Last Updated on July 11, 2026 by Ketki Gadre
If you have ever wondered or pictured a medieval European town and how it would look, come to the Southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Read this travel guide on Cesky Krumlov to know about all the things to do in Cesky Krumlov.
‘Fairytale town’
‘Super cute town’
‘So aesthetic’
‘Amazing vibes’
I kept coming across these statements when I was googling one day trips from Prague and came across the suggestion of Český Krumlov (will be writing as Cesky Krumlov from here on).
I was on a week-long trip to the Czech Republic and while I spent 3 days in Prague, I also wanted to check out a few other locations in North and South Bohemia. While Kutna Hora and Karlovy Vary were on my list, I zeroed in on Cesky Krumlov in the South and Liberec in the North.
While it is ideal to spend at least 2 days in Cesky Krumlov considering it is 2.5 – 3 hours away from Prague, I wanted to maximize my Czech stay so I chose a day trip.
It was a fully guided 10-hour day trip that included transportation to and fro Prague as well as lunch.
Based on what my guide showed us, here are all the things to do in Cesky Krumlov.
| ✦ Steal my trip: From Prague: Český Krumlov and České Budějovice Day Trip |
Table of Contents
THINGS TO DO IN CESKY KRUMLOV
Photograph the Cloak Bridge
Our bus was parked away from the castle and as we walked to the castle grounds, the Cloak Bridge was the first structure we saw.
Connected to the castle is the famous 3-tier covered arch Cloak Bridge. I had never seen a bridge like this before and I was quite impressed with the ancient engineering.
Our guide informed us that the bridge dates back to the 15th century, and originally was built from wood. Standing before it today, it was hard not to marvel at the ingenuity of the people who created such massive structures centuries ago, long before modern machinery and construction technology existed.
You can cross the bridge directly from within the castle grounds, but I was glad to walk beneath it as well.
Explore Cesky Krumlov’s Main Square, Namesti Svornosti
The historic centre is divided into two distinct areas by the river – Latrán, where the castle complex rises above the town, and the Inner Town, set within the horseshoe bend of the Vltava River.
At the heart of it all is Náměstí Svornosti, the town’s picturesque main square, lined with pastel-coloured buildings, open-air restaurants, and cosy cafés.
If you visit the town in December, this square is home to one of the best Christmas markets in the Czech Republic.
There are many museums and art galleries around this square.
Wander The Cobblestoned Streets of the Historic Centre
One of the greatest pleasures in Cesky Krumlov is simply wandering through its narrow cobbled streets beneath the castle.
Although our guide made us hurry and ensured we were not lost, I would have loved getting lost here. It is the kind of town where the joy often lies in getting a little lost – turning corners without a plan and stumbling upon hidden courtyards, quiet cafés, colourful facades, and unexpected river views. May be, next time!
Church of St. Vitus
Out of the things to do in Cesky Krumlov, visiting St. Vitus is a must!
No matter where you stand in Cesky Krumlov, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the elegant spire of Church of St. Vitus rising above the red rooftops. Sitting gracefully along the Vltava River, the church has long been one of the defining landmarks of the town skyline.
Originally built on the site of an earlier 14th-century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Gothic structure you see today became an important spiritual and cultural centre for the region. One of the few surviving traces of the older church is the mosaic above the entrance doorway, quietly linking the present building to its medieval past.
The slender neo-Gothic tower that now dominates the skyline was added during 19th-century renovations and remains one of the most recognisable features of the town. Step inside and you’ll find soaring vaulted ceilings, historic frescoes, and an atmosphere that feels both grand and deeply peaceful amid the bustle of the town outside.
Visit the Bears Moat
The Bears Moat is situated on the east side entrance to the castle.
A live bear moat is something rarely seen in European castles today. Located between the castle’s first and second courtyards, the moat has housed bears since the early 18th century, when noble families kept them as both a symbol of prestige and a dramatic warning to potential intruders. The tradition was also linked to the powerful Rosenberg family, who claimed ties to the Italian Orsini lineage – “orsa” meaning bear in Italian, making the animal an important part of their identity.
