Pardubice

Pardubice is a city in the Pardubice Region of eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic, situated on the Elbe River. The city is the regional capital and one of the most important urban centres in eastern Bohemia, known for its annual Velká pardubická steeplechase — one of the most prestigious and dangerous horse races in Europe, held since 1874. The city is also famous for its gingerbread (perník), a tradition dating back centuries.

Pardubice has a history dating to the 13th century and features a well-preserved château, a pleasant old town, and significant industrial heritage from its role as a major railway junction and manufacturing centre. The city sits at the confluence of the Elbe and Chrudimka rivers and enjoys a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. With a population of approximately 90,000, Pardubice is the sixth largest city in the Czech Republic.

By Plane

Pardubice Airport (PED) is located 4 km from the city centre, with limited international and some domestic flights. Prague's Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is approximately 120 km away.

By Train

Pardubice hlavní nádraží is a major railway junction on the main line between Prague and Brno/Ostrava. Trains from Prague take approximately 1 hour, and from Brno about 1.5 hours. The station is centrally located.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes approximately 1.5 hours via the D11 motorway. From Brno the drive is about 1.5 hours via the D1. Roads are well-maintained.

The city centre is walkable. Local buses serve the broader urban area. The château and old town are close together and easily explored on foot.

• Pardubice Château (Zámek Pardubice) — a Renaissance château with a museum, gallery, and period interiors. Open daily, admission approximately 100 CZK.

• Velká pardubická (Grand Pardubice Steeplechase) — the famous horse race held annually in October at the Pardubice Racecourse.

• Pardubice Town Square (Pernštýnské náměstí) — a well-preserved square with arcaded houses and the city hall.

• Gingerbread Museum (Muzeum perníku) — exhibits on the city's gingerbread-making tradition.

• Green Gate (Zelená brána) — a Renaissance tower offering panoramic views of the city.

• Attending the Velká pardubická — the iconic steeplechase held in October.

• Château tour — explore the Renaissance interiors and museum.

• Walking the old town — the square and surrounding streets are rich in architecture.

• Cycling — the Elbe and Chrudimka river paths provide scenic routes.

• Visiting nearby towns — Chrudim, Litomyšl, and the Iron Mountains are accessible.

Czech cuisine with a range of options. Pardubice is known for its gingerbread, and several restaurants serve traditional Czech fare. Main courses range from 120–300 CZK.

• Restaurace na zámku — dining in the château complex.
• Restaurants on the town square — traditional Czech dishes.
• Gingerbread shops — try the local specialty.

Czech beer is the staple. Tap water is safe. The city has several pubs and cafés.

• Budget: Hostels and guesthouses offer beds from 300–600 CZK per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel & Restaurant U Slunce provides rooms from 1,200–2,000 CZK per night.
• Upscale / heritage: Hotel & Spa Continental and Hotel & Congress Centre Atrium offer upscale accommodation from 2,500–4,000 CZK per night.

The city has standard retail shops and a weekly market. Local products include Pardubice gingerbread (perník), a traditional sweet sold in ornate boxes. The château shop offers themed merchandise.

• Chrudim (15 km) — historic town with puppet museum.
• Litomyšl (50 km) — UNESCO-listed Renaissance château.
• Hradec Králové (45 km) — "Salon of the Republic" architecture.
• Prague (120 km) — the capital city.
• Brno (100 km) — second largest Czech city.