Hradec Králové Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, learn about local culture and customs, get around, and much more in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.


Introduction to Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové is a stunning city located in East Bohemia, in the Czech Republic. It sits on the banks of the Elbe River and is renowned for its rich history, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some of the must-see places to visit when in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hradec Králové is known for its cultural heritage, and there are numerous museums and historical places to explore:

  1. The East Bohemian Museum - One of the oldest museums in the Czech Republic, it specializes in archaeology, natural science, and history.
  2. White Tower - A well-known landmark located in the heart of the city that dates back to the 16th century.
  3. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - A historic church built in Gothic and Baroque styles and is known for its unique clock tower.

Natural Attractions of Hradec Králové: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hradec Králové is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers many outdoor activities:

  1. The Adrspach-Teplice Rocks - A popular hiking and climbing destination that features unique rocky formations and stunning views.
  2. The Giant Mountains - A famous mountain range that offers skiing and hiking opportunities.
  3. Broumov Walls - A natural reserve known for its deep valleys and rock formations.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové is surrounded by beautiful forests, hills, and streams, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes to explore:

  1. Iron Mountains Trail - This trail passes through iron mines and natural reserves, offering incredible views of the region’s countryside.
  2. Elbe River Cycle Route - This cycling route follows the river Elbe, taking visitors through picturesque scenery and small villages.
  3. Cesky Raj Trail - This hiking trail is known for its natural beauty and stunning rock formations.

Best Things to Do in Hradec Králové: Activities and Tours

Hradec Králové is full of fun and exciting activities, and there are many tours in the city to explore. Here are some of the best things to do when in the city:

  1. Hot Air Balloon Ride - Experience the city from above with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.
  2. Brewery Tours - Discover the traditional brewing techniques of local breweries and sample delicious Czech beer.
  3. Segway Tours - Explore the city on a Segway, an easy and fun way to visit Hradec Králové’s top attractions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hradec Králové

To ensure you make the most out of your trip to Hradec Králové, here is a suggested week-long itinerary itinerary:

Day Plan
1 Visit East Bohemian Museum and White Tower
2 Explore the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and tour the city center
3 Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride and visit the nearby Adrspach-Teplice Rocks
4 Enjoy hiking or biking along the Iron Mountains Trail
5 Tour local breweries and sample Czech beer
6 Visit Broumov Walls and do some shopping in the city center
7 Take a Segway tour of Hradec Králové, go skiing or hiking in the nearby Giant Mountains

Food and Drink Scene of Hradec Králové

Czech cuisine is known for its hearty meals, meats and potatoes, and rich soups. Here are some must-try dishes to try when in Hradec Králové:

Must-Try Dishes:

  1. Goulash - A traditional beef soup made from spices, vegetables, and beef.
  2. Svickova - A roast beef dish served with dumplings, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
  3. Knedliky - A type of dumpling often served with meat dishes.

Local Beverages:

Hradec Králové is known for its local beers. Be sure to try some during your visit.

Where to Stay in Hradec Králové: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hradec Králové offers a range of accommodation options, from high-end hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city:

  1. Hotel Cernigov - A 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city offering modern amenities.
  2. U Královny Elišky Hotel - A boutique hotel boasting beautiful interiors and excellent service.
  3. Popelka Hotel - Offering budget-friendly rooms, Popelka hotel is ideal for those on a budget.

What to Buy in Hradec Králové: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hradec Králové is a great place to buy souvenirs. Some options include:

  1. Glassware - Hand-blown glassware is a specialty of the Czech Republic, and visitors can find beautiful pieces throughout the city.
  2. Wooden Toys - Handmade wooden toys can be found in local stores or at the Christmas Market.
  3. Becherovka - A traditional Czech herbal liqueur that’s perfect for taking home as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Hradec Králové

While visiting Hradec Králové, learn and respect the local customs and traditions:

  1. Greetings - A handshake is the standard greeting and is expected when meeting someone.
  2. Tipping - Tipping is common in the Czech Republic, usually 10% for restaurants and cafes.
  3. Dress Code - Dress is generally casual, but it’s respectful to dress smartly when attending cultural events or restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Hradec Králové

The best time to visit Hradec Králové is in the spring and summer months between March and September when temperatures range between 15-25°C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hradec Králové

Do:

  1. Try local Czech beers and cuisine.
  2. Respect local customs and traditions.
  3. Explore the city’s cultural highlights.

Don’t:

  1. Rely solely on English as Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic.
  2. Overpay for goods or services.
  3. Dress poorly for cultural or formal occasions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hradec Králové:

Hradec Králové is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should always be cautious and use common sense. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, so it’s best to keep your belongings close.

Health in Hradec Králové:

The Czech Republic has a well-functioning health system. Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage before visiting Hradec Králové.

Getting to Hradec Králové: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hradec Králové is accessible via a range of transportation options. Here’s what you need to know:

Airports Near Hradec Králové:

  1. Pardubice Airport - Located around 40 km away from the city center of Hradec Králové .
  2. Vaclav Havel Airport Prague - Located around 120 km away from the city center

Bus Stations Near Hradec Králové:

  1. Hradec Králové Bus Station - The city’s main bus station.
  2. Florenc Bus Station - Located in Prague and is a major transportation hub.

Other Options:

  1. Train - Hradec Králové has a train station that connects to various destinations within the Czech Republic.
  2. Car - Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in the city center, providing easy access to nearby destinations.

How to Get Around in Hradec Králové

There are many transportation options to explore Hradec Králové:

  1. Tram - The city’s tram system is an excellent way to get around.
  2. Bus - Buses run regularly and cover most destinations within the city.
  3. Taxi - Taxis are available in Hradec Králové and are easy to find in the city center.

Where to Go Next from Hradec Králové: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hradec Králové is an excellent starting point for exploring the beauty of the Czech Republic. Here are some nearby destinations to visit:

  1. Prague - The Czech capital is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and museums.
  2. Kutna Hora - A well-preserved medieval town famous for its stunning Gothic architecture.
  3. Brno - Known for its historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural scene.

Conclusion

Hradec Králové is a hidden gem in the Czech Republic, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re interested in culture, nature, or adventure, this beautiful city has something for everyone.

Hradec Králové Town Hall Hradec Králové Town Hall Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the White Tower and the former Town Hall Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the White Tower and the former Town Hall