One of the most fascinating countries in Europe, the Czech Republic has it all. From the captivating medieval core of Prague and countless magical castles scattered throughout the land to wild, rugged reserves teeming with wildlife and phenomenal natural attractions you’ll struggle to believe are real, the Czech Republic is a spellbinding place.
Whether you want to spend your time wandering along cobblestone streets in search of hidden wonders or get out in nature and witness some of the most stunning landmarks you’ve ever seen in your life, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in the Czech Republic.
Visit in the summer, and you’ll have the chance to explore everything the country has to offer while it’s bathed in golden sunshine and warm temperatures. This is the best time to go if you’re planning lots of outdoor activities. Or visit in the winter when you’ll have the chance to skip down snowy slopes and shop at the whimsical Christmas markets.
With so many things to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in the Czech Republic. Add these fun activities and attractions to your Czech Republic bucket list, and you’re guaranteed to have an incredible time exploring this enchanting historical city!
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25 Fun and Unique Things to Do In The Czech Republic
1. Have Fun At Kasárna Karlín
Once an abandoned army barracks complex left to ruin, today Kasárna Karlín is an exciting multi-purpose arts complex that contains everything you need to have an amazing time. A great place to go when the weather’s bad, this cultural hotspot combines cinema, theater, art, food, drinks, and sports all in one place!
During the winter, the Kasárna Karlín boasts a fantastic ice skating rink and serves up all kinds of festive hot drinks to keep you warm. In the summer, the place transforms into a whole different spot and features a beach volleyball court as well as an open-air cinema.
The buildings surrounding the Kasárna Karlín complex are just as quirky and fun as the main area itself. Take a wander around, and you’ll find a café tucked into a building that once housed a swimming pool. There are also a number of bars and live music spots hidden inside old garages.
2. Be Amazed By The Astronomical Clock Show
Watching the Astronomical Clock show in Prague is one of the must-do things in the Czech Republic. Every hour when the giant clock strikes, hundreds of people gather in the square below to watch it – and you’ve got to join them!
The iconic attraction is located in Old Town Square on the south side of the Old Town Hall. Every hour between 9 am and 11 pm, when the clock strikes, everyone in the right position is rewarded for their patience with a spectacular show.
As the clock rings, figures of the 12 apostles start moving in procession, and other statues also come to life. There are a few things worth keeping an eye out for. See if you can spot the skeleton rings, the hourglass signifying that time’s run out, and Death ringing his bell!
The Astronomical Clock is more than 600 years old, making it one of the oldest working astronomical clocks on the planet. Not only can it tell time, but it also shows you the date, position of the sun and moon, astronomical information, and zodiacal information.
3. Explore Spooky Caves At Moravian Karst
One of the most important geological and topographical zones in Central Europe, Moravian Karst is home to a stunning natural wonder unlike anything you’ve seen before. Here you’ll discover a unique type of landscape where the bedrock has dissolved, resulting in countless caves, caverns, sinkholes, sinking streams, springs, and more.
Moravian Karst boasts over 1,100 gorges and caverns, only four of which are open to the public. The Punkvevní jeskyně (Punkva Caves) is one of the most astounding cave complexes here. The caves feature an underground river you can sail across to catch a glimpse of the spooky Macocha Abyss.
The Macocha Abyss was created following the collapse of a ceiling in an underground cave chamber. It’s over 137 meters deep and is the largest in Central Europe.
The Kateřinská jeskyně features one-of-a-kind limestone columns, while the Balcarka Cave has stalactites in all kinds of colors. The Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně are known for their giant corridors and underground gorges. If the eerie caves get to be a bit too much for you, there are plenty of open-air hiking trails and cycle paths in the area, too.
4. Admire Some Of The Oldest Libraries in Europe
A few of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in Europe are located in the capital city of the Czech Republic. The biggest library, considered the National Library of the Czech Republic, is known as Klementinum and is next to the Charles Bridge in Prague.
One of the best things to see in the Czech Republic, this library is made up of a giant complex of historic Baroque buildings that hold all kinds of treasures. The Library Hall is one of the most spectacular, appreciated for its gorgeous frescoed ceiling.
The Strahov Monastery (Strahovsky kláster) is also home to two marvelous libraries. This complex dates back to the 12th century and is home to the Philosophical Library, known for its lavish ceiling paintings and exquisite furnishings.
This is also where you’ll find the Baroque Theological Library, home to more beautiful frescoes and stucco work. Each of these libraries guards ancient and rare manuscripts, including the Strahov Gospel, which is almost 1,200 years old!
