Things To Do
in Ivančice

Ivančice is a small historic town in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, known for its preserved old town core and quiet riverside setting. The town offers a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, modest museums, and a relaxed local atmosphere that contrasts with nearby Brno's bustle. It sits within easy reach of South Moravian vineyards and countryside, making it a good base for short wine and nature excursions.

Ivančice is popular with visitors who enjoy slow travel, history, cycling and exploring local Czech town life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Ivančice Town Center
morning
:

Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Ivančice, where you can admire the colorful architecture and visit the local shops. Don't miss the opportunity to stop by the local bakery for a traditional Czech pastry. Spend the late morning at the Church of St. Peter and Paul, which showcases beautiful Gothic architecture.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a cozy café, take a guided tour of the Ivančice Museum to learn about the town's fascinating history and its connection to prominent figures such as the Czech astronomer Tycho Brahe. Stroll along the banks of the Jihlava River, soaking in the serene views and nature around you. Visit the nearby archaeological site of the ancient Roman villa, where you can explore remnants of the area’s historical significance.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, find a local restaurant to enjoy a hearty Czech dinner featuring seasonal ingredients. Experience the local culture by attending a folk music performance if one is available. End your day with a leisurely walk through the town, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and twinkling lights.

day 2
Visit the Historical Sites
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the site of the ancient castle ruins just outside of town. Spend the morning trekking up to the castle for stunning panoramic views of Ivančice and the surrounding landscapes. Capture picturesque photographs of the area while immersing yourself in the rich history of the castle.

afternoon
:

After exploring the ruins, return to town for lunch at a local eatery that specializes in Czech comfort food. Spend the afternoon visiting the birthplace of Tycho Brahe, where you can learn more about his contributions to astronomy and observe exhibits related to his life and work. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the nearby park, allowing you to relax in the lush greenery.

evening
:

For dinner, choose a traditional Czech restaurant, where you can savor classic dishes accompanied by local beer. As night falls, consider visiting a nearby pub to engage with locals and enjoy the vibrant night scene. Alternatively, take a peaceful walk through the illuminated town, enjoying the calm ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$30-60
Coffee$1.50-3
🍺Local beer (pub)$1-2.50
🚆Local train/bus ticket to Brno$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming historic town with authentic local atmosphere
  • Good base for exploring South Moravian countryside and wineries
  • Relaxed pace, safe and easy to navigate
  • Affordable prices compared with larger Czech cities
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options
  • Fewer dining and specialized dietary options than in Brno
  • Public transport frequency can be lower in evenings and weekends
  • Some attractions have limited seasonal opening hours
  • "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
  • "Prosím" - Please / You’re welcome
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kde je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Promiňte" - Excuse me / Sorry

Places to Visit in Ivančice

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Square (Náměstí)

Picturesque historic square with colorful facades, architectural details and people-friendly cafés — great for street and architectural photography at dawn or golden hour.

Riverside Walks

Calm riverbanks and small bridges provide reflective compositions, especially in misty mornings or autumn with changing leaves.

Local Churches and Historic Buildings

Close-ups of Baroque and Renaissance details, church towers and old doorways offer rich textures and contrast for photographers.

Nearby Countryside Views

Rolling fields, vineyards and small villages around Ivančice create scenic landscape shots, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ivančice

Ivančice's food scene reflects South Moravian and broader Czech cuisine: hearty comfort dishes, seasonal produce, and an emphasis on local wines from the surrounding region. Many eateries are family-run and offer simple, well-prepared meals and home-style desserts.

Ivančice Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Svíčková na smetaně

Classic Czech marinated beef served with creamy vegetable sauce, dumplings and a slice of lemon — commonly found in local restaurants and pubs.

Must-Try!

Vepro-knedlo-zelo (Pork, dumplings and sauerkraut)

Traditional Czech plate of roast pork with bread dumplings and sauerkraut — filling and widely available in Ivančice's taverns.

Local wine (Moravian white and rosé)

South Moravian family wineries produce Grüner Veltliner-like and aromatic whites; try local varietals at wine bars or regional tastings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ivančice local market

Weekly or seasonal markets (check local listings) where farmers sell fresh produce, cheese and baked goods — great for tasting local fruit, bread and cheeses.

Street stalls and seasonal fairs

Occasional weekend stalls and festival booths offer grilled sausages, trdelník-style pastries and quick snacks during town events.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ivančice has a temperate continental climate with warm summers, cold winters and moderate precipitation distributed through the year. Spring and autumn are transitional and can be changeable, while summer brings long sunny days and winter can produce frost and occasional snow.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite handshake and direct eye contact are standard; greet with 'Dobrý den' (Good day) when entering shops or meeting locals.

