Things To Do
in Říčany
Říčany is a historic market town in the Central Bohemian Region just east of Prague, known for a compact town centre, a parish church and a lively local community. It functions as a popular commuter town with easy rail and road links to the capital while retaining green corridors, parks and short rural escapes nearby. Visitors will find a mix of traditional Czech hospodas (pubs), cafés and small businesses clustered around the square alongside family-friendly facilities.
The town is a good base for short day trips into Průhonice Park, nearby nature reserves and cycling routes along minor roads and river valleys.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a stroll through the charming streets of Říčany, admiring the mix of historical and modern architecture. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up some fresh produce or artisanal goods. A café stop is a must to enjoy a cup of Czech coffee paired with a delicious pastry.
Spend your afternoon exploring the park at Hisál, a donative park that features beautiful walking paths and serene spots perfect for a leisurely picnic. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the local museum to learn more about the town’s history and cultural heritage. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside trails that offer stunning views.
As the sun sets, head to one of the local restaurants to indulge in traditional Czech cuisine, sampling dishes like svíčková or goulash. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the main square where you can enjoy the beautifully lit buildings and perhaps catch a local event or performance. Wind down with a nightcap at a cozy pub, interacting with locals and sharing stories.
Hop on a train to Prague and start your day at the iconic Charles Bridge, soaking in the views of the Vltava River and the city's stunning architecture. Explore the winding streets of Old Town, stopping by the Astronomical Clock to see its famous hourly show. Take your time to enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the many delightful cafés scattered throughout the area.
Head to Prague Castle, where you can explore the impressive grounds and visit St. Vitus Cathedral. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll down Malá Strana, enjoying the unique shops and peaceful gardens. Grab a bite to eat at a garden restaurant while enjoying the beautiful views of the city.
As evening falls, find a spot along the Vltava River to watch the sunset over the water. You might want to take a river cruise to experience the city from a different perspective. End your day with a visit to a local brewery, sampling some of the region's best beers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥘Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $35-55 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5 L at a pub) | $1.5-3 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket to Prague | $1.5-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Prague with easy transport links
- Compact, walkable town centre with a friendly local atmosphere
- Good access to parks, trails and short countryside escapes
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining compared with Prague
- Smaller town services — for some specialist needs you may need to travel to Prague
- "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
- "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kde je ... ?" - Where is ... ?
- "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
- "Promiňte" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Říčany
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of Říčany with colourful façades, cafés and everyday town life — best in morning light or at dusk when lights come on.
Historic church architecture and narrow streets provide good detail shots and candid street photography opportunities.
Large landscaped park with ponds, bridges and mature trees; excellent for nature, macro and landscape photography across seasons.
Quiet trails and hill viewpoints on the town’s outskirts offer peaceful sunrise/sunset panoramas and seasonal foliage.
Local waterways and pond edges are good for reflections, birdlife and tranquil natural scenes, especially in spring and autumn.
Food in Říčany
Říčany Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated beef in a creamy vegetable sauce served with bread dumplings — a Czech classic often available at local restaurants and family-style eateries.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef stew with caraway and paprika served with sliced bread dumplings; a warming, common lunch or dinner choice.
Breaded and fried cheese (often Edam) usually served with fries and tartar sauce; a popular casual snack or pub meal.
Sweet pastries filled with jam, cheese or poppy seed found in local bakeries for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly market or seasonal stalls where local farmers sell produce, eggs, cheeses, honey and baked goods — ideal for sampling fresh regional products.
Occasional weekend markets and community fairs around the square feature street food, grilled specialties and sweets during warmer months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite greeting (Dobrý den) and a handshake for first meetings; using surnames and titles is appreciated in formal contexts, while first names are fine among friends.
Stand in line and wait your turn; Czechs value modesty and respect, so avoid loud, attention-seeking behaviour in public spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside churches or at private properties and events.
In private homes some hosts may offer to remove shoes — follow their lead and accept graciously if requested.
Safety
Tipping in Říčany
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of around 5–10% in restaurants is customary for good service; many locals simply round up the bill or hand a small cash tip directly to the server. Card payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but smaller pubs, markets and stalls may prefer cash (Czech koruna). Contactless payments and mobile payments are increasingly common; always check whether a service charge is included before tipping.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours; ideal for cycling, outdoor dining and park visits. Expect local events and busy weekends as residents and Prague visitors head to green areas.
Crisp air and colourful foliage make it a lovely time for hiking and photography; temperatures cool and rain becomes more frequent so pack layers and a rain jacket.
Cold temperatures with occasional snow; the town is quiet and charming but some outdoor facilities may be limited — bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear for icy conditions.
Unpredictable weather with blooming parks and melting snows; a good time for lower-season sightseeing and enjoying markets as they re-open.
Říčany at Night
Hiking in Říčany
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive landscaped park with ponds, lanes and varied plantings — easy to moderate walking with photographic highlights and seasonal floral displays.
Short local trails around Říčany through mixed woodland and small hills, suitable for family hikes, running and nature walks.
A protected beech forest and nature reserve within easy reach offering quiet, longer trails and rich biodiversity — excellent for autumn colours and birdwatching.
Riverside routes along sections of the Sázava provide longer-distance hikes, scenic paddling access and opportunities to combine walking with small towns and picnic spots.
Airports
How to reach Říčany by plane.
The primary international airport serving Prague, approximately 20–30 km from Říčany (30–50 minutes by car depending on traffic); easy to reach by taxi or a combination of regional transport and transfers.
A smaller regional airport roughly 80–100 km east of Říčany (about 1–1.5 hours by car), offering some scheduled and charter flights.
Located further to the southeast (about 2 hours by car), an option for some domestic and regional flights; best if combining with travel to southern Moravia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Czech, including long-term families and retirees who form the core community.
A significant portion of the population commutes daily to Prague for work, giving the town a busy weekday rhythm and suburban character.
A modest but present international community, often families drawn by proximity to Prague and international schools or companies in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and amateur leagues are popular; many townspeople follow national and club matches and children often play in organised youth teams.
A major national sport with strong local interest; community rinks and junior programmes attract players and fans.
Recreational cycling, road rides and running are common thanks to scenic routes and parks close to town.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Říčany.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasing — look for salads, cheese-based dishes, soups and vegetable mains at cafés and bistros; ask for "bez masa" (without meat) and point to menu items or ingredients if language is a barrier.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are less common in small-town pubs but available in modern cafés and some restaurants; communicate needs clearly (vegan = "veganské", gluten-free = "bez lepku") and consider larger shops in Prague if you need specialty groceries.
Staff may not always speak fluent English, so carry a short allergy note in Czech explaining your restriction to show when ordering.