Things to do in Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav
- The city is a result of the 1960 administrative merger of two historically distinct towns: Brandýs nad Labem, a royal residence, and Stará Boleslav, the oldest pilgrimage site in Bohemia.
- Stará Boleslav is the site of the 935 AD martyrdom of Saint Wenceslaus, the patron saint of the Czech lands, making it a cornerstone of national identity.
- During the Habsburg era, the local castle hosted high-level diplomatic meetings, including a famous encounter between Emperor Franz Joseph I and Tsar Alexander III in 1888.
- The town's location on the Elbe River served as a strategic military crossing point for centuries, leading to the construction of fortifications that shaped the current urban layout.
About Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav
Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav is a unique twin town bisected by the Elbe River, historically serving as a significant site for both Bohemian royalty and religious pilgrimages. The town is defined by the Renaissance-era Zámek Brandýs nad Labem, which served as a favorite residence for Emperor Rudolf II. Visitors can explore local heritage at the Oblastní Muzeum Praha-východ or enjoy recreational landscapes like the Vinoř Nature Reserve. This location integrates centuries of dynastic history with modern leisure spots such as Lake Lhota.
Highlights of Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Beaches and ponds
This flooded sandpit offers clear water and sandy beaches popular for summer swimming.
Historical places
This Renaissance castle features preserved royal apartments and historical exhibitions detailing the Habsburg era.
Parks
The reserve provides a tranquil escape with diverse bird species and well-marked hiking trails.
Temples
This primary pilgrimage site houses the Palladium of the Czech Land, a significant national religious icon.
Historical places
Visitors can explore the ruins of this 14th-century castle, including the well-preserved residential tower.
Museums
The museum offers comprehensive insights into the regional archaeology and social history of the Prague-East area.
Top things to do in Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav
The 46 highest-rated places in Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav, ranked by travellers.
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Beaches and ponds
Lake Lhota is a man-made sand-pit lake situated near the town of Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav. It is renowned for it...
2
Historical places
Zámek Brandýs nad Labem is a Renaissance chateau situated on the banks of the Elbe River, historically serving as a pref...
3
Historical places
Ctěnice Castle is a restored fortified manor house complex located on the northeastern edge of Prague, administered by t...
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Parks
Male Garden, historically known as the 'Small Garden' or 'Malá zahrada', is a formal courtyard garden situated within th...
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Parks
Centrální park Kbely is a modern municipal park located on the former grounds of a military airfield in the Kbely distri...
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Historical places
Chvalský zámek is a renovated former fortress and Renaissance chateau located in the Horní Počernice district of Prague....
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Parks
Vinoř Nature Reserve is a protected natural monument located on the northeastern outskirts of Prague, spanning the trans...
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Temples
The Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Stará Boleslav is the oldest pilgrimage site in the Czech Republic, marking t...
9
Historical places
Jenštejn Castle is a late 14th-century Gothic fortress featuring a well-preserved cylindrical residential tower. Origina...
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Venues
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav
Late spring to early autumn, as the temperate climate is optimal for exploring the outdoor nature reserves and the lakeside beaches.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to tour the historical castle, the pilgrimage sites, and the surrounding natural parks.
The city is primarily walkable, supplemented by local bus services and regional train connections linking it to Prague.
Staying near the historic center of Brandýs or the immediate vicinity of the Stará Boleslav pilgrimage route provides the best access to local landmarks.
A mid-range destination that offers significantly better value for accommodation and dining compared to nearby Prague.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 46 curated attractions in and around Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav, ranked by traveller ratings.
Lake Lhota is the highest-rated place to visit in Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 12 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary.
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