The Czech town of Ceske Budejovice in South Bohemia may be best known for the beer that has been brewed there since the 13th century. Even if you aren't a beer lover, this charming provincial capital is well worth a visit thanks to its vast main square, winding lanes, and a location that lends itself for exploring the region.
This medieval complex of buildings atop Vysehrad Hill, just south of the Old Town, has played an important part in Prague’s history, having served at various points as a royal residence, religious center, and military fortress. It’s one of the most significant of the Czech Republic’s National Cultural Monuments, and it offers excellent views across the city.
Situated between Prague’s Old Town (Staré Město and New Town (Nové Město, Republic Square (Námestí Republiky is one of Prague’s main focal points and is home to the dazzling 19th-century Municipal House, Gothic-style Powder Gate, Czech National Bank, and bustling shops, cafés, and restaurants to explore.
As visitors to the Czech Republic soon find out, Pilsner Urquell is practically synonymous with Czech beer. It’s brewed in the city of Pilsen (Plzeň), in the western Czech Republic. Beer lovers can take a tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj) to learn more about the beer’s history and production, and to have a taste.
The ornate Loreto Sanctuary (Loreta Praha) is a Baroque jewel and one of the foremost pilgrim destinations in Bohemia. Constructed around several courtyards and surrounded by cloisters and chapels, the complex houses a replica of the Holy House (Santa Casa) of the Virgin Mary, copied from the original humble abode in Nazareth.
Lobkowicz Palace (Lobkowický Palác), built in the mid-16th century for Czech nobleman Jaroslav of Pernštejn, is the only privately owned building in the sprawling Prague Castle complex. The aristocratic Lobkowicz family took over the palace through a dynastic marriage in 1603, eventually lost it under the communist rule of the Czech Republic following World War II, and regained control only recently, in 2002.
In Cesky Krumlov, 105 miles (170 kilometers) away from Prague, the St. Vitus Church (Kostel sv. Vita) is not be confused with the cathedral of the same name located at Prague Castle. With its unusual steep-sided roof and single tower, the church is a popular stop for visitors coming to see Krumlov Castle—the church is inside the castle complex.
Venture deep underground at the Koněprusy Caves (Konepruské Jeskyne), the longest cave system yet to be discovered in the Czech Republic’s Bohemia region. Stretching more than 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) over three levels, these caverns and passages are home to plunging precipices, towering domes, and dramatic rock formations.
At the end of Charles Bridge, the Gothic Old Town Bridge Tower marks the entrance to Prague’s Old Town. Flanked by sculptures of St. Vitus and Charles IV, the striking structure was built in the late 14th century. Bohemian kings walked through the tower—considered one of Europe’s most beautiful gateways—on their coronation processions.
In a city of Gothic and baroque splendor, Prague’s late-1980s Žižkov Television Tower (Žižkovský Vysílac) stands out like a space-age sore thumb—a rather alluring thumb. Visit for high panoramic views of both the historic and modern neighborhoods of Prague and to check out Czech artist David Černý’s crawling Babies sculptures that adorn its exterior.
A short drive from Prague, Konopiste Castle is a grand chateau built in a French style. It’s famous as the former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered the First World War.
One of the most atmospheric corners of Prague’s Staré Město, the 13th-century St. Agnes Convent (Klášter sv. Anežky České) is the city’s oldest surviving example of Gothic architecture. Visit the cloister and churches and admire the National Gallery’s medieval and early Renaissance art collection.
Lednice Chateau is an English Neo-Gothic style stately home that’s part of the larger Lednice-Valtice Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was owned by the Liechtenstein family between 1582 and 1945. The chateau building is surrounded by a large park containing a Venetian fountain, Roman aqueduct, Chinese Pavilion, and more.
The Czech Republic is famous for its fine crystal glassware, which travelers can admire, learn about, and purchase at Karlovy Vary’s Moser Glassworks. Founded in 1857, the glassworks produces a range of decorative and practical glass pieces using environmentally friendly techniques. Visitors can tour the museum and shop for fine glassware at the Moser Glassworks.
The only museum in the world devoted solely to sex devices, Prague’s Sex Machines Museum shows off more than 350 different sex-related items, with some dating as far back as the 16th century. The museum offers both historically interesting and entertaining glimpses into evolving societal attitudes toward sex.
