Plzen

Planning Your Trip to Plzen

Essential Information

• Country: Czech Republic
• Time Zone: GMT+2 (GMT+1 in winter)
• Language: Czech
• Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)

Weather & Climate in Plzen: What to Expect

• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, occasional rain. Average: 5°C to 15°C.
• Summer (June-August): Warm and sunny, great for outdoor activities. Average: 18°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, colorful foliage, occasional rain. Average: 10°C to 15°C.
• Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy, perfect for winter sports. Average: -5°C to 5°C.

Plzen City Overview: Beer Capital & More

Plzen, the Czech Republic’s fourth-largest city, is world-famous as the birthplace of Pilsner beer (Pilsner Urquell!). But there’s so much more to Plzen than just its brewing heritage. Explore its well-preserved medieval architecture, starting with Republic Square, one of Central Europe’s largest squares, home to St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. As a thriving cultural center, Plzen boasts numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. The lively atmosphere, fueled by a large university population, ensures a vibrant nightlife. Come discover brewing history, explore historical sites, and enjoy a modern European city.

Best Time to Visit Plzen: Season by Season

• Seasonal Pros and Cons:
  • Spring/Autumn: Fewer crowds, pleasant weather, beautiful scenery. Possible unpredictable rain.
  • Summer: Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities. More tourists, higher prices for accommodation.
  • Winter: Festive Christmas markets, nearby winter sports. Cold weather, shorter days.

How to Get to Plzen & Visa Requirements

• Flights: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the closest international airport. Transfer to Plzen by train or bus.
• Trains: Excellent train connections to major Czech cities and international destinations via Plzen hlavní nádraží (main train station). Consider using Czech Railways (ČD) for schedules and tickets.
• Visa Details: The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area. Check visa requirements based on your nationality. See Schengen Visa Info.
• Airport Transfers: Direct buses from Prague Airport to Plzen are available. Alternatively, take the Airport Express bus to Prague Main Train Station and then a train to Plzen.

Plzen: A Rich History & Cultural Facts

The Story Behind Pilsner Urquell

In 1842, Plzen’s town burghers, dissatisfied with the local beer, hired Bavarian brewer Josef Groll. He used bottom-fermenting lager yeast, local Saaz hops, and pale malt to create Pilsner Urquell, the world’s first golden lager, revolutionizing brewing worldwide. Don’t miss the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour!

Famous Personalities from Plzen

• Karel Gott: Renowned Czech pop singer, often dubbed the “Sinatra of the East”.
• Jiří Trnka: Influential puppet film director and animator.

Top 10 Attractions in Plzen: What to See & Do

• St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral: Gothic cathedral with the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic.
  • Address: Náměstí Republiky, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Pilsner Urquell Brewery: Explore the birthplace of Pilsner beer with a guided tour and tasting. Book in advance!
  • Address: U Prazdroje 7, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Plzen Historic Underground: Discover the fascinating labyrinth of tunnels beneath the city.
  • Address: Veleslavínova 6, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Great Synagogue: One of the largest synagogues in Europe, a stunning architectural marvel.
  • Address: Sady Pětatřicátníků 35/7, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Techmania Science Center: Interactive science museum suitable for all ages. Great for families!
  • Address: U Planetária 2969/1, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Zoo Plzen: A diverse zoo housing a wide variety of animal species.
  • Address: Pod Vinicemi 9, 301 16 Plzeň, Czechia
• DinoPark Plzen: A fun park featuring life-size dinosaur models. Perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts!
  • Address: Nad Zoo 1, 301 16 Plzeň, Czechia
• Brewery Museum: Delve deeper into the history of brewing in the Plzen region.
  • Address: Veleslavínova 58/6, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky): The heart of Plzen, surrounded by beautiful historical buildings.
  • Address: Náměstí Republiky, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen: Museum dedicated to the history and culture of the West Bohemian region.
  • Address: Kopeckého sady 357/2, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia

Plzen’s Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path

• Josef Kajetán Tyl Theatre: Admire the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture of this historical theatre.
  • Address: Jízdecká 241/25, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
• DEPO2015: A former bus depot transformed into a vibrant cultural center and creative hub.
  • Address: Presslova 14, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
• Plzen Region Museum: Explore the regional museum housed in a historic building.
  • Address: Husova 20, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia

Local Festivals & Events in Plzen: Join the Fun!

• Pilsner Fest: The annual beer festival celebrating the founding of Pilsner Urquell. A must for beer lovers!
• Liberation Festival: Celebrates the liberation of Plzen by American troops in 1945.
• Advent Markets: Festive Christmas markets with decorations, food, and crafts.

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions from Plzen

• Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes): Famous spa town known for its hot springs. Consider a guided tour for ease.
• Loket Castle (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes): Medieval castle perched overlooking the Ohře River.
• Klatovy (approx. 45 minutes): Historical town with catacombs and a black tower.

