Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
The Czech Republic packs a surprisingly dense concentration of historical sites, preserved landscapes, and cities with distinct charm into a relatively compact territory. Thanks to a dense and punctual network of trains and buses, most iconic locations remain accessible within a few hours from Prague, making it an ideal destination for a first trip to Central Europe or a more specialized thematic stay. From medieval castles and UNESCO-listed historic centers to forest-covered mountains, spectacular caves, and spa towns once frequented by crowned heads, the country offers a heritage-rich experience that is hard to match.
Prague, the Historic and Cultural Heart of the Country
It’s impossible to discuss the must-see tourist sites in the Czech Republic without starting with Prague. The capital, nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” itself forms a summary of the country’s history, its legends, and its political upheavals. Its historic center, stretching on both sides of the Vltava River, is among the first Czech sites inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and condenses a millennium of architecture, from Romanesque to Cubism, passing through Baroque and Art Nouveau.
Prague’s charm lies first in its urban structure: four historic cores, long independent, were united in the 18th century to form the current city. Hradčany, the Castle District, dominates the Vltava from a rocky spur. At the foot of the hill, Malá Strana, the “Lesser Town,” lines up Baroque palaces and terraced gardens. On the other side of the river, the Old Town (Staré Město) and the New Town (Nové Město) share monumental squares, burgher houses, hidden passages, and century-old cafés. Add to this the Jewish Quarter of Josefov, whose preserved synagogues tell the story of several centuries of Jewish presence in the heart of Bohemia.
Prague Castle, Symbol of a Millennium of Power
Perched on its hill, Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) dominates the capital and alone concentrates a large part of the country’s political history. It is not just a fortress but a vast complex of palaces, religious buildings, towers, and gardens, earning it a listing in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Since the 9th century, it has served as the seat of Přemyslid princes, kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, presidents of Czechoslovakia, and now the president of the Czech Republic.
Visits to the main monuments are via paid circuits, but the courtyards and gardens are often free for a large part of the day. The site shows an architectural evolution, from the Romanesque of St. George’s Basilica to the flamboyant Gothic of St. Vitus Cathedral, with Baroque and Modernist additions. The cathedral houses the tombs of kings and saints, as well as the Bohemian Crown Jewels, which are rarely displayed.
During the walk, the visitor moves from the Old Royal Palace and its vast Vladislav Hall – once used for banquets and even indoor tournaments – to Golden Lane, a small row of colorful little houses that once housed artisans, guards, and, for a time, writer Franz Kafka. The defense towers, like Daliborka or Mihulka, recall the site’s military past, while the gardens on the southern slope and the Deer Moat offer spectacular viewpoints over the city’s rooftops.
To summarize the main assets of Prague and its castle, they can be compared in the table below.
| Main Asset | Detail for Prague | Detail for Prague Castle |
|---|---|---|
| Historical Role | Political and cultural capital since the Middle Ages | Seat of sovereigns, emperors, and presidents |
| UNESCO Listing | Historic center inscribed in 1992 | Included within the “Historic Center of Prague” |
| Iconic Monument | Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock | St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Royal Palace |
| Panorama | Views from Letná, Petřín, Vyšehrad | Vistas from the gardens and the cathedral’s south towers |
| Access | Metro, tram, national and international trains | Tram, metro (Malostranská) then walk or tram ride up |
Other Must-Sees in the Capital
At the foot of the castle, the famous Charles Bridge connects the Old Town to Malá Strana. This Gothic bridge, lined with Baroque statues, remains one of the country’s most photographed spots. Very busy during the day, it takes on a more mysterious appearance early in the morning or late at night, when street musicians and artists give way to the ripple of the Vltava.
On Prague’s right bank, Old Town Square is a central point with its colorful facades, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, whose mechanism animates a procession of figurines every hour. Nearby, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) features synagogues, museums, and the Old Jewish Cemetery, remnants of one of Central Europe’s most significant ghettos.
However, Prague is not limited to its Medieval heritage. On the heights, Petřín Hill, accessible by funicular, offers a large park dotted with an observation tower reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, a mirror maze, and an astronomical observatory. Further south, the Vyšehrad Fortress and its cemetery, where famous writers, composers, and politicians are buried, offer a calmer alternative to the tourist bustle of the center. And everywhere, traces of the Communist era and the democratic transition – like the Lennon Wall or the nuclear bunker museum – complete the picture of a city where all layers of Czech history intersect.
For a general discovery stay, most travelers spend between three to five days in Prague, leaving time to combine iconic monuments, museums, parks, and some day trips.
Český Krumlov, the Fairy-Tale Setting of South Bohemia
About three hours’ drive south of the capital, Český Krumlov offers a concentrated dose of preserved medieval charm that often earns it a description as a fairy-tale town. Nestled in an “S” bend of the Vltava River, it escaped destruction in recent conflicts, particularly World War II. Its historic center is also among the first Czech sites listed by UNESCO, notably for its almost-intact medieval urban layout.
The old town is organized around Svornosti Square, surrounded by merchants’ houses with Renaissance or Baroque facades. In the cobblestone lanes, car traffic is heavily restricted, which strengthens the feeling of stepping back in time once day-trippers leave in the evening. This is actually one of the reasons to spend at least one night there, to enjoy the evening calm and the lights on the castle.
Český Krumlov Castle, the Country’s Second Largest
Overlooking the town from a rocky promontory, Český Krumlov State Castle forms, after Prague Castle, the most extensive castle complex in the Czech Republic. First mentioned in the 13th century, it now comprises about forty buildings around five successive courtyards, an arrangement that allows one to physically feel the layering of eras and styles, from Gothic to the Baroque period.
The site is distinguished by a moat inhabited by bears, a heraldic tradition dating back to the 18th century. While the courtyards and gardens have free access, visiting the interiors (state rooms and apartments) is by guided tour only and requires planning, as full tours are not offered in winter.
Within the complex, the castle’s Baroque theater holds a truly unique place. Only two theaters of this type survive in the world, entirely preserved with 18th-century original sets, machinery, and equipment, and Český Krumlov’s is one of them. Tours, limited in number, run from early May to late October and generally require advance booking, especially for an English-language guided tour.
Castle Tower, Gardens, and the Vltava
The silhouette of the castle tower, a tall, colorful round tower, serves almost as the town’s logo. Built in phases between the 13th and 16th centuries, it is climbed via a spiral staircase of about 160 steps. The effort is rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view over the red roofs, the loop of the Vltava, and the surrounding wooded hills.
Behind the castle, extend your visit to the vast terraced garden laid out in the 18th century around a Neptune fountain. This garden hosts a revolving open-air auditorium, a circular structure that pivots to orient the audience toward the stage or the natural backdrop. A program of performances is held there each summer. During high season, it is advisable to book your tickets several months in advance.
Yet the other great stage of Český Krumlov is the Vltava itself. As soon as the good weather arrives, the river fills with kayaks, rafts, and canoes floating downstream and navigating the small urban rapids. More tranquil boat rides are also possible, notably to discover the town from a different angle. In winter, the central square hosts a Christmas market, while several festivals punctuate the year, including a medieval festival in June and a classical music festival in summer.
To give an idea of the town’s main characteristics, here is a summary table.
| Key Element | Description in Český Krumlov |
|---|---|
| Listing | UNESCO-listed historic center |
| Dominating Site | State Castle (2nd largest in the country) and panoramic tower |
| Urban Configuration | Vltava River meander dividing the town into several loops |
| Major Activities | Guided castle tour, Baroque theater, river sports, local museums |
| Access from Prague | Frequent direct buses (~3 hrs), train with connection, road (~2–2.5 hrs) |
Museums, Accommodations, and Practical Life
Beyond its castle, Český Krumlov offers several museums that complement the visit. The Egon Schiele Art Centrum, housed in a former brewery, highlights the Austrian painter who stayed here in the early 20th century. The Fotoatelier Seidel Museum preserves the studio and archives of a local photographer, offering a rare look at the bourgeois and rural life of the region at the turn of the last century. The regional museum presents, among other things, a large ceramic model of the town, useful for understanding its layout.
Discover the town’s cultural and historical treasures, from its Gothic architecture to its living traditions.
An emblematic Gothic building dominating the town’s skyline, open to lovers of religious heritage.
Founded in the 14th century, it now hosts exhibitions, workshops, and sometimes accommodations.
