Things to do in the Czech Republic - 40 sights and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: June 2026 | What to see and do in the Czech Republic? This beautiful and exciting country offers everything from dramatic nature and beautiful cities to historical sights and unique experiences. Here you will find all our best tips.

Things to do in the Czech Republic - our top tips

We have travelled in Czech Republic many times, and we have often spent quite a long time in the country. Most of the times we have travelled around with our own motorhome. A few times we have also travelled down on press trips, in cooperation with the Czech Tourist Office. It soon feels like we've been to every corner of this country, and the fact is that we love travelling in the Czech Republic.

And why is that? Probably the best thing is the incredible nature, with its dramatic rock formations. We also love all the castles and palaces, the picturesque towns and the ease of travelling by camper van, and staying in campsites.

What's more, prices are fairly reasonable, especially outside the capital Prague, which is naturally a little more expensive than the rest of the country. Here are our top tips for things to see and do in the Czech Republic!

1. book a weekend in Prague

Perhaps the most popular thing to do in the Czech Republic is to visit the capital, Prague. This is a very beautiful and historically interesting city, where you can check out the Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock, as well as lots of different and interesting museums.

READ MORE: Things to do in Prague - 30 sights and experiences

2. Experience a Christmas market in the Czech Republic

If you're visiting the Czech Republic during Christmas time, you won't want to miss the country's cozy Christmas markets. In the capital, several various Christmas markets are organized. You can also find cozy markets in other cities, such as Brno and Olomouc.

3. Stroll around the Konopiště forest castle

There are many castles in the Czech Republic, and one that we like a little bit more is Konopiště Forest Castle, which feels a bit mysterious and magical where it is surrounded by green forests. This castle is located just over half an hour by car from Prague and you can also get a guided tour inside the castle.

4. Be fascinated by the skeleton church in Sedlec

Not far from Konopiště you will find the silver town of Kutna Hora – once famous for its silver mining industry – and the Sedlec Skeleton Church. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture, and the Skeleton Church is also a unique place. This small chapel is decorated with the bones and skulls of 40,000 people.

5. Visit the town of Hradec Kralové

Hradec Králové is a small and historic Czech town, which is unexpectedly pleasant to discover. You can explore historic buildings, stroll through parks, visit museums and eat locally produced food. You can also discover the cosy Kemp Stříbrný rybník campsite.

READ MORE: Things to do in Hradec Kralové, Czech Republic - 15 tips

6. See the rock formations at Adršpach Rocks

In the northern part of the Czech Republic there is plenty of exciting nature, and one of the most fascinating places is what is called Adršpach Rocks or Adršpach Teplice Rocks. The mountains stick out like cigars from the ground and it is incredibly cool to hike around this area.

7. Climb the Czech Republic's highest mountain Sněžka

One thing you can do in the Czech Republic is visit the country's highest mountain. This mountain is called Sněžka and is located in the Krkonoše mountain range in the Sudetes. The mountain has an altitude of 1603 meters and is shared with Poland. We took the gondola lift to the top and hiked all the way down. A wonderful experience!

8. Get scammed in the treetop railway in Krkonoše

Treetop funicular in the Krkonoše Mountains, in the northern Czech Republic, offers a wonderful nature experience. You walk high up among the treetops, and get to experience the forest the way the birds do. Those who want can then take the slide down from the 45-meter-high tower.

9. Discover the spectacular nature of Bohemian Paradise

Bohemian Paradise, or Český ráj as it is called in Czech, is a protected natural area in the north of the Czech Republic, roughly bounded by Turnov, Jičín and Mnichovo Hradiště. The area is characterised by stunning scenery and special sandstone formations. Here are some places to visit in Bohemian Paradise:

• Prachovské Skaly in Bohemian Paradise
• Besedické Skály - fantastic hike in the Czech Republic

10. Canoeing on the Jizera River

You can of course canoe in many different places in the Czech Republic, but for example on the Jizera River in the area around Bohemian Paradise. We did a canoe trip starting from the Ostrov campsite in the small town Malá Skála.

11. Get to the top of Mount Ještěd

Just outside the city of Liberec is Mount Ještěd. You can take a cable car or car to the top and, if there is no fog, you can enjoy a marvellous view. There is also a nice restaurant at the top, surrounded by large windows.

READ MORE: Things to do in Liberec, Czech Republic - our top 7 tips

12. Be dazzled by glass and glass art in Kristalldalen

The Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic, or Crystal Valley as the valley is called in English, is an area in the northern Czech Republic that is famous for Bohemian crystal, glassworks and glass art. Here you can visit many different glassworks and glass exhibitions, as well as the ”Museum of Glass and Jewellery” in Jablonec nad Nisou. Our favorite was Pačinek glassworks, which was an incredibly inspiring place.

