Beyond Prague’s iconic Old Town, the Czech Republic stretches into pastel-painted villages, towering castles, and sites that echo its WWII past. Day tours from Prague remove all the logistical fuss, letting you explore these standout destinations effortlessly, without wrestling with train schedules or complex routes. With expert local guides, seamless round-trip transfers, and carefully crafted itineraries, you can experience UNESCO-listed towns, dramatic gorges, and centuries-old castles, all in a single, stress-free day.

Whether you’re drawn to Český Krumlov’s Renaissance charm, the chilling history of Terezín, or the wild sandstone formations of Bohemian Switzerland, these tours allow you to see the best of the region and still return to Prague before the day ends.

  • Duration: 4 to 11 hours, depending on your chosen destination and activity
  • Meeting point: Na Příkopě, Revoluční, Rudolfinum in Prague’s City Center (hotel pick-up options available on small-group tours)
  • Starts from: €40 to €150, depending on inclusions such as castle entries, lunch, hotel pickup, and small-group upgrades
  • Best time to take a day tour: April to June and September to October, promising ideal temperatures for walking tours, castle visits, and outdoor hiking
  • Recommended day tours: From Prague: Český Krumlov day trip, the most popular choice for culture lovers, first-timers, and families

Top-rated day trip destinations near Prague

Cesky Krumlov castle and town view with red rooftops and tower, Czech Republic.

Český Krumlov

Hilltop castle views | Medieval Old Town charm | Great for culture-focused travelers

  • A storybook UNESCO town where pastel façades, cobbled alleys, hilltop castle courtyards, and the winding lanes of the Latrán district create one of Europe’s most atmospheric day-trip settings.
  • Distance from Prague: 170km (2.5 to 3 hours)
Prague to Český Krumlov day tours
Colorful historic buildings along the river in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

Karlovy Vary

Thermal colonnades | Mineral springs | Ideal for spa & wellness lovers

  • A grand 19th-century spa town famous for its steaming mineral springs, cast-iron colonnades, and hillside viewpoints reached by the Diana funicular, offering a blend of wellness, architecture, and nature in one easy day trip.
  • Distance from Prague: 125km (2 hours)
Prague to Karlovy Vary day trips
Candlestick made of human bones and skulls in Sedlec Ossuary, Kutna Hora.

Kutná Hora

Gothic cathedral architecture | World-famous Bone Church | Perfect for history enthusiasts

  • A former silver-mining powerhouse known for St. Barbara’s soaring Gothic vaults and the Sedlec Ossuary, where thousands of human bones form haunting artistic structures found nowhere else in Europe.
  • Distance from Prague: 85km (1 to 1.5 hours)
Kutná Hora day trips from Prague
Karlstejn Castle with stone walls and towers surrounded by greenery, Czech Republic.

Karlštejn Castle

Royal Gothic fortress | Sweeping countryside walks | Great for architecture enthusiasts

  • One of the Czech Republic’s most iconic castles, where Gothic interiors, sacred relic chambers, and dramatic ramparts reveal the legacy of Emperor Charles IV.
  • Distance from Prague: 30km (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Karlštejn Castle day trips from Prague
Terezin Concentration Camp memorial with Star of David and cemetery grounds.

Terezín Concentration Camp

WWII remembrance sites | Small Fortress & Ghetto Museum | Suited for travelers seeking educational visits

  • A sprawling former garrison transformed into a WWII prison and Jewish ghetto, where the fortress, barracks, and Ghetto Museum reveal the oppressive systems and personal stories of wartime persecution.
  • Distance from Prague: 60km (1 hour)
Terezín Concentration Camp day tours
Pravčická Brána rock arch surrounded by lush greenery in Bohemian Switzerland.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Sandstone cliffs | Forest trails & river gorges | Ideal for hikers & nature explorers

  • A sandstone wilderness marked by towering cliffs, river-cut gorges, and iconic formations like Pravčická Gate and Bastei Bridge, offering the region’s best nature escape.
  • Distance from Prague: 120km (2 to 2.5 hours)
Prague to Bohemian Switzerland day trips

Find your perfect day tour from Prague | A quick at-a-glance guide

CityStarts fromDistance from PragueTravel timeTop highlightsBest for
Český Krumlov

Na Příkopě, Revoluční, or Prague City Center (hotel pick-up on some small-group tours)

~170km

2.5 to 3 hours

Castle courtyards, Latrán district, Lazebnicky Bridge, Church of St. Vitus, Vltava riverside views

Travelers who love medieval towns, scenic viewpoints, & relaxed sightseeing with a strong historic charm

Karlovy Vary

Na Příkopě or Prague City Center (hotel pick-up on select tours)

~125km

~2 hours

Hot springs, colonnades, Thermal Hotel, Mlýnská Colonnade, Diana Observation Tower (funicular)

Wellness & architecture lovers, & anyone who enjoys 19th-century promenades without strenuous walking

Kutná Hora

Na Příkopě (central Prague meeting points)

~85km

1 to 1.5 hours

St. Barbara’s Cathedral, Sedlec Ossuary, Jesuit College, Old Town squares

History enthusiasts drawn to Gothic architecture & unusual heritage sites like the Bone Church

Karlštejn Castle

Revoluční or central Prague meeting points

~30km

45 minutes to 1 hour

Castle interiors, Imperial Palace, Marian Tower, village walk, countryside views

Light hikers, families, & travelers interested in royal Bohemian history who want a shorter, easy-to-manage half-day trip close to Prague

Terezín Concentration Camp

Na Příkopě or other City Center departure points

~60km

~1 hour

Small Fortress, Ghetto Museum, former barracks, memorial courtyards

Travelers seeking a meaningful, educational WWII experience with guided historical context

Bohemian Switzerland

Prague City Center or hotel pick-up for small-group hikes

~120km

2 to 2.5 hours

Pravčická Gate, Edmund’s Gorge (summer), Bastei viewpoints, Tisa Walls Labyrinth (winter)

Outdoor enthusiasts, casual hikers, & photography-focused travelers who want dramatic landscapes without needing advanced hiking skills

České Budějovice

Revoluční or Prague City Center

~150km

2 to 2.5 hours

Přemysl Otakar II Square, Samson Fountain, Black Tower, Town Hall, historic arcaded streets

Visitors who appreciate local, less touristy cities, ideal for those looking for a quieter alternative to Český Krumlov

Saxon Switzerland

Prague City Center or hotel pick-up on small-group cross-border tours

~145km

2 to 2.5 hours

Bastei Bridge, Elbe River canyon viewpoints, towering sandstone pinnacles, forest lookouts

Nature explorers, photographers, & travelers who want cinematic canyon views with minimal hiking or technical effort

Travel made easy from start to finish

With round-trip transfers, pre-arranged entry, and guides who keep the day running smoothly, day trips from Prague take the hassle out of reaching remote towns and nature trails so you can enjoy the sights without any planning pressure.

Prague & beyond | Your guide to nearby day-trip spots

Map showing Český Krumlov and nearby attractions like Karlštejn Castle and Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic.

Why take a day tour from Prague?

Drone view of Vltava River Bend and old town center, Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Park Colonnade in Karlovy Vary with ornate architecture and a domed roof.
Tour guide explaining in front of a historic building in Cesky Krumlov.
Guide explaining map to tourists during Terezin Concentration Camp tour.
Cesky Krumlov castle tower and colorful buildings along a canal.
Bastei Bridge spanning rock formations in Saxon Switzerland, Germany, during a guided tour.
Cesky Krumlov main square with colorful historic buildings and tourists exploring.
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Short travel times make exploring effortless

Most top destinations sit 1 to 3 hours from the city, meaning you can experience a UNESCO town, castle, or national park and still return to Prague the same day without feeling rushed.

Iconic landscapes & towns in a single outing

From riverside medieval centers to grand spa promenades and sandstone gorges, day trips reveal landscapes and architectural styles that go far beyond Prague’s Gothic and Baroque skyline.

Zero planning stress with curated routes

Many destinations around Prague require multiple public transport changes or long rural connections. A guided day tour handles transfers, entry slots, trail navigation, and cross-border logistics so your day flows smoothly from one highlight to the next.

A deeper look at Czech history beyond Prague

Whether explaining cathedral carvings, castle legends, or wartime events, local guides share history, legends, and overlooked details that are easy to miss when visiting on your own.

Easy access to sites that are challenging on your own

Some sites like Terezín, Bohemian Switzerland, and Karlštejn Castle involve multiple entrances, trail networks, or rural connections that can be confusing without clear direction. A guided tour ensures you follow the right route and make the most of your limited time.

Better value through bundled experiences

Many day tours combine transport, entry tickets, guided walks, and even lunch, offering a more cost-efficient way to see major attractions compared to arranging each part independently.

Comfortable travel by coach or small-group van

Air-conditioned vehicles take you straight to the starting point without crowded trains or multiple bus changes, making longer journeys far more enjoyable.

Best time of the year to explore beyond Prague

  • Best seasons: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early October) offer the ideal balance of mild weather, open castle interiors, flowing mineral springs, and clear hiking trails, making outdoor towns like Český Krumlov and landscapes like Bohemian Switzerland especially enjoyable.
  • Avoid: July and August bring peak crowds, higher temperatures, and longer ticket queues in popular towns, while January and February often see castle interiors closed and mountain trails adjusted due to snow or icy conditions.
  • Departure time: Most tours leave between 7am and 9am to place you ahead of tour-bus traffic, secure earlier time slots at sites like Karlštejn Castle or Sedlec Ossuary, and give you more daylight for sightseeing in winter.
  • Seasonal notes: Summer itineraries in Bohemian Switzerland include the Edmund’s Gorge boat ride and full access to forest trails, while winter routes switch to the Tisa Rocks Labyrinth and safer viewpoints; similarly, Český Krumlov’s castle interiors open only from April to October, with museum-focused visits in colder months.
  • Special moments: Autumn (September to October) brings golden forests around Karlštejn and Bohemian Switzerland, and December adds Christmas markets, mulled wine stands, and lantern-lit streets to several towns, offering a festive backdrop to your day trips.

