18+ Tips on What to See in České Budějovice + Map

As patriots of the South Bohemian metropolis, our blog wouldn’t be complete without an ultimate guide to what to see in České Budějovice. Whether you have just one day or the whole weekend, the city always has something to offer. Since we live right in the center and have spent many years wandering around the city, we’re able to put together this comprehensive guide. We can’t resist quoting that famous Cimrman line that almost everyone knows— “Everyone would like to live in České Budějovice.” This article will show you just how true that is.

What to See in České Budějovice

Přemysl Otakar II Square + the Wandering Stone

You can’t miss the largest square in the Czech Republic. From now on, you’ll know what 1 hectare looks like, because that’s exactly how big our square is. The view is beautiful not only from the ground but also from the roof of the adjacent Heaven Gym. Check out their Instagram, where you’ll occasionally get a chance to see the square from a bird’s-eye view.

And when you’re strolling through the square, don’t forget to step over the “maze stone”—anyone who unwittingly steps over it after 9:00 p.m. will lose their bearings and wander the city streets. This happens mainly from Friday through Sunday. :))

Climbing the Black Tower

It’s common to visit České Budějovice without climbing the Black Tower, so why not do the opposite? The climb to this landmark will take you just a few minutes. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view not only of the entire city, but also of the surrounding area and Kleť, the iconic peak of the Blanský Forest.

If you can’t make it due to scheduling conflicts or bad weather, you can take a virtual tour.

Around the Malše River to “Malák”

One of the most enjoyable activities is to walk along one bank all the way to “Malák,” enjoy a draft beer in the Samson Brewery Garden, and then walk back along the other bank. The walk takes just under an hour without any stops and is definitely worth it!

Historic Center

“Get lost” in the streets of Budějovice. I’m deliberately putting that in quotes because the city center is so charming and laid out in such a way that you simply can’t get lost. Wander through all the historic streets and admire the beauty of the Baroque houses, small shops, cafes, and various markets. Particularly worth mentioning are Panská Street, Plachého Street (also known as Pochcaná Street—explanation here), Česká Street, and Dr. Stejskala Street.

P.S.: When you’re on Panská Street, be sure to stop by the Jedna radosť coffee roastery. You’ll get coffee that’s freshly roasted, ground, and perfectly brewed.

Boat Ride on the Malša River with a Guided Tour of the Samson Brewery

A seasonal pastime that’s well worth it! You’ll board the boat on a backwater of the Malše River and enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise, ending at the nearby Samson Brewery, where you can take a tour. If you’d like to visit the brewery on your own, you’re out of luck. For more information about the cruises, visit the Vlnna website.

The Samson tour, in particular, is a wonderful experience, and if I had to compare it to the Budvar tour, I’d definitely say you have to go to Samson. And that’s also because you can do pretty much whatever you want at the brewery 😀 Plus, they’ll take you on a tour of the beautiful cellars, including a historical demonstration of how beer used to be brewed.

A Visit to the Budvar National Brewery

When considering what to visit in České Budějovice, you can’t miss the city’s pride and joy, whose aroma wafts from Pražská Street all the way to Strakonická Street during brewing hours. If you’re arriving by train, you won’t be able to miss this iconic building. Every year, the brewery attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, and for good reason. The themed tours with tastings are great.

A Visit to the Samson Brewery Garden

As already mentioned during our walk along the Malše River. On the left bank lies the newly opened Samson Brewery Garden, where live concerts are held three times a week every summer, beer flows by the liter, and people simply have fun just like in the old days.

A Visit to the Solnice Microbrewery

And if that’s not enough beer, we have a small, relatively new microbrewery called Solnice right in the city center. You can combine your tour with a visit to the adjacent Solnice restaurant. A little tip for beer lovers. If you head out to tour this gem in the city center, you won’t stop at just one half-liter. You’d better rethink your plans for the afternoon.

St. Nicholas Cathedral + Church Service

Right below the Black Tower, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas was built—it is, in a word, magnificent and complements the tower perfectly. In addition to admiring it from the outside, you can step inside and enjoy the cathedral’s atmosphere. The parish also organizes regular services open to the public. Visit their website for more information.

City Hall Tour

You won’t miss the landmark of the main square. Be sure to stop in front of it—stand or sit on one of the benches—and take a good look at the building. You’ll likely be captivated by the dozens of motifs and decorations. Be sure to also visit the tourist information center near the main entrance to City Hall, where you can book a tour of the entire building.

South Bohemian Museum

If the weather isn’t cooperating and you’ve already eaten and drunk your fill, don’t hesitate to visit the South Bohemian Museum. There, you’ll learn the fascinating story of the founding and development of České Budějovice. The museum also organizes themed exhibitions.

Alš’s South Bohemian Gallery

The people of České Budějovice are particularly proud of this gallery, which also has other branches throughout the South Bohemian Region. Specifically, in Hluboká and Bechyně. Interestingly, the gallery is the only art museum in the South Bohemian Region that ranks among the five largest institutions of its kind in the Czech Republic.

Stromovka Park

You can escape the city by heading just a few hundred good meters south to Stromovka Park. České Budějovice is the ideal place for this—a place where everyone would want to live. I couldn’t resist using that phrase, because it’s true!! You can round off a pleasant walk with a visit to the Bagr reservoir (no swimming!) and a refreshing break at the nearby U Troch vtákov bistro.

The Renovated Train Station Building

You have to see this, especially if you’ve traveled to Budějovice by train in previous years. For a long time, the station building was considered something of an eyesore. Everything changed the moment the new regional leadership ordered its renovation. It must be said that the building is beautiful not only from the outside but also from the inside. A little tip—the building is beautifully lit up in the evening.

Farmers’ markets at Piarist Square and in Žižkárna

From spring through early winter, farmers’ markets are held every Thursday and Saturday at Piarist Square, where local farmers sell vegetables, fruit, the chance to pet a rabbit, or to buy some treats (like those from the Novosedlice bakery—they’re something else).

The second stop could be the market held in the former Žižkárna barracks near the bus station. This market is not held on a regular basis. Be sure to follow them on Facebook

A Walk Through the Vrbenské Rybníky Nature Reserve

This time, we’ll head along the left bank of the Vltava River all the way to České Vrbné, where the Vrbenské rybníky Nature Reserve is located. In addition to wildlife, you can enjoy an easy stroll and a peaceful atmosphere just a short distance from the city center. You can also get here by taking bus number 9.

As a bonus, you can treat yourself to a Czech culinary classic—sekaná—at the nearby Globus.

ČEZ Vltava Entertainment Complex

The newly built ČEZ Vltava Complex Park is sure to bring you joy this summer. Plenty of space for fun—beach volleyball, workouts, playgrounds, sandy beaches, and a snack stand—is exactly what you need this summer.

A walk along the bike path to Hluboká

A favorite activity among the people of České Budějovice. If you’re planning to spend the weekend in České Budějovice, don’t wait—head along the left bank all the way to Hluboká nad Vltavou. The 10-kilometer walk will take you less than two hours; the terrain is easy, and at the end, you can admire the sights of Hluboká. You don’t have to walk back—you can take public transportation or the local bus, which runs every hour.

Water Tower + Game

Our final tip is to visit the water tower on the right bank of the Vltava River, a few hundred meters from the city center. In addition to the tour, the company Čevak has prepared a fun educational game called “Where Is the Duck Sitting on the Spring, ” which will take you on an entertaining journey into the near future, to the day when the residents of České Budějovice turned on their faucets and nothing happened at all.

A Bike Ride to the Kněžínek Microbrewery

This trip is well worth it. For example, rent a shared bike from Rekol and head to the Kněžínek microbrewery, just like we did. You can leave your bike there (there’s a designated parking area for shared bikes) and enjoy the atmosphere of the whole place. The trip took us a total of 30 minutes by bike, starting right from the city center. During the ride, you’ll see that even just a few kilometers from the city center, there’s beautiful nature—and what could be more refreshing than that at the end of your trip? For the ride back, you can use Bolt, which operates in České Budějovice.

Christmas Markets in the City

As someone who lives in the center of České Budějovice, I can say with a clear head that the popularity of the markets is growing every year. Parking in the center is getting worse year after year, and the number of people isn’t decreasing—on the contrary, it’s increasing. Besides, I’m sure you’ve all come across Reels showing just how spectacular the markets in České Budějovice are. Honestly… they really are!