Punctuality

Punctuality is appreciated for meetings and tours—arrive on time for appointments and tastings.

Respect for quiet hours

Be mindful of noise, especially in residential areas and after 10–11 PM; towns tend to be quieter than big cities.

Politeness around food and homes

If invited to a local home, bringing a small gift (flowers or sweets) is appreciated; remove shoes if hosts indicate to.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ivančice is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime rates; normal precautions against petty theft apply, especially in crowded spaces. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in cars, be cautious on icy sidewalks in winter, and follow local traffic rules when cycling or driving. For emergencies, call local emergency numbers and head to Brno for major medical needs.

Tipping in Ivančice

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 5–10% is customary in restaurants if the service is good; in cafés and bars it’s common to round up or leave small change. Tipping taxis by rounding up the fare is normal but not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops, but small businesses, market stalls and some pubs may prefer cash. It’s a good idea to carry Czech koruna (CZK) for small purchases and remote locations.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather with blossoming trees and fields; some trails can be muddy after thaw—ideal for cycling and enjoying blooming countryside.

Summer

Warm to hot temperatures with long daylight hours—perfect for outdoor dining, cycling and wine tastings. Expect occasional festivals and more tourists on weekends.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage make it a beautiful time for photography and winery visits during harvest season; pack layers for variable temperatures.

Winter

Cold with possible snow and shorter days; town is quieter, many attractions remain open but with reduced hours—suitable for cozy stays and lower-season pricing.

Nightlife Guide

Ivančice at Night

Ivančice has a relaxed, low-key nightlife centered on family-run pubs, wine bars and seasonal cultural events. Expect occasional live music or community concerts rather than late-night clubs. For a livelier evening with more bars and entertainment options, nearby Brno is about a 30–40 minute drive away.

Hiking in Ivančice

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Local Riverside Trails

Easy, flat walks along the river and through nearby meadows — suitable for all fitness levels and good for short nature outings.

Brno-Country Paths

Networks of marked trails in the Brno-Country area accessible by short drive or public transport—offer varied terrain, forested sections and scenic viewpoints.

Drahany Highlands (general area)

Hilly countryside within driving distance with longer routes, forested sections and quiet rural trails ideal for half-day hikes and nature observations.

Airports

How to reach Ivančice by plane.

Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)

The closest airport (about 25–40 km / ~30–40 minutes by car) offering regional flights and connections; good gateway for domestic and some international connections with transfers to Ivančice by car or public transport.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Major international airport approximately 120–140 km away (about 1.5–2 hours by car or train), offering many international connections; convenient if flying from outside Europe.

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)

The largest Czech international airport located roughly 200 km away (about 2–3 hours by car or 2.5–4 hours by train), useful for wider international flight options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ivančice is very walkable—the historic center is compact with pedestrian-friendly streets, cafés and attractions within short walking distance. Surrounding areas are accessible on foot for shorter walks; for wider exploration of vineyards or more distant trails, a bike or car is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Long-term residents and family households form the core of town life, often involved in small businesses or commuting to nearby cities.

Commuters

People who commute to Brno and other towns for work—Ivančice is close enough for daily travel by train or car.

Older population

As with many small European towns, there is a significant number of older residents who contribute to a quieter daytime atmosphere.

Visitors and weekenders

Tourists and weekend visitors, especially during summer and harvest season, come for history, countryside and wine experiences.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Local amateur and youth football teams are popular, with matches and community involvement common on weekends.

Cycling

Cycling is widespread for both transport and recreation, with scenic routes around the town and in the countryside.

Tennis and Small Club Sports

Local sports clubs offer tennis, table tennis and community-oriented sporting activities for residents.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Ivančice is light compared with larger cities; roads in town are easy to navigate and parking is generally available. Public transport connections include regional trains and buses to Brno and neighbouring towns, but schedules can be less frequent in off-peak hours. A car is convenient for exploring the surrounding countryside and wineries.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ivančice.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big cities; many restaurants will prepare vegetable soups, salads, cheese dishes and egg-based mains—ask staff for meat-free recommendations.

Vegan

Vegan choices can be scarce in traditional establishments; look for cafés or ask chefs to adapt dishes. Bringing snacks or using Brno’s restaurants for more variety is a good fallback.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal; communicate dietary needs clearly (use a translation card if needed) and favor simple grilled meats, salads and vegetable sides.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical services and pharmacies are available in town for minor ailments. For specialized care, emergency treatment or hospitals, Brno (about 30–40 minutes by car or regular public transport) has larger hospitals and clinics. It is advisable to have travel insurance and know the location of the nearest clinic or emergency department.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide