Top 3 Cities to Visit in the Czech Republic (Besides Prague)

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Photo by Pavol Svantner on Unsplash

Interested to see what else the Czech Republic has to offer besides its crown jewel Prague? Then you came to the right place. Here are three lesser-known Czech cities that are well worth your time and money.

Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, located in the West Bohemia region, is arguably Europe’s most famous spa destination. It became a popular getaway destination for Hollywood stars midway through the 20th century, and others soon followed, making it one of the Czech Republic’s most important tourist destinations.

Besides its hot springs, the city also offers charming architecture, that’s a mix of neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque style, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of museums, galleries, and events taking place year-round. It is also home to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the most important festivals in Europe.

Cesky Krumlov

If you really want to take the road less traveled, you can hardly go wrong with Cesky Krumlov. Located in the South Bohemia region, this small town became UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 thanks to its fascinating architecture built in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style.

The city’s main attraction is Cesky Krumlov Castle, which was built in the 13th century and contains many points of interest, including Baroque Theatre, five-story Cloak Bridge, and revolving auditorium. Other attractions and activities include the intriguing Puppet Museum, old markets, and boat rides on the Vltava river.

Kutna Hora

Kutna Hora is just one hour drive from Prague, so you can visit it even if you decide to play it safe. This small town is perfect for people who like unusual things and enjoy exploring. It offers plenty of intriguing attractions, with the most prominent being Sedlec Ossuary or Bone Church. This Roman Catholic chapel, famous for its inner decorations made out of human bones and skeletons, is one of the most-visited touristic sites in the country.