Pardubice

The historic capital of East Bohemia, famous for its traditional gingerbread production and the spectacular Steeds of Saint George fresco on the Renaissance town hall. The city offers charming old town squares, excellent museums, and serves as a gateway to the wider region's attractions.

Things to do

• Steeds of Saint George Fresco — Marvel at the Renaissance masterpiece adorning the town hall facade, depicting four magnificent horses that have become Pardubice's iconic symbol.
• Pardubice Gingerbread Museum — Explore the history and craft of traditional Czech gingerbread production, with demonstrations and opportunities to purchase authentic parnikek.
• Green Gate Tower — Climb the Renaissance tower in the old town square for panoramic views over Pardubice and the surrounding East Bohemian landscape.
• Pernstejn Castle Day Trip — Visit this dramatic Gothic-Renaissance fortress perched on a hilltop 35 kilometers away, one of the most impressive castles in Bohemia.
• Steelworks Museum — Discover Pardubice's industrial heritage through exhibits on the city's significant iron and steel production history.
• Old Town Square Stroll — Wander through the beautifully preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the main square, lined with colorful facades and cafes.

Food to try

• Pardubice Parnikek — Sample the city's famous traditional gingerbread, a protected regional specialty made with secret family recipes and distinctively shaped.
• Trdelnik — Try this sweet pastry spiral wrapped around a stick, filled with walnuts and cinnamon, a beloved Czech street food found throughout the old town.
• Svickova na Smetane — Enjoy this classic Czech marinated beef sirloin served with creamy sauce and bread dumplings, widely available in local restaurants.
• Kulajda Soup — Taste this hearty East Bohemian mushroom and potato soup typically garnished with dill and a poached egg.
• Spicy Pardubicky Salami — Purchase local smoked sausage and salami from regional producers, known for bold seasoning and quality craftsmanship.

Local customs & good to know

• Steeds Festival Timing — If visiting in autumn, try to catch the traditional Steeds of Saint George celebrations and horse races that honor the city's iconic symbol.
• Gingerbread Gift Tradition — Bringing home Pardubice gingerbread is a cherished souvenir tradition; many local shops offer beautifully decorated packages and gift sets.
• Old Town Exploration Pace — Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the compact old town on foot, as locals appreciate leisurely wandering rather than rushed tourism.
• Respectful Photography — Always ask permission before photographing local artisans or inside family-run gingerbread shops, as many take pride in their craft and privacy.

Nearby

• Chrudim — 9 km
• Hradec Králové (Northeast Bohemia) — 20 km
• Orlice Valley (Northeast Bohemia) — 26 km
• Kutná Hora (Prague and Central Bohemia) — 38 km