Celebrates the Czech tradition of puppet theater, inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The town has a varied range of accommodations, from hostels to boutique hotels in historic houses. Given the irregular cobblestone lanes and slopes, comfortable shoes are highly recommended, and visitors with reduced mobility should expect some obstacles. The high season of July and August sees many visitors; opting for late spring or early autumn allows for a more peaceful atmosphere.
The Triangle of Spa Towns in Western Bohemia
In the west of the country, Bohemia stands out for another set of must-see sites: the historic spa towns, now grouped with other European towns as part of a large World Heritage site titled “The Great Spa Towns of Europe.” Three names dominate this landscape of colonnades and mineral springs: Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, forming the famous spa triangle of Western Bohemia.
These towns developed around springs with curative properties exploited for centuries, long before the rise of modern medicine. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the arrival of the railway transformed these mountain villages into fashionable destinations where aristocrats, crowned heads, artists, and scientists came to cure their ailments. After post-war nationalizations, the spa establishments became accessible to the working classes, then gradually returned to private ownership.
Karlovy Vary, European Capital of Spa Culture
Karlovy Vary, once known as Carlsbad, holds a special place in Czech tourism. It is, after Prague, the most visited destination in the country, and by far the most famous spa town. The town occupies a steep-sided valley on the Teplá River, lined with Belle Époque, Neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Renaissance buildings that form a very harmonious setting.
The Vřídlo spring gushes at over 70°C (158°F), powering a geyser that can reach up to a dozen meters in height.
Among these colonnades, the Mill Colonnade, with its long rows of Corinthian columns, impresses with its size. The Market Colonnade, entirely of carved wood in a mountain style, contrasts with its lightness. The cast-iron Park Colonnade, the Castle Colonnade integrated into a hotel, and the more functionalist building of the Hot Spring Colonnade complete the picture. The walk naturally extends onto marked trails that climb into the surrounding forest to viewpoints and pavilions, including the Diana Observation Tower, also accessible by a historic funicular.
Karlovy Vary is not just a spa town; it is also a cultural scene. Each summer, the town hosts one of the oldest film festivals in the world, now a major event for Central and Eastern Europe. Screenings and meetings take place notably around the Hotel Thermal, a large modernist building that contrasts with the neighboring historic silhouettes.
The town is famous for its Spa wafers, best enjoyed warm, and for the Becherovka liqueur, a national symbol whose history is presented at the Jan Becher Museum. Art lovers can also visit the Moser glassworks, founded in the 19th century, whose creations adorn many aristocratic tables.
Mariánské Lázně, Neoclassical Elegance and Cold Springs
About thirty kilometers from Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně presents a more peaceful face of spa culture. The second largest Czech spa town, it developed later, in the 19th century, on formerly marshy land. Where Karlovy Vary treats with hot springs, Mariánské Lázně stands out with over forty cold springs, around 7 to 10°C (45-50°F), reputed to be beneficial for kidneys, the digestive system, certain skin conditions, and respiratory disorders.
The town strikes with its bright neoclassical architecture, dominated by yellow and white facades. A large colonnade, the Maxim Gorky Colonnade, offers a long covered arcade decorated with Neo-Baroque motifs, housing some of the main springs. On the central square, a musical fountain, called the “singing fountain,” animates days and evenings with water displays synchronized to pieces of music.
The town offers peaceful walks in its parks and forests, as well as unusual visits like the Boheminium miniature park, presenting models of Czech monuments. For accommodation, several historic hotels specializing in spa treatments retain period equipment (pools, cabins), recalling the splendor of past aristocratic stays.
Františkovy Lázně, Neoclassical Serenity
Smaller and more peaceful than its neighbors, Františkovy Lázně completes the spa triangle with an even more intimate style. Founded at the end of the 18th century and named in honor of Emperor Francis I, the town is organized around carefully designed parks and light-colored neoclassical buildings. About twenty cold mineral springs, rich in carbon dioxide, are exploited here, with a historical specialization in gynecological care, fertility issues, and various circulatory and musculoskeletal conditions.
The gentleness of the environment inspired many famous visitors. The poet Goethe called the place a “paradise on earth,” and the spa tradition has continued in modernized forms, with thermal pools and aquatic centers, while retaining an atmosphere far removed from urban bustle. For a traveler seeking a slower pace, it is an ideal stop between larger towns.