More amazing places near Prague to add to your itinerary

Samson fighting lion fountain and bell tower in main square, Ceske Budejovice.

České Budějovice

Grand main square | Historic breweries | Ideal for travelers seeking classic South Bohemian charm

  • A lively regional capital known for its vast Přemysl Otakar II Square, elegant arcades, and the birthplace of the original Budweiser beer.
  • Distance from Prague: 150km (2 to 2.5 hours)
  • Recommended tour: From Prague: Český Krumlov & České Budějovice day trip
Watchtower Diana surrounded by lush forest in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

Diana Observation Tower

Forest Hilltop Tower | Sweeping spa-town views | Perfect for travelers wanting panoramic scenery without a hike

  • A viewpoint reached by a short funicular ride, offering open-air terraces with some of the best aerial views over Karlovy Vary’s colonnades, hillsides, and river valley.
  • Distance from Prague: 125km (2 hours)
  • Recommended tour: From Prague: Karlovy Vary & Diana Observation Tower day trip
Elbe River winding through lush green hills from Bastei Bridge, Germany.

Bastei Bridge

Sandstone rock bridge | Cliffside lookouts | Ideal for nature lovers & photographers chasing striking canyon views

  • A natural bridge built into towering sandstone pinnacles, providing panoramic views over the Elbe River canyon within Germany’s Saxon Switzerland National Park.
  • Distance from Prague: 145km (2 to 2.5 hours)
  • Recommended tour: From Prague: Bastei Bridge & Tisa Walls Labyrinth day trip
Sandstone formations at Tisa Rocks with surrounding forest under a clear blue sky.

Tisa Walls Labyrinth

Maze-like rock city | Narrow sandstone passages | Great for hikers & adventure lovers

  • A striking maze of tall sandstone towers and winding corridors, offering an easy-to-moderate hike through one of the region’s most photogenic rock formations.
  • Distance from Prague: 115km (1.5 to 2 hours)
  • Recommended tour: From Prague: Saxon & Bohemian Switzerland day trip

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Frequently asked questions about day tours from Prague

How long do most day trips from Prague take?

Most tours run between 4 and 11 hours depending on the destination, with closer sites like Karlštejn taking half a day and farther ones like Český Krumlov or Bohemian Switzerland taking a full day.

Do tours include round-trip transport?

Yes, all day tours include direct transfers from Prague in an air-conditioned bus or small-group van, so you do not need to navigate multiple regional connections.

Where do day tours from Prague usually depart from?

Most departures leave from Na Příkopě or Revoluční in the city center, with some small-group tours offering hotel pick-up.

How early do day trips start?

Most tours depart between 7am and 9am, with earlier departures giving you more daylight and quieter visits at popular sites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

We recommend booking at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, for summer months like June to August often sell out timed entries for Český Krumlov Castle and St. Barbara’s Cathedral, and the Edmund’s Gorge boat ride in Bohemian Switzerland has limited capacity between April and October.

Are guided walking tours included?

Most destinations include a guided walk covering the main landmarks so you can follow the correct route and get historical context that is not always available on-site.

Can I visit more than one town in a single day?

Yes, some tours pair Český Krumlov with České Budějovice so you can see two contrasting South Bohemian towns in one outing, or link Bohemian Switzerland with the Bastei Bridge to cover both Czech and German viewpoints on the same nature route.

Do tours include entrance fees?

Many tours include entry to major sites such as Český Krumlov Castle, Sedlec Ossuary, St. Barbara’s Cathedral, or the Terezín museums so you can skip ticket lines.

Are day trips from Prague suitable in winter?

Yes, although itineraries adjust for safety, with places like Bohemian Switzerland shifting to Tisa Rocks Labyrinth and castles offering museum visits instead of interior tours.

Which day trip is best for nature lovers?

Bohemian Switzerland offers forest trails, sandstone cliffs, and canyon views, with summer routes including a river gorge boat ride.

Which day trip is best if I want to see a medieval town?

Český Krumlov is the top pick for medieval streets, castle courtyards, and riverside viewpoints.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Most day trips are not suitable for wheelchairs due to cobblestones, hills, castle stairways, and uneven forest paths.

Are meals included on any tours?

Some itineraries include a Czech lunch at a local restaurant, a useful perk in the busy summer months (June to August) when seating can be limited.

What should I wear on a day tour?

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers are best because many sites involve cobbled streets, outdoor walking, or mild inclines.

Do tours run if it rains?

Yes, tours operate in all weather and continue with adjusted routes if needed, especially in nature-focused destinations like the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks.

Is free time included on day tours?

Most itineraries give you time to explore local shops, viewpoints, or cafés at your own pace after the guided portion.