So here we go again, a little bit of scene setting and then we will be right into the “Pivo” guide. The main sights are Arnošt of Pardubice, the Velká Pardubická Steeplechase, the Golden Helmet, gingerbread – this is just a brief list of what Pardubice is famous for in the minds of people in the Czech Republic and the entire world. However, if you are not an enthusiastic historian, sports fan or culinary gourmand, you can catch up by reading the following crash course on the city. Pardubice lies on the point where the Labe and Chrudimka rivers meet and dates back to more than 700 years. The emblem, which Pardubice has been using as its symbol since the 12th century, is created from a silver horse on a red background. The city experienced its greatest flourishing during the time, when the estate belonged to the noble family the Pernštejns, who gave the historical centre of Pardubice’s its appearance. They say that Pardubice is a city of sports, horses and gingerbread, and it can also be considered the city of transportation. The historically first railway route from Olomouc to Prague leads through here, an international airport is situated here, you can reach the city by car and perhaps even by boat soon. So, now you know how to get to Pardubice. And, why visit this city? Basically, Pardubice is a great city abounding with life. The following pages will tell you more.
City public transportation
The city public transportation is provided by the Statutory city of Pardubice in the form of trolleybuses and buses of the Public Transport company of the city of Pardubice. It also serves the surrounding municipalities: Bohdaneč Spa, Ostřešany, Mnětice, Opočínek, Němčice, Srch, Sezemice, Černá u Bohdanče, Starý Mateřov, Hostovice and Úhřetická Lhota. Further information available on the website of the Public Transport company of Pardubice a.s. www.dpmp.cz.
So lets start with the two breweries and then a few of the better bars; (updated May 2022)
Pivovarka Pardubice, Palackého třída 250, Pardubice I-Zelené Předměstí, Pardubice, 530 33
Open: Mon-Thu 8:30-11:30 & 12:00-17. Fri 8:30-11:30 & 12-17:30, Sat 8:30-12
Worth visiting for the Pardubicky Porter alone. Pivovarka is the name of the brewery restaurant, biergarden and bottle shop of the Pernstejn brewery in Pardubice. It is located only a few steps from the main train station. The restaurant and the shop are located at the entrance to the brewery. The whole range of beers is available, as wel as on tap and in bottles. Something special is also available: unfiltered 12° lager (kvasnicové pivo), which is only available on tap here and not available bottled. Great prices and service.
Malý Pivovar Bahno Pardubice, Namesti Jana Pernera 217, Pardubice I-Zelené Předměstí,
Open:16-21:00 Fri-Sun-Mon-Tues- 09:00-21:00 Wed-Thurs 16:0-21:00 Sat - closed (Struggle for Freedom and Democracy) Hours might differ!.
A small brewery located in the former buffet bar of the main railway station with the entrance from within the Station hall. The place a bit weird as there are no chairs! and its all steel, it has an unusual ambiance and excellent service. If you want to craft beer, this is the place to visit. Note there is NO restroom of there own? So you need to pay to use the public toilet in the station. They produce special beers, bottom and top fermented, for your joy and pleasure. CARPE DIEM! :-). They offer take away with bottles or plastic. I definitely recommend.
Pivní Ambasáda Pardubice, Smilova 335, Pardubice I-Zelené Předměstí, 53002
Open: Mon-Thu 16-24, Fri-Sat 16-1, Sun - closed
Located less than 500m from Old City, on Smilova. The "Beer Embassy" is a great place to taste beers from the eight ever changing taps, from small and medium-sized breweries not only from the Czech Republic but also from other beer super powers such as Bavaria, Belgium or the USA. The pub is quite cozy and the staff are helpful. You can also eat here as they let you bring in take=out from the restaurant next door. The interior is a tad spartan but ok. A draw back if sitting in the bier-garden, is sometimes the uncomfortable breeze from the toilets! This is probably No.1 beer bar in Pardubice.
U Toulavé Pípy, Bělobranské nám. 9, Pardubice I-Staré Město, 53002
Open: Sun-Fri 16:00-01:00, Sat- (Struggle for Freedom and Democracy) Hours might differ!
This multi-tap bat (10) is situated in beautiful classic blue and white building with a nice interior. Great traditional food to go with the ten beers selected from Czech micro/small brewers that and the really friendly staff make this one of the must do bars in the town. Note they also have 50+ bottles to tantalize tour taste buds.
Beer Bar Pardubice, Hronovická 438, Pardubice I-Zelené Předměstí, 53002
Open: Tues-Sat 17-3, Sun 17-24 Mon-closed
With eight taps and fifty plus bottles, this bar is situated on the parallel street south of Smilova. Quite a modern interior with lots os seating, catering for the younger croud? (forever young at heart). The service is fast and efficient, gear beer snack to soak up the pivo. Definatly in the top three bars in the town.
Bílej Kocouř Pardubice, Zelenobranská 70, Pardubice I-Staré Město
Open: Mon-Fri 09-22, Sat 15-02, Sun 15-21
In a corner on the square Pernstynske Namesti. Mainly a coffee/wine bar with some beer taps though. Svijany and Mordyr so worth checking out if passing as there is nothing wrong with cake and beer :)