While the defensive role of castle bears disappeared long ago, the tradition continued in parts of the Czech Republic as a historical custom associated with aristocratic heritage and tourism. Today, the presence of bears in some castle moats remains controversial, with ongoing debates around animal welfare and conservation.
Be awed by the Cesky Krumlov Castle
Without a doubt, the highlight of Český Krumlov is the magnificent Český Krumlov Castle towering above the town. Visible from almost every corner, the castle feels like a constant presence as you wander through the winding medieval streets below.
Dating back to the 13th century, the sprawling castle complex is the second largest in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. Over the centuries, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences have all shaped its architecture, giving the castle a richly textured character. Highlights include its grand courtyards, ornate tower, historic Baroque theatre, scenic gardens, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the town.
One of the best things for visitors is that you can freely wander through much of the castle grounds and courtyards without purchasing a ticket, making it easy to soak in the atmosphere even if you choose not to join a guided tour of the interiors.
Take a guided tour inside the Castle interiors
I highly recommend taking the castle interiors tour. This is done separately by the castle staff and at fixed timings. The ornate interiors and the medieval opulence of yesteryear owners is something to see and get awed!
The guided one hour tour started with a visit to St. George’s Chapel which was originally a Gothic chapel, but its interior was remodeled into an elaborate Rococo style between 1750 and 1753. It houses a glass box containing the relics of the African martyr St. Calixtus.
Next visit was to the Masquerade Hall which is widely considered the most impressive room in the castle. Painted by Joseph Letter in less than six months, it features dazzling 18th-century trompe l’œil frescoes depicting over a hundred life-sized, costumed figures, masked partygoers, and even the artist himself.
Next we visited the Baroque Theater – one of only a few perfectly preserved 18th-century Baroque theaters in the world. It retains its original auditorium, orchestra pit, and stage machinery, complete with a pulley system for lightning-fast scenery changes.
The Golden Carriage is this famous ceremonial carriage gilded in 24-karat gold. It was created in 1638 as a gift for Pope Urban VIII, who famously used it only once.
The Rosenberg Suites & Renaissance Rooms are also included in the tour. These quarters are adorned with coffered ceilings, valuable murals, and biblical motifs. They feature period furnishings and living spaces used by the powerful Rosenberg, Eggenberg, and Schwarzenberg families.
Climb To The Top Of The Castle Tower
The moment I spotted the colourful Renaissance tower of Český Krumlov Castle Tower rising above the town, I knew I had to climb it. After making my way up the narrow spiral staircase and 162 steep steps, I was rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in Český Krumlov. From the top, the entire medieval town unfolded – red rooftops, winding cobbled lanes, the curves of the Vltava River, and the surrounding green hills. Pure fairytale drama!
The tower itself dates back to the 13th century and is beautifully decorated with Renaissance frescoes and intricate detailing that make it as impressive inside as it is from afar.
Buy Cesky Krumlov Souvenirs
Cesky Krumlov is a lovely place to pick up souvenirs that feel more hyper-local and authentic than the usual tourist trinkets. One of the most distinctive things to take home is Medovina, the traditional Czech honey wine.
Medovina is a sweet alcoholic drink made by fermenting honey with water and spices, somewhat similar to mead. In Cesky Krumlov, you’ll often find it served warm during colder months or sold in beautifully designed bottles in local shops and markets. Different varieties may include herbs, cinnamon, cloves, or fruit infusions, and many smaller producers still make it using traditional recipes.
Other worthwhile souvenirs from Cesky Krumlov include:
- Handmade Bohemian crystal and glassware
- Wooden toys and handcrafted puppets
- Czech garnet jewellery
- Locally made ceramics and pottery
- Marionettes inspired by Czech theatre traditions
- Art prints and illustrations of the town’s fairytale skyline
The small independent shops tucked along the cobbled streets are often the best places to browse slowly and discover locally crafted items rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
Raft on Vltava River or Chilling on its banks
One of the most interesting things to do in Cesky Krumlov is river rafting or canoeing along the Vltava River. Floating past medieval buildings, stone bridges, riverside cafés, and the towering castle above offers a completely different perspective of the town and adds a fun, slightly adventurous side to the visit.