To quickly compare the three spa towns, the table below summarizes their distinctive features.
| Spa Town | Type of Springs and Main Specialization | Urban Ambiance and Major Assets |
|---|---|---|
| Karlovy Vary | Hot springs, numerous colonnades, varied treatments | Largest and most visited, Belle Époque architecture, film festival |
| Mariánské Lázně | Cold springs (7–10°C), kidneys, digestion, skin, respiration | Neoclassical architecture, parks, musical fountain, miniature park |
| Františkovy Lázně | Cold springs rich in CO₂, gynecological, cardiovascular treatments | Very calm small spa, Neoclassicism, vast gardens |
Other Spa Towns and Wellness Experiences
Beyond this famous triangle, the Czech Republic has a mosaic of other spa towns that each, on their own scale, constitute original destinations.
Teplice, for example, is considered the oldest spa town in the country, with exploitation of springs dating back to the Bronze Age. Its hot waters, around 41°C (106°F), are believed to be tens of thousands of years old and now feed one of the largest thermal pool complexes in the Czech Republic. Several European sovereigns, including Russian tsars and Austro-Hungarian emperors, stayed here.
The Jáchymov spa, in the Ore Mountains, is the first in the world to use slightly radioactive (radon) waters for medical cures. Under medical supervision, these waters are used to relieve certain musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. The architecture of historic hotels, like the Radium Palace, testifies to the past enthusiasm for these modern therapies, which attracted patients from all over Europe.
In a different vein, Třeboň combines a spa town with a fish farming tradition, with peat baths reputed for their effects on the locomotor system. Luhačovice, further east in the heart of Moravia, specializes in respiratory problems and stands out with buildings influenced by architect Dušan Jurkovič, who blended vernacular and Art Nouveau inspirations.
Some establishments, like the family-run Chodovar brewery, rely on originality by offering beer baths. Their complex is based on vats of hot water mixed with hops and other brewing ingredients, promising relaxation and softened skin. This concept is halfway between a playful balneotherapy and a marketing operation for the brewery.
Finally, even towns without natural springs, like Prague, have seen the proliferation of high-end hotel spas, sometimes installed in historic buildings – like a converted former convent – and offering a range of treatments reflecting the rise of wellness tourism across the country.
Other UNESCO Jewels: Historic Centers and Cultural Landscapes
UNESCO offers a good prism for spotting the country’s most remarkable sites, beyond the trio of Prague–Český Krumlov–Spa Triangle. With seventeen inscribed properties, sixteen cultural and one natural, the Czech Republic is among the European countries richest in protected sites relative to its size.
Among the first inscribed is the historic center of Telč, a small town in the Vysočina region. Its layout dates back to a 14th-century urban project, articulated around a large triangular square lined with Renaissance and Baroque houses with decorated facades, connected by continuous arcades. At one end, a Renaissance castle overlooks a body of water, adding to the picture-postcard character of the whole. The absence of major industrialization in the 19th century preserved this exceptional urban layout and decor.
The town of Třebíč, in the Czech Republic, has a unique UNESCO site grouping its Jewish Quarter and the Basilica of St. Procopius. This joint inscription celebrates the historically close coexistence between Christian and Jewish communities. The well-preserved ghetto features houses with workshops on the ground floor and living quarters upstairs. Its Jewish cemetery contains graves from the 15th century. Nearby, the basilica, built on a former Benedictine monastery, combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
Kutná Hora, a former silver mining center, tells another facet of Bohemian history. Its mining wealth in the late Middle Ages made it a rival town to Prague, endowed with a spectacular Gothic cathedral, St. Barbara’s, whose frescoes evoke the work of miners. In the neighboring Sedlec district, the Church of the Assumption was remodeled in the 18th century in a highly personal Baroque style, while the ossuary chapel, better known as the Sedlec Ossuary or “bone church,” intrigues visitors with its decoration entirely made of human remains, gathered and arranged in the 19th century.
In South Moravia, the cultural landscape of Lednice–Valtice illustrates another form of heritage: that of a vast aristocratic estate transformed into a landscaped park between the 17th and 20th centuries. Over nearly 200 km², the Dukes of Liechtenstein placed castles, pavilions, churches, follies, and avenues, in a spirit inspired by English gardens. Lednice Castle, remodeled in a Neo-Gothic style, and Valtice Castle, more Baroque, frame a patchwork of forests, fishponds, vineyards, and picturesque small monuments.
