Come for the wedding & make it a memorable Czech trip
If you’re travelling to the Czech Republic for our wedding, why not make a trip of it?
The Czech Republic is a brilliant destination for a few extra days around the wedding. From the beautiful streets and historic architecture of Prague to medieval towns, castles, forests, mountains and excellent food and beer, there is a huge amount to discover beyond the wedding itself. Prague is an obvious choice to start or end the trip but below are some highlights I have discovered in my many trips – many are child friendly so there is lots on offer.Prague
Prague is an obvious place to start. The historic centre is wonderfully compact and easy to explore on foot, with the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square and winding streets of Malá Strana all within easy reach. It’s a city that’s particularly good for simply wandering around, stopping for a coffee, a beer or a plate of Czech food along the way.
The classic sights:
- Prague castle – great views like the ones shown here!
- St Vitus Cathedral – breathtaking architecture
- Charles Bridge – a tourist hot spot
- Astronomical clock – the ‘on hour’ display is great if you’ve never seen it before
Eat, drink & be Czech 
You can’t visit Prague without trying some traditional Czech food, settling into a cosy pub and sampling the local beer. Look out for dishes such as svíčková (beef with a creamy vegetable sauce), goulash and, of course, plenty of dumplings.
And now for the important bit: where to eat and drink!
Our favourite spots in Prague
For beer
- Lokál – our favourite for a perfectly poured Czech beer, classic pub atmosphere and reliably good food. There are several locations around Prague, so you’re never too far from one.
- U Švejka – a traditional Czech pub for hearty food and a relaxed, old-school atmosphere.
- Pivovar U Fleků – a historic brewery that’s well worth a visit for the atmosphere and its famous dark lager. Just be warned: the complimentary-looking shots can add up!
- Lokál – for classic Czech pub food and excellent beer.
- Kantýna – a brilliant choice for meat lovers, with a lively, casual atmosphere and a butcher-shop-meets-restaurant feel.
- Kuchyň – come for Czech food and stay for the fantastic views near Prague Castle.
- Café Savoy – a beautiful café and restaurant for breakfast, brunch or a more leisurely meal.
- Bju Kitchen – worth a look if you’re after something a little different.
- Myšák – a Prague classic for beautiful cakes, pastries and traditional Czech sweet treats.
- Iveta Fabešová Café – a lovely stop for elegant patisserie. Head to the café at Werich Villa on Kampa for something sweet in a beautiful setting.
Our insider tip: Ambiente
If you want to eat and drink like a local, have a look at the restaurants and bars run by Ambiente. They have a brilliant collection of places across Prague, from traditional Czech pubs to more contemporary restaurants, and the quality is consistently fantastic.
Sunny-day favourites ☀️
If the weather is on your side, swap the sightseeing for a long afternoon outside.
- Náplavka – the riverside promenade is a great place to grab a drink, sit by the Vltava and watch the city go by.
- Letná Beer Garden – one of our favourite spots for a beer with sweeping views across Prague’s rooftops and bridges.
- Riegrovy Sady – a lovely park with a beer garden, great views and a relaxed, local atmosphere. Perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Our recommendation: find a sunny spot, order a beer and don’t make too many plans for the rest of the day.
Beyond Prague
If you have the time, we’d really encourage you to stay a little longer and explore more of the Czech Republic. There’s so much more to the country than Prague, from fairytale towns and historic breweries to forests, mountains and beautiful countryside.
Here are a few places we’d recommend adding to your itinerary.
Český Krumlov
For fairytale streets and a little adventure!
Český Krumlov is a beautiful historic town with a castle overlooking winding medieval streets and the Vltava River running through the centre. It’s one of those places that feels almost too picturesque to be real – its a Unesco world heritgae site you know! A lovely option if you’re spending a few extra days in the country. It’s a family friendly town with lots of lunch spots on the riverbank with spots to splash for little ones. If you can get tickets for the open air theatre then you’re in for a really special evening.
For something a little more adventurous, consider a rafting or canoeing trip along the Vltava. A few years ago we took a group for a canoeing trip which was unforgettable. Imagine floating down the river with friends, stopping for a drink along the way (sometimes the bar was in the river) and enjoying the countryside for a wonderfully Czech summer experience.
Read more about it in The Guardian’s guide to canoeing the Vltava
Karlovy Vary
For spa-town glamour and a touch of luxury
Karlovy Vary is a beautiful spa town famous for its elegant colonnades, colourful architecture, thermal springs and grand hotels. It’s the perfect place for some affordable luxury for a day or two, wandering along the river, sample the local spa wafers and enjoy a little old-world glamour.
If you fancy making a proper occasion of it, look at Grandhotel Pupp. This legendary hotel has welcomed guests for centuries and is known for its grand interiors, Czech tasting menu and impressive setting. Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s worth stopping by for a coffee, a drink or a meal to soak up the atmosphere. Film fans might also recognise it from James Bond 007: Casino Royale.
Karlovy Vary is a great choice if you’d like to combine sightseeing with a spa experience and a little indulgence.
Šumava
For forests, lakes and getting away from it all
If you’d rather escape the cities, head south-west to Šumava National Park, one of the Czech Republic’s most beautiful natural areas. Expect vast forests, peaceful lakes, peat bogs, rolling hills and miles of walking and cycling trails. We stayed in a guest house only accessible by foot, standing by a beautiful river that ripped through the forest.
It’s a wonderful place to slow down, spend time outdoors and discover a quieter side of the country. In the summer, you can go hiking, cycling, explore the countryside or simply find a cosy place to stay, like we did, surrounded by nature.
Šumava is particularly good for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures, scenic drives and getting off the beaten track.
You’ll find secret pubs tucked into the countryside and pine forests teaming with fragrance and beams of sunlight – a truly magical central European spot.
Bohemian Switzerland
For dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures
Despite the name, Bohemian Switzerland is in the Czech Republic. This spectacular national park near the German border is known for its towering sandstone formations, deep forests, dramatic viewpoints and beautiful hiking trails.
It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to trade city streets for fresh air and big landscapes. There are walks for different fitness levels, although some routes involve steep steps and uneven terrain, so it’s worth checking the route before setting off.
If you have a few extra days and love being outdoors, it’s well worth considering.
Pilsen
For beer lovers and Czech history
Pilsen (Plzeň) is the birthplace of Pilsner beer, so naturally, it’s an excellent destination for anyone interested in Czech beer culture. Visit the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery to learn about the history of the original pilsner lager, explore the historic city centre and enjoy a meal in a traditional Czech pub.
It’s an easy city to enjoy at a relaxed pace, with impressive architecture, cafés and plenty of opportunities to sample the local beer. A good option for a day trip or an overnight stay if you want to see another side of the country.
