Things To Do
in Cheb

Cheb is a historic town in western Czechia near the German border, perched along the Ohře River. Its compact, well-preserved medieval center is crowned by the hilltop Cheb Castle. The town showcases Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, with a scenic square and charming cobbled lanes.

Cheb serves as a convenient base for exploring the borderlands of the Czech Republic and the nearby Sudetes and Ohře Valley.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Cheb
morning
:

Arrive in the picturesque town of Cheb and settle into your hotel. Take a leisurely walk around the town square to admire the historical architecture. Grab breakfast at a local café to fuel your exploration.

afternoon
:

Visit the stunning Cheb Castle, where you can explore its rich history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Afterward, stroll through the romantic parks nearby, perhaps enjoying a light lunch amid the lush greenery. Don’t forget to check out the unique medieval architecture of the town's Old Town.

evening
:

For dinner, indulge in traditional Czech cuisine at a local restaurant. Experience the lively evening atmosphere as the town comes alive with music and outdoor dining. End your day with a peaceful walk along the Ohře River, taking in the calming night views.

day 2
Exploring Cheb’s History
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Cheb Museum, where you can learn about the town's rich cultural heritage. The museum houses fascinating exhibits, including artifacts from the region's past. Enjoy a traditional Czech breakfast before heading out for more adventures.

afternoon
:

After the museum, visit the Church of St. Nicholas, an impressive Gothic structure with stunning stained glass windows. Spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets, capturing the charm of the town through photography. Stop for lunch at a quaint bistro to refuel for the afternoon.

evening
:

Enjoy a cultural evening at a local theater or catch a live music performance in one of Cheb's bars. Savor dinner with a view, choosing a rooftop restaurant that allows you to appreciate the sunset. Embrace the local nightlife, perhaps trying a Czech beer at a historic pub.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-40
Coffee$2-4
🚆Public transport day pass$5-10
🏨Budget hotel room (per night)$50-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich historical charm and compact city center
  • Beautiful castle hill views and riverside walks
  • Good value for money and easy to explore on foot
  • Limited nightlife and busier cultural programming than larger cities
  • Smaller town feel may feel quiet for some travelers
  • Fewer direct international flight options to Cheb itself
  • "Dobrý den" - Hello / Good day
  • "Prosím" - Please
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Můžete mi prosím ukázat cestu na ...?" - Could you please show me the way to ...?
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Mohu platit kartou?" - Can I pay by card?

Places to Visit in Cheb

Visit one of these nice places.

Cheb Castle on the hill

A dramatic silhouette against the skyline; best light in early morning or late afternoon.

Old Town Square and Town Hall

Cobblestones, pastel facades, and the medieval atmosphere of Cheb's center.

Church of St. Nicholas

Gothic church with ornate exterior and interior; ideal for architectural details.

Ohře River Promenade

Calm water reflections along the river with bridges and green banks.

Culinary Guide

Food in Cheb

Cheb sits in the borderlands of Bohemia, where hearty Czech cooking and local beer define the dining scene. Expect comforting meat dishes, dumplings, potatoes, seasonal produce, and straightforward flavors served in warm, unpretentious settings.

Cheb Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Guláš s knedlíkem

A thick beef or pork goulash served with bread dumplings; widely available in pubs around the town.

Must-Try!

Svíčková na smetaně

Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings, a Czech classic.

Klobása s pečenými bramborami

Grilled sausage with roasted potatoes and mustard or horseradish.

Koláče

Traditional Czech pastries—fruit-filled, cheese-filled, or poppy seed varieties.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Cheb Town Market

Weekly market around the central square offering fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and street snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Cheb experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but not extreme, winters are cold with occasional snow, and spring and autumn offer mild, comfortable conditions. Rainfall occurs year-round, with showers possible in any season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Dobrý den' (Good day). A handshake is common in formal introductions.

Punctuality and personal space

Be punctual for meetings; maintain polite personal space and avoid loud behavior in public.

Dining etiquette

Tipping is appreciated; dining in Czech culture often involves sharing courses and enjoying drinks with meals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Cheb is generally safe for travelers; guard valuables in crowded areas and tourist spots. Use well-lit streets at night and stay aware near border regions. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance.

Tipping in Cheb

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary for good service; 5–10% at restaurants if service is good. You may round up or leave a small amount in cash; some places add a service charge.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, contactless). Cash is still common; smaller venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming trees; great for walking tours and photography with soft light.

Summer

Warm days (often 20–25°C); occasional showers; ideal for outdoor dining, river walks, and terrace seating.

Autumn

Crimson foliage and harvest markets; pleasant temperatures for long strolls and city views.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; cozy cafes and indoor cultural venues are abundant; Christmas markets occur in some years.

Nightlife Guide

Cheb at Night

Cheb has a low-key nightlife with pubs and wine bars in the old town; some venues host live music in summer; most places close around midnight.

Hiking in Cheb

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Soos Nature Reserve

Accessible nature reserve near Cheb with bubbling mud springs and boardwalks.

Doupovské hory (Doupov Mountains) trails

Forested ranges offering scenic viewpoints and moderate hikes near the border region.

Ohře River Valley trails

Flat to rolling trails along the river suitable for all levels.

Airports

How to reach Cheb by plane.

Karlovy Vary International Airport (KLV)

Nearest international airport to Cheb, roughly 60–70 km away; good connections to European hubs and Prague.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)

Major international hub about 180–220 km east; frequent flights and rail connections to western Bohemia.

Dresden International Airport (DRS)

Alternative gateway about 150–180 km north; good for cross-border trips and connections to Central Europe.

Getting Around

Walkability

Cheb's historic center is highly walkable, with most sights clustered around the Old Town Square and the castle hill. The cobbled streets are charming but can be steep in places, so comfortable footwear is recommended. A pleasant walk along the Ohře River is popular, and nearby sights are accessible by bike or short bus rides.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Czech majority

Predominant population group with long-standing roots in the region.

Germans and Austrian-speaking locals

Historically present; today a smaller minority in the town.

Roma and other minorities

Small communities represented in the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across the region, with local clubs and community events.

Ice hockey

A winter favorite with local teams and fan support.

Cycling

Road and trail cycling along the Ohře valley and surrounding hills.

Transportation

Traffic

Cheb benefits from good rail connections and a walkable center; traffic is usually light in the historic core. Car travel is manageable, but border crossings to Germany can experience delays during peak hours or holidays. Public transport is reliable, with buses and regional trains serving Cheb and nearby towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Cheb.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Ask for veggie dumplings, mushrooms, or cheese plates; many pubs have simple veggie options and you can substitute meat dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare in the Czech Republic is high quality and accessible in Cheb via local clinics and a regional hospital. Travelers should have travel insurance; if urgent care is needed, emergency services are available by dialing 112. Pharmacists in town can help with minor issues and provide basic over‑the‑counter remedies.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide