The city of Pilsen is located in the western Czech Republic and is well known for its rich history and culture. The city is known for its brewing history, which dates back to the 13th century. It’s also home to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, which produces one of the world’s most popular kinds of beer. But that’s not all the city has to offer! There are plenty of things to see and do that will appeal to all kinds of travelers. So without further ado, here are the 16 best things to do in Pilsen!
Things To Do In Pilsen
1. Admire The Architecture Of Pilsen’s Historic Buildings
Pilsen has a lot of beautiful historic buildings. And the best way to admire them is to just wander around the city center and explore at your own pace. Several impressive buildings are worth seeing, such as the West Bohemian Museum, Burgher’s Hall, and the Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
If you’re interested in architecture, you can also take a guided tour which will take you to some of the most interesting buildings, which are today some of the top Pilsen attractions. I did a tour with Pilsen Walking Tours, and it was very informative. We also visited the neighborhoods around the city center, which have a lot of interesting architecture.
After the tour, I better understood the city’s history and development, and I could appreciate the architecture even more.
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2. Go On A Brewery Tour In Pilsen
As earlier mentioned, Pilsen is world-famous for its beer brewing history. So, it’s only fitting that one of the top things to do in Pilsen is to take a brewery tour.
The tours take place in the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, which is the oldest and most famous brewery in Pilsen. You will learn about the brewing process and the history of the brewery. And, of course, you will get to taste some delicious beer. The tours are conducted in English and usually last around 1.5 hours.
There are several types of tours available, and you can choose the one that best suits your interests. I’d recommend the tour with beer tasting for those who really want to learn about beer and taste some great Pilsner. If you’re not interested in beer, you can still visit the brewery and learn about its history. The tours are very well done, and even those who aren’t interested in beer will find them interesting.
Address; U Prazdroje 64/7, 301 00 Plzen 3.
3. Check out DEPO2015
In 2015, Pilsen was declared the European Capital of Culture, and to mark the occasion, a new cultural center was built in the city. DEPO2015 is located in an old bus station, and it’s one of the coolest places to visit in Pilsen.
The center is divided into several areas, such as a mini art exhibit, a few shops, a cafe, a gym, and many more. It’s a great place just to wander around, relax, and maybe do some people-watching. Even if you’re not interested in the cultural aspects, DEPO2015 is still worth visiting because it’s one of the most famous tourist spots in Pilsen.
Address; Presslova 14, 301 00 Plzen 3-Jizni Predmesti.
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4. Visit the Pilsen Zoo
Pilsen zoo is one of those classic zoos that don’t put much emphasis on modern enclosures and try to recreate the animal’s natural habitat. And I have to say I really liked it. The zoo is located on the outskirts of Pilsen, and it’s easily reachable by public transport.
There are more than 1,300 animals in the zoo, including some rare and endangered species. Some of the animals you can see in the Pilsen zoo are tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, and many more. The zoo is also involved in several breeding programs, and it’s one of the leading zoos in Europe in terms of animal conservation.
The zoo is a great place to visit with kids as there are several playgrounds and educational programs. But even if you’re not traveling with kids, this is one of the places to visit if you’re looking for fun things to see and do in Pilsen.
Address; Pod Vinicemi 928/9, 301 00 Plzen 1.
5. See the Pilsen Underground
Pilsen has an extensive network of underground tunnels and cellars that were once used for storage and air-raid shelters. Nowadays, some of these tunnels are open to the public, and you can go on a guided tour to see them.
I did a tour that started at the brewery building and took us through some of the tunnels and cellars underneath the city. The tunnels are long, and we only saw a small part of them. Our guide was very knowledgeable and told us a lot about the history of Pilsen and the underground. The tour lasted around one hour, and it was a great way to learn about the history of this place.
So if you’re looking for the very best in Pilsen attractions, this is one place you shouldn’t miss. More tunnels and cellars are open to the public, and you can explore them on a guided tour.
6. Visit the Techmania Science Center
The Techmania Science Center is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with kids or if you’re just looking for something fun to do in Pilsen. This interactive museum is all about science and technology, and it’s a great place to learn about both in a fun way.
There are over 200 interactive exhibits in the museum, and they cover a wide range of topics such as electricity, optics, mechanics, and more. You can also try some virtual reality experiences or take a ride on a simulated roller coaster. But the highlight for me was the high-tech 3D planetarium, where you can learn about the stars and planets in a really cool way. So be sure to check it out if you’re visiting Pilsen.
Address; U Planetária 2969/1, 301 00 Plzen 3.
7. Shop at the Pilsen Plaza
Traveling to Pilsen wouldn’t be complete without a shopping spree at the Pilsen Plaza. The shopping mall is one of the largest in Pilsen, and it’s the perfect place to find some souvenirs or just do some general shopping. There are over 100 stores in the mall, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Highlights include a food court with international cuisine, a cinema, and a bowling alley.
The Pilsen Plaza is also a great place to relax and take a break from all the sightseeing. If you need a break from all the walking, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
I strolled around the mall for a couple of hours, and I must say I was impressed. I visited the cinema, did some shopping, and had lunch at the food court. I definitely recommend a visit if you’re looking for fun things to do in Pilsen. It’s one of the places you need to visit as a tourist.
Address; Radcicka 2, 301 00 Plzen 3.
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8. Visit the Synagogue in Pilsen
The Great Synagogue in Pilsen is one of the most impressive Jewish sights in Pilsen. It was built in 1893 in the Moorish Revival style and is one of the largest synagogues in Europe.
The interior of the Synagogue is just as impressive as the exterior, with beautiful paintings, stained glass windows, and a stunning chandelier. The Synagogue also has a museum that tells the story of Jewish life in Pilsen.
The Synagogue is open to the public, and you can visit it on your own or go on a guided tour. I’d recommend going on a guided tour as the guides are very knowledgeable and will tell you all about the history of the Synagogue and Jewish life in Pilsen.
Address; Sady Petatricatniku 35/11, 301 37 Plzen.
9. Admire The View From The Tower Of The Cathedral Of St. Bartholomew
The Cathedral of St. Bartholomew is one of the most important sites in Pilsen. It’s a Gothic cathedral built in the 13th century, and it’s one of the tallest churches in the Czech Republic.
The Cathedral is open to the public, and you can go inside to admire the beautiful interior. But the best thing to do is to climb up the tower for a stunning view over Pilsen. The tower is open daily, and the climbing is not too difficult. Note that there is a ticket office midway through the tower, and you need to buy a ticket before climbing. The ticket costs $2.5, and it’s definitely worth it.
At the top of the tower, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Pilsen and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can even see the mountains in the distance.
Address; Nam. Republiky, 301 00 Plzen 3.
10. Catch A Show At The Beautiful J.K. Tyl Theatre
Wondering what to do in Pilsen in the evening? How about catching a show at the beautiful J.K. Tyl Theatre? The theatre is one of the most important landmarks in Pilsen, and it’s definitely worth seeing even if you’re not interested in the performance.
The theatre was opened in 1901 and named after the Czech playwright Josef Kajetan Tyl. Today, it hosts a variety of performances ranging from operas and ballets to plays and concerts. So if you’re interested in the arts, catching a show at the J.K. Tyl Theatre is definitely one of the fun things to do in Pilsen.
Address; Smetanovy sady 16, 301 00 Plzen.
11. Learn About The History Of Pilsen At The West Bohemian Museum
Pilsen has a long and interesting history that is definitely worth learning about. The best place to do that is at the West Bohemian Museum. The museum is located in the center of Pilsen, and it’s housed in a beautiful historic building.
The museum has several permanent exhibitions that focus on different aspects of Pilsen’s history. You can learn about the city’s development from its early days to the present, local culture and traditions, and people who have shaped Pilsen’s history.
The museum also has temporary exhibitions that focus on specific topics. When I visited, there was an exhibition about the history of beer brewing in Pilsen. It was very interesting, and I learned a lot about the city’s brewing traditions.
If you’re interested in learning about this town’s history, the West Bohemian Museum is the best place to go. The exhibitions are well done, and there is a lot of information to take in.
Address; Kopeckeho sady 357/2, 301 00 Plzen 3.
