From Castles to Cuisine: Discovering the Top Things to Do in the Czech Republic

Steve Cummings

Old Town Square

The Czech Republic is counted as the most charming country in the world. It is a wonderful country, with everything from the mesmerizing medieval center of Prague and numerous stunning castles dotting the landscape to wild, rocky reserves teeming with wildlife and phenomenal natural sights.

Prague will astonish even the most experienced traveler with its Gothic charm and Renaissance architecture, its many world-class museums, and baroque-style churches and bridges. The Vltava River splits Prague.

Things to do in the Czech Republic

Let's find out what you can enjoy the most in the Czech Republic.

1.   Visit Punkva Caves

The Punkva Caves is one of the unique underground cave systems in the Moravian Karst. The largest stalactite in the Punkva Caves, Stráce, measures four meters in length, and visitors can tour the caves on foot as they pass impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

 From the magnificent Macocha Abyss, the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic at 138 meters deep, a boat excursion brings visitors along the Punkva underground river to locations like the Masaryk Cave, sometimes referred to as the most beautiful cave in the area.

2. Explore Old Town Square

Old Town Square
credit: depositphotos

The Old Town Square has mostly remained unaltered since the 10th century, despite the turbulent history of invasions that Prague has experienced. Every day, crowds of tourists cram the outdoor eateries along the old streets.

The square is the ideal location to take in Prague's stunning architecture. Still, if that doesn't appeal to you, the numerous street entertainers, musicians, and vendors who line the streets here will keep you occupied.

3. Explore Konopiště Castle

Situated on the outskirts of Benesov, Konopiste Castle was built as a Gothic castle to protect the town from invasion but is most known for its current Baroque design, which is the result of alterations made in the 18th century. Konopiste Castle is best known as the former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose murder in 1914 ignited World War I.

The castle offers tours of the duke's private chambers, and the surrounding area is ideal for a tranquil, picturesque stroll thanks to a rose garden, a lake, and several free-roaming peacocks.

4. Admire the Pruhonice Park

Pruhonice Park is among the most enchanted tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located slightly over 14 kilometers south of Prague, truly seems to belong in a picture book.

The park, which spans 250 hectares, features exquisitely kept gardens, substantial forested sections, tranquil streams, lovely little ponds, and an amazing 24 kilometers of walking route.

Around 1,600 different plant species may be found inside the lovely gardens, including 100 varieties of stunning rhododendrons. The park is open all year round, but the spring and summer, when the 8,000 unique flowers bloom, are especially beautiful.

5. Go Wine Tasting At Valtice Chateau

You should miss out on the wonderful experience of savoring exquisite wines from around the world in opulent settings. Wine tasting at Valtice Chateau is one of the coolest and most unusual things in the Czech Republic.

The castle was initially constructed in the 12th century in a Gothic style and is tucked away in South Moravia, the wine region of the Czech Republic.

6. Explore Kutná Hora

Kutná Hora
credit: depositphotos

The center of Kutná Hora, a lovely community of about 20,000 people located about 50 miles east of Prague, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its historical importance and architectural treasures. Kutná Hora was formerly a medieval silver mining town. The Gothic-style Cathedral of St. Barbara, whose construction began in 1388 and took more than 500 years to complete, and the 17th-century Jesuit College, which houses the Modern art gallery GASK, are just two of the town's numerous architectural wonders.

Another intriguing, albeit slightly unsettling, must-see location is the Sedlec Ossuary, a 15th-century chapel with a massive chandelier made of human bones.

7. Admire The Bohemian Paradise

The breathtaking Bohemian Paradise, located in Eastern Bohemia, is one of the most stunning regions of the Czech Republic. The numerous massive rock formations that sprout from the ground like spikes and pillars in this area of exceptional natural beauty are well known.

The area, currently a UNESCO Geopark, attracts tourists and hikers from all over Europe because of its breathtaking sandstone hills, natural bridges, tall basalt columns, and outcroppings, all of which are reachable by a network of paths and beautiful roadways.

