The Czech capital of Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities — which, when you consider the competition, is really saying a lot. You won’t find many people that will disagree that the beautifully preserved medieval architecture of Old Prague makes it a truly photogenic place to visit.
Plus, the city’s complex history means it has more going for it than just looks. There are tons of fascinating things to see and do in Prague, and you could spend a lifetime here without seeing it all.
However, if you’re looking for a break from the city, you’re in luck there, too. Prague’s location in central Europe means it is close to some excellent day trip destinations. Whether you choose to travel by car, bus, or train, you’ll be able to access other great locations in Czechia and beyond. Drop off your bags at a Prague luggage storage facility and try some of these outstanding day trips for yourself.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
Just an hour and a half northwest of Prague by bus is the city of Plzeň, home to the world-famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
This is the original source of pilsner beer, first brewed in 1842. A visit here includes a tour of the still-active brewery and a stop at their on-site restaurant, where you can enjoy some delicious Czech cuisine paired with — what else? — a cold pint of Pilsner Urquell.
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Karlštejn Castle
A little closer to Prague, about 50 minutes southwest by train, is Karlštejn Castle. This Gothic-style castle was built in the 14th century by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, and king of Bohemia.
Karlštejn served as a royal treasury and was used to store the coronation jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination for its incredible architecture and stunning views.
The town surrounding the castle is also worth visiting for a glimpse of the more rural side of the Czech Republic, away from the big city of Prague. Visiting Karlštejn offers the chance to take a fascinating trip back in time to medieval Europe.
Křivoklát Castle
For another dose of medieval architecture, head southeast of Prague to Křivoklát Castle. This imposing structure, built in the 13th century, is one of the best-preserved castles in all of the Czech Republic.
Křivoklát was used as a royal residence by several Czech kings throughout history and today houses a museum with a large collection of historical artifacts.
The castle grounds are also home to a large forest park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic lunch. Křivoklát is about an hour away from Prague by car.
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Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most popular day trips from Prague. This small city in South Bohemia is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and castle.
The Český Krumlov castle complex dates back to the 13th century and has been owned by several noble families over the centuries. Today, it houses a museum with a collection of art and furniture from different periods in its history.
Don’t leave town without venturing into the city. With narrow streets, quaint shops, and cafés lining the picturesque Vltava River, your camera is sure to get a workout. Český Krumlov can be reached by bus or train from Prague in about three hours.
Terezín Concentration Camp
For a sobering look at Czech history, consider a trip to Terezín Concentration Camp, located about an hour and a half north of Prague by car.
This former Nazi concentration camp was used during World War II to imprison Jewish people, Roma people, and other political prisoners. Today, it serves as a memorial and museum commemorating the victims of the Holocaust.
A visit to Terezín is a moving experience that provides valuable perspective on one of the darkest periods in human history. It’s not always the easiest glimpse into the recent past, but it’s important that this story be told in the hope of preventing such a tragedy from ever happening again.
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Dresden
Just across the border from the Czech Republic in Germany is the city of Dresden. This beautifully reconstructed city was heavily bombed during World War II but has since been rebuilt to its former glory.
Dresden is home to several world-famous museums and art galleries, as well as the Semper Opera House. It’s also worth taking a stroll through the Altstadt (old town), with its lively squares and Gothic churches. The Old Masters Picture Gallery is a great destination for art lovers, and the Museum of Military History tells the story of the city’s past and the complex events it has been embroiled in over the centuries.
Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park
For a taste of the great outdoors, head to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park. This massive park spans over 800 square kilometers and features bizarre rock formations, deep gorges, and lush forests.
There are plenty of hiking and biking trails winding through the park for visitors to explore. The Bastei Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in the park, offering breathtaking views of the Elbe River valley below.
Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland can be reached by car from Prague in about two hours. There’s enough to do here that you might want to spend the night, but if you’d prefer to just get out of town for a couple of quick hikes in some gorgeous scenery, this is an excellent choice to recharge your batteries in nature without going too far from Prague itself.
Conclusion
As you can see from this list, day trips from Prague offer everything from interesting city breaks to gorgeous natural surroundings, plus lots of castles. Whatever you like to do on vacation, chances are there’s a Prague day trip you’ll enjoy. So drop off your unneeded bags at a luggage storage in Prague, and get ready to explore more of this country and this part of Europe.
*Collaborative post