Where to Eat in Budějovice

Although it might seem like you’d easily find a good place to eat in such a “small” regional town, don’t be fooled. We’ll do our best to help you find just the right spot. Whether you’re looking for a beer (one of the city’s symbols) or a good cup of coffee, you’re sure to be satisfied!

Breakfast

Let’s jump right in. As residents of České Budějovice who live downtown, we’ve been to many places. Simply because new ones aren’t opening up, and there aren’t many good ones. If you visit at least one of these spots, you won’t regret it.

Esence Café and Praži Café— two restaurants, one owner. The quality of breakfast is the same at both restaurants. If you love eggs Benedict, trust us—you’ll find some of the best in town right here. At Esence, they’re served on a brioche; at Praži Café, on fluffy pancakes.

Café Datel, tucked away just a few steps from the square on Piaristická Street, is a popular spot that offers—in my opinion—a special breakfast that isn’t very typical for České Budějovice. In addition, you can enjoy excellent coffee and homemade teas here.

Café Mezi Plátky will blow you away. They’ve just moved from Husova Street to a gorgeous spot across from the South Bohemian Theater, and I have to say, it’s amazing! A beautiful interior, a cozy spot to sit right by the river, and that breakfast! You have to try the plum ravioli.

We’re not leaving the square just yet—let’s take a peek at the Black Tower. Here, in the shadow of the majestic city of Budějovice, tucked away in a small arcade, is Kafé bar u Vás, which has revamped its breakfast menu—and it was a bull’s-eye, breakfast-wise! 🙂 Savory bagels, waffles (both savory and sweet), Greek omelet… well, just… yum.

Are you in a hurry and looking for a quick bite? Then Bistro Vypečený Okno is the place for you—you can grab some freshly baked treats right from their window! Honestly, I could eat everything here.

Lunch and Dinner

You can satisfy your hunger and thirst at these great spots, which offer not only excellent food but also a pleasant atmosphere. Everyone associates České Budějovice with Masné krámy—of course. But you can also get a good Budvar at other places.

Paluba Restaurant is simply a romantic spot in the city center where you can enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the flowing Mlýnská Stoka. And believe us, that atmosphere will keep you entertained all evening. The restaurant is run by the always cheerful Zuzka, and her personal touch is evident throughout the restaurant.

You definitely won’t go wrong if you visit these great places:

Magdalene Bistro
Yellow Submarine
Na Lyžici Bistro

Head to the aptly named restaurants Impala and Slnko for vegan dishes.

La Bodega Restaurant or for Spanish dishes—I’ve come to love the paella here, which I can’t make as well at home.

Another great new spot is the Paranormale pizzeria on Plachého Street, where you can get authentic Neapolitan pizza that is, in a word, DIVINE!

And of course, if you’re wondering what to visit in České Budějovice when you’re in the mood for some fun and a pleasant evening out, we’ve put together a few tips below on where to go for drinks and a good time. It’s a good idea to make a reservation during peak hours at all the venues listed below— the city center tends to get especially busy on weekends .

Gin Bar – if you’re looking for a place to enjoy gin, complete with an explanation and expert recommendations, this is the spot.
Žltá Ponorka
U Troch Sedliakov – the best and most expensive “desiatka” in town, and it’s really good!
Nevinný Bar
Mäsiarske krámy – a classic spot frequented not only by tourists but also by locals, all because of Budvar.
Perla Restaurant – the best ribs in town, served with Budvar (including draft!)
Solnice Restaurant

Cafés

As we mentioned at the beginning when discussing beautiful places for breakfast, these spots often overlap and offer a haven for good coffee. You won’t regret visiting any of the places listed below. As always, we also recommend the Coffeetrip app, which will often give you plenty of insight into what a café has to offer.

At Pokoj Café , you’ll get exactly what you want. You’ll leave with a warm feeling and peace of mind, because this coffee—prepared by the owner herself—is simply perfect!

Plachého Street is home to another gem that Honza Ašenbryl built from the ground up Plachý Café. There isn’t much seating here, but the coffee experience is definitely worth it.

Let’s head to the left bank of the Malša River, where a café is tucked away in an office building Coffee Berry is tucked away in an office building, along with a friendly team of young people who’ll make you coffee like you’ve never even dreamed of.

and other cafes worth checking out:

• Café Datel
• U Troch Vtákov – limited hours during the winter.
• Matice Café
• Kmen Coffee Roasters
• QB Box

Where to Stay in České Budějovice

I recommend staying right in the center. That way, everything is within easy reach. You’ll save time, and many places also offer parking right on the premises. You’ll find truly affordable hostel-style accommodations at Cuba Bar Hostel — the hostel has been renovated, is located in a quiet neighborhood, is just 5 minutes from the square, and offers very reasonable rates!

If you want to treat yourself to something a little more luxurious, I recommend one of these hotels in the city center, which offer breakfast, beautiful rooms, a great location, and often parking as well. The best of them all are the Grandhotel Zvon and the Clarion Congress Hotel.

You’ll find the heart of the city center at the Hotel U Tří hrušek, the U Černé věže residence or the Panská guesthouse.

And for connoisseurs looking for something truly special, there’s the Malše Residence — unique apartments on the water. Yes, sleeping right on the surface of a backwater of the Malše River will captivate you.

Just a few minutes by taxi or Bolt, hidden away in Stromovka Park, is Villa Resort & Organic Spa™ — a luxurious nature-inspired hotel where you’ll enjoy privacy with your own hot tub and the feeling of being away from the city, yet still so close to it.

Where to Go for Nightlife

We hesitated for a long time about whether to include this subsection here. But then we realized that if you’re spending a weekend here—or even longer—you’ll probably want to go out for a night on the town. The local dance bars are best visited after 11 p.m., when most people move on from the pubs.

We’ve checked out (many times) all the places listed below, so you don’t have to worry about not having a good time. After all, it’s almost always a lot of fun that evening.

• MAXIM Music Club
• Mango Bar
• City Life
• K2 Club— In the summer, various events and concerts are held in front of the club. During the semester, there are student parties and other events.
• Singer —just when most businesses are closing, Singer is just getting started. You’ll appreciate its charm if you keep your preconceptions in check.

Where to Park in Budějovice 🚗

When considering what to visit in České Budějovice, the question of where to park naturally arises . If you’re planning to spend the weekend in Budějovice, you can use the commercial parking lots, which are completely FREE from 8:00 a.m. on Saturday until 8:00 a.m. on Monday. These are the following parking lots:

• Mariánske námestie Parking Lot
• P+R parking lot on Jírovcova Street
• The New Stromovka Parking Garage

You can find affordable paid parking in the city center at the Mariánská Shopping Center or at the parking lot by the swimming pool.

How to Get Around the City

The city’s layout and the proximity of all major attractions make it possible to explore the entire city on foot. If you plan to venture outside the city or travel to more distant locations, you’ll definitely want to use public transportation. It runs on a regular schedule, is modern, and is comfortable. Check the official DPMČB website for schedules and routes, where you’ll also find a map of the lines.

Another option is the Rekola service. I use it very often because there are plenty of bikes and a fairly extensive network of bike racks. Plus, with a bike, you can go practically anywhere—for example, grab a beer at Malák and then ride happily back to the city center along the Malše River.

What to See Around České Budějovice

We’ve put together a special article on what else to see during your visit to České Budějovice. In it, you’ll find 13 recommendations to make your trip to southern Bohemia unforgettable.

Things to Do in Budějovice, Not Just When the Weather Is Bad

Brew your own beer at the Čtyrák university brewery. Visit the relatively new wake park just a short distance from downtown.

Rent a paddleboard and paddle upstream on the Vltava and Malše rivers. Tryriver surfing in České Vrbno or at the Čtyři Dvory Skatepark.

Head to the Beach Arena in the Vltava neighborhood for some beach volleyball, or if you prefer space and everything related to it, the planetarium is the perfect choice.

Or paint your own mug at LaDílna.

A map showing all the checkpoints, including bonus points, for your phone

Save a map of the best places to visit in České Budějovice right to your phone so you always have it with you.