Top Stops When Visiting the Budějovice Gate in Latrán Street

The Latrán district was once the home of the castle's craftsmen and servants. Today, it is a vibrant part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Each building has a unique story and beautiful frescoes. You will find charming cafes and small shops tucked into ancient walls. This route is perfect for photographers and history lovers alike.

• Best overall: Budějovice Gate
• Best for families: Puppet Museum
• Best rainy-day: Minorite Monasteries
• Best free activity: Barber's Bridge views

1. Name: Budějovice Gate (Budějovická brána) Type: sight Why go: It is the last of the city's nine original gates. The architecture features a unique dual-faced design. Best for: History buffs. Where: North end of Latrán street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main bus station. Tip: Look at the different designs on the inner and outer sides.
2. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: experience Why go: This peaceful complex offers a break from the busy streets. You can see the cloisters and a beautiful garden. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Klášterní street, just off Latrán. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 2-minute walk south of the gate. Tip: Visit the Monasteries Český Krumlov website for concert schedules.
3. Name: Church of St. Jost Type: sight Why go: Its green tower is a landmark of the city skyline. It now houses a puppet museum and shops. Best for: Iconic photos. Where: Latrán street near the river. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to see outside; small fee for museum. Getting there: Walk down Latrán towards the river. Tip: The tower looks best from across the Vltava river.
4. Name: The Red Gate Type: sight Why go: This is the official entrance to the castle's first courtyard. It is a grand wooden gate painted deep red. Best for: Starting a castle tour. Where: Latrán street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located halfway down Latrán street. Tip: Use this as your entry point for the Český Krumlov castle complex guide.
5. Name: Castle Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous 360-degree view of the town. The tower is decorated with beautiful Renaissance paintings. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Just inside the Red Gate. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Enter via the Red Gate and follow the signs. Tip: Check the details for climbing the castle tower before you go.
6. Name: Barber’s Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: sight Why go: It connects the Latrán district with the Old Town. It offers great views of the castle and the river. Best for: Watching the river rafters. Where: Southern end of Latrán street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the end of Latrán street. Tip: Look for the statues of St. John of Nepomuk and Jesus on the bridge.
7. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: museum Why go: This museum features works by the famous Austrian painter. It is housed in a large 16th-century brewery. Best for: Modern art lovers. Where: Široká street, near Latrán. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from Barber's Bridge. Tip: Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum official site for temporary exhibits.
8. Name: Eggenberg Brewery Type: experience Why go: Taste local beer in a historic setting near the gate. The brewery has a long history in the town. Best for: Local flavors. Where: Pivovarská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies. Getting there: Located very close to the Budějovice Gate. Tip: Try the dark lager for a traditional taste.
9. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: sight Why go: This massive multi-story bridge is a feat of engineering. It connects different parts of the castle. Best for: Architectural awe. Where: Above the castle moat. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards from Latrán. Tip: Visit the official castle site for history on the bridge.

Planning Your Latrán Neighborhood Walking Route

When visiting the Budějovice Gate in Latrán street, start early. The streets are narrow and can get crowded by noon. Most visitors arrive by bus and walk from the north. This makes the gate the perfect starting point for your day. Wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestones are very uneven.

The walk from the gate to the river is short. However, you will want to stop often. There are many small details on the house facades. Look for the sgraffito decorations which are typical of the region. Many buildings date back to the 14th century.

If you have time, explore the side alleys. They often lead to quiet river views or small gardens. Latrán is less hilly than the castle area. This makes it a pleasant walk for most fitness levels. You can easily spend half a day just in this neighborhood.

Essential Tips for Exploring Latrán

Public transport is the best way to reach the city. The main bus station is a short walk from the gate. If you drive, use the P1 parking lot. It is located just outside the Budějovice Gate. Parking inside the historic center is mostly restricted.

Most sights in Latrán are free to view from the outside. Museums and castle interiors require tickets. You can usually pay with a credit card in most places. However, keep some Czech Koruna for small souvenir shops. Most shops open around 9:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM.

The area is very safe for tourists. Just be mindful of the occasional car on the narrow streets. While Latrán is mostly pedestrian, some local traffic is allowed. Always stay to the side when you hear a vehicle approaching. This ensures a smooth experience for everyone.