffic can be tough, and a car is unnecessary to have in Prague.
➜ Those travelers who feel more comfortable visiting sites with a guide can book this Operation Anthropoid Tour in Prague, which also includes a stop at the Lidice Monument.
Useful Tools for Planning Day Trips from Prague
In my humble opinion, the public transportation in Prague is reliable, fast, and budget-friendly. There are some great apps that I used constantly during my almost 2 months stay in Prague.
Whether planning inner-city transportation or one of the many day trips from Prague I was constantly using these helpful resources.
IDOS.CZ
IDOS.CZ was my “go-to” app when planning day trips from Prague. It gives useful planning information for long-distance bus and train schedules.
With a local SIM card, the app picks up your locations and provides essential updated public transportation routes. This app is a must for travel throughout the Czech Republic.
PID Lítačka
PID Lítačka is essential for daily public transportation within the city limits of Prague. It’s possible to buy tickets on the spot, and even get real time-tracking on all public transportation.
Mapy.CZ
Mapy.CZ is the equivalent of Maps.me, but specifically designed for the Czech Republic. Essential to help with planning itineraries by car, walking, biking, and ski trails, and even offers some simple travel tips.
Psst… This map app kept us on track while biking sections of the Mikulov Wine Trail.
FlixBus
FlixBus is used all throughout Europe and has frequent bus services throughout the Czech Republic. Help save the world, and use less paper. I love the option to tack on a few cents to make a trip carbon-neutral!
RegioJet
RegioJet offers transportation by buses and trains and originally started in the Czech Republic. They are expanding into Europe with competitive prices, and adding even more destinations.
České Dráhy
České Dráhy is the app for all things involving train transportation in the Czech Republic. Also, it offers some routes out of the Czech Republic and nearby countries.
Prague as a Base for Day Trips
Prague is a beautiful and incredible city. Most travelers will be based in this bustling capital city and take multiple-day trips from Prague.
During peak season, the city is crowded, but there are ways to still find charming spots in this popular city. Spend a few days finding the treasures tucked away on back alleys or visit a few of these “hidden gem” neighborhoods in Prague. One of my favorite neighborhoods is the Vinohrady district.
These Prague day trips allow for plenty of time to comfortably return to Prague between the early afternoon and before dinner time. Try to catch at least one epic sunset from one of these beautiful spots.
Coming Soon: Avoid the Crowds in Prague, A 3 Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Prague Czech Republic
There are tons of accommodation options in Prague from hostels, hotels, apartments, and more.
➜ Hostel Dakura is conveniently located in Praha 6, close to the metro, and also one of my favorite neighborhoods to eat in Prague!
➜ Hostel Little Quarter is one of the best hostels in Prague
➜ Revelton Studios Prague offers small studio apartments a little outside the city
➜ Alfons Boutique Hotel is a great hotel that is clean and found in Praha 2
➜ Hotel Nerudova 211 is located in the Praha 1 and is a top-rated hotel with an amazing staff in Prague
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in Prague Czech Republic
Many of the accommodation options in Prague can also be decided by location. Prague is divided into districts, typically indicated by a number.
Top Districts to Stay in Prague
➜ Praha 1 (Mostly Old Town City Center)
➜ Praha 2 (Parts of New Town, Vinohrady and Vyšehrad)
➜ Vinohrady is a spectacular district to stay in Prague
➜ Praha 6 is an underrated place to stay in Prague that is out of the city center, but close enough to walk to it
Conclusion | 9 Best Day Trips From Prague & How to Reach Them
In conclusion, these are some of the best trips from Prague. Many of these day trips from Prague can be visited easily by public transportation or as a part of a guided tour from Prague.
These top Prague day trips include spa towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, World War II Memorials, World Famous Breweries, charming Bohemian villages, and storybook castles. All of these top-rated day trips from Prague are within 3 hours or less from the center of Prague.
This guide to the best day trips from Prague also includes helpful tools to visit each site with public transportation and where to base in Prague.
Have you done any of these day trips from Prague? Is there a day trip from Prague that you loved and I’m missing on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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It’s great to see more of Czech Republic thanks to you! Some of those places looks super charming and others really great for history. I loved to learn more about them!
Thanks Ophelie! Yes, there is so much diversity in the Czech Republic, and the best part is, many of these destinations are only a quick ride from Prague! 💛
Ahh, I wish I had more time in the Czech Republic! I only had a few days in Prague, but Karlovy Vary was on my goals. I’d love to make it back and go to these other places too!
Next time! 😉
I definetly want to see more of the Czech Republic. I have been to Prague and Cesky Kumlov but I know there is way more to see. I like all the details you have provided in this trip. Saving it for later!
Thanks, Ruth! Hope you can enjoy these places in the near future! 🇨🇿
You got me at wine tasting in Tabor! I have a huge debt with Czech Republic, since I’ve only visited Prague. I’m saving this list for when I manage to get back and see more of the country.
Yeah!! I love the incredible wine from the Czech Republic! Hope you can savor a glass in Tabor soon. 🍷
Wow, looks like I need to return to Prague! I did a day trip to Kutna Hora and loved it but I hadn’t heard of the others! Karlovy Vary definitely takes my fancy – look at those colourful buildings!
Thanks Danielle! Czech Republic has so many treasures throughout the country! Enjoy xx
All of these places look incredible, but Karlovy Vary would make it to the top of my list. It looks so pretty with all the colourful houses and that’s awesome that there’s so many spas!! My kinda place 🙂
That’s awesome! I quite enjoyed sipping my way through the colorful city of Karlovy Vary 🙃
Hi Megs! Great to connect. I absolutely love the Czech Republic, and I am dying to go back. Awesome blog. Thanks for the resources!
Thanks Lindley! It’s such an awesome country and thanks for swinging by my blog! 🥰
This was a great read! I’m not familiar with any of the places you mentioned so I’m adding them to my list!
Awesome! Thanks Krista! 💕
Great article! Readers should know that it’s Kutna Hora (not Kunta Hora).
Oppps! Thanks!
Looks like I have to get back to Prague. Last time I was there we did Dresden, Kutna Hora/ Sedlac Ossuary, and Terezin. I can recommend them all.