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15 Best Things to Do in Pilsen (Czech Republic)

It doesn’t take a connoisseur to know that the city of Pilsen is the spiritual home of beer. You can tell from the name that Pilsner lager was born here,  and this the perfect place to quench your curiosity for the Czech Republic’s most famous export.

The old town has long ties with this industry, and is well worth your time, particularly the architecture around the Square of the Republic, where charming gothic and renaissance buildings are among the attractions that jostle for attention. Here you’ll discover the Czech Republic’s tallest church tower, and the third-largest synagogue in the world, while you can also delve in the city’s underworld where endless subterranean tunnels have survived since medieval times. They used to make and store beer down there too!

Let’s explore the best things to do in Pilsen :

Also see: Best places to visit in the Czech Republic .

1. Pilsner Urquell Brewery

For a starting point look no further than the brewery that exports Pilsner Urquell to more than 50 countries worldwide. Urquell was the first-ever blond lager, created in 1842 and its game-changing bottom-fermentation process was the ancestor of around two-thirds of all beers consumed in the world today.

This SABMiIller facility is actually a number of breweries in one place, and English-speaking tours take place three times daily. You get to see the new and old brew houses, water purification plant, “lagering” caves and the packaging line.

It’s a great choice for people who want a “How it’s Made” style experience for the world’s favourite alcoholic beverage.

2. Brewery Museum

It’s a given that Pilsen should have one of the world’s top beer museums, and the attraction is in a 15th-century brewhouse no less. You’ll get the lowdown about the Czech Republic’s close relationship with beer, perusing a whole load of beer-related curios.

You can also step into a historic Pilsen-style pub or investigate all the instruments needed to produce beer through the ages, and all the different ways of drinking it. There’s a malt shop, malt kiln, and you’ll get to tour the brewhouse’s original medieval cellars.

Of course, the whole visit will culminate with a well-deserved glass of Pilsner Urquell.

3. The Pilsen Historical Underground

Above the surface Pilsen has changed a lot over the centuries, but underground things have been left untouched since medieval times. So don’t pass up the chance to venture into the underworld on this hour-long tour that walk you through a maze of tunnels and cellars.

At the start you’ll find out about the ingenuity involved in the early beer-making process, when ice was kept on an upper level and its melt-water sluiced down into the fermentation vats in cellars beneath.

You’ll also see some 20 wells and pits, and discover how these tunnels were a key part of the city’s defences during times of siege.

4. Cathedral of St. Bartholomew

Certainly the crown of old Pilsen’s architectural ensemble, the first stone of this sublime building was laid in 1342. Unlike many churches of its kind in Europe this cathedral is the same now as when it was ordained, which makes it one of the country’s national cultural monuments.

An interesting feature of St. Bartholomew’s is how the tented shape of the cathedral’s roof allowed the building to be used for services even before its walls were completed.

When it was finished the tower was a record-breaker, and it is still the tallest church tower in the country.

5. Town Hall

Ever since the 15th century this building, loved for its magnificent renaissance facade, has held the same municipal purpose. It was purchased by the city in 1407 to be the Town Hall, as it was the largest building in Pilsen.

After a fire the Italian master-builder Giovanni de Statia was drafted in to give the building some decorative elan. Above the first floor the facade has a sgraffito, a kind of fresco, depicting the city’s coat of arms and famous historical figures.

Entrance to the Town Hall is free and there’s no need to join a guided tour. Have a poke around and don’t forget to see the scale model of Pilsen’s historical centre just beyond the foyer.

6. Great Synagogue

There has been a Jewish population in Pilsen since the 1300s, and at one point there were five synagogues in the city. This is one of the two remaining and is massive, ranking as the second-largest in Europe and third in the world after Jerusalem and Budapest.

Nowadays it’s more of a poignant reminder of a population that was ripped away from its home in the 20th century, but the interior has a decorative Moorish-style design well-worth seeing.

Post-war the building was renovated and today the Great Synagogue has a dual purpose, being a place of worship and a concert hall with its own orchestra because of its perfect acoustics and classical organ.

7. Pilsen Zoo

A modern animal attraction that doesn’t believe in bars, Pilsen Zoo is officially Western Bohemia’s most popular day out. Following a big overhaul in 1996 the zoo has adhered to the highest European standards for animal-keeping.

Forty of the species here are on the European Endangered Species Program and the zoo assists the breeding programmes for dwarf and fat-tailed dwarf lemurs. In all there are 6991 animals from 1210 species, and children will love the Humboldt Penguins and Pygmy Hippos, which have to be the cutest animals in the world!

One ticket will also give you access to the botanical gardens and the DinoPark, inhabited by moving models of all your favourite dinosaurs.

8. Museum of West Bohemia

This museum weighs in as one of the largest in the Czech Republic, and has a whopping two million items in its collection. Military historians come here just to see the Pilsen City Armoury, which has a wealth of itemised weapons spanning three centuries.

What really sets the collection apart is the huge array of firearms, reaching back to the most primitive armaments that were designed tear through castle walls, and also includes genuine muskets from the 30 Years’ War.

If you’re a design enthusiast then don’t miss the museum’s lovely art nouveau library, which holds numerous first editions.

9. Techmania Science Centre

The car-maker Skoda funded this interactive museum, which is actually contained by one of the brand’s former facilities. It’s a place that balances education and fun to help get kids thinking about science in creative new ways.

The centre is vast, at 3000 square metres, and is crammed with games and experiments. Many of the exhibits require kids to get involved and active, putting physical and chemical principles into action. Trained experts also put on demonstrations, for instance with static electricity and exploding bubbles.

Adults with an interest in automotive history will be keen to see the permanent exhibition on the history of Skoda, where you can see the world’s first fibreglass chassis from 1963.

10. Plague Column

Marian Columns cropped up across central Europe in the early-modern age to mark the end of plague outbreaks, celebrate a lucky miss, or even to try to ward off a local outbreak during an epidemic.

This one is set in the Square of the Republic right next to the Town Hall, and dates to 1681 when the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II fled to the Pilsen as the disease was spreading across Central Europe.

It was designed by local architect Kristian Widman and has a gilded statue of Madonna with child on its plinth.

11. Republic Square

When Pilsen’s central square was first conceived it was the largest city plaza in all of Europe. All around are elegant gothic and renaissance buildings, with many of Pilsen’s most significant monuments such as the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, the Town Hall and the Plague Column.

If there’s a big event taking place in Pilsen then you can be sure that there will be something worth seeing in the square. During the Pilsen Liberation Festival in early-May war veterans complete their parade here with a display of vintage military vehicles and hardware.

Pilsner Fest in August is the country’s biggest beer festival, with live music and tents for all of the local brews.

12. Puppet Museum

This compact museum on the Square of the Republic is rooted in Bohemian culture, with a display that details the history of puppetry in Pilsen. For centuries roving puppeteers would travel from town to town, but by the 1800s a permanent stage had been established at this location.

Shows weren’t just for children, as they often contained sharp satirical and bawdy humour. Exhibits here contain puppetry artefacts relating to all of the famous families practising this art-form down the years.

The best part for kids will be the room in which you can pull the strings yourself and the staff will demonstrate some of the time-honoured puppetry techniques.

13. Patton Memorial Museum

Bohemia’s only military museum commemorates the American General who commanded the United States’ Third Army during the Second World War. The Czech Republic has a special relationship with Patton, whom they credit with the country’s liberation.

Don’t miss this one if you’re into military history, as the collection extends to more than a thousand items. It will throw you right into the atmosphere of chaos during the last months of the war, recreating the bombing campaign that saw Pilsen’s Skoda plants destroyed.

On show are weapons, documents, military paraphernalia, field rations including unopened food cans, as well as an emotive exhibition of contemporary photographs.

14. J.K. Tyl Theatre

Pilsen’s main theatre is a multi-disciplinary venue that has a vibrant calendar of performances. To give you an idea, there 18 premieres a year here. The theatre retains a roster of specialist local performers who take part in ballet, opera, musicals and dramas. The schedule is very high-brow, with operas such as The Barber of Seville and dramas that include works by Shakespeare and Chekhov, performed at the J.K. Tyl in the last few years. For broader entertainment international hits like Monty Python’s Spamalot and Chicago have also had runs here. Check the listings when you arrive and see what tickles your fancy.

15. Bohemia Sekt Winery

Now, although beer is Pilsen’s speciality, this part of Bohemia is south enough to produce a range of wines. But if there’s a family celebration in Bohemia you can be sure that a bottle of Bohemia Sekt sparkling wine will be on hand.

You can visit the place where it’s made in Starý Plzenec to find out about the seven decades worth of local expertise that goes into each bottle. The winery is from the post-war period when beer-making facilities were converted for wine production and the French oenologist Louis Girardot introduced the best French practices.

After a two-hour tour you’ll come away wiser about one of the country’s best-loved brands.

15 Best Things to Do in Pilsen (Czech Republic):

• Pilsner Urquell Brewery
• Brewery Museum
• The Pilsen Historical Underground
• Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
• Great Synagogue
• Museum of West Bohemia
• Techmania Science Centre
• Plague Column
• Republic Square
• Puppet Museum
• Patton Memorial Museum
• J.K. Tyl Theatre
• Bohemia Sekt Winery

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13 Amazing Things to Do in Pilsen, Czech Republic

For most people the name Pilsen, Czech Republic should be familiar. The city is home to the world-famous Pilsner beer and that’s already a good reason to put Pilsen in your Czech itinerary.

But the city has so much more to offer and you might be actually surprised with all the great things to do in Pilsen. Whether you come here as one of the day trips from Prague or stay a bit longer chances you fall for Pilsen are pretty high.

It took me years and countless trips to the Czech Republic to finally visit Pilsen. Better late than never as I really enjoyed the city, it turned out to be so much better than I expected.

When I arrived it was a summer weekend and the place was vibrant until late night hours. And then, once I started exploring the city, I was surprised by the big number of Pilsen attractions and the stunning architecture around. Pilsen quickly became one of my favorite places to visit in Czech Republic .

Here is my guide to the best things to do in Pilsen, Czech Republic!

Planning a trip to Pilsen?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Hotel Rango (9.0/10)
• Avenue Pallova 28 (8.8/10)
• Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen (8.7/10 on Booking)

Tours and activities:

• Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
• Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting
• Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to the Czech Republic with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in the Czech Republic on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

Where is Pilsen

Pilsen, the city of around 175 thousand inhabitants, is located in the Western part of the Czech Republic, near the border with Germany. Prague , the capital, is less than 100 km away from Pilsen.

Why visit Pilsen

The main reason why Pilsen is known all over the world is of course the Pilsner beer originating from the city. But the place is so much more than the famous amber liquid and there are more reasons to visit Pilsen than just beer.

Pilsen was founded at the end of the 13th century and quickly became the important trade center in the region. For a brief moment, in the years 1599-1600, it’s been even the seat of the ruling emperor Rudolf II. Still today you can find numerous Pilsen monuments and historical places reminding you about the long importance of the city.

In 2015 Pilsen held the well-deserved title of the European Capital of Culture. For a city of this size, there are still so many great cultural institutions that make Pilsen even more worth visiting.

How to get to Pilsen

Getting to Pilsen is super easy. From Prague , there are frequent train connections (even every 30 minutes), the journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can check connections and purchase tickets here .

There are also a few Student Agency buses connecting Prague with Pilsen and the journey takes 1 hour. However, the buses depart from Zličín suburb of Prague, away from the center, so the train seems to be a much more convenient option.

How much time for visiting Pilsen

You can easily go to Pilsen as one of the day trips from Prague and still do proper Pilsen sightseeing in these few hours. The city is pretty compact, the main highlights aren’t located far from each other and you can walk to most of the places.

But I recommend staying in Pilsen overnight and enjoying everything the city has to offer, including some great cultural events. Besides, this is such a cool and vibrant city that just hanging around there is a real treat.

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Things to do in Pilsen

And finally, here are the best things to do in Pilsen so you can plan your day in Pilsen properly!

Explore the center of Pilsen

The central part of Pilsen isn’t very big but it definitely is worth exploring. The place is just the prettiest with beautiful houses and buildings of public use. To be honest I’ve never expected Pilsen to have such stunning architecture and I quickly fell for the place after seeing all the beauty around.

The best way to explore the center is to wander around, preferably without a map. You might find some charming streets and picturesque corners as well as numerous details on buildings that make the place all more interesting.

Most of the central part of Pilsen is surrounded by a pleasant park – a perfect place to relax. In one section of this green space, between Dřevěná and Zbrojnická streets, you can see the remnants of the old city walls, dating back to the medieval times.

For me, the most impressive buildings in Pilsen’s center were the West Bohemia Museum (built in 1893) and Burgher’s Hall (from 1901). But you will surely find more impressive structures around, just let yourself discover the place at your own pace and follow your intuition around.

Admire the main square – Republic Square

The main square of Pilsen – Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) is one of those picture-perfect squares you can find in Central Europe , with rows of beautiful pastel townhouses surrounding the place. It’s fairly large and each of the buildings you will find there is unique and eye-catching.

The Republic Square is dominated by St.Bartholomew´s Cathedral. Its origins date back to when the city of Pilsen was founded at the end of the 13th century. The cathedral, both inside and outside, is a great example of Gothic architecture.

What makes it more interesting is the fact that in the Middle Ages churches weren’t usually built in the main squares yet this one was. When admiring the cathedral be sure to find a little angel at the grid – the legend says you need to touch it and make a wish.

Behind the cathedral, you can find the true gem of Republic Square – the Town Hall. This Renaissance masterpiece was built in the mid-16th century and has served its purpose ever since. The building is beautifully decorated with sgraffito showing the city emblem and Czech rulers

When visiting Republic Square you will quickly notice three modern fountains painted yellow that don’t really fit the place. They are the recent addition to the place, made in 2010 when Pilsen was chosen to be a European City of Culture in 2015. They are abstract versions of greyhound, angel, and camel – you can find all of these in Pilsen’s emblem.

The fountains are located in the three corners of Republic Square. The fourth one is occupied by St. Mary’s plague column from the end of the 17th century. It commemorates the plague from 1680 and was erected as thanks for saving the city.

If you visit Pilsen on the weekend you might enjoy the farmers market that takes place on Republic Square on Saturdays from 8 to 12 in the morning. You can taste and buy fresh products made by local producers: cheese, meat, bread, honey, wine, and more.

Look at Pilsen from above

While you are at Republic Square don’t miss the panorama of Pilsen from above. The Tower of St.Bartholomew Cathedral with a height of 102,6 meters is the highest tower in the Czech Republic and is available to visit.

You need to climb 301 stairs to get to the top but it’s definitely worth the effort as the view from up there is really beautiful. You can see the center of Pilsen from above as well as farther parts of the city and beyond. If the weather is nice you might even see the Šumava mountains located on the border with Germany (unfortunately I wasn’t that lucky).

Going up the cathedral tower and admiring the city from up high was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Pilsen.

See the beautiful J.K. Tyl Theatre

I must admit I’m a fan of checking out theatres in the former Habsburg Empire as they usually are similar and equally beautiful, doesn’t matter if it’s in Vienna , Krakow , Chernivtsi , Cluj-Napoca or Zagreb . Fortunately the J.K. Tyl Theatre in Pilsen didn’t disappoint and it’s just as magnificent as its siblings from other cities.

It was built at the very beginning of the 20th century, opened in 1901, and today it operates on three different stages (the main theatre, the new stage, and the small stage). You can enjoy here different kinds of performances: opera, drama, musical and ballet.

If you are interested in seeing a fine show when visiting Pilsen don’t miss this place!

Visit the Pilsen Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue is one of the top Pilsen attractions, the second-largest synagogue in Europe (after the one in Budapest ), and the third-largest in the world.

Before World War 2 the city had a large Jewish population and five synagogues. The main one was the Great Synagogue, built in Moorish-Romanesque style in 1893. It’s located a short walk away from Main Square, near the theatre.

Unfortunately during my trip to Pilsen, it was closed due to the reconstruction but I’m ready to return to the city just to see the synagogue inside – based on the pictures it’s simply stunning.

Visit beautiful train stations

When you arrive in Pilsen by train don’t go to the city right away. Instead, take a moment to admire the beautiful train station the city has. It’s actually one of the most impressive train stations I’ve ever seen (another common feature in the former Austria-Hungary).

The current building (that looks more like the opera than the train station) dates back to 1907 and is a great example of art-nouveau architecture. What you can admire today is the reconstructed version as the building was badly destroyed during the 1945 bombing. Still, it looks just like the original one.

The main train station isn’t the only impressive railway building you can find in Pilsen. The Jižní předměstí is much smaller but equally beautiful. It was built in 1919-1921 in the neo-renaissance style and today works not only as of the train station but also as the cultural center with numerous events taking place there.

Next to the Jižní předměstí station I also found some of the most beautiful townhouses in Pilsen which is another reason why it’s worth visiting this part of the city too.

Explore the alternative side of Pilsen

In 2015 Pilsen hold the title of the European Capital of Culture and therefore the city got a few new creative spaces, the most important being DEPO2015. Once the bus depot, today this is the main venue for events, workshops and all kinds of cultural activities.

When I visited the place it was a lazy Saturday morning but there were still plenty of people hanging around, enjoying this unique artistic space. I also spent there a bit too much time at DEPO2015, checking all it has to offer.

Not far from DEPO2015 you will find another cultural space – Papirna. The former paper factory got its second life and today it’s the venue for concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and more. Unfortunately, during my visit, there was not much going on but I still liked the vibe of the industrial place with the cultural edge.

Another cultural center you can find in Pilsen is the mentioned above Jižní předměstí train station. For a city of that size, Pilsen really has a lot to offer for travelers seeking cultural activities. The European Capital of Culture title was well-deserved!

Visit the old cemetery

This was my random find when visiting Pilsen that I stumbled across when I was going from the Papirna towards the main train station. St. Nicholas Cemetery is the small, old cemetery that is home to some beautiful centuries-old graves of well-known citizens.

It was first mentioned in 1406 but many of the tombs are from the 18th-19th century. The cemetery is fairly small since it’s been closed since 1902 and after changing the place into the park only the most valuable graves remained in part of the cemetery. If you like visiting old graveyards this is definitely a place not to miss in Pilsen.

Tour Pilsner Urquell Brewery

Pilsner is one of the most popular beers in the world that inspired the majority of beers you can today find all over the world now (all pale lagers with “pils” in the name). Originally this beer comes from Pilsen, from the local brewery that was founded in 1842 however the brewing tradition in the city dates back to the end of the 13th century.

When visiting Pilsen a trip to the brewery is a must. You can wander around the grounds, eat and drink in the local restaurant or buy Pilsner souvenirs. It is also possible to tour the brewery and learn more about the history and production of Pilsner beer. Click here for details and to book the tour.

It is also possible to visit the Brewery Museum located in the city center, in the original brewing house from the 15th century.

Go underground

With a length of almost 20 km, Pilsen underground is one of the largest you can find in the Czech Republic. You can go for a tour that covers a bit under a kilometer of the underground passages and will take you through the labyrinth of corridors, cellars, and wells while showcasing the centuries-old artifacts from Pilsen’s history.

The tour starts at the building of the Brewery Museum and takes around one hour. It’s a great way to learn more about the history and past of Pilsen.

Enjoy Pilsen Venice

At the edge of the center, there is a section of the park with a small lake. That’s the so-called “Pilsen Venice”, the former millstream that was redesigned for recreational purposes and is one of the most charming parts of the city.

It’s always been a favorite place for locals to spend time in, in the 19th century it was even possible to rent a boat to enjoy the stream.

Today this part of the center is perfect for relaxing, either in the park or at one of the cafes or restaurants. You might also find some interesting outdoor art around.

The Pilsen Venice is conveniently located on the way from the Pilsner brewery to the Brewery Museum so you can easily stop there during your Pilsen sightseeing, relax a bit and enjoy this pleasant area.

See unique interiors by Adolf Loos

Adolf Loos was one of the most important architects at the beginning of the 20th century and the precursor of modernist architects. Among other places where he used to work, he also designed a few interiors in Pilsen.

Today you can visit eight apartments that were designed by Adolf Loos and not only see his unique and extraordinary work but also learn more about the pre-war Jewish community of Pilsen and their everyday life. The apartments can be visited with the tour organized by the tourist info point (located on the main square).

Visit museums

Besides well-known museums connected to beer and brewing, Pilsen offers more exhibitions that are worth visiting. In total there are around 20 museums in the city so the chances you will find something interesting for yourself are pretty high.

Some of the Pilsen museums worth checking include the Museum of West Bohemia, the Gallery of West Bohemia, the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art, the Puppet Museum, Ethnographic Museum of Pilsen or Patton Memorial Pilsen.

Final thoughts on visiting Pilsen

As you can see above Pilsen offers definitely much more than just the beer experience. The city is beautiful, vibrant, and full of attractions that will keep you busy for a few solid hours.

It is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic so when you plan your trip to Central Europe don’t skip Pilsen. You might be surprised and enchanted with the city as much as I was!

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in the Czech Republic
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for the Czech Republic here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to the Czech Republic check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

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18 Unique Things to do in Plzeň: Travel Guide, History, Hotels, Restaurants & Transportation

December 14, 2023 | Posted in: Czech Republic

Plzeň, often pronounced as “Pilsen” in English, is a historic city in the western part of the Czech Republic. With a history of over a thousand years, Plzeň has grown to become the fourth most populous city in the country, with a population of approximately 607,797. Plzeň's history is deeply intertwined with the development of the Pilsner beer, which is one of the world's most famous and beloved beer styles. In 1842, a Bavarian brewer named Josef Groll crafted the first batch of Pilsner beer in Plzeň, giving rise to a brewing tradition that continues to thrive today. This momentous event forever linked the city's name with the iconic lager.

The official language spoken in Plzeň is Czech, reflecting the wider linguistic landscape of the Czech Republic. However, like many European cities, Plzeň has its distinct dialect known as the Plzeň dialect (plzeňské nářečí), which is influenced by regional factors and features some Germanisms from Northern Bavarian dialects. Plzeň experiences a temperate climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers, from June to August, are generally warm, with average high temperatures around 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F), while winters, from December to February, are cold, with temperatures often hovering around freezing or occasionally dropping below zero. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to explore the city and its surroundings.

In addition to its beer heritage, Plzeň possesses numerous historical and cultural attractions. The city's historic center is a testament to its enduring past, with well-preserved architecture, including Gothic and Baroque buildings. The city's landmarks include the impressive St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, the Great Synagogue and the colorful Renaissance-style Town Hall. Furthermore, Plzeň's rich cultural scene features museums, galleries and theatres celebrating the city's artistic and historical heritage.

Listed below are the things to do in Plzeň.

• Pilsner Urquell Brewery. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery, founded in 1839 in Plzeň, Czech Republic, created the first pilsner beer in 1842. Visitors can tour the historic brewery complex, see underground cellars and learn about the beer's history. Visitors can sample a fresh, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell straight from the traditional wooden barrels at the end of the tour.
• Great Synagogue of Plzen. The Great Synagogue of Plzeň, built in 1888 and 1892, is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The Moorish-Romanesque temple once held 2,500 worshippers. The interior is beautifully decorated with ornate paintings, scrollwork and stars of David. The Great Synagogue functions more as a concert venue and exhibition hall rather than as a primary house of worship. Visitors can take a guided tour to appreciate the architecture and learn about the history of the local Jewish community.
• Pilsen Historical Underground. The 14th-century Pilsen Historical Underground consists of 20 kilometers (12 miles) of tunnels and cellars beneath Old Town. Visitors can explore the medieval corridors, see artifacts and learn about the network's purpose over time. Tours provide a vivid glimpse into medieval Pilsen. The Pilsen Historical Underground cellars stored food, housed craft workshops, brewed beer and provided refuge during wars and fires.
• Brewery Museum in Pilsen. The Brewery Museum is housed in a 15th-century brewery building near Pilsen's main square. The exhibits are displayed across a medieval malthouse and brewery from the 1400s. The museum features a collection of beer mugs, tankards and bottles from across history, a 19th-century pub interior recreation and curiosities like the world's smallest 1cm tall beer mug.
• Plzen Zoo. Plzen Zoo, established in 1926, features over 1,200 species across geographic zones representing different continents. Highlights include rare animals like rhinos and Komodo dragons. Visitors can view wildlife, walk through botanical gardens and visit the children's zoo, aquarium and rainforest pavilion.
• Plzen Town Hall on Republic Square. The Renaissance Plzen Town Hall overlooks Republic Square. Its ornate sgraffito facade is adorned with coats of arms and history motifs. The Town Hall features a 3D model of the historic city center. The entrance hall and model exhibition are open to the public daily, free of charge.
• St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, constructed in the 13th to 16th centuries, is home to Gothic architecture and Pilsen's most valued treasure, a 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can tour the cathedral, view artwork and climb the 102-meter tower for panoramic city views.
• Techmania Science Center. Techmania Science Center has 7,000 square meters of interactive science exhibits across physics, chemistry, space, nature and technology. Attractions include the country's first 3D planetarium. The center offers exhibits, films, presentations and workshops tailored for visitors of all ages.
• JK Tyl Theatre. JK Tyl Theatre is renowned as Pilsen's leading professional theatre and most culturally significant performing arts landmark. Its three stages host 600 diverse performances per year, including drama, opera, ballet and musical theater. Visitors can experience high artistic standards by attending a show or backstage tour.
• Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň). Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň) in central Pilsen has been an important gathering place since medieval times. Visitors can admire the decorative historic facades lining the square, visit shops and cafés or explore the surrounding sights like the Town Hall, Cathedral and Great Synagogue.

1. Pilsner Urquell Brewery

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery is located at U Prazdroje 7 in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen), Czech Republic. It was founded in 1839 and opened in 1842, making it one of the oldest breweries in the world still in operation. Pilsner Urquell Brewery created the first golden “pilsner” lager in 1842 under brewmaster Josef Groll. This lighter, crisper, paler beer completely revolutionized brewing methods and introduced pilsner-style lagers across Europe.

Visitors can take a guided walking tour of the massive, town-sized Pilsner Urquell complex. The brewery highlights include old cellars dug deep below the ground, some still used for beer fermentation and storage. Exhibits detailing the history of the brewery and the Pilsner Urquell beer brand. Visitors can sample a fresh, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell straight from the traditional wooden barrels at the end of the tour. The tour is perfect for adults and older children interested in beer and brewing history. Those under 18 cannot sample the beer but can still enjoy the cellars and exhibits. Regular admission costs €15 ($16, £12) for adults, with discounts for students, seniors 65+ and families. Guided tours in English are available.

2. Great Synagogue of Plzen

The Great Synagogue of Plzeň at Sady Pětatřicátníků 11 in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen) has a history stretching back to the late 19th century. The construction of the Synagogue of Plzen began in 1888 and was completed in 1892 in a Moorish-Romanesque architectural style.

The Great Synagogue of Pilsen is the second-largest synagogue in Europe and the third-largest in the world. This building, with its twin towers, could hold up to 2,500 worshippers. The interior is beautifully decorated with ornate paintings, scrollwork and stars of David.

The Great Synagogue functions more as a concert venue and exhibition hall rather than as a primary house of worship. Visitors can take a guided tour to appreciate the architecture and learn about the history of the local Jewish community. Concerts, art exhibits and cultural events are also frequently held inside. People of all ages and interests can enjoy taking a tour or attending an event. General admission tickets to access the Great Synagogue cost €2 ($2, £1)

There are reduced prices for students and seniors. Additional guided tours and concerts may have separate pricing. The venue is open year-round except Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

3. Pilsen Historical Underground

The Pilsen Historical Underground is located at Veleslavínova 6 in the city of Pilsen, Czech Republic. The construction of the underground tunnels and cellars began in the 14th century, not long after Pilsen was founded in 1295. A total of 20 kilometers (12 miles) of corridors were dug beneath the Old Town area, making it one of the most extensive historical underground systems in Central Europe.

The Pilsen Historical Underground cellars stored food, housed craft workshops, brewed beer and provided refuge during wars and fires. There is an advanced system of wells, drainage tunnels and sewers. Many everyday artifacts from medieval times have been unearthed. Visitors can explore the 800 meters of these historic corridors and see a functioning 16th-century water wheel and an 1847 pumping machine. Visitors walk through the tunnels while learning about the network's construction and purpose. The atmosphere provides a vivid glimpse into medieval Pilsen. Adults receive a beer voucher for Pilsner Urquell at the end of the tour. The underground tour is suitable for adults and older children interested in medieval history. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the paths are uneven. Tours in English must be booked in advance online.

4. Brewery Museum in Pilsen

The Brewery Museum in central Pilsen is inside an original 15th-century brewery building at Veleslavínova 6, near the main square and Old Town. The museum is housed in one of the only surviving medieval brewery buildings in Pilsen. It has retained its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The exhibits are displayed across a medieval malthouse and brewery from the 1400s. Highlights include the Gothic malthouse with its stone-soaking vats, historic kilns and rollers used in the malting process. There is a collection of beer mugs, tankards and bottles from across history, a 19th-century pub interior recreation and curiosities like the world's smallest 1cm tall beer mug.

Self-guided tours are available anytime during opening hours. Guided tours are offered for groups of 10+ people for an additional fee. The museum connects to the Pilsen Historical Underground tunnels, which can be visited with a combo ticket. Visitors over age 18 receive a voucher for a 0.3L tasting of Pilsner Urquell beer at select Pilsen restaurants (included with admission). There is also a beer shop onsite. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, from April to September and 10 am to 5 pm from October to March.

5. Plzen Zoo

The Plzen Zoo (Zoologická a botanická zahrada města Plzně) is located at Pod Vinicemi 9 in the city of Plzeň. Its history goes back to 1926 when the nature conservation group IRIS established a small zoo near the Radbuza River. The zoo moved to its current 21-hectare premises and merged with the city's botanical garden in 1981.

Plzen Zoo features over 1,200 species and has the largest collection of any Czech zoo. Rare species like Komodo dragons, pygmy hippos, giraffes and rhinos draw visitors. The zoo is divided into geographic zones representing different continents and biomes, with the animals displayed in naturalistic enclosures. Special attractions include a nocturnal house, aquarium, indoor rainforest pavilion and a hands-on children's zoo. Visitors of all ages can see wildlife from around the world, walk through the grounds and botanical gardens, grab a snack at one of the zoo's restaurants or take in an eagle flying demonstration. Family tickets make it an affordable day out. The zoo is open year-round except Christmas and New Year's Days, from 8 am to 7 pm peak season and 9 am to 5 pm in winter.

6. Plzen Town Hall on Republic Square

The Renaissance Town Hall is located in Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), Plzeň. It was built between 1554 and 1559 according to plans by Italian architect Giovanni de Statia. The Town Hall is renowned for its ornate sgraffito facade adorned with Bohemian coats of arms and motifs from the history of Plzeň. Inside is a large 3D model of Plzeň's historic city center. The building has served as Plzeň's city hall since the 16th century.

Plzen Town Hall Renaissance architecture and facade have been well-preserved. The intricate plasterwork is considered some of the finest in Central Europe. Visitors can admire the exterior architecture and artwork. Visitors can explore the entrance hall (“Mazhaus”), which contains the 3D wooden model of historic Plzeň. This offers an interactive way to visualize the old city. The Town Hall entrance hall is open to the general public daily from 8 am to 6 pm free of charge. The model city exhibition is best for visitors of all ages interested in architecture, history or urban design. Guided tours may also be available through the Pilsen Tourist Information Centre.

7. St. Bartholomew's Cathedral

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral is located in Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), Plzeň. Its Gothic architecture was constructed in the late 13th century and was completed in the early 16th century. It became a cathedral when Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Plzeň. The cathedral's tower is the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic at 102 meters (335 ft).

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral features Gothic architecture and has a crucial role in Pilsen's history. The cathedral contains the city's most valued treasure, a 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary known as the “Pilsen Madonna”. Its ornate Sternberg Chapel features a rare Art Nouveau Czech Altar. The cathedral houses Renaissance paintings and stained glass windows and hosts concerts with its impressive acoustics. Visitors can tour the cathedral daily, view the architecture and artwork and climb 301 steps to the top of the tower. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Pilsen. Guided tours of the interior are also available. The cathedral appeals to tourists interested in religious sites, architecture, history and city views. Entrance to the cathedral is free, while access to the tower costs €2 ($2, £1) for adults.

8. Techmania Science Center

The Techmania Science Center at U Planetária 1, 301 00 Plzeň, was established in 2005 through a partnership between Škoda Transportation and the University of West Bohemia. The science center opened to the public in 2008 with the goal of getting people, especially youth, more interested and involved with science and technology.

Techmania has an extensive array of interactive science exhibits laid out across 7,000 square meters of former Škoda factory halls. Visitors can explore principles of physics, chemistry, space, nature and more through hands-on activities. Techmania features the country's first 3D planetarium with space films and presentations. The center hosts science shows, events and workshops and has exhibits tailored for visitors as young as three years old up through adults.

Visitors can experiment with exhibits on electricity, magnetism, light, sound, mechanics and various phenomena. The 3D planetarium offers space films and animations. There are also presentations on Škoda's history. Daily science shows demonstrate experiments with fire, liquids and other chemical reactions. Techmania appeals most to families, school groups and anyone with an interest in science and technology.

9. J.K. Tyl Theatre

The J.K. Tyl Theatre at Smetanovy sady 1129/16 in Pilsen is a neo-Renaissance-style building that was constructed between 1899 and 1902 according to designs by architect Antonín Balšánek. The theatre is considered one of Pilsen's most culturally significant landmarks, the theatre has three stages – the Grand Theatre, New Theatre and Small Stage – that host 600 performances each year spanning various genres, including drama, opera, ballet and musical theater.

J.K. Tyl Theatre has a reputation as the leading professional theatre in the Pilsen region. Its resident acting troupe and artistic ensembles regularly earn acclaim in national theatre competitions and festivals. The theatre is renowned for showcasing innovative dramaturgy and contemporary works alongside classical Czech and international productions. Visitors can experience the theatre’s high artistic standards by attending a performance or taking a backstage tour to access areas normally off-limits to the public. The variety of shows at J.K. Tyl appeals to diverse audiences. Opera and ballet productions captivate mature visitors, while musicals and puppet shows entertain younger crowds. Visitors of all ages and interests can find an engaging production to enjoy at the J.K. Tyl Theatre, recognized as a leading platform for the performing arts in Czechia.

10. Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň)

Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň) is the historic center of Plzeň, between the Great Synagogue and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. The Republic Square Upper Market has been an important gathering place in the city since the Middle Ages. It was rebuilt in grand style during the 19th century as the central square was damaged during the 17th-century wars.

Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň) is lined with beautiful historic buildings like the Town Hall, the old city pharmacy and noble houses. Visitors can admire the decorative facades, visit shops and cafés or explore the surrounding sights. The square hosts concerts and events during weekends. Republic Square appeals to all types of visitors, shoppers, families, couples and those simply wanting to experience an authentic European square. There is no cost to enter the square. No trip to Plzeň is complete without visiting the Republic Square.

11. Pilsen Burger's Hall (Měšťanská beseda)

Pilsen Burger's Hall, known as Měšťanská beseda, is located at Kopeckého sady 59/13 in the city of Pilsen. It was constructed in 1901 in Neo-Renaissance style with lavish Art Nouveau decor. This cultural center has served as a venue for balls, dances, concerts, theater performances and other events for over a century.

Burger's Hall has a reputation as the leading cultural institution in Pilsen. Its elegant venues, like the Grand Hall, Art Nouveau café, Jonáš Theater and Beseda Cinema Club, host over 2,000 events per year, ranging from film festivals to philharmonic concerts to touring Broadway-style musicals. Visitors can experience the history and glamour of Burger's Hall by attending a performance or taking a guided tour to admire details like the ornate gilded décor and monumental murals throughout the interior. The variety of arts programming at Burger's Hall appeals to diverse audiences of all ages. Festival showings, theater productions, live music and cinema screenings offer engaging options for adults, while puppet shows and workshops engage younger crowds. Ticket prices vary by event, with guided tour tickets that cost €4 ($4, £3).

12. Old Jewish Cemetery in Plzen

The Old Jewish Cemetery at Lidická 474/6 in the north end of Plzen was founded around 1856 when the previous medieval Jewish cemetery was abolished. The cemetery was the main Jewish burial ground until 1905. Only remnants with a few gravestones exist today within a small walled area after the cemetery was destroyed by the Communist regime in 1986.

The Old Jewish Cemetery was one of the oldest visible traces of Plzen's Jewish community, which dates back to the 14th century and represents an ancestral link to the town's Jewish past. The scattered stones and plaques are inscribed with the names of those who died and served as a memorial to the community that was largely destroyed during the Holocaust. Visitors can reflect on the lives memorialized and contemplate the cemetery's complex past, from its active years in the late 19th century to the postwar decades when it fell into disrepair and neglect. The sparsely visited cemetery best suits adults seeking a space for solitude and commemoration. The Old Jewish Cemetery allows visitors to pay tribute to the resilience of Plzen's Jewish people.

13. Patton Memorial Pilsen

The Patton Memorial Pilsen is a museum located at KD Peklo, Pobřežní 10, 301 00 Plzeň 3-Vnitřní Město. It was established in 2005 on the 60th anniversary of Pilsen's liberation by the U.S. Army under General George S. Patton at the end of World War II. The majority of the 1,000 exhibits at the Patton Memorial come from private collections and present visitors with facts about Pilsen's liberation that were suppressed during the communist era.

Patton Memorial features the journey of Patton's Third Army from the Normandy landings through the Battle of the Bulge and onward to liberate Pilsen and Western Bohemia in 1945. The museum features artifacts directly from battlefields as well as gifts from American veterans and their families. There are exhibits detailing the post-war reconstruction efforts of the U.S. forces. Visitors can view displays of soldier's equipment and arms, documents and photographs and relics left behind by the troops. The exhibits utilize sound effects and authentic film footage to give an immersive experience. The Patton Memorial appeals the most to history enthusiasts interested in learning about World War II and Pilsen's liberation. General admission fees cost €4 ($4, £3). for adults. Guided tours can also be arranged.

14. Dino Park in Pilsen

Dino Park, located at Nad ZOO 1 in the Bolevec area of Pilsen, is the oldest dinosaur-themed park, founded in 2003. Dino Park features life-sized models of prehistoric animals from the Mesozoic era. These models precisely depict the anatomy and surface of dinosaur bodies.

Dino Park aims to bring these mysterious prehistoric creatures to life in an immersive and engaging environment.

Visitors can walk through the wooded park to view over 30 animated dinosaur scenes depicting these prehistoric beasts in their natural habitats. The largest model is of an Apatosaurus, a 23-metre long, 7-metre tall herbivore. The Dinopark includes a 3D cinema, educational trail and children’s paleontology playground where the children can experience the basics of paleontology work. Dino Park Pilsen appeals most to children and their families. Dino Park brings these mysterious prehistoric creatures to life in an immersive and engaging environment. Dinopark tickets are discounted when purchased together with access to the Pilsen Zoo.

15. West Bohemian Museum

The Museum of West Bohemia at Kopeckého sady 2, 301 00 Plzeň was established in 1878 as the Municipal Museum for Pilsen and West Bohemia. Its monumental Neo-Renaissance building was constructed between 1893 and 1902 and houses over 2 million artifacts, making it one of the largest museums in the Czech Republic.

The Museum of West Bohemia presents the cultural, scientific and natural history of West Bohemia and central Europe. Its diverse collections include medieval arms and armor, an art nouveau library, archaeological finds, ethnographic displays and scientific collections in fields like paleontology, zoology and botany. Visitors can explore exhibits on the history of Pilsen, view Gothic weaponry, see how people lived in past eras and examine unique regional artifacts.

Visitors to the Museum of West Bohemia can tour four permanent exhibitions on municipal armory, archaeology, history and applied arts. There are opportunities to try weaving on a vertical loom replica or grinding grain on a quern in the archaeology section. The museum appeals most to history and culture enthusiasts, especially those interested in Bohemian heritage. The museum is ideal for families, couples and solo travelers.

16. Park Mlynska Strouha

Park Mlynska Strouha is located at Anglické nábřeží in Pilsen, Czech Republic, along Radbuza River. The park was established in the 1990s through revitalization efforts to convert the polluted riverbanks into a public green space. Its name comes from the historic mill races or “strouhas” that once operated watermills in the area.

Park Mlynska Strouha has a landscape and facilities for recreation. Visitors can walk or jog on trails shaded by trees, relax on benches and grassy areas or enjoy views of the Radbuza's course through the park. The mill races have been restored and now host populations of fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. There is also an educational trail with information panels on the history, flora and fauna. Family-friendly attractions include playgrounds, an outdoor fitness corner, petanque and beach volleyball courts and boat rentals on the mill pond. The park appeals most to nature lovers, families with children and those looking to relax outdoors. Its central location makes it easily accessible to locals and tourists. There is no admission fee, so the park and its amenities can be enjoyed at no cost year-round during open hours.

17. Pilsen Historic Walls (Theatrum Mundi)

The Pilsen Historic Walls, known as Theatrum Mundi, are located at Křižíkovy sady park between Dřevěná and Zbrojnická streets in the center of Pilsen. These remaining parts of the former city walls date back to when Pilsen was a fortified settlement founded at the end of the 13th century. The stone walls protected the city for centuries until 1618, when Pilsen was first conquered during the Thirty Years' War, leading to the gradual destruction of the walls over the next centuries.

Pilsen Historic Walls features the Theatrum Mundi mural, depicting famous personalities from the city's history. The 200 square-meter wall painting shows figures like King Wenceslaus II, composer Josef Kajetan Tyl and industrialist Emil Škoda. It has become an iconic spot for photos as well as a backdrop for open-air theatre and events in the park. Visitors can admire the well-preserved section of medieval walls and observe the colorful mural up close. The site appeals most to history enthusiasts and culture lovers. The walls and mural can be casually viewed by people of all ages during a stroll through the park. There is no admission fee to see the Pilsen Historic Walls, as they are located in a public city park. The remnants of the once mighty Pilsen fortifications offer an intriguing glimpse into the past.

18. Egg Structure at New Theatre Pilsen

The Egg Structure is at Palackého náměstí 30, 301 00 Plzeň-Jižní Předměstí in the city of Pilsen. The modern theatre building was constructed between 2009 and 2014 and features a unique egg-shaped façade made of cast cement with 28 irregular bubbles symbolizing a stage curtain. This distinct exterior has led locals to nickname the building the “Swiss Cheese”.

The Egg Structure features futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art theatre technology. The building houses two auditoriums, including the main 460-seat hall with equipment for large-scale productions utilizing advanced staging, lighting and sound. There is also a smaller 150-seat hall for more intimate performances. The curved spaces and lack of right angles in the interior design complement the fluid, asymmetric external structure. Visitors can take in a variety of performances, including dramas, musicals, operas, ballets and more, in the egg-shaped venue. Guided tours are available to see behind the scenes and learn about the building's innovative features. The theatre appeals most to culture lovers, architecture enthusiasts, theatre fans and those looking for a modern performance space integrating technology and design. Ticket prices vary depending on the show and seating location. The Egg Structure has become an iconic addition to Pilsen's art scene.

What are the best museums to visit in Plzen?

Listed below are the best museums to visit in Plzen.

• Brewery Museum in Pilsen. The Brewery Museum in central Pilsen is inside an original 15th-century brewery building at Veleslavínova 6, near the main square and Old Town. The museum is housed in one of the only surviving medieval brewery buildings in Pilsen. It has retained its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The exhibits are displayed across a medieval malthouse and brewery from the 1400s. The museum connects to the Pilsen Historical Underground tunnels, which can be visited with a combo ticket. Visitors over age 18 receive a voucher for a 0.3L tasting of Pilsner Urquell beer at select Pilsen restaurants (included with admission).
• West Bohemian Museum. The Museum of West Bohemia at Kopeckého sady 2, 301 00 Plzeň was established in 1878 as the Municipal Museum for Pilsen and West Bohemia. Its monumental Neo-Renaissance building was constructed between 1893 and 1902 and houses over 2 million artifacts, making it one of the largest museums in the Czech Republic. Visitors to the Museum of West Bohemia can tour four permanent exhibitions on municipal armory, archaeology, history and applied arts. The museum appeals most to history and culture enthusiasts, especially those interested in Bohemian heritage. The museum is ideal for families, couples and solo travelers.
• Patton Memorial Pilsen. The Patton Memorial Pilsen is a museum located at KD Peklo, Pobřežní 10, 301 00 Plzeň 3-Vnitřní Město. Patton Memorial features the journey of Patton's Third Army from the Normandy landings through the Battle of the Bulge and onward to liberate Pilsen and Western Bohemia in 1945. The museum features artifacts directly from battlefields as well as gifts from American veterans and their families. Visitors can view displays of soldier's equipment and arms, documents and photographs and relics left behind by the troops. The exhibits utilize sound effects and authentic film footage to give an immersive experience.

What are the best things to do in Plzen with kids?

Listed below are the best things to do in Plzen with kids.

• Dino Park in Pilsen. The Dino Park in Pilsen is located next to the entrance of the Plzen Zoo at Nad Zoo 1. Dino Park features a collection of large, moving and sound-making models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. It also features a paleontological playground where kids can dig up a dinosaur skeleton. Kids can walk through the park to view all the dinosaur models up close. There is also a 3D cinema showing Mesozoic-themed films that are included with admission. The Dino Park appeals most to families with kids ages 5-12 years old who are interested in dinosaurs.
• Techmania Science Center. The Techmania Science Center is located at U Planetária 1 in the city of Plzen, Czechia. Techmania has over 300 interactive exhibits focused on science, technology and innovation. Key exhibit areas include physics, renewable energy, the human body and more. It also has a state-of-the-art 3D planetarium with space films and shows. Kids can try hands-on experiments, operate exhibits and watch demos that showcase scientific principles. Techmania appeals most to families with kids and toddlers.
• Zoo Plzen. The Zoo Plzen is located near the city center at Pod Vinicemi 9 in Plzen, Czechia. Zoo Plzen special highlights the diversity of animals that visitors can see. Highlights include giraffes, rhinos, lions, bears, penguins, zebras and hundreds more species. The zoo features both outdoor habitats to walk through and indoor pavilions. Kids can observe wildlife, visit petting areas and enjoy special animal feedings. There are also playgrounds, a miniature train and other family activities. The zoo offers an educational and entertaining experience for animal lovers, kids and their families.
• DEPO2015. DEPO2015 at Presslova 14, 301 00 Plzeň 3-Jižní Předměstí, Czechia, is a cultural center with an art gallery, coworking space, espresso bar and venue for events. DEPO2015 offers a variety of cultural and artistic activities that families can enjoy together. Kids can view interesting art exhibitions. There are also events like concerts and theater performances. The venue has large open spaces for kids to explore. The espresso bar provides a nice area for parents to relax while kids play.

What are the best activities for a business traveler in Plzen?

Listed below are the best activities for a business traveler in Plzen.

• Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Pilsner Urquell Brewery at U Prazdroje 7, 304 97 in Plzeň is a must-see for any visitor. Business travelers can take a 90-minute guided tour to explore the old cellars and modern production facilities, learn about the unique brewing process and end with a tasting of unfiltered Pilsner Urquell from oak barrels. It provides an insightful look into Czech history and culture. Business travelers would appreciate the behind-the-scenes peek at such an influential company.
• Techmania Science Center. Techmania Science Center at U Planetária 1, 301 00 Plzeň features over 250 interactive exhibits spanning physics, astronomy, mathematics and more on a modern 7,500 square meter campus. Business travelers with families can take their kids to explore this lively, educational playground while they attend meetings. Techmania also has meeting facilities equipped with modern AV technology that are available to rent for conferences, company meetings and team-building sessions.
• Pilsen Historical Underground. Pilsen Historical Underground features tunnels at Veleslavínova 6, 301 00 that run for nearly a kilometer underneath Plzen's city center. A guided tour tells the story of their use through the ages for beer brewing, storage, wartime shelter and more. It is an intriguing glimpse into history that business travelers can appreciate.
• The Brewery Museum. The Brewery Museum can be accessed via the Historic Underground at Veleslavínova 6, 301 00. This museum walks visitors through 600 years of beer-making history in Plzen. Business travelers can network at the brewery restaurant after touring the museum. Touring the Brewery Museum is also a good team-building activity.

Where is Plzen?

Plzeň, also known as Pilsen in English, is a city situated in the Czech Republic. It is located approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) west of Prague in western Bohemia. Plzeň is recognized as the fourth most populous city in the Czech Republic, with an approximate population of 607,797. The city of Plzeň is known worldwide for its association with Pilsner beer, which was first created by the Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in the city in 1842, where it has played a significant role in the history and development of this iconic beer style. Geographically, Plzeň is positioned at the junction of four rivers. Mže, Úhlava, Úslava and Radbuza. From the point where the Mže and Radbuza rivers meet, the waterway becomes known as the Berounka. Plzeň is mainly situated in the Plasy Uplands region, with some parts of its municipal territory extending into the Švihov Highlands in the east and south. Its topography ranges from Chlum Hill's highest point, at 416 meters (1,365 feet) above sea level, to the lowest point, the river bed of the Berounka, at 293 meters (961 feet). Plzeň also features the České údolí Reservoir, created on the Radbuza River and a system of ponds along its northern boundary.

What is the history of Plzen?

Plzeň's historical roots trace back to 976 when it was mentioned as a castle. It gained town status in 1295 when King Wenceslaus II granted it a civic charter. The town became strategically important due to its location on trade routes leading to Nuremberg and Regensburg, growing to become the third-largest town in Bohemia during the 14th century. Plzeň played a role in the Hussite Wars and was known for its resistance to the Hussites. It acquired a printing press in 1468, producing the first book published in Bohemia, the Trojan Chronicle. Plzeň witnessed significant historical events during the 17th century. Emperor Rudolf II made it his seat in 1599-1600 and it became a center of Catholic resistance to the Hussites. The town was besieged during the Thirty Years' War and Wallenstein used it as his winter quarters in 1633 before his assassination in 1634. Plzeň fortifications were strengthened during this time and it remained persistently Catholic despite the religious conflicts.

Plzeň underwent rapid industrialization in the latter half of the 19th century. Notably, in 1869, Emil Škoda founded the Škoda Works, a significant engineering company and arms supplier to the Austro-Hungarian Army. Plzeň's National Railways train workshop was another major employer, the largest in Austria-Hungary. It also saw improvements in transportation with the completion of the Plzeň railway junction and the introduction of its first tram line in 1899. These developments led to significant growth and urbanization in the local Czech population. During World War II, Plzeň became a frontier town after the Munich Agreement moved Nazi Germany's borders to its outer limits. The Škoda Works produced armaments for the Wehrmacht and the city endured German occupation. A Gestapo prison and a forced labor camp operated within Plzeň. Tragically, between 17 and 26 January 1942, over 2,000 Jewish inhabitants were deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Plzeň was liberated from Nazi Germany on 6 May 1945 by General George Patton's 3rd Army, marking a significant historical moment.

Following the 1948 Czechoslovak coup d'état, Plzeň experienced notable events, including the 1953 currency reform protest and the subsequent government retaliation, where the Škoda Works played a role in the protest. Plzeň's history also includes the story of “Leaping Lena”, a homing pigeon that carried an anti-communist message across the Czechoslovak border during the Cold War. Throughout its history, Plzeň has evolved from a medieval castle to a thriving industrial and cultural center with a rich and diverse heritage.

What language is spoken in Plzen?

The primary language spoken in Plzeň is Czech, which is the official language of the Czech Republic. However, within Plzeň and its surrounding areas, visitors can find a distinct regional dialect known as the Plzeň dialect (plzeňské nářečí), which is a variation of the Czech language and is specific to the western Bohemian region, including Plzeň. The Plzeň dialect belongs to the southwest subgroup of Bohemian dialects and shares some linguistic features with standard Czech. One notable characteristic of this dialect is the presence of many German loanwords, particularly from Northern Bavarian dialects, reflecting historical, cultural and linguistic influences in the region. Additionally, the Plzeň dialect has a unique intonation style referred to as “Plzeň singing” (plzeňské zpívání), which distinguishes it from other dialects in the Czech Republic. In some instances, the Chod dialect is considered a subgroup of the Plzeň dialect due to shared linguistic features. Despite these regional variations, standard Czech remains the dominant and official language spoken in Plzeň for everyday communication, business and education.

What timezone is Plzen on?

Plzeň, like the rest of the Czech Republic, is in the Central European Time (CET) zone. During standard time, CET is UTC+1, which means that Plzeň is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). However, during daylight saving time (DST), which is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, Plzeň and the Czech Republic shift to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2, moving their clocks one hour forward. This adjustment is made to better use natural daylight during the longer days of spring and summer.

The adoption of time zones, including CET and CEST, is a global practice aimed at synchronizing local time with the position of the sun in the sky. This practice helps maintain consistency and facilitates various aspects of daily life, including transportation, communication and scheduling. The shift to daylight saving time in regions like Plzeň is intended to optimize energy consumption by reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating during extended daylight hours in the warmer months.

How many people live in Plzen?

Plzeň is home to a total population of 607,797 people, with 298,297 males and 309,500 females residing in the city.

What are the neighborhoods of Plzen?

Listed below are the neighborhoods of Plzen.

• Skvrňany. Skvrňany is a residential neighborhood known for its peaceful atmosphere and green spaces. It offers a mix of housing options, including apartments and family homes. The area is well-connected to the city center, making it convenient for residents to access amenities and services.
• Východní Předměstí. Východní Předměstí is located to the east of Plzeň's city center. It is a diverse neighborhood with a blend of residential and commercial areas. The neighborhood is home to various shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, making it a lively and dynamic part of the city.
• Doubravka. Doubravka is a predominantly residential neighborhood characterized by its quiet streets and lively surroundings. It offers a range of housing options, making it attractive to families and individuals looking for a peaceful living environment. Doubravka has easy access to parks and recreational areas.
• Roudná. Roudná is known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere. It features residential areas, schools and parks. Roudná’s welcoming environment makes it popular for families and those seeking a close-knit community.
• Bolevec. Bolevec is a well-established neighbourhood with a mix of housing, educational institutions and shopping facilities. It balances urban amenities and green spaces, making it a desirable location for residents.
• Severní Předměstí. Severní Předměstí, meaning “Northern Suburbs”, is a residential area to the north of Plzeň's city center. It provides a quieter living environment while still offering easy access to the city's amenities and services.
• Jižní Předměstí. Jižní Předměstí or “Southern Suburbs”, is another residential neighborhood with a southern location. It provides a mix of housing options and is known for its peaceful setting.
• Doudlevce. Doudlevce is a neighborhood with a more suburban feel, offering a mix of housing and green areas. It is favored by those who appreciate a quieter living environment within the city.

What are the most interesting facts about Czech Republic and Plzen?

Listed below are the most interesting facts about Czech Republic and Plzen.

• Currency. In Plzeň, as in the rest of the Czech Republic, the official currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). This currency is commonly abbreviated as “Kč” and is used for all financial transactions within the city. Visitors should exchange their currency to CZK to ease transactions while in Plzeň.
• Timezone. Plzeň follows Central European Time (CET) during standard time, which is UTC+1 and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during daylight saving time, which is UTC+2. The transition between these time zones occurs in line with seasonal changes, typically from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. travelers should be aware of this time difference when planning their visit.
• Language Spoken. The primary language spoken in Plzeň is Czech, as is the case throughout the Czech Republic. While many locals, especially in urban areas, may have some proficiency in English or other languages, it's helpful for visitors to have some basic knowledge of Czech phrases or carry a translation app for smoother communication.
• Power Plugs. Plzeň and the Czech Republic use Type C and Type E power plugs. These plugs have two round pins and are compatible with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. travelers from regions using different plug types should ensure they have the appropriate adapters to charge their electronic devices and appliances while in Plzeň.
• European Capital of Culture. Plzeň held the title of European Capital of Culture in 2015, along with Mons, Belgium. This prestigious designation brought a year of cultural events and festivities, showcasing Plzeň's arts scene and heritage to a wider audience.
• Historic Underground Tunnels. Plzeň has an intricate network of historic underground tunnels beneath its streets. These tunnels served various purposes over the centuries, including storage, defense and even as a means of transportation. Guided tours allow visitors to explore this hidden underground world and learn about its history.
• Skoda Works. Plzeň is home to the Škoda Works, a significant engineering company founded in 1869 by Emil Škoda. It played a crucial role in the industrialization of Plzeň and became a major arms supplier to the Austro-Hungarian Army. Today, Škoda Works is known for producing automobiles and heavy machinery.
• Pilsen Zoological Garden. Plzeň is home to the Pilsen Zoological Garden, one of Europe's oldest and most well-maintained zoos. It houses diverse animal species and offers educational programs, making it a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

What is Plzen famous for?

Plzeň is celebrated as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, one of the world's most popular beer styles. In 1842, Bavarian brewer Josef Groll introduced this light and refreshing lager at the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň. Groll's innovative use of bottom-fermenting yeast and pale malt revolutionized the brewing industry, setting a new standard for beer production. “Pilsner” derives from the city's name and Pilsner Urquell remains a cherished and iconic beer brand worldwide.

Plzeň holds historical significance for its role in World War II. On May 6, 1945, the city was liberated from Nazi Germany by General George Patton's 3rd Army, marking a significant moment in the war's conclusion. This liberation event is annually commemorated in Plzeň through the “Pilsen Liberation Festival”, reinforcing the city's place in the annals of history.

Beyond its beer heritage and historical importance, Plzeň's UNESCO-listed historic center is a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, including Gothic and Baroque structures, draws visitors from around the world. Plzeň's designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2015 further underscored its commitment to the arts and cultural diversity, making it a vibrant and captivating destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture and world-famous beer.

What to do in Plzen for a day?

For a fulfilling day in Plzeň, visitors can enjoy a well-rounded journey that includes.

• Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour. Start the day with a guided tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where one can learn about the historical significance of Pilsner beer and witness the beer-making process. This tour is a must as it introduces visitors to the city's most famous export and offers a taste of its rich brewing heritage.
• St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. After the brewery, head to St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and explore the intricacies of its architecture. This visit is essential to appreciate Plzeň's cultural and architectural heritage.
• Pilsen Historical Center. Spend the midday exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center. Wander through charming streets, admire colorful buildings and visit landmarks like the Town Hall and Great Synagogue. Exploring the historic center is a must-do to immerse in the city's rich history and ambiance.
• Techmania Science Center. In the afternoon, visit the Techmania Science Center to engage with interactive science and technology exhibits. This stop is perfect for families and those interested in hands-on learning, making it an enjoyable and educational experience.

How many days are needed to see Plzen?

It is recommended to stay for 2 to 3 days, which is enough time to see the highlights of Plzen. The two to three days give visitors time to see the main attractions like the Great Synagogue, Pilsner Urquell Brewery, underground tour and some restaurants. The number of days allows visitors to take a more comprehensive tour and see more of Plzen’s tourist spots without getting rushed.

What to eat in Plzen?

In Plzeň, visitors can savor a range of delectable Czech dishes and local specialties that reflect the city's rich culinary heritage. One of the culinary highlights of Plzeň is undoubtedly the Pilsner beer, which the city is internationally known for. Tasting a glass of the iconic Pilsner Urquell beer straight from the source is a must-do experience. It's a crisp and refreshing brew that pairs wonderfully with classic Czech pub snacks like pickled sausages or fried cheese (smažený sýr), offering a delightful introduction to the city's beer culture. Another must-try dish in Plzeň is “Svíčková na smetaně”, a traditional Czech delicacy. This dish features marinated and slow-cooked beef sirloin served with a creamy sauce, bread dumplings (houskový knedlík), cranberry sauce and a slice of lemon. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that encapsulates the essence of Czech comfort food. For those with a sweet tooth, Plzeň offers the beloved trdelník, a sweet pastry made from rolled dough, grilled to golden-brown perfection and coated with a sugar and walnut mixture. While not unique to Plzeň, trdelníks are a popular dessert choice.

What are the top restaurants to eat and drink in Plzen?

Plzeň offers a variety of top-notch restaurants and eateries that cater to different tastes and preferences. One standout option is “Na Parkánu”, a charming restaurant near the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. This establishment provides a cozy setting to enjoy traditional Czech dishes like “Svíčková” and the city's famous Pilsner beer. Its proximity to the brewery makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic local experience. Another popular dining destination is “U Salzmannů”, in Plzeň's historic center. This restaurant is celebrated for its cuisine, featuring Czech and international dishes. With an elegant interior and attentive service, it offers a fine dining experience suitable for special occasions and culinary exploration.

Visitors interested in Plzeň's beer culture can go for the “Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant” within the brewery complex. Here, guests can savor a meal alongside freshly brewed Pilsner Urquell beer, making it an exceptional place to appreciate the city's brewing heritage. For those seeking a modern and creative twist on Czech cuisine, “Na Spilce” is a top choice. This restaurant blends traditional flavors with innovative culinary techniques, using locally sourced ingredients to create inventive dishes.

Lastly, the “Gambrinus Restaurant” near the Pilsner Urquell Brewery is popular among locals and tourists. Named after the legendary King of Beer, Gambrinus, it offers classic Czech dishes and an extensive selection of beers. The lively atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy a meal and immerse oneself in Plzeň's beer culture.

Where to stay in Plzen? (neighborhoods)

Listed below are where visitors can stay in Plzen.

• Plzeň City Center. Staying in the city center places visitors within walking distance of major attractions like St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the historic Old Town. The central location offers easy access to restaurants, cafes and shops, making it convenient for exploring the city on foot. Visitors can soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Plzeň's bustling heart and enjoy the historical architecture of the area. This area is an excellent choice for travelers interested in immersing themselves in the city's culture and nightlife.
• Bory. Located west of the city center, the Bory neighborhood provides a quieter and more residential atmosphere. Bory is well-connected to the city center by public transportation, making it a suitable option for those seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to the city's attractions. Visitors can find various accommodation options in this area, including hotels and guesthouses. Bory is a good choice for travelers looking for a restful stay while remaining within reach of Plzeň's main points of interest.
• Slovany. Situated east of the city center, Slovany is a predominantly residential neighborhood with a relaxed ambiance. It offers various accommodation options, including hotels and apartment rentals, providing flexibility for different types of travelers. Slovany is suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment and don't mind a short commute to the city center. The neighborhood allows travelers to experience a more local side of Plzeň while being well-connected to the main attractions.
• Lochotín. Lochotín is located south of the city center and offers a tranquil suburban setting. It's known for its green spaces and parks, making it a great choice for travelers who appreciate a peaceful environment. Accommodation options in Lochotín include hotels and guesthouses, often surrounded by nature. While it may require a slightly longer commute to the city center, Lochotín provides a serene escape for relaxation.

