According to Healthvv, České Budějovice is a town located in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. České Budějovice is the birthplace of the Pilsner, which we also love so much. The Budweiser brand comes from here and is simply a reference to the town of České Budějovice, which is called Budweis in German. České Budějovice is the largest city in the South Bohemian Region and also the capital of this region. České Budějovice has a number of sights worth seeing. The city is also popular among tourists from the area who can come here for a (mid) day of shopping. We can recommend the Masné krámy restaurant for a delicious lunch or dinner. This old but carefully restored meat house is known for its delicious meals, hospitality and cozy niches from which the meat used to be sold. The Masné krámy is located on Krajinská Street, around the corner from the Náměstí Přemysla Otakar II (Market Square).
Top 10 things to do in Ceske Budejovice
#1. Market Square
This old market square ‘Náměstí Přemysla Otakar II’, which is named after the founder of the city, is actually the center. On this important and huge square are the town hall, the black tower, the cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Samson fountain. The baroque Samson fountain is a symbol of the city. It was put away between 1721 and 1727 to provide some streets with water. The colorful facades give a special appearance to this impressive square. A legend tells that at the place where the gallows used to be, there is now a stone. And that if you touch it, you won’t come home at night. Or if you walk over it after nine o’clock at night you will get lost in the streets.
#2. Town Hall
The Radnice (Town Hall) is located on a corner of the market. Due to its blue-colored wide facade, it stands out quite a bit. Various ornaments adorn this enchanting building. Since the Samson fountain was reconstructed in 1990, the original statues have been replaced by copies. The original statues are now in the hall of the town hall.
#3. Black Tower
The Černá věž (Black Tower) was built in the 16th century in a part Gothic and part Renaissance style. You can find this tower next to the Cathedral of St. Nicolas in the market square. With a height of 72 metres, the tower offers a phenomenal view of the city. The tower still has its original doors from 1558.
#4. Cathedral St. Nicholaus
On the square of Přemysla Otakar II, the cathedral will immediately draw your attention. The cathedral was already built in the 13th century. After the devastating village fire in 1641, it was refurbished and adapted several times. The furnishings are largely from the 17th and 18th centuries. The altarpiece by Leopold Huber and the painting ‘Death of the Virgin’ are definitely worth seeing.
#5. Maria Church
This striking church is called ‘kostel Obětování Panny Marie’ in Czech. This church is located on the ‘Piaristické náměstí’ square. The church was founded almost at the same time as the city and was completed around 1300. It was part of the former Dominican convent. It is considered the city’s most valuable historical monument.
#6. Brewery Budweiser Budvar
Since 1265 ‘Budweiser Budvar’ beer has been brewed in České Budějovice. It should absolutely not be confused with the American Budweiser beer brand. For years there have been lawsuits about this name and a beer war has been waged. In America, the Czech Budweiser is sold under the name ‘Czechvar’. The brewery can be visited daily and there are various guided tours, with or without a tasting. This is not possible in the winter months. You can find the brewery in the north of the city.
#7. Motorcycles Museum
Lovers of beautiful motorcycles or special ones should definitely pay a visit to the ‘Jihočeské Motorcyklové Museum’, which can be found in the former Salt House. In addition to motorcycles, there are also various historic bicycles, children’s carts and old mechanical toys to admire. Be sure to listen to the lively stories of the host. He is also an excellent cartoonist.
#8. South Bohemian Museum
In this museum the emphasis is mainly on natural and social sciences. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are regularly changing or short exhibitions. There is an archaeological department where various objects can be seen. The natural sciences department features stuffed animals, insects and other evidence from landscapes.
#9. Hluboká nad Vltavou
This place is probably mainly visited for its beautiful and impressive castle Hluboká. The castle has had several facelifts since the 13th century. In the 16th century, for example, adjustments were made in the Renaissance style and then in the 18th century to comply with the Baroque style. In the end, it has become a beautiful structure, parts of which are open to the public.
#10. Holašovice
About fifteen kilometers away is the Anton-Pieck-like village of Holašovice, which is known for its cultural heritage. The village image consists mainly of special houses with beautifully decorated facades with curls and ornaments. Here too, the pastel shades are reflected in various facades. Here and there are beautiful old farms and there is a beautiful pond as the center of the village.