5. Treat Yourself To A Trdelník
When you need an energy boost to help you carry on with your sightseeing, find the nearest bakery or street stall selling trdelník and order yourself one. This sweet snack is called “chimney cake” in English and is just what you need to help you push through and complete your Czech Republic sightseeing itinerary.
You’ll see stalls throughout the city streets selling the most basic version of trdelník. It’s simply pastry wrapped into the shape of a round chimney and cooked over an open fire before it’s rolled in sugar. Some trdelník sellers also dip them in nuts, fill them with Nutella, or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
For some of the most incredible and creative trdelník, head to the Good Food Coffee & Bakery in Prague. This amazing place makes every kind of trdelník you could possibly think of. Here you can indulge in everything from trdelník stuffed with raspberry ice cream and melted dark chocolate to trdelník filled with mac and cheese!
6. Step Into a Fairy Tale At Pruhonice Park
One of the most magical Czech Republic attractions is Pruhonice Park. Just over 14 kilometers south of Prague, this UNESCO World Heritage Site really does look like something that’s been pulled straight out of a children’s book.
The park covers a sprawling 250 hectares and boasts wonderfully manicured gardens, dense forest areas, peaceful rippling streams, small quaint ponds, and an incredible 24 kilometers of walking paths.
Throughout the gorgeous gardens, you’ll discover around 1,600 different species of plants, including 100 different types of beautiful rhododendrons. The park is open throughout the year, but it’s particularly stunning between spring and summer when the 8,000 individual flowers are in full bloom.
Pruhonice Park is also home to the 12th-century Pruhonice Castle. The imposing fortress curves around the lake and the gardens in a pleasing semi-circle shape. A lot of the castle is closed to the public. But you can admire the courtyard, which features a replica of the fountain that stands in Prague’s Old Market Square.
7. Find A Mysterious Mask For The Bohemian Carnevale
Every spring, Prague throws one of the biggest and best events of the year – the Bohemian Carnevale. Known as Masopust in the city, the vibrant festival is held in the weeks before Lent and is bursting with an incredible program that offers something for everyone.
The highlight of the colorful event is the remarkable masquerade parade. It’s a lot like the one held in Venice, Italy. But in Prague, it’s got more of a medieval, magical feel. The parade begins in Old Town and works its way past the city’s most prestigious art galleries, museums, and landmarks.
The parade includes people dressed in all sorts of crazy costumes and secretive masks. They march down the streets, supported by live music and fantastic dancers. Grab a masquerade-style mask and join in on the fun with everyone else in the street!
As well as the parades, there’s loads of other stuff going on, too. Expect masked balls, live concerts, children’s activities, street parties, food and drink stalls, puppet shows, and fireworks displays.
8. Go Wine Tasting At Valtice Chateau
If you’re in the mood for wine tasting, a castle may not be the first place you’d think of going. But then you’d miss out on the incredible experience of sampling fine wines from all over the country in regal surroundings. One of the coolest and most unique things to do in the Czech Republic, wine tasting at Valtice Chateau really will make you feel like royalty.
The remarkable building is one of the best Baroque castles in all of the country. Tucked away in South Moravia, the Czech Republic’s wine country, the castle was originally built in the 12th century in a Gothic style.
It passed through various royal hands, and during the 17th and 18th centuries, many modifications were made, resulting in the beautiful form you see today.
When you’re finished exploring the grounds, head for the wine cellar and enjoy an hour or two of unlimited wine tasting. Here you’ll find a collection of the top 100 best wines from all over the Czech Republic for you to try. There are even some local cheese samples available if you want something to nibble.
9. Get Back To Nature At The Šumava National Park
The Šumava National Park, also known as the Bohemian Forest Park, is one of the biggest natural spaces in the country. It’s tucked in between the borders of Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic and boasts a colossal mountain range that seems to go on forever.
A fantastic place to get outside and enjoy nature, the park is blanketed with thick forest and a network of thousands of kilometers of hiking routes. Because the landscape is so diverse, you can see all sorts of incredible stuff here – from centuries-old trees and glacial lakes to peat bogs and wild lynxes.
Thanks to the towering mountains, you’ll find countless stunning panoramas. For some of the best views in the park, head toward Poledník Mountain and find the lookout tower. The top of Plechý Hill is also a great place for fantastic vistas. This hill overlooks a huge glacial lake and the view is truly spectacular at sunrise.
10. Find Comfort In Svíčková With Dumplings
Winters here can get incredibly cold. If you need to take a break from all your Czech Republic sightseeing and get something to warm you up, find the nearest local restaurant and order svíčková.
