Getting to Budweis & current prices (as of early 2026)

If you are planning a trip to České Budějovice (Budweis) If you’re planning a trip, I can tell you from personal experience: The city is not only beautiful, but also surprisingly easy to reach and still attractively priced – if you know what to look out for. Here you’ll find my personal recommendations for getting there, sights, prices, and important tips for your visit this year. 2026.

Arrival in Budweis

Train: For me, the train is the most relaxing option. The direct connection takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Prices are currently around 300 CZK. If you book early, you can sometimes even get tickets around the 250 CZK Find it. It might be a bit more expensive at short notice on the same day – but overall it remains a very fair and convenient option.

Bus: If you’re looking for a particularly cheap way to travel, it’s worth taking a look at bus connections. Providers like FlixBus offer fares starting from around… 150 CZK. The journey usually takes a little longer than by train, but it’s a solid alternative – especially for thrifty travelers.

Sights & Activities

Black Tower (Černá věž): One of my highlights in České Budějovice. The entrance fee is currently around… 50–70 CZK. The old price of 30 CZK is no longer correct. The climb is definitely worth it – a magnificent view over the old town awaits you at the top.

Budweiser Budvar Brewery Tour: If you love beer, this is a must-visit. Since the beginning of 2026, the standard tour including tasting costs [price missing]. 290 CZK. Students and senior citizens pay approximately 220 CZK. The tour lasts around 60-80 minutes and gives you an exciting insight into the brewing tradition of the region.

Town Hall roof terrace: An often underrated spot. Access is via a guided tour and costs approximately… 100–150 CZK. For me, it’s a nice addition to the Black Tower, especially if you want to experience the city from different perspectives.

Gastronomy – my experiences

Breakfast: In cafes like Datel you can get a good breakfast with pancakes and coffee for about 280–350 CZK Plan ahead. The quality and atmosphere here are truly top-notch.

Lunch: You can now get classics like Svíčková for around 260–320 CZK. A large beer (0.5 l) usually costs around 65–75 CZK. Especially in traditional restaurants, you get a lot for your money here.

Snacks: For a quick snack, I highly recommend a Czech Zmrzlina. Prices are currently around… 45–60 CZK – perfect for a short break at the market square.

Important tips for your visit in 2026

Tip: What I’ve noticed is that card payments are now standard, but tips are still often given in cash. So it doesn’t hurt to have a few coins on hand.

Reservations: I strongly recommend booking popular places like brewery tours or well-known restaurants online in advance. Demand increased significantly in 2026 – especially due to many day visitors.

Opening hours: Plan your visits carefully. The Black Tower is often closed on Mondays during the winter months (November to March). The brewery usually does not offer tours on Sundays during January and February.

My personal impression: České Budějovice is still a real highlight in South Bohemia in 2026 – authentic, vibrant, and reasonably priced. If you plan your trip well, you can experience a lot here without breaking the bank.