Things To Do
in Pardubice
Pardubice is a riverfront city in eastern Bohemia known for its compact historic center, lively cultural scene, and famed racecourses. It blends a walkable core with vibrant cafes, museums, and easy access to nearby forests and castles. The city hosts Velká pardubická, one of Europe’s oldest horse races, drawing visitors each autumn, while its parks and riverfront invite relaxed day trips.
Visitors can enjoy the friendly vibe, regional sweets, and approachable excursions to surrounding towns and nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin at Pardubice train station and stroll through the tree-lined Havlíček Park to the Renaissance castle courtyard. Admire the fortified walls and Gothic arcades as you learn about the Pernštejn family’s legacy. Finish with a panoramic view from the castle tower overlooking the Elbe River floodplain.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a nearby café serving local Czech specialties like smažený sýr and potato soup. Join a guided tour of the East Bohemian Museum housed in the castle’s historic chambers. Browse exhibits on regional archaeology, art and the famous Pardubice gingerbread.
Dine at a riverside restaurant offering hearty Bohemian dishes and local craft beer. Take an evening walk along the Čertovka branch of the Elbe as the lights reflect on the water. End with a glass of Moravian wine on the terrace overlooking the city.
Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee in the Old Town Square. Explore the pastel-colored houses, burgher residences and intricate historic coach house. Pop into local artisan shops selling handmade ceramics and textiles.
Visit the Green Gate observation deck for sweeping views of Pardubice’s rooftops and countryside. Stop at the House of Art for a temporary exhibition of contemporary Czech artists. Sample traditional obložené chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches) for a light snack.
Catch an organ recital in the nearby Church of St. Bartholomew if available. Wander through lit cobblestone streets discovering hidden courtyards and fountains. Relax over a cold Gambrinus lager at a cozy tavern near the square.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Cup of coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer | $1.5-3 |
| 🚆Local transit ticket | $1-3 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $7-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact walkable city center with easy access to parks and the river
- Strong cultural scene and historical charm
- Renowned events like Velká pardubická and local markets
- Good value for money and easy day trips to nature
- Smaller nightlife compared with bigger Czech cities
- Limited high-end dining options in some parts of town
- Winter weather can be cold and windy on the riverfront
- "Dobrý den" - Hello
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Prosím" - Please / You are welcome
- "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does this cost?
- "Nerozumím" - I do not understand
- "Můžete mi pomoci?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Pardubice
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful burgher houses, the town hall, and scenic street corners provide classic Czech postcard shots.
Wide river views, bridges, and sunset reflections ideal for atmospheric photography.
A hill with a castle ruin offering sweeping valley panoramas and dramatic silhouettes.
Formal greens and historic architecture perfect for portrait and detail shots.
Grand stands and fields provide dynamic action shots during race meetings and the surrounding grounds visuals.
Food in Pardubice
Pardubice Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce with cranberry sauce and bread dumplings.
Must-Try!
Slowly simmered beef goulash served with dumplings and sauerkraut or pickled vegetables.
Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, a Czech staple.
Crispy potato pancakes often served as a side or snack.
Regional gingerbread cookies famous in the Pardubice area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce, baked goods, and local snacks near the historic center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and polite eye contact are typical when meeting someone new.
Many locals speak Czech; English is common among younger people and in tourist areas.
Queue patiently in shops and on public transport; keep voices moderate in shared spaces.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and formal venues.
Safety
Tipping in Pardubice
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a tip of about 5-10 percent is appreciated if service is good; many places include service in the bill, so rounding up is also common.
Cash is widely accepted, and card payments are common in shops, cafes, and transit. Contactless payments are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days, budding trees, and blooming parks make walking and outdoor markets especially pleasant.
Warm to hot days with occasional showers; enjoy riverside seating, open-air events, and extended daylight.
Pleasant temperatures and fall colors; the Velká pardubická horse race adds a festive, energetic atmosphere.
Cold with possible snow; Christmas markets and indoor attractions are popular, with shorter days.
Pardubice at Night
Hiking in Pardubice
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hill with a castle ruin, forested trails, and panoramic views.
Gentle trails suitable for day hikes and nature walks within easy reach.
Airports
How to reach Pardubice by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic and some charter flights near Pardubice.
Major international gateway about 1.5 hours by train or car from Pardubice.
Regional-to-international flights hub in the southeast Czech Republic, reachable by rail or road in a few hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are university students, contributing to a lively, youthful vibe.
Many families live in the surrounding neighborhoods with good schools and parks.
Retirees and long-term residents who contribute to a steady local culture and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Historic steeplechase held at the Pardubice racecourse; a major regional event.
Popular winter sport with local clubs and attendance at matches.
Local teams and community leagues provide accessible outdoor play and spectating.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pardubice.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Czech dishes can be prepared vegetarian by substituting meat with mushrooms, cheese, or extra vegetables; look for dumplings and sauerkraut options and ask for broth-free preparations.