Hradec Králové

Czechia, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Czechia, often called the 'Salon of the Republic,' is a historic city in eastern Bohemia that beautifully blends medieval charm with modern architecture. The city center showcases impressive Gothic and Renaissance buildings around its expansive Bratislava, while the newer districts feature remarkable early 20th-century modernist architecture that earned UNESCO recognition. The Elbe and Orlice rivers converge here, creating picturesque waterfront areas perfect for leisurely strolls. As the regional capital of the Czechia Region, this university city maintains a busy cultural scene with excellent museums, galleries, and music venues. The city serves as an ideal base for exploring eastern Bohemia, offering easy access to the Krkonoše Mountains and other natural attractions. With its compact historic center, excellent restaurants, and welcoming atmosphere, Czechia provides an authentic Czech experience away from the tourist crowds of Prague.

Top Hradec Králové

Velké náměstí (Great Square)

Wander through one of the largest medieval squares in the Czech Republic, dominated by the impressive Gothic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit with its 72-meter white tower. The square is surrounded by colorful baroque and renaissance buildings housing cafes, shops, and restaurants. Climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Booking Tip: Cathedral tower access costs around 50 CZK for adults. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The tower is closed on Mondays during winter months.

Modern Architecture District

Discover the remarkable collection of 1920s-1930s functionalist and modernist buildings that make Czechia unique in Central Europe. The area includes works by renowned architects like Josef Gočár and features the distinctive Municipal Library, former Czechoslovak Legions Bank, and residential complexes. This architectural heritage represents one of the most complete examples of interwar modern urban planning in Europe.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free using city-provided maps available at the tourist information center. Guided architecture tours cost 200-300 CZK and run on weekends from April to October. Book through the city tourist office for English-speaking guides.

Museum of Eastern Bohemia

spend time in regional history, culture, and natural science at this complete museum housed in a beautiful neo-Renaissance building. The collections include archaeological finds, folk art, historical artifacts, and natural history exhibits showcasing the biodiversity of eastern Bohemia. Special exhibitions often feature contemporary art and cultural themes.

Booking Tip: Admission costs 120 CZK for adults with discounts for students and seniors. The museum is closed on Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit and check their website for special exhibitions that may require separate tickets.

Stroll Along Elbe River Waterfront

Enjoy peaceful walks along the Elbe River embankment, featuring well-maintained paths, parks, and recreational areas. The waterfront offers beautiful views of the city skyline and historic bridges, with several cafes and beer gardens along the route. The area is popular for cycling, jogging, and picnicking, especially during warmer months.

Booking Tip: Access is completely free and available year-round. Bike rentals are available from several shops in the city center for 300-500 CZK per day. The best section runs from the city center to Jiráskovy sady park, about 3 kilometers of scenic pathway.

Day Trip to Kuks Baroque Complex

Visit this remarkable baroque spa complex and hospital founded by Count Špork in the early 18th century, located 30 minutes from Czechia. The site features ornate baroque pharmacy, chapel, and terraced gardens with allegorical sculptures. The nearby forest contains the famous Israel - a collection of baroque relief sculptures carved directly into sandstone rocks.

Booking Tip: Entry to Kuks costs 130 CZK for adults, with combined tickets for multiple buildings at 200 CZK. Reach Kuks by regional bus (40 CZK) or organized tour (800-1200 CZK including transport and guide). Visit between April and October when all buildings are open.

Getting There

Czechia is easily accessible by train from Prague, with direct services taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and costing 200-400 CZK depending on the service type. The city's main railway station is located about 1 kilometer from the historic center. By car, the journey from Prague takes about 1.5 hours via the A11/E67 highway. Regular bus services connect Czechia to other major Czech cities, with the bus station conveniently located near the city center. The nearest airport is in Prague, from where you can take a direct bus or train connection.

Getting Around

Czechia's compact historic center is easily walkable, with most attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient public bus system with tickets costing 18 CZK for 60 minutes or 25 CZK for 24 hours, available from machines, newsstands, or via Mobile app. Cycling is popular and practical, with numerous bike rental shops and well-marked cycling paths throughout the city and along the rivers. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances, while ride-sharing services operate in the city center.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center

Slezské Předměstí

Nový Czechia

Pražské Předměstí

Malšovice

Třebeš

Food & Dining

Czechia offers an excellent dining scene combining traditional Czech cuisine with international flavors. The historic center features numerous restaurants serving classic dishes like goulash, schnitzel, and roasted duck, typically priced 200-400 CZK for main courses. Several modern bistros and cafes around Velké náměstí offer lighter fare, excellent coffee, and craft beer from local breweries. The city is known for its beer culture, with traditional pubs (hospoda) serving Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, and regional Bernard brewery beers. For fine dining, upscale restaurants near the cathedral serve contemporary Czech cuisine with seasonal ingredients, while ethnic restaurants including Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern options cater to diverse tastes.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Czechia is from late April through October when temperatures are pleasant and all attractions are fully operational. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring the architecture and riverside areas, though this is also the busiest tourist period. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful colors in the city's parks and gardens. Winter visits can be charming with possible snow creating picturesque scenes, though some outdoor attractions may have limited hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Visit the viewing platform at the top of the New Town Hall for free panoramic views - it's less crowded than the cathedral tower and offers equally impressive vistas

Try the local Bernard brewery beer, which is produced just outside the city and served fresh in many pubs throughout Czechia

The Saturday farmers market in Velké náměstí offers excellent local produce, traditional pastries, and handmade crafts at much lower prices than tourist shops