What are the best hotels in Plzen?

Listed below are the best hotels in Plzen.

• Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen. Located in the city center, Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen offers convenient access to Plzeň's attractions and vibrant nightlife. Guests can enjoy modern and well-appointed rooms with comfortable furnishings and contemporary amenities. It features an on-site restaurant serving Czech and international cuisine, making dining convenient for guests. Courtyard by Marriott is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a central location and a comfortable stay.
• Vienna House Easy Pilsen. Vienna House Easy Pilsen provides easy access to popular sights and cultural landmarks. Guests can relax in stylish and spacious rooms designed for both leisure and business travelers. It offers a restaurant serving various dishes, including local specialties, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Vienna House Easy Pilsen is a great option for those looking for a well-rounded hotel experience in Plzeň.
• Hotel Rango. Hotel Rango is a boutique hotel that combines modern design with a touch of historic charm. Guests can stay in uniquely decorated rooms inspired by different countries, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Its restaurant offers a diverse menu and its rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Plzeň. Hotel Rango appeals to travelers seeking a boutique hotel with a distinctive character and a central location.
• Parkhotel Plzeň. Nestled in the Bory neighborhood, tParkhotel Plzeň offers a peaceful environment while still being close to the city center. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms and a range of facilities, including a wellness center and a fitness room. Its restaurant serves Czech and international cuisine and its garden terrace is ideal for relaxation. Parkhotel Plzeň is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a relaxing stay with easy access to nature and the city.

What is the transportation like in Plzen?

Transportation in Plzeň is well-organized and caters to the needs of both residents and tourists. The city has an efficient public transportation system comprising trams and buses. Plzeň's tram network covers various parts of the city, offering convenient access to key attractions and different neighborhoods. Complementing the trams, the bus routes extend transportation reach to areas not served by trams. The public transportation system is known for its reliability and affordability, making it a favored choice for daily commuting and exploring the city's offerings. For tourists, the Plzeň Card is a valuable tool. This card provides free or discounted entry to museums, galleries and cultural sites in Plzeň, making it a cost-effective way to explore the city's rich heritage. Moreover, the Plzeň Card includes unlimited travel on trams and buses within the city, streamlining transportation for visitors as they move between attractions. travelers can purchase the Plzeň Card for different durations, such as 24 hours or multiple days, allowing them to tailor their sightseeing experiences to their preferences. Taxis are also readily available in Plzeň, providing a convenient alternative, especially for those seeking direct, door-to-door transportation. These taxis are typically metered and regulated, ensuring transparent pricing for passengers. To ensure a hassle-free experience, opting for licensed taxi services or ridesharing apps when using taxis in Plzeň is advisable.

How to get from Plzen airport to the city?

Plzeň does not have its own airport; thus, travelers arriving by air typically use Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG), which is 90 kilometers (56 miles) away from Plzeň. To reach Plzeň from Prague Airport, visitors have several transportation options at their disposal. One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways is to take a bus. Direct bus services provide comfortable and budget-friendly transportation to Plzeň. The bus journey usually takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Prague Airport has regular bus departures, making it easy for travelers to connect to Plzeň. For those who prefer flexibility and autonomy, renting a car at Prague Airport is an option. The journey from the airport to Plzeň by car typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, factoring in variables like traffic and road conditions. travelers can follow the D5 highway, a direct route linking Prague and Plzeň. Before setting out, it's advisable to check for any road closures or traffic updates to ensure a smooth drive. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a taxi service readily available at Prague Airport. Taking a taxi is the quickest mode of transportation, typically requiring 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Plzeň, depending on traffic. To ensure a reliable and hassle-free journey, it's essential to choose licensed taxi services and agree on the fare with the driver beforehand.

How to get from Plzen to Prague?

For travelers making the journey from Plzeň to Prague, several transportation options are available to suit their preferences and needs. Firstly, taking a bus is a cost-effective and convenient choice. Several reputable bus companies operate regular services connecting the two cities. The bus ride typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Departing from Plzeň's primary bus station, this option offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to reach Prague. Alternatively, those seeking flexibility may drive the approximately 1 to 1.5-hour route from Plzeň to Prague . The most common and direct route is via the D5 highway, which is well-maintained and connects both cities efficiently. However, travelers should be aware that certain sections of the D5 may have tolls. A taxi is another viable choice for those desiring a swift and door-to-door experience. Taxis offer a faster travel time, typically 1 to 1.5 hours. However, passengers should negotiate the fare with the taxi driver upfront to ensure transparency and avoid unexpected costs.

How to get from Plzen to Vienna?

Travelers seeking to travel from Plzeň to Vienna have several transportation options, each catering to different preferences. Firstly, taking a bus is a practical and economical choice. Various bus companies operate regular routes between the two cities, providing travelers with comfortable and budget-friendly transportation. The bus journey typically spans approximately 4.5 to 6 hours, accounting for potential traffic and route variations. From Plzeň's central bus station, passengers can expect to disembark at Vienna's primary bus terminal, ensuring a convenient and straightforward transition. Alternatively, those desiring autonomy and flexibility may choose a car journey. travelers can follow the D5 highway from Plzeň, which seamlessly connects to the Czech-Austrian border. Upon crossing into Austria, they can continue along the A5 highway, leading directly to Vienna. The car ride typically lasts 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic patterns and driving speeds. Having the requisite documentation for international border crossings and being aware of potential tolls along the route is essential. travelers can consider taking a taxi for a more personalized and suitable experience. Taxi services can transport passengers directly to their destination in Vienna. The taxi journey generally spans approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route. To ensure transparency and avoid unexpected costs, passengers should confirm the fare with the taxi provider prior to embarking on the trip.

Are Christmas markets crowded in Plzen?

Yes, Christmas markets in Plzeň can be crowded, particularly during the peak holiday season. The popularity of these markets draws both locals and tourists alike, creating a busy atmosphere. The festive setting, decorated stalls and seasonal treats make these markets a popular destination for people looking to enjoy the holiday spirit. Consequently, the combination of holiday shoppers and visitors seeking a cheerful experience can lead to crowded conditions in and around the Christmas market areas.

What are the best Christmas markets in Czechia?

Czechia features several captivating Christmas markets that draw visitors from near and far during the holiday season. Among these, the Prague Christmas Markets , located in the heart of the capital city, stand out for their enchanting charm. Set against the backdrop of Prague's Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, these markets offer an array of wooden stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, traditional Czech cuisine and mulled wine. What sets them apart is the setting with historic landmarks like the Prague Astronomical Clock, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Brno hosts delightful Christmas markets in its city center and Namesti Svobody (Freedom Square). These markets are known for their lively and welcoming ambiance, where visitors can explore a diverse range of locally crafted items, enjoy live musical performances and savor Czech holiday specialties. What makes them exceptional is the strong sense of community and the variety of entertainment options they provide.

In the charming medieval town of Český Krumlov, travelers can experience a fairytale-like Christmas market. With the backdrop of Český Krumlov's UNESCO-listed castle and winding cobblestone streets, this market offers a magical setting. Visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, indulge in Czech sweets and witness live nativity scenes, creating lasting memories. Olomouc's Christmas market, situated in the historic Upper Square, is celebrated for its elegance and festive illumination. It offers a delightful selection of local crafts and culinary delights, all set against the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What are the best music festivals in Czechia?

Listed below are the best music festivals in Czechia.

• Colours of Ostrava. Colours of Ostrava is known for its diverse music lineup, featuring a mix of international and local artists across various genres, including rock, pop, world music and electronic. Its unique charm lies in its industrial backdrop, with stages set amidst an old coal mine, creating a distinctive and immersive atmosphere.
• Rock for People. Rock for People is one of the country's largest rock music festivals, drawing top rock and alternative acts worldwide. Its reputation is built on high-energy performances and a passionate crowd. Its camping experience and lively atmosphere make it a top choice for rock lovers.
• United Islands of Prague. This festival takes place in the heart of Prague, on the Vltava River's islands. It showcases an eclectic mix of music genres, including rock, indie, electronic and hip-hop. Its unique location, with stages along the riverbanks, offers stunning city views and creates a vibrant and accessible urban festival atmosphere.

What is the weather like in Plzen?

Plzeň experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. From June to August, summers are generally warm, with average high temperatures around 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F). Winters, spanning from December to February, are cold, often with temperatures hovering around freezing, occasionally dropping below zero. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant visiting times. When it rains in Plzeň, visitors have several indoor options to explore. The city has several museums and cultural institutions, including the Pilsen Historical Underground, where one can learn about the city's history. The Techmania Science Center offers interactive exhibits and is a great choice for families. For art lovers, the West Bohemian Gallery showcases regional and international artwork. Additionally, visitors can take in Czech cuisine at cosy restaurants or enjoy a pint of Pilsner beer at local pubs. Plzeň also has shopping centers and malls, providing opportunities for retail therapy on rainy days. For those willing to brave the weather, Plzeň's historic center offers charming architecture and excellent streets that can be admired while strolling under an umbrella. However, checking the weather forecast and being prepared for rain when exploring the city during wet seasons is advisable.

Is Czechia worth visiting?

Yes, Czechia is worth visiting. Czechia offers a wealth of experiences for travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, charming towns and vibrant cultural scene,.The country is celebrated for its castles, such as Prague Castle, its well-preserved medieval towns like Český Krumlov and the busy Christmas markets that emit a sense of wonder during the holiday season. Czech cuisine, including hearty dishes like goulash and dumplings, is a treat for food lovers. The warmth and hospitality of the Czech people make visitors feel welcome. Whether exploring the historic streets of Prague, enjoying the natural beauty of Bohemian Switzerland or savoring a Pilsner beer in its birthplace, Czechia offers a diverse and rewarding travel experience.

Is Pizen expensive to visit?

No, Plzen is generally an affordable and budget-friendly country to visit. It is one of the most affordable cities to visit in Czechia. A daily budget of about €46 ($50, 39) per person per day (or 1200 CZK) is considered a typical budget for travelers. This covers basic accommodation, food, transportation and visiting nearby tourist spots. Most attractions have low entrance fees or are even free in many cases. Museums, galleries and churches cost €2 ($2, £1) and above. Plzen offers good value for budget-conscious travelers.

Is Plzen safe?

Yes, Plzeň is a safe city for travelers. The city has a low crime rate and violent incidents are rare. Plzeň's well-preserved historic center and surrounding areas are usually safe to explore day and night. However, as with any destination, visitors must exercise precautions, such as safeguarding personal belongings and staying aware of their surroundings.

Is Plzen easy to visit with kids?

Yes, Plzeň is easy to visit with kids. Plzeň offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities that can keep children entertained. Places like the Techmania Science Center provide interactive exhibits that can engage young minds and the city's parks and playgrounds offer spaces for kids to run and play. Moreover, Plzeň's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it convenient to explore with strollers and the generally safe atmosphere adds to the comfort of families traveling with children.

What are the most famous people of Czechia abroad?

Listed below are the most famous people of Czechia abroad.

• Tomáš Masaryk. As the first President of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Masaryk played a pivotal role in the country's founding. His advocacy for democracy and human rights garnered international recognition and made him a respected figure abroad.
• Václav Havel. Václav Havel, a prominent playwright and dissident, became Czechoslovakia's first post-communist President and later the President of the Czech Republic. His tireless efforts for democracy and human rights earned him global admiration and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States.
• Franz Kafka. Popular for his distinctive literary works, Franz Kafka's writings, including “The Metamorphosis” and “The Trial”, have left an indelible mark on world literature. His exploration of existential themes continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
• Milan Kundera. Milan Kundera is an internationally acclaimed author known for novels such as “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”. His philosophical and thought-provoking narratives have garnered critical acclaim and a global readership.

Where to go shopping in Plzen?

There are several great places to go shopping in Plzen. These are Plzen Plaza, Olympia Plzeň, Tesco Rokycanská, Nákupní Centrum Borská Pole, Galerie Slovany and Flea Markets (between stadiums). Firstly, Plzen Plaza is a large shopping mall located right in Plzen's city center, making it very convenient to access. The plaza has 150 stores, restaurants, cafes and an 8-screen cinema. It offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options, all under one roof. Popular international brands like H&M, Reserved and Deichmann can be found at Plzen Plaza. Secondly, Olympia Plzeň is the largest shopping center in Plzen and the region. Olympia Plzeň has over 120 stores and boutiques. Visitors can find major fashion brands like Sephora, H&M and Pietro Filipi, as well as sports shops, perfumeries, electronics, toys, books, accessories and more. Olympia also features restaurants, cafes, a cinema and ample parking.

Thirdly, the Tesco Rokycanská complex combines shopping and dining with a large Tesco hypermarket for groceries. Visitors will find fashion boutiques, sports gear shops, jewelry, opticians and services, along with cafes and family restaurants. The location also includes a modern residential area. Fourthly, Nákupní Centrum Borská Pole is a contemporary shopping mall in Plzen's Borská Pole district that provides a mix of high-street fashion brands, sporting goods, electronics, cosmetics and more. There is also a grocery store, food court and playground onsite to meet family needs. Fifthly, Galerie Slovany is a compact shopping center with popular fashion shops & accessories right in central Plzen. Visitors can also grab a bite at the fresh food court, buy groceries, browse goods or let kids enjoy the indoor playground. Lastly, Plzen hosts popular flea markets between the city's stadiums each Saturday and Sunday. Visitors search for antiques, collector's items, handmade products, fresh farm produce, baked goods and more at bargain prices.

What festivals or events are taking place in Plzen?

Listed below are the festivals or events taking place in Plzen.

• International Folklore Festival CIOFF® Pilsen. The International Folklore Festival, CIOFF® Pilsen, is an annual international folk festival featuring folk dance and music performances from Czech and international groups. It has been held since 1997, usually in early June. The 2023 event is scheduled for June 7 to 11. Performances take place throughout the historic city center of Plzen, with the Smetana Garden serving as the main stage area (“U Branky”). Hundreds of performers from folklore ensembles around the world take part each year. The festival regularly draws large, enthusiastic crowds of fans and spectators, who come to watch the variety of traditional dances and musical styles presented on stage.
• Pilsner Fest. Pilsner Fest is a popular two-day October event celebrating the world-famous Pilsner Urquell beer, which is brewed in Plzen. Festivities are centered in the Pilsner Urquell Brewery courtyard but also extend out into public spaces in the city center of Plzen. There is always a strong turnout, as locals and visitors gather to enjoy beer tastings, live music performances, entertainment acts and general merriment. The festivities highlight the long brewing history that put Plzen on the map. The Pilsner Fest is one of the anticipated festivals in Plzen.
• Plzen Busking Fest. Plzen Busking Fest is a lively 4-day international festival of street performers, bands, visual arts and creative spectacles held in late August through early September each year. Performances and activities spread out into public spaces throughout central Plzen. The outdoor festivities draw enthusiastic crowds of locals and tourists who come to enjoy the variety of music, comedy, acrobatics and other entertainment on display. The Busking Fest brings an energetic, creative spirit to the city before the summer's end.

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• 2 Get around
• 3.2 Museums
• 3.3 Galleries
• 3.4 Surroundings
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 8 Tourist information

Pilsen ( Czech : Plzeň ) is in Bohemia , in the Czech Republic in Central Europe . It is the home and birthplace of the Pilsener (or pilsner) beer variety which is derived from the city's name. It is the 4th largest city in the country and the largest city in West Bohemia, and is a convenient base for exploring this region of the Czech Republic.

Get in [ edit ]

The city is well connected with both buses and trains leaving hourly from Prague . Travel times for both buses and trains are just over one hour. From Germany , there are direct trains every two hours from Munich taking about 4½ hours. Another possibility is 3 hour travel from Nuremberg via Marktredwitz and Cheb which takes about 3 hours. From south it's also possible to reach the city using railway from direction of Železná Ruda (via Klatovy) where one can enjoy spectacular views of Sumava mountain range along the more than century old railway track. Last option via railway is from direction of Austrian city of Gmund via České Budějovice . The railway connections remain consistent even during the weekend.

Numerous bus companies connect the city with other European cities and stop at the central bus station, however the connections are usually a subject to reservation, meanwhile trains maintain their intervals during whole week including the weekends and don't require a reservation.

Both rail and bus stations are within walking distance from the city centre.

• 49.746347 13.363034 2 Central bus station ( Centrální autobusové nádraží ), Husova 60 . The "old" bus station, which serves practically all international bus connections. ( updated Mar 2024 )

Get around [ edit ]

To get around the compact city center, it is best to walk. To get around the whole city, the services of the public transport operator PMDP are recommended. The PMDP operate trams, buses and trolley-buses in Pilsen. For information on lines, schedules and rates, visit the PMDP's official website .

See [ edit ]

Sights [ edit ].

• 49.747941 13.377865 3 Renaissance Town Hall ( Plzeňská renesanční radnice ), Náměstí Republiky 41 . Built between 1554–1559, this Renaissance masterpiece was based on the designs of an Italian architect, Giovanni de Statia. Free .  
• 49.748796 13.380642 4 Historical Underground Network ( Plzeňské historické podzemí ), Veleslavínova 6 , ☏ +420 377 062 888 . One English tour every weekday, three English tours on weekends ( April-August ); separate group tour arrangements possible . A sophisticated system of cellars and tunnels on three levels under the old town centre. Accessible from the Brewery Museum. Tour: 120 Kč .  
• 49.75777 13.3576 6 Pilsen Zoo ( Zoologická a botanická zahrada města Plzně ), Pod Vinicemi 9 . Home to over a thousand species of animals kept in natural conditions instead of cages. April-October : adults 150 Kč, children 110 Kč; November-March : adults 100 Kč; children 70 Kč .  

Museums [ edit ]

• 49.74497 13.379277 7 West Bohemian Museum , Kopeckeho sady 2 . Regular exhibitions.  
• Pilsen Municipal Armoury , Kopeckého sady 2 . Among the best preserved armouries of the European medieval towns. It began in 1363 when the Emperor Charles IV was building armouries in a planned manner in the royal Czech towns to provide for their readiness. The oldest part includes a set of firearms from the turn of the 14th century. An extensive set of battlement guns with simple fuse systems was created in the first half of the 16th century. The firearms collection is completed historically by muskets from the Thirty-Year War period. Cold weapons are represented in the armoury by morgenstern from the 15th century and arquebuses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The armours of Plzeň burghers are represented by a great number of chest and back plates, shoulder and arm protecting plates, and many helmets of different types.  
• 49.74891 13.38078 9 Brewery Museum , Veleslavinova 6 . history of brewing in Pilsen.  
• 49.73996 13.36248 10 Techmania Science Center , Borská Street . Modern interactive museum on the premises of the Škoda factory..  
• 49.747462 13.376549 12 Ghost Museum , nám. Republiky 33 . The exhibition features the themes of fairy-tale worlds and legends. Recommended for children..  
• Diocese Museum , Františkánská street . Exposition of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures in the cloister of the Franciscan monastery, chapel of St. Barbara with Gothic frescos, exhibition hall in the Baroque monastic refectory. Museum temporarily closed.  

Galleries [ edit ]

• Pilsen City Art Gallery , Dominikánská 2 .  
• Jiří Trnka Art Gallery , nám. Republiky 40 .  

Surroundings [ edit ]

• 49.809158 13.414968 15 Air Park . A freely accessible privately owned collection of around 50 airplanes  

Do [ edit ]

• Walk through the city parks that circle the historical city center on its two sides.
• Enjoy the view of the city and its surrounding areas from the church tower of the St. Bartholomew's Cathedral.
• Enjoy a drink of Pilsner Urquell in the city that gave its name to all the pilseners in the world.
• Jet fighter flight in Czech Republic , MiGFlug & Adventure GmbH, Badenerstrasse 286, 8004 Zurich , ☏ +41 44 500 50 10 , [email protected] . Very nice but rather expensive experience. Starting from an Airbase close to Plzeň. The customer can fly the jet under watch of the pilot. €1999 for a flight including all preparations .  

Sports [ edit ]

Events [ edit ].

There are several events during the year.

• The Liberation Festival - around May 6th, when the city of Pilsen was liberated from Nazi Germany by the George Patton's 3rd Army in 1945. The city is full of music and other culture.
• The Puppet Rock Festival - This summer festival is hold in the park behind the Plzen Plaza the last weekend of July.
• The In The Streets Festival - generally in the first half of August. Small stages around the city center, a big stage on the Square of Republic. Music, theater and street performances.
• Pilsner Fest - the biggest and most famous beer festival in the Czech Republic takes place every year around September when Pilsner Urquell Brewery celebrates its birthday (in 2010 already on August 27-28)

Eat [ edit ]

• Na Spilce , U Prazdroje 7 , ☏ +420 377 062 755 , [email protected] . M-Th, Sat 11AM-10PM. F 11AM-11PM. Sun 11AM-9PM . The biggest restaurant in the Czech Republic with 550 seats. Within the grounds of the Prazdroj brewery  
• Potrefená Husa (Martinská 1) - a big restaurant, good selection of meals and drinks
• U Salzmannů (Pražská 8) - the oldest beer restaurant in Pilsen serving Czech traditional cuisine
• Slunečnice (Jungmannova 4) - healthy bio cuisine including vegetarian and vegan cuisine
• Anděl Vegetarian Restaurant (Bezručova 5) - a creative and stylish vegetarian restaurant
• La Tartelette (Rokycanská 174/7) - French fast food (soups, salads, quiche ...)
• Na Parkáně (Veleslavinova 4) - the pub to get an excellent unfiltered Urquell

Drink [ edit ]

Pilsen is the city where the pilsner beer was invented. Pilsner Urquell is the famous beer brand of Pilsen. In a few pubs (Senk Na Parkanu) and at the brewery, you can get the unfiltered , unpasteurized version of Pilsner Urquell, which tastes even better that the common filtered version. Another brand made in the same brewery is Gambrinus . Gambrinus Light (desitka) is probably the most common beer in the Czech Republic, and it's cheaper and weaker than Pilsner Urquell.

Cafés [ edit ]

• Měšťanská beseda (Kopeckého sady 13) - a luxurious Art Nouveau-style café
• CrossCafe (Jungmannova 5) - good coffee and light meals (sandwiches, salads, yoghurts)
• Kajetánka (Sedláčkova 2) - a winehouse
• Anděl Café (Bezručova 7) - coffee and chocolate house with music
• Kačaba (Prokopova 17) - café and teahouse employing people with disabilities as part of therapy

Clubs [ edit ]

• Zach’s Pub (Palackého nám. 2) - Irish pub with music club, regular music production
• House of Blues (Černická 10) - regular live concerts, nice milieu
• Buena Vista Club (Kollárova 20) - regular live music, movie projections, theater performances
• Jazz Rock Café (Sedláčkova 18) - a place to chill, live music, groovy-jazzy-funky
• Anděl Music Bar (Bezručova 7) - good music, projections

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• Hotel Slovan , Smetanovy sady 1 , ☏ +420 377 227 256 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• AK Penzion Plzeň , Křimická 102 ( outer city center ), ☏ +420 605 113 606 , [email protected] .  
• City , Sady 5. Května 52 ( city center ), ☏ +420 377 326 069 .  
• Stará Plzeň , Na Roudné 12 ( outer city center ), ☏ +420 377 259 901 , [email protected] .  
• Morrison , Thámova 9 ( outer city center ), ☏ +420 377 370 952 .  
• 49.74689 13.37028 1 Hotel Plzeň , Budilova 15 , ☏ +420377224034 , [email protected] .  

Splurge [ edit ]

• U Zvonu , Pražská 27 ( city center ), ☏ +420 378 011 855 , [email protected] .  
• Parkhotel Plzeň , U Borského parku 31 ( Bory neighborhood, south of city center ), ☏ +420 608 111 702 .  
• 49.747472 13.376275 2 Hotel Central , nám. Republiky 33 ( main square ), ☏ +420 377 226 757 , [email protected] . ( updated Mar 2019 )
• Primavera , Nepomucká 128 , ☏ +420 377 237 049 , [email protected] .  
• 49.748612 13.381784 3 Courtyard By Marriott Pilsen , Sady 5. kvetna 57 , ☏ +420 373 370 100 . ( updated Mar 2019 )

Tourist information [ edit ]

There are two official tourist information offices in Pilsen. Start your visit of Pilsen by visiting them (choose the main one on the náměstí Republiky , if possible), finding out about the current events and collecting a free map of the city. Both offices are open daily from 9.00 to 18.00 (until 19.00 between April and September).

• Informační centrum města Plzně ( the main city tourist office ), náměstí Republiky 41, 301 16 Plzeň ( to the left of the Renaissance city hall ), ☏ +420 378 035 330 , [email protected] .  
• Informační centrum města Plzně Hlavní nádraží ČD ( the smaller city tourist office ), Nádražní 102, 301 10 Plzeň ( just outside the main train station ). ( updated Aug 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

Pilsen has coverage by 5G from all Czech carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Go next [ edit ]

• Františkovy Lázně
• Karlovy Vary
• Lázně Kynžvart
• Mariánské Lázně

• Has custom banner
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• See listing with no coordinates
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Red White Adventures

The complete guide to a 2 day trip to pilsen, czech republic.

Pilsen is a city full of history and charm and it is a must-visit for anyone who is spending an extended amount of time in the Czech Republic. With two full days, you’ll be able to see everything from the 5th largest Synagogue in the world to the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery.

A lot of people go from Prague to Pilsen for a day trip but in our opinion, 1 day isn’t quite enough time to see and do it all. So if you have the time, 2 days in Pilsen is the perfect amount of time in order for you to see a lot of the bucket list-worthy places as well as a few more local and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

It’s true there are so many things to do in Pilsen so, hopefully, with help from this post, you will be able to plan your Pilsen itinerary so you can Czech off (😉) these things on your bucket list.

We hope you enjoy this 2-day guide to Pilsen!

Disclosure: This post has been created in collaboration with Visit Pilsen . All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal opinions and experiences. This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Table of Contents

How to visit Pilsen in 2 days

Quick breakdown of your trip:

• ✈️ Book cheap flights to Prague through KAYAK
• 🛌 Find your accommodation through Booking.com
• 🚘 Want to rent a car for your trip? Use Discover Cars to find the best deals
• 🍻 Start your Pilsen tour the right way by visiting the Pilsner Urquell Brewery
• 🌂 Book a guided tour through GetYourGuide
• 👩🏼‍⚕️ Make sure your adventures are insured with SafetyWing
• 📸 Bring your camera and get Insta ready

Where to stay in Pilsen

Since two days is quite a short trip, you’ll want to make sure your hotel is centrally located in Pilsen so you’re close to everything and be close to all the action. Thankfully Pilsens touristy area is fairly small so anywhere near the main square will be convenient and you’ll be close to everything.

You can find all the hotels near the center of Pilsen here where you can choose from a few great options.

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in Pilsen that are centrally located:

• Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen
• Vienna House Easy Pilsen
• Wellness Hotel Republika 24 Apartments

Once you have your accommodation for Pilsen covered, you can start to plan your 2 day Pilsen itinerary. Below are our recommendations on what to do and see in Pilsen!

Day 1: Discovering the history and beer of Pilsen  

On the first day, we’re going to keep it a little historic and fun at the same time. A lot of Pilsen’s history comes from its world-famous brewery but also from the historic events that took place in Pilsen.

Whether you’re a history buff or not you’re going to love this city. Pilsen really isn’t that big and lots of the places to visit and see are nearby each other so you can go everywhere on foot and you can experience a lot in just 2 days.

Hiking up St Bartholomew Cathedral

• Entrance fee to the cathedral interior: Free
• Entrance fee to the cathedral spire: 60 CZK

Right next to the Pilsen Tourism information center and right in the heart of the city you’ll find St Bartholomew Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of Czech and also the one with the tallest church spire in the Czech Republic (at 102,6 m).

Before you hike up to the top you can wander the main floor and admire the beauty of this historic cathedral. Once you’ve seen the interior of the cathedral you can make your way to the highest viewpoint in Pilsen which is at the very top of the spire. From there you can get an amazing panoramic view of the whole city.

To get to the top you will have to conquer 13 flights of stairs before you will be rewarded with the most amazing view overlooking Pilsen. Allow yourself roughly 30-45 minutes to go up, enjoy the view, and return down again.

The church itself costs 35 CZK (1.5 USD) to enter and to hike up to the top of the cathedral costs 50 CZK (2.1 USD). That will give you access to the lookout point at the top of Bartholomew where you can see the whole city. 

Actually, from there we scouted out a rooftop cafe which leads us to the next point on our list 😉

Terraza Rooftop Bar

Do you ever get that once you see a place from above you need to go explore it? That’s what it felt like after seeing Terraza Rooftop Bar from the top of St Bartholomew. So once we got down we had to go check it out and see what their coffee was like.

It’s quite easy to find and there’s an elevator that takes you to the top floor. There are a few signs outside of the buildings pointing you in the right direction as well.

We enjoyed a nice coffee and sat outside with the view of the main square and St Bartholomew Cathedral right in front of us. This is definitely the second-best view in the city! 😉

You can order a variety of coffees and drinks while soaking up the sun outside on their terrace. It has a super cool atmosphere with great views of the city.

Visit the Great Pilsen Synagogue

• Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5:00 pm (Sunday – Friday)
• Entrance fee: 120 CZK (discounts available)

Once you’ve taken in one of the best views in Pilsen you can make your way to the Great Synagogue which is in fact the second largest Synagogue in Europe. The Bohemia region where Pilsen is located has a rich Jewish history and you can learn all about that inside the Great Synagogue.

Just like St Bartholomew Cathedral you can walk inside the main floor of the Great Synagogue and admire the beauty of this building while learning about the Jewish history in the Czech Republic.

It’s an iconic building here in Pilsen and worth visiting while you’re here. We love to mix in a little bit of culture and history whenever we visit new places and the Great Synagogue gave us a better understanding of Jewish history in Pilsen and Bohemia.

Eat some lunch at Le Frenchie Cafe

Le Frenchie is located just a short walk away from the Great Synagogue right next to the beautiful park, Smetanovy Sady. You have the option of sitting inside the cute French-inspired cafe or outside next to the park.

They have great coffee and make delicious breakfast and brunch. Even though it’s not French at all, the English Breakfast is absolutely delicious and so is the Eggs Benedict.

Our favourite part about Le Frenchie is the atmosphere which is nice and relaxing. They also have another location on the town square if you prefer to sit and eat in those surroundings. Both cafés are perfect to fuel up for the rest of the day!

Enjoy a nice walk to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery

You can follow this trail from Le Frenchie to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery which takes you along a nice walking trail past the Pilsen Stadium to the brewery. It’s a lot nicer than going along the main busy roads. The trail takes about 10-15 minutes to walk. It takes you through a park, past the local football stadium (Doosan Arena where FC Viktoria Plzeň plays), and over a bridge from where you’ll finally see the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery. 

One thing we recommend before going inside the brewery is to take a picture of the Pivovarska Brana which is the iconic gate out in front of the brewery.

Take a tour of the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery

Although all of the activities we’ve mentioned in this post so far are highlights this has to be the highlight of the day because of the significance of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Pilsen! Beer lover or not, the history and significance of the brewery is fascinating to learn about.

You can book your Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour in advance to make sure you get a spot (the price is the same). The English tours only run every so often so it’s good to book in advance, especially during the summer months. 

The tour itself will take you through the old and new breweries while explaining the history of the beer and the city. The craziest fact is that it’s the only place in the world where Pilsner Urquell is brewed! Everywhere in the world where you drink Pilsner Urquell, it’s imported from this brewery right here in Pilsen. 

Near the end of the tour, you’ll also be able to try an unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell which is so delicious! At the very end of the tour, you’ll walk through the souvenir shop where you can buy beer and other Pilsner Urquell souvenirs. 

Once you’re ready to go you can make your way back through the nice walking trail to downtown Pilsen. =)

Click here to check the availability for the brewery tour.

Have a proper Czech dinner at Ucivany Velbloud 

There’s no better way to finish off the night than with a proper Czech meal in the heart of Pilsen. Uctivany Velbloud is as local as it gets when it comes to beer and proper Czech food. Note that it is a little hard to find so you may miss it when you’re walking on the road and using Google Maps. Just look for a sign with a camel on it and you’ll find the door leading into the basement. 

If you’re wanting to try something local then start with the soup of the day. Czechs love to have soup before their main meal. For your main, Svickova and Goulash are two delicious local meals they make but there are also plenty of other good meals like duck and so on! 

Uctivany Velbloud truly has a proper pub atmosphere. You’ll have the locals who show up every night to have a few beers, maybe some live music, it’s an absolute experience and if you want to feel the vibe of Czech people and Pilsen you’ll get it here at Ucivany Velbloud. 

*Bonus for Friday night*

To end a Friday night Pilsen style it only makes sense to visit Pivstro Brewhemian Beer Bistro . It’s a quaint little beer spot where you can try some unique and delicious beers. 

The owners of Pivstro are very knowledgeable when it comes to beer and enjoy talking and sharing facts and stories about Czech beer. If you’re up for it you can try the “beer tasting plate” where you can sample a variety of different Czech beer. 

It’s a relaxing chill vibe place to finish off your Friday night.

Day 2: Discovering some of Pilsen’s hidden gems 

Alright, time for day 2! Day 1 was the more touristy and popular attraction kind of day whereas day 2 calls for more off-the-beaten-path stuff to see. For your second day in Pilsen, enjoy a yummy breakfast, check out the hip Depo2015, go on an underground tour, and of course, this second day in Pilsen wouldn’t be complete without a beer or two 😉

Breakfast at The Fresh Bar

Breakfast with a variety is always the best kind of breakfast. The Fresh Bar is located right on the main square and it has a great variety of breakfast and good coffee. 

You can pick between open-face sandwiches or yummy smoothie bowls. We can’t think of a better way to start the day before touring Pilsen for the rest of the day. 

Make your way to DEPO2015

Since Pilsen was the European Capital of Culture in 2015 they created this awesome bus station into a marketplace with different shops. From clothes to food and games, you can easily explore and hang out at DEPO2015 for a few hours. 

There’s foosball, a funky little art gallery, and a restaurant where you can get the meal of the day for quite cheap! It’s one of those places that most tourists don’t make it to since it’s not right in the center of town but you can walk along the river and get there in about 10 minutes from downtown. 

Coffee, beer, and lunch! You can have it all at this cool marketplace. You can follow this trail from The Fresh Bar to Depo2015 which takes you the scenic way instead of through all the busy roads. 

Explore the Pilsen historic underground tour 

The historic underground tour of Pilsen was one of the highlights of our trip! We didn’t even know there was an underground tour of Pilsen until a friend told us about it so it came as quite a surprise how cool it actually was.

You literally get to walk below the main square and also on one of the main streets where all the trams and buses run. That mixed with some interesting facts about why there is an underground and how it connects with Pilsen’s history makes this tour a must-do experience in Pilsen.  

Not everyone knows about the underground tour of Pilsen but it should definitely be one of the top things to do even if you only have a day in this beautiful city.

The tour takes roughly an hour and costs 150 CZK ($7) and includes a free beer at the local restaurant next door after. It’s a must do while visiting Pilsen!

Check out their reviews on TripAdvisor here.

Have a beer at Lokal 

Before you leave Pilsen you can stop by Lokal which is right across the street from the Great Synagogue. It’s a Czech pub that is famous in Prague and has opened up in Pilsen as well. It’s usually full because of the “name” and the delicious beer they serve.

In the summer, you’ll find the picnic tables outside packed with locals and tourists sitting in the sun enjoying a nice cold Czech beer. It’s the second last stop on this two days in Pilsen itinerary but one you don’t want to miss if you enjoy Czech beer!

Delicious Pizza at Pizzeria Da Pietro 🍕

We saved the best for last! The whole trip is filled with fun activities but we’re not kidding when we say Pizzeria Da Pietro makes unbelievable pizza. It tastes like a pizza straight from Italy and it’s because the owner perfected the craft in Italy before bringing it to Pilsen. They even still get local ingredients from Italy!

Pizzeria Da Pietro is located on the same street as Lokal and Le Frenchie so you definitely won’t miss it. Most people come to Pilsen just for a day trip to try out the beer and to see the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. We understand that those two things are world-famous, but Pizzeria Da Pietro really needs to be on that list as well!

Don’t believe us? They have over 2000 reviews on Google backing us up! 😉

Pro tip: Book a table a few days in advance, especially if you’re going on the weekend. This place is always packed!

How to get from Prague to Pilsen

One of the reasons why Prague to Pilsen is such a popular day and weekend trip is because of how easy it is to get from the two cities. You can find the easiest ways to get from Prague to Pilsen here . 

Our personal preference is taking the train. It’s affordable, convenient, and has free wifi which is a nice bonus. For the most part, trains are usually on time and without delays which is nice. If you take the train, you go from the main station in Prague to the main station in Pilsen which is super convenient (compared to the bus leaves from outside of the city centre).

There are other options like taking the bus or renting a car but from Prague to Pilsen we prefer taking the train. You can see the different options on how to get from Prague to Pilsen here .

You may also like…

• The Best Ways to Get From Prague to Pilsen
• 7 Awesome Day Trips From Prague You Need to Do
• Top 11 Things to Do in Pilsen, Czech Republic
• Wonderful Beer Tasting at The Pilsner Urquell Brewery
• 11 Must Do Weekend Trips From Prague

Enjoy your 2 days in Pilsen 

You won’t be able to see it all but you will for sure get a good feel for Pilsen and see most of the highlights. We hope this itinerary helps plan your trip to Pilsen and you get the most out of your two days there. 

The best way to explore a city in a short time is to definitely see a bunch of the highlights while also sprinkling in some less touristy things like delicious places to eat or tours that aren’t as popular. 

We hope you have the best time exploring Pilsen, sampling the delicious beer, and maybe even going on an underground tour! 

Let us know how your trip goes and what you think of Pilsen. It’s a beautiful city in the western part of the Czech Republic and in our opinion one of the best weekend trips from Prague .

Dom & Jo Red White Adventures

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This guide is fantastic! Pilsen looks so charming – I love your pics. What time of the year would you recommend for a trip? warm regards Martina

Hello Juma,

It’s always nice to go during the warmer months or even in the falls. Pilsen is such a beautiful city and even though it’s not a big city there is still plenty to see.

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The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Pilsen

Pilsen is Czech Republic’s fourth largest city, most renowned for its Pilsner Urquell Brewery and for being the birthplace of the Škoda automobile company. There are plenty of things to do and see in Pilsen as its status as 2015 European Capital of Culture justly acknowledges. Here is a list of the ten best places to visit during your trip to Pilsen.

1. zoo and botanical gardens.

Botanical Garden, Park, Zoo

Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The botanical garden merges with the zoo in Pilsen, where the conditions of different bio-geographic regions of the world are simulated to ensure that the animals are living as closely as possible to their original habitat. So you can be sure as you walk around the park that the animals living together would have lived side by side in the wild and that they are surrounded by the plants to which they are naturally adapted. This is the second oldest zoo and one of the largest in the Czech Republic, and you can see such exotic animals as Palaearctic Berber lion, bobcats, Alaskan sheep and hippos. Kids will also love the Dino Park next door.

Pod Vinicemi 9, 301 16 Pilsen, Czech Republic

2. Saint Bartholomew Cathedral

Saint Bartholomew Cathedral

The Gothic Saint Bartholomew Cathedral with its distinctive steep spire was built sometime in the late 13th century. It became a cathedral in 1993 with the Pilsner diocese and its own bishop. It is situated in the center of the main square and for a small fee you can climb up the narrow steps to the top of the tower and admire the incredible bird’s eye view over the city. Don’t forget to walk around the square below, where you’ll find some ancient buildings and the intricately painted town hall dating back to the renaissance.

nám. Republiky, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic

3. Techmania Science Center

Techmania Science Center

The Techmania Science Center provides a fun experience for the whole family. It features several interactive exhibitions explaining science in a simple, easy-to-remember way with hands-on experiments. If you are particularly interested in Space then come and watch the stars in the 3D Planetarium. There are also the ‘Science On a Sphere’ shows, which are spectacular projections on a two-meter tall globe showing the Earth’s transformations through time. Ever wanted to find out what happens to something you dropped in the ocean? Many mysteries will be revealed in the science center.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-7 pm, Sun 10 am-6 pm

Address and telephone number: U Planetária 2969/1, Pilsen, Czech Republic , +420 737 247 581

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5. Pilsner Urquell Brewery

Brewery, Museum

6. Patton Memorial Museum

Memorial, Museum

7. The Great Synagogue

Concert Hall, Synagogue

8. Puppet Museum

Building, Cathedral, Museum

Puppet Museum

The Puppet Museum , or Muzeum Loutek in Czech, is situated on the central square opposite the Saint Bartholomew Cathedral. The building is listed and dates back to the Middle Ages. The exhibition traces the history of puppetry in Pilsen and the vicinity from the end of the 19th century onward. It is well-presented and organised with fun videos, and each floor is dedicated to a different time period. You can even try handling the puppets yourself, and kids will love making up their own little shows.

nám. Republiky 137/23, Pilsen 3, Czech Republic , +420 378 370 801

9. Pilsen Historical Underground

Pilsen Historical Underground

This tour takes you through Pilsen’s secret underground labyrinth of passageways, cellars and wells. It stretches out for over nine kilometers under the oldest parts of the city. With the tour you can learn more about Pilsen’s underground and overground history since the early Middle Ages, as well as learning about the city’s history of beer brewing. This is a great activity if you wish to listen to fascinating local anecdotes or if you love exploring dark, secretive places. You are given a coupon for a free beer at the end of your tour. Don’t forget to take a jumper because the temperatures are low below ground.

Veleslavínova 58/6, Pilsen, Czech Republic , +420 378 035 332

10. Logic games

Logic games.

All the gamers out there will be pleased to know that there are brilliant logic games in Pilsen. If you only speak English your best bet is the ‘Unlock the door’ escape game which can be played in either Czech or English. The point of the game is to escape from a locked room under an hour by solving and deciphering puzzles and riddles. This is a fun place to go with a group of friends and you won’t fall into a bottomless pit if you don’t finish under an hour, so don’t worry. The owners are friendly and might even give you some tips.

Zahradní 173/2, Východní Předměstí, Pilsen, Czech Republic , +420 601 553 620

By Peggy Lee

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Pilsen – tourist’s guide to beer city in the Czech Republic

Pilsen, Czech Republic is not only a popular tourist city, but also the country’s brewing center, which gave its name to the world famous Pilsner beer. A huge number of beer establishments, a beer museum and heady aromas of malt will not let you forget that you are in one of the most beer cities in Europe. However, this is not all the attractions that this place boasts of. Want to know the details? Read the article!

General information

The history of Pilsen in the Czech Republic began in 1295, when the ruling monarch ordered the construction of a fortress at the mouth of the Beronuka river. True, even then, in the thoughts of Wenceslas II, a plan for the construction of a large city capable of competing with Prague and Kutna Hora was matured. According to the project, which was created by the king himself, the center of the new settlement was to become a huge square, from which numerous streets diverged in all directions. And since they were located at an angle of 90 ° and parallel to each other, all the quarters of Pilsen received a clear rectangular shape.

Having extensive experience in the construction industry, Vaclav II did everything to ensure that living in the city was as comfortable as possible. And given the fact that Pilsen was located 85 km from the Czech capital and stood at the intersection of important trade routes, it developed actively and soon became an important industrial, commercial and cultural center of Western Bohemia. Actually, this is how you see this city now.

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• Kutna Hora: a tourist’s guide to a small Czech town with a long history
• Maribor – a significant city in Slovenia
• Ostrava – the industrial heart of the Czech Republic
• What to see in Lausanne – sights with photos

Despite the fact that most of the architectural monuments of Pilsen were destroyed during the Second World War, there is something to see. Ancient buildings decorated with frescoes and art paintings, unusual fountains decorating parks and city streets, magnificent sculptures towering in the middle of numerous squares … In Pilsen it is beautiful, clean, fresh and cozy. And to make sure of this, let’s go for a walk in the most important places.

Exploring the main sights of Pilsen in the Czech Republic should start with Republic Square, a large medieval square located in the heart of the Old Town. Appearing in the 13th century on the site of a former cemetery, it very quickly became the largest shopping center. Here and now they sell beer, gingerbread, cheeses, punch and other products. In addition, traditional Czech holidays, fairs and festivals are held annually on it.

The closest surroundings of Republic Square, represented by the city hall, beautiful burgher houses and a museum of monsters and puppets, deserve no less attention. The composition is completed by unusual golden fountains with the image of the main symbols of the city and the famous Plague pillar, established in honor of the victory over a terrible disease.

In the photo of Pilsen in the Czech Republic, another important historical attraction is often found – St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the construction of which lasted from 1295 to 1476. The main decoration of this architectural object is a huge spire, which received the title of the highest dome of the country.

And there is also a viewing platform, arranged at a height of 62 m. In order to climb to it, you will have to overcome more than 300 steps.

In addition, in the deepening of the central altar of St Bartholomew’s Cathedral, you can see the statue of the Virgin Mary, made by a blind sculptor and possessing miraculous power. The figures of angels decorating the latticed fence of the cathedral deserve no less attention. They say that everyone who touches these sculptures will have great luck. Tourists willingly believe in this, so there is always a long queue to the lattice with angels.

Those who don’t know what to see in Pilsen in 1 day are advised to visit a brewery located on the right bank of the river. Rainbow. Access to the territory is allowed only accompanied by a guide. The program lasts 1.5 hours and includes an introduction to several factory facilities.

Inspection of Pilsner Urquell begins with a tourist center, built in 1868. In addition to information boards telling the history of the Pilsen Holiday, you can find the remains of an ancient beer shop, as well as listen to a lot of fascinating stories.

Next you will find a visit to several cooking shops, decorated in different styles. In the current Hall of Fame, you will most likely be presented with all diplomas and awards, as well as a film dedicated to Pilsner Urquell.

The next item in the program is the bottling department. Here you can watch the work of devices that produce more than 100 thousand bottles in about 1 hour. Well, in the end – the cellars, which store barrels of beer of various varieties. At the end of the walk – tasting a drink. After it is worth a look in the gift shop.

• The Pilsner Urquell factory is located at U Prazdroje 64/7, Pilsen 301 00, Czech Republic.
• The duration of the walk is 100 minutes.
• Admission is 8 €.
• April-June: daily from 08:00 to 18:00;
• July-August: daily from 08:00 to 19:00;
• September: daily from 08:00 to 18:00;
• October-March: daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Among the most famous sights of the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic are ancient catacombs located directly beneath the Old Town and dug back in the 14-17th century. Despite the fact that the total length of these labyrinths is 24 km, only the first 700 m are open for visitors.

However, you can get there only with an organized tourist group of up to 20 people.

