Whether the Czech Republic's Prague grabs you with its medieval castles and eerie legends or Bohemia's colonnade-and-park-filled spa towns lure you to their Renaissance breweries, there are plenty of places to discover this fascinating country. Read on for our picks of the most beautiful cities in Czech Republic.
Cesky Krumlov escaped bombing during World War II, so its cobbled streets and elegant main square are well-preserved. You'll also find a Baroque palace packed with Rococo, Gothic and Renaissance trappings.
Prague
Czech Republic's capital city, Prague, is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its old-world charm is evident in its beautiful architecture, which spans the ages from medieval to modern times. It also has a lively cultural scene with countless museums, concerts, and festivals.
Prague is a place where you can relax and take life at a slower pace than in big, hectic cities. It’s the perfect destination for a carefree stroll through its parks and alleyways or for sipping coffee in traditional cafes. Students who come from busy cities are often surprised by this measured rhythm of life and the relaxed attitude in Prague. But once they get sucked in, they never want to leave.
Known as “the City of a Hundred Spires,” the historic core of Prague is bisected by the Vltava River. Its magnificent castle towers over the cobbled streets of the old town, where Baroque buildings and Gothic churches stand side-by-side. The city’s historic core was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
One of the most stunning aspects of Prague is its enchanting atmosphere, which has a fresh, ancient warmth that attracts millions of visitors every year. The quaint, picturesque streets are filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings, as well as modern skyscrapers. The famous Wenceslas Square has seen some of history’s most important events, including the birth of an independent Czechoslovakia in 1918 and protests against the invasion of Warsaw Pact troops during the Soviet era.
A highlight of a visit to the city is its remarkable array of classical music venues and restaurants. Prague is home to many excellent musicians, and its historic buildings make them ideal venues for concerts. During the summer, the city hosts several outdoor opera and ballet performances at the Municipal House, a gorgeous art nouveau building with a beautiful garden.
Another of the most beautiful cities in Czech Republic is Cesky Krumlov, a pristine medieval town nestled among the hills of South Bohemia. It escaped bombing during the Second World War, so its lovely main square and elegant houses are preserved in their original splendor. The town’s castle is a highlight, and its 16th-century market square is lined with uniform Renaissance buildings decorated with the sgraffito technique.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Czech Republic has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Prague will cost about 16 euros per day.
Cesky Krumlov
One of the most beautiful cities in Czech Republic is Cesky Krumlov, a picturesque castle town huddled around the meandering Vltava River in South Bohemia. Its most notable landmark is the massive castle complex looming over the town. But even when viewed from a distance, the city’s unique architecture is enchanting, and every corner offers a new view.
The best way to explore Cesky Krumlov is on foot. The historic center is small enough that you can cover most of it on a walking tour, and the streets are car-free, so you’ll feel like you’re strolling through an old medieval village. The streets also feature a lot of pretty galleries and hip cafes.
A visit to the castle complex is a must-do when visiting Cesky Krumlov. The castle is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. In addition to the castle tower, it contains a palace, gardens, stables, and a theatre. It’s the second most visited castle in the country, and it’s well worth a visit.
After exploring the castle, you can take a walk up to Horni Street, which is lined with medieval houses and richly decorated with sgraffito. A stop at the Regional Museum is also recommended, as it features an impressive ceramic model of the city.
Another cool activity is hiking to the top of the castle tower. The climb isn’t too difficult, and it provides a fantastic view of the town and the surrounding countryside. You can also explore the monastery, which is located just outside of town. The monastery used to house Catholic monks, but today it’s home to some cool art exhibits.
The Cloak Bridge is another interesting structure in the castle complex. The massive stone pillars that sprout from the bottom of the gorge are truly striking, and the upper floors are galleries with beautiful sculptures.
Cesky Krumlov is a very popular destination for day trips from Prague, and there are plenty of options to choose from on GetYourGuide. Many of the tours include transfers to and from Prague, so you can skip the hassle of renting a car.
Karlovy Vary
The town of Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is one of the most famous spa towns in the country. It attracts celebrities and health-conscious tourists from all over the world. It is a beautiful and unique place, surrounded by wooded hills on all sides. The town was founded on the thermal springs, and many people come here to treat different health conditions. The spa treatments are considered very effective, and the town is also a popular destination for relaxation. The town has 15 main hot springs, all of which are situated inside or close to the magnificent buildings that are a part of the city.
The most famous of these buildings is the Mill Colonnade, which has 124 Corinthian stone columns and 12 allegorical sandstone statues. The building was built between 1871 and 1881 in a neo-renaissance style. It is one of the symbols of Karlovy Vary, and it is a must-see for visitors to the town.
Another famous landmark is the Park Colonnade, which is a beautiful place to take a walk in the summer. It is a great place to escape from the heat of the streets, and it has two different kinds of springs that are both warm. The park is also home to a beautiful fountain, and it is a nice spot to sit and enjoy the scenery.
There is a lot to see in Karlovy Vary, and it is easy to get around the city by bus or by train. Many people choose to visit the city on a guided tour with a professional guide, but it is also possible to do it on your own. The most important thing is to plan your trip well in advance, and to book accommodations as soon as possible.
It is best to rent a car in Prague and drive to Karlovy Vary, but if you don't want to do that, you can always take a bus or go on a day trip from Prague with a tour company. The distance between the cities is about two hours, and it is a scenic road.
Plzen
Located in western Czech Republic, Plzen is one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Its rich history and culture make it a popular destination for tourists. It has a lot to offer for visitors, from grand cathedrals and historical sights to fun nightlife. It is also a popular university city, and you can find many foreign students here. The city is well-known for its beer, and it offers a variety of brewery tours. It is also home to the world-famous Pilsner Urquell brewery, which produces one of the most popular beers in the world.
The city also has several other interesting landmarks, including the Gothic cathedral of St. Bartholomew, the Renaissance City Hall, and a unique labyrinth of underground corridors known as Pilsen Historical Underground. The Great Synagogue is another must-see attraction for visitors interested in Jewish history. The city’s parks are also worth exploring, and they offer a relaxing place to spend the day.
For art lovers, the city has several museums and galleries that feature traditional exhibits. The West Bohemian Gallery, for example, features paintings and sculptures from 1601 to present. The city’s zoological and botanical gardens are also worth visiting.
Pilsen is a university city, and it has several colleges for students to choose from. The University of Plzen offers students the chance to study medicine, mechanical engineering, and applied science. In addition, it offers international summer language schools for students who want to learn a new language.
Plzen is a safe city for tourists, and it has low crime rates. However, it is always a good idea to take basic precautions when traveling to an unfamiliar country. It is important to stay aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking in unfamiliar areas at night. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local customs and laws before your trip.
In addition to its impressive architecture, Plzen is also home to a number of interesting festivals and events throughout the year. The festival of lights is a popular event held in December and January, and it celebrates the city’s history as a center of trade.