Located in the Olomouc region, this spa town has Europe's deepest limestone abyss, reaching 404 meters. The 16th-century Renaissance chateau and main square draw visitors.
Start your day at the Old Town Square, where cobblestone streets lead past Gothic churches and 15th-century clock towers. Walk along the Vltava River to see stone bridges connecting neighborhoods filled with cafes and bookshops. Climb the hill to the castle complex, which houses royal gardens and a cathedral with stained-glass windows. Stop by the modern art gallery on the main boulevard to view rotating exhibitions of local painters. In the evening, join a guided tour through the underground tunnels that once served as medieval storage cellars.
Top Attractions in the City Center Prague Castle spans over 70,000 square meters and includes courtyards, palaces, and a vaulted Gothic chapel. Admission to the grounds costs 250 CZK, but you can enter St. Vitus Cathedral for free during early morning hours. The Charles Bridge has 30 baroque statues lining its balustrades, including a figure of St. John of Nepomuk rubbed smooth by visitors for luck. For panoramic views, take the tram to Petřín Hill and climb the observation tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower. The Jewish Quarter contains six synagogues and a cemetery with layered tombstones dating to the 15th century.
Local Food and Markets Try fried cheese served with tartar sauce or potato pancakes topped with garlic and sauerkraut at pubs near Wenceslas Square. Farmers’ markets operate every Saturday on the riverbank, selling honey, smoked meats, and handmade ceramics. Many bakeries sell trdelník, a rolled pastry coated in sugar and walnuts, though avoid stalls with inflated tourist prices. Reserve a table at a traditional pivnice to sample dark lagers brewed in nearby monasteries. If you prefer quick meals, delis offer open-faced sandwiches with egg, ham, or pickled vegetables.
Public Transportation Tips Trams run every 10 minutes between 5 AM and midnight, connecting the central train station to major landmarks. Buy tickets from yellow machines at stops—a 30-minute pass costs 30 CZK. Validate your ticket immediately after boarding to avoid fines. Night buses replace trams after midnight, with routes displayed in electronic timetables. Avoid taxis near tourist areas; ride-hailing apps typically offer lower rates. Walking is the best way to explore the compact historic district, but wear sturdy shoes for uneven streets.
Day Trips Within an Hour Take a 40-minute train ride to Karlštejn Castle, a 14th-century fortress built to protect royal treasures. South of the city, Konopiště Castle displays antique firearms and a chapel with carved wooden altars. The town of Kutná Hora has a bone chapel decorated with skeletons of 40,000 people, arranged into chandeliers and coats of arms. For outdoor time, hike the forest trails around Slapy Lake or rent a rowboat on the Berounka River. Check train schedules in advance, as some rural stations have limited weekend service.
