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Pardubice

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Pardubice (Czech Republic)
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Practical info — Pardubice

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The historic center (Pernštýnské náměstí) features beautifully painted Renaissance and Baroque facades; the late afternoon sun highlights their details perfectly.
  • Pardubice is incredibly bike-friendly. Watch out for cyclists on shared paths, or rent a bike yourself to get around like a local.
  • Don't miss Pardubice Castle; its defensive earthworks (valy) are now a park where beautiful peacocks freely roam.
  • If visiting during the famous Velká pardubická steeplechase in October, book your accommodation and restaurant tables months in advance.
  • The Green Gate (Zelená brána) provides a great viewpoint over the old town, but the stairs are steep and narrow.

🍽 Food

🍽
Pardubický perník

The famous Pardubice gingerbread. You can find specialized, beautifully decorated gingerbread shops around Pernštýnské square.

🍽
Pardubický Porter

A distinctively strong, dark, sweet local beer. Try it in traditional Czech pubs and restaurants in the city center.

🍽
Svíčková na smetaně

A traditional Czech dish of marinated beef with a creamy root vegetable sauce, available in most classic restaurants near the castle.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Gingerbread Boutiques

Look for shops near the main square selling authentic 'Pardubický perník', which makes a well-suited, edible souvenir.

🛍
Třída Míru (Peace Avenue)

The lively main pedestrian boulevard connecting the newer parts of town to the historical center, lined with shops and cafes.

🧘
Pardubice Castle Park

The old defensive ramparts are now a quiet green haven right next to the historic center, famous for its roaming peacocks.

🧘
Tyršovy sady

A beautiful park situated directly beneath the castle, featuring water elements, quiet benches, and paved walking paths.

🧘
Confluence of the Labe and Chrudimka

Take a walk along the riverbanks to the point where the two rivers meet; it's a peaceful spot popular with local walkers and cyclists.

Highlights of 2026

2

Pardubice, a prominent city in East Bohemia on the banks of the Elbe River, is widely celebrated as the city of gingerbread and horse racing. Its historical development was shaped significantly by the Pernštejn noble family, who converted the local castle into a grand Renaissance residence during the 15th and 16th centuries. The city's historic core centers on Perštýn Square, which is lined with ornate burgher houses and dominated by the iconic Green Gate. Internationally, Pardubice is famous for hosting the Velká pardubická steeplechase, one of Europe's oldest and most challenging cross-country horse races, held annually since 1874. Industrially, the city grew as a chemical manufacturing hub in the 20th century, notably as the birthplace of the Semtex plastic explosive. The culinary tradition of gingerbread making dates back to the 16th century and is still protected as a traditional craft. Today, Pardubice serves as a vital railway junction and a regional center of education and industry.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-238131720191483-1
Rain mm514145387780868062494547

Live webcam – Pardubice

See what it looks like near Pardubice right now.

Pardubice: Staré Město · 0.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
88,520
Coordinates
50.03860, 15.77920

Facts

  • The first written mention of Pardubice dates back to 1295.
  • Pardubice Castle was renovated into a Renaissance style around 1500.
  • The Velká pardubická steeplechase was first held in 1874.
  • The Green Gate (Zelená brána) stands 60 meters tall in the city center.
  • The city is the birthplace of the plastic explosive Semtex (developed in 1952).
  • Pardubice is a major junction on the Prague-Ostrava railway line.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Pardubice (23)

Muzeum Historie železniční dopravy a městské hromadné dopravy🏛 museum

Museum of Railway and Urban Transport History in Pardubice, located in a historic railway depot.

🕒 May 01-Sep 15: Sa 09:00-16:00

Exil🎭 culture

Exil cultural centre in Pardubice, dedicated to themes of exile and migration.

Východočeské muzeum v Pardubicích🏛 museum

East Bohemian Museum in Pardubice, housed in Pardubice Castle.

💶

Památník Zámeček🏛 museum

Zámeček Memorial in Pardubice, a museum commemorating victims of Nazi terror in a former manor house.

Východočeské divadlo🎭 culture

Východočeské divadlo (East Bohemian Theatre) in Pardubice.

Pohádková zahrada👨‍👩‍👧 family

Pohádková zahrada, a fairy-tale themed garden with play areas for children in Pardubice.

Divadlo 29🎭 culture

Divadlo 29, a small alternative theatre and cultural venue in Pardubice.

Lumpárium👨‍👩‍👧 family

Lumpárium, an adventure playground and family entertainment centre in Pardubice.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-19:00

IQ park Ideon👨‍👩‍👧 family

IQ park Ideon, an interactive science centre for children and families in Pardubice.

Tyršovy sady🌳 park

Tyršovy sady, a park with sports facilities and a pond in Pardubice.

Zelená brána📍 landmark

The Zelená brána is an iconic historic gate and local attraction in Pardubitz.

Bubeníkovy sady🌳 park

Bubeník Gardens in Pardubice, a park with a large fountain and walking paths.

Vila Václava Ulrycha📍 landmark

The Vila Václava Ulrycha is a notable historic villa and attraction located in Pardubitz.

Park Vinice🌳 park

Park Vinice, a vineyard-themed park on a hill in Pardubice.

Zámeček📍 landmark

The Zámeček, also known as the Larischova vila, is a historic attraction in Pardubitz.

Nejsvětější Trojice🏺 historical

Holy Trinity column in Pardubice, a Baroque plague column from the 18th century on the main square.

Kaple svatého Václava⛪ religious

St. Wenceslaus Chapel in Pardubice, a neo-Romanesque chapel from the 19th century.

sv. Jana Křtitele⛪ religious

Church of St. John the Baptist in Pardubice.

Kaple Anno Domini⛪ religious

Anno Domini Chapel in Pardubice, a modern chapel with a distinctive triangular shape.

telekomunikační věž🗼 tower

Telekomunikační věž (Telecommunication Tower) in Pardubice.

Bajkal🌿 nature

A well-known lake in Pardubice, offering a pleasant setting for outdoor leisure activities.

RY202a🌿 nature

A quiet body of water in Pardubice, handy for a break in nature.

RY22a🌿 nature

A natural lake in Pardubice, inviting relaxation by the water.

Frequently asked questions

What sweet treat is Pardubice famous for?
For its gingerbread (perník), which has a long-standing tradition.
What is the most important sporting event?
The 'Velká Pardubická' steeplechase, one of Europe's toughest horse races.
Is the castle worth visiting?
Yes, Pardubice Castle is a valuable Renaissance building with a museum.
What is the Green Gate?
A historic city gate with a tower overlooking the city center.
Are there activities for children?
Aquapark Pardubice provides year-round water fun for families.
Pardubice: where is it located?
Pardubice is located in Czech Republic.
Pardubice: what is there to see?
Highlights include Muzeum Historie železniční dopravy a městské hromadné dopravy, Exil, Východočeské muzeum v Pardubicích.
Pardubice: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pardubice: why is it worth visiting?
Pardubice, a prominent city in East Bohemia on the banks of the Elbe River, is widely celebrated as the city of gingerbread and horse racing.
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