6 easy must-do weekend trips from Prague

Prague is one of those European cities you simply have to explore for yourself. The famous Prague Castle, one of the largest castles in the world, combined with the historic centre of the city with its famous Old Town Square, make this one of the most popular tourist towns in central Europe.

Prague is steeped in history, from the medieval streets of the Jewish ghetto to the relics of World War II, but there's more on offer here than just the past. This wonderful city features amazing food, fascinating culture, and lively nightlife fueled by all the beer the South Bohemia region can produce. And although Prague isn't nearly as affordable as it once was when it first stepped out of the shadow of the Iron Curtain, it's still a good place to find relative bargains, even in the town center.

There are so many things that make the Czech capital worth visiting. And from the moment you arrive at Prague's Main Station, you'll be able to appreciate everything that makes this old town so special. If you only have a few days to spend here, you'll want to stay in Prague enjoying everything the city life has to offer.

However, Prague sits close to the center of the Czech Republic, and with its excellent transportation links, it makes a perfect base for day trips or even a weekend trip that will let you explore more of what the country has to offer. Drop off your bags at a luggage storage in Prague, and you'll find some of the best destinations in the country just a short drive, bus ride, or train ride away.

Kutna Hora

Located in the Central Bohemia region, this town of 20,000 people has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its architecture, which has had an influence on buildings and other towns throughout the region. Also, it's home to one of the most unique tourist attractions in Czechia.

Distance from Prague:

It's 84 km from Prague to Kutna Hora, so you'll spend just over an hour driving between the two. It's also possible to take a bus, which will take around the same amount of time. That makes this a great destination for a day trip or even a half-day trip, but there's enough here that you can also spend a weekend quite easily.

Our activity recommendations:

• Sedlec Ossuary: The main tourist attraction in Kutna Hora is this place of worship with a fascinating history. Sometimes known as the Bone Church, the Ossuary is artfully decorated with the bones of monks, priests, and notable locals who wanted their remains to be displayed here when it became the hippest place to be dead in the region. In 1870, the chapel was redecorated by a local woodworker who used human bones as part of his artistic arrangements, making this church a strangely beautiful place as well as a macabre one.
• Kutna Cathedral: One of the architectural gems of this famous architectural city, Kutna Cathedral occupies the heart of the old town and is known as a prime example of Bohemian Gothic architecture. Dedicated to the patron saint of miners, this cathedral is a must-see on any day trips or weekend trips from Prague.
• Mine Tour: This town owes much of its historic wealth to the presence of a nearby silver mine which was in operation for centuries. Now, you can travel six stories underground and across an underground river as you learn more about the importance of silver to the local economy and the lives of the people who worked here.

Best season to visit:

Since so many of its main attractions, like the bone church and the Cathedral, are indoors, Kutna Hora is a wonderful destination for weekend trips from Prague at any time of year.

Karlstejn Castle

If there's one thing the Czech Republic isn't short of, it's amazing castles. But this, thanks in part to its ease of access from Prague, may be the most popular of them all. An excellent destination for weekend trips from Prague, this castle allows you to step back in time and see more of the Czech Republic's medieval past.

Distance from Prague:

This castle is only around 30 km from Prague, making it reachable by car in less than 50 minutes. It's also possible to get here by public transport on suburban train line S7 which runs from Prague Central Station to the town of Karlstejn.

Our activity recommendations:

• Karlstejn Castle: The ultimate destination of thousands of weekend trips from Prague, Karlstejn Castle is undoubtedly the main reason people come to this small town. Completed in 1365, the castle was used as a getaway for royalty from Prague and as a storehouse for the crown jewels of the kingdom. It was never destroyed by war, so the castle remains in excellent condition and is a truly atmospheric place to explore the fascinating history of the region. Don't miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a gilded chapel that has to be seen to be believed and requires a ticket to be purchased in advance.
• The Clock Museum: This quirky museum is home to over 1.000 clocks from around the world. You'll learn more about the clockmaker's art as you explore the exhibits here, but the main thing is just to enjoy all the different ways time has been measured around the world. A great rainy day activity in the town center, this museum is a surprisingly interesting place to spend an hour or so.
• Museum of Nativity Scenes: Another quirky museum in Karlstejn, this institution displays hundreds of Nativity scenes from through the ages. The highlight of the collection is the absolutely massive Royal Crib, the nativity scene belonging to the Bohemian monarchy.

Best season to visit:

Don't worry about when to visit. This is a year-round destination, so there's never a bad time to plan this weekend trip from Prague.

Liberec

Located in Northern Bohemia, close to the borders of Poland and Germany, Liberec is a famous destination for winter sports and a great place to explore the natural beauty of the great outdoors during the summer.

Distance from Prague:

At around 113 km away from Prague, Liberec can be reached with a drive of about an hour and 20 minutes. It's also possible to reach on a regional long-distance bus.

Our activity recommendations:

• Town Hall: Occupying a prominent position in the main town square, Liberec's old Town Hall is one of the most spectacular buildings in the city. Its Alpine Gothic architecture is reminiscent of Vienna's town hall, which is not surprising since it was designed by a Viennese architect. The 62 m high tower dominates this part of town, and you can take a tour of the town hall and learn more about its history and architecture while you're here.
• Ještěd: Located on a hill outside of town, this futuristic building looks like an upside-down cone with a tall spire that offers commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Built in 1966, this television tower is now as much of a tourist attraction as it is anything else.

Best season to visit:

The best time to visit Liberec depends on how you want to spend your time there. Visiting during the summer is the ideal season to explore the charming streets of the old town. If you want to take advantage of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, winter is a better option.

Třebíč

This is a unique town that makes a great weekend trip from Prague for anyone with an interest in history. Czechia certainly has its share of beautiful old towns, but it's the legacy of religious tolerance here that really sets the town apart.

Distance from Prague:

It's about 160 km from Prague to Třebíč, a journey that will take around two hours by car. It's also possible to take a bus between the two cities, which will take around two and a half hours.

Our activity recommendations:

• World Heritage Site: Three historic buildings make up the World Heritage site of Třebíč: St Procopius Basilica, the Jewish Quarter, and the Jewish Cemetery. Together, this major Christian Basilica located next to the Jewish ghetto is a striking example of the relative religious tolerance that marked the Austro-Hungarian Empire in comparison to its European neighbors. You can also explore some gorgeous medieval architecture in the old town on your weekend trip.
• Museum of Vysočina Třebíč: This town museum tells the story of the city, but it does much more than that. It also has exhibits on the environment and the local Waldstein family, aristocrats who played a large part in making the town what it is today.

Best season to visit:

This is a popular destination for weekend trips from Prague, so if you want to avoid crowds, the summer season is best avoided. Instead, the town is worth visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is often still quite pleasant, but the crowds are smaller.

Český Krumlov

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, this fairytale town on the Vltava River is widely known as one of the most beautiful in the Czech Republic.

Distance from Prague:

Český Krumlov lies around 170 km south of Prague, so you'll need to drive for between two and two and half hours to get here.

Our activity recommendations:

• Český Krumlov Castle: Prague Castle is the biggest in the country and one of the biggest in the world, but Český Krumlov Castle isn't far behind in size. Dating back to 1240, this often renovated castle displays an unusual mix of architectural styles tracing the changing fashions of central European Castle design.
• Boating: The stretch of the Vltava that runs through Český Krumlov functions as the city's outdoor playground during the warmer summer months. Rent a boat and travel along the water or go swimming at one of the city's many riverside beaches, and you'll be enjoying one of the city's main attractions the way locals have for centuries.
• Moldavite Museum: If you've never seen a meteorite in real life, now's your chance. This part of Europe was hit by a huge meteorite 15 million years ago, and several large shards of the meteorite are preserved at this unusual museum. You'll learn more about how the impact affected the geology and geography of the area and get a better understanding of the forces that shape meteorites and the impact they have on our planet.

Best season to visit:

Český Krumlov is a year-round destination. If you want to swim in the river, summer is the best time to go, but that's also when you encounter the most tourist crowds.

Karlovy Vary

Sometimes known as Carlsbad, Karlovy Vary has been one of the major destinations for weekend trips from Prague for generations, and it's not hard to see why.

Distance from Prague:

It takes about an hour and 45 minutes to drive from Prague to Carlsbad. That makes it worth visiting for a longer day trip as well as a weekend trip.

Our activity recommendations:

• Visit the spa: It's the presence of mineral spring waters that put this spa town on the map, and people have been coming here to take the waters since at least the 14th century. Now, the springs are surrounded by luxurious spas that will give you a range of treatments with dubious health benefits, but guaranteed relaxation.
• Mill Colonnade: Located in the heart of town, this grand walkway is one of the most iconic buildings around. Free concerts are often staged here in the summer months, and some of the area's mineral springs fill fountains where you can rent a cup and take a drink to sample the famous waters.

Best season to visit:

There's no specific time to visit Carlsbad. This is as good a destination for a weekend trip in the winter as it is in the summer.

Conclusion

Prague has plenty to do to fill even a longer vacation. And if you have, for example, three days in Prague, you won't want to travel too far from the city itself. But if you have a little longer, consider one or more of these weekend trips to see some locations that are well worth visiting. The best day trips from Prague and these longer weekend excursions will give you plenty to do as you explore the region.