This Czech Republic travel experience began with a personal dream: attending the Imagine Dragons concert in Prague, June 2025. We built the entire itinerary around this event, but along the way, we discovered much more than music. Our road trip through the Czech Republic led us to medieval towns, breathtaking cathedrals, imposing castles, and elegant spa resorts.
The more we explored, the more we realised that Czech Republic travel is about blending modern vibes with deep-rooted traditions. Each city has its own personality, rhythm, and hidden treasures. Here’s the full journey: what we saw, where we stayed, and my best tips for planning a road trip across the Czech Republic.
How We Started Our Czech Republic Travel Adventure
We left from Bucharest and planned our first stop in Arad to split the drive into manageable sections. This was a smart decision—long driving days drain your energy and affect your enjoyment.
The drive through Hungary and into the Czech Republic was smooth, with well-maintained highways. Still, I recommend planning strategic stops and avoiding more than 7–8 hours of driving per day.
First Stop in the Czech Republic: Brno
Atmosphere and Stay
We spent two nights in Brno, a perfect time frame to explore the city. Less touristy than Prague but full of history and charm, Brno turned out to be a wonderful surprise.
What We Visited in Brno
- Old Town – medieval streets, colorful buildings, and a relaxed vibe
- St. Peter and Paul Cathedral – with a tower offering panoramic views
- Špilberk Castle – perched on a hill with impressive scenery
- Old Town Hall – beautiful architecture and historical significance
- Villa Löw-Beer – quiet garden and a serene atmosphere
Brno is authentic, lively, and underrated—well worth adding to your Czech Republic travel itinerary.
A Short Cultural Detour: Kutná Hora
On the way to Prague, we stopped in Kutná Hora to visit St. Barbara’s Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece. Even with limited time, this stop was absolutely worth it.
Prague: The Heart of Our Czech Republic Travel Journey
Stay at Le Palais Art Hotel Prague
We spent five nights at this elegant historic hotel with quiet rooms and a great location. The center was a 20-minute walk or a quick tram ride on line 11.
Prague Atmosphere
Prague is romantic, vibrant, and full of life. In June, it’s extremely crowded, but its beauty easily compensates for the hustle.
Must-See Attractions in Prague
- Prague Castle – a symbol of the city, impressive in both size and history.
- Charles Bridge – always bustling with artists, street performers, and stunning views over the Vltava River.
- Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock – iconic landmarks, though often crowded.
- St. Vitus Cathedral – one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
- Jewish Quarter – rich in history and full of synagogues.
- Vrtba Gardens – a baroque gem and a peaceful escape.
The highlight for me, however, was the Imagine Dragons concert, which gathered thousands of people and filled the city with incredible energy.
Karlovy Vary – The Elegant Spa Town
After Prague, we made a detour to Karlovy Vary, a famous spa town known for its hot springs and elegant architecture.
We parked uphill and took the funicular to Diana Tower – a short 2-minute ride, priced around 165 CZK for a round-trip ticket in 2025.
Although the weather was uncomfortably hot that day, the town’s charm and stunning architecture made the visit memorable.
Pilsen: Beer, Relaxation, and a Pleasant Stay
In Pilsen, we checked into the Courtyard by Marriott without a reservation and got lucky with a same-day deal. Located right near the Old Town, it was the perfect base.
The top attraction here is the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where a guided tour costs around €21 and ends with a refreshing beer tasting.
Cesky Krumlov – A Fairytale Town
One of the highlights of our Czech Republic travel itinerary was Cesky Krumlov. With its cobblestones, colorful houses, and stunning castle, it felt like stepping into a storybook.
We visited the Cesky Krumlov Castle and its Italian gardens, both enchanting. The whole place felt like stepping into a fairytale, definitely worth the detour.
Telč and Třebíč – Picturesque Stops
After Cesky Krumlov, we drove to Telč and Třebíč. Here we ran into some accommodation issues – since they are small towns, many hotel receptions were already closed by the time we arrived. Eventually, we found a room in a sports hotel in Třebíč.
- In Telč, we explored the historic square lined with its famous colorful houses. A special moment for me was playing the piano inside a local institution, next to the tourist information center.
- Třebíč is charming but small; a single day is enough to explore it.
End of the Journey
From Třebíč, we continued through Hungary, spending a night in Kecskemét, and then headed back to Romania.
In total, the trip lasted two weeks – exhausting, but filled with unforgettable experiences, scenic towns, and unique memories.
Practical Tips for Czech Republic Travel by Car
- Book accommodations in advance, especially in small towns where receptions close early.
- Use private parking lots – they are safe and well-managed.
- Expect heavy crowds in Prague, particularly in summer.
- Try local food – it’s flavorful and surprisingly affordable.
- Don’t skip small towns – places like Telč, Třebíč, or Cesky Krumlov have a special charm that contrasts beautifully with the big cities.
Final Thoughts
This Czech Republic travel itinerary was one of the most beautiful road trips we’ve ever taken. From big cities like Prague and Brno to enchanting villages like Cesky Krumlov and Telč, each destination had its own magic.
If you’re planning a vacation in the Czech Republic by car, take your time, make multiple stops, and leave room for surprises – because sometimes the best memories are made where you least expect them.
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