Best One-Day Trips from Prague: Explore the Czech Republic

Prague
Prague by fklv (Obsolete hipster) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
  • Kutná Hora

    Explore the best of Kutná Hora in a day!

  • Karlštejn

    Explore the best of Karlštejn in a day!

  • Český Krumlov

    Explore the best of Český Krumlov in a day!

  • Dresden

    Explore the best of Dresden in a day!

One-Day Trip from Prague to Kutná Hora

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Prague: 84 km (52 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by train

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Take the D11 highway east from Prague, then follow Route 38 to Kutná Hora.
  • By Train: Direct trains run from Prague's main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Kutná Hora main station.

Main Attractions

Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) A unique and somewhat eerie attraction, the Sedlec Ossuary is decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people. This small chapel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history and artistry. Don't miss the chandelier made entirely of bones.

St. Barbara's Church This Gothic masterpiece is one of the most famous churches in Central Europe. Its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes make it a must-visit. The church is dedicated to St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners, reflecting the town's rich mining history.

Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr) Once the central mint of the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Italian Court now serves as a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of coin minting and see the royal palace rooms. The courtyard is a great spot for photos.

Itinerary Suggestions

Start your day with a visit to the Sedlec Ossuary to avoid the crowds. Then, head to St. Barbara's Church and spend some time exploring its interior and the surrounding gardens. Break for lunch at a local café, enjoying traditional Czech cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Italian Court and take a leisurely stroll through the historic town center before heading back to Prague.

Local Food

  • Svíčková: Marinated beef sirloin with a creamy vegetable sauce, served with dumplings.
  • Koláče: Traditional Czech pastries filled with fruit or cheese.
  • Kutná Hora Beer: Sample the local brews from the town's historic breweries.

Local Tips

For the best photos, visit St. Barbara's Church in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. Don't forget to explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town for hidden gems and unique shops.

One-Day Trip from Prague to Karlštejn

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Prague: 30 km (19 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 40 minutes by car, 45 minutes by train

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Take Route 4 southwest from Prague, then follow signs to Karlštejn.
  • By Train: Direct trains run from Prague's main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Karlštejn station.

Main Attractions

Karlštejn Castle Built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, Karlštejn Castle is one of the most famous and well-preserved castles in the Czech Republic. The castle houses the Imperial Regalia and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Guided tours are available and highly recommended.

Great Tower Part of Karlštejn Castle, the Great Tower offers panoramic views of the region. Climbing the tower is a must for those who want to capture breathtaking photos of the landscape.

Museum of Nativity Scenes Located in the village of Karlštejn, this charming museum showcases a variety of nativity scenes from different periods and regions. It's a delightful stop for families and those interested in folk art.

Itinerary Suggestions

Begin your day with a visit to Karlštejn Castle, taking a guided tour to fully appreciate its history and architecture. After exploring the castle, climb the Great Tower for spectacular views. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the village. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Nativity Scenes and take a leisurely walk along the Berounka River before returning to Prague.

Local Food

  • Roast Duck: Served with red cabbage and dumplings, a traditional Czech dish.
  • Trdelník: A sweet pastry rolled in sugar and nuts, often filled with ice cream or chocolate.
  • Karlštejn Wine: Sample local wines from the nearby vineyards.

Local Tips

Wear comfortable shoes as the walk up to Karlštejn Castle is steep. The best time to visit the castle is early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Don't miss the chance to take a scenic walk along the Berounka River.

One-Day Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Prague: 175 km (109 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours by car, 3 hours by bus

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Take the D3 highway south from Prague, then follow Route 39 to Český Krumlov.
  • By Bus: Direct buses run from Prague's main bus station (Florenc) to Český Krumlov.

Main Attractions

Český Krumlov Castle This fairy-tale castle complex is the second largest in the Czech Republic. It features a Baroque theater, beautiful gardens, and a stunning view of the town. The castle's tower is a great spot for panoramic photos.

Old Town The historic center of Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with colorful Renaissance and Baroque buildings. The town square is a perfect place to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Egon Schiele Art Centrum This museum is dedicated to the Austrian painter Egon Schiele, who spent time in Český Krumlov. The museum features a collection of his works as well as contemporary art exhibitions.

Itinerary Suggestions

Start your day with a visit to Český Krumlov Castle, exploring its various sections and enjoying the views from the tower. Wander through the Old Town, stopping for lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum and take a leisurely walk along the Vltava River before heading back to Prague.

Local Food

  • Grilled Trout: Freshly caught from the Vltava River, often served with potatoes and vegetables.
  • Krumlovské Pivo: Local beer brewed in Český Krumlov.
  • Medovník: A traditional honey cake, perfect for dessert.

Local Tips

Visit the castle early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The best photo spots are from the castle tower and along the Vltava River. Don't miss the chance to explore the lesser-known alleys and courtyards of the Old Town.

One-Day Trip from Prague to Dresden

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Prague: 150 km (93 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours by car, 2.5 hours by train

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Take the D8 highway north from Prague, crossing into Germany and following signs to Dresden.
  • By Train: Direct trains run from Prague's main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Dresden Hauptbahnhof.

Main Attractions

Zwinger Palace This Baroque palace complex is home to several museums, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments. The gardens and fountains are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Frauenkirche The Church of Our Lady is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1990s, it stands as a symbol of reconciliation. The interior is breathtaking, and visitors can climb to the dome for panoramic views of Dresden.

Semperoper The Saxon State Opera House is one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Even if you don't attend a performance, guided tours are available to explore its opulent interior and learn about its history.

Itinerary Suggestions

Begin your day with a visit to the Zwinger Palace, exploring its museums and gardens. Next, head to the Frauenkirche and take in the stunning architecture. Break for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Semperoper and enjoy a walk along the Elbe River before returning to Prague.

Local Food

  • Sauerbraten: Marinated pot roast, often served with red cabbage and dumplings.
  • Eierschecke: A traditional Saxon cake made with layers of quark, custard, and sponge.
  • Radeberger Beer: A popular local beer brewed in the nearby town of Radeberg.

Local Tips

The best time to visit the Zwinger Palace is early in the morning. For panoramic views, climb to the dome of the Frauenkirche. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and take a walk along the Elbe River for beautiful views of the city.

ItineraryTrip

Explore your next itineray destination with our AI travel agent. ... Because travel planning can be easy.

Chat with me
AI Travel Chat Agent