Prague sits in the middle of Bohemia, and some of the country’s finest sights are within easy reach by train or bus. Most of the trips below work on public transport, and guided tours with transport cover all of them. Winter brings shorter opening hours at castles and some closures, so check the details for your dates.

Kutná Hora

About an hour by train from the main station, Kutná Hora grew rich on silver in the Middle Ages and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight for most visitors is the Sedlec Ossuary, the Bone Church, decorated with the bones of tens of thousands of people. Tickets (180 CZK) must be bought in advance for a set time on sedlec.info or at the Sedlec Information Centre. In the town, St Barbara’s Cathedral (180 CZK, daily 10am to 5pm in November and December, closed 24 December) is a Gothic masterpiece. A joint ticket for St Barbara’s and the Sedlec sights costs 360 CZK.

Karlštejn Castle

Built by Charles IV to guard the crown jewels, Karlštejn rises above a wooded valley about 41 minutes from Prague by S7 train, followed by a steep walk of about half an hour. Visits are by guided tour only. In winter the main tour, the Imperial Residence of Charles IV, runs from 10am to 3pm on Fridays to Sundays until 20 December, with extra days on 16 and 17 November; the castle is closed from 21 to 25 December and open daily from 26 December to 3 January 2027, with Advent decorations from 27 November.

Terezín Memorial

The fortress town of Terezín, about an hour north of Prague by bus, was used by the Nazis as a ghetto and transit camp, and its Small Fortress as a Gestapo prison. The memorial includes the Ghetto Museum and the Small Fortress. It is a sombre, important visit, best with a guide or an audio guide. Check opening hours before you go.

Plzeň

About an hour and a half by train, Plzeň is the home of Pilsner Urquell, the original pilsner. Brewery tours include the cellars and a tasting, and the historic centre has a fine Gothic cathedral and a historic underground. It is an easy, relaxed day out for beer lovers.

Český Krumlov

A UNESCO-listed town in a loop of the Vltava, Český Krumlov is one of the most beautiful places in the country, but it is about three hours each way, so a guided day trip or an overnight stay works best. The castle’s main season ended on 31 October 2026; from 1 November to 20 December only the Castle Museum and tower are open, Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 3.30pm.

Karlovy Vary

The grand spa town of Karlovy Vary, about two hours by bus, is famous for its colonnades, hot springs and elegant 19th-century hotels. Visitors sip the mineral waters from special cups as they stroll. Guided day trips often add the Diana lookout tower above the town.

Dresden

Across the German border, Dresden is about two and a half hours by train, with its rebuilt Frauenkirche, the Zwinger palace and riverside views. In December its Christmas markets make it a popular day trip, and guided tours run from Prague.

Bohemian Switzerland

The sandstone gorges and rock arches of Bohemian Switzerland and neighbouring Saxon Switzerland, including the Pravčická brána arch, make a long but spectacular day in nature. Without a car, a guided tour is the easiest way to see them. Some trails and boat trips close in winter.

Tips for day trips

  • Check train and bus times on the IDOS journey planner; timetables change on 13 December 2026.
  • Book timed tickets where needed, especially the Sedlec Ossuary and Karlštejn tours at weekends.
  • Winter hours are short: many castles open only at weekends from November to March, and last tours start early in the afternoon.
  • Guided tours from Prague usually include transport and entry, and save the work of planning connections.