Things To Do
in Choceň

Choceň is a small historic town in the Czech Republic's Pardubice Region. It sits in a scenic valley with a compact historic center featuring a church, a charming town square, and pleasant riverside walks. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring the Orlické Mountains and rural Bohemia.

Visitors are welcomed by local cafés, markets, and a calm, authentic Czech small-town atmosphere.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Choceň
morning
:

Arrive in the charming town of Choceň and check into your cozy accommodation. Take some time to settle in and freshen up before heading out to explore the picturesque surroundings. Grab a bite at a local café to fuel your day ahead.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon wandering the quaint streets, admiring the historical architecture that dominates the town. Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and appreciate its stunning Gothic design. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the nearby river, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a local restaurant to indulge in traditional Czech cuisine. Sample dishes like svíčková or goulash accompanied by a refreshing Pilsner. End your evening with a peaceful walk under the stars along the riverbank.

day 2
Exploring Nature
morning
:

Start your day with an energizing hike in the nearby countryside, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Enjoy the fresh air and the sounds of nature as you soak in the beauty of the landscape. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic views.

afternoon
:

Continue your adventure by visiting the beautiful Oukrova pond, where you can relax by the water. Engage in some birdwatching or enjoy a swim if the weather permits. Take the opportunity to sketch or photograph the stunning scenery around you.

evening
:

After a day of exploration, return to town and treat yourself to dinner at a local eatery. Consider trying a seasonal dish that reflects the flavors of the region. Wrap up your day by mingling with locals at a nearby pub, savoring the warmth of Czech hospitality.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12
🧀Local cheese or dairy product$3-5
Coffee$2-4
🚆One-way public transit ticket$1-2
🥛Milk (1 liter)$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town center with authentic Czech atmosphere
  • Good base for exploring Orlické Mountains and regional countryside
  • Limited nightlife and dining variety compared to larger cities
  • Fewer high-end dining options and tourist crowds in peak season
  • "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
  • "Prosím" - Please
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much is this?
  • "Můžete mi pomoci?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Choceň

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Town Center

The square is framed by colorful buildings and a central church, ideal for daytime and sunset shots.

Church Spire and Clock Tower

A tall spire rising above the town’s skyline, offering dramatic silhouettes and city views.

Riverside Park

Gentle water reflections and seasonal greenery perfect for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Choceň

Choceň sits in a region with hearty Czech cuisine, featuring meat dishes, dumplings, and seasonal produce.

Choceň Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Guláš

A thick beef goulash served with dumplings or bread.

Must-Try!

Knedlo-vepřo-zelo

Pork with dumplings and sauerkraut; a classic Czech comfort dish.

Svíčková na smetaně

Beef in creamy sauce with cranberries and dumplings.

Palačinky

Czech-style crepes filled with jam or sweet toppings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Choceň Farmers Market

A weekly market where locals sell produce, cheeses, bakery goods, and prepared snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Choceň experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters, and spring/ autumn transitions bringing rain and sun. July and August are the warmest months; December to February are the coldest, with possible snowfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with 'Dobrý den' in formal settings; a handshake is common.

Quiet in public spaces

Maintain a calm tone in public, especially near churches or residential areas.

Tipping and conversations

Respect personal space; small talk is common but not intrusive.

Safety Guide

Safety

Choceň is generally safe for travelers. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on belongings; use licensed taxis or ridesharing where available; emergency number 112 works across the Czech Republic.

Tipping in Choceň

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% if service is good; if a service charge is included, tipping is optional.

Payment Methods

Cash in CZK is widely accepted; cards and contactless payments are common in shops and restaurants; smaller venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days and blooming landscapes; showers possible.

Summer

Warm days with long sunshine; occasional thunderstorms; great for outdoor dining and walks.

Autumn

Golden light and harvest colors; cooler evenings.

Winter

Cold with potential snowfall; charming frost on architecture and Christmas markets.

Nightlife Guide

Choceň at Night

In Choceň, nightlife is low-key, centered on cozy pubs and beer halls. Expect local beers, casual conversations, and occasional live music in the evenings; clusters of venues near the town square provide a relaxed atmosphere rather than clubbing scenes.

Hiking in Choceň

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Orlické Mountains trails

Accessible hiking with forest scenery, footholds, and viewpoints in nearby range.

Podorlické hills trails

Gentle to moderate hikes suitable for day trips from Choceň.

Airports

How to reach Choceň by plane.

Pardubice Airport (PED)

Closest regional airport with domestic and some international flights; connections to Prague and other European destinations; reachable by train or bus.

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)

Major international hub about 1.5-2.5 hours away by rail or car; many European connections.

Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)

Another option in the region, farther away but accessible by road or rail.

Getting Around

Walkability

Choceň has a compact, pedestrian-friendly center with narrow streets, a central square, and easy access to shops; some outskirts require a short bus or bike ride. Sidewalks are common in the core, making it pleasant for walking; hills in surrounding areas add some elevation when exploring.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Czech residents

Predominant demographic; predominantly Czech-speaking with aging population in some areas.

Families and students

Local families and students from nearby towns contribute to a lively daytime scene.

Tourists in season

Seasonal visitors who come for markets and nature trips.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular local sport with a strong community presence.

Ice hockey

Seasonal sport with local clubs and youth programs.

Cycling

Road and recreational cycling in the surrounding countryside.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transportation in Choceň includes buses and regional trains; the town is fairly walkable but traffic around the outskirts can be busier during commute hours. Parking is available in the town center, though spaces may be limited. In general, driving is straightforward with good regional connections.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Choceň.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Czech cuisine is meat-heavy, but you’ll find cheese dishes, dumplings, and veggie sides; ask for dishes like smažený sýr (fried cheese) or roasted vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available in the Czech Republic with local clinics and a hospital in the region. Foreign visitors should have travel insurance; in emergencies call 112. Pharmacies are common; most doctors require a regular appointment.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide