From its historic chateaus and castles to its dynamic music, culture and arts scene, the Czech Republic is a showcase of exciting places to visit. You can be part of it all with your Czech Republic rail pass.
Multi-faceted Prague
The Czech capital of Prague (Praha) is one of the most stunning cities in the world. In fact, the city’s historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Wenceslas Square, the heart of modern Prague, to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, the city is teeming with attractions to entice any traveler. Cruise the Vlatva River – especially at night – to see the sights at their best. View more things to do in Prague.
From Praha Masarykovo nádraží station you can get to the outer edge of the historic old town in Prague.
Intoxicating Central and Southern Moravia
The town of Kroměříž in Central Moravia is nestled at the foot of the Chřiby hills. Be sure to see the well-preserved Baroque chateau and its lovely gardens. The wines of the Czech Republic are well worth exploring. And Southern Moravia, with its extensive vineyards and lovely hillsides, is also great for cycling, hiking and sightseeing. Don’t miss White Carpathians Biosphere Reserve (Bílé Karpaty).
Take the train to the Luhačovice station, and you’ll be within walking distance of the entrance to the Biosphere Reserve.
Charming Bohemian villages
Don’t miss Holašovice, a 13th century South Bohemian village, where two dozen farmhouses feature lovely gardens and beautiful Baroque architecture. If you like seafood, this is also the place to be. The pretty town of Český Krumlov, also located in the South of Bohemia, features 300 historical buildings and is home to many festivals, including the International Music Festival and the Festival of the Five-Petalled Rose.
Český Krumlov has only one train station. From there, you should be able to reach the sights on foot, or with a taxi.
Tantalizing spa towns
The Czech Republic has three world-famous spa towns: Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary), Marienbad (Mariánské Lázně) and Franzensbad (Františkovy Lázně). Relax and unwind, and when you’re done, be sure to visit the areas’ historical sites, including the stunning castles and chateaus. Hundreds of years of history are alive and well in these charming towns.
From station Františkovy Lázně, it is less than 10 minutes to the Aquaforum spa and bathhouse.
Beer paradise: Plzeň
With nearly 500 different kinds of beer, it’s no surprise that it’s the Czech national drink. But you may be surprised to learn that Plzeň is the birthplace of Pilsener beer. While in the Czech Republic, be sure to sample some of the world’s finest light and dark ales, and tour the breweries of Plzeň to see where it all began. Plzeň was built at the convergence of four rivers, so there’s plenty to do outdoors too.
The world-famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj) is a 5-minute walk from station Plzeň hlavní nádraží.
When to go
"Czech Paradise"Before purchasing Czech Republic rail passes, you may be wondering about the best time to visit. If you like mild weather and fewer crowds, May or September are both good choices. The summer months are the students' favorites.
Prague Fringe Festival
This fringe festival is modelled on the successful Edinburgh Fringe Festival and brings together more than 200 artists of music, dance, theater and comedy.
The festival is held in venues across the city, which are within walking distance of the main train station or can be reached by metro.
United Islands
This 3-day festival is one of the music highlights of the summer with some international acts and plenty of Czech bands in full swing.
The festival can be reached by metro from the city center.
Olomouc Beer Festival
Each year Olomouc hosts the Czech Republic’s biggest beer festival. Spread over 4 days, there’ll be unlimited beer, Czech cuisine and a selection of local and international bands attending.
From Olomouc’s main train station it is best to take a short taxi journey to the festival.
