Things To Do
in Polička
Polička is a small historic town in eastern Bohemia (Pardubice Region) known for its well-preserved medieval town walls, bastions and a compact, atmospheric square. It is the birthplace of composer Bohuslav Martinů and has a modest cultural life focused on music and local festivals. The town combines picturesque architecture, narrow lanes and easy access to rolling highlands and forests of the Bohemian‑Moravian region.
Polička is a relaxed base for exploring rural Czechia, with friendly local cafés, traditional pubs and straightforward regional transport connections.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the beautifully preserved medieval streets of Polička. Visit the Church of St. James and admire its stunning architecture and the intricate details of the interior. Don't forget to grab a local pastry at a nearby café as you take in the scenery.
Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque square and explore the unique shops selling handmade crafts. Afterward, visit the Polička Museum to learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Spend some time in the nearby park to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy restaurant for dinner and indulge in traditional Czech cuisine. Engage in conversation with locals and soak in the warm atmosphere of the town. Finish your evening with a relaxing walk around the square, where the lights reflect beautifully off the cobblestones.
Leave Polička early and head to the nearby Svojanov Castle, a beautiful Gothic structure that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Take a guided tour to learn about the castle's fascinating history and the legends that surround it. Enjoy the crisp morning air as you explore the castle grounds.
After your castle visit, enjoy lunch at a quaint restaurant in Svojanov before heading to the nearby forest for a scenic hike. The trails offer various difficulty levels, making it perfect for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Take your time to fully appreciate the beautiful natural scenery around you.
Return to Polička as evening falls and discover a different side of the town. Consider visiting a local bar for some traditional Czech beer or unwind at your accommodation. Reflect on the day’s adventures and soak in the tranquility of the town as night descends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-14 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L at a pub) | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double/night) | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Picturesque historic town with well-preserved medieval walls and characterful architecture.
- Quiet, safe and friendly — ideal base for relaxed exploration of the countryside.
- Strong local cultural connection to composer Bohuslav Martinů and occasional music events.
- Good access to hiking and cycling in the Bohemian‑Moravian highlands.
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger Czech cities.
- Some tourist services, specialty shops and English speakers can be limited outside peak season.
- Public transport is regional — fewer direct connections; car makes exploring easier.
- Special-diet options (vegan/gluten-free) are not as abundant as in big urban centers.
- "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...?
- "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
- "Jsem alergický/á na ..." - I am allergic to ...
Places to Visit in Polička
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph the fortified walls and rounded bastions from both inside the old town and the exterior viewpoints for dramatic historical shots.
Arcaded houses, the town hall and cafés look picturesque in soft morning or late‑afternoon light.
Capture portraits of the museum façade, nearby plaques and musical-themed details tied to the town’s famous son.
Rooftop views and church spires framed against rolling countryside make attractive compositions, especially in autumn or winter.
Fields, forests and pond reflections in the Bohemian‑Moravian highlands offer tranquil landscape photos year-round.
Food in Polička
Polička Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated roast beef with creamy vegetable sauce and bread dumplings — a Czech classic found at family-run restaurants and pubs in town.
Must-Try!
Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut — widely available in local hospodas and ideal with a local lager.
Staple side served with sauces and roasts; try with game or seasonal mushroom sauces at countryside eateries.
Local baked goods and sweet kolaches from bakeries — great for breakfast or coffee breaks near the square.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small seasonal markets and occasional weeks-long market events selling local produce, cheeses, sausages and pastries — great for tasting regional specialties in summer and autumn.
During festivals you’ll find grilled sausages, trdelník-like sweets, and local craft food stalls; outside festival days, street food is limited but bakeries and delis cover quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite greeting (Dobrý den) when entering shops or meeting people. Czechs tend to be reserved and value personal space and formality with strangers.
Treat historic sites, churches and memorials with respect — appropriate quiet and modest dress inside religious buildings is expected.
Be on time for tours, events and appointments; punctuality is appreciated in both social and official contexts.
Follow local recycling and waste sorting rules — bins for paper, glass and plastics are common and respected.
Safety
Tipping in Polička
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of about 5–10% in restaurants is customary for good service but not strictly required; many people simply round up the bill. For taxis, rounding up or adding 10% is common.
Czech currency is the koruna (CZK). Cards (chip/contactless) are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and larger services, but small stalls, some pubs and rural vendors may be cash-only — keep some CZK on hand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight; ideal for hiking, cycling and outdoor festivals. Expect occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons; book accommodation in advance during festival weekends.
Crisp air and colourful foliage make it a great time for photography and mushroom foraging; temperatures cool and some attractions scale back hours outside peak season.
Cold with regular frost and snow — pretty for winter scenes and low-season quiet, but layers and sturdy footwear are essential. Some rural services may be reduced; cross‑country skiing possible nearby when snow is good.
Melting snow and early blooms bring fresh countryside colours and fewer tourists; unpredictable weather calls for flexible plans and a waterproof jacket.
Polička at Night
Hiking in Polička
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short scenic walk circling the historic walls and bastions — perfect for easy photography, history-focused strolling and quick views over the town.
Extensive networks of marked trails in the uplands offer half-day to full-day hikes through forests, meadows and rolling hills with lookout points and rustic shelters.
A pleasant hike (or short drive plus walk) to nearby hilltop Rychmburk Castle ruins and surrounding woods — combines history and nature.
Short, family-friendly routes around small ponds and streams ideal for birdwatching, picnics and easy walks in all seasons.
Airports
How to reach Polička by plane.
The closest regional airport for some domestic and seasonal flights — roughly 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic; useful for connecting from other parts of Czechia or nearby countries.
A larger regional airport with more regular connections; approximately 1.5–2 hours by car. Good option for international arrivals with onward ground transport to Polička.
Major international airport serving Prague, roughly 2–2.5 hours by car or accessible by train/bus connections to regional rail links; offers the most flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families who work in local services, small industry and agriculture; community life centers on schools, clubs and local events.
Like many smaller Czech towns, Polička has a noticeable proportion of older residents, contributing to a quieter daytime atmosphere.
Some people commute to larger towns for work; occasional students and seasonal visitors supplement the local population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and youth football is popular; community clubs and weekend matches are common.
Hockey is widely followed in Czechia, with local rinks and youth programs drawing community interest in winter months.
Outdoor recreation like cycling, hiking and cross‑country skiing are popular among residents and visitors owing to the surrounding landscape.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Polička.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are fewer than in big cities; ask for vegetable stews, mushroom sauces with dumplings, salads and cheese-based dishes. Communicating 'jsem vegetarián/vegetariánka' helps; many restaurants will adapt dishes on request.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are limited; bring snacks if you have strict needs. Larger supermarkets in nearby towns carry speciality items. Explain allergies clearly: 'Jsem alergický/á na...' followed by the ingredient.
Staff in small establishments may have limited English; carry allergy cards in Czech naming ingredients (nuts, dairy, gluten) to show when ordering.