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12. Taste Some Czech Cuisine
Food is another important part of Czech culture, and Pilsen is the perfect place to try some traditional Czech dishes. So taking some time to taste the local cuisine is definitely one of the best things to do in Pilsen.
The city has a great selection of restaurants serving traditional and international cuisine. If you’re looking for a traditional Czech meal, I’d recommend going to one of the local beer halls, where you can get a hearty meal of meat and potatoes. For something lighter, you can try one of the many bakeries around town. They have delicious pastries and sandwiches that make for a great lunch.
And if you’re in the mood for something different, there are plenty of international restaurants to choose from. Pilsen has a great selection of Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Thai restaurants.
13. Visit Dino Park Pilsen
Dino Park Pilsen is a great place to visit with kids (or without them, I’m not judging). The park is located on the upper level of the Pilsen Zoo, and it’s filled with life-size dinosaurs. The dinosaurs are spread out across the park and make sounds, making the whole experience even more realistic and fun.
Apart from the dinosaurs, there is also a playground and a 3D Cinema in the park, which are included in the ticket price. During my visit, the movie being shown was about sharks, and it was interesting and fun. The cinema is the first of its kind in the Czech Republic, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
Visiting Dino Park Pilsen is a great way to spend a day if you’re traveling with kids. They will definitely enjoy seeing all the dinosaurs and playing in the playground. And being one of the top tourist attractions in Pilsen, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Address; Nad ZOO 1, 301 16 Plzen 1.
14. Tour Pilsen Historic Walls
Another one of the great things to do in Pilsen is to take a tour of the historic city walls. The city walls were built in the 13th century and were used to protect Pilsen from attackers until 1618. Today, only a few sections of the walls remain, but they are still definitely worth seeing. These remaining parts of the walls are found in the park between Drevena and Zbrojnicka streets.
I mean, it’s not every day that you get to see 700-year-old city walls. The best way to see the city walls is to take a guided tour. The tours last around 1 hour and will help you learn about the history of the walls and Pilsen in general.
Although the city walls are not as impressive as they once were, they are still a fascinating piece of history. And being one of the Pilsen attractions that are free to visit, they are definitely worth visiting. I visited the walls but not on a guided tour and still found them interesting. So if you’re short on time or money, you can still see the walls on your own.
15. Watch a FC Viktoria Plzen Football Match
Football is another important part of Pilsen’s culture, and F.C. Viktoria Plzen is the local football team. The team has been quite successful in recent years, and it’s definitely worth watching a match if you’re into football.
The matches occur at the Doosan Arena, which is a modern stadium with good facilities. And during the week of the match, the whole city gets into the football spirit with banners and flags everywhere. I was in Pilsen during a match week, and it was a great atmosphere. I had not planned to watch the match, but I ended up buying a ticket, and it was a great experience.
The area was filled with a party atmosphere, and people were cheering and singing all game long. Even if you’re not a big football fan, I’d still recommend going to a match just for the experience and the atmosphere. The stadium is also one of the best things to see in Pilsen as it’s a very modern structure. And if there’s no game, you can still visit the stadium and go on a guided tour.
Address; Struncovy sady 3, 301 12 Plzen 3.
16. Enjoy Pilsen’s Nightlife
After a day of exploring all the beautiful attractions in Pilsen, it’s time to enjoy its nightlife. The city has a lot to offer in terms of bars and clubs, and you’re sure to find a place that suits your taste.
If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, I’d recommend visiting one of the bars in the center. Pilsen has a lot of great bars, but some of my favorites are definitely Mansfelda, Salzmannu, and Pivovarsky senk Na Parkanu.
And if you’re looking for a more upbeat atmosphere, you should definitely check out one of the clubs in Pilsen. Clubs are usually open until late at night, and there’s a great variety to choose from. Some of the most popular clubs in Pilsen are Club 21 and Pantheon Music Club.
No matter what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a great place to enjoy this city’s nightlife. So be sure to include it on your list of fun things to do in Pilsen at night.
In Summary
There are a lot of things to do and see in Pilsen, and it’s definitely a great place to visit. So if you’re traveling to the Czech Republic, don’t forget to include this city on your list of places to see. And if you’re looking for Pilsen attractions and activities, check out the things I’ve listed above.
