From its medieval castle to its meandering cobbled alleys, Český Krumlov is the stuff of fairytales.
While it’s possible to see the castle town’s highlights on a day trip from Prague, you can easily spend at least two to three days in Český Krumlov. You will most likely spend your first day staring at the beautiful town square from the castle tower, pinching yourself in disbelief at just how amazingly gorgeous the old town is.
Exploring the old town will take a day or two. If you have a couple more days to spare, you can go on hikes and road trips through the Blanský natural reserve and the beautiful South Bohemian countryside. There are lots of historic towns, castle ruins, and magnificent chateaux to explore in the area.
Stay at least 2-3 days to discover more of South Bohemia. Here’s where to stay in Český Krumlov.
Where to stay in Český Krumlov – best hotels and holiday homes
Here are my quick recommendations to help you find your perfect stay in Český Krumlov.
- If you want to enjoy Český Krumlov’s romantic medieval ambiance fully, stay in the historic old town. The castle town’s highlights will be right outside your doorstep, and you’ll have easy access to Český Krumlov’s enchanting cobbled streets, must-see sights, and best restaurants. This is your ideal base if you’re planning a short but sweet holiday and want to make the most of the town’s charms.
- If you’re traveling with family and friends, stay in one of these cozy and spacious holiday homes. While Český Krumlov has that strong romantic-getaway vibe, it’s a fun destination for groups and families. Staying in a comfortable and homey apartment or holiday home will give you that local-living experience and the perfect mix of home and hotel amenities.
- If you want a relaxing stay away from the crowds, stay in the quiet neighborhoods outside the old town. Český Krumlov is certainly worth battling the tourist crowds for, but if you want a more laidback holiday with all of Krumlov’s beauty but minus the crowds and costs, stay in one of the lovely pensions just outside the old town. This is also an ideal base if you’re planning to go on road trips and hikes around South Bohemia.
Plan your trip to Český Krumlov with this PDF guide.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you book or purchase by clicking a link. Using the links on this guide to plan and book your trip is what keeps the Little Holidays up and running, at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Learn more.
Map – essential landmarks and best hotels in Český Krumlov
Use this Google map to help you plan your trip to Český Krumlov. I added all the important landmarks, the must-see sights, and the best hotels and restaurants in the area.
If you want to enjoy Český Krumlov’s romantic ambiance fully, stay in the historic old town
Stepping into Český Krumlov’s old town instantly transports you to the romantic medieval ages. With its glorious castle complex and historic buildings, twisted and cobbled streets, and breathtaking views of the Vltava river, a luxurious stay in Český Krumlov’s historic old town will make you feel like royalty during your holiday.
Spend the day weaving in and out of the narrow streets, browsing through the collections of garnets and moldavites, and making frequent stops for local beer and hearty Bohemian cuisine. Make your way to the castle grounds and enjoy the views of the town below, then watch the sunset by the Vltava. Afterward, enjoy a slow walk home to your hotel as old flickering streetlights guide your way.
If you’re planning a short and sweet holiday, stay within the atmospheric walls of Český Krumlov’s old town.
Český Krumlov’s cobblestoned streets and towering buildings will instantly transport you to the romantic medieval ages. Coupled with a luxurious stay within the atmospheric old town walls, you’re sure to feel like royalty during your holiday.Best hotels in Český Krumlov’s historic old town
★Top Pick: Hotel Ebersbach is one of Český Krumlov’s most beautiful hotels and blends right in with the old town’s romantic atmosphere. The historic building is fitted with modern amenities and traditional trimmings, giving you that medieval vibe while keeping your comfort and convenience top of mind. You’ll be in an excellent location for exploring the old town, enjoy gorgeous rooms and luxurious facilities, and have friendly and helpful staff on hand. Double rooms start at EUR 100.
Arcadie Hotel and Bellevue Hotel are also great options in the historical old town. Both have spacious rooms, luxurious amenities, and in-house restaurants.
If you’re traveling with family and friends, stay in a cozy and spacious holiday home
While Český Krumlov has that strong romantic-getaway vibe, it’s a fun destination for groups and families. From hiking and biking to wooden raft river cruising and night Segway tours, there’s lots of exciting activities for families and groups of friends.
If you’re visiting with a group, stay in a beautiful holiday home where you can enjoy spacious rooms, convenient amenities, and the comforts of home. Even couples would enjoy the local-living experience and the perfect mix of home and hotel amenities.
After seeing Český Krumlov’s must-see sights, make sure to take some time to get cozy in a pub or sample the local products. Walk into less-trafficked side streets and explore!Best holiday homes and apartments in Český Krumlov
★Top Pick: Monastery Garden is the perfect base for families and couples looking for a home-away-from-home stay in Český Krumlov. You’ll get to enjoy spacious and elegant rooms in a wonderfully restored old house in the center of the town, a short walk to the monastery and the castle. After a day of adventures, you can relax at the in-house terrace and bar and soak in the beauty of the old town. Suites for four start at EUR 230, but they also have double rooms for couples.
Check out also Pension U Hada and Pension Krumau. Both are inside the old town and have comfortable double rooms and spacious suites that can sleep up to four.
If you want a relaxing stay away from the crowds, stay in the quiet neighborhoods outside the old town
Despite the old town’s tourist crowds, Český Krumlov can still be enjoyable as a laidback holiday if you know where to stay.
Český Krumlov’s quiet, residential areas are ideal bases for hikes around the Blanský forest and road trips around South Bohemia. From lookout towers to castle ruins and a sprawling English-style chateau complex, there’s lots to see and explore around the region.
Stay outside the old town within a few minutes’ walking distance so you can still enjoy the old town’s charms and mix it up with offbeat sights and uncrowded restaurants. You’ll also get to enjoy peaceful nights, free parking spaces, and local tips from friendly hosts!
Enjoy the gorgeous South Bohemian countryside just outside Český Krumlov. Stay in one of the residential areas for a laidback holiday and easy access to hiking trails and country roads.Best places to stay for a relaxing holiday in Český Krumlov
★Top Pick: Penzion Tilia is the perfect base for a relaxing holiday in Český Krumlov. It’s just outside the old town so you can easily visit the historical landmarks and must-sees, plus it’s a convenient starting point for road trips and hikes around South Bohemia. They have double rooms and family rooms with modern furnishings and amenities, an on-site pub, and free parking spaces. Double rooms start at EUR 90.
Other beautiful pensions in the area are Penzion Hornička and Pension Maate. Both are in a quiet residential area within walking distance of the historic old town, have double rooms and family rooms, and free parking spaces – perfect for your road trips around South Bohemia.
Tell us: What are you most excited about your trip to the Czech Republic?
* * *
Ready to plan your trip? Check out my travel guide to Český Krumlov to help you plan your holiday in the beautiful castle town and beyond. It covers all of the historic town’s must-sees, day trips to surrounding towns and landmarks, and hikes in the beautiful Blanský forest.
Stay at least two nights to have enough time to explore and appreciate Český Krumlov’s old town. If you’re planning to visit other nearby sights in South Bohemia or hike around the Blanský natural reserve, add a couple more days.
If you’re planning to see more of the Czech Republic, check out all the guides here.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Český Krumlov and the rest of the Czech Republic! There’s so much more to see and experience in this country beyond Prague. If you have any questions or need custom recommendations, please send me a message and I’ll be happy to help you out.
Thanks for reading and enjoy your little holiday in the Czech Republic!
Post first published: 18 September 2017
Last updated: 18 July 2020
Leave a Reply