If you have ever heard of the beer brand – Pilsner Lager, and then you read about Pilsen, you will realize that you don’t have to be a connoisseur to know that this is the spiritual home of the beer. Pilsen is the birthplace of Pilsner Lager and a great destination for those who swear by this beer brand. The town is old, but with wonderful attractions, cultures and things to do that are so well worth your time. Embark with us on a journey to explore some of the best things to do in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Read below for more details.
1. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew
The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew is one of the major attractions in the city of Pilsen, having been established around the same time that the city was established – in the year 1295. The attraction at the cathedral is not just the architecture and the history, but also the Tower of St. Bartholomew Cathedral which stands at 1026m (3366ft) high, making it the highest tower in the Czech Republic. Climbing the tower is open to visitors, and it is one of the favorite things that people do when they visit the city. From the top of the tower, you will get amazing views of the city, stretching far up to the borders with Germany, if you are lucky to visit on a clear day.
Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew
Address: nám. Republiky, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
2. Check out the interactive exhibitions at Techmania Science Center
Techmania Science Center is in a building that used to be a Skoda workshop, but was reconstructed and now has a variety of exhibitions that will satisfy the ever-agile soul of science buffs. This is a place where it is practically impossible to get bored, owing to the wide range of interactive exhibitions you will have access to. It is fun and educative, and highly suited for family visits. Visitors have a chance to not only learn from the displays, but also conduct their experiments, do research, and even drive deep down to the earth’s core and do a variety of amazing things.
Techmania Science Center
Address: U Planetária 2969/1, 301 00 Plzeň, Česká republika, 301
Website: Techmania Science Center
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
3. Encounter different animal species at Akva Tera
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Akva Tera was once a branch of the Pilsen Zoo where poisonous snakes, cobras, crocodiles, rattlesnakes, small mammals and large species of frogs were kept. However, it was later reconstructed and transformed into an aquarium which currently has a large collection of cold-blooded vertebrates and invertebrates. The unique thing about the museum is that it is like a tropical garden right in the heart of Pilsen, hence, access is easy and you can tick it off your list before you proceed with the rest of your day tour. Pass by to see interesting species and varieties of sea life, with the chance to buy an animal at the end of the tour, if you are willing to do what it takes to keep them alive.
Akva Tera
Address: Palackého 34/5, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
Website: Akva Tera
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
4. Visit the animals at Plzen Zoo
Would you like to take a selfie with a giraffe, or you do you want to confirm if you can outrun a cheetah? How about visiting underground shelters that offered refuge to soldiers during the Second World War? Well, for these and other fulfilling experiences, all you have to do is visit Plzen Zoo and Botanical Garden. Visiting this second largest zoo in the Czech Republic will give you a chance to come face to face with over 1300 species of animals, learn more about the endangered species and interact closely and safely with them than you would do in any other place.
Plzen Zoo
Address: Pod Vinicemi 9, 301 16 Plzeň 1, Czechia
Website: Plzen Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
5. Explore Dino Park Pilsen
Dino Park is a popular amusement park in Pilsen where you will find full-sized models of dinosaurs – a prehistoric animal that was long extinct. The model depicts the precise anatomy and surfaces of the gigantic animals, with some of the models designed to move and make noise the same way as the real ones did. The park also features an educational trail, a 3D Cinema, and a children’s paleontology playground where young guests can have a firsthand experience in what goes on in the research in the field of paleontology.
Dino Park Pilsen
Address: Nad ZOO 1, 301 16 Plzeň 1, Czechia
Website: Dino Park Pilsen
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
6. Venture into Plzen Historical Underground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Over the centuries, a lot may have changed to give Pilsen a completely new look, but underground, things have remained the same since medieval times. Beneath the city, there is an underground network of tunnels and cellars that will teach you vital lessons about the city’s love for beer and their ingenuity in trying to produce the best brews ever. You will learn about the ancient beer-making processes, see well and pits used for the brewing process, and have a general glimpse of the way of life during the Middle Ages. Additionally, a visit to the tunnels will teach you vital lessons about the city’s strategies of defending itself during times of war. This is a tour that no one misses when they visit Pilsen.
