Beyond the Crowds: 7 Less Touristy Prague Day Trips You’ll Absolutely Love

Prague is magical. Cobbled lanes, gothic towers, and the Charles Bridge charm millions of tourists each year. But what if you’ve seen the highlights and want something quieter? That’s where this list comes in.
In this post, we’re exploring unique day trips from Prague that escape the crowds yet offer rich history, stunning nature, and local flavor. Whether you want a medieval town without busloads of tourists or a peaceful hike through forested hills, you’ll find it here.
While planning your trip, be sure to explore Stay at Holiday for the best travel tips, hidden spots, and guides to make your Czech adventure unforgettable.
Let’s get off the beaten path, shall we?
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Kutná Hora (But Beyond the Ossuary)
Many visitors come to Kutná Hora for the famous Bone Church. It’s unique, yes. But there’s more to see—without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd.
Why visit: Kutná Hora was once richer than Prague thanks to its silver mines. Walk the quiet lanes beyond the ossuary, and you’ll discover:
- The Italian Court, where medieval kings minted coins
- St. Barbara’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that rivals Prague’s own St. Vitus
- Peaceful parks and cafes where you can sip coffee with locals
How to get there: Trains leave from Prague’s main station and take about 1 hour. Walk from the station to the town center for a full experience.
Personal Tip: After visiting the cathedral, follow the signs to the Jesuit College trail. It’s rarely crowded, but offers stunning panoramic views.
Stat: According to the Czech Statistical Office, Kutná Hora receives only one-sixth the visitors of Prague annually. That makes it a perfect escape from tourist chaos.
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Křivoklát Castle and Forest Walks
Křivoklát Castle is the fairytale you’ve never heard of. Nestled in a forested valley, this 12th-century fortress is still surrounded by dense woods and winding trails.
Why visit: The castle has hosted kings, poets, and prisoners. It’s quieter than Karlštejn but equally beautiful, with:
- Towers to climb for sweeping countryside views
- A working Gothic chapel
- Secret prisoner chambers with original carvings
Nature bonus: The Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area is a hiker’s dream. Think mossy trails, eagle lookouts, and picnic spots under 200-year-old oaks.
Getting there: Trains run from Prague to Beroun or Rakovník, then a local bus to Křivoklát. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
Travel Tip: Bring snacks. The on-site café is cozy but closes early in the off-season.
Stat: According to VisitCzechia.com, Křivoklát sees fewer than 100,000 annual visitors, compared to Karlštejn’s 400,000+. If you’re staying longer, check out this Prague 2 day itinerary to experience the city like a local before heading out on these amazing day trips.
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Třeboň – Spa Town Meets Fairy Tale
Třeboň is a fairytale spa town that most tourists overlook. Known for its fishponds, baroque architecture, and laid-back vibes, it’s a slice of local life.
Why visit: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is perfect for cycling and walking. Enjoy:
- Třeboň Castle, one of the best-preserved Renaissance complexes
- Spa culture—try a peat bath!
- Delicious local carp dishes (fresh from the ponds)
How to get there: Direct buses from Prague take around 2.5 hours. You can rent bikes near the center.
Personal Story: I spent a quiet spring afternoon biking around Třeboň’s ponds. A local pointed me to a wooden dock, where I watched swans swim past an 18th-century boathouse. No selfie sticks in sight—just peace.
Travel Tip: Visit the Regent Brewery, founded in 1379. The beer is unfiltered, delicious, and super local.
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Litomyšl – Czechia’s Artsy Hidden Gem
Art lovers and history buffs will fall for Litomyšl. Tucked in eastern Bohemia, this town mixes elegance with creativity.
Why visit:
- Litomyšl Castle, a UNESCO site, boasts exquisite sgraffito work on its walls
- Local galleries and museums support Czech modern artists
- It’s the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana, and his house is now a museum
How to get there: Trains run from Prague with a transfer in Česká Třebová. The trip takes about 2.5 hours.
Art Tip: Visit the Portmoneum, a house entirely painted and decorated by Josef Váchal. It’s surreal and unforgettable.
Stat: According to the European Route of Historic Theatres, Litomyšl hosts one of Europe’s oldest castle theaters still in use.
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Žďár nad Sázavou – Architecture in the Woods
Want to combine hiking and baroque architecture? Head to Žďár nad Sázavou, home to the Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk.
Why visit:
- The UNESCO-listed church was designed by genius architect Jan Santini Aichel
- It’s shaped like a five-pointed star and sits on a grassy hilltop
- The nearby landscape park offers trails, lakes, and peace
Getting there: Take a train from Prague to Žďár nad Sázavou, roughly 2.5 hours. Taxis or buses take you from the station to the church.
Local Highlight: In the summer, a small market pops up near the church, selling handmade cheeses, bread, and jams.
Travel Tip: Combine the trip with a stop at the New Generation Museum for an interactive experience on local history.
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Písek – Bohemian Sand and Stone
You’ve probably never heard of Písek, but it’s home to the oldest stone bridge in Czechia—older than the Charles Bridge.
Why visit:
- The Stone Bridge is over 900 years old and was once part of a major trade route
- The town has a relaxed riverfront ideal for walks and picnics
- Local museums and cafés give you a taste of real Bohemian life
How to get there: Trains from Prague take about 1.5 hours.
Personal Tip: Walk the river path to the Forest Park of Písek. It’s serene and full of wood-carved animal statues—great for kids too.
Travel Tip: Try the Písek Library café for amazing apple strudel and local wine.
Stat: According to South Bohemian Tourism, Písek sees fewer than 50,000 annual international visitors. That’s rare for such a historic town.
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Tábor – A Rebel Town with a View
Tábor was founded by Hussite rebels and still keeps that fiery spirit. Its old town is a maze of medieval streets and secret passages.
Why visit:
- The Hussite Museum is built into underground tunnels
- Gorgeous views from Žižka Square’s tower
- Quirky cafés and local art scenes offer something unique
How to get there: Direct trains run from Prague in about 1.5 hours.
Local Highlight: In September, Tábor hosts a historical festival with costumes, food, and live medieval music.
Tip: Don’t miss Jordan Reservoir, the oldest dam in Central Europe. It’s a short hike from the center.
Stat: According to the CzechTourism Office, Tábor’s foot traffic is mostly domestic—meaning a real local vibe.
Final Thoughts
Most visitors never leave Prague. But the Czech Republic has so much more to offer—and often, without the tourist crowds.
These lesser-known destinations let you slow down, breathe, and truly connect with Czech culture. From castles in the woods to art-filled towns, every spot offers something authentic.
Have you visited any of these lesser-known Czech spots? Or do you have your own hidden gem near Prague? Share your tips in the comments—and don’t forget to pass this list on to your fellow travelers!
Read More Also: Discover the Best Features of Top Travel Journal Apps for Your Adventures
FAQs
What are some less crowded day trips from Prague?
Some great options include Litomyšl, Tábor, Křivoklát, and Třeboň. They’re rich in culture but quieter than tourist hotspots.
Is it possible to do day trips from Prague by train?
Yes. Czech Railways is reliable and affordable. Many hidden-gem towns are 1.5–2.5 hours from Prague by train.
Which Prague day trip includes hiking?
Křivoklát is perfect for hiking. It’s surrounded by forest trails in the Křivoklátsko region, ideal for nature lovers.
What’s the best historical town near Prague without crowds?
Písek is a strong choice. It has the oldest bridge in Czechia and few international tourists.
Are these destinations open year-round?
Yes, but spring to early fall offers the best weather for walking, biking, and enjoying outdoor cafés.