Czechia boasts many cities - gems, from Prague to those lesser-known to the wider public, all gorgeous and distinctive. See the list we have prepared and get ideas for your next trips.
When we hear «Czechia» our minds go to its capital, Prague, one of the most storybook cities inEuropethat attracts travelers from all over the world, in every season. However, Czechia has many cities - gems, with distinctive architecture, culture and sights that will impress you. Below we have selected the most beautiful - from the famous to the lesser-known cities worth adding to your list of upcoming trips.
Prague
Built on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is, as Goethe put it, the «most beautiful gem 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 fairytale castle, the towers and the churches make you fall in love with this city at first sight. The best way to explore Prague is on foot. The city is full of 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 cafes.
Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a small town in the South Bohemia region of Czechia, 180 kilometers from Prague. It is 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 towns medieval and Renaissance character, which was designated 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 Varywas founded by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century and its name means «Charles baths». The city is also known for its international film festival and the popular Czech liqueur Karlovarská Becherovka. Take the funicular up to the Diana Observation Tower for stunning views over the city or go hiking and reward yourself with a soak in the thermal waters at one of the citys many spas.
Brno
Czechias 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 Rohes modernist buildings to the medieval Spilberk Castle, where the city museum is located. The city is famed for its coffee culture. Every corner of the Old Towns picturesque streets is filled with cafes, 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, one third of Europes silver was produced in Kutná, leaving a legacy of imposing Gothic churches, a stunning Baroque Jesuit college and the 13th-century Italian Court, a vast palace that once housed the royal mint. Key sights include the SilverHrádek Museum, as well as the Sedlec Ossuarywhich is famous mainly for the artistic way the bones have been arranged inside the church, forming chandeliers and garlands.
