Meta Title: 10 Best Regions to Visit in the Czech Republic | Czechia Travel Guide
Meta Description: Discover the best regions to visit in the Czech Republic, from Prague and Český Krumlov to South Moravia, Bohemian Switzerland and the spa towns of West Bohemia.
Primary Keyword: best regions to visit in Czech Republic
Secondary Keywords: Czech Republic regions to visit, best places in Czechia, Czech Republic travel guide, where to go in Czech Republic, Czech vacation destinations
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is much more than Prague. The country combines medieval cities, castles, wine regions, spa towns, mountain landscapes and national parks in a relatively compact area.
Official tourism guidance highlights regions including Prague, Central Bohemia, South Bohemia, West Bohemia, North Bohemia, East Bohemia, Vysočina, and Moravia and Silesia as major destinations for travelers. (VisitCzechia)
Here are 10 of the best regions and areas to visit in the Czech Republic.
1. Prague
Prague is the obvious starting point for a first trip to the Czech Republic.
The capital is famous for Gothic churches, Baroque buildings, historic bridges, castles and atmospheric cobbled streets.
The city is compact enough to explore on foot while still offering several days of sightseeing.
Best places to visit in Prague
- Prague Castle
- Charles Bridge
- Old Town Square
- Astronomical Clock
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Malá Strana
- Vyšehrad
- Jewish Quarter
Best for: First-time visitors, architecture and nightlife
Recommended stay: 3–4 days
2. South Bohemia
South Bohemia is one of the most beautiful regions in the country.
It combines forests, ponds, castles, traditional villages and historic towns. Český Krumlov and Holašovice are both UNESCO-listed, while Hluboká Chateau and the Lipno area add even more variety. (VisitCzechia)
Best places to visit
- Český Krumlov
- České Budějovice
- Hluboká Castle
- Lipno Reservoir
- Třeboň
- Holašovice
- Šumava
Best for: Castles, romantic trips and road trips
Recommended stay: 3–5 days
3. Český Krumlov
Although technically part of South Bohemia, Český Krumlov deserves its own place on any Czech itinerary.
The historic centre sits inside bends of the Vltava River and is dominated by a huge castle complex.
The town’s preserved medieval core is UNESCO-listed and remains one of the country’s most famous historic destinations. (VisitCzechia)
Best things to do
- Visit Český Krumlov Castle
- Walk through the Old Town
- Explore the castle gardens
- Take a Vltava River rafting trip
- Visit Egon Schiele Art Centrum
- Enjoy viewpoints above the town
Best for: Couples, photography and historic atmosphere
Recommended stay: 1–2 days
4. South Moravia
South Moravia is the best region in Czechia for wine lovers.
The countryside around Mikulov, Znojmo and Lednice is covered with vineyards, wine cellars and cycling trails.
The region is especially attractive in late summer and autumn during the grape harvest season. Czech tourism information highlights South Moravia for wine traditions, vineyard landscapes and cycling routes.
Best places to visit
- Brno
- Mikulov
- Znojmo
- Lednice
- Valtice
- Pálava
- Moravian wine villages
Best for: Wine, food and countryside
Recommended stay: 3–5 days
5. Bohemian Switzerland
For dramatic natural scenery, head to Bohemian Switzerland in northern Czechia.
The region is famous for sandstone formations, deep forests, ravines and the famous Pravčická Gate.
It forms a cross-border landscape with Saxon Switzerland in Germany and contains some of the country’s best hiking terrain. (VisitCzechia)
A new cross-border hiking route linking Hřensko with Schmilka was also introduced for 2026. (VisitCzechia)
Best places to visit
- Pravčická Gate
- Hřensko
- Děčín
- Elbe sandstone landscapes
- Hřebenovka trail
- Scenic viewpoints
Best for: Hiking, nature and photography
Recommended stay: 2–4 days
6. Central Bohemia
Central Bohemia surrounds Prague and is ideal for day trips.
The region includes castles, river valleys, historic towns and countryside, with many destinations reachable in roughly an hour from the capital. (VisitCzechia)
Best places to visit
- Karlštejn Castle
- Kutná Hora
- Konopiště Chateau
- Křivoklát Castle
- Průhonice
- Loučeň Chateau
Best for: Castles, history and Prague day trips
Recommended stay: 1–3 days
7. West Bohemia
West Bohemia is famous for spa culture.
The region includes some of Europe’s best-known traditional spa towns, together with historic architecture, forests and countryside.
Czech tourism guidance continues to highlight spa and wellness travel as one of the country’s major visitor experiences. (VisitCzechia)
Best places to visit
- Karlovy Vary
- Mariánské Lázně
- Františkovy Lázně
- Plzeň
- Loket Castle
- Slavkov Forest
Best for: Spa holidays, wellness and couples
Recommended stay: 2–4 days
8. Vysočina
Vysočina, or the Czech Highlands, is perfect if you want somewhere quieter.
