Beyond Prague: an Insider’s Guide
3 Czech Republic Destinations Worth the Detour (and One Hidden Gem)
Prague gets all the attention, and honestly, it deserves a lot of it. But if you've already wandered the Charles Bridge and climbed up to Prague Castle, or if you're planning a longer Czech trip and want to see more of what this country has to offer, there's a whole world waiting just outside the city limits. Here are three destinations I think are worth building into your itinerary, plus a bonus stop at the very end that most travelers never hear about. Read to the end to discover an under-the-radar spot you can't miss if Prague is your main destination.
Karlovy Vary: Bohemia's Spa Town of Colonnades and Thermal Springs
What Karlovy Vary Is Known For
Karlovy Vary, once known internationally as Karlsbad, has been a spa destination since the 14th century, when its natural hot springs first drew royalty and aristocrats from across Europe. The town's colonnades, those covered walkways where visitors have sipped mineral water from public fountains for centuries, are still the heart of the experience. The pastel-colored buildings lining the Teplá River, many built in the grand 19th-century style that made the town a favorite of European high society, make it one of the most photogenic stops in Bohemia.
I couldn't resist trying a beer spa while I was there, and I'm so glad I did. Picture soaking in a warm wooden tub of beer while being served fresh beer bread within arm's reach. It sounds strange until you try it, and then it just makes sense. You'll also want to pick up one of the little ceramic spouted cups sold in shops all over town, made specifically for sipping the hot mineral water straight from the fountains the way locals have for generations. And don't skip the funicular ride up to Diana Lookout Tower. The view over the town's rooftops and the surrounding forest is worth the short trip on its own.
Where to Eat and What to Try
Beyond the springs, Karlovy Vary has its own culinary identity worth planning around. Try the local Becherovka, an herbal liqueur produced in the town since the early 1800s, often sipped as a digestif or mixed into a cocktail. Oplatky, thin wafer cookies sold fresh from carts throughout the colonnades, make for an easy, affordable snack while you walk. For a sit-down meal, look for traditional Czech restaurants serving svíčková, a marinated beef dish in a creamy vegetable sauce, alongside a local pilsner.
While you're there, take a peek inside the Grand Hotel Pupp, even if you're not staying the night. It's appeared in films like Last Holiday and Casino Royale, and it's widely believed to have inspired Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel. Standing in the lobby, you'll immediately see why.
Is Karlovy Vary Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a slower, more restorative stop on your Czech itinerary. It pairs well as a day trip or overnight from Prague, roughly two hours away by car or bus, and it offers a genuinely different pace than the capital's busier streets.
Český Krumlov: A Fairy-Tale Town Frozen in Time
The Castle, the River Bend, and the Old Town
Český Krumlov is often described as looking like it was lifted straight from a storybook, and it's hard to argue once you see the Vltava River curling around the town's medieval core. Český Krumlov Castle, the second-largest castle complex in the country after Prague Castle, sits above the winding cobblestone streets and offers tours that include a Baroque theater still fitted with its original 18th-century stage machinery.
Yes, Český Krumlov has become something of an Instagram star, and the crowds moving through its narrow streets can absolutely attest to that. But don't let that put you off. Walking through the town still feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale, crowds and all. My best advice is to plan an overnight stay so you can experience the town once the day-trippers have cleared out. The light in the early morning and evening is a completely different experience.
Local Food and Where Value Shows Up
This is where the value really shines. A sit-down dinner with local trout or goulash and a Czech beer typically costs a fraction of what you'd pay for a similar meal in a Western European tourist town. Guesthouses and family-run pensions inside the old town often come in well under Prague hotel prices too, which makes an overnight stay here an easy addition without straining your travel budget.
How Many Days Do You Need in Český Krumlov?
One full day is enough to see the castle, wander the old town, and enjoy a leisurely meal, but staying overnight lets you experience the town at dusk and again in the early morning, once most visitors have headed back to Prague for the night.
Brno: The Czech Republic's Underrated Second City
Culture, Architecture, and a More Local Feel
Brno rarely makes a first-time visitor's list, which is exactly what makes it worth adding. As the Czech Republic's second-largest city, it has a livelier, more local rhythm than Prague's tourist-heavy center. Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of functionalist architecture designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, draws design lovers from around the world, while Špilberk Castle offers sweeping views over the city's rooftops.
