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České Budějovice

České Budějovice (pronounced chesky bood-yo-vit-zah or simply 'Budweis') is the provincial capital of southern Bohemia and a natural base for exploring the region. Transport connections to nearby Český Krumlov are good, meaning you could easily take in both places on an overnight excursion from Prague. While České Budějovice lacks top sights, it does have one of Europe's largest main squares and a charming labyrinth of narrow lanes and winding alleyways, some of which hug a sleepy but atmospheric canal. It's also the home of 'Budvar' beer (aka Czech 'Budweiser'), and a brewery tour usually tops the 'must-do' list.

Explore České Budějovice

  • B
    Black Tower

    The dominating, 72m Gothic-Renaissance Black Tower was built in 1553. Climb its 225 steps (yes, we counted them) for fine views. The tower's two bells ‒…

  • N
    Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II

    The attractive arcaded buildings grouped around Samson's Fountain (Samsonova kašna; 1727) constitute the biggest town square in the country, 133m on each…

  • B
    Budweiser Budvar Brewery

    One of the highlights of a trip to České Budějovice is a chance to see where original Budweiser beer was born. Brewery tours depart daily at 2pm (plus…

  • S
    South Bohemian Motorcycle Museum

    There are dozens of historic bikes on display in this museum, housed in the unlikely setting of a 16th-century Gothic granary, later used as a salt…

  • R
    Rabenštejn Tower

    This tower, part of the city's original fortifications dating back to the 15th century, is home to a small exhibition of historical weapons and body…

  • M
    Museum of South Bohemia

    Founded in 1877, the revamped Museum of South Bohemia holds an enormous collection of historic books, coins, military objects, folk art and displays on…

  • I
    Iron Maiden Tower

    The 15th-century Iron Maiden Tower is a crumbling former prison (and, legend has it, a torture chamber) and one of the few remaining bits of the Old Town…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout České Budějovice.

  • See

    Black Tower

    The dominating, 72m Gothic-Renaissance Black Tower was built in 1553. Climb its 225 steps (yes, we counted them) for fine views. The tower's two bells ‒…

  • See

    Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II

    The attractive arcaded buildings grouped around Samson's Fountain (Samsonova kašna; 1727) constitute the biggest town square in the country, 133m on each…

  • See

    Budweiser Budvar Brewery

    One of the highlights of a trip to České Budějovice is a chance to see where original Budweiser beer was born. Brewery tours depart daily at 2pm (plus…

  • See

    South Bohemian Motorcycle Museum

    There are dozens of historic bikes on display in this museum, housed in the unlikely setting of a 16th-century Gothic granary, later used as a salt…

  • See

    Rabenštejn Tower

    This tower, part of the city's original fortifications dating back to the 15th century, is home to a small exhibition of historical weapons and body…

  • See

    Museum of South Bohemia

    Founded in 1877, the revamped Museum of South Bohemia holds an enormous collection of historic books, coins, military objects, folk art and displays on…

  • See

    Iron Maiden Tower

    The 15th-century Iron Maiden Tower is a crumbling former prison (and, legend has it, a torture chamber) and one of the few remaining bits of the Old Town…

Guidebooks

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