8. Explore the Hluboka Castle

The enormous white Neo-Gothic Hluboká Castle is thought to be the most stunning of the country's many lovely castles. The current castle was built in the 1660s on the site of an earlier 13th-century fortress. Subsequently, extensive renovations gave it its current Gothic Tudor style, loosely based on England's renowned Windsor Castle.

Huge hedge mazes, lush vegetation, exquisite interior woodwork, stained glass windows, and furniture are all highlights of a visit. Additionally, the castle is home to a sizable art collection that features several works by well-known Czech artists.

9. Watch the Astronomical Clock Show.

One of the must-do activities in the Czech Republic is to view the Astronomical Clock display in Prague. You must join the hundreds of people assembled in the square underneath the enormous clock every hour to watch it strike.

The famous landmark is situated on the south side of Old Town Hall in Old Town Square.

 There are things that are important to watch out for. Find the hourglass indicating that time is running out, the skeleton rings, and Death rings his bell.

10. Discover Český Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov
credit: Steve Cummings

The picturesque ancient town of Krumlov is located in Southern Bohemia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque community encloses a bend in the Vltava River and is home to the magnificent 13th-century castle, which blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. It is brimming with magnificent examples of Renaissance-era architecture.

Beyond its fascinating past, Krumlov also has a strong cultural life that includes the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, an international art gallery, a bustling food scene, and yearly events like a chamber music festival and a river marathon.

11. Admire the Rešov Waterfalls

The Reov Waterfalls, a protected area since 1966 known for its natural beauty and tucked in the southwest corner of the Nzk Jesenk mountain range, are a series of picturesque cascades and rapids and one of the most lovely tourist attractions in the Czech Republic.

Visitors can travel through the lovely untouched forests and past the remnants of an abandoned medieval castle while exploring the rocky canyon through which the waterfalls cut their route along established trails along the Huntava stream.

12. Look at the Glassworks of Karlovy Vary

In addition to having innumerable excellent wellness resorts, the charming town of Karlovy Vary continues to be one of Europe's most important hubs for producing glass. This sector has flourished here for more than 150 years. The Moser Visitor Center, a portion of the 1857-founded Moser glassworks, is a fascinating excursion. It is considered as one of the world's top producers of decorative glass due to the expertise and artistry of the local glassmakers it employs.

Visitors can see glass blowers at work on the factory floor during tours of the plant, learn about the history of glassmaking, and view nearly 2,000 exquisite specimens of glass artwork in the Glass Museum. There are guided tours offered in English.

13. Come to the Spectacular Libraries

Prague is home to three of Europe's most beautiful and historical libraries. The biggest, the National Library of the Czech Republic, can be found inside the majestic Clementinum (Klementinum), located right next to the Charles Bridge in the center of the city's historic district. One of the largest in all of Europe, this vast collection of old Baroque structures is home to several attractions.

The frescoed ceiling of Library Hall is its most notable feature, and visitors can find the Astronomical Tower nearby, where they may take in the wonderful views. The Philosophical Library, with its superb furnishings and ceiling paintings, and the Baroque Theological Library, with its excellent murals and stucco work, are two magnificent libraries found in the 12th-century Strahov Monastery.

14. Love the Architecture of Karlštejn Castle.

Karlštejn Castle
credit: depositphotos

Among the many castles and chateaux in the country, Karlstejn Castle is exceptional in that it was founded as a location for the safekeeping of the king's royal treasures, including holy relics

and crowning jewels from the Roman Empire.

Czech architect Josef Mocker completely restored the castle in a classic neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century. Yet, it nevertheless has its fairy-tale-like appeal and is one of the most famous castles in the country today. Visitors can take tours of the gardens, which feature the imposing, five-story Imperial Palace and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which houses 129-panel paintings by Gothic artist Theodoric.

Takeaway

The beautiful places of the Czech Republic are waiting for you to explore. Let's come and enjoy the most memorable days of your life by making a memory. We have made a list of the top things to do there, so follow our blog; that will be your partner. Take our tips if you need clarification on which credit cards to use!

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