This traditional Czech dish is comprised of thick slices of beef covered in a rich root vegetable sauce. It’s served with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, a dollop of cream, and steamed bread dumplings. Svíčková is the epitome of Czech comfort food, and it’s guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
The list of ingredients may sound a little unusual, but it just works! Svíčková is the ideal combination of sweet and savory, rich and tart, creamy and meaty. It’s the perfect dish to try on a chilly winter evening.
Svíčková is incredibly popular, and you’ll find it on almost every traditional Czech menu. We had some great svíčková from Lokal, a group of budget-friendly restaurants that serve up fantastic traditional dishes and great beer. These restaurants are dotted all over Prague, so you won’t need to look far to find one.
11. Fall In Love With Telč
Telč is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic. Located in the south of the country, this charming town boasts stunning Italian Renaissance architecture everywhere you turn.
Wander its cobbled streets, and you’ll find row after row of pretty pastel-colored houses. There are plenty of bustling squares where you can enjoy some people watching while sipping a coffee, as well as crystal-clear ponds teeming with fish where you can just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The highlight of the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the castle which dates back to the 14th century. Surrounded by wonderfully manicured gardens and terraces, the castle is open to the public and rewards visitors with remarkable beauty.
The Renaissance Halls are amazing and feature gorgeous wooden panel ceilings. The Knight Hall is also stunning and has incredible paintings of Hercules on its ceiling. Not only are the rooms themselves captivating, but the treasures they guard are spectacular, too. Keep an eye out for the Renaissance jewel box, which dates back to 1566, and the genuine suits of armor from the 15th and 16th centuries.
12. Stare Into The Face Of Death At Sedlec Ossuary
If you like obscure and macabre activities, one of the coolest things to do in the Czech Republic is to visit the Sedlec Ossuary. Sometimes called the Bone Cathedral, this unusual attraction is located in Kutná Hora and certainly isn’t for people who are spooked easily!
The Sedlec Ossuary is a Roman Catholic chapel hidden underneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints. It holds the remains of more than 60,000 people in innovative, artistic ways. Take a look around, and you’ll find everything from murals and chairs to chandeliers and coats of arms made out of human bones.
There are skulls and bones absolutely everywhere you look, from the ceiling to the walls and the floor. There are even crevices stuffed full of skulls that seem to go on forever.
Following the Black Death and the Hussite War, there was very little space to bury dead bodies in the local area and the church’s cemetery had to be expanded. Stories say that a half-blind monk was given the job of relocating the bones of the previously-buried people, which he did – in giant pyramids. Centuries later, the pyramids were transformed into the works of art you can see today.
13. Gaze At The Slapy Water Reservoir
Just a short drive south of Prague, you’ll find the peaceful haven that is the Slapy Water Reservoir. One of the most stunning and tranquil parts of the country, this reservoir is a wonderful place to get away from it all and enjoy some time outdoors.
Throughout the area, you’ll find loads of accommodation options, from well-equipped campsites to cute guesthouses and top-end hotels. So if you fall in love with the place and decide you want to stay for a few days, you can!
Whether you spend one day or one week here, you’ll never be stuck for things to do. In the summer, the Slapy Water Reservoir is an incredible place for cycling and hiking. There are also loads of kiosks where you can hire pedalos (pedal boasts), boats, and yachts to explore the water. It stretches on for more than 113 kilometers, providing you with absolutely loads to discover.
If you’d rather let someone else take the responsibility, you can sign up for a mini cruise to take you across the reservoir and enjoy the sights without any fuss.
14. Say “Na zdraví!” (Cheers!) At The Czech Beer Festival
If you’re planning your trip for May, one of the most fun things to do in the Czech Republic is to join in with the Czech Beer Festival. The locals here consume more beer per capita than any other country on the planet, so you just know they’re going to throw an incredible beer festival!
This boozy festival takes place in Letna over 17 days each May and is the best way of getting to know local beers. The event is totally cash-free. Everything you drink is added to a card and you pay when you’re ready to leave. It’s great fun wandering between the tents, ordering whatever you like the look of, and drinking it wherever you can find space.
Here you’ll be spoiled for choice with around 200 different kinds of beer to try, ranging from big Czech names down to smaller family-run and regional breweries. To help you get into the festive spirit, there are live music performances throughout the event, too.
15. See The Glittering Treasures Inside Karlštejn Castle
One of the most magnificent and imposing castles in the Czech Republic, Karlštejn Castle guards many precious treasures. It was founded in 1348 by Charles IV (who was the Holy Emperor and King of Bohemia at the time) to store the crown jewels, holy relics, and royal treasures.
