11 Places to Visit in the Czech Republic Other Than Prague

Go beyond the tourist traps and visit these 11 must-see places in the Czech Republic other than Prague!

As with most big cities that are more famous than the country itself, Prague is world-renowned as one of the best places to visit in Europe. Unfortunately, what many travelers fail to see, are the many wonders beyond Prague.

A list of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic other than Prague is long. It’s so lengthy that people who are from Czech haven’t even had the chance to see it all. So, why limit yourself to just Prague when there’s so much more in store?

In this guide, we’re covering the top places to visit in the Czech Republic other than Prague.

We also answer some FAQs about how to get around Czech, where to visit in winter, and other essential information.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

👍 Why trust us? Our picks for the best places to visit in the Czech Republic other than Prague is based on our own personal experiences. This includes having family in Czech and also living there for several years!

Quick List: Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

• Český Krumlov
• Telč
• Mikulov
• Litoměřice
• Úštěk
• Ještěd Mountain & Liberec
• Bohemian Switzerland National Park
• Lednice
• Malá Skála
• Lipno nad Vltavou
• Krkonoše National Park
• Prachovske Skaly and Adršpach Rocks

Essentials for Visiting the Czech Republic

🗣 Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic. Despite what geography may imply, it is not similar to the German language and instead, is a branch of the Slavic language family. In Prague, many people do speak English as well. When traveling outside of Prague, the number of English speakers is growing among the younger generation but you should not expect to communicate in English.

🚌 Reaching many places in the Czech Republic from Prague is easy by train. Travel is also possible throughout the country, but at many times, it’s worth it to look into the locally favored bus system. Do not only rely on traveling by train in the Czech Republic.

🛌 The term pension is heavily used for accommodation throughout the Czech Republic. These are most similar to a guesthouse or bed and breakfast stay. Some pensions may even have hostel type accommodation, which is popular in mountainous destinations.

💰 The Czech koruna (CZK), also known as the crown, is the main currency used in the Czech Republic. When visiting places outside of Prague, you cannot expect to pay with the euro. Establishments in bigger cities will definitely accept card payments but it’s still a good idea to have some Czech koruna in your wallet.

What Is the Czech Republic Like Outside of Prague?

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country that’s located in Central Europe (or Eastern Europe, depending on who you ask). It is surrounded by various countries and shares borders with Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and Poland.

Its landscape is relatively mellow, meaning that there are no extreme mountain peaks like you’d find in Austria or neighbouring Slovakia.

Instead, the country is known for castles, rolling hills, countryside plains, vineyards in the south, dense pine forests, and unique rocky cliff formations. It is a haven for outdoor lovers for both summer and winter sports.

Prague is the only city in the Czech Republic with a population of over 1 million people. The remainder of big cities have a population between 100,000 – 400,000 so the majority of other cities in Czech will feel a lot smaller and more local.

When venturing out of Prague, you may notice a different feel and culture in smaller towns, the quiet rural countryside, and even among various regions of the country.

Although Prague is considered to be one of the most beautiful and significant places to visit in the Czech Republic, it’s not quite an accurate representation of the country as a whole.

Map of Best Places to See in the Czech Republic

12 Places to Visit in the Czech Republic (Other Than Prague)

1. Český Krumlov

This is among the most popular destinations in the Czech Republic for those looking to see places other than Prague. The town is situated in the South Bohemia Region of the country and most notably defined by its fairytale-like setting.

Atop the hill above Český Krumlov is a medieval castle from the 13th century, while the Vltava River intersects the village below.

The historic centre of Český Krumlov is an exemplary display of urban infrastructure and therefore earned the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Telč

Another item on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list is the small town of Telč, also located in southern Czech Republic. The town is beloved for its preserved architecture, colorful building facades, and ornamental Gothic features, which are flawless enough to be part of a movie set.

Telč is also known for its unique construction as the entire historic centre resembles a fortress that’s surrounded by a moat. In reality, the various ponds surrounding the town are artificial and were solely carved out for defensive purposes.

3. Mikulov

Located just steps away from the border with Austria, Mikulov is the most enchanting town in the Czech Republic before entering another country.

Burnt orange rooftops, impeccably preserved historic architecture, cobblestone paths, and an enormous castle are just some of Mikulov’s most notable characteristics.

The town is also the centerpiece of the Mikulovská wine region, which is additionally comprised of 30 small hamlets that produce wine.

4. Litoměřice

Similar to a national park, the city of Litoměřice is protected as an urban monument by law. It is located in northern Czech Republic and alongside the Elbe River. The city is believed to have been founded over 1,000 years ago which makes it among of the oldest settlements in the Czech Republic.