Historic Underground of Plzen
Address: Veleslavínova 58/6, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
Website: Historic Underground of Plzen
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
7. Admire The Great Synagogue
The Great Synagogue is the third largest synagogue in the world. It provides history about the existence of a rich Jewish culture in the city before the outbreak of the Second World War. It is an architectural masterpiece that blends Oriental, Arabic, Orthodox, and neo-renaissance and romantic styles in the design. During the Second World War, the synagogue was used as a storage facility and was later closed down during the communist era. Since the Jewish population in Pilsen is very small, the synagogue is currently being used as an exhibition hall for photography art, and may sometimes double up as a concert hall.
The Great Synagogue
Address: Sady Pětatřicátníků 35/11, 301 37 Plzeň, Czechia
Website: The Great Synagogue
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sat)
8. Go on a tour of the Museum of the West Bohemia in Pilsen
The Museum of the West Bohemia in Pilsen is one of the largest museums in the country, given that it is home to more than two million collections of items. A lot of visitors, especially military historians, visit the museum every year just to have a glimpse of the Pilsen City Armory where you will find an incredible collection of itemized weapons, with some dating back to the last three centuries. The museum also has a rich collection of firearms, including the very primitive types that were designed to break through castle walls. This is a place worth visiting if you want to appreciate the evolution of defense systems, and travel down memory lane to learn some of the weapons used in the battlefields centuries ago.
Museum of the West Bohemia in Pilsen
Address: Kopeckého sady 357/2, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
Website: Museum of the West Bohemia in Pilsen
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
9. Tour the historic Franciscan Monastery, Plzen
The Franciscan Monastery, together with The Church of Assumption, happens to be some of the oldest buildings in the city, having been established in 1295. Though the complex suffered heavy blows during the Thirty Years War and the Hussite Wars, it has managed to retain its original early Gothic appearance. What you find here is not just a beautiful piece of architecture and history, but also an appreciation of the ingenuity of the construction prowess that existed centuries ago.
Franciscan Monastery, Plzen
Address: Františkánská 361/9, 301 00 Plzeň 3-Vnitřní Město, Czechia
Website: Franciscan Monastery, Plzen
10. Learn about war history at Patton Memorial Pilsen
If you are a student of history, especially one with a bias for the Second World War, then a visit to Patton Memorial Pilsen is one you should never miss. The exhibitions in this museum tell the story of the last days before the liberation of the city of Pilsen by the US troops, what the war left behind, and stories of the totalitarian communist regime. A part of the exhibition is dedicated to George S Patton, a commander and a controversial figure whose efforts contributed largely to the fall of the Nazi regime. Though small, the museum is a rich oasis of history packed in videos, educative information, and objects from the war era.
Patton Memorial Pilsen
Address: sady 5. května 342/2, 301 00 Plzeň 3-Vnitřní Město, Czechia
Website: Patton Memorial Pilsen
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
11. Find out more about puppetry at the Puppet Museum
Puppet Museum in Pilsen with Visit Plzeň
Posted by EuropeUpClose.com on Tuesday, 21 November 2017
The Puppet Museum is located on the Square of the Republic, and it is all about the Bohemian culture. This is where you find a detailed history of puppetry in Pilsen. It was at this stage where a permanent stage was established for puppeteers who used to move from town to town performing their acts. The shows were not just to entertain children, but also they had bawdy and satirical humor that touched on real issues that affected the societies then. The exhibits you find in this museum belong to famous families, who were puppeteers for ages. In addition to learning more about puppetry in the city, you will have a chance to pull the strings, and the staff will also give you demonstrations on some unique puppetry techniques.
Puppet Museum
Address: nám. Republiky 137/23, 301 00 Vnitřní Město, Czechia
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
12. Marvel at Certovo Kazatelna
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This is a natural monument located by the roadside on your way to Radcice from Pilsen. It features a massive rock that rises steeply beside the road, thus making it very difficult to miss. It is believed that the rock formation came as a result of direct water erosion by River Mze when the valley system was deepening during the Pleistocene period.
Certovo Kazatelna
Address: 322 00 Pilsen 7, Czechia
Website: Certovo Kazatelna
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Explore Narodospisne Muzeum Plzenska
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The museum is located in two Renaissance buildings in Pilsen, and it contains permanent exhibitions of various aspects of life in the region. For instance, it contains permanent exhibitions on How to Live in the Pilsen Region on both upper floors, while the ground floor has short and medium-term exhibitions that run throughout the year. Some of the notable exhibits you will come across include-: the interior of burger houses built in the 16th century, folk costumes of the Pilsen region, exhibits on the customs and traditions from the Pilsen region, exhibits on colonial trade and renaissance courtyard loggia among others.
