In Plzeň, you can discover the art of brewing through a particular detail: large wooden barrels are still used in the brewery cellars to produce small quantities of Pilsner Urquell. The tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery also takes visitors into historic cellars. It includes a tasting of unfiltered, unpasteurized beer drawn from oak lagering barrels. Production methods, cellars and flavor are all part of the visitor experience.
City history and remarkable spaces
Construction of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral began in 1295, the year the city was founded, and was completed in the early 16th century. At 102.26 meters, its tower is the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. Climb the nearly 300 steps for views across the city and the surrounding region. Here, architectural history can be appreciated through both the numbers and the construction period, as well as the view.
The permanent exhibition “Tady žili Židé” is located in the upper galleries of the Great Synagogue. The Semler Residence offers a different way to experience architecture: it is the only realization of Loos’s Raumplan principle and can be visited on guided tours. Tour times may change, so check the current schedule before your visit.
Science, stage and cultural events
The Techmania Science Center is housed in historic Škoda Works buildings. Its offerings include interactive exhibits, a 3D planetarium, workshop and laboratory programs, films on an interactive globe, and science shows. The range spans hands-on exploration, demonstrations and guided programs. At the Puppet Museum, visitors can move the puppets themselves and put on their own theater performance.
DEPO2015 is a cultural venue for exhibitions, conferences, events and festivals; its program may change. A recurring event is the DEPO Street Food Market, featuring food stalls and food trucks. Check current dates before visiting the market. Falconry demonstrations at the zoo take place in the amphitheater: watch birds in flight while a falconer provides commentary. This offering is seasonal.
Ponds, trails and trees
The Bolevec pond system comprises ten ponds, several of which were created in the mid-15th century. Today, cycling paths, hiking trails and inline skating routes pass through the landscape. There are also two accessible circular trails. The ponds can be reached by public transport. These different routes and ways of getting around offer several perspectives on the area, without requiring you to commit to just one activity.
Those interested in trees can find more than 60 pine species from around the world at Sofronka Arboretum. Another outdoor option is a cycling route in Plzeň leading to Hradiště, where there are play features for children and places to swim. This makes it easy to choose between nature-watching, exercise and spending time by the water based on the activities on offer.
Out and about: views and history
The Romanesque Rotunda of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the oldest surviving church buildings of its kind in the Czech Republic. It can be reached on foot via a marked educational trail and offers views of the surrounding area. Another historic destination near Plzeň-City District is Radyně Castle: Charles IV had it founded in the mid-14th century to protect the trade route between Prague and Bavaria.
There is another perspective on Plzeň beneath the city: the historic underground visitor route is about 800 meters long and extends 9 to 12 meters below ground. Together with the viewpoint at the cathedral and the trails around the ponds, it offers a striking contrast between the underground cityscape and open countryside.
Discover more destinations: Pilsen, Starý Plzenec, Chrást, Chválenice, Dýšina, Kyšice, Letkov, Šťáhlavy, Tymákov, Lhůta, Losiná, Mokrouše, Štěnovický Borek, Nezbavětice, Nezvěstice, Vstiš, Radčice, Bolevec.
Back to the main travel overview: Pilsen.
