České Budějovice is the largest city in the south Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, though I never had the feeling that I was in a big city while visiting. This beautiful city also boasts one of the largest squares in Europe surrounded by colorful buildings, giving it all a very picturesque and fairytale feel. It’s a great place to visit.
If you only have one day to spend in this city, and you should, this city is definitely worth visiting, these are the top things to see and do, before you move on to your next adventure in the picturesque town of Český Krumlov.
Best time to visit
The weather in the Czech Republic is like other places with the four seasons. So, spring, summer and fall are all great times to visit, though summer will definitely be the busiest.
Getting there
One of the best things about the Czech Republic and other European cities is how connected things are. There is plenty of public transport, including bus stations and the train station. For some helpful information, make sure to stop at the tourist information centre to help you plan your travel.
Top things to do in České Budějovice
Wander Around Přemysl Otakar ii Square
In the city center is the main square. Named after the cities founder, King Přemsyl Otakar II, you can wander around visiting shops or eating at some of the best restaurants in the area sheltered by the covered walkways of the surrounding buildings.
The main building seen in the square is the town hall. Originally built in 1387, it has been rebuilt multiple times with the latest being 1730.
Right in the centre of the old town is the Samson’s fountain. This fountain is the tallest fountain in the country and is beautifully illuminated at night. Surrounded by benches you can sit for hours enjoying the subtle beauty of the square and mingle with locals who come to the square from the city’s interior.
Climb up Black Tower
For a different perspective, and panoramic views of the city, climb up Black tower and you get an iconic view of the square and Samson fountain and surrounding area. Once a belfry and a watchtower, dating back to 1577, it stands at 72 meters high. Depending on the time of year it may be closed, so make sure to check before heading there.
Enjoy the local festivals
When I arrived in České Budějovice it was smack in the middle of a festival. There were medieval games and displays, people were dressed in medieval style clothing, and the local stands sold fresh, unpasteurized, unfiltered Budvar beer. The budweiser budvar brewery of course produces budweiser beer and its definitely the place for a beer lover.
The festivals are like stepping back in time and is a fun way to spend the entire afternoon.
Eat the local food
Czech food is pretty amazing, if you like garlic and meat. Just outside of the square is a small restaurant serving pork knee (vepřové koleno) with a little flag in it telling you how many they sold that day. Along with fresh beer or a really nice wine, it’s one hearty meal.
Also, on the square you can get a garlic soup in a bread bowl. Perfect on a cold or rainy day. And after every meal follow it up with a shot of becherovka, an herbal infused liquor that is said to aid in digestion. If the waiter or waitress asks if you would like a shot, do it. I think it has a really nice taste, strong, but nice.
Heading outside the square make sure to check out Masne Kramy, a former meat market, for dinner. It is one of the most popular and well-known restaurants in the area. You will find plenty of locals there enjoying a beer and one of their intoxicating dishes.
Wander České Budějovice’s Old Town
With cobblestoned streets, small churches, beautiful buildings and little nooks and crannies to explore, you can spend the entire day just wanted the old town. Discover great food, beautiful churches and little hidden shops.
Take in a hockey game
Czechs like hockey as much as us Canadians do, though I would almost argue that they are crazier about the sport. They have their own team in the Czech Extraliga, the highest-level hockey league in the Czech Republic.
Grab a beer and a Czech sausage and be ready to be swept away with the enthusiasm of the crowd. The teams have a live band playing, riling up the crowd. It’s loud, it’s wild, and it is so much fun. The crowd is definitely passionate about their team and the sport and it spills over and is absolutely infectious.
Other sites in Ceske Budejovice
There are lots of other things you can do in České Budějovice. This is definitely not an exhaustive list but I think the city gets overlooked by the more popular cities and nearby towns, such as Český Krumlov, Prague and Plzeň. But it’s definitely worth checking out and at the very least spending the day. For more ideas check out these suggestions by Travlinmad.
Concluding thoughts
This fascinating town is one of the best places I visited in south Bohemia, a unique places with plenty of things to do. With its historic buildings it’s the perfect place to visit for a day.
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