READ MORE: Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic - guide to the Crystal Valley

13. Shop for handmade Christmas decorations - a Unesco World Heritage Site

Handmade Christmas decorations in the Czech Republic, made from blown glass beads, have a long tradition and the manufacturing process is now on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. At the company Rautis, in the northern Czech Republic, you can both see how the production is done and perhaps buy a unique Christmas decoration to take home. A different thing to do in the Czech Republic!

14. check out "Devil Heads"

Devil heads in the Czech Republic is a unique attraction in the form of two enormous carved heads. The nine-meter-high figures were created by sculptor Václav Levý between 1841 and 1846. The starting point is the town of Želízy, and nearby you can hike to several different places.

15. Fascinated by the natural phenomenon of Panská skála

Panská skála is a fascinating natural phenomenon in the northern Czech Republic, consisting of tall pentagonal or hexagonal basalt columns. The shapes are so precise that you might almost think they are man-made, but this creation was created by volcanic activity many millions of years ago.

16. Hiking in Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland, which can be called Böhmiska Schweiz in Swedish, is a protected natural area in the northwestern Czech Republic. The area is located near the German border, where nature continues with the name Sachsiska Schweiz, the region is known as Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland. Prepare yourself for nice hikes with fantastic views! Read about different hikes here:

• Hiking in Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic
• Saxon Switzerland - day trip from the Czech Republic to Germany

17. get to the sandstone arch of Pravcicka Brana

Pravcicka Brana is Europe's largest natural sandstone arch and is located in Bohemian Switzerland. The sandstone arch has a span of 26.5 meters, an internal height of 16 meters and a maximum width of 8 meters. The area is stunningly beautiful, with intensely green deciduous trees and high mountains, and is perfect for hiking.

18. Fantasires to Narnia in Tísa

Tisá in the Czech Republic is an area of amazing rock formations, the Tiske Stěny, in the northern part of the country. Scenes from ”The Chronicles of Narnia” were filmed here, and it’s not hard to see why. This is a real fairytale landscape!

19. Stop in beautiful Děčín

A nice thing to do in the Czech Republic is to visit the town of Děčín. This town is located in the north-west of the country, on the Labe (Elbe) River near the German border. It is home to a beautiful castle, among other things, and is also an excellent starting point for nature experiences in Bohemian Switzerland. For example, you can stay at the Kemp Děčín city campsite.

20. visit the Theresienstadt concentration camp

The Czech town of Terezin, or Theresienstadt as it is called in German, is an old garrison town from the 18th century, perhaps best known for being the site of a concentration camp during World War II.

During the war, a total of around 32,000 prisoners were held in the camp, and many died. A visit can feel heavy, but also important. Nearby you can also visit the pleasant town of Litomerice.

21. Rest up in the spa town of Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, or Karlsbad as the city is called in German, is an incredibly beautiful city in the western Czech Republic, with a long history as a spa resort. Here you can mainly indulge in spa and wellness, but also soak up the fantastic atmosphere. You can also visit Becherovka Museum, which tells the story of the alcoholic beverage of the same name.

READ MORE: Karlovy Vary - 30 things to do in the spa town of Kalsbad

22. Try the spa in the spa triangle

The Spa Triangle is an area in the western Czech Republic that includes three spa towns: Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad), Marianske Lazne (Marienbad) and Frantiskovy Lazne. Here, everything is about spas and wellness, and you will find everything from traditional Czech treatments to modern wellness facilities. In many places you can bathe in historically beautiful bathhouses. Read more here:

• Spa in Czech Republic - experience the spa triangle
• Drinking well - the tradition lives on in the Czech Republic
• Marianske Lazne - we try the spa in the Czech Republic
• The spa town of Frantiskovy Lazne - the yellow town

23. Try the beer spa

A slightly different thing to do in the Czech Republic is to try beer spa. This means that you bathe in beer, or an extract, while enjoying a good beer internally. The bath is considered good for everything from psoriasis and cellulite to counteracting stress.

24. Blowing glass at Moser Glassworks

Moser Glassworks is a historic glassworks, which opened in 1857. The factory is located just outside Karlovy Vary, and can be visited to see the glassblowers at work and to check out the factory's glass museum. In the best case, you can try the noble art of glassblowing yourself.

25. Meet the friendly dragon in Loket

Loket is a charming little town, which is almost completely surrounded by the Ohre River. The city consists of narrow alleys, and is dominated by the large castle that sits at the top. According to legend, a kind dragon lives here, who can help housewives light fires when they are cooking.

26. Hang out in the fairytale town of Český Krumlov 

The charming Czech town Cesky Krumlov is located in the southern part of the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city center has more than 300 protected buildings and a castle that is the second largest in the entire country. The inner part of the city is surrounded by the Vltava River, where tourists travel on rubber boats and canoes.

