Czechia’s Tourist Hotspots: Record-Breaking Attractions Fuel Growing Passion for Science, Nature, Culture, and Leisure!
remains the top destination in Czechia, but regional attractions are catching up!
The Prague Castle is the country’s most popular spot with nearly 2.6 million visitors, marking a 17% increase from last year. Meanwhile, the cable car to Petřín attracted over 1.5 million visitors, and Prague Zoo welcomed nearly 1.4 million animal enthusiasts. Although the capital typically dominates tourist traffic, regions across the country are stepping up with unique offerings.
The Central Bohemia and South Moravia are popular for their water recreation and relaxation. The Plzeň region is well-known for its breweries, while Karlovy Vary enchants with its medieval architecture. The Jihočeský kraj, alongside regions like Ústecko, Olomouc, Zlín, Vysočina, and Královéhrad region, is notable for its natural wildlife. The Liberecky and Moravian-Silesian regions attract fans of science and technology, while the Pardubice region is ideal for nature lovers and scenic viewpoints. Overall, popular attractions include cultural and technological monuments, family-friendly entertainment, natural beauty, and hiking opportunities.
According to recent data, domestic tourist destinations are seeing a rise in interest, which is great news for the tourism industry. A positive trend reveals that visitor numbers are increasing in cities across Czechia, both big and small. This shift shows that people are exploring beyond famous hotspots, discovering hidden gems in various regions. We are consequently easing tourist concentration in one area and supporting local businesses and communities,” says František Reismüller, Director of CzechTourism, adding: “By collaborating with regions, operators, and conservationists, we are promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and residents.”
Significant increases recorded at numerous locations throughout the country
Last year, the most notable year-on-year increase in visitor numbers was at Blatná Castle in Southern Bohemia, boasting a staggering +486% increase, with nearly 200,000 visitors. The castle, flanked by a moat and roaming fallow deer, drew in crowds with its cultural events. The Jezy’s Themed Journey in Boží Dar enjoyed a +323% surge, welcoming 36,000 visitors, while Centrum Černá Louka in Ostrava experienced a +178% rise with over 87,000 visitors. The Four Historical Houses in Vrchlabí, showcasing the oldest folk buildings in the Krkonoše Mountains, welcomed 33,000 visitors (+167%), and the National Memorial at Vítkov, featuring a permanent modern history exhibition, drew 38,000 tourists (+141%). Additionally, more than 60,000 visitors (+134%) explored the State Chateau Litomyšl, a UNESCO-recognized Renaissance architecture gem.
What attracts visitors? Zoos, Nature, Scenic Views, and Unique Transport
This year, the top ten most visited tourist destinations included four zoos – in addition to Prague Zoo, there was Zoo Zlín, Safari Park Dvůr Králové, and Zoo Ostrava. At these locations, visitors enjoy not only exotic animals but also modern facilities, educational activities, and often beautiful gardens or water features. Zoos around the country are also thoughtfully integrated into natural settings and focus on conserving endangered species.
Popular natural sites in Czechia include Adršpašské skály, Lysá hora, and the longest pedestrian suspension bridge at Lower Moravia with Sky Bridge 721. St. Hill in Mikulov offers breathtaking views over the surrounding vineyards, and the Punkva Cave with the underground Punkva River is also a must-see. Long-standing attractions include cable cars, observation towers, and cloud trails.
In the realm of natural tourist spots, the previously mentioned Adršpach Rocks saw the highest visitor count last year with 510,000 guests. Notably, the Vosecká bouda hiking trail enjoyed a 54% year-on-year increase. The Teplice Rocks also drew a fifth more visitors due to its accessibility and breathtaking landscape.
“Natural beauty has long been a top choice for tourists. In recent years, we’ve noticed a rising interest in long-distance walking trails, both from locals and visitors. The Czech Republic certainly offers abundant opportunities in this regard, featuring one of the best hiking sign systems globally, over 44,000 km of hiking trails, and 40,000 km of road cycling routes. Both domestic and international tourists can enjoy quality experiences like The Ridge Route through Bohemian Switzerland or Stezka pod Lužnice, recognized with a European quality award. It’s also worth noting the northern and southern stretches of the Bohemian Trail. Cyclists can also ride along the Labská cesta or the extensive pan-European network EuroVelo,” shares Tereza Hofmanová, Director of Product Management, Research and B2B Cooperation at CzechTourism.
