23 fabulous things to see & do in Liberec (A complete visiting guide by a local)
Apart from having a family ties in Liberec (my grandfather was from a village nearby), I really like visiting Liberec because it’s full of history, museums, great looking houses, fab coffee places and so close to Jizera Mountains and beautiful countryside. Sure, it’s not as big as Prague, but it’s actually fifth largest town in the Czech Republic and I always find plenty to see and do, when I visit.
I’ve been to Liberec many times and I think that it’s the perfect destination all year round. I’ve visited in the summer to explore the town and visit several castles and historic towns outside Liberec. I also did some amazing day hikes from Liberec, including visiting Jested Tower and taking the longest tram ride to Jablonec nad Nisou.
In the winter I had the most magic day just before Christmas with the whole town decorated for the festive season and the main square had a lovely Christmas market on.
I’ve listed all my 23 favourite places and things to do in Liberec in this blog post and I hope this will inspire you to visit Liberec too. After all it’s only an hour ride by a bus from Prague, so it’s super easy to travel to Liberec by public transport for a day!
1. Liberec Town Hall
The historical town hall in the center of Liberec is a real gem! Built in 1893, this neo-Renaissance building was designed by Viennese architect Franz Neumann, which is why it looks a lot like Vienna’s city hall.
It’s right on Dr. Edvarda Beneše Square and stands out with its beautiful towers and detailed facade. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous stained glass and impressive architecture. The town hall is still used for city business today, and in 2023, it was even declared a national cultural heritage site—definitely worth a visit if you’re in town!
My great uncle was a roofer and worked on the Liberec town hall after the 2WW, so it was a great experience to take the town hall guide tour, that took us all the way to the top tower, with a fabulous views.
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2. Liebieg Palace
Liebieg Palace is one of the most striking historic buildings in Liberec, built by the super-wealthy Liebieg family, who were big names in the textile industry.
Theodor Liebieg Jr. was the first person to own a car in the Czech lands! He even had the very first garage built here to keep his Benz Viktoria, which he brought over in 1893. The Liebieg Palace has been recently restored and it’s being used as gallery, cultural and community space.
The Liebieg Palace is connected with the Liberec Castle through gardens, so you can easily walk around and enjoy the views.
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3. Jedno v Paláci – coffee house
My favourite part of the garden is the back of the Liebieg Palace, which also has the newly opened cafe in the historic wing of the building. There is a lovely seating both indoors and outdoors, the coffee is great and the homemade cakes are delicious (and some even on a healthy side, baked with courgettes or carrots.)
4. Liberec Castle
Liberec Castle is right in the city centre, and it’s actually the oldest standing structure in Liberec. It was first built in the late 16th century by the Redern family, who wanted a fancy Renaissance residence to show off their status.
Over the years, the castle was rebuilt and got its current look in the late 18th century with a touch of classicism. These days, the castle isn’t open to the public all the time, but you can admire its elegant architecture from the outside and stroll through the pretty castle park next door. The castle gardens are often used for concerts and inside the castle entrance you can find a modern glass art gallery and small café.
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5. Baroque Garden
The Baroque garden is almost hidden next to the Church of the Holy Cross, but it’s definitely worth visiting because of the Marian Plague Column, which was created by the famous Baroque sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun back in 1719.
You can also see the stations of the cross here, decorated with paintings by Josef Führich, who was born in nearby Chrastava.
And in the corner, there is also the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, which is a replica of the chapel in Jerusalem.
6. Waldstein Houses
The Waldstein Houses are some of the oldest buildings you’ll find in the city, dating all the way back to the late 17th century (built between 1678 and 1681). Originally, these cute timber-framed houses were home to textile workers, and they’re the last preserved example of this classic townhouse style that used to be common in Liberec.
Tucked away in a narrow alley called Větrná ulička, the houses have a cozy, old-world vibe that’s totally different from the rest of the city. You can usually only peek inside during special cultural heritage events, but even from the outside, they’re a fascinating glimpse into Liberec’s past!
7. The Canal Street
Kanálová ulička is a quirky little alley that’s become a real hidden gem in the city centre. What makes it special? The whole walkway is lined with more than 100 different manhole covers from all over the Czech Republic and even other European countries!
Some of them are really old or have unique designs, and it’s fun to spot where each one comes from. Only a couple of the covers are actually still in use—the rest are just for show.
8. iQlandia
iQLANDIA is a super fun science and entertainment centre that’s perfect for all ages, but especially great for kids and families. It’s packed with over 400 interactive exhibits spread across eleven themed areas, so you can try out hands-on experiments, play with cool gadgets, and even check out a planetarium with awesome space shows.
There’s everything from robotics and physics to the human body and natural disasters. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours learning new things without ever getting bored!
- Location: Nitranská 10, 460 07 Liberec, Czech Republic
- Opening times: Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Ticket prices: Adults: CZK 260, Children (6–15 years): CZK 170, Students, Seniors (65+): CZK 190, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): CZK 690
9. Centrum Babylon
Centrum Babylon is basically a giant fun factory right in the city! It’s a huge entertainment and leisure complex where you can find pretty much everything—there’s an awesome aquapark with slides and pools, a wellness centre for relaxing, a lunapark for kids, plus things like laser games, 4D cinema, and even a big hotel if you want to stay overnight.
- Location: Nitranská 1, Liberec
- Opening times: Daily: 10:00 – 20:00
Aquapark + Funpark + Lunapark (All‑day ticket)
- Adults: CZK 580
- Children (90–140 cm): CZK 420
- Seniors (65+): CZK 420
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): CZK 1,650
You can also buy separate tickets for individual parts of the entertainment park.
10. Harcov Water Dam
Harcov Water Dam is a peaceful spot right on the edge of Liberec, tucked between a quiet residential area and the forest. Built back in 1904, it was actually the first valley dam in Bohemia, originally made to protect the city from floods and supply water for industry.
These days, it’s a favourite place for locals to relax, go for walks, or just chill by the water—especially in summer. The area around the dam is great for a stroll and you’ll find plenty of greenery and nice views. Just a heads up: the dam is currently under reconstruction and is expected to be without water until about mid-2025!
11. Lidove Sady
Lidové Sady is a lovely park, just a short tram ride from the city centre and right next to the ZOO. It’s the perfect starting place for walks or to visit the iconic Lidové Sady building with 35-meter-high tower that you can climb for some amazing city views (currently closed for restorations in 2025-26)
Lidové Sady (once open again) puts on regular concerts, events, and restaurant and cafe are great to relax in and catch up with friends.
12. Liberec Museum
The Liberec Museum, officially known as the North Bohemian Museum, is one of the biggest and oldest museums in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1873, it started out focusing on applied arts, but today its collections cover everything from history and science to art and archaeology.
The museum is housed in a beautiful neo-Renaissance building and has fascinating exhibits about the region’s past, including local textiles, glass, and even natural history.
- Location: Masarykova 11, Liberec
- Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00, Monday: closed
- Ticket prices: Adults: CZK 120, Children (6–15 years): CZK 60, Students, Seniors (65+): CZK 80, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): CZK 300, Children under 6 years: free
- If you buy ticket to the museum you can visit the Spa Gallery for free (within 14 days of your visit) and the other way round
13. Technical Museum
The Technical Museum is a paradise for anyone who loves old cars, trams, motorcycles, or anything with wheels and gears! It’s packed with a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles, historical bikes, and even machines from the city’s textile industry days.
The museum is hands-on and interactive, so you can really get up close to the exhibits and sometimes even climb aboard. It’s a fun stop for both kids and adults, and you’ll definitely leave with a new appreciation for how technology has shaped life in Liberec.
- Location: Masarykova 424/5, Liberec
- Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00, Monday: closed
- Ticket prices: Adults: CZK 120, Children (6–15 years): CZK 60, Students, Seniors (65+): CZK 80, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): CZK 300, Children under 6 years: free
14. The Liberec Regional Gallery
The Liberec Regional Gallery, is also known as “the gallery in the Spa,” because it it’s inside the stunning old Emperor Franz Joseph I Municipal Spa building. This gallery is not just about the art—it’s about the atmosphere, too!
After a major renovation, the space blends original spa details with modern design, which makes it very unique. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of European art, from Czech masters to works by artists from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and more. It’s the fifth-largest gallery in the Czech Republic and a perfect spot to soak up some culture in a truly special setting.
I’ve seen there a really interesting (and detailed) exhibition about the Clam-Gallas Family, which inspired me to visit their castles near Liberec and also visit the Clam-Gallas Place in Prague.
The gallery cafe is run by the amazing Northbeans cafe, so you can also try locally roasted coffee, delicious pastries and homemade sandwiches. You can visit the cafe even if you don’t visit the gallery, which is great as it’s about half way walking between the centre and the ZOO and makes a great spot for lunch.
- Location: Masarykova 723/14, Liberec
- Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00, Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00, Monday: closed
- Ticket prices: Adults: CZK 150, Children (6–15 years): CZK 70, Students, Seniors (65+): CZK 100, Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): CZK 300, Children under 6 years: free
15. Liebieg Town
Liebieg Town (Liebiegovo městečko) is a small but picturesque historic district in Liberec, that feels like stepping into another era. Built between the mid-19th century and the 1920s, it was originally designed as a residential quarter for the employees of the Liebieg family’s textile factory—one of the most influential industrial families in Liberec’s history.
As you walk through the streets, you can see beautiful Art Nouveau houses, charming streets, and leafy courtyards. Liebieg Town is considered one of the best-preserved examples of a company-built workers’ housing estate in the Czech Republic, and it’s often described as the most picturesque part of Liberec. It’s a little bit up the hill, but it’s definitely worth visiting.
When I visited about five years ago, the old factory at the bottom of the hill was still there, but now most of it has been taken down and awaits a development.
16. Botanical Garden
The botanical garden in Liberec is actually the oldest one in the Czech Republic, dating all the way back to the late 1800s!
It’s made up of nine different greenhouses, each packed with cool plants like carnivorous plants, orchids, camellias, and even cacti that grow upside down. There’s a glass tunnel entrance that takes you right through a giant aquarium, so you get to see fish swimming above your head as you walk in. It’s a lovely relaxing place to wander around, and you’ll find some really rare plants you probably won’t see anywhere else.
- Location: Purkyňova 630/1, Liberec
- Opening times: April – September: 08:00 – 18:00, October – March: 08:00 – 16:00, (last entry is always 30 minutes before closing)
- Ticket prices: Adults: CZK 140, Children (6–15 years): CZK 70, Students, Seniors (65+): CZK 100, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): CZK 350, Children under 6 years: free
17. ZOO
The Zoo is a must-see, especially if you love animals! It’s actually the oldest zoo in the Czech Republic, opened way back in 1904.
The zoo is home to around 170 different species from all over the world, including rare animals like the famous White Bengal tiger, red pandas, and golden takins. The ZOO has expanded to the top levels, so it’s a bit hilly, but the main area is flat and easy to walk around. It’s perfect place for families or anyone who wants to see some amazing wildlife up close while visiting Liberec.
I really enjoyed my visit to the ZOO as I visited later in the afternoon and had the chance to see animals feeding time. The ZOO area has plenty of refreshments options and if it’s raining there also several pavilions where you can spend time.
- Location: Lidové sady 425/1, Liberec
- Opening times: April – September: 09:00 – 18:00 October – March: 09:00 – 17:00
(last entry is always 1 hour before closing) - Ticket prices: Adults: CZK 180, Children (3–15 years): CZK 90, Students, Seniors (65+): CZK 120, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): CZK 540, Children under 3 years: free
18. Liberecka Vysina – Lookout Tower
Liberecká Výšina is lookout tower just outside Liberec, near Stary Harcov. It looks like a mini medieval castle, complete with turrets and stone walls, but it was actually built in the early 1900s.
You can climb up the 25-meter-high tower for awesome views of Liberec, the Jizera Mountains, and even Ještěd in the distance. There’s also a cozy restaurant inside, so you can chill out with some food or a drink after your walk up. It’s a great spot for a little adventure and some cool photos!
The walk to the lookout tower starts from the Lidove Sady (terminal stop of no. 3 tram) directly opposite the entrance to the ZOO and it’s about 1 km long.