27. Boat trip in Punkva Caves

Punkva Caves is located in Blansko, just north of the city of Brno. These large caves are filled with stalactites, stalagmites and fascinating rock formations. What makes this cave extra worth visiting is a green grassy area in the middle of the cave, as well as the opportunity to go boating on an underground river. An exciting thing to do in the Czech Republic!

28. Step into the tunnels under Brno

Brno is an interesting city to visit, and among other things there are several underground tunnels to discover. For example, you can follow the passageways under the Cabbage Market, which was used during the Middle Ages. You can also peek into an underground and previously secret place underground, which was used during the communist era.

29. Join a guided tour of Villa Tugendhat

One of the most interesting places to visit in Brno is Villa Tugendhat – a house that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is both the history and the architecture that are exciting about this place. It was also here that the document was signed when the Czech Republic and Slovakia became two countries in 1993.

30. Look inside Mikulov Castle

Besides the fact that the town of Mikulov, in the southern Czech Republic, is incredibly charming, there is also a castle in Mikulov. This castle also has some exciting history to offer. The Swedes were stationed here during the 30 Years' War in 1645, when they tried to take Brno, and it is home to Central Europe's largest wine barrel.

31. Tasting Czech wine in Velke Bilovice

The Czech Republic is known for beer, but wine is also produced in the country. It is mainly white wine that is produced and you will find wine regions south of Brno. We have visited Velke Bilovice wine region, where we tried very good white wine.

32. Enchanted by the beautiful Chateau Lednice

There are many beautiful castles in the Czech Republic, and Chateau Lednice is perhaps the most beautiful of them all. The palace dates from 1846-1858, when Prince Alois II of Liechtenstein had the castle rebuilt, with sumptuous banqueting rooms for the European aristocracy. Today this palace serves as a museum.

33. Strosa i Kroměříž gardens 

Kroměříž gardens and castle is located in the city of Kroměříž in the eastern Czech Republic. The gardens, together with the castle, are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offer a fantastically beautiful and historic setting in the Baroque style.

34. Travel to Olomouc in the eastern Czech Republic

Olomouc was once the capital and largest city of Moravia. Today, it is a lively student city, which is really cozy with winding alleys, grand churches and beautiful buildings. There are also good restaurants to discover here.

35. Make a stop in the village of Štramberk

Štramberk is a cozy little village in the eastern Czech Republic, with a castle and small colorful houses climbing a hill. Here is the Šipka Cave, where a jawbone of a Neanderthal child was found. The village is also famous for the ”Štramberk ears” cookies, commemorating a historical event when Tatars invaded, and the ears of the killed invaders were cut off to count them …

36. Learn about history at the Wallachian Open Air Museum

Wallachian Open Air Museum is like a kind of Skansen, but in the Czech Republic. The museum, located in the eastern part of the country, showcases more than 100-year-old buildings, furniture, and still-functioning mills and workshops from the eastern Czech Republic. 

37. explore the industrial city of Ostrava

Ostrava, located in the eastern Czech Republic, is a city full of mining and industrial history. You can visit the Landek Park Mining Museum and take a guided tour of the abandoned industrial area of Dolni Vitkovice. This special environment is also the setting for an annual music festival called 'Colours of Ostrava'.

READ MORE: Ostrava, Czech Republic - 13 tips for things to see and do

38. Impressed by mighty castles

If you like mighty castles and cool castle ruins - then there's plenty for you to see and do in the Czech Republic. Many towns and villages have their own castle perched on a hill, and you'll also find plenty of castles in the countryside and forests. Here are some of the ones we've visited:

• Hazmburk – and the Libochoviche Castle
• Houska – over the gate to hell
• Kokorin – plus nature experiences
• Sloup – a fascinating destination
• Trosky – the ruin that is a landmark

39. Taste Czech food and beer

The Czech Republic is known for its good beer. The food can be a bit stodgy, but is often well cooked and can offer great flavours. Try, for example, dumplings with baked duck and cabbage. Delicious and filling!

READ MORE: Czech food - 20 dishes and drinks from the Czech Republic

40. Relax with a spa in the Czech Republic

It is not only in the 'spa triangle' that you can enjoy spas. There are many different spas around the country, both in the cities and in the countryside. We tried the spas at Dvůr Perlová Voda and at the Liblice Castle Hotel, both in the north of the country. Nice experiences!

• Spa in the Czech Republic - visit to Dvur Perlova Voda
• Stay in a castle in the Czech Republic - one night at Liblice

More guides in the same series

Here you will find more guides with tips on what to see and do in different countries. This type of article is perfect for those who want to get an overview, inspiration and ideas for their next trip.

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