If you are planning to visit Central Europe, you should definitely consider visiting the Czech Republic for an amazing adventure you will not soon forget. While there are a lot of things to do in the Czech Republic, taking a road trip to five fantastic offbeat destinations is my favourite. Unfortunately, most people often stick to Prague and do not explore the beauty of lesser-known, extremely unique towns.
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Related: If you are looking for a place to stay in Prague, check out the Boutique Hotel Seven Days.
This central European gem is very easy to explore, and you’ll be amazed by its offerings. Renting a car in the Czech Republic is very affordable, and generally speaking, the roads are in good condition and easy to navigate. Here are five fantastic offbeat destinations worth considering the next time you wonder about things to do in the
Olomouc
Located in the eastern part of Moravia, Olomouc is one of the most charming cities in the Czech Republic. The city is a paradise for sightseers, making it a great place for a road trip. As you cruise the city, you will find historical monuments in the beautiful upper square, such as baroque fountains, the 18th-century holy trinity column, the Town Hall, the Astronomical clock and a bronze model of the city.
Aside from the upper square, Olomouc has churches that have been in existence since immemorial time, along with many parks and hills, which provide different vantage points.
If you go to Olomouc, do yourself a favour and stay at the Theatre Hotel for a nature-inspired lodging performance. Don’t miss dining at their on-site restaurant, Entrée, which is quite a performance.
Lednice
The focal point for sightseers is the Lednice Château, one of the most beautiful complexes in baroque fountains Neo-Gothic style in Central Europe. It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in southern Monrovia. The Lednice compound is much more than just the Château; there are wonderfully massive gardens to stroll,
The grounds are expansive, so the best way to view it all is by horse carriage or by boat, which runs through the lazy river that runs through the grounds. There are miles of walking trails as well.
You will also enjoy strolling the streets of this romantic village, where you will find many shops, restaurants, and cafes to tantalize the tourists in you.
Don’t miss driving down the street a few miles to Valtice and visiting the Wine Salon; it’s an incredible wine-tasting experience. Read more about it here – Czech Republic Wine Salon.
Brno
Located in southern Moravia, Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, yet most people have never heard of it. Brno has a lot of the same charm and characteristics as Prague but with way fewer visitors, which also makes it much more affordable.
Brno also makes for a great home base while exploring this lush wine region. The city centre is full of historical buildings, old churches, theatres, fountains, sculptures, clubs, and some wonderful restaurants.
If you go to Brno, I recommend staying at either Barceló Brno Palace or Hotel Grandezza, both are located near the city centre, which will allow you to explore the city easily on foot.
Mikulov
Mikulov is an enchanting little village in the midst of stunning countryside in southern Bohemia, which is surrounded by vineyards in all directions. Mikulov is in the heart of wine country and home to one of the largest wine barrels in the world. The dominating Baroque château in the centre of town is the focal point, with lush gardens and many places to take in the varying landscapes and stupendous views.
Just on the outskirts of the main square is a butte known asSvatý kopeček (Holy Hill), which is really worth exploring. The Holy Hill provides some stunning views of the dominating Baroque château in the centre of town, and peaceful landscapes beyond.
If you stay in Mikulov, check out the Tanzberg Hotel. The location is fantastic, the accommodations are fair, and the restaurant is quite good.
Ostrava
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic, but like Brno, most people probably have not heard of it. Brno is an old industrial town in the midst of re-identifying itself. One of the focal points of town is a former steel mill turned into a convention centre and entertainment venue called “The Gong.” It’s a suburb display of how a city took blight and turned it into something brilliant.
The city has lots of interesting places to see on a road trip, which includes The Vítkovice Area, Landek Park, The Michal Mine, Silesian Ostrava Castle, The Miniuni, The Ostrava Zoo, The Ostrava Museum and the Viewing Tower of the New City Hall.
These are just a few of the fantastic Czech Republic road trip destinations. There are so many more things to do in the Czech Republic, but these five are a good introduction for someone who has never been to the country before.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below.
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Hey Archana…thanks so much for having me as a guest writer on your amazing website. This post looks so great. Cheers, Mike
I had no idea how beautiful Czech architecture could be. Actually, this goes for the whole of Eastern Europe! Especially their castles. Definitely worth a visit it seems.
Yes, it really is a wonderful place to visit Peter.
I would love to drive through the Czech Republic one day! Great suggestions! I love visiting beautiful churches, and it sounds like are a lot to see there! I will definitely be referring back to this post!
You would love it Leah. Thanks for reading.
My hubby is always telling me we should visit Brno since we have friends there. I would a chance to go to all the other places too!
The whole country is really picturesque, including the countryside but this is a really cool list. I’ve visited all of these as they are some of the most famous places in the country and had a great time.I just can’t get enough of the fascinating architecture of this country.
It really is! So glad you like the list Daniel. Cheers, Mike
Some lovely looking places especially Lednice Château. I’ve only done Prague in the Czech Republic before but that was very pretty x
This is my kind of travel, we love taking road trips though I would not have thought of the Czech Republic as a self-drive destination. But I love all five of your suggested places. I love small and lesser known cities so I am sure I would love Olomouc, Lednice, Brno, Mikulov and Ostrava.
Hi Kavita…yes, CZ is a great place to take a road trip. Very easy driving once you get outside Prague. Glad you enjoyed the suggestions. Hope you can make it there one day. Cheers, Mike
I love how you gave the perfect amount of detail in this article. I got introduced to each city but the article was still an easy read. Brno sounds like a great choice for Prague lite. I bet the price point is much better too.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
I think the Czech Republic is so so underrated! I am heading to a city close to Prague on Monday! I’m so excited and this post just reminded me so!
Thank you for showing me the Czech Republic beyond Prague! It is all so beautiful and looks like an amazing road trip. The Lednice Chateau looks stunning and I would love to take a carriage ride through its picturesque streets.
The Czech Republic has always been on my bucket list. And now after reading through your post, I want to go there right now. Some of these places I had not even heard of. And yet they look so pretty and colorful, full of life. I would not miss them for anything in the world. As I start to fine tune my itinerary for the Czech, this post has given me some of the most beautiful places to visit there. Thanks a ton!
Ostrava has been high on my list. This is the 2nd post in a single day that recommends it. The other towns too have a very fairytale like ambiance. Guess the duration of my Czech stay is bound to increase
I really want to visit the Czech Republic one day as my mom’s family is from there. But,I don’t think we from these places or have relatives from there.
Wow! splendid pictures. These really inspire me to consider a trip to the Czech Republic!
Wow, the architecture is amazing in Czech! It has that fairytale vibe going on! Thanks for all the info!
Bookmarking this page. I can surely use your post for my upcoming trip to the Czech Republic Thanks!
nice, I like Czech-republic
Czech Republic was the first European nation I visited, and it struck a cord. I loved the vibes in Prague and Brno, but would definitely love to check out Ostrava, Olomouc for sure.
Thanks for this amazing Post. I am planning a trip to the Czech Republic with my hubby. Your Post is gonna help a lot. Once again. A Big Thank You.