Why we chose to stay overnight in Ceský Krumlov- and you should too
We recently spent a long weekend in Czechia, with an overnight in Ceský Krumlov. Many people choose to visit Ceský Krumlov as a day trip, but consider this your sign to book an overnight stay. We arrived in the early afternoon and were able to check into our family suite at Hotel Dvorak. The suite was quite large with incredible views. Although the hotel itself could use an update inside, we found the location to be central and conveniently close to everything. Because we visited in early July, options were limited and quite pricey.
If we were to visit again, I would choose to stay at Monastery Garden Bistro & Rooms for a modern accommodation.
Views from our family suite at Hotel Dvorak
Parking
You cannot drive in the city, so you must park your car in one of the lots right outside the city and walk in with your belongings. We parked in P1, and it was a quick walk over the wooden bridge and to our hotel.
What to Do
The town is relatively small, allowing you to see most of its main attractions in one day.
Cloak Bridge & Cesky Krumlov Castle
Views from Ceský Krumlov Castle (Saint Vitus Church in the distance)
The Cloak Bridge is one of the best viewpoints over Ceský Krumlov and is part of Ceský Krumlov Castle. The castle is one of the most important monuments in Central Europe and has been preserved with architectural details from the 14th to the 19th century. The original Gothic castle was founded before 1250 by the Lords of Krumlov. You can book a tour online or opt to walk through the castle grounds for free, if you make it past the two bears guarding the front entrance (for real).
Saint Vitus Church
You can view this stunning church from almost anywhere in the city. Constructed on the foundations of a building dating back to 1309, the Gothic entrance portal was erected in 1410. The church is open to the public seven days a week.
Minorite Monastery
Also known as the Monastery of the Order of the Knights of the Cross with a Red Star (that’s a mouthful). Originally a monastery of Minorites and Clares, it was founded in 1350. The Clare nuns on the premises were removed in 1785 due to reforms by Emperor Joseph II, but the Minorites stayed in the monastery until 1950. The monastery premises are now used for secular purposes. The gardens offer great views of the city at sunrise.
Boat ride down the River Vltava
Whether you want to spend the whole day on the river or just a few hours, there are plenty of options to choose from. Kayak or wooden raft, what will be your choice?
Musuem Fotoatelier Seidel
This photography museum takes you back in time to the beginnings of photography, showcasing the town and inhabitants over a hundred years and two generations of photographers.
Egon Schiele Atelier
This was the home of the artist Egon Schiele, where he lived with his partner, Wally Neuzil, over a hundred years ago. Scheile created some of his most famous works of art here. The house is open to the public in the summer. Currently, it has an exhibition of works by Karel Hrubeš, a restorer and artist from Ceský Krumlov.
Enjoy Live Music on the Streets
One of three performances happening one evening on the streets
One of the best aspects of staying overnight in Ceský Krumlov is the live music that takes place on the streets throughout the town. The town shines at night and buzzes with excitement.
Where to Eat
We always like to ask the locals for recommendations on where to eat when we arrive, and we were given a few options when we checked in. Of course, they mentioned the popular Pappas Living, but we chose to try Svejk Restaurant, which was also recommended. Our dinner was phenomenal, think your mom’s roast beef meets Thanksgiving. It was our best meal during our time in Czechia.
Dinner at Svejk Restaurant
Coffee
There are numerous coffee options throughout Ceský Krumlov. Here are a few we tried, as well as some popular ones.
Cafein (pictured below)
Drunken Coffee (most popular)
Coffee Leaf (grabbed a latte to go from here on the way out)
Staying overnight in Ceský Krumlov allowed us to explore at a relaxed pace, even sipping Aperol Spritzes in a quiet park while the kids ran off some energy before bed. After enjoying live music near our hotel, we crashed for the night. The next morning, I wandered the empty streets camera in hand, my favorite way to start the day. I wouldn’t have been able to do it with a day trip. We visited a few more sights, grabbed coffee, and picked out a handmade magnet from local artisan @emailleprodukte. As a family, we all agreed: this overnight stay was the highlight of our time in the Czechia. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to add this charming city to your itinerary.
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