One of the most beautiful gardens in Prague, the 17th-century Wallenstein Palace Gardens are rich in grottoes and follies, neat ornamental topiary, and pathways lined with Mannerist bronze statues. This tranquil oasis is also known for its vast statue of Hercules guarding the ornamental pond, roaming peacocks, and owl refuge.
One of Prague’s most stunning churches, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Kostel Panny Marie Snezne) was founded by King Charles IV in 1347, and its original design would have rivaled St. Vitus Cathedral in terms of size and grandeur. These plans were never completed, but its soaring Gothic vaults and baroque interior still impress.
The 17th-century Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vitezne) wows with its baroque style, including dazzling gilt and marble interiors. The headliner here isn’t the architecture, however, but the small Infant Jesus of Prague statue, donated to the church in 1628 and adorned with bejeweled crowns and sumptuous clothing.
Prague’s New Town Hall (Novomestská Radnice) is a charming hodgepodge of architectural styles that date back to the 1300s. Climb the 221 steps to the top of the Gothic tower for bird’s-eye views of the Czech capital, or visit the original Hall of Justice and admire the Renaissance south wing added in the 16th century.
In Prague, you’re never far away from a beautiful theater, and the State Opera (Státní Opera) is one of the finest. The Neo-Renaissance exterior hides a lavishly decorated Neo-Rococo interior and the largest seating capacity of any theater in Prague. Take a guided tour or see a ballet or an opera—just try not to get too distracted by the decor.
Prague Zoo covers more than 140 acres (58 hectares) in the Prague Troja district on the banks of River Vltava. The zoo—with 150 exhibits and 13 pavilions—is home to more than 5,000 animals from 694 species (many endangered) including a Komodo dragon, polar bear, Galapagos tortoise, Malayan tiger, Humboldt's penguin, and hippopotamus.
Museum Kampa is one of Prague’s top museums and exhibits contemporary European art in the whitewashed medieval Sova Mill on Kampa Island. In addition to the permanent collection of works by artists like Cubist sculptor Otto Gutfreund and abstract artist František Kupka, the museum holds world-class temporary exhibitions.
The National Technical Museum explores the industrial heritage of Czechia through fascinating exhibits, both permanent and temporary. Founded in 1908, and fully renovated in 2012, the museum has built an extensive collection documenting scientific, technological, and industrial advancements pioneered and shaped by the country.
The story of the Czech Republic’s (then Czechoslovakia days behind the Iron Curtain are explored at the Museum of Communism (Muzeum Komunismu in Prague. Through photos, political posters, medals, original busts of such figures as Lenin and Marx, Soviet uniforms, and old movie reels, the displays deal with how local people lived their daily lives under the Communist regime.
Located 2 hours outside of Prague, Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) is a charming spa town in the Czech Republic. Its spacious streets are lined with classical-style colonnades and colorfully painted buildings and the town is surrounded by green forest. Visitors come to drink the restorative spa waters and enjoy the countryside.
This unassuming marker in Wenceslas Square memorializes one of the most dramatic incidents in Prague's modern history. On Jan. 16, 1969, a student named Jan Palach set himself on fire here to protest the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia. Today, a prone bronze cross honors the sacrifice of Palach and fellow protester, Jan Zajic.
Delve into the sumptuous baroque period at the 17th-century Troja Chateau (Trojský Zámek), designed by Italian architect Jean Baptiste Mathey. This former aristocratic summer residence is a head-turner with its monumental staircase, frescoed interior, and formal gardens with fountains, statuary, and ornamental trees.
One of Central Europe’s major rivers, the Elbe River runs through the heart of Dresden. It has played an important role in Germany’s history, forming part of the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War. Today the Elbe River is a popular spot for boat tours and views of landmarks like the Dresden Opera House.
The Magdeburg Barracks (Magdeburská Kasárna) were originally constructed as part of a Habsburg military fortress, but the baroque-style building was later annexed by the Terezín concentration camp during WWII. Today, the barracks are a place of reconciliation and hope, and house an educational center run by the Holocaust Education Trust.
Cesky Sternberk Castle sits on a cliff over the small village of Sternberk, in the countryside of Bohemia. It was built in the 1240s, redesigned in the Gothic style in the 15th century, and renovated in the baroque style in the 17th. It’s still owned by descendants of its original owners, who still live there.