Last year’s statistics also confirmed our love for panoramic views; scenic viewpoints—both natural and urban—are increasingly popular. The Petřín Tower, Žižkov Tower, and The Old Town Bridge Tower in Prague, along with the highest wooden Veľká Deštná tower in the Orlické Mountains, lead the way in the lookout tower category.
Experiential transport is quite popular in the Czech Republic. Our standout attractions include the funicular to Petřín, and the shortest chairlift in the country, operated by Prague Zoo. The highest transport link, the ropeway to Sněžka, serves as a gateway to the peak of the Krkonoše Mountains, and the small yet stylish Bandit Ropeway in the White Mountains attracts tourists as well. In Prague, the Historic Tram No. 42, which traverses the most picturesque parts of the city, is also a hit.
Castles and Châteaux – Pillars of Czech Tourism
Historical landmarks continue to drive tourism in Czechia, thanks to our country’s robust network of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to Prague Castle, popular sites include State Chateau Lednice, set within a vast park and greenhouse, and the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov with its rich history and engaging sight-seeing routes. Other popular spots include Loučeň Castle, known for its labyrinth, the beautiful Hluboká nad Vltavou, and the experiential Baroque Dětenice Castle, famous for its historical feasts.
Tourists are increasingly enjoying other attractions, such as churches, towers, museums, and sites tied to notable individuals. Prague shines in this area as well, not only with its castle but also through places like Obecní Dům, Strahov Monastery, and Vyšehrad.
Science, Technology, and Family Fun
Science and technology centers are gaining traction among tourists. The atmospheric setting of the Dolní Vítkovice complex in Ostrava, brewery tours at Plzeňský Prazdroj, and interactive displays at iQPark and iQLandia in Liberec attract numerous visitors. The National Technical Museum in Prague remains a favorite, while the National Museum of Agriculture reports the most significant growth in this category.
Families with children often visit not only to learn but also to enjoy themselves, particularly at water parks. The most popular destination is AquaPalace in Čestlice which features a plethora of water slides and wellness options. The South Moravian Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky with its thermal pools overlooking the Pálava River is also immensely popular. Next comes Aquapark in Uherské Hradiště, a relaxing regional center, and lastly Park Mirakulum in Milovice, known as one of the largest children’s entertainment areas in the country.
“Feedback indicates that visitors aren’t just seeking classic attractions but are also drawn to modern experiences, nature encounters, and family activities. These trends shape our new products and campaigns, aiming to deliver engaging programs across regions while prioritizing sustainability and accessibility,” explains Jana Štumpová Konicarová, Director of the Department of Marketing and Foreign Representations.
Architecture, Museums, and Folk Culture Appeal
Noteworthy architectural sites include some of Europe’s most significant buildings, like the Municipal House in Prague and the Art Nouveau Villa Löw-Beer and the functionalist Villa Tugendhat in Brno, showcasing modern interwar design. The South Moravian city also entices visitors to explore the Labyrinth under the Green Market.
Among the museums, highlights include Kovozoo in the Old Town (featuring life-size metal animal sculptures), the Museum of Southeast Moravia in Zlín, and Prague’s Kampa Museum, renowned for its modern art collection. Folk creativity attracts visitors to the Wallachian Open Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Archeoskanzen Modrá, and the Highlands Open Air Museum – Veselý Kopec in Hlinsko, showcasing traditional rural lifestyles.
Religious and Memorial Sites Keep Visitors Engaged
The Sedlec Cathedral—Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St John the Baptist, along with its ossuary—was the most popular sacred site last year, attracting over 305,000 visitors. The Strahov Monastery, known for its exceptional library, recorded the highest year-on-year growth in sacred sites, increasing visitor numbers by 36%. Tourists also flocked to Kutná Hora, visiting St. Barbara’s Church or the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Velehrad, the largest Baroque church in Czechia.
Focus on Accessibility in Tourism
Accessibility is a key focus in tourism development. Every region hosts tourist sites that are wheelchair accessible, such as the Museum in Stříbro in the Pilsen region, Kolowrat Castle in Rychnov nad Kněžnou, the modernized National Stud Farm Kladruby nad Labem, and other locations.
Hidden Gems Await Discovery
An increasing number of visitors are exploring smaller and less-known locations, revealing a rich variety in offerings. These so-called undiscovered gems—whether small castles, historical centers, nature spots, or cultural monuments beyond well-trodden paths—entice with their charm, stories, and authenticity. Each region actively promotes these spots to lead visitors off the beaten track. A comprehensive list can be found on the CzechTourism agency’s website at Ways from Boredom, and further data is available at Tourdata.cz.
Most visited tourist destinations
in various regions for 2024:
