Things To Do
in Milovice

Milovice is a small town northeast of Prague known for its unusual history as a former Soviet military airbase that has been transformed into open parkland and residential areas. The former airfield and surrounding grasslands are now a nature reserve home to free-roaming Konik horses and Exmoor ponies, creating a striking mix of industrial relics and wildlife. Milovice has family-friendly attractions like the Mirakulum playground and hosts occasional festivals and outdoor events on the vast open spaces.

It is also a quiet commuter town with easy rail connections to Prague and nearby historic towns such as Lysá nad Labem and Nymburk.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Milovice
morning
:

Arrive at the small town of Milovice and settle into your accommodations. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets to get a feel for the local atmosphere. Enjoy a warm Czech breakfast at a nearby café, savoring freshly baked pastries and local coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the Milovice Military Area, an expansive site that offers a glimpse into the town's history. Explore the remnants of military fortifications, and take pictures of the unique landscape. Consider a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the area’s past and its transformation post-military usage.

evening
:

Wrap up your first day with a cozy dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant. Try local dishes such as svíčková or goulash, delighting your taste buds with authentic flavors. Spend your evening mingling with locals or enjoying a quiet walk under the starlit sky.

day 2
Exploring Nature Reserves
morning
:

Start your day with a hike in the nearby Czech Paradise Nature Reserve, located a short drive from Milovice. The fresh morning air and scenic trails provide the perfect backdrop for nature lovers. Engage in birdwatching or photography while immersing yourself in the lush surroundings.

afternoon
:

After a fulfilling hike, take a picnic lunch by one of the serene lakes in the reserve. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the sounds of nature as you relax before continuing your exploration. Consider visiting the nearby rock formations, where you can climb or simply admire the stunning views.

evening
:

Return to Milovice and enjoy a casual dinner at a local pub, where you can try Czech beers and local specialties. Reflect on your day spent in nature while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. If you’re in the mood, join in some music or dance if there’s an evening gathering.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee (café)$2-3
🍺Domestic beer (0.5L, pub)$1.50-3
🚕Taxi start / short ride$3-7
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$50-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Unique landscapes combining former military infrastructure and open nature reserve.
  • Easy access to Prague while offering quieter, family-friendly attractions.
  • Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and wide open outdoor spaces.
  • Affordable dining and low-key local culture.
  • Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger towns or Prague.
  • Public transport options are good but less frequent late at night or on weekends.
  • Some former military areas may be fenced off or inaccessible, limiting exploration.
  • Fewer specialized dietary or international-food options in small-town eateries.
  • "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
  • "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kde je nádraží?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Milovice

Visit one of these nice places.

Former airfield and runways

Wide open spaces, decaying hangars and long runways create dramatic industrial landscapes and great golden-hour shots of skies and silhouettes.

Milovice Nature Reserve (Konik horse herds)

Photograph free-roaming Konik horses and Exmoor ponies against grassland backdrops — best in the morning or late afternoon when animals are active.

Mirakulum park

Colorful playground structures, sculptures and family scenes make for lively, playful photos — ideal for visitors with children.

Riverside near Lysá nad Labem and Nymburk

Elbe riverbanks provide peaceful water reflections, bridges and river-traffic subjects, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Town center and local pubs

Capture everyday Czech life — street scenes, pub interiors and market stalls for authentic travel photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Milovice

Milovice offers classic Czech cuisine with hearty meat-based dishes, soups, and excellent lager; dining is dominated by local pubs (hospody) and small family restaurants. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional preparations are common, and you’ll also find simple cafés and bakeries for pastries and coffee. Because Milovice is a small town, many of the best meals are found in modest local places rather than fine-dining establishments.

Milovice Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Svíčková na smetaně

Marinated beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce served with dumplings — a Czech classic found at many local pubs and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Guláš (Goulash) with knedlíky

Hearty beef or pork goulash served with bread or potato dumplings; a staple comfort food in Milovice’s hospody.

Trdelník (street pastry)

Sweet, rolled pastry often sold at markets and tourist stalls — crispy on the outside and soft inside, commonly coated in sugar or nuts.

Local beer

Czech lagers and craft beers are widely available; try a local taproom or the lagers served in pubs for a genuine taste.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly farmers’ market (seasonal)

Seasonal markets near the town center sell local produce, cheeses, breads and pastries; ideal for sampling regional flavors and buying picnic supplies.

Street stalls and festival food

During summer events and festivals on the airfield expect street food stands selling grilled meats, trdelník, sausages and beer.

Climate Guide

Weather

Milovice has a temperate continental climate with warm summers (average highs around 24–26°C) and cold winters (often near or below freezing). Spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather and occasional rain. Precipitation is moderate and most snow falls between December and February; summers offer long daylight and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and formality

A firm handshake and eye contact are common when meeting someone; use formal titles until invited to use first names.

Punctuality

Czechs value punctuality — arrive on time for appointments and organized tours.

Respect quiet and public spaces

Keep noise to a reasonable level in residential areas, public transport and restaurants; avoid loud behavior late at night.

