Czechia, off-Prague. Brno, Český Krumlov, Telč, Pilsen, Kutná Hora and Písek — the Bohemian and Moravian towns the standard Czechia itinerary skips on its way to the Old Town crowds.
So you’ve seen Prague, but what about the rest of Czechia? I took a road trip to find out. This is a guide to the places beyond the capital, from the beer city of Pilsen and fairytale Český Krumlov to the vibrant streets of Brno and mighty medieval castles.
A diverted flight ruined my plans to tour the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery, but it revealed something better: Pilsen’s stunning Gothic architecture, Europe’s second-largest synagogue, and a surprisingly peaceful city centre. Here is why you should visit, even without the beer.
Telč is a quiet UNESCO town in the Czech Republic whose Renaissance square went up after a 1530 fire wiped out the Gothic original and Zacharias of Hradec had it rebuilt with one unified look. Here’s what the square, the castle and the defensive ponds are actually like, and whether it’s worth leaving Prague for.
Forget the intense crowds of Prague and Český Krumlov. Písek is an authentic, working South Bohemian town that boasts a 13th-century royal castle, sprawling riverside parks, and a stone bridge even older than Prague’s famous Charles Bridge.
Brno offers the grand architecture and rich history of Prague without the suffocating tourist crowds. Discover the city’s quirky legends, cavernous underground water tanks, and why this Moravian capital is the perfect alternative for your Czechia itinerary.
Český Krumlov is undeniably touristy, but its breathtaking beauty and massive, well-preserved castle complex make it a legitimate South Bohemian gem. The town’s unique river geography and dramatic history justify the hype and make it an essential stop.
A complete guide to taking a day trip from Prague to Kutná Hora. Discover why this UNESCO-listed silver town, with its massive Gothic cathedral and royal mint, is the perfect escape from the capital’s crowds.