Last time when I’ve done the walk it took me about 2 hrs with the visit to the tower and stop at the restaurant for a coffee, so it can be done if you are visiting Liberec just for a day, but you probably might need to miss some other attractions, if you want to do this. The Lidove Sady is also a great place to start longer hikes through Jizera Mountains and then return back by bus or train depending on which town you end up in.
19. Jested Observation Station
Ještěd Observation Station is one of the coolest spots just outside Liberec! Sitting on top of Ještěd Mountain, this futuristic tower is hard to miss—it looks a bit like a spaceship.
Built in the 1970s, it’s both a television transmitter and a hotel, and the views from up there are absolutely stunning. You can see all across the region, and there’s even a restaurant inside if you want to grab a bite with a view. It’s a must-visit for anyone coming to Liberec!
The Jested cable car is currently being re-built, but there is an easy alternative way to get to the parking lot just under the top of the mountain by tram and bus from the centre of Jested and then walk up to the top.
If you have more time, there are also great walks down to the valleys under the Jested Hill. Last time I visited Jested, I walked down to Christopher’s Valley (Krystofovo Udoli) and then took a scenic train ride back to Liberec.
- Opening Times: Daily: 09:00 – 23:00 (last entry to the observation deck is usually around 22:30)
- Entrance: Free
20. Ski Centrum Jested
Ski Centrum Ještěd is the go-to spot for winter sports on the slopes of Ještěd Mountain. In the winter, you’ll find plenty of ski runs, a modern chairlift, and great facilities for both beginners and experienced skiers or snowboarders.
But it’s not just a winter destination—during the summer, the area turns into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and even trail running. The lifts run year-round, so you can easily get up the mountain for amazing views, fresh air, and some outdoor adventure no matter the season!
21. ice-cream at Zmrzlinárna Leda
The shop was opened in 2014 by David Stárek and his wife Lenka. They sold their small apartment to buy an old Italian ice‑cream machine and start the business. They make artisan ice‑cream using mostly fresh, local ingredients. Their fruit sorbets are absolutely amazing and one of my favourite cream based ice-creams is their pistachio or hazelnut flavour. Honestly, no matter what flavour, you can’t really go wrong!
- Location: Sokolovské Namesti 6, Liberec
- Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 11:00 – 18:00, Saturday – Sunday: 13:00 – 18:00
22. Coffee at Northbeans
Every time I visit Liberec, I first head over to Northbeans which is a local specialty coffee company based in the old railway buildings next to the main train station. They’re all about high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, and they work closely with farmers around the world to bring coffee beans straight to Liberec.
The cafe, Liberecký DOK, has a cool, modern vibe, perfect for trying their expertly brewed coffee, picking up a bag of beans, or even grabbing some fresh local bread. The roasting room is just through the glass partition, so you can even see how everything is being made.
23. More cafes in Liberec
Liberec has a cozy and growing coffee scene, perfect for anyone who loves a good cup of coffee. I’ve already mentioned the Liberecký DOK by Nordbeans (U Nisy 362/6, 460 01 Liberec), where you can enjoy expertly brewed specialty coffee from locally roasted beans in a stylish, modern space right by the railway.
Fofr Kafe (nám. Dr. E. Beneše 13/16, Liberec) is right on the main square and makes amazing iced coffees and also offers wide range of gluten-free pastries, sandwiches and cakes.
Kafe Kytka (Moskevská 617/29, Liberec) has a relaxed atmosphere with a small seating area outside the shop and they have delicious espresso drinks and homemade cakes.
If you’re after something unique and don’t mind traveling slightly away from the centre, Kavárna Bez konceptu (87, Husova 1094, 460 01 Liberec) is a quirky cafe that’s popular with locals and has an excellent breakfasts.
For fans of minimalist design and top-notch coffee, Mikyna (Moskevská 27/9, 460 01 Liberec) is a local favourite and great place to stop on the way from the centre to the museums area. Their brunch menu is really good and coffee and homemade cakes are super tasty too.
This blog post was originally written on 6 September 2025 and last updated on 6 September 2025
