České Budějovice

České Budějovice is the capital of South Bohemia, set at the meeting point of the Vltava and Malše rivers. The city is best known for its large central square, historic architecture and the original Budweiser Budvar brewery, which give it a relaxed but distinctive Central European character.

Founded in 1265 by King Přemysl Otakar II, the city developed as a royal trading and brewing centre. Přemysl Otakar II Square remains one of the largest squares in the Czech Republic, framed by arcaded townhouses and the baroque Samson Fountain, while the 72-metre Black Tower offers views over the old town. The nearby St. Nicholas Cathedral, town hall and the route of the first horse-drawn railway in continental Europe, which connected the city with Linz, reflect its long history.

The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Key attractions include the Black Tower, the South Bohemian Museum, the Dominican monastery and brewery tours at Budweiser Budvar, while the riverside paths along the Vltava and Malše provide a quieter side of the city. České Budějovice is also a convenient base for day trips to Český Krumlov, Hluboká Castle and the pond landscapes around Třeboň.

Today the city is an administrative, university and manufacturing centre, home to the University of South Bohemia and companies such as KOH-I-NOOR Hardtmuth. Its beer culture, student life, festivals and seasonal Christmas market add energy to a city that remains easy to navigate and welcoming to visitors.

For travellers, České Budějovice combines a well-preserved historic core with practical connections to Prague, Linz and the rest of South Bohemia. It appeals to leisure visitors interested in history, beer and countryside as well as business travellers attending meetings, university events or regional conferences.