8 Things to Do in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

The picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov is the darling of South Bohemia in the Czech Republic. But to get there you almost always need to pass through the larger city of Ceske Budejovice. Too few tourists realise there are plenty of things to do in Ceske Budejovice and skipping past is a major mistake.

I made this exact mistake during my first Czech Republic trip. My eyes were fixed on Cesky Krumlov and I never even considered the places to visit in Ceske Budejovice that would have been just as appealing. To see what I mean, here are eight things to do in this underappreciated Czech city.

Is Ceske Budejovice worth visiting?

Yes, Ceske Budejovice is worth visiting, whether you’re interested in history, fond of beer, or just like pretty old towns. I wouldn’t be telling you about the things to do there if there was no point in visiting.

Ceske Budejovice is most famous for being the birthplace of Budweiser Budvar Brewery – yes, this is where the name Budweiser comes from. You see, for a time, the city was known by the German name Budweis. Two beer companies claim the name Budweiser, the American brand and the local brewery, so don’t expect an American Budweiser if you try the local brew.

Even if beer isn’t your thing, you have the scenery and culture of Ceske Budejovice to enjoy when you visit. I’d argue the architecture in the old town here gives Telc a run for its money, which is saying something.

How to get to Ceske Budejovice

Ceske Budejovice is one of the easier Czech destinations to visit. You have hourly direct trains to and from Prague and direct trains to Pilsen if you want to visit another Czech brewery city. Of course, buses also run regularly from Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov and take less than 30 minutes.

When visiting Ceske Budejovice using public transport, there’s one thing worth noting. The train and bus stations sit across from each other, but they’re a 15-20 minute walk from the centre of the Old Town. City buses operate throughout Ceske Budejovice and can be paid for with contactless cards.

One option you may have not considered is visiting Ceske Budejovice on a tour. Tours to Ceske Budejovice aren’t common, but the city can be included as part of a day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague. If you’re tight on time, this may be the best way to fit it in.

Where to stay in Ceske Budejovice

Even though it’s not one of the most popular places to visit in the Czech Republic, you do have options for your stay in Ceske Budejovice. The city has quite a good range of places to stay, with many of them squarely in the city’s Old Town.

For my visit, I stayed at Pension U Tří sedláků. It’s in a convenient part of the city and the rooms are reasonably comfortable, if a bit basic. I’m not sure I’d recommend staying there during the weekend, as it’s directly over a brewpub that’s open until midnight.

Other recommendations for Ceske Budejovice hotels based on those with top reviews include:

• Boutique Hotel U Solné brány
• Grandhotel Zvon
• Boutique Apartments Old Town
• Hotel U Tří hrušek suites & apartments

Ceske Budejovice attractions to visit

With the planning side of things covered, let’s move on to the things to do in Ceske Budejovice. Your visit to the city is going to be mostly focused on the Old Town, as that’s where most of the city’s attractions are found.

1. Admire Přemysl Otakar II Square

There’s no better place to start a visit to Ceske Budejovice than with its central main square. Named after the city’s founder King Otakar II, Přemysl Otakar II Square is unusual in that it’s a huge wide-open square with car parks right around it.

When it comes to sightseeing in Ceske Budejovice, this square is where it all starts for multiple reasons. The simplest of all is that it lies in the dead centre of the city’s Old Town making it a convenient place to find.

Next is the fact that many of the city’s major landmarks are found on or near this square, so you don’t have to wander far. We’ll get to the more major ones in a tick, but Samson’s Fountain deserves a quick mention. Right in the middle of the square, this 18th-century fountain of the biblical figure Samson has become quite an icon of the city.

Close by, you’ll find a stone marker that shows where the city’s gallows once stood. On a lighter note though, beautiful buildings surround the edges of the square, many with their own distinct design.

2. Take in Ceske Budejovice Town Hall

Certainly the most impressive of the buildings that line the main square of Ceske Budejovice is the striking Town Hall. Tucked away in one of the corners of the square, the Town Hall charms with its elaborate blue Baroque façade that dates from 1730.

With heraldry on the facade and dragon gargoyles, it would be easy to miss the four allegorical statues on top of the building that represent Justice, Courage, Wisdom and Prudence. The Town Hall is also where you’ll hear the regular sound of chimes coming from its central tower. If you want to see the actual inside of the Town Hall beyond the Tourist Information Centre, you’ll need to book a guided tour.

