6 Day Trip Ideas from Prague
Discover the best day trips from Prague, from fairytale towns like Český Krumlov to scenic nature in Bohemian Switzerland—perfect ideas for unforgettable one-day adventures.
I love Prague! I’ve visited Prague three times already, and somehow, every single trip led me to discover a new and exciting place just outside the city. While Prague itself is full of charm, history, and beautiful streets, stepping out for a day trip adds a completely different layer to your experience in the Czech Republic.
From fairytale towns to dramatic national parks and peaceful countryside landscapes, there are so many incredible places you can visit within just a few hours. If you’re planning your itinerary and wondering where to go beyond Prague, here are some of my favorite day trip ideas—easy to reach, memorable, and absolutely worth your time.
1. Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. The town is wrapped around the Vltava River, with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and a stunning castle overlooking everything from above.
It’s one of the most popular day trips from Prague—and for good reason. You can wander through the old town, climb the castle tower for panoramic views, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere by the river. Even though it’s small, there’s plenty to explore in a day.
Hightlights & tips:
- Climb the castle tower for the best panoramic view of the town
- Walk along the riverbanks or try canoeing in summer
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes—the streets are cobblestoned
Recommended tours: Český Krumlov Day Trip from Prague
Learn more: Best Things to Do in Český Krumlov
2. Bohemian Switzerland National Park
If you love nature, this is one of the best day trips you can take from Prague. Bohemian Switzerland National Park is famous for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep forests, and the iconic Pravčická Gate—the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe.
The hike to the viewpoints is incredibly rewarding, with breathtaking scenery along the way. You can also take a peaceful boat ride through the gorge, which adds a unique experience to the trip.
Hightlights & tips:
- Visit Pravčická Gate, the park’s most iconic landmark
- Take the boat ride through Edmund’s Gorge for a relaxing experience
- Wear hiking shoes—the trails can be steep and uneven
- Bring snacks and water, especially for longer hikes
Recommended tours: From Prague: Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland Semi Private Tour
Learn more: Bohemian Switzerland National Park Day Trip: A complete Guide
3. Kyjov & South Moravia
South Moravia is one of the most photogenic regions in the Czech Republic, yet it’s still relatively unknown compared to other destinations. Think rolling hills, soft golden fields, winding roads, and peaceful vineyards—it really does feel like a hidden version of Tuscany. That’s why it has another nickname: Moravian Tuscany.
The small town of Kyjov is a great base to explore the area, with its charming square and local culture. This trip is perfect if you enjoy photography, countryside landscapes, or simply want to escape the crowds.
To get here, it takes around 2.5 hours driving one way from Prague, and driving is definitely the best option since the region is full of scattered viewpoints and small countryside roads. Although it’s a bit far, it’s still doable as a long day trip, especially if you start early. If you have more time, I recommend staying one night in Brno to explore both the city and South Moravia at a more relaxed pace.
Hightlights & tips:
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful light
- Explore the rolling hills around Kyjov and nearby villages
- Rent a car if possible—it’s easier to reach viewpoints
- Combine with a local wine tasting experience
4. Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora is one of the easiest and most fascinating day trips from Prague. It’s only about an hour away, making it perfect if you don’t want to travel too far.
The highlight here is the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Bone Church, decorated with thousands of human bones—both eerie and unforgettable. The town is also home to the stunning St. Barbara’s Church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Hightlights & tips:
- Visit the Bone Church early to avoid crowds
- Don’t miss St. Barbara’s Church—it’s truly impressive
- Combine both main sites in one visit—they’re close to each other
- Perfect half-day trip if you’re short on time
Recommended tours:
5. Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a beautiful spa town known for its colorful buildings, elegant colonnades, and natural hot springs. Walking along the river, you’ll see people sipping mineral water from traditional spa cups—a local experience you shouldn’t miss.
The town has a very relaxed and slightly luxurious vibe, making it perfect for a slow and scenic day trip.
Hightlights & tips:
- Try the thermal spring water using a traditional spa cup
- Walk along the colonnades and enjoy the architecture
- Visit the Diana Observation Tower for panoramic views
- Don’t forget to taste the famous spa wafers (oplatky)
Recommended tours:
6. Dresden (Germany)
If you feel like crossing the border, Dresden in Germany is a fantastic option. Just about 2 hours from Prague, this city offers a completely different atmosphere with its grand baroque architecture and rich cultural history.
The Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and the old town area are all highlights you can explore in a day. If you visit during winter, the Christmas markets here are absolutely magical.
It’s a great way to add another country to your trip without much extra effort.
Hightlights & tips:
- Visit Frauenkirche and climb the dome for city views
- Explore Zwinger Palace and its museums
- Walk along the Elbe River for scenic views
- Visit during Christmas season for magical markets
Recommended tours:
Practical Tips for a Trip to Prague
Prague is a large city located at the heart of Europe, earning it the nickname “the heart of Europe.” With over 7 million tourists visiting each year, Prague is always bustling and crowded. To have a wonderful experience in the capital of the Czech Republic, make sure to keep the following travel tips in mind.
Best Time of Year to Visit Prague
I’ve visited Prague once in the winter during Christmas, once in early spring, and once in the summer. Each season in Prague is beautiful and charming, with differences in weather, scenery, and festivals.
