Have you ever heard of Liberec? This northern Bohemian city is the fifth largest city in the Czech Republic and is the natural center of the northern Bohemia region. The city has a rich industrial tradition, is only a short distance from the mountains, and its historic center is full of interesting sights. In addition, there are direct buses from Prague, and the trip takes only an hour.
In this article, I will introduce you to places you should visit in this northern Bohemian city. It is the ideal destination for a day trip.
Liberec accommodation – Best hotels
In Liberec, you can find accommodation in great hotels at very reasonable prices. I recommend staying near the historic city center so that you can easily walk to most places.
My personal recommendation is Boutique Pytloun Hotel.
How to get to Liberec?
There are several direct bus lines from Prague to Liberec every day. Most lines are operated by Regiojet. Buses depart from the bus terminal at the Černý most metro station, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
What to see in Liberec – Map
Top 13 things to do in Liberec
These are my tips on what to see in Liberec.
1. Ještěd Transmitter (Vysílač Ještěd)
The Ještěd Transmitter is an unmissable landmark in Liberec and one of the most distinctive symbols of modern Czech architecture. This futuristic structure in the shape of a rotational hyperboloid was completed in 1973.
The transmitter is located on the top of Ještěd Mountain at an altitude of 1,012 meters and offers distant views of the Jizera Mountains, the Giant Mountains, and neighboring Poland and Germany. There is also a ski resort on the hill, which you can climb on foot or take the local cable car.
- How to get to Ještěd? Many buses (e.g., lines 80, 270, or 86) run directly from the bus station in Liberec to the parking lot below the cable car (Horní Hanychov stop, at the cable car), and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
- The cable car costs CZK 240, and admission to the transmitter is free.
2. Babylon Liberec Center (Centrum Babylon Liberec)
The Babylon amusement park and water park is a large complex focused on family entertainment, which was created by converting a former factory hall. The complex includes a water park with themed decorations, an amusement park, a science center, and a number of restaurants and hotels. It is undoubtedly one of the best places in the Czech Republic to visit with children.
The design was inspired by the atmosphere of an ancient city, which is reflected in the decorations and architectural details of the interior. Babylon is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city and offers programs for all age groups.
- A full-day ticket to the Babylon center costs CZK 550 (CZK 450 for children under 140 cm).
3. Liberec Castle (Zámek Liberec)
The red Liberec Castle stands near the historic center and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Originally a Renaissance building from the 16th century, it was later modified in the Baroque style and served as a residence for noble families and as an administrative seat. In the past, it was surrounded by gardens and farm buildings, but today it is part of the urban development.
4. Collection of Manhole Covers (Sbírka kanálových poklopů)
In the narrow passage between Pražská and Široká streets, you will find a unique technical curiosity. On the ground, you can see dozens of cast iron manhole covers from different periods and parts of the city. If you are walking through the historic center of the city, you should definitely not miss this place.
5. Liberec Town Hall (Budova radnice Liberec)
The town hall in Liberec is one of the most beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings in the Czech Republic and dominates Dr. E. Beneš Square. It was built at the end of the 19th century and its appearance was inspired by the Vienna Town Hall.
The richly decorated facade with towers, bay windows, and sculptures reflects the economic boom of the city at that time. The interiors are also impressive and still serve their original purpose today.
6. Dr. E. Beneš Square (Náměstí Dr. E. Beneše)
This square (named after one of the Czech presidents) is the heart of the historic center and a place where you should definitely stop. Here you will find not only the magnificent town hall mentioned above, but also a number of historic houses with arcades.
7. Valdštejnské domky
Valdštejnské domky is a complex of small half-timbered buildings from the 17th century, which are among the oldest preserved residential buildings in Liberec. When you walk down the street where they are located, you will undoubtedly be surprised that they still stand in their original style.
8. Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross (Kostel nalezení sv. Kříže)
The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross is a Baroque sacral building dating from the end of the 17th century and is one of the most important church monuments in the city. The interior is decorated with rich paintings and altar decorations in the spirit of the High Baroque.
9. Church of St. Anthony the Great (Kostel svatého Antonína Velikého)
The Church of St. Anthony the Great stands right in the center of the city and is an important example of 19th-century Neo-Gothic architecture. Its slender tower and brick facade give the building a distinctive vertical character, thanks to which the church tower can be seen from many places in Liberec.
10. Dinopark Liberec
Dinopark in Liberec is a themed entertainment complex focused on the Mesozoic era and the life of dinosaurs. Visitors will find life-size models of prehistoric reptiles, some with movement and sound effects. If you are traveling to Liberec with children, you should definitely visit Dinopark.
- Dinopark is located on the second floor of the Plaza shopping center.
- Admission to Dinopark costs CZK 270 for adults and CZK 230 for children.
11. Liberecká výšina Lookout Tower
Liberecká výšina is a romantic lookout restaurant and observation tower built at the beginning of the 20th century. The stone building with a tower resembles a medieval castle and is a great place to enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding countryside.
- The lookout point is located on the outskirts of Liberec. You can get to the bottom of the hill (Březová alej stop) from the center by bus 19 or 15, and then you have to walk 1.5 km to the lookout tower.
- Admission to the lookout tower costs CZK 40.
12. Liebieg Palace
Liebieg Palace is a magnificent Neo-Renaissance villa built for the prominent Liebieg family of entrepreneurs, who played a key role in the development of the local textile industry. The building features a richly decorated facade and impressive interiors with historical details.
13. Liberec Zoo
Liberec Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Czech Republic, founded in 1919. Although not very large, it is very nice and offers a number of interesting animals. It is known in the Czech Republic as the only zoo where white tigers are kept.
- You can get to the zoo in 10 minutes from the city center by tram 3 to the Lidové sady – ZOO stop.
- Admission to the zoo costs CZK 175, and children pay CZK 135.
