I'm in the mood for some analogies today people, and there is the Czech Republic right in front of me…
So let me put it this way, if the Czech Republic was a meal, it'd be one of those ridiculously good ones where you'd occasionally have to put your fork down and take a minute. Oh, I’ve got a better one, it'd be one of those rare drinks that are so good you can't decide whether to gulp it down and get the next glass, or savour it slowly… The only difference is that, here, the next glass might be a castle, a river cruise or an entire national park!
So, if you're putting together your list of best things to do in the Czech Republic, these are the six experiences I'd start with.
1. Witness the Prague Castle
Prague Castle is officially the largest ancient castle complex in the world! That’s a solid start, huh?
Built in the 9th century, the castle has served as the residence of Holy Roman Emperors, Kings of Bohemia and, more recently, Czech presidents. The entire complex stretches across nearly 70,000 square metres, which explains why more than 1.8 million visitors make their way here every year.
The castle complex includes the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, where the Czech Crown Jewels are kept. These include the Crown of Saint Wenceslas, the royal sceptre, royal orb, St. Wenceslas' sword and several other priceless artefacts that hold enormous significance in Czech history!
And before you ask, no, you can't always see them. They're only displayed to the public occasionally, sometimes once every several years, because of their historical importance and value. The most famous piece is the Crown of Saint Wenceslas itself. Created for Charles IV in 1347, it remains one of the oldest surviving royal crowns in Europe. For first-time visitors, this is easily one of the most unforgettable Czech Republic things to do.
2. Walk Across Charles Bridge
A bridge probably shouldn't be this famous?
Completed in the 14th century under the orders of Charles IV, the bridge has connected Prague's Old Town and Lesser Town for centuries and remains one of the city's defining landmarks today.
But let's talk about the strange part. Legend has it that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar during construction to strengthen the bridge. Yes, actual eggs. Imagine being the person who first suggested that idea and convinced everyone else to go along with it.
Throughout the day, artists sketch portraits, musicians perform, photographers hunt for the perfect angle and visitors from around the world slowly make their way across the Vltava River through here.
If you're serious about photography, though, do yourself a favour and come early. Because while Charles Bridge is rarely empty, sunrise offers the closest thing you'll find to having one of Prague's most famous sights almost to yourself. Among the many options for Prague sightseeing, this remains one of the most iconic.
3. Dinner With Unlimited Drinks?
Right. Enough history for a moment. Let's talk about dinner.
Now imagine descending into a candlelit medieval tavern where swordsmen duel, dancers perform, musicians play and your drink somehow keeps refilling itself. Woo! Many medieval dinner experiences in Prague offer three or five-course meals inspired by historical recipes and traditional flavours. Guests can usually choose between several menu options before the evening begins.
Then comes the fun part. Beer, wine, drinks, more beer, more wine, one more glass please. Yup, drinks here are unlimited!
For travellers looking to explore truly unique experiences, our tailor-made holidays can help you discover the best of Czech Republic’s things to do!
4. Cruise Along the Vltava River
All aboard, on to the waters now.
A cruise along the Vltava is one of the easiest ways to understand Prague. For a city that's usually explored on foot, there's something refreshing about letting the city do the moving instead. You're gliding beneath Charles Bridge, you're looking up at Prague Castle from another beautiful angle.
There’s no need for maps here, no wrong turns to take, so just sit back and enjoy this slow-moving river with one of Europe's most beautiful cities right around you. For travellers searching for the best things to do in Prague, this is one of the easiest experiences I’d recommend.
Not sure which experiences deserve a place on your itinerary? Connect with our experts and let us help you plan it.
5. Hike Through Bohemian Switzerland
The name causes confusion every single time. You're not in Switzerland, yet.
Bohemian Switzerland sits in northern Czechia near the German border and is home to some of the country's most spectacular landscapes. The region is famous for huge sandstone cliffs, dense forests, deep valleys and the magnificent Pravčická Gate, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe!
The hiking here is excellent. Some trails take only a few hours, while others can easily fill an entire day. Along the way you'll encounter viewpoints overlooking rock formations that look almost impossible, hidden gorges and scenery that feels wild for a country many people associate primarily with cities. If somebody asked me for the most rewarding outdoor things to do in the Czech Republic, this would be near the top of the list.
Planning a bigger European adventure? Explore more destinations across the continent.
6. Discover Czech Wine in Moravia
The Czech Republic has a wine secret..
The country's most important wine-producing region is South Moravia, where rolling vineyards, historic towns and centuries-old wine traditions create a side of Czechia that many international visitors never experience. This is exactly why it is one of the most authentic Czech Republic things to do!
The town of Mikulov is often a favourite starting point. Surrounded by vineyards and crowned by a beautiful castle, it offers the perfect introduction to the region. If you're visiting between late summer and autumn, keep an eye out for Burčák. This lightly sparkling young wine is only available during a short period of the year while fermentation is still taking place. Slightly sweet, slightly fizzy and surprisingly refreshing, it's something many visitors end up seeking out more than once.
Which Experience Should You Prioritise?
If it's your first visit, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and a Vltava River cruise are practically non-negotiable. But once you've experienced the capital's highlights, go on a hike through Bohemian Switzerland, an evening of medieval entertainment or a journey into Moravia's wine country, or get a drink or ten in one of those medieval taverns.
Many of our Czech Republic trip packages from India include the popular things to do in Prague as part of a larger Central European journey. Whether you're interested in history, food, landscapes or culture, these are some of the very best things to do in the Czech Republic and experiences that deserve a place on any itinerary. See you next time!
