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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Wide open spaces, decaying hangars and long runways create dramatic industrial landscapes and great golden-hour shots of skies and silhouettes.
Photograph free-roaming Konik horses and Exmoor ponies against grassland backdrops — best in the morning or late afternoon when animals are active.
Colorful playground structures, sculptures and family scenes make for lively, playful photos — ideal for visitors with children.
Elbe riverbanks provide peaceful water reflections, bridges and river-traffic subjects, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Capture everyday Czech life — street scenes, pub interiors and market stalls for authentic travel photography.
Food in Milovice
Milovice Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce served with dumplings — a Czech classic found at many local pubs and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Hearty beef or pork goulash served with bread or potato dumplings; a staple comfort food in Milovice’s hospody.
Sweet, rolled pastry often sold at markets and tourist stalls — crispy on the outside and soft inside, commonly coated in sugar or nuts.
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
Seasonal markets near the town center sell local produce, cheeses, breads and pastries; ideal for sampling regional flavors and buying picnic supplies.
During summer events and festivals on the airfield expect street food stands selling grilled meats, trdelník, sausages and beer.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are common when meeting someone; use formal titles until invited to use first names.
Czechs value punctuality — arrive on time for appointments and organized tours.
Keep noise to a reasonable level in residential areas, public transport and restaurants; avoid loud behavior late at night.
Dress modestly and behave respectfully when visiting churches and memorials; photography rules may vary inside.
Safety
Tipping in Milovice
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
Crisp weather and changing foliage offer beautiful landscapes for photography and quieter trails; bring layers and waterproof shoes for muddy paths.
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.
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.
Milovice at Night
Hiking in Milovice
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short circuits around the former airfield and grasslands offering easy walks to see herds, birds and open panoramas — suitable for families.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are ethnic Czechs, many of whom commute to Prague for work; families appreciate local schools and green spaces.
Proximity to Prague attracts commuters and younger professionals who prefer quieter suburban or small-town life with good rail links.
During summer and festival times families and day-trippers from Prague and surrounding areas visit for recreation and events.
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.
Local amateur football clubs are popular, with community matches and youth programs well attended.
Cycling is widespread for both recreation and commuting; flat terrain makes it accessible to all levels.
Given the Konik and pony presence and regional horse traditions, riding and equestrian events attract interest in the area.
Ice hockey is widely followed across the Czech Republic and local youth teams and rinks are common in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Milovice.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
Communicate allergies clearly using English and simple Czech phrases; many small kitchens are willing to accommodate but cross-contamination is possible.