Český Krumlov Day Trip from Prague

What you will see in Český Krumlov

The old town is a maze of cobbled lanes and Renaissance and Baroque houses, listed by UNESCO in 1992. The castle, the second-largest in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle, rises above the river, and its Round Tower gives the postcard view over the red roofs. You can also see the castle gardens, the bridge over the moat and, in summer, rafts floating down the Vltava. Most tours leave two to four hours in town, which is just enough for the castle courtyards, the main square and a coffee.

Which tour to pick

• The most-reviewed tour is the safe, well-tested choice: a full day with a guide and a good rhythm of stops.
• The highest-rated tour has fewer reviews but spends more time in the town itself, which is where the magic is.
• The Český Krumlov and České Budějovice tour adds a second town. Choose it only if you want variety; you give up time in Krumlov to see Budweis.

Check whether the entry fee for the castle is included, and whether the tour allows free time or only a guided walk. If you are travelling with children, check the number of hours on the road.

By bus or by tour?

You can reach Český Krumlov by coach from Prague’s Florenc or Na Knížecí stations in about three hours, and a bus ticket is cheap. The catch is the day: three hours each way leaves little time for the town. A tour usually spends about the same on the road but adds a guide, the pick-up in central Prague and a planned schedule. If you have an extra day, consider staying overnight: the town is at its best in the early morning and at dusk, when the day-trippers have gone.

What to wear and bring

• Comfortable shoes: the old town is cobbled and hilly.
• A light jacket or rain layer; the weather in South Bohemia can differ from Prague.
• Water, a snack and a charged phone for photos from the tower.
• Cash in Czech crowns for coffee, souvenirs and small tips.