Things To Do
in Náchod

Náchod is a charming town in the eastern Czech Republic, perched above the Metuje River and close to the Polish border. Its hilltop castle dominates a compact, walkable center where Renaissance and Baroque façades line the market square. The town serves as a gateway to dramatic nearby rock formations and quiet countryside trails.

With friendly locals, a relaxed pace, and rich local culture, Náchod makes for an inviting base for day trips and slow exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Náchod Castle Exploration
morning
:

Start your adventure at the Náchod Castle, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of this magnificent structure. Explore the grand halls and splendid gardens while soaking in stunning views of the town. Don't forget to capture some beautiful photos of the castle's architecture.

afternoon
:

After a leisurely lunch at a local café, take a stroll through the charming streets of Náchod. Stop by small boutiques and artisan shops to discover unique souvenirs and local crafts. Finish your walk by visiting the nearby Náchod Museum to learn more about the region's cultural heritage.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant in town. Savor local cuisine while experiencing authentic Czech hospitality. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk along the river or find a cozy spot to enjoy a drink and reflect on the day's adventures.

day 2
Hiking in the Broumovsko Region
morning
:

Set off early for a hiking trip in the stunning Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area, just a short drive from Náchod. The crisp morning air and scenic trails will invigorate your spirit as you traverse through beautiful rock formations and lush forests. Keep your camera ready for breathtaking views and potential encounters with wildlife.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature or in one of the picturesque villages nearby, like Broumov. Continue your hike, taking time to explore the unique sandstone rock towers that define this area. As you trek, you'll come across several lookout points that provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

evening
:

Return to Náchod in the evening and reward yourself with a hearty meal at a local eatery. Consider trying a traditional Czech dish, such as goulash or svíčková, paired with a Czech beer. Wrap up your day with a visit to a local brewery for a tasting session and learn about the brewing process.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee and pastry$3-6
🚌Public transport day pass$3-6
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$60-120
🧺Local souvenir$5-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact center with castle views
  • Easy access to dramatic natural areas
  • Friendly locals and authentic Czech experience
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Smaller selection of international dining
  • Seasonal crowds at popular sights
  • "Dobrý den" - Hello / Good day
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Náchod

Visit one of these nice places.

Náchod Castle Terrace

Panoramic views over the town and Metuje river, especially dramatic at sunrise or golden hour.

Náměstí Republiky and Town Hall

Historic square framed by pastel façades and church spires; ideal for street photography and people-watching.

Church of St. Wenceslas

Gothic-renaissance church with a tall bell tower offering subtle architectural detail shots.

Metuje River Promenade

Calm waters and willow-lined banks perfect for reflection shots and long exposure.

Adršpach-Teplice Rocks (day trip)

Iconic sandstone towers and narrow crevices; dramatic landscapes and high-contrast compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Náchod

Cuisine in Náchod reflects classic Czech flavors: hearty meat dishes, dumplings, and seasonal produce, complemented by local beers and sweet pastries. Expect generous portions, comforting soups, and options for vegetarian dishes in most taverns and bistros.

Náchod Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Guláš

A rich beef or pork stew served with bread or dumplings; a Czech staple found in most taverns.

Must-Try!

Svíčková na smetaně

Marinated beef with creamy vegetable sauce and dumplings; a traditional Czech favorite.

Knedlíky

Potato or bread dumplings served as a side with many meat dishes.

Bramboráky

Crispy potato pancakes flavored with marjoram; a popular pub-side dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Náměstí Republiky Market (seasonal)

Morning markets offering fresh produce, pastries, and local snacks; great for a quick bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Náchod experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters with snowfall, and mild springs and autumns. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with slightly wetter summers and snowy winters.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Polite Czech greetings such as 'Dobrý den' (good day) with a handshake in formal settings. Address people using polite forms like 'pane/paní' followed by the surname in more formal situations.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe for visitors. Exercise typical travel precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, watch footing on cobbled streets, and use licensed taxis or public transport at night. In case of emergency, dial 112 for general assistance in the Czech Republic.

Tipping in Náchod

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave about 5-10% for good service if not included. In casual cafés, rounding up is common; in larger restaurants, 10% is standard if service charges are not included.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming trees; bring a light jacket and umbrella for showers.

Summer

Warm days ideal for outdoor cafés and castle terrace views; bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and harvest markets; great for photography and relaxed strolls.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; explore cozy cafés, light Christmas decorations, and winter scenery.

Nightlife Guide

Náchod at Night

Náchod’s nightlife centers on cozy pubs, beer halls, and cafés around the town square. Expect friendly conversations, local lagers, and occasional live music or cultural events rather than a club-heavy scene. Most venues close early by bigger-city standards, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and authentic.

Hiking in Náchod

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Adršpach-Teplice Rocks

Iconic sandstone formations with extensive networks of trails and photographic opportunities.

Ostaš Nature Reserve

Stunning rocky outcrops and forested paths with panoramic viewpoints near the Broumov region.

Broumov Walls

Rugged ridge trails amid forested landscapes offering challenging hikes and viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Náchod by plane.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)

Major international gateway; about 150-180 km by road with train or bus connections.

Pardubice Airport (PED)

Smaller regional airport roughly 75-90 km away; limited international flights, mainly domestic and European routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is highly walkable, with most sights within a short stroll. Some streets are cobbled and hilly, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Czech residents

Predominant population in Náchod and the surrounding area.

border-influenced visitors

Close proximity to Poland brings some cross-border visitors and a touch of regional diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular locally; watch regional matches or enjoy a casual game in public parks.

Cycling

Well-liked for scenic rides along the Metuje and nearby hills.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Nearby hills offer winter sports opportunities during snowy seasons.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in town; regional trains and buses connect to larger cities such as Hradec Králové and Prague. Parking in the historic center can be limited, but options exist on surrounding streets and parking lots. Public transport is reliable for day trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Náchod.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are commonly available in town-center eateries; look for mushroom dishes, dumplings, soups like kulajda, and salads. When in doubt, ask for dairy-free or egg-free adaptations.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in Náchod through local clinics and pharmacies. For specialized or emergency care, regional hospitals in Hradec Králové or nearby towns are accessible by train or bus. Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable or travel insurance.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide