Official Name

České Budějovice, from now written as 'Ceske Budejovice' (because some computers may not display the diacritical signs correctly). The German name of the town is more famous - (Böhmisch) Budweis (Bohemian Budweis), also used as the name for the beer. Further to the east there is another, much smaller town called Moravské Budějovice (Moravian-Budweis) - not to be confused with Bohemian Budweis.

Location

	České Budějovice

Budejovice is around 125 km south of →Prague and 75 km north of Linz (Austria), conveniently located at the confluence of Malše and Vltava river. The town is the regional centre of Southern Bohemia.

Population

Ceske Budejovice has almost exactly 100,000 inhabitants.

Orientation

The town has a clearly defined old city centre. The České Budějovice nádraží (main train station) is only 500 m east of the centre. The centre itself is egg-shaped, some 400 m wide and 500 m long. It is almost completely surrounded by large sady (parks) and ditches. The Vltava (Moldau) river flows west of the centre northwards with the smaller Malše river joining the Vltava south-west of the old city. Right in the middle of town, the huge nám. Přemysla Otakara II (Premysl II. square) marks the historic centre. Many churches and old buildings line up around the square.

	The magnificient market square in the historic centre

History

Ceske Budejovice was founded by the Bohemian king Přemysla Otakar II. in the year 1265 (see also →History of the Czech republic) as a royal city. At that time, the Bohemian king wanted to strengthen his position against the House of Vítkovec. Ceske Budejovice developed quickly and became an important trading place. Especially silver-mining, breweries and salt trade made the town wealthy.

However, Ceske Budejovice suffered a lot during the 30 years' war. In 1641, the town was burnt to the ground. According to historical records, some 200 houses burnt down within one day. Later, the town was rebuilt, predominantly in baroque style. Thanks to the industrial revolution in the 19th century, Budejovice prospered again and was connected to Linz (present-day Austria) via the first commercial European railway line. It must be said that the railway was driven by horsepower only and was only used for transporting goods, mostly salt.

Today the city is worldwide famous for its beer - the Budějovický Budvar (Budweiser Budvar), which is imported to America, Japan and many other countries. The American Budweiser has only one thing in common: the name. The taste is completely different, and so it's hard to have an American Budweiser again after tasting the original.

Getting there / transportation

Ceske Budejovice is en route from →Prague to Linz. It takes around 2½ hrs by train (100 Kč) to the capital. Halfway the beautiful small city →Tábor (1 hour, less then 50 Kč) is definitely worth a visit as well. To Linz in Austria it takes around 3 hours. Additionally, there are direct trains to Plzeň (Pilsen). Some local trains head for →Český Krumlov. Ceske Krumlov is not very far, but the train needs almost one hour (25 Kč). Buses are much faster! There are other long- and short-distance buses to various destinations in the Czech republic and even to Vienna.

The historic centre is not very big and easily covered on foot. However you walk - you will inevitably end up on central náměstí Přemysla Otakara II. This square is almost quadratic and more then 100 m long. The buildings facing the square are surprisingly homogeneous. Almost all of them feature arcades from the 18th century, and so it's possible to walk around the square during torrential rain without getting wet. Many shops and cafés make the square an attractive shopping place. The middle of the square is adorned by the Samsonova kašna (Samson fountain). On the south-west corner, the baroque Radnice (city hall) built in the year 1731 is easy to find.

Only a few meters north of the central square, behind the Mikláš-Cathedral, the so-called Černá věž (black tower) can be seen. The tower was built in the 16th century and is 72 m high. It's possible to climb the tower and enjoy the nice vista of the central square and the surroundings. Unfortunately, the tower is closed during the winter months. There are some large bells inside the tower, the heaviest of them weighing almost 3½ tons.

	The blue city hall is an eyecatcher

There is plenty more to see. As there are the former Dominican monastery at the western edge of the old centre, the big South Bohemian Museum in the south-east, many beautiful burgher houses and a handful of churches (Ceske Budejovice was a catholic stronghold) just to name but a few. Last but not least the rather modern Budweiser Brewery located some kilometers away from the centre in an industrial area in the north. It's possible to join a tour through the brewery, which is only possible in groups.

