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Most visitors to the Czech Republic only focus on Prague, which of course is gorgeous.
I also wrote a practical blog on how to spend 2 days in Prague, and what to eat in Prague. However, if there is at least one other place you should see outside Prague, make it Český Krumlov.
And this Český Krumlov Travel Guide will help you plan your time here.
I’ve visited Český Krumlov multiple times across different seasons. Still, my most memorable stay was when we booked a night and woke up before the crowds, strolling the sleepy streets during the early morning with only the sound of the Vltava River and birds.
Ah, bliss.
This travel guide to Český Krumlov will walk you through everything I’ve learned over multiple visits.
What to see, where to eat, how to get there, and why staying overnight might change your whole experience. But if you only have one day, it’s still worth coming here on a day trip from Prague.
There’s a surprising amount to do here for such a small town.
The best part of Český Krumlov is that everything is walkable so that you can pack a lot into a single day.
And if you stay overnight, you will see it when all the lights come on in the medieval streets, adding even more magic.
Start at the top, literally. The 13th-century Český Krumlov Castle dominates the town and offers one of the best panoramic views in the Czech Republic from its tower (after climbing the 162 steps).
There are a few ways to get up to the castle. You can take the stairs just near the Svejk Restaurant or follow the main street towards the gate leading to the castle grounds.
The castle grounds and gardens are free to enter and perfect for a relaxed stroll.
Once you reach the entrance, you will also get some epic views of the town below. Here, you’ll find the famous bears of Český Krumlov, who live in the gardens below the moat.
I highly recommend visiting the inside of the castle on one of the offered guided tours. There are seven of them to choose from, run by the castle, and you can book your ticket at the entrance, or it might be part of your trip if you book and organise a trip to Český Krumlov from Prague.
One of the castle’s highlights is the Baroque Castle Theatre, one of the oldest preserved theatres in Europe.
These beautifully manicured terraced gardens stretch behind the castle and are especially stunning in spring and summer. They’re peaceful and far less visited than the castle itself, and perfect for a picnic or just a bit of downtime.
I only discovered the gardens after I returned to Český Krumlov, and now I love to wander through them.
The Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets with colourful houses, charming shops, and quirky galleries. It’s essentially what you see in photos of Český Krumlov.
There are some nice little shops selling traditional Czech toys, old signs and memorabilia, Czech glass, and puppets.
And you will also spot a few places selling “trdelnik”, also known as chimney cake.
My tip is to get a hot one with just sugar and cinnamon. No other toppings or fillings are needed. Trust me, it would ruin the flavour.
This museum is a surprising highlight. It showcases the work of Austrian painter Egon Schiele, who lived here briefly, along with rotating exhibits from modern artists. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and a great indoor option if the weather turns. It houses mostly prints and is relatively small.
The entry is 250 CZK, so about 10 euros. You could also visit just the shop.
This Gothic church dates back to the 14th century, and you can easily see it from the castle dominating the town’s skyline.
Inside, it’s peaceful and impressive, with a blend of Renaissance and Baroque details. Entry is free, but the dress code should be observed.
A little further from the church, you will find the best view of Český Krumlov that is not from the castle, walk into the small Seminar Garden (Location on Maps here), and see a terrace-like viewpoint.
And this time you will also get the castle in your picture.
Read more: The Perfect 2 Days in Prague Itinerary
In summer, the town comes alive with people floating down the river. You can rent a raft or canoe for an hour or two.
It’s a relaxing and fun way to see Český Krumlov from a new angle and get some great photos under the bridges and castle cliffs.
You can join a fun wooden raft tour for 50 minutes. Book your raft tour here.
If you stay overnight, don’t miss an evening walk.
After the day-trippers leave, the lantern-lit streets feel almost frozen in time. It’s peaceful, romantic, and hauntingly beautiful. Enjoy dinner in one of the many cosy restaurants of Český Krumlov.
This little town packs a punch when it comes to food. Whether you’re after a hearty Czech meal, riverside dining, or a great cup of coffee, Český Krumlov delivers.
Krcma v Satlavske Ulici – My top pick. Set in a medieval tavern with a roaring fire, this place serves roasted duck with red cabbage and dumplings that melt in your mouth. It feels like a trip back in time, and I like it here, especially during cooler days.
U Dwau Maryí – A rustic riverside spot offering old Bohemian recipes. Try their “Old Bohemian Feast” platter if you’re hungry and want a little bit of everything. And for something simple, I like their garlic or goulash soups.
Svejk Restaurant – If you are after a typical cosy Czech pub with excellent food and beer, this is it. The daily special is usually a great option, but the duck is simply the best.
Papa’s Living Restaurant – Set along the river with castle views, this cosy spot blends Czech and international dishes. it’s good for lunch on a sunny day.
Nona Ginna – Great Italian restaurant in the heart of the city. Cash only.
What to Eat: Try roast duck with dumplings, svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce), trdelník, and local beers or fruit brandies.
Read more: 7 Best Things To Do in Prague
Travel tip: Most cafés open late in the morning, especially in winter, so don’t expect early breakfast service everywhere.
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Both have their perks, and I’ve stayed overnight and come on a day trip. Here’s what I’ve found:
Day Trip Pros:
Day Trip Cons:
Overnight Stay Pros:
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By Bus:
RegioJet or FlixBus offer direct buses from Prague’s main station (Florenc). The ride takes about 2.5–3 hours, is super comfortable, and has Wi-Fi and snacks on RegioJet. The bus drops you about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the Old Town.
By Train:
Trains take a bit longer (around 3.5 hours) and often require a change at České Budějovice. The train station is further from the town centre (about a 20-minute walk). I recommend taking the bus as it is direct. You can book both bus and train tickets on trainline.com
By Tour:
Guided day tours are convenient if you’re short on time and want someone else to handle the logistics. Many leave Prague early in the morning and include entrance to the castle and a walking tour. But be prepared for limited free time.
Here are the best day tours from Prague to Česky Krumlov:
From Prague: Full-Day Trip to Český Krumlov – Explore the fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov in South Bohemia, where you can wander through narrow medieval streets, tour the iconic castle, and admire architecture that spans from the 14th to the 19th century.
From Prague: Český Krumlov Full-Day Tour with Pickup – Discover the charm of Český Krumlov on a full-day tour from Prague, with convenient pickup from your accommodation. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and castle courtyards while learning about the town’s rich history from your guide.
From Prague: Český Krumlov and České Budějovice Day Trip – Take a day trip from Prague to explore the beauty and history of the Czech countryside in southern Bohemia. Visit Cesky Krumlov Castle, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and discover the charm of Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice.
Here are my favourite options, from budget-friendly to boutique charm:
Český Krumlov is one of those places that doesn’t just live up to the hype, it exceeds it.
Whether coming for a day or staying a while, this little town will leave you with unforgettable memories and hundreds of photos you’ll swear look too perfect to be real.
If you’ve got the chance, stay the night. Trust me, the sleepy streets at sunrise are when Český Krumlov truly comes alive.
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