3. Climb up Black Tower

The other important landmark to visit right by the Přemysl Otakar II Square is the Black Tower. Directly next to the Church of St Nicholas, this grey stone tower was once a belfry and watchtower. Dating from 1577, it stands 72 metres high and affords those who climb up a prime view of Ceske Budejovice in all directions.

In particular, the view down to the main square helps put it in perspective, especially with a backdrop of trees and then green countryside beyond. I was rather relieved that the town was open when I visited in April since many towers were still not open at that time of year. Certainly worth the climb up.

4. Walk along Krajinska Street

Off each side of the city’s main square, long streets stretch out towards the modern city around the Old Town. While I encourage you to explore many of these streets with your one day in Ceske Budejovice, a great place to start is with Krajinska Street.

Not only is there a great variety of buildings along here, including the art nouveau palace that now hosts a bank, but also the signature Czech portico arcades. You don’t need to walk through the arcade as the streets rarely have cars, but they lend the city a bit more medieval character. Once you’ve walked Krajinska, take whichever side street takes your fancy and explore!

5. Seek out Old Town architecture

Even though the Ceske Budejovice Old Town isn’t huge, it still manages to hide away some neat spots within its web of streets. You’ll find all these great nooks and crannies by stumbling about the city on foot.

For instance, one of my favourite spots was Panska Street seen above, because of its unlikely colour palette. It’s not often you see a row of traditional houses in pink, bright yellow and lime green, but it’s exactly the burst of colour to make somewhere like this memorable.

6. See the sights by the riverfronts

Sitting at the confluence of the Vltava and Malse rivers, Ceske Budejovice’s riverfront may be its most underrated feature. While a small stream borders the north and east sides of the Old Town, you have some prime riverfront views to the south and west.

This part of the city only gets better as the day goes on, with the afternoon light giving the historic buildings a nice glow as the water reflects them. A floating bar and cafe on the far side of the Old Town gives this whole space such a welcome vibe.

Probably the most notable landmark by the river that’s hard to miss is the large Dominican Monastery looming behind the old stone wall.

7. Find the Rabenštejn Tower

Back in the northern end of the Old Town, try to find your way to the Rabenštejn Tower. This narrow white tower is one of several preserved towers from the city’s old fortifications.

Although they’re not so visible now, Ceske Budejovice of the 14th century was also defended by city walls. Besides being in a pleasant part of the city, the tower also hosts a small museum focusing on weaponry.

8. Have a beer and some Czech food

The only way to properly end a day in Ceske Budejovice is with a hearty meal of Czech food and a beer. Ceske Budejovice’s close relationship with beer provides the perfect excuse to indulge in a local beer or two.

As for food, if you like roast meat and bread dumplings you’re in for a treat. Masne Kramy, once a meat marketplace, is one of the city’s most popular and lively restaurants. This restaurant is huge, so even when it’s busy you should be able to find a place. Another of the many brewpubs in the city that is good value is Krajinská 27.

Like I’ve often found in the Czech Republic, food and beer here are super affordable and filling. If it weren’t a sure-fire way to put on weight, I’d eat at these places again and again. At the total other end of the spectrum health-wise is Fer Cafe, where you can get nice vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food with your coffee.

Other sights in Ceske Budejovice

Clearly, with this short list, I haven’t told you about every single sight to see in Ceske Budejovice. I’m just sharing the highlights from the places I saw. I don’t think my visit was fully comprehensive, as I missed several city museums.

You’ve probably also noticed that I haven’t mentioned the Budweiser Budvar Brewery yet. While people visit the city to see the Budweiser Budvar Brewery, I have already been to one Czech brewery. The Budweiser Budvar Brewery sits on the northern edge of the city, so you’ll need a bicycle/car to reach it.

Day trip to Hluboka Castle

If you spend more than one day in Ceske Budejovice, it’s worth considering a day trip out to Hluboka Castle. This gorgeous castle sits in the town of Hluboká nad Vltavou north of the city, an easy bus ride away.

Visit the castle and you get to see its stunning architecture and huge castle grounds, plus some cool smaller design details that I liked. The town below it is nice enough as well, while there are lakes nearby that are very tranquil spots for a walk.

If you do decide to do a Hluboka day trip, just don’t make the same mistake I did!

Which things to do in Ceske Budejovice most interest you? Have you visited before and have more places you’d recommend? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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