Things to do in Czech Republic
-
A
Svatováclavský Pivovar
Another microbrewery (what's in the water in Olomouc?), this is a bit bigger than Moritz and it's easier to find a walk-in table here. The microbrewery produces several excellent versions of unpasteurised yeast beer. The menu features mostly Czech standards done well, plus a few dishes that experiment with Olomouc’s signature stinky cheese.
reviewed
-
B
Strahov Library
Strahov Library is the largest monastic library in the country, with two magnificent baroque halls dating from the 17th an 18th centuries. You can peek through the doors but, sadly, you can’t go into the halls themselves – it was found that fluctuations in humidity caused by visitors’ breath was endangering the frescoes. There's also a display of historical curiousities.
The stunning interior of the two-storey-high Philosophy Hall (Filozofický sál; 1780–97) was built to fit around the carved and gilded, floor-to-ceiling walnut shelving that was rescued from another monastery in South Bohemia (access to the upper gallery is via spiral staircases concealed in the…
reviewed
-
C
St Moritz Cathedral
This vast Gothic cathedral is Olomouc's original parish church, built between 1412 and 1540. The western tower is a remnant of its 13th-century predecessor. The cathedral's amazing sense of peace is shattered every September with an International Organ Festival; the cathedral's organ is Moravia's mightiest. The tower provides the best view in town.
reviewed
-
D
St Michael Church
This beautiful church on Žerotínovo náměstí sports a green dome and a robust baroque interior with a rare painting of a pregnant Virgin Mary. Wrapped around the entire block is an active Dominican seminary (Dominikánský klášter).
reviewed
-
E
Small Gate
reviewed
-
F
Ristorante Sapori
This elegant Italian restaurant is the best in the immediate vicinity for a proper tablecloth dinner with all the trimmings. We like the calamari with arugula garlic and cherry tomatoes. Offers daily lunch specials with mains priced under 150Kč. Handsome light decor with hardwood floors; excellent wine list.
reviewed
-
G
Reduta Theatre
Opera and classical music with an emphasis on Mozart (he played there in 1767). Buy tickets at the National Theatre Box Office.
reviewed
-
H
Puppet Museum
Since opening in 2011, this museum has been a hit with the younger set. The exhibitions are well done, and many are interactive, allowing visitors to indulge their inner puppeteers.
reviewed
-
I
Promenáda
The house restaurant of the Hotel Promenáda has appeared in some 'best of' lists for the Czech Republic and is a perennial favourite on online forums. The elegant dining area is conducive to a memorable evening, and the food is very good (though perhaps not always worth the steep prices).
reviewed
-
Prague Special Tours
Their communism tour visits a genuine 1950s underground nuclear bunker, containing a small museum (actually, the same bunker that houses nightclub Bunkr Parukářka).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Prague Castle Picture Gallery
The same Swedish army that looted the famous bronzes in the Wallenstein Garden in 1648 also nicked Rudolf II’s art treasures. This exhibition of 16th- to 18th-century European art, housed in the beautiful Renaissance stables at the northern end of the Second Courtyard, is based on the Habsburg collection that was begun in 1650 to replace the lost paintings; it includes works by Cranach, Holbein, Rubens, Tintoretto and Titian.
reviewed
-
K
Plaza Cinema City Plzeň
A multiplex cinema in a shopping mall. Catch tram 2 and jump off two stops west from náměstí Republiky.
reviewed
-
L
Pizzerie
Right on the main square and right on the money for better-than-average pizza.
reviewed
-
M
Pivnice Pegas
Pivo melts that old Moravian reserve as the locals become pleasantly noisy. Don't miss the 12° wheat beer with a slice of lemon. Try to book a table in advance, or grab a spot at one of Brno's longest bars. The food's pretty good too, but the interior can get smoky.
reviewed
-
N
-
O
National Theatre Box Office
The Theatre Booking Office, sells tickets to both the Janáček and Reduta Theatres.
reviewed
-
P
Na Spilce
This excellent pub and restaurant within the confines of the Pilsner Urquell brewery feels like a factory canteen. The traditional Czech cooking is above average, and the beer is fresh from tanks next door.
reviewed
-
Q
Na Parkánu
Don't overlook this pleasant pub/restaurant, attached to the Brewery Museum. It may look a bit touristy, but the traditional Czech food is top rate, and the beer, naturally, could hardly be better. Try to snag a spot on the summer garden. Don't leave without trying the nefiltrované pivo (unfiltered beer).
reviewed
-
R
Náměstí Zachariáše z Hradce
Telč's stunning town square is a tourist attraction in its own right. Most houses here were built in Renaissance style in the 16th century after a fire levelled the town in 1530. Some facades were given baroque facelifts in the 17th and 18th centuries, but the overall effect is harmoniously Renaissance.
Some famous houses on the square include No 15, which shows the characteristic Renaissance sgraffito. The house at No 48 was given a baroque facade in the 18th century. No 61 has a lively Renaissance facade rich in sgraffito. The Marian column in the middle of the square dates from 1717, and is a relatively late baroque addition.
reviewed
-
Museum of Romany Culture
This excellent museum provides an overdue positive showcase of Romany culture. Highlights include a couple of music-packed videos, period photographs from across Europe, and regular special exhibitions.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Moser Glass Museum
The Moser Glass Museum has more than 2000 items on display. Tours of the adjacent glassworks and combined tickets are also available. There is a shop here, too, but the prices are not anything special, and there's another shop in town. To get here catch bus 1 from the Tržnice bus station.
reviewed
-
T
Moritz
This microbrewery and restaurant is a firm local favourite. We reckon it's a combination of the terrific beers, good value food, and a praise-worthy 'no smoking' policy. In summer, the beer garden's the only place to be. Advance booking a must.
reviewed
-
U
Modrý Zub
This slick, stylish and deservedly popular noodle bar is ideal for a quick hit of chilli and ginger, just a few paces away from Wenceslas Square. Sit on the high bench along the back wall and peruse a menu that includes dim sum, warm Thai salads, red, green and yellow Thai curries, stir-fries with fresh Asian flavours, and noodles served all ways.
reviewed
-
V
Modrý Dveře Jazz & Blues
By day Modrý Dveře is a welcoming bar-cafe with vintage pics of Sinatra. At dusk the lights dim for live music - blues and jazz on Thursdays (from 8pm), and DJs on most Friday nights.
reviewed
-
W
Minach
More than 50 kinds of handmade chocolates and bracing coffee make this an essential mid-morning or mid-afternoon detour.
reviewed