České Budějovice walking tour & city guide
A huge square and the original Budweiser.
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České Budějovice, the capital of South Bohemia, has one of the largest town squares in Europe and is home to the original Budweiser Budvar beer.
The square
Přemysl Otakar II Square is surrounded by arcaded houses, with the Samson Fountain in the middle. The Black Tower offers views over the rooftops.
Around the city
The Budweiser Budvar brewery can be visited. Hluboká Castle, a white neo-gothic fairytale castle, is a short ride away, and Český Krumlov is nearby.
A day in České Budějovice
České Budějovice has one of the largest town squares in Europe, with arcades and the Samson Fountain at the center. Climb the Black Tower for a view over the square.
Visit the Budweiser Budvar brewery, where the original Budweiser beer is made.
Good to know
The city is a good base for Český Krumlov, 30 minutes away. Hluboká Castle, a white neo-gothic castle, is nearby.
South Bohemia is known for fishponds and carp.
Why it is worth a stop
České Budějovice was founded in 1265 by King Ottokar II as a royal town, and its perfectly square main square, Přemysl Otakar II Square, measures more than 130 meters on each side. Around it, colorful baroque and Renaissance houses stand on arcades, and on summer evenings the café terraces spill out onto the cobbles. According to local legend, if you step on the 'wandering stone' in the square after 10 p.m., you will lose your way home.
The city's brewing tradition goes back to the Middle Ages, and the name Budweiser comes from the German name of the town, Budweis. A short drive away, Hluboká Castle, rebuilt in the style of Windsor Castle, is one of the most popular castles in the country, surrounded by an English-style park.
Top sights in České Budějovice
- 1
Přemysl Otakar II Square
A huge arcaded square.
- 2
Black Tower
A tower with views.
- 3
Samson Fountain
A baroque fountain.
- 4
Budweiser Budvar Brewery
The original Budweiser.
- 5
Hluboká Castle
A white fairytale castle.
Food markets & where to eat in České Budějovice
Main square
Restaurants under the arcades.
Masné krámy
A historic beer hall.
Riverside
Cafés by the Vltava.
Food to try in České Budějovice
Budvar beer
The original Budweiser.
Carp
From South Bohemian ponds.
Knedlíky
Czech dumplings.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to České Budějovice
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in České BudějoviceCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in České Budějovice.
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