Aside from wonderful achievements in architectural conservation, Litoměřice is also known for its underground world. Unassumingly, Litoměřice sits on top of an remarkable system of subterranean cellars, passageways and catacombs.

5. Úštěk

Úštěk is a village with a population of less than 3,000 people. It is serenely located in the idyllic countryside of the Czech Republic and surrounded by meadows, forests, and farmland.

The town of Úštěk proudly celebrates one of the most well-known mythological creatures of Czech culture – the devil, also known as čert. You can visit an entire collection dedicated to these icons at the Museum of Devils (Muzeum Čertů).

Additionally, the town centre of Úštěk is frequently used as a filming location for Czech and German movies. Recently, it was one of the main sets for the major production of Jojo Rabbit, starring Scarlett Johansson and Taika Waititi.

6. Ještěd Mountain

Located just one hour from the capital, Ještěd is one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic outside of Prague for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the northern region of Liberec, the surrounding area is defined by dreamy rolling hills, pine forests, river streams and modest mountain peaks.

As part of the Ještěd–Kozákov Mountain Ridge, this is an admired destination for winter sports, hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who wants to take a cable car ride for some excellent views.

At the peak of Ještěd Mountain sits a retro-style hotel and restaurant with a panoramic observation deck of the entire region.

7. Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Covering over 700 square kilometers, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is a jungle gym for nature seekers, sports enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a beautiful landscape .

This destination is suitable for a day trip from Prague or an entire week spent exploring the many corners and hidden wonders that it has to offer. Comparatively, it remains undeveloped, which means it’s a spectacular piece of raw wilderness at its finest.

Filled with numerous hiking trails through forests, you’re bound to come across ancient ruins like the Falkenstein Castle or distinct sandstone rock towers and arches. The Bohemian Switzerland National Park has no shortage of awe-inspiring sights.

8. Lednice

The small village and municipality of Lednice is nestled in the corner of the South Moravian Region. While the town itself is endearing, the real reason to visit Lednice is for the castle.

Back in 1222, Castle Lednice was known to be a Gothic fortress, but has since transformed a couple of times. Today, it is an extraordinary manor house, which was most recently reconstructed in the 1800s and used by Liechtenstein royalty for holidays.

Listed as a UNESCO Site, the chateau is accompanied by a manicured garden, ponds, its own church, and even an arboretum.

🏰 Did you know? There are around 2,000 castles in the Czech Republic, which makes it the country with the most number of castles per capita.

9. Malá Skála

Nestled on the bank of the Jizera River, Malá Skála is a small yet favored touristic destination in the summer.

It is popular among families, camper vans, cyclists, and kayak enthusiasts. It is not a flashy vacation spot but instead, one of the most wholesome places to visit in the Czech Republic to enjoy a day in the sun with a beer in hand, while being surrounded by nature.

Malá Skála is relaxed, unfussy and the best definition of what a typical weekend looks like for the Czechs.

At the peak of one of the cliffs which overlooks Malá Skála, are the ruins of the Vranov Rock Castle.

10. Lipno nad Vltavou

There are no major bodies of water in the Czech Republic but the reservoir on which Lipno nad Vltavou sits does the job well. The Lipno Reservoir is fed by the famous Vltava River, the same river that crosses through Prague.

As a popular summer resort town for locals, the Lipno area is among the best places to visit in the Czech Republic for anyone looking to spend a holiday by the water in a landlocked country.

The region also borders the Moravia region which is the crown jewel of wine production in the Czech Republic. Combine swimming and boating in the lake with multiple wine tastings to end a perfect day in Lipno.

11. Krkonoše National Park

On the border with Poland is where you’ll find the highest mountain peak in the Czech Republic located in the Krkonoše National Park. Sněžka is the tallest summit among this mountain range, which reaches an altitude of over 1600 meters above sea level.

In Czech culture, the Krkonoše Mountains are very iconic and often mentioned in fairytales, movies, and songs.

The national park is home to multiple ski lift areas which makes it a busy destination in the winter time. Although it is the oldest and first national park to ever be established in the Czech Republic, it is now home to luxury resorts, advanced downhill slopes, and ski schools for kids.

12. Prachovske Skaly and Adršpach Rocks

One of the most unique natural features found in the Czech Republic are towering rock formations. They are often used for rock climbing by the experienced but have also heavily been used as sets for films.

The nature of the sandstone cliffs is very fairytale-like and even magical. On a darker note, the cliffs have also been portrayed in Czech folklore movies as the entrance to hell (or where the devil lives).

Often known as labyrinths, the collection of rock towers consists of secret entryways, arches, and heights of up to 50 meters.