The castle may not contain all the grandiose treasures that it once did, but there are still plenty of glamorous and sparkling gems to appreciate.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross in the High Tower originally contained the crown jewels and the remains of saints. Today you can still admire the tower’s precious stone-glazed windows, frescoes that detail the life of Christ, and 129 unique panels depicting saints.
The real crown jewels may no longer be stored inside the castle, but you can see a replica of them. The Karlštejn Castle also contains a duplicate of the crown jewels from the Holy Roman Empire. They look just as impressive as the real ones!
16. Enjoy Free Art Exhibitions At The Rudolfinum
If you’ve got a small budget to work with and you’re looking for some cheap things to do in the Czech Republic, visit the Rudolfinum. This 19th-century cultural venue is made up of concert halls, an art gallery, and several exhibition halls.
To access the free art, avoid the main entrance. Instead, walk around the side of the building that’s closest to the river and go through the door guarded by two sphinxes. Walk upstairs, and you’ll find a number of free art displays. The exhibitions are constantly changing, so visit the official website to find out what’s going on if you want to know what to expect.
Here you can while away an entire afternoon admiring the latest displays, finding out interesting things about famous museums around the world, and brushing up on your art history. If you need a break from all the culture, check out the Rudolfinum café, where you can grab a cup of coffee.
17. Walk Over Charles Bridge At Sunset
Charles Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in Prague and a must-do thing in the Czech Republic. While it looks cool at any time of day, it’s at its most spectacular at sunset.
The 14th-century structure that stretches over the Vltava River is one of the oldest bridges in the world. Much more than a means of getting from Old Town to Malá Strana, the Charles Bridge is a work of art.
The second-oldest bridge in the Czech Republic includes 16 pillars adorned with eye-catching motifs and statues. Every statue is in commemoration of someone prominent in the city’s history. One example is St. John of Nepomuk, who refused to divulge the queen’s secrets and was subsequently tortured to death.
Charles Bridge is always remarkably busy. In addition to workers and locals, the bridge is teeming with people selling all kinds of stuff, from their own music and artwork to souvenirs and trinkets. It’s a fantastic place to wander and watch people create art in front of your very eyes.
If you visit the bridge at sunset, you’ll have the chance to see Malá Strana and Old Town bathed in dazzling gold while little boats gently cruise along the river below you.
18. Be Amazed By The Royal Forest Dam
You may not think a dam would deserve to be on the list of the best things to do in the Czech Republic, but the Royal Forest Dam isn’t any old dam. This remarkable structure looks more like something you’d expect to see in Disneyland instead of in the middle of the Czech countryside.
The Royal Forest Dam is instantly recognizable thanks to its medieval-style arches and bright red turrets, which can be seen for miles. There are fairy tale-inspired buildings used as exhibition spaces on each side of the bridge, too. It’s not quite clear why such a standard construction was built in this beautiful way, but it truly is stunning.
You’ll find the Forest River Dam on the Labe River, close to the town of Dvůr Králové nad Labem. It’s relatively modern and was only built just over 100 years ago to manage the flow of the river and generate power.
19. See A Comedy Show At The Jára Cimrman Theater
The average sense of humor in the Czech Republic is pretty dry and sometimes quite dark. Although there are many incredible Czech plays and novels, the unusual humor makes it really difficult to translate them into other languages.
Thankfully, the Cimrman English Theatre took on the task and puts on fantastic comedy shows in English at the Jára Cimrman Theater. This theater is named after Jára Cimrman, a fictional character who could be described as the most interesting man in the world and is devoted to plays and performances that tell the story of his adventures.
Acts are performed in both English and Czech here. So never assume the performance will be in English. Always double-check the language on the website or in person when buying tickets to find out more about this local legend.
20. Share A Giant Pork Knuckle
When you think you’re too hungry to continue, one of the top things to do in the Czech Republic is to find a restaurant that serves typical cuisine and order a giant pork knuckle to share with your travel partner.
Known locally as pečené vepřové koleno, a pork knuckle may sound like an unusual thing to eat, but it’s one of the most delicious dishes you’ll come across in the Czech Republic.
Czech pork knuckles are marinated in spices and beer for 12 to 24 hours before they’re slowly roasted in the oven at a low temperature. They’re usually served with freshly-baked bread, sweet mustard, and hot horseradish. Although, they can sometimes be served with potatoes and stewed cabbage for an even heartier meal.
Restaurace Mlejnice in Prague does a fantastic pork knuckle. Here the meat is so tender that it literally falls off the bone! The portion size is also incredibly generous, so you can definitely share it between two people.