Honestly, some of the best food I ate anywhere in the Czech Republic was in Brno. It's less touristy than Prague but offers just as much on a smaller, more manageable scale. I spent an afternoon exploring the underground tunnels beneath the city, then visited the Capuchin Crypt, which is fascinating and a little haunting in the best way. The Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul is also not to be missed. It sits high above the city and is genuinely one of the most beautiful churches I saw on the whole trip.
Food, Wine, and Café Culture
Brno sits close to South Moravia, the Czech Republic's main wine region, and the city's restaurant and wine bar scene reflects it. Expect a warm café culture, laid-back wine bars pouring regional whites, and a food scene that leans into modern Czech cooking rather than tourist-menu staples.
Is Brno Worth Visiting on a Czech Trip?
For travelers who've already spent time in Prague or who want a more authentic, less crowded city experience, absolutely. It's roughly two and a half hours from Prague by train and pairs naturally with a South Moravia wine excursion.
Voice Search Quick Answers
What is the second-best city to visit in the Czech Republic after Prague? Brno is generally considered the top alternative, with a strong culture and food scene and far fewer crowds.
Is Český Krumlov a day trip or overnight stay from Prague? Both work well, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the town once the day-trip crowds from Prague have left.
What is Karlovy Vary known for? Its centuries-old thermal spring tradition, its colonnade walkways, and the herbal liqueur Becherovka, which originated there.
Sample Itineraries
1. 5-Day Culture and Castles Loop Prague (2 nights) to Český Krumlov (1 night) to Brno (2 nights), returning to Prague by train. Great for travelers who want castles, old towns, and a taste of local city life without needing a rental car.
2. Spa and Countryside Escape Prague (2 nights) to Karlovy Vary (2 nights), with an easy, relaxed pace built in from the start. Ideal for travelers who want fewer transitions and more time to simply unwind.
3. Full Bohemia and Moravia Circuit Prague to Karlovy Vary to Český Krumlov to Brno, roughly 8 to 10 days, for travelers who want the fullest possible picture of the country beyond the capital.
Value for Money Breakdown
One of the most compelling reasons to build these stops into a Czech itinerary is how far your budget stretches compared to Western Europe. Meals, hotels, and guided tours in Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, and Brno typically run noticeably lower than comparable experiences in France, Italy, or even Prague's busiest tourist areas. That value doesn't come at the cost of quality either. Castle tours, regional wine, and traditional Czech cooking all hold their own against experiences you'd pay considerably more for elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Prague to Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, or Brno? All three are reachable by train or bus, and Karlovy Vary and Český Krumlov are also popular day-trip destinations by private car or organized tour.
Is it possible to visit all three in one trip? Yes, especially with 8 to 10 days available. A car rental or a mix of trains and short transfers makes it manageable.
What's the best time of year to visit these Czech destinations? Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable weather, though Karlovy Vary's spa culture and Brno's café scene both work well as shoulder-season or even winter stops.
Do I need to speak Czech to get around? Not really. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and larger cities like Brno, though a few basic Czech phrases go a long way in smaller towns.
Is Český Krumlov overcrowded like Prague can be? Day trips can bring crowds, especially in summer, but staying overnight lets you experience the town well outside peak day-trip hours.
How does the cost of this region compare to a Western Europe itinerary? Meals, lodging, and tours generally cost meaningfully less than comparable experiences in France or Italy, making this a strong value-focused addition to a European trip.
The Bonus: Chateau Mcely, an Under-the-Radar Countryside Escape
What Makes It Special
Tucked into the Czech countryside less than an hour from Prague, Chateau Mcely is a restored 17th-century estate turned boutique luxury hotel, surrounded by an English-style park and working gardens. It's the kind of place most travelers never hear about unless someone tells them directly, which is exactly why it earns its spot as the hidden gem in this guide. The property blends historic architecture with a genuinely restful, countryside pace that feels worlds away from Prague's crowds, despite the short drive.
Who It's Best For
Chateau Mcely is best suited to travelers who want to bookend a Prague trip with a night or two of quiet luxury, whether that's a couple celebrating an anniversary, honeymooners looking for a countryside retreat, or well-traveled visitors who've already done the classic Prague itinerary and want something different this time. It also works beautifully as a final stop before flying home, offering a slower, more restorative send-off after a busy Czech itinerary.
Curious how these destinations could fit into your own Czech Republic trip? Our team can help you build the right itinerary around them.