During the warmer months, the river becomes lively with locals and travellers paddling through gentle rapids and relaxing stretches alike.
If rafting is not quite your thing, or if you’re visiting during the colder seasons, the perfect alternative is simply slowing down by the riverside. Grab a seat at one of the cosy cafés overlooking the water and enjoy a freshly poured Czech beer while watching the town drift by.
Enjoy Czech Cuisine
Fried cheese, goulash, chimney cakes.. You name it and you will find it here.
Since I was on a guided day trip from Prague, my lunch was included in the tour. We reached a fancy restaurant called Maštal Restaurant – with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating, I could imagine how beautiful it would look for a romantic dinner!
Due to some miscommunication the restaurant was not informed about my vegetarian lunch choice, but after some request they made it happen. I had a mushroom cream sauce pasta with beer – both utterly delicious.
I later came to know that they have a few rooms! If you are staying overnight maybe you would like to consider it.
HOW TO GET TO CESKY KRUMLOV
By Bus
There are regular departures from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, and prices range from 5 to 14 euros, depending on the time of day.
Flix Bus has excellent deals, especially if you take the late afternoon departure from Prague.
Regio Jet has a bus almost every hour and built-in LCD screens for watching movies, wi-fi on board or a hot drink for free.
By Train
Also possible to take a train, but that involves typically changing trains at Ceske Budejovice.
By Car
Cesky Krumlov is situated halfway between Prague and Vienna you can rent a car to self drive.
Join A Tour
But if you don’t have the time to spend a night or two in Cesky Krumlov, then here are some of the best day tours from Prague.
WHERE TO STAY IN CESKY KRUMLOV
Luxury Hotel: Bellevue Hotel
For a more upscale stay in Český Krumlov, Bellevue Hotel Český Krumlov is an excellent option. Located right in the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, the hotel is just a short two-minute walk from Český Krumlov Castle. Housed within beautifully restored historic buildings, the property blends old-world charm with modern comforts and elegant interiors.
Room rates generally start from around €100–150 per night depending on the season and room category, though prices can rise during peak summer months.
Book now here.
Mid-range Stay: Penzion Maštal
For travellers looking for a cosy and budget-friendly stay, Penzion Maštal is a charming option right on the town’s historic main square. Just a short walk from the Castle, the guesthouse offers simple, comfortable rooms within a beautifully preserved medieval building. Rates generally start from around €70–110 per night depending on the season, making it a great value stay in the heart of the Old Town.
Book now here.
Hostel Postel
For budget travellers looking for a friendly and central stay in Cesky Krumlov, Hostel Postel is a popular choice. Located just a short walk from the Old Town and the Castle, the hostel is known for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful interiors, and cosy garden space that travellers often use to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Both dorms and private rooms are available, with prices generally starting from around €18–30 for dorm beds and €45–80 for private rooms depending on the season.
Book now here.
FAQs ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN CESKY KRUMLOV
Is Cesky Krumlov worth visiting?
Yes, it is a must visit if you have a day to spare after Prague sightseeing.
Which is the prettiest town in the Czech Republic?
Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town in southern Bohemia, and after Prague, Czech Republic’s second most visited tourist attraction. The historic center of the town was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1992.
How many days to spend in Cesky Krumlov?
Ideally you should spend a night in Cesky Krumlov so spend at least 1.5 or 2 days in Cesky Krumlov. With the extra time, you can dive deeper into the town’s history, enjoy a more relaxed pace, and explore hidden gems beyond the main attractions.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR CESKY KRUMLOV TRIP
- Carry your refillable water bottle, there are free water refilling stations almost everywhere in the city.
- Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing trash and cigarette butts.
- Respect the ancient structures by not sitting on them.
- Although credit cards and the euro are generally acceptable, be sure to carry some Czech koruna (CZK) for local markets and smaller establishments.
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