Things To Do
in Havlickv Brod

Havlíčkův Brod is a historic town in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic, perched along the rolling landscape and waterways of the area. The town center showcases well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture, inviting visitors to wander its cobbled streets. It serves as a gateway to the surrounding countryside, offering easy access to forests, rivers, and quiet villages.

Visitors experience Czech hospitality in a compact town that blends heritage with a relaxed, friendly vibe.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Havlickv Brod and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, where you can admire the historical architecture. Visit the local bakery to enjoy a traditional Czech pastry with your coffee.

afternoon
:

Explore the Havlíčkův Brod Museum to learn about the city's rich history. Enjoy a walk along the Sázava River, taking in the picturesque landscapes and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can savor local dishes.

evening
:

Have dinner at a cozy local tavern, where you can sample Czech beers paired with delicious Czech meals. After dinner, enjoy a walk through the illuminated city streets, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at a nearby bar, mingling with locals.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Church of St. Bartholomew, a significant religious site in the city. Spend time admiring the intricate architecture and beautiful interior. Attend a morning service if timing allows you to experience local traditions.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the city park for a leisurely walk or a picnic amidst nature. Engage with local artisans at the farmer's market, where you can purchase handmade goods and fresh produce. Spend your afternoon sipping coffee at a café while people-watching.

evening
:

Enjoy a theater performance at the local cultural center, showcasing Czech talent. After the show, dine at a nearby restaurant that focuses on farm-to-table cuisine. Finish the evening with a stroll around the park, enjoying the beauty of Havlickv Brod under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🥛Milk (1 liter)$1-2
🚌Public transport full-day pass$4-6
Coffee$2-4
🎬Cinema ticket$7-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-city atmosphere with rich history
  • Affordability and accessibility from Prague and Brno
  • Scenic countryside and easy day trips
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Smaller selection of international dining options
  • Occasional language barriers for non-C Czech speakers in rural areas
  • "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Prosím" - Please / Excuse me
  • "Můžu dostat účet?" - Can I have the bill?
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Havlickv Brod

Visit one of these nice places.

Masaryk Square

Central square with colorful historic facades and the town hall—great for evening and golden-hour photography.

Riverside Promenade

Scenic path along the river with trees and bridges, ideal for reflective and landscape shots.

Historic Town Hall & Clock Tower

Tower views over the old town and a backdrop of traditional architecture.

Culinary Guide

Food in Havlickv Brod

Havlíčkův Brod follows the Czech tradition of hearty, comforting dishes, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, dumplings, soups, and local beers.

Havlickv Brod Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Svíčková na smetaně

Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, typically served with dumplings.

Must-Try!

Guláš (Goulash)

Hearty beef stew often served with bread or dumplings.

Kulajda

Creamy dill soup with mushrooms and potatoes.

Knedlíky (Dumplings)

Potato or bread dumplings that accompany many Czech dishes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Masarykovo náměstí Market

Weekend market offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and casual street bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters. Expect rainfall throughout the year, with snow in winter and occasional thunderstorms in summer; spring and autumn are mild but changeable.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; address people by surname with Pan/Paní titles in formal situations.

Respect for traditions

Polite behavior in public, quiet conversations in restaurants, and punctuality for meetings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas, follow local traffic rules, and be cautious near water edges at night. In case of emergency, call 112 in the Czech Republic.

Tipping in Havlickv Brod

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; rounding up is common.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are popular; some small vendors may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming trees; pack a light rain jacket.

Summer

Warm days and occasional storms; stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and cooler days; ideal for outdoor walks and photography.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

Nightlife Guide

Havlickv Brod at Night

In Havlíčkův Brod, nightlife is low-key and neighborhood-focused. Expect cozy pubs and beer halls around the square, offering local beers and casual meals. On weekends, there may be live music or cultural events at local venues, with a friendly, relaxed vibe rather than a flashy club scene.

Hiking in Havlickv Brod

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Žďárské vrchy (hills)

Forest-covered hills with scenic viewpoints varying across seasons.

Sázava River valley

Gentle to moderate trails along the river with bridges and meadows.

Vysočina plateau lookout points

Open panoramas over farmland and forests; suitable for day hikes.

Airports

How to reach Havlickv Brod by plane.

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)

Main international gateway; about a 1.5- to 2-hour train/drive to Havlíčkův Brod; frequent direct connections by rail.

Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)

Second major airport in the Czech Republic; transfer by rail or car to the town.

Pardubice Airport (PED)

Smaller regional airport; limited international flights; rail directions via main hubs.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with cobbled streets and pleasant squares. Most sights, shops, and cafes are within a short stroll, though some hillside areas may require a bit of climbing. Public transit within the town is limited but nearby connections are good for day trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Czech families; aging population; a small student and professional community.

Expats

A small number of international residents and long-term visitors, mainly in Prague or nearby larger towns, with limited permanent presence in Havlíčkův Brod.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular among locals and clubs; matches can be observed in town or regional grounds.

Ice hockey

Winter sport with local teams and rink facilities in nearby towns.

Cycling

Paved and dirt routes through the Vysočina countryside; popular with locals and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the town center is moderate with seasonal fluctuations; car parking is available but limited in the oldest streets. Regional trains and buses provide reliable transport to Prague, Brno, Jihlava, and other Vysočina towns. For day trips, trains and rental cars are convenient; buses connect to smaller villages.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Havlickv Brod.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common; look for soups, dumplings with cheese, and mushroom dishes. Don’t hesitate to ask for meat-free options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Havlíčkův Brod includes local GP clinics and a regional network; for major procedures or specialized care, travel to larger centers such as Jihlava or Prague is common. European Health Insurance Card holders can access care with their insurance; always carry your insurance card and ID.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide