1. Kutna Hora – a stunning hillside town with a UNESCO World Heritage Site status
Though it’s known as “the City of Silver” for its once overflowing mines, you’re less likely to find precious metals as you are in medieval cathedrals, impressive landscapes, and an alluring gothic church adorned with human skeletons.
With these unique, yet quirky, attractions, it’s no wonder people have been flooding to this UNESCO World Heritage Site for years.
To see the best this Central Bohemian city has to offer, plan to spend a day wandering the web of cobble-stoned streets that interlock both the monumental St. Barbara’s Church and the skeleton-embellished Sedlec Ossuary.
Other attractions range from beer spas to coin stamping and chocolate beer tastings.
To witness Kutna Hora’s true beauty, head up to St. Barbara’s Church at sunset and watch an orange summer sun settle over a sea of red clay roofs.
Don’t forget a blanket and a bottle of wine for a romantic evening in Bohemia!
2. Bohemian Switzerland National Park – a magnificent national park to explore in the Czech Republic which offers incredible hikes and beautiful bridges
A spectacular day trip from Prague, this beautiful national park is well known for its tremendous rock formations and cascading waterfalls.
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains divide this park and the nearby Saxon National Park of Germany into two sides, with Bohemian Switzerland being known for its vast forestry and rolling landscapes.
Visitors travel from around the world to take a boat ride along the striking Kamenice riverbank and Kamnitz Gorge and look up at the vibrant- and steep- surrounding ravine.
Other great attractions in the area include Pravcická Brána, a naturally formed rock bridge that is world-famous for its appearance in the award-winning film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and the Bastei Bridge which offers the most sensational views of the Elbe mountains.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park offers breathtaking views of some of the most magnificent mountains in not only the Czech Republic, but Europe, and should be at the top of any Czech itinerary. Easily one of the most stunning places to visit in the Czech Republic!
3. Ostrava – a charming town which is a fantastic under-the-radar spot to visit
A charming square and lively night scenes make the far eastern city of Ostrava stand out from the rest. Starting in Masaryk Square, visitors can stroll the checkered pavement and gaze at Czechia’s tallest town hall, religious statues, and water fountains.
Just 15 km from the borders of Slovakia and Poland, this city offers wonderful opportunities to experience the beauty of several countries at once.
Known for its weekend nightlife, head to Stodolní Street like the locals do and hit a few of the numerous bars, jazz houses, and disco clubs serving up cocktails and live music.
During the week, this popular street quiets down and many people are found enjoying lunch in the lovely square and exploring the city’s unique mining history.
Popular amongst tourists is the Dolní oblast Vítkovice, an industrial heritage site offering tours to its mining museums and live concerts in a former gas container.
Nestled in the Beskid Mountains on the Ostravice River, Ostrava is one city that has it all: nature, charm, and history.
4. Prague – Czech Republic’s magical capital which a must-see visit
This is definitely one of the must-see places to visit in the Czech Republic. Aptly named the “City of a Hundred Spires,” the Prague skyline is interrupted by towering cathedrals adorned with steeples, all topped with wrought iron crosses that pierce the skies.
Czechia’s capital is one of the most popular cities to visit on any European itinerary, and for good reason! You’ll find yourself spending countless hours wandering its many original cobble-stoned streets while exploring innumerable authentic restaurants, bars, local shops and gorgeous boutique hotels.
The town seems to be suspended in time in the glory days of the 10th century with its traditional food market hosted in Wenceslas Square and its functional astronomical clock in the Old Town Square.
Stroll across the lovely pedestrian-only Charles Bridge lined with statues of Catholic saints into the Lesser Town, home to popular sites including the Prague Castle and St. Nicholas Church.
Prague is one of the best places in the Czech Republic to immerse yourself in its exciting culture, dive deep into the creative and delicious cuisine, and find yourself seeking more time in this beautiful country.
5. Český Krumlov – a storybook town which is one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic
Fairytales await in this popular Southern Bohemian town walled with endless green trees and encircled by the meandering Vltava River.
This 14th-century town boasts Renaissance-era castles and homes and is full of exciting activities as well as the opportunity to relax in a traditional European surroundings.
There is no wonder Český Krumlov has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its enveloped setting and intimate way of life; visitors flock from all over the globe just to walk its narrow streets and photograph its striking beauty!
For a birds-eye view of the town, visitors can hike up the nearby Mount Klet’, a 1,084-meter-high mountain offering phenomenal views of the town and on a clear day, the Alps! Český Krumlov has been named one of the most beautiful places in all of Czechia and well deserves the recognition.
6. Karlovy Vary – an attractive spa town to explore in the heart of Western Bohemia
Karlovy Vary is world-renowned for its magnificent thermal spas and hot springs and puts a strong focus on relaxation and rejuvenation.
The town is delicately perched on the Oh?e, Teplá, and Rolava rivers and is made up of whimsical colors and extravagant architecture which entices even the most jaded of travelers.
The town is known to have more than 300 hot springs, both large and small, so there’s plenty of natural baths for everyone.
For those not interested in a spa day, the immaculate 19th century Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul and the Museum Karlovy Vary offer exceptional alternatives for those looking to learn more about the history and art scene of the town.
Easily distinguished by its colonnades, hot springs, and lovely fountains, Karlovy Vary is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic.
7. Šumava National Park – an untouched Biosphere Reserve covered in lush mountains and crystal-clear glacial lakes
Divided between Czechia and Germany, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve paves the way for nature enthusiasts with its commitment to the protection of the land and its dedication to ensuring this beautiful, untouched area is preserved for future generations.
In Šumava, you’ll find few to no tourist facilities and frequent signs asking visitors to stay on the dedicated trails, along with miles of endless beauty.
A perfect day trip from both Český Krumlov and Písek, this truly wild landscape is bustling with a plethora of activities for everyone young and old ranging from hiking to cross-country skiing, and beyond!
As the largest national park in the country, you’ll find everything in Šumava from glacial lakes, densely forested mountains, cascading waterfalls, and long plateaus of grasslands.
Be sure to hike up to the Poledník Mountain and climb the lookout tower for incredible 360-degree views of the adjacent mountains and valleys below.
Šumava National Park provides its visitors with a relaxing escape from civilization where they can take some time to explore the country’s immeasurable beauty.
8. Mikulov – a historically significant town bursting with culture and a striking 18th-century castle
Mikulov is one of the best towns in the region for history enthusiasts due to its famous Mikulov Castle. Originally erected in the 13th century and rebuilt following World War II, the castle now hosts tours to educate visitors on its surprising past conflicts with the royal family and its importance during the 18th and 19th centuries. The castle continues to act as the star undoubtedly for its dominant location above the town and striking appearance.
Nowadays, the region is well known for wine-making, and its charming market square full of pastel-colored buildings and romantic landscape. While Mikulov was once part of a dark history during the 19th century, it is now bursting with culture and beauty just waiting to be discovered once again.
9. Kromíž – a romantic town perfect for the art lover to visit and explore
Set on the Moravia River, this town is best known for its glorious palace with acres of endless blossoming gardens and romantic walkways to stroll. Meticulously manicured islands and plentiful bridges and ponds can also be found within the Chateau Garden surrounding the palace.
In this bright and unique setting, travelers can admire Kromíž fascinating monuments and idyllic squares. Visit during the summer to experience the true intimacy and beauty of this Moravian town.
10. Telč – a vibrant and colorful town which is a wonderful place to explore in the Czech Republic
As one of the Czech Republic’s many proud UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Telc does not disappoint. The gothic 15th-century church of St. James is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and incredible views of the castle gardens, town, and quaint countryside from the watchtower.
Visitors can also enjoy underground beer cellars or take a historic walking tour of the recently renovated homes made to better represent the Renaissance history of the town.
A leading town on this list for its pastel, cookie-cutter houses, and quaint waterfront setting, Telc is a storybook town that surely shouldn’t be missed.
Despite its tiny size, Telc packs a colorful punch of beauty with its dramatic watchtower, stunning church, and awe-inspiring countryside.
11. Krkonoše National Park – a perfect attraction in the Czech Republic for outdoor lovers
Situated deep in the Krkonoše Mountains of the Liberec and Hradec Králové regions lies the scenic Krkonoše National Park. This untamed area offers the highest mountain peaks in the country, alpine meadows covered in wildflowers, and a unique hiking system packed with trails of all difficulty levels.
The park is most popular in winter, as it is mainly known for its winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, and snowkiting on the impressive Sn?žka (Snow Mountain), summiting at 1,602 meters.
As the oldest national park in the country, this is the best place to escape the chaos of the big cities and immerse yourself in nature.
Expect to find sweeping landscapes, jagged rock climbs, and terrific, long-distance visibility on clear days. Krkonoše National Park is the ultimate getaway for nature enthusiasts, families, and couples looking to explore the inherent beauty of the Czech Republic.
12. Brno – Czechia’s second-largest city full of elegant castles, panoramic views and charming squares
The city of Brno is popular amongst young travelers for its universities, local nightlife, and similarities to Prague, though it has its own unique characteristics not found anywhere else in the Czech Republic.
If you’ve researched Brno you are probably familiar with its famed Špilberk Castle and Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on Petrov Hill.
While these activities are popular among tourists, the St. James Church Ossuary and the available hike up Petrov Hill to the top tower of the castle are far more enticing for people seeking off-the-beaten-path activities.
The Ossuary underneath St. James Church is not for the faint of heart. For those who dare to take a peek inside will find thousands of human remains from medieval times; slightly unnerving, but also incredible to learn about.
For stunning views of the castle and the Brno suburbs below, enjoy a short hike up Petrov Hill. Trust me, the panoramic views of the city will reward you for your efforts.
If you’re up for it, head to the top of the castle tower for the best visibility! Brno also has several quaint squares and a charming farmers market, Cabbage Market, offering everything from fresh produce, original pieces of artwork and homemade ice cream.
Don’t let “charming” fool you though; this market is even larger and offers more products than Prague’s Wenceslas Square Market, but is less known by tourists.
That’s the beauty of it! Brno is an exciting city recognized for its exquisite castle, red clay roofs, and influential medieval history.
13. Písek – a picturesque town that balances the beauty of nature and history
Full of medieval charm and fairytale homes, Písek is a smaller version of Prague with the focal point of the town being the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic.
You’ll still get the traditional old town feel along with interesting nooks and crannies and beautiful architecture, but fewer tourists and the lovely Otava river set in a thick woodland area. If traveling between cities, Písek is a wonderful pit stop to take in the local beauty of the small towns of Czechia.
14. Plzen – a small city that should be on your Czech Republic itinerary
Easily perceived by the name, the city is best known for the infamous Pilsner Urquell brewery, the home of the original pilsner lager. But, Plzen has a lot more to offer than just beer.
You simply just have to go underground to find it… that’s right! On the surface, Plzen boasts its beer heritage and has many similar characteristics to other popular places in the Czech Republic.
Beautiful squares, gothic towers, storybook homes, and vibrant markets all make an appearance. But, the unique beauty of the city lives underneath where history has been paused and time has not passed since the gothic times of 14th-century Plzen.
Here, you’ll find a meandering network of gothic subterranean tunnels overflowing with medieval history. Arched hallways that remind you of hobbit homes, beautiful wells, and well-preserved cannons are sure to lure any traveler.
While Plzen closely imitates other Czech cities, its beauty is best seen from below the surface, where history has stopped in its tracks.
15. Rešov Waterfalls – a wonderful Czech beauty spot to explore
In the southwestern reaches of the Nízký Jeseník mountains, the Huntava stream carved out what are now known as the Rešov falls.
The series of cascading rapids beautifully topple one over another, making them a popular destination for hikers and nature admirers.
Visitors can enjoy walking, hiking, and bike riding along the canyons and footbridges into forestry well known for its rare species of plant life.
For a special twist, visitors can seek out an abandoned medieval castle deep in the forests of the mountains (but easily found with marked trails and signs). The stunning Rešov Waterfalls provide a tranquil escape from an otherwise chaotic country flocked by tourists.
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By blogger Emily Cuneo from EmilyEmbarks.com For the last 8 years, Emily has been traveling all over Europe with her travel buddy Sean in search of the best cities, local edens, accommodations, food, and adventurous excursions. You can also find them on her Instagram page.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.