	Gomel Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$50 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Located only 150 km (93 miles) away from the airport and close to downtown Ceske Budejovice, the Gomel Hotel couldn't be in a better position. The hotel has a total of 188 well-appointed rooms designed with the guests' comfort in mind. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television. The amenities and services offered at this Ceske Budejovice accommodation include room service 24hr, shops, casino, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Ceske Budejovice, making it a distinct accommodation. To book a room easily at the Gomel Hotel, please submit your travel dates and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Maly Pivovar Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$60 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: internet access, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Maly Pivovar Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Ceske Budejovice. This 4-star property offers travelers a choice of 29 pleasant rooms that are equipped with the standard amenities of hotels in its class. Each guestroom has internet access, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Ceske Budejovice hotel with everything they need right on the site such as laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service, tours, car park. The hotel offers water sports (non-motorized) to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Maly Pivovar Hotel, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Garni P.V.T.
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, television, shower >>Check availability

>>Description

The Hotel Garni P.V.T. is located in Ceske Budejovice making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Hotel Garni P.V.T. boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, television, shower. To suit guests' convenience, this Ceske Budejovice accommodation offers room service 24hr, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, business center, pets allowed. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. To make a reservation at the Hotel Garni P.V.T. Ceske Budejovice with our secure online booking form, please choose your preffered period of stay.

	Hotel Klika
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$67 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Ceske Budejovice has to offer with Hotel Klika as a base. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Room amenities include non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub. Hotel facilities offered at this Ceske Budejovice accommodation include room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes, disabled facilities. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, sauna, tennis courts, spa. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. To proceed with your reservation at the Hotel Klika via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Hotel U Tri Lvu
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$50 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: daily newspaper, desk, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Ceske Budejovice has to offer with Hotel U Tri Lvu as a base. The Hotel U Tri Lvu boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. In-room facilities include non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, desk, television, bathtub, shower. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Ceske Budejovice hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Ceske Budejovice, making it a distinct accommodation. To proceed with this reservation at the Hotel U Tri Lvu, please enter your visit dates and follow our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Zatkuv dum
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$67 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, shower, mini bar >>Check availability

>>Description

The Hotel Zatkuv dum is located in Ceske Budejovice making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Hotel Zatkuv dum boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, television, shower, mini bar. The amenities and services offered at this Ceske Budejovice accommodation include room service 24hr, bar/pub, restaurant, safety deposit boxes, disabled facilities, business center. Along with its convenient location in Ceske Budejovice, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. Please complete our secure online booking form by entering your period of stay.

	Orea Hotel Dvorak
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$53 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, DVD/CD player, coffee/tea maker, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Ceske Budejovice has to offer with Orea Hotel Dvorak as a base. The Orea Hotel Dvorak boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom has non smoking rooms, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, bathtub. This beautiful Ceske Budejovice accommodation provides room service 24hr, casino, executive floor, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities to suit all guests' utmost convenience. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including pool indoor, golf course (on site), gym/fitness facilities, sauna, squash courts, pool outdoor. Along with its convenient location in Ceske Budejovice, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. To make a reservation at the Orea Hotel Dvorak Ceske Budejovice with our secure online booking form, please choose your preffered period of stay.

	Pension Miltom
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$68 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: inhouse movies, television, shower, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Pension Miltom is located in Ceske Budejovice making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. Room amenities include non smoking rooms, inhouse movies, television, shower, satellite/cable TV. The amenities and services offered at this Ceske Budejovice accommodation include casino, hotel/airport transfer, tours, business center, bicycle rental. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including massage, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts, spa, squash courts. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Ceske Budejovice, making it a distinct accommodation. To book a room at the Pension Miltom, please select your dates of travel and complete fill out our secure online booking form.

	Penzion Restaurant Centrum
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$49 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, shower, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Penzion Restaurant Centrum is located in Ceske Budejovice making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, television, shower, satellite/cable TV. The amenities and services offered at this Ceske Budejovice accommodation include elevator, restaurant, safety deposit boxes, disabled facilities, business center, pets allowed. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Penzion Restaurant Centrum Ceske Budejovice, please select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Filip
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$65 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: television, separate shower and tub, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Hotel Filip is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Ceske Budejovice. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is fully equipped with television, separate shower and tub, satellite/cable TV. This Ceske Budejovice accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, spa. Along with its convenient location in Ceske Budejovice, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. Please complete our secure online booking form by entering your period of stay.



There are many hotels and pensions in the city centre. As in other Czech towns, pensions are the best option. Just ask at the tourist information - there are two of them in the centre. One is next to the city hall, the other one south of central Premysl square.

• www.c-budejovice.cz Official website of České Budějovice. Useful to read before visiting. Comes in English, Czech and German.

Do you have or do you know a good website about České Budějovice? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.