Other inscribed sites, like the Renaissance Castle of Litomyšl or the gardens and castle of Kroměříž, further enrich this itinerary. The first, with its facade entirely treated in sgraffito, offers a rare example of a noble country residence remaining almost intact in its environment. The second, residence of the Archbishops of Olomouc, combines a highly structured Baroque garden and a vast landscaped park dotted with Neoclassical and Empire-style buildings.
Finally, a number of sites illustrate more specific chapters of European history: the Villa Tugendhat in Brno, a manifesto of Modernist architecture by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, a monumental Baroque monument erected as an act of thanksgiving after a plague epidemic; the mining region of the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří), whose landscape was shaped by eight centuries of metal extraction. To these ensembles is also added a natural site, a primeval beech forest in the Jizera Mountains, part of a vast transnational property on the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of Europe.
Caves, Mountains, and National Parks: Nature as Another Major Asset
While the Czech Republic is often associated with its towns, it also holds many surprises for those who take to the countryside and mountains. Thanks to its position at the heart of Europe, it is bordered by several mountain ranges – the Ore Mountains, the Giant Mountains, the Beskids, Šumava – which offer as many opportunities for hiking, snow stays, or simple getaways into preserved landscapes.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko), located in the north of the Czech Republic on the German border, is the twin of Saxon Switzerland National Park. It is famous for its spectacular sandstone formations, deep gorges, and natural arches. Pravčická brána arch is presented as the largest stone arch in Europe. Visitors can also explore the Edmund Gorge by guided boat, navigating a river enclosed between vertical cliffs.
In the west, Šumava National Park, also called the Bohemian Forest, covers a territory of forests, glacial lakes, peat bogs, and isolated hamlets. Among other things, it contains the country’s largest body of water, the Lipno Reservoir, sometimes nicknamed “the Czech Sea,” which attracts swimmers, boaters, windsurfers, and cyclists in summer, then skaters and cross-country skiers in winter. Infrastructure like treetop walkways or historic canals, such as the Schwarzenberg Canal, add to the area’s appeal.
The Moravian Karst, near Brno, offers a spectacular subterranean landscape with caverns and rivers. A visit to the Punkva Caves combines a walk among the formations and an underground boat ride, culminating with a view of the Macocha Abyss, a 138-meter (453 ft) deep chasm. In summer, it is advisable to book several weeks in advance due to high demand.
Other regions like Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj), with its sandstone “rock towns,” or the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše), home to the country’s highest peak, Sněžka, complete the natural offering. These areas are crisscrossed by marked trails allowing for both family walks and more sporty hikes, in summer as in winter.
Castles, Breweries, and Memory: A Country of Easy Detours
One of the strengths of the Czech Republic lies in its size. Most major sites are within two or three hours’ travel from the capital, making day trips or itineraries combining several regions very straightforward. A few places stand out particularly for those wishing to go beyond the most classic circuits.
Karlštejn Castle, founded in the 14th century by Charles IV to protect the crown jewels, can only be visited on a guided group tour. Located about an hour from Prague, this sacred fortress with a layout of successive levels notably houses the richly decorated Chapel of the Holy Cross. The guided tour structures the discovery and allows understanding the historical context of the site.
Further south, Hluboká nad Vltavou presents a radically different face. This Neo-Gothic castle, inspired by Windsor, was entirely remodeled in the 19th century to suit the romantic tastes of its owners. Its white facades, turrets, gardens, and landscaped park offer a much-photographed setting. While the interiors are visitable only by guided tour, the gardens remain open free of charge year-round, making it a pleasant stop in combination with the České Budějovice region and Český Krumlov.
The Czech Republic has a rich brewing tradition. In Plzeň, the Pilsner Urquell brewery, birthplace of the Pilsner in the 19th century, offers historical tours, a visit to its cellars, and tastings. In České Budějovice, the Budvar brewery traces the history of the beer that gave its name to Budweiser. Many small breweries, sometimes family-run, also organize tours and tastings, and sometimes offer unusual experiences like beer baths.
Some places, finally, recall darker pages of history. The Terezín Memorial, less than an hour north of Prague, occupies the former Habsburg fortress, transformed by the Nazi occupiers into a ghetto and political prison. Today, a museum, exhibitions, and a national cemetery maintain the memory of the victims. Other sites, such as bunkers converted into museums or monuments dedicated to victims of totalitarian regimes, dot the country and testify to a deliberate will to face the 20th century head-on.