Prague in Winter is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 5°C. Snow typically falls in January and February, creating breathtakingly beautiful snowy landscapes, especially at Prague Castle and Old Town Square. From late November to the end of December, the city is decorated by twinkling lights and massive Christmas trees to celebrate the holiday season. The Christmas market in Old Town Square is an activity you can’t miss if you visit Prague during this time. However, winter skies are often overcast; if you need vibrant blue skies for landscape photos, this might not be the best time for you.
Prague in Spring, Summer, and Fall offers more pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 30°C. There are more sunny days during these seasons, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. However, summer in Prague can sometimes be quite hot, with occasional rain showers. Due to the large number of tourists and temperatures that can exceed 30°C, exploring Prague during this season might be more exhausting. I experienced the July heat in Prague, and my advice is to bring plenty of water and apply sunscreen.
What to Eat and Drink in Prague
Prague is a culinary paradise in my heart! Everything from main courses to desserts and beer is incredibly delicious. I’m particularly fond of Czech open-faced sandwiches (Chlebíčky) with pickles, cold cuts, boiled eggs, and various delectable sauces; the unique bread dumplings; and the excellent dark beers. Here are a few of my favorite spots in Prague, all offering very affordable prices, and places I’ve revisited every time I’m in the city:
- Naše maso: This tiny butcher shop has a few seats for customers to enjoy their meals on-site. It’s always busy, so be prepared to wait in line. My favorite dishes here are the beef tartar and beef steak—the quality of the meat and the preparation are outstanding.
- Lokál: A chain of Czech restaurants serving traditional Czech dishes and fresh beer. There are about six Lokál restaurants around Prague, so you can easily find one near you. I’ve tried three of the six locations, and I’ve always been satisfied. The prices are very reasonable.
- Jizerske Pekarny: A bakery offering a wide variety of tempting Czech pastries. It’s inexpensive and conveniently located right in Old Town Square. Be sure to try the Czech open-faced sandwiches. Other pastries are also delicious.
- Kolacherie: A small café in the Old Town. I visit this place for the Czech poppy seed torte. However, the café is quite small, so you might need to get your order to go.
- For Vietnamese food lovers: Being Vietnamese myself, and with Prague having a large Vietnamese community, I’ve tried several Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Năm – Viet Kitchen left the best impression on me, with its authentic Vietnamese decor and well-prepared dishes. Additionally, if you can, visit the Sapa Market on the outskirts of Prague. This is a Vietnamese market, a true Vietnamese culinary heaven right in the capital of the Czech Republic. When visiting Sapa Market, be sure to bring cash as some shops do not accept card payments.
Where is the Best Area to Stay in Prague?
The central areas are, of course, the most ideal places to stay during your trip. The main central districts are Old Town (Staré Město), Lesser Town (Malá Strana), New Town (Nové Město), and Josefov (Jewish Quarter). Staying in these areas gives you easy access to most of the city’s major attractions, making your experience much more convenient and enjoyable.
However, accommodations further from the center are usually cheaper, though they can be a bit less convenient in terms of getting around. During my trip to Prague in 2018, I stayed at A&O Hostel in Prague 08, which was quite far from the center but very affordable and safe.
Keep in mind that Prague is a large city, so when choosing your accommodation, be sure to check how easy it is to travel to the city center. This will let you make the most of your time exploring the beautiful Prague.
How to Get to Prague City Centre from the Airport
The main airport in Prague is Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), located to the west of the city. You have several options to get to the city center, including public transportation, the airport express bus, taxi, or car hire.
– Public Transportation: It’s fantastic that Prague’s public transportation connects directly to the airport without any extra charges beyond the regular public transportation ticket. It takes about an hour to travel from the city center to the airport using public transportation. The information provided by Google Maps is accurate for public transportation in Prague, so you can confidently follow the directions suggested by Google Maps.
– Airport Express Bus (AE line): You’ll need to purchase a separate ticket to use the Airport Express Bus to get to Prague. The ticket costs CZK 100 (approximately 4 EUR). The advantage of this option is that it saves you time compared to public transportation, with a travel time of about 40 minutes to the main train station.
– Taxi/Car Sharing/Car Hire: You can take a taxi or use car-sharing services from Prague Airport, with fares ranging from 600 to 800 CZK (23-32 EUR). Alternatively, you can rent a car directly from the airport, which can be convenient if you plan to travel around during your stay.
How Much is Public Transport in Prague?
Public transport in Prague is both affordable and efficient, covering buses, trams, and the metro. Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices:
- Basic Ticket (90 minutes): 40 CZK (about 1.70 USD)
- Short-Term Ticket (30 minutes): 30 CZK (about 1.30 USD)
- 24-Hour Ticket: 120 CZK (about 5 USD)
- 72-Hour Ticket: 330 CZK (about 14 USD)
You can purchase basic and short-term tickets online or from ticket machines in trams, city buses, and metro stations. However, the 24-hour and 72-hour tickets are only available for purchase online and at metro stations + some surface transport stops. Remember to validate your ticket when you first enter the metro, tram, or bus, and keep the ticket with you carefully.
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