Narodospisne Muzeum Plzenska
Address: Kopeckého sady 357/2, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
Website: Narodospisne Muzeum Plzenska
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
14. Admire the stunning Renaissance Town Hall
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Renaissance Town Hall has been in place since the 15th century and it is one of the most beautiful town halls in Bohemia. Its design was the work of Italian master-builder – Giovanni de Statia. What you find here is a magnificent renaissance façade that not only boasts incredible history but also talks of architectural prowess that existed back in the days.
Renaissance Town Hall
Address: nám. Republiky 290/41, 301 00 Plzeň 3-Vnitřní Město, Czechia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
15. Catch a live performance at J.K Tyl Theatre
J.K Tyl Theatre was constructed between 1899 and 1902. Its design is after the neo-renaissance style and it has four artistic companies responsible for producing around 600 shows every year. The show includes drama, ballet, musicals, and opera. Find time to visit the theater for a chance to enjoy and learn more about the performing arts in Pilsen.
J.K Tyl Theatre
Address: Smetanovy sady 16, 301 00 Plzeň, Czechia
Website: J.K Tyl Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 7pm - 9:30pm
16. Sample the wines at Vinoteka Bohemia Sekt
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Vinoteka Bohemia Sekt is known as the producer of the most popular sparkling wine in the country, and when visiting Pilsen, you have every reason to pass by their store to sample some of their wines. What you find here is a glass of traditional gentle sparkle that will show you the true taste of life’s pleasures, whether small or big. Remember to buy a few bottles for your trip back home.
Vinoteka Bohemia Sekt
Address: Smetanova 220, 332 02 Starý Plzenec, Czechia
Website: Vinoteka Bohemia Sekt
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
17. View the art exhibitions at Gallery City of Pilsen
The gallery is located on the Republic Square, and it is part of the town hall building. The gallery has exhibitions featuring modern and contemporary international and Czech art projects, including Austrian and Italian post-war European avant-garde. The gallery is regarded as one of the treasured institutions of the Kunsthalle type in the country.
Gallery City of Pilsen
Address: nám. Republiky 40, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Czechia
Website: Gallery City of Pilsen
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Mon)
18. Wander around Namesti Republiky, Plzenv – Republic Square
The Republic Square is one of the largest public squares in Europe, measuring about 139 x 193 meters (152 x 211 ft). The square is located in the center of the urban conservations area, and it borders other vital city attractions, with the major ones being the Pilsen Town Hall, and the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. Just like most of the public squares in cities, the Republic Square in Pilsen is mainly for recreational purposes, and it is a common joint where both locals and tourists gather up to meet and interact, or in watching the myriad of street performances usually hosted by various artists.
Namesti Republiky, Plzenv – Republic Square
Address: 301 00 Pilsen 3, Czechia
Website: Namesti Republiky, Plzenv – Republic Square
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
19. Go on a tour of Pilsner Urquell Brewery (from USD 17.34)
Visiting the Pilsner Urquell Brewery is one of the main reasons why millions of visitors come to the city every year. The guided tour of this brewery is what you need to learn more about the production of the beer, including its history, and the changes that have been made, ever since Josef Groll crafted the first brew in 1842. If you are a beer lover, then this is a tour you can’t afford to miss when you visit Pilsen.
Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
Duration: 110.0 minute
20. Learn about Pilsen's beer production history at Brewery Museum (from USD 7.04)
There is no denying that Pilsen is the home to one of the world’s top beer museums, and this is another top attraction you must not miss when you visit the city. The Beer Museum is located in a 15th-century brewhouse that shares the same entrance as the Historical Underground. Visiting the museum will take you through the history of the legendary Pilsner Beer production, including a tour of the historic Pilsen-style pub where you will find equipment used to produce the beer ages ago, as well as the different ways of drinking it. The tour will also include a visit to the brewhouse’s medieval cellar, after which you will have a chance to sip from a cold glass of Pilsner Urquell.
Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance with a Glass of Beer
Enjoy your trip to Pilsner's birthplace
Visiting Pilsen will bring you more than just the joy of being at the birthplace of one of the most popular beer brands in the world. The city is rich in history and culture, with lots of historical attractions, museums, and parks guaranteed to help you have a wonderful time during your trip. If you have the time, then check out all the above things to do in Pilsen, Czech Republic, but if you are pressed for time, choose a few which you think will be suited to your needs.
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