10 Best Things To Do In Ceske Budejovice, Czechia

1. Marvel at spectacular views of the Old Town from Black Tower

Located near the Přemysl Otakar II Square, Black Tower is an iconic Gothic-Renaissance tower that was built in the 16th century. It was used as a watchtower and bell tower. It stands at 72 m (232 feet). Go through the hassle of climbing up the 225 steep steps and once at the top, marvel at the stunning views that it offers. See the Old Town in all its beauty, and the surrounding natural scenery, including Kleť Mountain. This tower has six bells and two of them are rung every day at noon. Explore the beautiful architecture and relish the amazing views from this great vantage point.

Black Tower

Address: U Černé věže 70, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czechia

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: From 20 CZK (1 USD)

2. Tour the magnificent Ceske Budejovice Town Hall

Situated within the Přemysl Otakar II Square, this Town Hall features Baroque-style architecture that gives it its splendor. Admire its unique interior décor and the stunning views from the terrace on the roof. It is home to original statues of the Bourgeois Virtues, made by Josef Dietrich, the original statues of Samson at Samson Fountain, and a splendid hall with a vaulted ceiling fresco depicting the Judgment of Solomon. The façade features several coats of arms including the city’s coat of arms, a memorial plaque, and gargoyles shaped like dragons and made of copper. See the statues of August Zátka, who was a prominent politician in the courtyard. This Town Hall is truly a sight to behold.

Ceske Budejovice Town Hall

Address: Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II. 1, České Budějovice 1, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czechia

3. Capture amazing photos at Přemysl Otakar II Square

This vast and beautiful square is one of the largest squares in the Czech Republic. It is named after the person who founded the town, King Ottokar II of Bohemia. Within the square are Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque-style structures including Samson Fountain, Town Hall and Grand Hotel Zvon. Its perimeter is surrounded by arcaded townhouses that used to belong to wealthy people back then. Take in the beauty and uniqueness of Přemysl Otakar II Square. The buildings and fountain offer an amazing backdrop for your photos.

Přemysl Otakar II Square

Address: 370 01 České Budějovice, Czechia

4. Learn about the history of Rabenštejn Tower

Rabenštejn Tower was built towards the end of the 14th century. It is one of the two Old Town’s Gothic fortification towers that formed part of the city walls. Initially, it was used as a refuge for the people who defended the town and also to store guns and gun powder. Later, it was used as a prison. Now, not only is it one of the oldest heritage sites in the area, but it also showcases an exhibit of historical weapons and body armor. Have fun exploring this tower and get to learn some of its history.

Rabenštejn Tower

Address: Panská 207/4, České Budějovice, 37001

5. Observe the making of Budvar beer at Budweiser Budvar Brewery

Budweiser Budvar Brewery is known for making Budweiser Budvar Pale Lager. A tour of this brewery will take you through the different stages of making beer and you will get a chance to taste it. Using a mix of traditional methods of beer-brewing and modern techniques, they produce high-quality beer. Crystal-clear water obtained from artesian wells that are 300 m (984 Ft) deep, first-class Saaz Hops and Moravian Malt, are combined to give the beer its unique taste. The beer then matures in lager tanks for as long as it is necessary. End your tour by dining at their Budvarka Restaurant, where you can taste all their beers and different Czech cuisines. Check their website for when the brewery reopens for tours.

Budweiser Budvar Brewery

Address: K. Světlé 512/4 370 04 Ceske Budejovice

Website: Budweiser Budvar Brewery

Price:150 CZK (6 USD)

6. Admire the gorgeous Palác Včela

Designed by Peter Paul Brang - who was a Viennese architect - and built by Josef Priesler, Palác Včela is a gorgeous Neo-Renaissance building. It is located at the corner of Přemysl Otakar II Square and Karla IV Street. Its beautiful color is already enticing enough from afar, but you need to step closer to see its complete beauty. This three-story house is made of rich stucco and decorated with sculptures and carvings. Palác Včela is a great example of the German Neo-Renaissance architectural style.

Palác Včela

Address: Karla IV. 92/1, Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic

7. Marvel at the stunning Samson Fountain

Set at the center of the picturesque Přemysl Otakar II Square, Samson Fountain showcases a Baroque architectural style. It is made up of a Baroque stone reservoir at the bottom, and rising from its center, is a rectangular pedestal with four gargoyles. Four Atlases stand on the pedestal holding a circular bowl and inside it is the biblical Samson sitting on a lion. The splashing water adds to its charm. Visit this square and capture amazing photos of this fountain and its surrounding magnificent scenery.

Samson Fountain

Address: Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II., 370 01 České Budějovice, Czechia

Website: Samson Fountain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Tour the fascinating Iron Maiden - Castle Tower

Built in the 14th century, Iron Maiden – Castle Tower is a beautiful Gothic tower that was part of the city’s wall fortifications. This four-story tower was used as a defense base and gunpowder, rifles and cannons were stored in it. It was also used as a prison and, possibly, as a torture chamber from which its name was derived. After touring Iron Maiden – Castle Tower, you can dine at the restaurant inside it, which serves scrumptious Czech cuisines. Have fun at this spot which offers a mix of historical heritage and Czech delicacies.

Iron Maiden - Castle Tower

Address: Zátkovo nábř., 370 01 České Budějovice, Czechia

9. Admire the Beuron art décor at Church of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary

Church of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary is located in Žižkova Avenue. This church is one of the valuable attractions in Ceske Budejovice. Aside from its Neo-Romanesque architectural design, the church features a splendid and colorful interior décor. It is decorated with some of the most gorgeous pieces of Beuron art in South Bohemia. Add some spiritual uplifting to your life when you visit this church. Check out their website prior to planning your visit to make inquiries on when it is open for tours.

Church of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary

Address: Žižkova tř. 251/6, České Budějovice 6, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czechia

Website: Church of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary

10. View the displays at the Museum of South Bohemia

Built in Neo-Renaissance style, The Museum of South Bohemia was founded in 1877. It has a vast collection of over 800,000 items covering fields such as botany, geology, zoology, archaeology, history, ethnography and art. It also has a large collection of historic books, manuscripts and photographs. This museum has a specialized museum library that collects historical collections and reproduces professional literature. With such vast collections in archaeology, science and history, and books, this museum is a great place to be enlightened about South Bohemia.

Museum of South Bohemia

Address: Dukelská 242/1, 370 51 České Budějovice, Czechia

Website: Museum of South Bohemia

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 90 CZK (4 USD)

Explore the history of Ceske Budejovice

Ceske Budejovice is a city well-endowed with historical buildings displaying Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Marvel at the beauty of such structures and learn about their historical significance. Explore the historical heritage of this city using our list of the best things to do in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.