Český Krumlov:Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Fairytale Town (Things to Do & Eat!)
Last updated February 14, 2024
Český Krumlov Castle is the town’s highlight.
While Český Krumlov might not be the most famous name, this enchanting fairytale town has stolen the hearts of many with its undeniable charm and breathtaking vistas. Český Krumlov is an old town in the Czech Republic on the Vltava River. It has ancient buildings kept in good condition and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We traveled here by Flix Bus from Prague. The journey took just 2.30 hours and we paid less than 10 Euros. Given that it is a small town, staying in Český Krumlov for three days and two nights was perfect as it gave us plenty of time to explore without getting bored. If you plan to visit Prague, I would highly recommend you to include Český Krumlov into your travel plan. To help you plan your best visit to charming escape, here is the complete guide of where to go and what to eat. I promise that you will enjoy the visit as much as my friend did!
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1. Visit the Český Krumlov Castle
2. Enjoy the scenic view from the top
3. Explore the Old Town & Stroll along Vltava River
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Gotika RESTAURANT
Nonna Gina
Krčma Šatlava
Masna 130 Espresso Bar
Bistro TOPINKA
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Monastery Garden Bistro & Rooms
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Best time to travel
Flix Bus app
Top Things to Do
1. Visit the Český Krumlov Castle
Český Krumlov has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. The town's medieval architecture is incredibly well-preserved and Český Krumlov Castle is the highlight of this town. This massive castle complex is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Czech Republic. It features a Renaissance palace, a Gothic chapel, and a labyrinth of underground passageways.
The castle was built by the Lords of Krumlov and was later improved by various owners including the Rosenbergs, Eggenbergs, and Schwarzenbergs. It has two main parts: the Upper Castle on a hill overlooking the town, with important buildings like the chapel, theater, and museum. The Lower Castle at the hill's foot has administrative and residential buildings. Given the size, I would suggest about two - three hours for an easy going exploration. To see the interactive map and castle layout, click here.
Castle map
2. Enjoy scenic view from the top
Český Krumlov's postcard-perfect beauty is undeniable, especially from a bird's-eye view. The Vltava River that runs through the town is the longest river in the Czech Republic. It flows through Bohemian Forest and then north across Bohemia, through Český Krumlov, České Budějovice and Prague, and finally merging with the Elbe at Mělník.
The river is the beautiful backdrop together with the town’s architecture making Český Krumlov a picture perfect spot. To help frame the perfect shots, here are the prime locations to capture the stunning views.
2.1 Cloak Bridge inside Český Krumlov castle
2.2 The Castle Theatre inside Český Krumlov Castle
This area is connected with ia a covered connecting corridor leading from the Masquerade Hall to the royal box of the castle theatre.
2.3 Castle Tower
The tower, a six-story structure with a rounded base, features an arcaded gallery at the top that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town, the river, and the surrounding countryside. Inside, you'll find a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the castle's history. Open to the public, the tower is accessible through a paid entrance ticket.
Climbing the 162 steps to the top will reward you with the stunning panoramic views that will leave you speechless. It is very beautiful up here and definitely worth the climb, but be careful when travel up here because of narrow passages and winding staircases.
How to get here
2.4 Seminární Zahrada Park
If you don't want to visit the Český Krumlov castle or pay the ticket to go up to the Castle tower, Seminární Zahrada Park is a great alternative. Seminární Zahrada is a public garden located in the Old Town and a favorite place for locals and many tourists. The garden was originally laid out in the 16th century as the garden of a Dominican monastery.
It was later used as a seminary for the education of priests, and this is where the garden gets its name. When we came here, we ran into a friendly stranger who was waiting to capture the picture of sunset. So, coming here to catch sunset is recommended.
How to get here
3. Explore the Old Town & Stroll along Vltava River
Given that Český Krumlov is a small town, you can walk to everywhere. During your trip, we came across to many lovely buildings and architecture. We didn’t plan much for this trip and you don’t need to actually. It’s because sometimes you just need an open-minded attitude and just be open to whatever you uncover along the way. In this case, just take time to appreciate the beautiful buildings and views along the Vltava River.
The main attractions in Old Town are such as the Church of Saint Vitus and Town Square. Make sure to take a break once in awhile and grab yourself nice Czech beer or ice cream while you are exploring. Trust me, slowly enjoy life with great food will truly enriches your small town adventure experience!
Tip: If you come here during summer, take a boat ride on the Vltava River for a fun activity. A boat ride is a great way to see the town from a different perspective. You can take a boat ride to the nearby village of Zlatá Koruna as well.
Top Things to Eat
I can tell you that every single meal/drink we had in Český Krumlov was good! We were blown away by the food here and the level of care the cooks put into making food for us. We did not have much expectation since it is a small town. So naturally, there are less choices compare to big cities.
We tried everything from traditional Czech cuisine to yummy brunch. To help you with your food journey, here is my list of recommendations of where to eat.
1. Gotika RESTAURANT
This is our first dinner in Český Krumlov and we found this place by accident. It was cold out and we were starving! This cozy restaurant is located inside the Hotel Arcadia. The restaurant offers both Czech and international food.
