The best day trips from Prague are Pilsner Urquell Brewery, Krivoklat Castle, Terezin Concentration Camp, Karlovy Vary, Kutna Hora, Konopiste Castle, Castle Karlstejn, Cesky Krumlov. From fairytale castles to old breweries, there are so many things to do and see nearby the capital city of the Czech Republic.
Prague is one of the most charming and magical cities of Europe. There is so much to explore within the city itself too. The Old Town is a real architectural gem and features high on the bucket list of many travelers. Once you explored the Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, and Church of Our Lady before Týn, and Prague Castle, you can take a day trip to nearby attractions.
The Best Day Trips From Prague
1. Pilsner Urquell Brewery
Pilsner Urquell Brewery is one of the most popular day trips from Prague, located just down the road from Prague, 60km to the southwest you will find the town of Plzen. This small town is home to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
The first place in the world to brew the now world famous beer, Pilsner. The Czech people love their beer and are passionate about its production. The story goes that in 1838 the local people were so appalled by the quality of the beer that they poured the barrels out into the street in protest, right in front of the city hall. The Brewers took the criticism on board and upped their game. This was when Pilsner was born.
You can take a guided tour of the brewery and of course sample the beer too. You will learn about the brewing process and how the beer gets from barrel to glass.
You can get to Pilsen by trains and buses. The journey can take an hour to an hour and a half. The bus starts from Zličín bus station in Prague and tops in downtown Pilsen. A round trip by bus will cost you about $10. If you travel with a group, it is a good idea to rent a car, which give you more freedom.
2. Krivoklat Castle
Take a step back in time to the magical, fairytale Krivoklat Castle. In the winter the rooftops will be dusted in snow making for an even more exciting experience. Nestled on top of a hill covered in woodland this castle really is like something you would find in a Disney movie.
You can find Krivoklat Castle in the Berounka River Valley. Built in the 13th-century this castle has been perfectly preserved. Filled to the rafters with ancient artwork and sculptures, not to mention traditional furniture too. More than 50,000 books fill the shelves.
Located 57 km away from Prague, Krivoklat Castle is one of the best day trips from Prague. You can reach Křivoklát Castle from Prague by train from Prague Main Train Station, goes to Beroun, change train to Křivoklát.
3. Terezin Concentration Camp
Located 62km north of Prague, Terezin one of the best day trips from Prague. It was originally a holiday resort reserved for Czech nobility, and becaeme a concentration camp during the World War II.
Although difficult to digest if you are in this part of the world you really should take some time to learn about the war history of the area. The chilling and upsetting Terezin Concentration Camp was the military camp where 38,000 people were held prisoner and subsequently killed. You do not need to have a guide to take you around the camp as the sights really do speak for themselves.
The main attractions of Terezín memorial are the Small Fortress, the Memorial on the Ohře River, and the Ghetto Museum. There are barracks, a crematorium, and old abandoned sections of railway around Terezín village.
Remember to be respectful as to what you take photos of. Far from a fun day out it is a necessary visit to be a more considerate and educated traveler.
You can get to Terezin Concentration Camp by public bus from the Nádraží Holešovice bus station. The journey time is 50 minutes and, and from the Terezin stop, you will have to walk or take a taxi to the camp.
4. Karlovy Vary
Located 120 km away from the capital city, Karlovy Vary is the most famous Czech spa town. Almost destroyed by natural disasters Karlovy Vary is a beautiful place to visit and a great way to experience the Czech Republic outside of the tourist hub of Prague.
A great day trip from Prague would be to visit this colorful and vibrant town. It is also famed for its hot springs. These hot springs are said to have medicinal purposes, curing hundreds of different illnesses and diseases of local people for centuries.
Founded in 1370, the city was named after King of Bohemia, Charles IV and Holy Roman Emperor. Staying the night in Karlovy Vary is a popular choice. A great way to experience authentic Czech culture at its best.
To get to Karlovy Vary, you can take the train from Hlavni nadrazi – hl.n. (Prague Main Railway Station). There are also bus connection which is faster and cheaper then train. Buses run every hour, half an hour, there is also a direct bus from Prague Airport. You can rent a car or using private transfer.
5. Kutna Hora
Kutna Hora is a historical city in the Central Bohemia famous for its historical center, the cathedral of Saint Barbara, and Sedlec Ossuary. Just 120km east of the city, Kutna Hora is a great day trip from Prague.
The town was formed in the medieval times and is famed for its church of bones. Formally known as the Sedlec Ossuary. Deep below the Church of All Saints, you will find the catacombs. This small Roman Catholic chapel is adorned with over 70,000 human bones. The bones of people who died as a result of rampant diseases like the plague; also people who were killed in the wars.
The focal point of the Sedlec Ossuary is the chandelier that is made of at least one of every bone in the human body. Impressive and spine-tingling this is one of the best day trips from Prague, and one of the most popular too.
If you drive, it’ll take about 1.5 hours to reach Kutná Hora. There are trains from the Prague main train station to Kutná Hora train station (Kutná Hora hl.n.). From here, you will have to use the local transfer to get to Kutná Hora city center.
6. Konopiste Castle
Another popular day trip from Prague is a visit to Konopiste Castle. Situated south of Prague the 17-century castle was used by Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1887 as his own personal hunting lodge. Steeped in history, a visit to Konopiste Castle will see you learn about the rich and varied past of the Czech Republic.
Konopiste Castle is the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered off World War I.
For animal lovers, the inside of the Konopiste Castle may be a little distressing. Home to Europe’s largest collection of mounted animals the interior can be a little overwhelming. Collected of wild boars, deer and hundred of birds too. Outside is more universally appealing. Perfectly kept gardens are home to live birds; peacocks and waterfowl.
Located 50km from The city of a hundred spires, you can go by train from Prague Main Railway Station to Benešov u Prahy and then follow the red hiking trail from the station to the castle, or take local buses.
7. Castle Karlstejn
For decades the Castle Karlstejn was the summer house for Charles IV and is one of the best day trips from Prague. Much like Krivoklat Castle, Castle Karlstejn is something out of a fairytale. The walk up to the fortress itself is beautiful, particularly in the fall. Much of the castle has been restored over the past few years but it still retains its original charm. Some rooms are not open to the public but there is still plenty to explore.
The train is the best way to reach Castle Karlstejn f you don’t have a car because Karlstejn has no bus service. The train leaves from either the main station (Hlavní nádraží) or in Prague 5, at Smíchovské nádraží. The journey time is about 40 minutes.
8. Cesky Krumlovz
Cesky Krumlov is a bit more of a trek away from Prague, 105 miles away you need to wake up early. This would be a good one night trip away from the city if you wanted to make the most of being here.
Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Bohemia. The town is well-preserved because it escaped the bombings in World War II. It is a great day trip from the capital of Czech Republic.
The architecture of the town is picturesque and totally authentic. With a medieval castle to match Cesky Krumlov is a must visit when in the Czech Republic. Take a stroll down the winding and cobbled streets and have dinner at one of the little, charming, family-run restaurants and meet the lovely local people.
The best way to reach Cesky Krumlov from Prague are by buses of FlixBus, RegioJet, or Leo Express with free onboard Wi-Fi, air conditioning, toilets, and seat table. There are also guided tour, Ceske Drahy railways train, car rentals, and private drivers.
See Also:
- Where to Stay in Prague for first-timers
- Where to Stay in Prague for Christmas Markets
- How many days in Prague is enough?
I hope you found your best day trips from Prague after reading this post, please share if you enjoyed it.