×

Czechia🇨🇿 | best townsYour Guide to the 10 Best towns in Czechia

Czechia packs an absurd number of beautiful towns into a country smaller than South Carolina, and almost every one of them has a square, a castle and a beer hall that predates your country’s existence. The differences are in the details. Bohemia around Prague means easy trains and tour groups with matching lanyards. South Bohemia trades crowds for ponds and slow river bends. Moravia leans toward wine cellars and lower prices, and the northeast goes quiet and hilly. For independent travel, the choice is simple: pick the pace you want, then pick the region that matches it.

By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026
Explore the best landmarks in Czechia

Why go?Key Factors That Shape the Experience

Czechia is unusually good at towns because its history never flattened them. The country sat inside the Habsburg lands for centuries, was spared the heavy wartime destruction that erased old centers elsewhere in Central Europe, and kept medieval street plans largely intact. The result is a high density of preserved historic centers, with a main square, a town hall and a Baroque plague column in places most visitors cannot pronounce. Many of these towns also grew from royal charters, mining wealth and brewing rights, which explains the ornate gables and the cellar taverns.

The geography helps too. A compact country with a dense rail and regional bus network means most towns sit a few hours apart, and tickets cost a fraction of what Western Europe charges. Czech is not widely spoken by outsiders, … read more 👉
Czechia is unusually good at towns because its history never flattened them. The country sat inside the Habsburg lands for centuries, was spared the heavy wartime destruction that erased old centers elsewhere in Central Europe, and kept medieval street plans largely intact. The result is a high density of preserved historic centers, with a main square, a town hall and a Baroque plague column in places most visitors cannot pronounce. Many of these towns also grew from royal charters, mining wealth and brewing rights, which explains the ornate gables and the cellar taverns.

The geography helps too. A compact country with a dense rail and regional bus network means most towns sit a few hours apart, and tickets cost a fraction of what Western Europe charges. Czech is not widely spoken by outsiders, but English works in tourist hubs and fades fast in smaller places, so a few phrases earn real goodwill.

Before choosing Czechia for its towns, know that the famous ones draw heavy day-trip crowds from Prague, while the less visited ones can be sleepy by early evening. Kitchens often close by 9 or 10 pm. Cash still matters in smaller places, and the country uses the Czech koruna, not the euro.
Our Approach to Ranking
The list of best towns in Czechia is created based on charm, local culture, atmosphere, hidden gems, and visitor appeal. If you feel a town is missing in this list, please let us know.

When to go?Best Time to Visit Czechia for towns

Best Months for Czech Towns: May, June and September are the best months for towns in Czechia, with daytime highs of about 15 to 24°C, long daylight and squares that are pleasant rather than packed. Most terraces are open, and outdoor beer gardens reach peak happiness without peak prices.
Summer, Shoulder Seasons and Winter: July and August push highs to 25 to 32°C, with afternoon thunderstorms that arrive on schedule and ruin one picnic per trip. Rooms in the best-known towns can cost 20 to 40 percent more than in spring, and Prague-adjacent places fill with day-trippers. South Bohemia and Moravia stay warmer and sunnier, and Moravian wine country peaks in September during harvest. April and October are quieter and cheaper, but temperatures of 5 to 15°C mean layers, and some castles run reduced … read more 👉
Best Months for Czech Towns: May, June and September are the best months for towns in Czechia, with daytime highs of about 15 to 24°C, long daylight and squares that are pleasant rather than packed. Most terraces are open, and outdoor beer gardens reach peak happiness without peak prices.
Summer, Shoulder Seasons and Winter: July and August push highs to 25 to 32°C, with afternoon thunderstorms that arrive on schedule and ruin one picnic per trip. Rooms in the best-known towns can cost 20 to 40 percent more than in spring, and Prague-adjacent places fill with day-trippers. South Bohemia and Moravia stay warmer and sunnier, and Moravian wine country peaks in September during harvest. April and October are quieter and cheaper, but temperatures of 5 to 15°C mean layers, and some castles run reduced hours or limit tours.
Winter and Closures: From November to March, highs hover around 0 to 5°C, nights fall below freezing and daylight ends by about 4 pm. Many castles close completely from November to March, and some open only on weekends in spring and autumn, so check hours before you set out. Christmas markets in late November and December bring a hot-wine bump in prices and crowds, though rooms in smaller towns stay reasonable. The northeast and mountain-edge areas get snow, which looks lovely and slows buses.

town hoppingHow to Combine towns Into One Trip

How Many Days to Combine Several Towns: A trip that links several Czech towns needs 7 to 12 days, which gives each stop room to breathe without turning the rail timetable into a hobby. The country is compact, so the usual problem is cramming rather than distance.
Grouping Regions and Direction: Start in Prague, the main transport hub, then work outward in a loop. Central and South Bohemia pair well, as do Moravia and the east. A sensible direction runs from Prague south through Bohemia, east into Moravia, then back via Brno or Olomouc. Transfers between regions usually take 2 to 4 hours by train or bus, and Brno to Prague is about 2.5 to 3 hours. Allow 1 to 2 nights per town, since most centers can be walked in half a day and anything over 3 nights tends to run out of material.
Common Planning … read more 👉
How Many Days to Combine Several Towns: A trip that links several Czech towns needs 7 to 12 days, which gives each stop room to breathe without turning the rail timetable into a hobby. The country is compact, so the usual problem is cramming rather than distance.
Grouping Regions and Direction: Start in Prague, the main transport hub, then work outward in a loop. Central and South Bohemia pair well, as do Moravia and the east. A sensible direction runs from Prague south through Bohemia, east into Moravia, then back via Brno or Olomouc. Transfers between regions usually take 2 to 4 hours by train or bus, and Brno to Prague is about 2.5 to 3 hours. Allow 1 to 2 nights per town, since most centers can be walked in half a day and anything over 3 nights tends to run out of material.
Common Planning Mistakes: The first mistake is trying to see too many towns in too few days, which turns the trip into a series of station platforms. Choose 3 or 4 bases and use day trips instead. The second is ignoring the railway quirks: small branch lines may run only every 1 to 2 hours and sharply less on Sundays, so check connections the night before. The third is booking one-night stays in towns reached by awkward bus changes, which wastes half a day. Combine nearby places into one base and move less.

The ListTop towns of Czechia

1 Karlovy Vary

Thermal springs, colonnades, spa architecture

Sip mineral water from ornate cups, follow covered walkways, and observe a spa tradition that shapes both the skyline and local customs.

czechia-city-karlovy-vary
© Google | Akcul

2 Kutná Hora

Medieval silver mines, bone ossuary, Gothic cathedral

Descend into old mine shafts, stand beneath a chandelier of bones, and gaze up at soaring vaults built from silver wealth.

czechia-city-kutna-hora
© Google | Jan Ledvina

3 Telč

UNESCO arcaded square, pastel facades, fish ponds

Circle a central square ringed by colorful houses, watch reflections in tranquil ponds, and experience a town preserved in detail.

czechia-city-telc
© Google | Yuliya Semko

4 Kroměříž

Flower gardens, archbishop’s palace, art gallery

Wander through geometric gardens, visit a palace with rare collections, and view paintings by Old Masters in a quiet setting.

czechia-city-kromeriz
© Google |

5 Mikulov

Wine cellars, limestone hills, Jewish quarter

Sample Moravian vintages in cool cellars, climb rocky outcrops for panoramic views, and walk narrow lanes lined with layered history.

czechia-city-mikulov
© Google | Tomas

6 Znojmo

Hilltop fortifications, labyrinth cellars, Moravian vineyards

Descend into underground passages, walk ancient ramparts, and taste local wines overlooking the Dyje valley.

7 Třeboň

Fishpond networks, Renaissance chateau, spa houses

Cycle along dike paths, visit a stately chateau, and unwind in a town shaped by centuries of fish farming and wellness.

czechia-city-trebon
© Google |

8 Valtice

Baroque palace, wine salons, landscaped park

Tour a grand palace, taste award-winning wines, and stroll through formal gardens that blend into the surrounding countryside.

9 České Budějovice

Grand square, brewery tours, arcaded streets

Relax in one of Europe’s largest squares, tour a working brewery, and explore covered walkways that shelter daily markets.

czechia-city-ceske-budejovice
© Google | Mirza Hadžić

10 Litomyšl

Renaissance castle, sgraffito walls, music festival

Tour a UNESCO-listed castle, admire detailed facades, and time your visit for open-air concerts in a creative setting.

11 Třebíč

Jewish ghetto, basilica, cobbled alleys

Wander through a preserved Jewish quarter, climb to a Romanesque basilica, and lose yourself in a maze of narrow streets.

czechia-city-trebic
© Google | František Dokulil

12 Tábor

Hussite tunnels, hilltop square, medieval fortifications

Explore a network of underground passages, climb to panoramic viewpoints, and sense the legacy of religious reformers.

13 Děčín

Elbe canyon, clifftop chateau, sandstone towers

Hike dramatic river gorges, tour a castle perched above the water, and use the town as a gateway to Bohemian Switzerland.

14 Litoměřice

Baroque churches, Elbe river, market hall

Visit ornate churches, stroll riverside promenades, and sample regional produce in a lively covered market.

15 Písek

Stone bridge, Otava river, student cafés

Cross the oldest bridge in the country, linger by the riverbank, and find a youthful energy in local hangouts and riverside parks.

16 Uherské Hradiště

Slovácko folklore, wine cellars, Morava river

Experience regional traditions, sample local varietals in underground cellars, and enjoy riverside walks through a cultural hub.

17 Opava

Silesian culture, university town, city parks

Experience a blend of Czech and Silesian influences, enjoy green spaces, and notice the energy of a student population.

18 Trutnov

Krkonoše access, dragon legend, festival square

Start mountain hikes from the town center, spot dragon motifs, and join crowds for open-air events in the main square.

19 Náchod

Hilltop castle, brewery, Polish border

Climb to a castle with sweeping views, sample local beer, and cross easily into neighboring Poland for a day trip.

20 Šumperk

Mountain gateway, spa villas, textile legacy

Use the town as a base for Jeseníky hikes, admire 19th-century villas, and learn about its industrial past.

21 Chrudim

Puppet museum, Baroque churches, town ramparts

Visit a unique puppet collection, admire ornate churches, and walk along preserved fortifications that encircle the old town.

22 Havlíčkův Brod

River island park, brewery, literary museum

Relax in a riverside park, tour a small brewery, and explore exhibits dedicated to a famous Czech writer.

23 Vsetín

Wallachian traditions, river valley, wooden architecture

Discover folk customs, follow the Bečva river, and spot timber buildings that reflect the region’s rural heritage.

24 Rájec-Jestřebí

castle estate, English park, Moravian countryside

Wander through landscaped gardens, discover a stately chateau, and experience a rural town where daily life unfolds at a measured pace.

Think you know Czechia?

Prove you’re a true local — uncover 14 lesser-known towns in Czechia that locals tend to keep to themselves.
Loading the map 🌍

Expert viewTips and Advice from Travelers

How Many Towns to Visit: Pick four to six towns on a trip of one to two weeks. That number lets you stay at least two nights in most places, which is the difference between seeing a town and merely photographing its square. Beyond six, you spend the trip on trains and learn mainly what Czech station vending machines taste like.
Choosing by Travel Style: First-timers and short trips should lean on the well-preserved historic centers, because their sights are compact and transport is easy. The famous ones are worth it for a first look, but the smaller towns are better value for atmosphere and prices. If you like food and wine, prioritize Moravian towns, where cellar tastings and regional cooking cost less than in Bohemia. If you want quiet, choose South Bohemian and northeastern towns, where … read more 👉
How Many Towns to Visit: Pick four to six towns on a trip of one to two weeks. That number lets you stay at least two nights in most places, which is the difference between seeing a town and merely photographing its square. Beyond six, you spend the trip on trains and learn mainly what Czech station vending machines taste like.
Choosing by Travel Style: First-timers and short trips should lean on the well-preserved historic centers, because their sights are compact and transport is easy. The famous ones are worth it for a first look, but the smaller towns are better value for atmosphere and prices. If you like food and wine, prioritize Moravian towns, where cellar tastings and regional cooking cost less than in Bohemia. If you want quiet, choose South Bohemian and northeastern towns, where evenings are calm and walking trails start at the edge of town. Industrial and spa towns are worth a visit only if they genuinely interest you, as they offer fewer sights and a more local feel.
What It Costs: Budget about US$40 to 60 a day (roughly 900 to 1,400 CZK) in smaller towns, using hostels or simple guesthouses. Mid-range travelers should plan US$80 to 120 a day (about 1,800 to 2,800 CZK). Dorm beds typically run 500 to 900 CZK (US$22 to 40), and a hearty lunch with a half-liter of beer usually costs 200 to 350 CZK (US$9 to 15). Castle tickets cost about 150 to 400 CZK (US$7 to 18) depending on the tour length, and guided tours in English often cost extra. Regional trains and buses between towns cost about 100 to 400 CZK (US$4 to 18) per leg. Buy tickets in advance online when possible for better prices. Skip paid audio guides in towns you can read from signs and a free map.
Safety and Culture: Czech towns are very safe, and the main risks are pickpocketing in busy squares and currency exchange booths with poor rates. Use ATMs from established banks and decline any offer to convert your money into euros at checkout. Greet shopkeepers with a simple “dobrý den” when entering. Tipping of about 10 percent is customary in restaurants, and you round up rather than leaving coins on the table. Remove shoes if asked in homes and some guesthouses. Quiet hours are taken seriously in the evenings, and Sunday trading is limited in smaller towns, so shop on Saturday.

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutCzechia Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Czechia
The digital guide (321 pages) contains:
✅ 88 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where to Base Yourself

Czechia has plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses, with Prague dorm beds usually running 400 to 800 CZK (about US$17 to 35) and private rooms in smaller towns often cheaper. In Prague, Staré Město (Old Town) and Nové Město (New Town) put you within walking distance of the main sights and late bars but cost the most and get loud, Žižkov has cheaper beds and dive-bar nightlife a short tram ride out, and leafy Vinohrady or Holešovice trade a 10 to 20 minute commute for quieter streets and local cafés. Outside the capital, Brno has a lively student-driven hostel scene around its compact center, while Český Krumlov fills its small old-town guesthouses fast in summer, so book ahead there.

If you … read more 👉
Czechia has plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses, with Prague dorm beds usually running 400 to 800 CZK (about US$17 to 35) and private rooms in smaller towns often cheaper. In Prague, Staré Město (Old Town) and Nové Město (New Town) put you within walking distance of the main sights and late bars but cost the most and get loud, Žižkov has cheaper beds and dive-bar nightlife a short tram ride out, and leafy Vinohrady or Holešovice trade a 10 to 20 minute commute for quieter streets and local cafés. Outside the capital, Brno has a lively student-driven hostel scene around its compact center, while Český Krumlov fills its small old-town guesthouses fast in summer, so book ahead there.

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

CzechiaExpand Your Journey

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.