FAQs: Visiting Places in the Czech Republic

How to Visit the Best Places in the Czech Republic Other Than Prague?

By Car

There are a handful of major motorways in the Czech Republic which have straightforward connections from/to Prague. If you are travelling from one big city to another, driving is quick and (usually) along a multiple lane road.

You must pay an online fee for tolls (based on the number of days) when using the motorways in the Czech Republic but at least there are no toll booths that cause traffic.

Driving also allows you to easily access many of the best places to visit that are in rural areas, mountains, or countryside. However, in these cases, do expect the drives to take a little longer as you’ll be traveling along local roads.

If you have the time, getting around by car in the Czech Republic is definitely the most fun method.

By Train and Bus

The train system is convenient and well connected in the Czech Republic, particularly if you’re departing from Prague. You’ll find a train station in nearly every big city and major town.

When it comes to reaching some of the country’s best places to visit that are outside of cities, it often makes more sense to take a bus. Traveling by bus is widely popular among locals, especially for long-haul journeys.

Bus travel is less expensive and it’s common to find a ticket for less than €5 which gets you from one side of Czech to the other.

🚉 Arriva is the Czech Republic’s best resource for finding bus and train routes but it is a Czech website. Alternatively, you can research routes and book tickets with English-friendly resources like Flixbus for buses or Trainline for trains.

Which Places Should You Visit in the Czech Republic in Winter?

Špindlerův Mlýn: A classic ski resort town in the northern Czech Republic that’s located within the Krkonoše National Park.

Lipno Reservoir: When temperatures are cold enough, the lake freezes over and is a popular winter destination for outdoor ice skating and hockey games.

Harrachov and Bedřichov: Two ski resorts within close proximity of each other that are filled with ski lifts and cozy chalet vacation rentals.

Ještěd: The TV tower also operates as a hotel and restaurant which sits over 1,000 metres above sea level and looks down at the city of Liberec. It is a beloved ski destination during the winter.

Prague: The Christmas Markets of Prague which begin in November and extend to January are among the most admired in all of Europe.

What Are the Must See Places in Prague?

If you’re visiting Prague and want to get straight to the point by visiting the top landmarks, it luckily won’t take too long. Prague is compact and it’s easy to check off the must-see sites in just a couple of days.

You should not leave Prague without seeing these sights:

• Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad)
• Charles Bridge (Karlův Most)
• Old Town Square (Staroměstské Náměstí)
• Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský Orloj)
• Church of Our Lady (Chrám Matky Boží Před Týnem)
• Prague City Gate (Prašná Brána)
• Wenceslas Square (Václavské Náměstí)
• Vyšehrad Fortress

Are There Villages and Small Towns Worth Visiting in the Czech Republic?

The rural areas of the Czech Republic are filled with small villages, quaint towns and what you’d even consider to be just a neighborhood. However, unlike if you were to drive around Italy, not all of the hamlets found in the Czech Republic are picturesque or historic.

Unlike if you were to village-hop in Italy, it’s recommended to know which ones you want to visit in Czech before travelling around aimlessly.

If you have interest in seeing the lesser known parts of the country, pin these smaller towns that are particularly worth visiting:

• Rožmberk nad Vltavou
• Český Dub
• Kácov
• Karlštejn
• Hodkovice nad Mohelkou
• Kořenov

Which Are the Top Czech Cities to Visit?

Behind Prague, there are only a few big Czech cities which have a population of over 100,000 people. If you prefer to stay away from other tourists, we highly recommend choosing an alternative big Czech city over Prague as it can be far less crowded, cheaper and just as beautiful.

• Brno
• Ostrava
• Plzeň 
• Liberec 
• Olomouc

The Best Places to Visit in the Czech Republic Other Than Prague: FINAL THOUGHTS

It’s good to explore beyond the cliché of Prague. Yes, the capital is immensely historic, picture perfect, and overall, an incredible city.

But, it’s not a complete representation of the Czech Republic, and to fully understand the country, you must venture off campus.

The Czech Republic is home to many attractions outdoors including natural wonders, forests, hills, and tons of castles. It is severely underrated when it comes to its beautiful nature, picturesque rural landscape, and numerous things to do outside.

Many villages and small towns in the Czech Republic are protected and preserved by the state as significant cultural sites.

This means, there’s a great deal of beauty and historic town centres to see in the rest of the country than just in Prague. The biggest advantage of visiting lesser known cities and quaint hamlets is the lack of mass tourism which Prague suffers from.

More Czech Travel Posts:

• 2-Day Prague Itinerary
• How to Get From Prague to Liberec
• A Guide to Christmas Markets in Prague
• Things to Know Before Visiting the Czech Republic
• Things to Do in Liberec With Kids

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