Things To Do
in Jihlava

Jihlava is a historic regional capital in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic, built on the Jihlava River. Its well-preserved medieval core features narrow lanes, colorful facades, and a compact footprint that is ideal for strolls. The town serves as a cultural hub with museums, galleries, and seasonal markets that showcase Central Bohemian traditions.

Surrounded by the rolling Vysočina countryside, Jihlava makes a convenient base for exploring the Czech countryside and nearby towns.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and City Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Jihlava and check into your hotel. Spend your morning sipping coffee in a cozy café and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the historic city center. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets and admire the well-preserved architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Jihlava Catacombs, an intriguing underground network that dates back to the Middle Ages. Explore the local market, where you can sample traditional Czech treats and local crafts. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Jihlava Regional Museum to learn about the city’s rich history.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant, savoring local dishes like svíčková and goulash. After dinner, take a walk around the beautifully lit city square and perhaps catch a local performance or concert. Wind down your evening with a glass of Moravian wine at a nearby wine bar.

day 2
Historical Discoveries
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Gothic St. James Church, where you can admire stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Afterwards, head to the Vysočina Region Museum to delve deeper into the local culture and heritage. The museum's exhibits offer fascinating insights into the history of the region.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour of the historic Jihlava Town Hall and learn about its importance in local governance over the centuries. Stop for lunch at a quaint bistro nearby, where you can indulge in some homemade Czech pastries. Explore the surrounding squares and enjoy the vibrant ambiance of the city.

evening
:

Dine at a modern fusion restaurant that blends traditional Czech cuisine with contemporary flavors. After dinner, consider attending a local theater performance or movie at the historical theater. Experience the nightlife by visiting a local pub where you can mingle with residents.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee or tea$3-5
🍺Beer (0.5L) in a pub$2-4
🚌Public transit ticket (one-way)$1-2
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Central location in Vysočina; well-preserved historic center
  • Friendly locals and approachable pace of travel
  • Good value for money and easy day trips to the countryside
  • Quality museums and cultural events
  • Compact size makes it easy to explore on foot
  • Limited large-scale nightlife and international dining options
  • Fewer direct international flight connections compared to bigger cities
  • "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
  • "Prosím" - Please
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Na shledanou" - Goodbye
  • "Promiňte" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Rád vás poznávám" - Nice to meet you
  • "Na zdraví!" - Cheers!

Places to Visit in Jihlava

Visit one of these nice places.

Masaryk Square

The lively main square with historic facades and frequent markets, a great place for candid street photography.

City Hall Tower

Climb for panoramic views over the old town and surrounding Vysočina hills.

Jihlava River Promenade

A scenic riverside walk ideal for sunset photography and reflections.

Historic Old Town Lane Cluster

Colorful alleys and preserved houses offering intimate composition opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Jihlava

Jihlava sits in the heart of the Vysočina region, where hearty Czech cuisine is shaped by seasonal farm produce and rustic flavors. Expect meaty mains, comforting soups, dumplings, and draft beer poured in friendly pubs. Fresh bakery goods and regional cheeses are common eye-openers in markets and cafés. In many places, vegetarian options are available, and host staff are usually happy to tailor dishes to dietary needs.

Jihlava Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Svíčková na smetaně

Beef in a creamy root-vegetable sauce with dumplings.

Must-Try!

Vepřo-knedlo-zelo

Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut.

Guláš

Hearty beef or pork guláš served with dumplings.

Kulajda

Creamy mushroom-dill soup with potatoes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Horní náměstí Market

Daily farmers market around the main square offering meats, cheeses, honey, pastries, and seasonal produce.

Riverside Street Food Stalls

Casual bites and local snacks along the Jihlava riverbanks, especially in warmer months.

Climate Guide

Weather

Jihlava experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, but not sweltering; winters are cold with possible snow; springs bring blossoms; autumns are crisp with colorful foliage. Precipitation is spread throughout the year with a tendency for rain showers in transitional seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite ‘Dobrý den’ and maintain light eye contact.

Public Behavior

Speak calmly in public, avoid loud chatter late at night, and be mindful of queues.

Politeness to Elders

Address older adults with ‘pan’/‘paní’ and use courteous language.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good in Jihlava. Stay aware of petty theft in crowded areas; keep valuables secure, especially in markets. Winter walking can be slippery; wear appropriate footwear and check weather conditions. In emergencies, dial 112 for police/ambulance/fire.

Tipping in Jihlava

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips of around 5-10% are common if the service is good; rounding up the bill is also fine.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards (Visa/MasterCard) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; small shops may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight; occasional thunderstorms; outdoor cafés thrive and city events fill the evenings.

Autumn

Cooling days with vibrant fall colors; harvest markets and cultural events enliven the town.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; Christmas markets in the historic center; cozy eateries and hot drinks.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blossoming greenery; ideal for walks and countryside day trips.

Nightlife Guide

Jihlava at Night

Jihlava’s nightlife is relaxed, with cozy pubs and beer halls around the historic center. Expect craft-beer bars, wine cafés, and live music in smaller venues rather than large late-night clubs. Weekends offer occasional mini-festivals and open-air performances in the main squares.

Hiking in Jihlava

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Vysočina Highlands Trail

A network of scenic trails through rolling hills, forests, and rural landscapes.

Jihlava River Greenway

Riverside paths ideal for easy day hikes and casual bike rides.

Forest and Ridge Walk near the City

Short loops through pine and beech forests with viewpoints over the valley.

Airports

How to reach Jihlava by plane.

Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)

The closest major international airport, with frequent connections to Europe and beyond; reachable by train or car.

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)

Main international hub offering numerous flights; accessible by high-speed rail or long-distance buses.

Pardubice Airport (PED)

Smaller regional airport serving select European routes; convenient for weekend trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is highly walkable with compact streets and pedestrian zones. Most sights, markets, and cafés are within a short stroll, though some viewpoints require a small climb. Outside the center, public transit or a short drive is convenient for reaching nearby villages and countryside.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Czechs

Predominant population group with diverse age profiles and regional identities.

Students

Presence of regional educational institutions contributing to a youthful segment in certain areas.

Seniors

A substantial portion living in quieter neighborhoods with a traditional lifestyle.

Roma community

A small local minority with unique cultural traditions and community programs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Popular at both amateur and professional levels; local teams participate in regional leagues.

Ice Hockey

A winter staple with local clubs and community rinks.

Tennis

Public courts and clubs offering casual play and lessons.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Jihlava is moderate. The city center is walkable with limited car access in peak hours; regional trains and buses connect Jihlava with Prague, Brno, and Vysočina towns. Parking is available on the outskirts with short bus rides to the center. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available for short trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Jihlava.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; look for mushroom dishes, dumplings with cheese, salads, and vegetable-rich soups; ask for meat-free broths and clearly request no meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available in Jihlava through local clinics and Nemocnice Jihlava. Visitors can access emergency services by dialing 112; for non-emergency needs, you can visit local clinics and pharmacies. International travelers should carry proof of travel health insurance; some services may be paid out-of-pocket with receipts for reimbursement.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide