10 carefully selected tourist spots in the Czech Republic! A country full of emotion and charm

Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a fascinating country packed with incredible charm! Although it is still a destination that not many people have visited, after reading this, you’ll definitely want to go.

Surprisingly, even during peak travel seasons like New Year's or Golden Week, the Czech Republic tends to have available flights. If you're feeling rushed to choose a travel destination before a long holiday, consider adding the Czech Republic to your list! You might just have an unexpectedly wonderful trip.

This time, we introduce 10 must-visit tourist attractions in the Czech Republic. Be sure to use this as a reference for your travels!

1. Prague Castle (Prague)

Prague Castle is the most iconic landmark of Prague and a representative tourist attraction of the Czech Republic, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an essential destination for any visitor to the country. Perched on a hill, you can climb up to Prague Castle via cobblestone paths and staircases, but this might be exhausting before exploring the vast grounds. Taking a tram is the wiser option.

Prague Castle is famous for being the oldest and largest castle complex in the world, holding a Guinness World Record. The site stretches 570 meters east to west and 130 meters north to south, making it feel like an entire town. Within the castle grounds, you’ll find various buildings, squares, churches, and museums. Surprisingly, there’s even a Starbucks within the castle! This Starbucks is known as the most scenic Starbucks in the world, offering a panoramic view of Prague.

Additionally, Prague Castle is guarded by soldiers, and the changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily at noon, making it a must-see attraction.

2. St. Vitus Cathedral (Prague)

Located within Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that also hosts concerts and various events. One of its most notable features is the stained glass windows by Alfons Mucha. Mucha, a Czech-born Art Nouveau graphic designer, gained fame in France but returned to Prague later in life. His works are characterized by delicate lines and vibrant colors, often depicting women. His posters, illustrations, and calendars are widely recognized worldwide, including in Japan.

Even at a glance, Mucha's stained glass stands out from the others, showcasing his intricate lines, unique colors, and distinctive artistic style. While entry to St. Vitus Cathedral is free, an additional fee is required to view the stained glass windows up close. It is highly recommended to pay this fee to fully appreciate Mucha’s masterpiece.

3. Astronomical Clock (Prague)

Attached to the wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague's Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock has been running for over 600 years, making it one of the oldest functioning clocks in the world. The clock consists of an astronomical dial displaying the positions of the sun and moon, and a calendar dial featuring relief sculptures representing the months. The beautiful Gothic-style decorations enhance the charm of the Old Town Hall.

Every hour from 9 AM to 9 PM, four statues beside the clock come to life. The Grim Reaper rings a bell, and figures of the Twelve Apostles appear through a small window above the clock. Tourists gather in front of the clock just before each hour to witness this spectacle.

For the best experience, you can wait at an outdoor café or restaurant in the square while enjoying the charming atmosphere.

4. Charles Bridge (Prague)

Many people might remember singing "Má Vlast" (My Homeland) in elementary school. The Moldau River, featured in the famous composition, is called the Vltava River in Czech. The oldest bridge spanning the Vltava River is the Charles Bridge, a Gothic-style structure adorned with 30 statues of saints along its balustrades.

A classic sightseeing route is to walk from the Old Town across the Charles Bridge to Prague Castle. The view of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge is nothing short of breathtaking.

The bridge towers on both ends offer panoramic views of Prague. At night, the bridge is illuminated by warm orange lights, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. In winter, morning mist often blankets the bridge, enhancing its mystical beauty.

5. Strahov Monastery (Prague)

Strahov Monastery is home to the most beautiful library in the world, making it a must-visit spot in the Czech Republic. The Philosophical Hall and Theological Hall are adorned with ornate decorations and frescoes, justifying their reputation as the world’s most stunning libraries. The monastery has a collection of 130,000 books dating back to 1143, making it a historically valuable site.

This library has been used as a filming location for movies like "Casino Royale" and "The Omen". Watching these movies before visiting can make your experience even more exciting! Strahov Monastery also has its own brewery and beer hall, allowing visitors to enjoy Czech beer in a beautiful historical setting.

6. Historic Village of Holašovice (Holašovice)

Located in the central part of South Bohemia, Holašovice is one of the most charming villages in the Czech Republic. Known for its picturesque Baroque-style houses, this village is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The buildings feature a unified white-walled and orange-tiled appearance, including residential homes, blacksmith shops, and small chapels. The village’s unique storybook-like appearance has a tragic yet heartwarming history. In the early 1500s, a plague outbreak drastically reduced the population. The surviving villagers redesigned the village to attract new brides, resulting in its fairy tale-like charm.

Surrounded by vast countryside, the village is near Blanský Forest Nature Reserve, offering a peaceful escape from busy tourist hubs. It’s an idyllic place to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Czech countryside.

7. Kroměříž Palace (Kroměříž)

Kroměříž Palace is a Baroque-style Archbishop’s residence located in Kroměříž. Both the palace and its gardens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Interestingly, this palace was also used as a filming location for the movie "Amadeus". The interior of the palace serves as an art museum, which is open only in the mornings. Each exhibition room features a unique color scheme, adding to the elegance of the palace.

The palace gardens, consisting of the Castle Garden and the Flower Garden, are renowned as some of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. The meticulously trimmed hedges form a maze, while seasonal flowers bloom in full splendor. Within the gardens, you can also find squirrels and waterfowl. Unlike in Europe, spotting squirrels in public parks is a rare sight in Japan, making this experience even more special. Exploring these enchanting gardens is truly a delightful experience.

8. Historic Center of Telč (Telč)

Considered one of the most romantic towns in the Czech Republic, the Historic Centre of Telč is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the Renaissance period, this town features adorable pastel-colored houses, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

The highlight of Telč is its main square, which is recognized as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The reason behind the charming facades of the houses is fascinating—during the Renaissance, residents competed to build the most elegant homes to showcase their wealth and status. However, because appearance was prioritized over practicality, many roofs are hidden behind decorative facades, creating an illusion of grandeur.

Today, many of these historic buildings have been converted into cafés and shops, allowing visitors to explore not only their stunning exteriors but also their charming interiors.

9. Český Krumlov Castle (Český Krumlov)

Český Krumlov is often described as the most beautiful town in the world, and at its heart lies Český Krumlov Castle. Nestled within a circular valley surrounded by mountains and a river, the castle’s orange rooftops rise majestically, creating a breathtaking scene. At the castle’s entrance, bears are kept as part of an old tradition, making it a unique attraction.

The entire town of Český Krumlov is built in the Renaissance style, and its walls are adorned with “sgraffito”—a special decorative technique that creates optical illusions. Originally, due to financial difficulties, the castle could not afford luxurious materials, so its walls were painted with fake bricks, windows, and sculptures to mimic an opulent appearance. This artistic deception adds a mystical charm to the town, making it both visually stunning and historically intriguing.

10. Vřídelní Colonnade (Karlovy Vary)

Located in Karlovy Vary, the Czech Republic’s largest spa town, the Hot Spring Colonnade features a geyser and multiple hot spring fountains. However, unlike traditional hot springs for bathing, the springs here are meant to be drunk for their health benefits. Upon arriving in Karlovy Vary, you'll notice special drinking cups sold throughout the town. These cups are shaped like small teapots, with a spout designed for sipping the thermal water. They come in various designs, making them a great souvenir.

The water has a distinct sulfuric aroma and a strong iron taste, which might not be pleasant, but each spring has a slightly different flavor, making it fun to compare and contrast. The hot springs are said to aid digestion, boost metabolism, and improve immunity, but be cautious—drinking too much might upset your stomach due to the high mineral content.

Summary of recommended tourist attractions in the Czech Republic

We’ve introduced 10 must-visit tourist spots in the Czech Republic—what do you think? With Prague at its center, the country is filled with beautiful architecture and breathtaking scenery. The illuminations at night make it just as captivating as during the day. Additionally, the Czech Republic is a haven for art lovers, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in painting, music, and history. Why not step into a fairy tale world and explore the enchanting cities of the Czech Republic?

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10 carefully selected tourist spots in the Czech Republic! A country full of emotion and charm