21. Stare In Wonder At The Prachov Rocks
Hidden away close to Jičín in Bohemian Paradise, the Prachov Rocks need to be seen to be believed. They rise more than 39 meters out of the ground and look like something you’d expect to see in the Avatar movie, not the Czech Republic!
This is probably the most famous spot in Bohemian Paradise, and for good reason, too. Here you’ll find a number of clearly marked visitor routes you can follow for an incredible experience.
The routes will take you past gullies, ravines, gorges, and over the tops of rugged sandstone rock formations. You’ll get to discover loads of breathtaking lookout points and secret coves along the way.
Some of our most favorite places among the Prachov Rocks include Císařská chodba (Imperial Corridor), Americká sluj (American Cavern), and Vyhlídka Českého ráje (Bohemian Paradise Lookout Point). All these places provide you with wonderful panoramas.
If you’re planning on visiting in the summer, make sure you take your swimsuit. There’s a natural swimming spot where you can cool off and relax. Taking a dip here is easily one of the most unique things to do in the Czech Republic!
22. Soak In A Bath Tub Full Of Beer At A Beer Spa
One of the most fun Czech Republic activities is to spend a few hours at a beer spa. Many people believe that beer has great healing powers, and if you bathe in it, your skin will be left feeling soft and rejuvenated. It doesn’t matter whether or not that’s a fact – it’s still a fun thing to do during your vacation!
If you’re visiting Prague, we recommend stopping by the Original Beer Spa. As you’d guess, this place was the very first beer spa to open in the city, and it’s got a well-deserved and fantastic reputation.
You and your travel buddy can climb into a giant oak hot tub filled with warm beer and relax as the golden liquid does its thing. When you’ve had enough, it’s time to get out and rest on the wheat straw bed. This is to help the extracts and vitamins from the beer fully absorb into your skin.
During your visit, you’ll have the chance to enjoy homemade beer bread as well as all the beer you can drink!
23. Ditch Google Maps And Explore Malá Strana
Prague is filled with fascinating neighborhoods, and one of the best is Malá Strana. Also known as Lesser Town, this neighborhood is a wonderful place to just wander and see where you end up.
The town was founded in 1257 and is full of ancient monuments and buildings that are very well preserved. Here you’ll stumble across pastel-colored houses, secret alleyways leading to hidden gardens, independent bakeries selling gingerbread, and thoughtful art designed to make you reconsider your perspective on things.
There are a number of places of interest worth visiting in Malá Strana. The KGB Museum, Wallenstein Garden, and the Church of St. Nicholas are all popular attractions. If you’re a fan of controversial works, we also suggest you stop by the Franz Kafka Museum. It’s filled with personal pieces from his life and provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn more about one of the most influential people in Czech history.
24. Relax In The Spas Of Karlovy Vary
When you need to take a break from sightseeing, one of the best things to do in the Czech Republic is to spend some time at Karlovy Vary and have a “me” day in one of the resort town’s many wellness centers.
Karlovy Vary is a spa town in West Bohemia that’s always been popular with Europe’s elite. Famous people from Peter the Great to Chopin, Beethoven, and Goethe have all spent time here. If it was good enough for them, it’s good enough for you!
Here you’ll find 13 stunning main springs, in addition to an almost never-ending number of smaller springs scattered throughout the town. Unfortunately, the hot springs are for drinking – not bathing. If you want to soak in the water, you’ll have to find a spa instead.
Because of the high mineral content of the water, Karlovy Vary is absolutely packed with spas. Castle Spa is our favorite because it’s the most modern and is beautifully decorated. Here you can relax in the mineral pool, unwind in a sauna, or pamper yourself with a treatment.
25. Get Tipsy On A Pub Crawl
If you’re in Prague, you don’t have an early start the next day, and you’re looking for something fun to do during the evening, sign up for a pub crawl. Whatever your budget, the beer in the city is super cheap. As an added bonus, it tastes great, too!
If you’re traveling as a group, it’s easy to plan your own pub crawl. Simply start off in one bar and move on to another and another until you’re done for the night. Prague is brimming with great spots to grab a beer, whatever you’re into.
You’ve got everything from Hany Bar, which serves beer for less than $1, to the higher-end U Sedmi Švábů, which pours creative varieties of mulled wine.
For something more organized, join in with one of the official Prague pub crawls, which take place throughout the city every night of the week. There are various tour companies that each offer their own packages. For most of them, the ticket price includes entry to the city’s trendiest clubs and bars, as well as a number of free shots and drinks.
There you have it! The 25 best things to do in the Czech Republic. What’s your favorite thing to do in the Czech Republic?
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