Czechia’s worst tourist traps, ranked—and tips on where to go instead

Tourists flock to Czechia each year for its castles, cobblestones, and charm—but not every stop along the way lives up to the hype. While Prague’s historic core and Český Krumlov’s postcard-perfect streets are undeniably photogenic, many well-known destinations have become victims of their own success: overpriced, overcrowded, or underwhelming.

Prague city magazine Flowee recently ranked the ten most annoying tourist attractions in the Czech Republic, and their list doesn’t hold back. From iconic landmarks in central Prague to wine cellars in Moravia, the article calls out spots it says are more about surface appeal than genuine experience.

Flowee’s list includes predictable targets—like Prague's massage parlors and trdelník stands, as well as the chaotic crowds around the Charles Bridge—but it also names some places that many locals and travelers still hold dear.

Český Krumlov, for example, is routinely ranked among the most beautiful towns in Europe, yet the magazine calls it “a theme park in disguise.” Likewise, the iconic Ještěd Tower near Liberec is derided as outdated and disappointing when seen up close.

Also among the entries is the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora, often referred to as the Bone Church. It’s a famed stop on many guided tours from Prague, but Flowee argues that the experience amounts to “five minutes in a crowded basement,” falling short of the eerie wonder some expect.

While some readers may bristle at the subjective rankings, the list taps into a growing awareness of overtourism in Czechia. Places once celebrated for their authenticity risk being reduced to Instagram backdrops or kitsch-laden commercial zones.

These are Flowee’s 10 most annoying tourist attractions in the Czech Republic:

If you’re looking for travel experiences in Czechia that feel more rewarding, there are plenty of quieter, less-commercial alternatives that deserve some attention.

Instead of battling crowds in Český Krumlov, try Telč, a UNESCO-listed town with Renaissance façades, a lovely main square, and a much more relaxed atmosphere. It offers much of the same historic appeal—without the swarm of tour groups.

Rather than waiting in a crowd to watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour, consider a walk through Vyšehrad in Prague. The historic fort offers panoramic views over the Vltava, quiet park space, and a tranquil alternative to Old Town’s chaos.

For a natural day trip that doesn’t end in a five-minute photo op, skip the Macocha Abyss and head to some of the country's famed sandstone rock formations, like Pulčínské skály in the White Carpathians or the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks closer to Prague.

These natural landmarks are popular with hikers and climbers but remain blissfully under the radar for most tourists; the latter even served as a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia.

In place of trdelník—often assumed to be a Czech pastry but in fact of Hungarian origin—seek out traditional koláče or koblihy at local bakeries. Spots like Antonínovo pekařství in Prague offer sweet treats rooted in actual Czech culinary tradition.

Finally, if wine tourism is your thing but you want to avoid mass-market cellars, try visiting Mikulov or Znojmo in South Moravia. These towns are home to family-run wineries where you can sample Moravian vintages with a personal touch—and without the tourist mark-up.