Upon arrival in Český Krumlov, expect to be met with cobblestone roads worn by centuries of traffic and look out at rolling hills and a breathtaking view of the castle on the hill.
This quaint town is a two- to three-hour bus ride from Prague and well worth the time. With good food, gorgeous streets, and friendly locals, tourists flock to Český Krumlov each warm season, but the best time to go is October or early November, when the air chills and the crowds thin out.
The town is a young visitor’s dream, with most locals speaking multiple languages, plenty of available tours, and great affordability, especially with an ISIC card.
“I think young people should travel in general because they become tolerant, open-minded, and so forth,” said David Heide, a local restaurant owner. David owns Liabon, a vegetarian restaurant nestled on the bank of the Vltava River. With friendly staff and a delicious menu, this restaurant makes a wonderful place to grab a meal or sit and chat over drinks in between activities.
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To get acquainted, take a leisurely walk on the enchanting streets and make a trip down to dip your toes in the river. There are a plethora of walking tours offered to get a closer look at the area and its people, if interested.
Looking to do a little shopping? There is a gemstone shop inhabiting almost every corner with an array of jewelry. These shops are especially unique to Český Krumlov because it is home to the precious stone moldavite.
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Finding a good lunch spot will not be difficult, as the streets are full of food, seating, and the echo of music. For a traditional Czech meal, stop by Hostinec Depo for a delicious pork schnitzel. Walk into My Saigon, a Vietnamese restaurant, and order a warm plate of fried rice or a Vietnamese-style salad.
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Escape the afternoon sun and head into Český Krumlov Castle for a guided tour. The castle submerges its visitors into life from the Renaissance through the 18th century, with intricately furnished rooms and historical paintings and artifacts adorning the walls. Stroll through the rooms and see dining rooms set for Renaissance-style meals and prayer rooms so ornamental they glow.
From the castle, make sure to walk across the bridge to get an aerial view of the picturesque town tucked between the surrounding hills. Once across the bridge, follow the signs to the gardens to see a spread of flowers and plants intricately swirled together, accompanied by ornate fountains, and yet again, a breathtaking view of the area below.
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After all that walking, your feet may need a rest. Schmooze the last few hours away at Pizza Liberta, rumored to be the best Italian food in the Czech Republic. Sit under the brick archways on a tasteful set of eclectic chairs and have a leisurely meal.
“I ordered the carbonara pizza, and it was some of the best I’ve had,” said tourist Risa Kalish after dining at Pizzaria Liberta. Pair the meal with a few glasses of wine and relax the rest of the night away.