Organizing Your Trip: Seasons, Transport, and Budget
To make the most of the must-see tourist sites in the Czech Republic, a few practical points are essential. In terms of seasons, the country follows a fairly typical calendar for Central Europe. The summer months, from June to August, combine long days and pleasant temperatures, but also a noticeable increase in visitor numbers, particularly in Prague, Český Krumlov, and the major spa towns. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer an interesting compromise between mild weather and more reasonable crowds, with a special mention for autumn in the wine regions of Moravia, when the harvest and wine festivals are in full swing.
This is the percentage decrease in hotel rates observed in the Czech Republic during the winter season outside the peak period.
Travel between major towns and main sites is achieved without major difficulty thanks to a very dense rail network and frequent intercity bus lines. Direct connections link, for example, Prague to Brno, Plzeň, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary, or České Budějovice, often in a few hours. To smaller towns like Český Krumlov, the bus remains the most practical, although the train remains an option for those preferring to avoid the road. From Prague, many organized excursions also allow discovery in a day of Kutná Hora, Karlštejn, Terezín, Plzeň, or even some natural parks.
Public transport networks are well organized in Czech towns. In Prague, the metro, trams, and buses cover the entire city. Temporary transport passes (24h, 72h, weekly) simplify travel by avoiding validation for each journey. In other towns like Brno, Liberec, or Plzeň, tram or bus networks provide easy access to train stations, historic centers, and museums.
Financially, the Czech Republic uses its own currency, the Czech koruna, which often allows for travel at prices lower than in many Western European capitals. Estimates of a daily budget show that frugal travelers can manage on about forty to sixty euros per day (hostel dorm, simple meals, public transport), while those seeking more comfort, table-service restaurants, and paid visits will aim rather for the range of 80–120 € per day. High-end stays, especially in Prague’s grand hotels or the most prestigious spa complexes, will push the daily cost beyond 180 €.
To get an idea of costs, the following table gives some useful orders of magnitude.
| Expense Item | Indicative Range (per person) |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | Approximately 300–600 CZK per night (≈ €10–25) |
| Simple hotel room | From 900 CZK (≈ €40) for an economy hotel |
| Meal in a local pub | €6–10 for a main course |
| Draught beer (0.5 l) | Approximately 35–60 CZK (≈ €1.4–2.7) |
| 24-hour transport pass (Prague) | Approximately 120 CZK (≈ €5) |
| Entrance to main Prague Castle circuit | Approximately 250–350 CZK (≈ €10–14) |
| Combined ticket for Jewish Quarter (Prague) | Approximately 500 CZK (≈ €20) |
| Punkva Caves visit | Around 180 CZK (≈ €7) |
By combining these elements with good anticipation – booking some entrance tickets in high season, judicious choice of visiting days to avoid weekly museum closures, planning train or bus connections – it becomes fairly straightforward to weave a coherent itinerary.
Crafting Your Own Itinerary of Must-Sees
Given the wealth of offerings, the temptation is to want to see everything. Yet, the strength of the Czech Republic is precisely its ability to allow for varied combinations, even over a relatively short duration. A first ten-day stay could thus combine, for example, an in-depth discovery of Prague, a day trip to Kutná Hora, two nights in Český Krumlov to enjoy the town before and after day-trippers, then a detour of two or three days in the spa triangle of Western Bohemia.
For a trip focused on nature and UNESCO heritage, first concentrate on Prague and its surroundings. Then, head to Bohemian Switzerland for its natural landscapes. Continue to the Moravian Karst near Brno, where you can visit the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat. Conclude your journey with the Lednice-Valtice area, a perfect blend of wine landscapes, castles, and landscaped parks, also a UNESCO site.
Whatever route is chosen, a common thread emerges: the diversity of a small country that cannot be reduced to its capital or its brewing reputation. From the colonnades of Karlovy Vary to the pastel facades of Telč, from the caves of the Moravian Karst to the corridors of Prague Castle, each iconic site refers to a different chapter of European history, while remaining, thanks to an efficient transport network, surprisingly accessible. This may, in the end, be the number one must-see of the Czech Republic: this ability to travel very far in just a few hours by train.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