In the summer, it has a nice outdoor terrace where you can enjoy an afternoon beer. My friend and I ordered steak and grilled fish and fresh salad. Some might say the meal is simple but sometimes simple is the best. The chef took his time in preparing food for us. The food was fresh and tasty. It was overall a great dinner and I would recommend.
2. Nonna Gina
Many people recommended this place and it so happened to be on the opposite to our hotel. So we thought, let’s come here for nice Italian brunch! The pizza and pasta here are great. The pizza dough is fluffy, chewy and has a right amount of cheese. The pasta was well Al dente and I love a little bit of spicy hint in the sauce.
Since I love spicy food, my favorite thing about this place is the chili oil! Don’t let it fool you. It is really spicy, so go easy on it. Overall, the meal was super satisfying. My friend and I really enjoyed a meal here and we would highly recommend it.
How to get here
3. Krčma Šatlava
Hands down this is the best dinner spot in Český Krumlov! The moment you walk in, you will feel like being transported to the Medieval tavern. The atmosphere was cozy, warm and it was a perfect escape from the cold outside. What really impressed me is their open fire grill where they cook all the meats for customers.
Get yourself onion soup to warm you up. The cheese in the soup was so cheesy and oozing. If you love drinking, they also have a nice selection of quality Moravian old wines and from barrel as well as Budvar beer. So, why not have some? The main dish was also fantastic. We filled our tummy with lots of well-seasoned grilled meats and it was super satisfying to end a day with such a delight treat. And don’t forget to end the note of the beautiful night with the cake!
The aroma of the food is irresistible!
4. Masna 130 Espresso Bar
Tucked away in a beautifully preserved 15th-century building, this cozy café draws in locals and tourists alike with the aroma of its freshly brewed, ethically sourced coffee. They also serve delicious sandwiches and homemade, making it the perfect spot for a midday pick me up after wandering the charming streets.
This cafe has been featured on well-known media such as Forbes and The Independence so this sure proves how great it is. I love their coffee and the atmosphere. It was just an overall great coffee break and I would highly recommend.
5. Bistro TOPINKA
This was our last meal in Český Krumlov before heading to Vienna, and we couldn't have chosen a better place! The restaurant concept is captivating. The owner takes the inspiration from the modern trends while celebrating one of the oldest and simplest ingredients - the humble toasted slice of bread. Indeed, "Topinka" means "toast" in Czech, and so, yes, everything on the menu features it! I mean, who doesn't love a bit of creative toast?
The service was also excellent, with the owner always happy to offer recommendations. But the crown jewel of this spot is undoubtedly the breathtaking view. So, take some time to enjoy your drink on the outdoor terrace - you will thanks me later!
The view from the outdoor balcony
Where to Stay
Monastery Garden Bistro & Rooms
This adorable little boutique hotel is located within a charming 16th-century building. We opted for the cozy room with a shower, the smallest type they offer. But for us, it felt perfectly ample. The bed was snug and comfortable, and the bathroom was spacious and clean. On the lobby level, the owner has set up a cute self-service station where you can quench your thirst with complimentary water. And for those seeking something a little stronger, there's the charming "honest bar" where you pay what you drink - I simply adore this trust-based system! The overall decor radiates a cozy, comforting, and relaxed vibe, making it feel like visiting a friend's home. If you're looking to truly immerse yourself in the magic of Český Krumlov, I highly recommend this hidden gem.
A special shout-out of gratitude goes to the owner for her exceptional hospitality and super helpfulness. Funny story, our departure taxi mysteriously failed to appear, leaving us pressed for time. Without hesitation, the owner graciously stepped in and personally drove us to the bus station to make sure that we didn’t miss our bus. Now that's truly going above and beyond! So, once again, thank you!
Travel Tips
1. Best time to visit
May to September: (peak season) The warmest and sunniest time. It's great for outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, and exploring the town. But, keep in mind that there will be more people and prices will be higher.
April and October: (suggested) The weather is still nice with flowers blooming in spring and colorful leaves in October. There's still a lot of sun, but the days are shorter. It's less crowded and prices are more reasonable.
2. Flix Bus app
Traveling from Prague to Český Krumlov via FlixBus is super easy, convenient and affordable! Our journey was only about 2 hours and half. But also make sure to get the FlixBus app to check real-time updates. I noticed a lot of people we met throughout our trip didn’t have the app installed. I think it is important as the timing maybe changed or delay. So by having the app, you can check the real-time updates and know exactly the arrival time of the bus.
And when you book FlixBus ticket, make sure to arrive not too late as the bus station is a little bit far from the town. Walking from the bus station to the town takes about 15 minutes depending where is your hotel. The Old Town area is mostly not easily accessible by car. So, you may need to take you luggage through the bumpy cobbled street and walk up a few stairs. So be mindful and prepare for a little bit of adventure.
So, there you have it, my comprehensive guide to exploring Český Krumlov. Now you have all the details about where to go and what to eat in in this lovely town! I hope you find this blog to be useful and enjoy a great adventure in this charming town of Czech Republic!