Churches and historic sites

Dress modestly and behave respectfully when visiting churches and memorials; photography rules may vary inside.

Safety Guide

Safety

Milovice is generally safe for travelers with low rates of violent crime; usual urban precautions (watch your belongings in crowds) are sufficient. Avoid trespassing on fenced former military properties or restricted areas of the old base; some sites may still be unsafe or privately owned. In nature areas, be aware of ticks in warmer months and bring insect repellent; for emergencies dial 112 (EU emergency number) or 155 for ambulance.

Tipping in Milovice

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving 5–10% or rounding up the bill at restaurants and cafés is common. For taxis, round up or add a small tip; for hotel porters and other services, 20–50 CZK is typical.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but small pubs, markets and vendors may prefer cash. ATMs (bankomats) are available in town; carry some Czech koruna (CZK) for small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm and sunny days make summer ideal for outdoor activities, festivals and exploring the airfield and nature reserve; pack sun protection and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Autumn

Crisp weather and changing foliage offer beautiful landscapes for photography and quieter trails; bring layers and waterproof shoes for muddy paths.

Winter

Cold winters with possible snow — outdoor activities slow down and some attractions may have reduced hours; dress warmly and check train schedules during snow or ice.

Spring

Wildflowers and returning wildlife make spring a lovely time to visit, with milder temperatures and occasional rainy days — good for birdwatching and cycling as paths dry out.

Nightlife Guide

Milovice at Night

Milovice’s nightlife is low-key, centered on local pubs, beer gardens and seasonal outdoor events on the airfield. Expect friendly neighborhood bars with live music occasionally; for a wider range of clubs and late-night venues visit nearby Prague by train. Family-oriented options (like Mirakulum cafés) close earlier, while pubs stay open later with a tranquil, communal atmosphere.

Hiking in Milovice

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Milovice Nature Reserve trails

Short circuits around the former airfield and grasslands offering easy walks to see herds, birds and open panoramas — suitable for families.

Elbe (Labe) riverside paths

Flat, scenic trails along the river between Milovice, Lysá nad Labem and Nymburk ideal for longer walks or cycling with water views and small historic towns en route.

Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise) day trips

A bit further away but reachable by car or train for a day trip — offers dramatic sandstone formations, marked trails and scenic castles for more strenuous hikes and excellent photography.

Local forest and meadow loops

Numerous unofficial loops through nearby woods and meadows for short nature walks, birdwatching or picnics; check local maps and respect private land.

Airports

How to reach Milovice by plane.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)

Main international airport serving Prague, about 35–45 km from Milovice; connect by taxi, regional bus + train or rented car — journey time ~40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Pardubice Airport (PED)

A smaller regional airport east of Milovice with occasional scheduled flights and charters, roughly 50–80 km away; useful for select low-cost or seasonal routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and key attractions like Mirakulum and parts of the reserve are walkable; however, many highlights (airfield expanses, surrounding meadows) are spread out and easier to explore by bike or car. Sidewalks are generally fine, but bring comfortable shoes for uneven nature trails.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Czech families

Majority of residents are ethnic Czechs, many of whom commute to Prague for work; families appreciate local schools and green spaces.

Commuters and young professionals

Proximity to Prague attracts commuters and younger professionals who prefer quieter suburban or small-town life with good rail links.

Seasonal visitors and families

During summer and festival times families and day-trippers from Prague and surrounding areas visit for recreation and events.

International residents

A small number of internationals and expats live in the area, often working in Prague or nearby companies.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Local amateur football clubs are popular, with community matches and youth programs well attended.

Cycling

Cycling is widespread for both recreation and commuting; flat terrain makes it accessible to all levels.

Equestrian and horse-related activities

Given the Konik and pony presence and regional horse traditions, riding and equestrian events attract interest in the area.

Ice hockey

Ice hockey is widely followed across the Czech Republic and local youth teams and rinks are common in the region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Milovice is generally light compared with big cities, though commuter peaks bring heavier flows to and from Prague on weekdays. Road connections are good; however, some local roads and parking near popular open-air events can become congested. Trains and regional buses link Milovice to Prague and nearby towns — schedules are regular during weekdays but may be reduced on weekends and holidays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Milovice.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited outside Prague; many pubs offer cheese- or egg-based dishes, salads and vegetable sides. Ask for 'bez masa' (without meat) and look for restaurants that list vegetarian dishes or have a menu marked with 'veg'.

Vegan and gluten-free

Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but can be scarce in small-town eateries — plan ahead, check menus online, and consider bringing snacks if you have strict needs. Larger supermarkets carry alternative products.

Allergies

Communicate allergies clearly using English and simple Czech phrases; many small kitchens are willing to accommodate but cross-contamination is possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Milovice has basic medical clinics and pharmacies for routine care; for hospital services and specialist care the nearest larger facilities are in Nymburk or in Prague. In emergencies call 112 or 155. Travelers should have health insurance that covers medical evacuation if necessary; EU citizens can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for some services.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide