The birthplace of pilsner beer has a Gothic cathedral with Western Europe's tallest church tower. Visitors can tour the famous brewery and explore underground tunnels beneath the old town.
Pilsen, the fourth largest city in Czechia, is the birthplace of pilsner beer. The city's old town showcases Gothic and Renaissance buildings, while its museums offer insights into local history and culture. You can ascend Western Europe's tallest church tower, explore underground tunnels, and tour the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery.
Exploring Pilsen's Old Town
Republic Square forms the center of Pilsen, surrounded by colorful Renaissance and Baroque buildings. The Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral dominates the square, its 102-meter spire reaching higher than any other church tower in Czechia. You can climb 301 steps to the top for views over the city. Next to the cathedral, you'll see the 16th-century Renaissance town hall decorated with intricate sgraffito designs.
Pilsen's Brewing Heritage
A visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, established in 1842, is essential to understand Pilsen's beer-making tradition. Tours explain the brewing process and allow you to taste unfiltered pilsner directly from oak barrels in the cellars. To learn more about beer culture, visit the Brewery Museum in a 15th-century malt house. The museum traces beer-making from ancient times to today.
Interesting Museums
Pilsen has several unique museums. The Puppet Museum highlights the city's puppetry tradition, displaying puppet-making techniques and performance styles. At the West Bohemia Museum, housed in a grand Neo-Renaissance building, you can view European art and regional artifacts. For an unusual experience, tour the Pilsen Historical Underground, a network of tunnels and cellars beneath the old town.
Getting There and Around
Trains and buses connect Pilsen to Prague, with the journey taking about 90 minutes. In Pilsen, you can walk to most attractions in the compact city center. For longer trips, use the city's tram and bus network. Renting a bike is another good way to explore the city and its surroundings.
Day Trips from Pilsen
The West Bohemia region around Pilsen offers several options for day trips. Visit Karlovy Vary, known for its hot springs and covered walkways. You can hike in Šumava National Park or explore the medieval Karlštejn Castle. These destinations are all within a 1-2 hour drive or train ride from Pilsen.
