The Best Things To Do In Cesky Krumlov 2-Day Itinerary

Český Krumlov has been plucked right out of a fairytale. It has a multi-coloured Rapunzel-like tower, a pink church spire, a winding river, medieval houses, and a magical stone castle.

It's easy to reach Český Krumlov from Prague on a day trip, but your time in town will be limited. That's why you will need to spend at least two days in Český Krumlov to fully immerse yourself in what this UNESCO World Heritage town in South Bohemia has to offer.

In this post, I have detailed the best things to do in Český Krumlov, including visiting the hilltop castle, rafting on the rapids, and strolling along the cobbled paths to admire the Bohemian Gothic and Renaissance houses on Latrán Street. You can experience all the same things I did during my trip by following this 2-day Cesky Krumlov travel itinerary.

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My recommendations for things to do in Český Krumlov

• Visit the 13th-century castle and gardens, which overlook the town.
• Climb to the top of the Castle Tower for a bird's-eye view.
• Book a wooden raft tour of the Vltava River and learn some of Český Krumlov's hidden secrets.
• Be adventurous; hire a kayak, canoe or raft, and row yourself down the river.
• Wander along Latrán Street and spot the historic buildings that now house artisan shops.
• Soak up the atmosphere as you wander along the historic narrow streets and alleyways around the main square.
• See St Vitus church, with its landmark pink church spire, visible from every point in town.
• Visit one of the numerous town museums, including the torture museum!
• Take a stroll through the park and see various buildings from the 1920s, including St Martin's Chapel, the music pavilion and the Synagogue, where you will find a cafe in the former flat of the rabbi!

How long should you spend in Český Krumlov?

The answer is to spend at least one night and two days in Český Krumlov. This will give you between 48 hours to explore the best of the Český Krumlov attractions and experience the town once the crowds have gone home.

Balmy evenings and crisp mornings are magical and feel very different from the hustle and bustle during the day.

Is a day trip to Český Krumlov from Prague long enough?

In my opinion, the answer is no. Visiting Český Krumlov from Prague in a day by road or train takes around 2-3 hours both ways, so if you only plan to visit for the day, you won't have much time to explore the town.

Believe me when I say that once you are here, you will want to stay for one night, so you won't have to leave this picturesque town without exploring all its nooks and crannies.

How to get to Český Krumlov from Prague

If you haven't been, I can tell you Prague is worth visiting. In fact, we were visiting Prague for the second time, looking for new adventures to experience during our stay in the Czech Republic's capital.

Český Krumlov looked like an interesting place, and so we booked a return coach journey from Prague with FlixBus, which was punctual, comfortable, and affordable. We have used Flixbus a few times in Europe, including a great Christmas market trip from Vienna to Bratislava.

The 3-hour journey from Prague Andel to Český Krumlov bus station and back the next day cost us £35.00.

Please note that if you are going to use FLIXBUS from Andel, the bus station is further along the road than the train station (which is probably where your taxi will drop you off).

The bus stops are numbered 1-7, with 6 and 7 on the roadside. We couldn't see our stop, to begin with, so we went on a wild goose chase up and down the road looking for it, and then we just found it as the bus was about to leave!

Arriving in Cesky Krumlov by bus

When you get to Český Krumlov, stay on the bus until the last stop. There are two bus stops in Český Krumlov, and in our excitement, we got off at the Špičák bus stop, thinking it was the end of the line, but then we realised it wasn't. Luckily, we hopped back on and continued on for five minutes to the main bus station.

When you get off the coach, it is a 10-minute walk to the centre of town, where you will no doubt be staying. Beware of the cobbled streets (remember, it is a medieval town) and wear flat, comfortable shoes (thank me later!).

If you want to take the direct train, you can catch it from Prague Hlavní at 9:21 a.m. every day. The journey is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

It is worth noting that Cesky Krumlov is located very close to the Austrian border, making it easily accessible from cities like Vienna or Salzburg.

Parking in Český Krumlov

The historical centre is a designated pedestrian zone where vehicles can only enter with a special time-limited permit issued by the town authorities.

If you are bringing a car and staying in a hotel, they will provide you with details on how to obtain a permit. For day visitors, there are spaces to park outside the main town by the castle.

Český Krumlov is a walkable town, and you can get from one side to the other in about 20 minutes. However, there is so much to see and experience that you will need significantly more time than that to explore.

Not forgetting stops for beer, wine, ice cream, and Trdelník, a circular hollow sugary pastry eaten on its own or filled with ice cream and other goodies!

Where to stay in Český Krumlov

We stayed at the Hotel Grand, which was an excellent choice due to its location in the central square.

We booked an executive room and were given spacious accommodation in the loft. The decor is a bit dull and dated, but the location is perfect, and you won't be spending much time in your room when you have the whole town to explore.

The hotel has no lift due to its heritage, so be prepared for a long walk up the stairs if you have a heavy suitcase!

Here are some alternative hotels in Český Krumlov. Be sure to book your room well in advance of your expected arrival date, as hotels tend to fill up quickly, especially during the summer months.

Where to eat and drink in Český Krumlov

There are a variety of dining options, with most establishments serving traditional Czech cuisine. The following are the places where we ate and drank during our one-night stay in Český Krumlov.

The House of Two Maries is the best spot in the city for traditional Czech cuisine, offering delicious medieval Bohemian dinner platters featuring chicken, smoked meats, skewers, pancakes, dumplings, potatoes, and salad.

The menu, which also features vegetarian options, would appeal to anyone. The restaurant is themed in a medieval style and is accessed by a small wooden door. It sits alongside the Vltava River, offering beautiful views of the castle.

Hanoi Memories is a Vietnamese restaurant located down wooden steps on the side of the bridge, by the kayak and raft point.

I would normally stick to eating food from the country I was visiting, but after spending 3 days in Prague and sampling all the Czech food there, I was ready for a change. Hanoi is also one of my favourite cities, and the Czech Republic has a large Vietnamese community.

The food here was authentic and delicious (we both had chicken pad thai and panko shrimp, and the service came with a big smile from the young boy serving us).

Coffee Shops

Non-Solo Coffee Bar is a cute Italian coffee shop near the castle entrance and has a couple of seating areas outside to sip your flat white and watch the world go by.

Kolectiv Cafe serves delicious breakfasts and coffee and is located along the historic Latrán main street.

Sweet Treats

Mona Lisa Ice Cream Bar is situated by the river in what appears to be a dilapidated garage! Fear not; the ice cream is delicious and supposedly the best and cheapest in town!

Authentic Cafe is an art-deco-themed restaurant that serves mouthwatering cakes and pastries. It is a lovely spot in the old town square to enjoy morning coffee and a sweet treat.

Synagoga Cafe is on the edge of town, near the city park, next to a synagogue that now houses a museum of Jewish history. It serves cakes and refreshments.

It's a good place to try koláč, a traditional sweet pastry with a fruit centre surrounded by puffy dough, an alternative to the popular trdlnik pastry sold throughout town.

What to do in Český Krumlov - my perfect 2-day itinerary

Spending two days in Český Krumlov town gives you plenty of time to see all the beautiful things the town has to offer.

Day one - afternoon in Cesky Krumlov

We had caught the noon bus from Prague, so we arrived at 3 pm and headed down the hill to our hotel in the Svornosti main square.

On the way, we had to stop at the most famous viewpoint in Český Krumlov, the tiny park at Seminarni Zahrada. From this spot, you will get sweeping views across the rooftops of the Krumlov Castle complex, and the scene is stunning.

Unity Square (Náměstí Svornosti) is at the centre of town and is home to the Plague Column, a significant feature of the square dedicated to those who lost their lives to the Black Death.

It also houses some popular hotels alongside the Town Hall, the Torture Museum, and the Authentic Cafe, which serves the most delicious pastries.

In the main square, you will also find the Tourist Information Office, where you can purchase the Cesky Krumlov Card. This will allow you free entry to the five top attractions and costs approximately 15 euros. There is also an ATM and a bank located in the square, in case you need to withdraw cash.

Once we checked into the Grand Hotel, we were straight back out to explore Cesky Krumlov's hidden gems.

Fun on the Vltava River

Heading down to the Vltava River, we saw something we were not expecting - lots and lots of kayaks and dinghies cruising along the river with people singing and waving as they went along.

Youngsters, stag and hen groups (who knew they would come somewhere like this!), family groups, and couples happily paddled their way along the Vltava without a care in the world.

Some were in fancy dress, some skimpily clad in swimwear, and some in everyday wear - no matter how they had arrived, they were all having the best time (helped with the copious amounts of beer they all seemed to be producing from their onboard coolers!)

It turns out this is the reason Czech citizens come to town: to have fun on the water. We weren't prepared for this activity, so we watched the procession of watercraft cruise by us from the safety of the bridge.

So if this sounds like fun, you can rent kayaks and dinghies from several companies along the riverbank and join in with the revelry along the Czech Republic's longest river.

Day one - evening

After a lovely day, the evening descended, and we ate dinner at Hanoi Dreams (see information above). It is a Vietnamese Restaurant, and the food was delicious, offering a nice change from Czech goulash or duck, of which we had eaten plenty in Prague.

After dinner, we wandered down narrow alleyways, across bridges and through the park. The busloads of tourists had long departed for Prague, and we felt that the town was much calmer.

Folk Tales in Český Krumlov

City Park has a funny story. In the past, women would wash their clothes in the river, and on the opposite side, high on the river bank, was the Jesuit College.

Folk tales tell that the religious students spent far too much time peering out of the windows at the women as they soaked themselves in the water while washing their garments, making their tops see-through!

The elders caught wind of this, bought the park, and banned the women from doing their laundry there ever again. Is it true? Who knows, but it seems pretty feasible to me.

Riverside Walks

As we walked along, a few groups were still cruising down the river in the twilight. We crossed the main bridge and walked towards Krumlov Castle, located on the opposite side of the river.

Český Krumlov Castle's stone facade is illuminated at night, adding to its charm. The twinkling lights from the restaurants and street lights add a sprinkling of romanticism, making the town feel more like a film set than an actual modern community.

The reason to stay in Český Krumlov for two days is to experience this magical vibe and discover the medieval hamlet in a more authentic setting, free from crowds.

We finished our evening at one of the riverside bars, and as we watched the lights reflect on the water, we agreed that we had made the right decision to stay overnight in Český Krumlov.

A walking tour of Český Krumlov is a great way to learn about its history; booking in advance is recommended.

Day Two - morning

We woke up early to experience the town before the coach tours descended from Prague and the surrounding areas.

We strolled to the castle entrance along the historic Latrán main street to see the original Bohemian Gothic and Renaissance houses, which have been converted to shops and restaurants.

Beneath the road arch at the top of town, we stopped at Non-Solo Café to fuel our day with great Italian coffee.

Explore Český Krumlov Castle

Heading inside the castle grounds, we wandered along the Cloak Bridge ramparts for the most amazing view over the rooftops.

The castle, built in 1240, is the town's focal point and is only slightly smaller than the magnificent Prague Castle. It is the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic. The largest is Prague Castle.

If you want to see even more stunning views across Český Krumlov, you can buy a ticket to climb to the top of the beautifully decorated Castle Tower. You can't miss it as it is decorated in charming pastel colours.

You will need to purchase a combined Tower & Museum ticket, as there is no ticket solely for the tower climb. However, the museum is fascinating, and you will learn about the castle’s history through the centuries.

While exploring the castle complex, wander around the vast gardens to see the maze hedge, flower borders, lake and 17th-century Rococo water fountain.

You will also see the revolving theatre stage, a modern structure located in the centre of the castle's gardens, which is a source of controversy.

You will see a bear in the castle moat, which has been home to these beautiful creatures since the 18th century.

Seeing a solitary animal pacing the concrete compound was distressing and unnecessary. It may follow the town's history and tradition, but for me, it is time for a change.

Angie's Travel Tip:

Get to the castle first thing in the morning if you want to take photos on the Cloak Bridge without the crowds. That way you will miss all the tourists arriving on coach tours.

Day Two - afternoon

The top attraction in Český Krumlov is to cruise along the River Vltava with Voroplavba River Raft Tours.

The company has a small kiosk near the town's entrance, and the cruise lasts one hour, stopping halfway to replenish you with wine or beer.

Our English tour included a good mix of humorous and historical stories about Český Krumlov and its inhabitants. We found it a great way to see the town from a different perspective, from the water.

The tour will also take you down the two water channels along the river, which are similar to a slow water ride at a theme park and a lot of fun. A fast one should also be avoided at all costs!

The cruise starts and finishes in two different places, so you will need to walk back through town, which is a great excuse to stop for lunch, beer, delicious ice cream, or Trdlink cake. It is a short walk along the river, which we found enjoyable.

Late lunch at Tavern of the Two Maries

We chose to eat lunch at Tavern of the Two Maries, but never found out why this Bohemian restaurant had such a name. Whatever the reason, it served great traditional food.

We had tried just about all the Czech food we could find in Prague and Kutna Hora, including duck, dumplings, and goulash, but the Tavern of the Two Maries was wholeheartedly different from other restaurants in town. It served a menu based on medieval Czech dishes; even the serving staff were dressed in peasant outfits.

We chose the Old Bohemian Feast for Two and sampled a variety of dishes, including chicken, smoked meat, a skewer, pancakes, dumplings, potatoes, and salad. It was delicious, all washed down with a local Czech beer - perfect.

If you have more time to spare, you could also join a 3-hour Krumlov Beer Tour: Brewery Excursion, Pubs, Beer & Food.

A fond farewell

Before we left, we checked out the picturesque St. Vitus Church, which overlooks the town from its elevated position; its spire is visible from almost anywhere around the town.

The Gothic church dates back to the 15th century and is an important monument within the Czech Republic.

We collected our carry-ons from the hotel and looked back at the beautiful, fairytale skyline from the town's viewpoint before heading to the bus station to catch our bus back to Prague.

It's quite easy to say that this is one of the most beautiful towns in Eastern Europe I have ever visited. So, if you are wondering what to do in the Czech Republic besides visiting Prague, I would recommend visiting Cesky Krumlov.

Český Krumlov Tour From Prague

If you have enjoyed reading this post but haven’t got the time to stay overnight in town, then there are plenty of guided tours from Prague to Český Krumlov. After all, it's better to see it that way than not visit at all!

Check out this Prague to Cesky Krumlov Guided Tour with pickup.

Please PIN for future travel to the Czech Republic

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