Czechia can boast many cities - gems, from Prague to others less known to the wider public, all beautiful and unique. See the list we've prepared and get ideas for your next trips.
Hearing «Czechia» all our minds go to its capital, Prague, one of the most fairy-tale cities in Europe that draws travelers from all over the world, all year round. However, Czechia has many cities - gems, with distinctive architecture, culture and attractions that will impress you. Below we've picked out the most beautiful - from the famous to the lesser-known cities worth adding to your list for your next trips.
Prague
Built on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is, as Goethe put it, the «most beautiful jewel in the stone crown of the world». The distinctive blend of Baroque and Gothic architecture, the deeply atmospheric Old Town, the iconic Charles Bridge, the fairy-tale castle, the spires and churches make you fall in love with this city at first sight. The best way to explore Prague is on foot. The city is filled with street musicians, while many of the churches host concerts. Next to the Old Town, the Jewish quarter is dotted with synagogues, historic buildings and traditional cafés.
Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a small town in the South Bohemia region of Czechia, 180 kilometers from Prague. It's known for its historic Gothic architecture and Krumlov Castle, one of the largest in Bohemia. Its stone houses, clustered around a meander of the Vltava River, have preserved the town's medieval and Renaissance character, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The imposing castle, the Renaissance-style Town Hall with its beautiful arches and domes on the main square, the Gothic Church of St. Vitus and the 14th-century Minorite Monastery impress the visitor.
Karlovy Vary
Its thermal waters have made this city a popular resort since the 19th century. Karlovy Vary was founded by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century and its name means "Charles's baths". The city is also known for the international film festival and the popular Czech liqueur Karlovarská Becherovka. Take the funicular up to the Diana Observation Tower that offers stunning views over the city or go hiking and reward yourself with a dip in the thermal waters at one of the many spas in the city.
Brno
Czechia's second largest city, Brno, boasts excellent nightlife thanks to its large student population, as well as a fascinating mix of architecture - from Mies van der Rohe's modernist buildings to the medieval Spilberk Castle, home to the city museum. The city is famed for its coffee culture. Every corner of the Old Town's picturesque streets is filled with cafés, where locals drink turek, the Czech version of espresso.
Kutná Hora
About an hour east of Prague, this small town in Central Bohemia has a rich history worth discovering. In medieval times, in Kutná one-third of Europe's silver was produced, leaving a legacy of imposing Gothic churches, a stunning Baroque Jesuit college and the 13th-century Italian Court, a vast palace that once contained the royal mint. Key sights in the city include the Silver Hrádek Museum, as well as the Ossuary of Sedlec which is famous above all for the artistic way the bones have been arranged inside the church, forming chandeliers and garlands.
