Tábor is a town of 37 thousand people, but it feels much smaller because its historical center is very condensed and can easily be covered in just a few hours. The town is a nice stop if you are traveling in Southern Bohemia or are passing by and have a few hours to spare.
Tábor has an eventful past, linked to the religious Hussite wars of the 15th century. It was founded as a bastion by Jan Žižka, army-leader of the Hussites, in 1420. Reminders of these turbulent times can be found in street names, monuments, the ever-present symbol of the chalice, and in the Hussite Museum that is housed inside the Town Hall.
Tábor’s Old Town is very pretty and it is a pleasure to stroll along its narrow cobblestone streets rimmed with colorful residential houses that are decorated with a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and other elements. We recommend starting at the picturesque Jan Žižka Square where you can visit the Information Center, and then choosing any of the streets that lead from the square in all directions.
Before you head out of town, you can stop for a coffee and cake in one of the many cafés on the square or in one of the nearby streets.
The Tábor tourist information office is located on Jan Žižka Square.
Tábor Information Center
Žižkovo nám. 2
390 01 Tábor
www.visittabor.eu
Tábor sister cities: Dole, France; Konstanz, Germany; Orinda, California
Getting to Tábor from Prague
Tábor is located along the route to České Budějovice, about 90 km/60 miles south of Prague.
By Car
Take D1 to E55 towards Tábor/České Budějovice.
By Bus
A direct bus ride between Prague and Tábor typically takes 1.5 – 1.75 hours. There are many buses connecting the two cities on a daily basis. In Prague, the bus leaves from and arrives to the Florenc or Roztyly bus station, and in Tábor you will get off and on at the city bus station, which is located within a leisurely 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
Bus schedules
By Train
A direct train ride between Prague and Tábor takes 1.5 hours. A number of trains connect the two cities. The Tábor train station is located within a leisurely 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
Train schedules
Tábor Taxi Companies
Taxi Jaroslav Lis – www.taxi-lis.cz
Taxi Michal Mašek – www.taxi-tabor-masek.cz
Taxi Tábor – www.taxidispecink.cz
What to See and Do in Tábor
Hussite Museum
The Hussite Museum is one of the most visited museums in the Czech Republic. You will find it inside the Town Hall on Jan Žižka Square.
Website: www.husitskemuzeum.cz
Underground Passages
In the 15th century, a network of underground passages and cellars was built under the Old Town. The areas were used for storage of foodstuffs and beer, and as a shelter in times of danger. A part of the 800-meter (0.5 mile) long labyrinth is open to the public (groups of five or more) and can be entered from the Hussite Museum.
Website: www.visittabor.eu
Kotnov Tower
The round, medieval Kotnov Tower is the most significant remainder of the Kotnov Castle from the 13th century. Be sure to climb up to get a wonderful view of old and new Tábor and the river Lužnice. The climb is “at your own risk” (roughly 70 steep wooden steps with sturdy handrails) but we can testify that it can be done wearing slip-ons and carrying a small dog in one arm.
Website: www.visittabor.eu