The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.

[3] The first written mention of Bystřice is from 1175 when the area was colonized by Knights Hospitaller of the Mailberg commandry, at the behest of the Nuremberg burgrave Conrad II of Raabs.

During the rule of her son Adam Pavel Slavata, Nová Bystřice experienced the greatest development.

After the last member of the Slavata family died, the owners of the town frequently changed until the establishment of a sovereign municipality in 1850.

The village of Mnich, part of Nová Bystřice, was abandoned in 1952 due to its vicinity to the border.

Nová Bystřice is the endpoint of a narrow-gauge railway to Jindřichův Hradec operated by Jindřichohradecké místní dráhy.

During the tourist season, the trains are powered by historic steam engines and offer various entertainment.

[11] The Monachus golf resort, situated on the town's southwestern edge, is a major attraction for golfers.

[12] The main landmark of Nová Bystřice is Church of Saints Peter and Paul, located on the town square.