The history of Podebrady reaches back to medieval times. The first written mention is from 1223. A long-distance trade route running from Prague to eastern Bohemia and then on to Silesia and Poland passed through the then-forested landscape interwoven with a dense network of river branches. This important communication intersected the Elbe River to the west of the present town, at a place called Na Vinici.

It obtained the status of town from the king of Bohemia in 1472. A historic milestone in the life of the town was the year 1905, when it was visited by the German estate owner Prince von Bulow. This well-known water diviner found in the inner courtyard of the castle signs of a strong spring, which was later bored to a depth of 97.6 metres (320 ft). The discovery of carbonic mineral water resulted in the opening of the first spa in 1908. The mineral water that was found in the early 1900s is better known as Podebradka. The water contains iron deposits; if left over the course of a few days a rust-like deposit will settle at the bottom and will stain plastic bottles. There are four free public taps where people are able to obtain Podebradka. There is also a refined version of Podebradka that is not as heavy with the iron deposits that can be purchased from most stores in the Czech Republic.

Lazne Podebrady, a. s. (Spa Podebrady, Inc.) is a Czech spa provider in Podebrady. Since 1908, when mineral water "Podebradka" was discovered, thousands patients have come to Podebrady to treat their health problems and relax. After World War I Podebrady rapidly changed into a spa town which from 1926 specialized in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, rapidly gaining renown not only in the Czech Republic, but also abroad in countries including Austria, Germany, Russia and the United States.

In Podebrady attractions include lakes for swimming, a riding school and tennis courts.

Near Podebrady, there is a longwave transmitter used for transmitting meteorological reports. It uses a T-antenna mounted on two 150 m-tall guyed masts. The local golf course is located on the site of the transmitter.