Prague’s impressive capital city is rightfully renowned, however, there are other charming destinations accessible by train that are worth exploring.
Prague
The capital of the Czech Republic remains one of the most stunning cities in Eastern Europe, boasting renowned landmarks such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and elegant Wenceslas Square. Exploring on foot is the best way to soak in the city’s ambiance, where street musicians are a common sight and various churches host concerts and recitals. Apart from the Old Town, the Jewish quarter is scattered with synagogues, historic structures, and traditional cafes. If you’re looking for authentic Czech cuisine, U Rotundy (urotundy.cz) offers hearty staples like pork knuckle, dumplings, and locally brewed beer. Catch the sunset at Letná Park for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and take an evening glass-topped boat trip on the Vltava River to witness the city’s elegant buildings illuminated in a warm golden glow. No visit to Prague is complete without experiencing a cellar bar. The modern city is constructed above old caves, tunnels, and cellars, such as U Sudu (Vodickova 677).
For lodging, consider the Innside by Meliá, located on a tranquil street and offering a youthful, trendy ambiance with clean and simple rooms, as well as a lively restaurant and bar. Double rooms start at £103 without meals.
Kutná Hora
Located approximately 45 miles from Prague, Kutná Hora is a small town in Central Bohemia that boasts a rich history. During medieval times, the nearby silver mines yielded a third of Europe’s silver, resulting in the construction of striking Gothic churches, a stunning Baroque Jesuit College, and the sprawling 13th-century Italian Court palace which once housed the royal mint. Explore Hrádek, the town’s silver museum, and brace yourself for the eerie Sedlec Ossuary, where bones and skulls are incorporated into the chapel’s architecture. If you’re looking for traditional cuisine, visit Dacicky (dacicky.com) for roasted pork and dumplings served on long trestle tables with generous portions. For a more contemporary dining experience, Factory (factorybistro.cz) offers excellent burgers, pizza, and pasta.
To reach there, take a train from Prague which takes around one hour and 20 minutes.
For accommodations, the eccentric MuzeumLega offers cozy rooms equipped with small kitchenettes and Lego sets, along with a sunny garden and free admission to the adjoining museum which houses the world’s largest private Lego collection. Interestingly, the eerie ossuary is situated right next door. Double rooms start at £70 without meals.
Cesky Krumlov
Located in the rolling hills of the South Bohemia region, Cesky is a city as picturesque as Prague but with fewer crowds. The city is divided by the winding Vltava river and managed to survive the Second World War without being bombed, resulting in a beautifully preserved Old Town. The charming cobbled streets and elegant main square are flanked by houses painted in pastel colors like powder blue, mint green, and egg-yolk yellow, while the grandiose 13th-century castle looms in the background. The 162-step climb to the castle’s tower is worth it for the spectacular panoramic views, and the 17th-century baroque theater located inside the castle walls is one of the most complete in Europe. For a mix of history and art, visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, and savor a leisurely lunch on a terrace overlooking the river; the Vltava restaurant (restauracevltava.cz) offers classic Czech cuisine with breathtaking castle views.
To get to Cesky, you can take a train from Prague which will take approximately two hours and 50 minutes. For accommodation, the Bellevue is a historic Cesky establishment dating back to the mid-16th century. It boasts a brick-vaulted wine cellar, a delightful summer garden, and stylish modern rooms. Double rooms start at £110 and include breakfast.
Karlovy Vary
Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is renowned for its thermal spa waters that have attracted visitors since the 19th century, and the graceful colonnades that line the river. One way to discover the town is to follow the “Becher Drinking Cure”; purchase a porcelain sipping cup from one of the spas and sample the water from each of the 13 springs scattered throughout Vary. Alternatively, take the funicular up to the Diana Observation Tower for breathtaking views of the city or hike up and reward yourself with a relaxing soak in one of the town’s numerous thermal spas. To indulge in some treats, head to the Elefant, the oldest café in town, which has been serving delicious cakes for over 200 years.
You can reach Vary by train from Prague in approximately two hours.
The Grandhotel Pupp, which gained fame for its appearance as the Hotel Splendide in Casino Royale, exudes the fin-de-siècle charm of the Czech country-house in its Grandrestaurant and bedrooms. Prices for doubles start at £118 per night, including breakfast.
Brno
Brno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, is a fascinating destination with a mix of architectural styles, from medieval castle Spilberk to modernist buildings by Mies van der Rohe. The city’s vibrant nightlife is fueled by its large student population, and its coffee culture is legendary, with cafés dotting the picturesque streets of the Old Town. Visitors can enjoy turek, the Czech version of espresso, often standing at the counter. The evenings in Brno are particularly lively, with options like The Bar That Does Not Exist, offering rare bottles and killer cocktails, followed by a hearty steak at Pavillon or vegetarian dishes at the popular Soul Bistro.
To reach Brno, it takes approximately two and a half hours by train from Prague.
For a luxurious stay in Brno, the Grandezza offers formal yet cozy rooms, and a delectable buffet breakfast. However, its prime location overlooking the square, where the bustling fruit and vegetable market unfolds every morning, is the real draw. Double rooms are available from £113 per night, including breakfast.
