Founded by King Wenceslaus II in 1295 Pilsen is the birthplace of the famous Pilsner in the Czech Republic and is known as a beer brewing town. Pilsen is also significant for World War II buffs as it was the most Eastern point where the US armies liberated up to in Czechoslovakia with the Russians taking control of the rest. Located around 1.5 hours South-West of Prague by train or bus it is well worth the visit.
Day 1: Saint Bartholomews Cathedral – Republic Square – Town Hall – Great Synagogue
Your first day in Pilsen can be spent exploring the old town and the many sights within walking distance of each other. First up you can visit St. Bartholomews Cathedral, the most dominant attraction in the city and boasts the highest church tower in the Czech Republic at 102 metres. It is worth the ascend to the top of the tower, after the 300-step climb you will have beautiful views of the city and the square.
After your descent from the tower, you can explore Republic Square, the main square in Pilsen and home to many cafes, restaurants and other notable sites. You will see the three gold fountains, the Plague Column, the Imperial House, the town hall, the puppet museum and Lékárna U Bílého Jednorožce the oldest pharmacy in the town. The town hall was built in 1554-1559 and is one of the first Renaissance-style city halls in Bohemia.
After walking around the town square you can make your way to the Great Synagogue. Completed in 1893, the Synagogue is the largest in the Czech Republic, 3rd largest in Europe and 5th largest in the world. Thankfully surviving the Nazi occupation during WWII due to its strategic position and use as a storage.
Tickets
St. Bartholomew Cathedral + Tower 110kc Adult
https://www.visitplzen.eu/en/visit-pilsen/pilsen-old-town/st-bartholomews-cathedral
Great Synagogue 120kc Adult
https://www.visitplzen.eu/en/visit-pilsen/the-best-of-pilsen/great-synagogue
Day 2: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
One of our favourite experiences we have done over all our travel the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour is a must on your visit to Pilsen. For a full detailed description of the experience visit our Beer Brewery Experience: Pilsner Urquell, Pilsen post.
Due to its popularity and the fact it was awarded the best brewery tour in Europe in 2024, it is crucial you pre-book your tour.
In the 2-hour guided tour, you will learn the history of Plzeň and Pilsner Urquell, see the modern bottling facility, ride the biggest personal elevator in the Czech Republic, watch a short film, learn about the ingredients and brewing processes used, shown who is involved in the company and how their everyday jobs affect the process, go underground to the original 9-kilometre long brewery cellars, and taste unfiltered and unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell straight from the barrel.
The end of your tour will finish in the gift shop where you can buy souvenirs including, personalised bottles, clothing, and posters amongst many other things.
It is also recommended you have some lunch or dinner and a couple of extra beers in the restaurant or bar located within the brewery complex. The two options are Na Spilce Pub for a sit-down restaurant experience or Bar Na Spilce which offers Pilsner Urquell on tap as well as some beer snacks.
Tickets
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour 380kc
https://www.prazdrojvisit.cz/en/tours
Day 3: Pilsen Historical Underground
For your final day in Pilsen, you can explore the nearly 20km of underground passageways, cellars and water wells. The 13th-century underground area originally served as a place to store food, ice and brew beer.
The 1-hour guided underground tour will explain life in the Middle Ages and how the underground system served its population and provide you with a beer voucher to quench your thirst at the end of the tour.
Tickets
Pilsen Historical Underground Tour 190kc
https://www.prazdrojvisit.cz/en/tours/historical-plzen-underground-tour
Bonus: Patton Memorial Museum
For any history or WWII enthusiasts, the Patton Memorial Museum commemorates the events that took place at the end of the Second World War with an emphasis on the liberation of Pilsen by the American army. The museum holds artefacts from the battlefield, equipment and weapons used by the Americans, General Patton memorabilia, among personal items from American soldiers.
Tickets
Patton Memorial Museum 100kc Adult