České Budějovice: A Gem in the Heart of South Bohemia

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeNa shledanou
  [nah shledanou]
• YesAno
  [ah-noh]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yi]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [proh-meen-teh]
• How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak seh mash]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [doh-bryeh. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-teh ahng-leet-skee]
• I don't understandNerozumím
  [neh-roh-zoo-meem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím
  [khtyel bikh vee-deht meh-noo, pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatJá nejím maso
  [yah neh-yeem mah-soh]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [nah zdra-vee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseRád bych zaplatil, prosím
  [rahd bikh zap-la-teel, pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
• Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preets]
• Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [zah-vo-ley-teh poh-lee-tsee]
• Call a doctor!Zavolejte lékaře!
  [zah-vo-ley-teh lay-kah-reh]
• I'm lostJsem ztracený
  [ysem ztrah-tseh-nee]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [ysem ne-mohts-nee]

• I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [khtyel bikh koh-peeht]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yehn seh dee-vahm]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh yeh preh-leesh dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moo-zheh-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [koh-leek yeh hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yed-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Půl desáté
  [pool des-ah-tee]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [ohd-poh-led-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-cheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zee-trah]
• 1Jedna
  [yed-nah]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tři
  [tree]
• 4Čtyři
  [cht-yer-zhee]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shest]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [ohsm]
• 9Devět
  [deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...?
  [kdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-kah yeh ah-deh-srah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi ukázat (na mapě)?
  [moo-zheh-teh mee oo-kah-zaht nah mah-peh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdee yeh-deh dah-lee-shee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenka (do ....)
  [yed-noh yeez-dehn-kah doh]

České Budějovice was founded in 1265 by King Ottokar II of Bohemia as a royal town. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers made it an important center for trade and commerce.

Constructed between 1550 and 1577, the Black Tower is one of the most significant landmarks in České Budějovice. Originally built as a bell tower and watchtower, it provides panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Established in 1895, the Budweiser Budvar Brewery holds a prestigious place in the city’s history. Known for its high-quality lager, the brewery has become synonymous with České Budějovice and has an extensive visitor center and tours.

During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), České Budějovice served as a significant military and administrative center for the Habsburgs. The city endured several sieges and played a key role in the war efforts.

Completed in 1727, Samson’s Fountain is one of the largest Baroque fountains in Central Europe. Located in the main square, it depicts the biblical figure Samson slaying a lion, symbolizing strength and resilience.

The 19th century brought industrialization to České Budějovice, transforming it into a modern city. Railways and factories were established, contributing to economic growth and urban development.

České Budějovice was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. The city suffered damage from Allied bombings but was liberated by American forces in May 1945, marking the end of the war for the region.

In the post-war period, České Budějovice underwent significant reconstruction and development. The city expanded its educational institutions, including the establishment of the University of South Bohemia in 1991, enhancing its cultural and academic landscape.

Efforts to preserve České Budějovice's historical architecture have been ongoing. The city center is a protected heritage zone, ensuring that its medieval layout, Baroque buildings, and other historical landmarks are maintained for future generations.

České Budějovice is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is Václav Havel Airport in Prague, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Prague, you can take a direct train or bus to České Budějovice, with the journey typically taking around 2 to 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which allows for flexible travel and exploration of the scenic Czech countryside.

Once in České Budějovice, the city is easy to navigate. Public transportation includes buses and trolleybuses, which are affordable and reliable. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are available but ensure you use reputable services. For a more leisurely experience, walking and biking are great options, especially in the historic center. Bike rentals are available at various locations.

The official currency in Czechia is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in České Budějovice. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit more remote areas. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange offices are available for converting foreign money.

České Budějovice is generally a safe city for tourists. Nevertheless, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets or public transport. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The city has several hospitals and medical facilities equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies during your stay.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious settings. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobrý den' (Good day). A firm handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beers. Don’t leave a tip if the service charge is already included in the bill, but a small extra tip for good service is appreciated.

To experience České Budějovice like a local, visit the Piarist Square and its farmers' market for fresh produce and local crafts. Enjoy a walk along the Vltava River and take a leisurely bike ride to the nearby Hluboká Castle. Engage with locals at traditional Czech pubs, known as 'hospoda,' and try the famous Budweiser Budvar beer brewed locally. Attending local events and festivals, such as the annual Slavnosti piva (Beer Festival), offers a unique glimpse into the city's vibrant culture.