What to see in Czechia: 6 best places from Prague to the Moravian Karst
The Czech Republic is small, but in terms of the number of attractions it outpaces many European countries. Here, medieval towns sit next to Gothic castles, and a river flows underground through caves.
In one trip you can cover both cities and nature. Prague provides the historical backdrop, Karlštejn and the Moravian Karst showcase castles and caves, and Plzeň explains why Czech beer became a global brand.
Below are six places that most often make it onto a first-time itinerary. For each one you will find what to see, how much admission costs, and how to get there.
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Best places in the Czech Republic
💡 In short:
- Prague: Prague Castle, the Old Town, and Charles Bridge in one day on foot.
- Olomouc: the Baroque Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO site, and dozens of fountains.
- Český Krumlov: the castle above the Vltava, the second largest in the Czech Republic.
- Karlštejn: the Gothic castle of Charles IV, an hour from Prague.
- Moravian Karst: caves with an underground river and a 138 m deep abyss (official caves website).
- Plzeň: the Pilsner Urquell brewery with a tour of the historic cellars.
- Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official websites of Prague Castle and Karlštejn Castle.
All six points are connected by rail and bus, so you do not need a car. Prague is a convenient base: from there you take day trips to Karlštejn and Český Krumlov, and you see the Moravian Karst on the way to Brno.
Place | What to see | Travel from Prague |
|---|---|---|
Prague | Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town | city center |
Olomouc | Holy Trinity Column, fountains | several hours by train |
Český Krumlov | castle, historic center | half a day by bus |
Karlštejn | Charles IV's castle | under an hour by train |
Moravian Karst | Punkva Caves, Macocha Abyss | several hours to Brno |
Plzeň | Pilsner Urquell brewery | one and a half to two hours by train |
1. Prague and Prague Castle
Prague is compact, and you can cover the main sights on foot. Prague Castle stands above the Vltava, Malá Strana stretches out behind it, and Charles Bridge connects the banks with the Old Town. All of this takes one relaxed day.
© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsPrague Castle was founded back in the 9th century, and today it is the largest castle complex in the world (official website). Tickets work by routes, and the main one costs several hundred crowns. The Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral inside is part of the tour.
Get a ticket for the morning: by noon a line builds up in the square in front of the entrance. Book tickets to Prague Castle and museums in advance, including viewing terraces.
2. Olomouc and the Holy Trinity Column
Olomouc is often called the capital of Moravia, and its center is more compact than Prague's. The main landmark stands on the Upper Square: the Holy Trinity Column, built in 1716-1754 (UNESCO). In 2000 it was added to the World Heritage list.
Walk around the square, count the Baroque fountains, and try the local tvarůžky cheese. Every year the Flora Olomouc flower show takes place here, which is why the city is also called the "capital of flowers."
Olomouc lies between Prague and Brno, so it is easy to include it in a Moravia itinerary.
3. Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov sits on a bend of the Vltava, and its castle is second in size only to Prague Castle. The entire historic center is listed as a UNESCO site.
© Xth-Floor · CC BY-SAPhoto: Xth-Floor, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsFrom above, Český Krumlov looks like a film set: red roofs, a bridge over the moat, and a tall tower. The castle garden with its fountain deserves a separate hour, and in the evening the streets empty out and it gets quiet.
The easiest way to get there is by bus from Prague; the trip takes half a day. Tours to Český Krumlov include transfer and castle admission.
4. Karlštejn Castle
Karlštejn was founded by Charles IV in 1348 to store the imperial regalia (official castle website). The castle stands on a limestone rock among the hills, and a short street leads up to it from the station.
© Jürgen Regel, Marian… · CC BYPhoto: Jürgen Regel, Marian…, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe tour follows guided routes, and some rooms are shown only in a small group. On September 27, 2026, Route I can be visited for free, but tickets for that day are already sold out (official website).
From Prague, you travel by train in under an hour. Book train tickets to Karlštejn in advance: on weekends, the cars fill up.
5. Moravian Karst
The Moravian Karst lies north of Brno and includes more than a thousand caves (Punkva Caves website). The most popular route leads through the Punkva Cave to the Macocha Abyss, 138 m deep.
Inside, you ride a boat along an underground river. The caves are cool year-round, so bring a jacket and comfortable shoes.
Tickets are sold for a specific time, so arrive at the ticket office early. Cave tours are guided only.
6. Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň
Plzeň is known for the pale lager Pilsner Urquell, brewed here since 1842. The first batch was brewed by Josef Groll, and a full tour ticket costs 430 CZK (as of 09/2026, Plzeň tourist office).
© David J. Fred ( Dfred ) · CC BY-SAPhoto: David J. Fred ( Dfred ), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe tour takes you through the brewhouse into the historic cellars, where unfiltered beer is poured from an oak barrel. Pilsner Urquell brewery tours start several times a day, and it is best to book a time in advance.
Plzeň sits halfway between Prague and the German border, so the city is easy to add to a day-trip itinerary.
A selection of ready-made Czech Republic tours helps you put the whole trip together:
Tours and tickets in Prague
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.
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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Czech Republic?
For a first visit, four to five days are enough. Give Prague two days, with one of them spent on a trip to Karlštejn. Give one day each to Český Krumlov and Plzeň. Olomouc is convenient to see on the way to Brno. If you add the Moravian Karst, plan for one more day.
What can you see in the Czech Republic in one day from Prague?
The closest option is Karlštejn Castle: the train takes under an hour, and the trip takes half a day including the tour. The second option is Český Krumlov, but it takes longer to get there. Both places are realistic to fit into one day and return to Prague by evening.
When is the best time to visit the Czech Republic?
The most pleasant months for cities are May, June, and September. In summer, Charles Bridge and Krumlov are crowded with tourists, and in winter it gets dark early. The Moravian Karst caves are open year-round, but in winter they are especially cold.
How much does Prague Castle cost?
Check the exact ticket prices by route on the official website. In the morning, you get through the line faster, so take the first slot. Online tickets save time at the ticket office.
Do you need a car to see the Czech Republic?
No, trains run between Prague, Olomouc, and Plzeň, and direct buses go to Krumlov. To reach the Moravian Karst, you take a train to Blansko and then a bus to Skalní Mlýn. Without a car, you can easily build your route on trains and buses.
In short: what to book
The Czech Republic works for both city and nature, so the set of bookings depends on your days.
- If you have two to three days: base yourself in Prague and check hotel prices in Prague on Trip.com.
- If you want castles: add Karlštejn and Český Krumlov.
- If you love nature: set aside a day for the Moravian Karst.
- If you are going for beer: look into a brewery tour in Plzeň.
Book timed tickets in advance: at both Prague Castle and the Punkva Caves, the lines at the ticket office are long.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.