The medieval historical dungeon has hundreds of galleys, crypts and caves, which at one time served as warehouses and served as a refuge for local residents. In addition, there were plumbing and sewer systems that ensure the life of the whole city. Today, the Plzen Historical Underground is a popular tourist destination, revealing the main secrets of ancient Pilsen.

• City catacombs are located at: Veleslavinova 58/6, Pilsen 301 00, Czech Republic.
• The tour lasts 50 minutes and is conducted in 5 languages ​​(including Russian). The dungeon is open daily from 10.00 to 17.00.

Admission Price:

• As part of the group – 4.66 €;
• Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) – 10.90 €;
• School groups – 1.95 €;
• The cost of an audio guide is 1.16 €;
• Out-of-hours tour – 1.95 €.

On a note! The route runs at a depth of 10-12 m. The temperature here is about 6 ° C, so do not forget to bring warm clothes with you.

Looking at the photos of the city of Pilsen, you can see the following attraction. We are talking about the Techmania Science Center, opened in 2005 by the joint efforts of scientists from the University of Western Bohemia and representatives of the Škoda automobile concern. On the territory of the center, which occupied 3 thousand square meters. m, works up to 10 expositions devoted to important scientific and technological discoveries. Here are just a few of them:

• “Edutorium” – has about 60 interactive devices that explain the essence of some physical processes. There is an aggregate that makes real snow, a device that demonstrates the nature of optical illusions, and other unique machines;
• “TopSecret” – created for young fans of Sherlock Holmes, is devoted to various espionage features, encryption secrets and forensic methods;
• Škoda – tells the story of the automotive company.

Despite the scientific background, all information is very accessible, so in Techmania it will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. In addition, you can visit the 3D planetarium and play interactive games.

Techmania Science Center is located at: U Planetaria 2969/1, Pilsen 301 00, Czech Republic.

• Mon-Fri: from 08:30 to 17:00;
• Sat-Sun: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost of visit:

• Main (films and exhibitions) – 9.30 €;
• Family (4 people, one of whom must be less than 15 years old) – 34 €;
• Group (10 people) – 8.55 €.

Plzen sights include many architectural structures, the most famous of which is the Great Synagogue. Built back in 1892, it became one of the three largest religious buildings of Judaism. According to local guides, it accommodates up to 2 thousand people at a time.

The architecture of the old Jewish temple, located near the Opera House, combines elements of various styles – Romanesque, Gothic and Moorish.

Over the years of its existence, Great Synagogue has successfully survived many historical events, including the Second World War. Now in her building not only services are held, but also festive events. In addition, there is a permanent exhibition “Jewish customs and traditions.”

• The Great Synagogue, located at Sady Pětatřicátníků 35/11, Pilsen 301 24, Czech Republic.
• Open from Sunday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Free admission.

Tourists who are interested in what to see in Pilsen are advised to visit another interesting attraction – the Brewery Museum, founded in 1959. Located in one of the houses of the Old City, he changed his appearance more than a dozen times. However, if you take a closer look at the interior, the malt house and two-level cellars, you will surely notice that the modern museum building is on the facade of an ancient historical building.

The excursion program includes an examination of the rooms in which beer was previously brewed, an acquaintance with the exhibition of ancient instruments, devices and utensils used in the production of a hop-drink, as well as a trip to a cafe, the setting of which resembles a pub of the late 19th century.

• The Brewery Museum in Pilsen can be found at: Veleslavinova 58/6, Pilsen 301 00, Czech Republic.
• The facility is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Entrance fee – 3,5 €.

Having decided to explore the sights of Pilsen in one day, do not forget to look into the city zoo, founded in 1926. At present, it contains more than 6 thousand animals living in the open space and separated from visitors by only large reservoirs.

A few more objects are adjacent to the zoo – an old farm, a dinopark, where you can see life-sized dinosaur figures, and a botanical garden with 9 thousand different plants.

Zoo Plzen is located at: Pod Vinicemi 928/9, Pilsen 301 00, Czech Republic. Opening hours:

• April-October: 08: 00-19: 00;
• November-March: 09: 00-17: 00.

Ticket price:

• April-October: adult – 5,80 €, children, pension – 4,30 €;
• November-March: adult – 3,90 €, children, pension – 2,70 €.

Accommodation

Being one of the largest cities in western Bohemia, Pilsen offers a huge selection of accommodation – from hostels and guest houses to apartments, villas and premium hotels. At the same time, prices for accommodation here are several times cheaper than in the neighboring capital. For example, a double room in a three-star hotel will cost 50-115 € per day, but if you wish, you can also find more budget options – 25-30 € each.

Another characteristic feature of the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic is a large selection of cafes, bars and snack bars where you can taste traditional Czech dishes and taste real Czech beer. Prices in them are quite affordable. So:

• lunch or dinner for one in an inexpensive restaurant will cost 12 €,
• middle class institutions – 23 €,
• combo set at McDonald’s – at 8-10 €.

In addition, here you can easily find restaurants with Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, as well as vegetarian and organic menus.

On a note! If you want to save on food, avoid popular tourist destinations. Better go a little deeper into the city – there are family cafes that offer even more favorable conditions.

How to get to the city from Prague?

If you do not know how to get from Prague to Pilsen on your own, use one of the following methods.

Trains from Prague to Pilsen run daily from 05:20 to 23:40. Among them, there are direct flights as well as transfers in Antipine, Ceske Budejovice or Beroun. The journey takes from 1.15 to 4.5 hours. Tickets cost between 4 and 7 €.

If you are interested in how to get from Prague to Pilsen by public transport, look for buses belonging to the following carriers.

Schedule and prices on the page are for May 2019.

On a note! Detailed information can be obtained on the website www.omio.ru.

Interesting Facts

Finally, here is a list of interesting facts that make it possible to know this city even better:

• There are vending machines with can beer at every step in the city of Pilsen, but you can buy it only with a passport or any other identification document of the buyer. To do this, special scanners are installed in the machines, which, in fact, read the information provided;
• Riding in municipal transport without a ticket or composting it again is not worth it – most of the controllers go accompanied by police officers, and it is almost impossible to calculate them by form;
• Purchasing products in Pilsen should be done until 9 pm – at this time almost all existing stores in the city close. The only exception is the Tesco Mall – it runs until midnight;
• Despite the fact that Pilsen is one of the most visited cities in the Czech Republic, the tourism industry flourishes only in the summer. But with the advent of winter, everything here simply dies out – the streets become deserted, and the main attractions of the city are closed “until better times”;

• All sorts of fairs are regularly held on the main city square – Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc .;
• Another interesting feature of this settlement is the colorful houses painted in calm pastel shades.

Pilsen, Czech Republic is a beautiful interesting town with a very bright color. To enjoy the unique atmosphere, you should spend at least 1-2 days here. Pack your bags – have a nice trip!

Video tour of the city of Pilsen.

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U.S. measles cases this year have already surpassed the 2023 total

Measles cases have spiked in the last three months, driven in part by outbreaks centered in a migrant shelter in Chicago , an elementary school in southeast Florida and a children’s hospital and day care in Philadelphia . 

The United States had recorded 64 cases across 17 states as of Thursday, already surpassing last year’s total of 59, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most cases reported this year were linked to international travel , and the majority were among children who had not received a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective, but the CDC said in an advisory to health care providers last week that "pockets of low [vaccination] coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks."

Chicago's case count had reached 33 as of Wednesday, including 22 cases among children under age 5. Most of the infections are connected to the ongoing outbreak that began at a migrant shelter in the Pilsen neighborhood. 

Pennsylvania, meanwhile, saw nine cases from December to January. Florida's most recent measles case was recorded Friday, bringing the state's total to 11. However, the outbreak involving an elementary school in Broward County has ended, according to the Florida Health Department .

Though disease experts have expressed concern about the early rise in cases, the U.S. isn’t close to its total from 2019, when the country nearly lost its measles elimination status. Most of the 1,249 cases that year were associated with outbreaks in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York.

Measles is highly contagious: An infected person can spread it to up to 90% of people close to them if those contacts aren’t immune. Thanks to widespread vaccination, measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 — meaning it’s no longer constantly present, though there are still occasional outbreaks.

Most people who get measles now are unvaccinated. Children in the U.S. are meant to get their first vaccine dose between 12 and 15 months and their second between 4 and 6 years old. 

However, vaccination rates have fallen in the last few years. For nearly a decade, 95% of U.S. kindergartners had received two doses of the MMR vaccine. That rate fell to 94% in the 2020–21 year, then to 93% in the 2022–23 school year.

Measles symptoms usually start with a high fever, cough, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and runny nose. Two to three days later, people may notice tiny white spots in their mouth. On days three to five of symptoms, a blotchy rash often forms at the hairline before spreading to the rest of the body.

Some people may develop severe complications from measles, including pneumonia, swelling of the brain or a secondary bacterial infection. Before measles vaccines became available in 1963, around 48,000 people were hospitalized and 400 to 500 people died of the disease each year in the U.S.

Today, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles are hospitalized, and roughly 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children with measles die from respiratory and neurological complications, according to the CDC.

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.

Joe Murphy is a data editor at NBC News.

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Following Measles Outbreaks, Officials Grow Wary of Renewed Threat

Cases this year have already topped the total in 2023. Unvaccinated travelers account for most infections.

By Apoorva Mandavilli

Measles, a highly contagious but preventable disease, is resurging in pockets of the United States, a warning of the dangers of the strengthening anti-vaccine movement.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Open this article in the New York Times Audio app on iOS.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more cases this year than the 58 tallied in all of 2023, although the agency is not expected to release exact numbers until Friday. On Monday, the agency advised health care providers to ensure that unvaccinated patients, especially those traveling internationally, stay updated on their immunizations.

The number of cases is likely to keep rising because of a sharp spike in measles worldwide, along with spring travel to some regions with outbreaks, including Britain, said Dr. Manisha Patel, chief medical officer at the C.D.C.’s respiratory disease division.

Nearly all the cases in the United States so far are related to unvaccinated travelers. “We’re not going to see widespread measles cases going throughout the country,” Dr. Patel said. “But we do expect additional cases and outbreaks to happen.”

Measles is among the most contagious of diseases; each infected person can spread the virus to as many as 18 others. The virus is airborne and can stay aloft up to two hours after an infected person has left the room, spreading rapidly through homes, schools and child care facilities.

In Chicago, one case of measles at a migrant shelter has grown to 13 , prompting the C.D.C. to send a team to help contain the outbreak. (Two additional cases in the city appear to be unrelated.)

In Florida, seven students at an elementary school contracted measles even as the state’s surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, left it to parents to decide whether unvaccinated children should attend school.

In southwest Washington, officials identified measles in six unvaccinated adult members of a family living in two counties. And in Arizona, an international traveler infected with measles dined at a restaurant and transmitted the virus to at least two others .

Measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000, and American children generally must be immunized to attend school. Yet sporadic cases lead to larger outbreaks every few years. But now a drop in vaccination rates, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, has experts worried about a resurgence.

When vaccinations lag, “the first disease to appear is measles, because it’s highly infectious,” said Dr. Saad Omer, dean of the O’Donnell School of Public Health at U.T. Southwestern in Dallas.

Nine of 10 unvaccinated people in close contact with a measles patient will become infected, according to the C.D.C.

Measles is far less deadly in countries with high immunization rates and good medical care. Fewer than three of every 1,000 American children with measles will die as a result of severe complications like pneumonia or encephalitis, the swelling of the brain.

Still, about one in five people with measles may end up in a hospital.

Because widespread measles outbreaks have been rare, most Americans, including doctors, may not recognize the vibrant red rash that accompanies respiratory symptoms in a measles infection. They may have forgotten the impact of the disease on individuals and communities.

“Most of our local health department folks have never seen a measles outbreak,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist of Idaho, which contained a small cluster of cases last year.

“It’s going to be a big challenge to us to respond if and when we get our next outbreak,” she said.

Before the first measles vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, the disease killed an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide each year. But its full impact may have been much greater.

Measles cripples the immune system, allowing other pathogens easier entry into the body. A 2015 study estimated that measles may have accounted for as many as half of all infectious disease deaths in children.

For about a month after the acute illness, measles can stun the body’s first response to other bacteria and viruses, said Dr. Michael Mina, chief science officer of the digital health company eMed and formerly an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

That leaves patients “massively susceptible to bacterial pneumonias and other things,” said Dr. Mina, who was the lead author on the 2015 study.

“It’s very risky for people in those first few weeks post measles,” he added.

The virus also induces a sort of immune-system amnesia. Normally the body “remembers” the bacteria and viruses it has fought before. Dr. Mina and his colleagues showed in 2019 that people who have measles lose between 11 and 73 percent of their hard-won immune repertoire, a loss that can last for years.

That does not mean the body no longer recognizes those pathogens at all, but it does shrink the arsenal of weapons available to fight them.

“People should be aware that if they’re choosing not to vaccinate, that’s the position they’re putting themselves and their family in,” Dr. Mina said.

The C.D.C. recommends receiving the first dose of the measles vaccine after 12 months of age, and a second between ages 4 and 6. Even a single dose of the vaccine is 93 percent effective. Measles vaccination averted 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021, according to the World Health Organization.

Vaccination rates in the United States have shown a distinct, if small, dip to 93 percent in the 2022-23 school year from 95 percent in 2019-20 — the level required to protect everyone in the community. Rates of vaccination exemptions increased in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

In a survey last year , just over half of Republicans said that public schools should require measles vaccinations, compared with about 80 percent before the pandemic. (Support for vaccines among Democrats held steady.)

While national or state-level vaccination rates may be high, there may be pockets of low immunization that provide tinder for the measles virus, Dr. Omer said.

If there are enough unvaccinated cases to sustain an outbreak, even those who are vaccinated but whose immunity may have waned are vulnerable, he said.

In Idaho, 12 percent of kindergarten-age children do not have a record of vaccination. Some of the gap results from parents unable or unwilling to share records with the schools, and not because their children are not immunized, Dr. Hahn said.

Still, online schools, which proliferated through the pandemic and remain popular in the state, have some of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions, she said.

In September, a young Idaho man brought measles back after international travel and became ill enough to be hospitalized . Along the way, he exposed fellow passengers on two flights, dozens of health care workers and patients, and nine unvaccinated family members. All nine developed measles.

Idaho got “very lucky” with the outbreak because the family lived in a remote area, Dr. Hahn said. But there are most likely many other areas in the state where an outbreak would be difficult to contain.

“We’ve got plenty of tinder, if you will,” she added.

Some large outbreaks in recent years exploded among huge clusters of unvaccinated people, including the Amish in Ohio and the Orthodox Jewish community in New York City.

In September 2018, one unvaccinated child returned to New York City from Israel, ferrying measles virus picked up during an outbreak in that country.

Even though the city maintains high vaccination rates, that single case set off an outbreak that raged for nearly 10 months, the largest in the country in decades. The city declared a public health emergency for the first time in more than 100 years.

“We had more than 100 chains of transmission,” said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner at the time, and now the president and chief executive of United Hospital Fund.

“Keeping all of that straight was a challenge,” she recalled. “And to have to investigate over 20,000 exposures like that, that was huge.”

Working with community leaders, city officials hurriedly administered about 200,000 doses of vaccine. More than 550 city staff members were involved in the response, and the final cost to the city’s health department topped $8 million.

The C.D.C. is working with state and local health departments to identify pockets of low vaccination and prepare them for outbreaks, Dr. Patel said. The agency is also training health care providers to recognize measles symptoms, particularly in patients with a history of international travel.

Measles is a slippery adversary, but public health is intimately familiar with the tools needed to contain it: screening, tracing contacts and vaccinating the susceptible.

“We’re not helpless bystanders,” Dr. Omer said. “The focus needs to be on meat-and-potatoes public health.”

Audio produced by Tally Abecassis .

Apoorva Mandavilli is a reporter focused on science and global health. She was a part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the pandemic. More about Apoorva Mandavilli