The region lies between Bohemia and Moravia and combines rolling countryside, traditional towns, protected landscapes and several UNESCO sites. (VisitCzechia)
Best places to visit
- Telč
- Třebíč
- Žďár nad Sázavou
- Jihlava
- Roštejn Castle
- Nové Město na Moravě
Best for: Quiet travel, history and countryside
Recommended stay: 2–4 days
9. Moravia and Silesia
Eastern Czechia offers a noticeably different atmosphere from Prague and Bohemia.
The wider Moravia and Silesia area combines historic cities, industrial heritage, mountains, wine areas and traditional culture.
Best places to visit
- Brno
- Olomouc
- Ostrava
- Zlín
- Kroměříž
- Štramberk
- Beskid Mountains
Best for: Culture, food and less-touristy destinations
Recommended stay: 3–6 days
10. East Bohemia
East Bohemia is a good choice if you want historic towns and outdoor activities without the crowds of Prague.
The area includes attractive cities, castles and mountain landscapes.
Best places to visit
- Litomyšl
- Hradec Králové
- Pardubice
- Orlické Mountains
- Adršpach-Teplice Rocks
- Krkonoše region
Best for: Nature, architecture and road trips
Recommended stay: 3–5 days
Best Regions in the Czech Republic by Travel Style
| Region | Best For |
|---|---|
| Prague | Culture & nightlife |
| South Bohemia | Castles & romantic towns |
| Český Krumlov | Historic atmosphere |
| South Moravia | Wine & food |
| Bohemian Switzerland | Hiking & nature |
| Central Bohemia | Prague day trips |
| West Bohemia | Spa holidays |
| Vysočina | Quiet countryside |
| Moravia & Silesia | Local culture |
| East Bohemia | Mountains & historic towns |
Best Region for First-Time Visitors
For a first trip, start with Prague, then add South Bohemia.
A simple route could be:
Prague → Český Krumlov → South Bohemia
If you have more time, continue to South Moravia and Brno.
Best Region for Castles
Central Bohemia and South Bohemia are excellent choices.
Central Bohemia gives you Karlštejn, Konopiště and Křivoklát, while South Bohemia offers Hluboká and the enormous Český Krumlov castle complex. (VisitCzechia)
Best Region for Wine
Choose South Moravia.
The area around Mikulov, Znojmo, Lednice and Valtice offers vineyards, traditional wine cellars and dedicated cycling routes through wine country.
Best Region for Nature
For hiking and dramatic landscapes, Bohemian Switzerland is one of the strongest choices.
If you prefer softer countryside, forests and historic villages, choose South Bohemia or Vysočina.
Best Region for Spa Holidays
Head to West Bohemia.
Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně form the country’s famous spa area.
Best Regions for Couples
For a romantic trip, consider:
- Prague
- Český Krumlov
- South Bohemia
- South Moravia
- Karlovy Vary
Český Krumlov is particularly good for a one- or two-night escape because of its castle, riverfront setting and preserved historic centre. (VisitCzechia)
Best Region for a Road Trip
A great Czech road-trip route is:
Prague → Karlštejn → Český Krumlov → Hluboká → Brno → Mikulov
For a nature-focused trip:
Prague → Bohemian Switzerland → Liberec area → Krkonoše
How Many Regions Should You Visit?
For 4–5 days, focus on Prague plus one additional area.
For 7 days, combine two or three regions.
For 10–14 days, you can comfortably explore Prague, South Bohemia, South Moravia and one nature or spa destination.
A good first-time itinerary:
Days 1–3: Prague
Days 4–5: Český Krumlov and South Bohemia
Days 6–7: Brno and South Moravia
Best Time to Visit the Czech Republic
Spring: April to May
Excellent for cities, castles and countryside with milder temperatures.
Summer: June to August
Best for hiking, festivals, outdoor dining and longer road trips.
Autumn: September to October
One of the best periods for South Moravia because of wine harvests and colourful landscapes.
Winter: November to February
Ideal for Prague, spa towns and Christmas markets.
FAQ
What are the best places to visit in the Czech Republic besides Prague?
Český Krumlov, South Moravia, Bohemian Switzerland, Karlovy Vary and Kutná Hora are among the strongest options.
What is the most beautiful region in Czechia?
South Bohemia is one of the best all-around choices because it combines forests, historic towns, castles and lakes. (VisitCzechia)
Is Český Krumlov worth visiting?
Yes. Its preserved historic centre is UNESCO-listed, and the town combines castle architecture with a beautiful setting around the Vltava River. (VisitCzechia)
Where should wine lovers go?
South Moravia, especially Mikulov, Znojmo, Valtice and Lednice.
What is the best region for hiking?
Bohemian Switzerland is excellent for sandstone landscapes and forest trails. (VisitCzechia)
Can you travel around Czechia without a car?
Yes. Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and many other major destinations are accessible by train or bus.
A car is more useful for vineyards, smaller villages and rural areas.
Final Thoughts
The Czech Republic offers far more than a weekend in Prague.
Choose Prague for architecture and nightlife, South Bohemia for castles and Český Krumlov, South Moravia for wine, Bohemian Switzerland for hiking and West Bohemia for spa towns.
For a first trip, Prague → Český Krumlov → South Moravia gives you one of the best combinations of historic cities, countryside, castles and local food and wine.