Photography Spots & Instagram-Worthy Places in Plzen

• St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Tower: Capture panoramic city views.
• Republic Square: The picturesque square with its colorful buildings.
• Pilsner Urquell Brewery Gate: An iconic brewery entrance.
• Josef Kajetán Tyl Theatre: Admire the Art Nouveau architecture.
• DEPO2015 Murals: Discover street art and vibrant displays.

Where to Stay & How to Get Around Plzen

Recommended Length of Stay in Plzen

Plan for 3-4 days to fully explore Plzen and its surroundings.

Top Places to Stay in Plzen: Hotels for Every Budget

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Plzen

• Hotel Stella:
  • Address: Americká 57, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
• Pension City:
  • Address: Bezručova 118/5, Jižní Předměstí, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Courtyard by Marriott Plzeň:
  • Address: Slovanská alej 2358/53, Východní Předměstí, 326 00 Plzeň, Czechia

Mid-Range Hotels in Plzen

• Hotel Purkmistr:
  • Address: Selská náves 21/2, Černice, 322 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Parkhotel Plzeň:
  • Address: U Borského parku 31, Jižní Předměstí, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Vienna House Easy Pilsen:
  • Address: Náměstí Emila Škody 2666, Východní Předměstí, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia

Luxury Hotels in Plzen

• Hotel Irida:
  • Address: Sedláčkova 147/49, Vnitřní Město, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Wellness Hotel Bohémka:
  • Address: Na Chmelnicích 15, Lobzy, 316 00 Plzeň, Czechia

Getting Around Plzen: Transportation Options

• Public Transport: Extensive network of trams and buses. Purchase tickets at kiosks or via mobile app.
• Taxis: Readily available, ensure the meter is running or use a ride-hailing app like Uber (if available).
• Bikes: Bike rentals are available, and the city offers dedicated bike lanes.
• Walking: The city center is easily walkable.

Preparing for Your Plzen Adventure: Essential Tips

What to Pack for Plzen

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring the city’s sights.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the forecast and pack layers.
• Rain Gear: An umbrella or raincoat is recommended, especially in spring and autumn.
• Adapter: If traveling from outside Europe.

Useful Apps for Your Plzen Trip

• IDOS: Public transport navigation.
• Mapy.cz: Detailed maps and navigation (works offline).
• Google Translate: Useful for communication.

Local Customs, Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette in Plzen

• Do: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Learn a few basic Czech phrases (e.g., “Dobrý den” – Good day, “Děkuji” – Thank you). Do try the local beer!
• Don’t: Be overly loud or disrespectful in public places. Don’t expect everyone to speak fluent English (though many do).
• Scams to Avoid: Be wary of inflated taxi fares. Always count your change carefully.

Food, Fun & Finds in Plzen: A Culinary & Shopping Guide

Top Restaurants in Plzen: Where to Eat

• Na Spilce: Traditional Czech cuisine located within the Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
  • Description: Authentic Czech dishes perfectly paired with Pilsner Urquell beer.
  • Address: U Prazdroje 7, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Švejk Restaurant U Formana: A fun and lively restaurant offering Czech cuisine with a humorous theme.
  • Description: Traditional Czech food with references to the famous character Švejk.
  • Address: Bezručova 35, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Restaurant & Hotel U Zvonu: An upscale dining experience in a beautiful historical setting.
  • Description: Elegant restaurant serving modern interpretations of Czech cuisine.
  • Address: Dominikánská 10, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia

Must-Try Dishes in Plzen

• Svíčková: Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with dumplings (knedlíky).
• Trdelník: A sweet pastry cooked over an open fire, often topped with sugar and nuts.
• Knedlíky: Traditional Czech dumplings, a staple side dish.
• Pilsner Urquell: Of course, you must sample the local beer! Visit a “pivnice” (traditional pub) for the best experience.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Plzen

• Zach’s Pub: A popular pub offering a wide selection of beers.
  • Description: A lively pub with a great atmosphere.
  • Address: Dřevěná 6, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Anděl Music Bar: Live music venue and bar hosting various musical events.
  • Description: Check local listings for upcoming concerts.
  • Address: Kopeckého sady 17, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
• Watt Bar: A cocktail bar known for its modern vibe and creative drinks.
  • Description: Perfect for a night out with friends.
  • Address: Rooseveltova 8, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia

What to Buy in Plzen: Souvenirs & Local Products

• Pilsner Urquell Merchandise: Beer glasses, clothing, and other souvenirs available at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery shop.
  • Description: A perfect gift for beer enthusiasts.
• Czech Crystal: Beautiful glassware and crystal products found in shops throughout the city center.
  • Description: A classic Czech souvenir.
• Wooden Toys: Traditional Czech crafts sold at local markets and souvenir shops.
  • Description: Great for children.