České Budějovice Overview

České Budějovice (pop. 100,000), also known as Budweis, inspired the namesake pale American brew, which bears little resemblance to the thoroughly enjoyable, malty local Budvar. Staré Město centers on the main square, Náměstí Přemysla Otakara II, which is surrounded by colorful Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Animosity lingers between Anheuser-Busch and the Budvar Brewery, Karoliny Světlé 4. From the center, take bus #2 toward Borek, Točna. (☎387 705 341; www.budvar.cz. Tours for groups of 8 or more by reservation daily 9am-4pm. 100Kč, students 50Kč.) If you’re looking for an interesting museum, Jihočeskě Motocylově Museum, Piaristická nám., houses the private antiques collection of a motorcycle fanatic. (☎386 801 804. 40Kč, students 20Kč.)

Budget accommodation is scarce in České Budějovice, with most travelers opting to stay nearby in Český Krumlov. Pension Minor , Kněžská 1, a lively local crowd chats over heavy Czech dishes. The “Jagersteak” (sirloin, cream, and mushrooms; 265Kč) is a worthy splurge. (☎386 358 829. Entrees 25-265Kč. Open M-Th 10am-11pm, F 10am-midnight, Sa 11am-midnight. Cash only.)

Trains (☎387 854 490) leave from Nádražní 12 for: Brno (4hr., 5 per day, 274Kč); Český Krumlov (50min., 9 per day, 46Kč); Plzeň (2hr., 9 per day, 162Kč); Prague (2hr., 13 per day, 204Kč). Buses (☎386 354 444) go to Brno (4hr., 6 per day, 220Kč), Český Krumlov (45min., 22 per day, 32Kč), and Prague (2hr., 10 per day, 120-144Kč). To reach the town center from the station, go right on Nádražní, left at the first crosswalk, and follow Lannova třída (becomes Kanovnická). The tourist office is at nám. Otakara II 2. (☎386 801 413; www.c-budejovice.cz. Open May-Sept. M-F 8:30am-6pm, Sa 8:30am-5pm, Su 10am-4pm, Oct.-Apr. M and W 9am-5pm, Tu, Th, F 8am-4pm, Sa 9am-1pm.) Postal Code: 37001.