IGY Centrum

IGY Centre is the modern heart of shopping and entertainment in the city of České Budějovice. As the largest shopping complex in South Bohemia, it is not just a collection of shops, but a true space for life, meetings, and relaxation. The building stands out with its modern architecture and glass facades, creating a sense of spaciousness and light inside.

For tourists traveling through Czechia, this place serves as an excellent stopover. It harmoniously combines opportunities for quality shopping, gastronomic pleasures, and entertainment zones. The complex is divided into two parts (IGY 1 and IGY 2), connected to each other, ensuring a huge selection of brands and services for every taste.

This place is ideal for those who want to take a break from sightseeing historical landmarks and dive into the familiar rhythm of city life. Whether searching for fashionable clothes, electronics, or simply wishing to drink a cup of coffee in a comfortable setting, IGY Centre offers a high level of service and the pleasant atmosphere of a European mall.

To conveniently plan your visit and check current information about store or cinema opening times, you can use the shopping center's official contacts. Below are the main details for communication and navigation.

At IGY Centre, visitors can expect a wide range of activities going beyond ordinary shopping. First and foremost, it is a paradise for fashion lovers: dozens of boutiques featuring international and Czech brands of clothing, footwear, and accessories are presented here. You can update your wardrobe, find sports gear, or pick out cosmetics and perfumes in specialized stores. Spacious galleries invite unhurried strolls from window to window.

For those seeking entertainment, a modern multiplex cinema operates within the complex. It is a great place to watch the latest global releases in comfortable halls with high-quality sound. The cinema often becomes a magnet for youth and families with children, especially in the evenings or on weekends.

The gastronomic part of the visit will also not leave you indifferent. The center features an extensive food court where you can grab a quick fast-food bite, as well as several cozy cafes and restaurants for a more leisurely lunch or dinner. Here you can try international cuisine or enjoy a cup of coffee with dessert while watching the lively life of the shopping center. Additionally, the presence of a large supermarket allows tourists to restock groceries or buy local delicacies for the road.

The IGY Centre is located on one of the city's main transport arteries — Pražská Street (Pražská třída), making it easily accessible for both motorists and pedestrians. If you are traveling by car, aim for the northern direction from the historic center; the complex is equipped with a spacious parking lot where you can leave your vehicle while shopping.

For those who prefer public transport, getting here is not difficult. Right in front of the entrance is a stop named exactly that — "IGY" (or "Družba - IGY"). City trolleybuses and buses from various districts run here regularly, including routes from the train and bus stations.

If you are in the very heart of the city, for example, on Přemysl Otakar II Square, the walk will take about 15–20 minutes. However, considering the distance, it would be more convenient to use a taxi or public transport to save energy for walking around the shops.

IGY Centre is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the South Bohemian Region, and its history is an example of successful urban modernization. Opening in the early 2000s, it quickly became not just a place for shopping, but an important attraction point for the region's residents, changing the habitual leisure patterns in the city. Its construction marked a transition to modern retail standards, offering under one roof what was previously scattered across small shops.

An important stage in the life of the complex was the large-scale reconstruction and expansion known as the "IGY 2" project. During these works, not only was the retail space increased, but the building's exterior was also significantly updated. Architects created a modern glass facade that stands out against the urban background and connected the old and new buildings with a convenient overhead walkway across Pekárenská Street.

Interestingly, the name "IGY" itself has become a household name for locals, designating not just a building, but an entire area of activity. The complex was designed to blend harmoniously into the busy Pražská Street, becoming a sort of modern gateway to the city center for those entering from the north. Today, it is a symbol of the region's economic development and its aspiration to match European urban planning trends.

The time worth setting aside for a visit to IGY Centre depends on your goals. If you plan only a quick look at the shops or buying necessary items at the supermarket, 1–1.5 hours will be quite enough for you. The compact yet saturated layout allows you to quickly find the necessary brands.

However, if your plans include full-fledged shopping with trying on clothes, lunch in the food court zone, or a visit to the cinema, count on spending half a day (3–4 hours) here. The complex offers enough entertainment and relaxation zones to comfortably spend time with the whole family without noticing the hours fly by.

The IGY Centre shopping mall operates on a convenient and stable schedule, allowing you to easily plan a visit on any day of the week. The complex is open to visitors daily from Monday to Sunday.

Opening hours for shops and main zones: from 09:00 to 20:00. This schedule applies without days off, ensuring access to shopping and services both on weekdays and weekends. It is worth noting that the operating hours of the supermarket, cinema, or individual restaurants inside the complex may differ from the gallery's general schedule.

A visit to the shopping center can be successfully combined with sightseeing attractions located within walking distance. The surroundings offer an interesting mix of historical monuments and entertainment venues, allowing you to diversify your day after shopping.