Planning Your Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour Plzen

Plzen is a city built on a rich brewing heritage. The brewery tour is the main draw for thousands of visitors. You should book your tickets online well in advance. Tours in English fill up quickly during the summer months. The brewery offers a deep look at the pilsner brewing process. You will walk through the same gates used since 1842. The city itself also offers beautiful architecture and museums.

• Best Overall: The Historical Brewery Cellars tour.
• Best for Families: Techmania Science Center.
• Best Rainy-Day: Plzen Historical Underground.
• Best Free Activity: Walking through Republic Square.

Before you go, check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal events. The brewery is open year-round but hours change. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk quite a bit. The cellars are cold, so bring a light jacket. Most tours last about 100 minutes. You can also visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs.

12 Best Things to Do in Plzen and the Brewery

This list covers the top experiences at the brewery and in the city. Each item helps you plan a full day of exploration. Make sure to arrive early to see the historic gates. You can easily spend six hours in Plzen. Use this guide to prioritize your favorite sights.

1. Name: The Jubilee Gate Type: Sight Why go: This iconic twin-arched gate is the symbol of the brewery. It was built in 1892 to celebrate 50 years of brewing. Best for: Photography lovers. Where: Brewery main entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Take a photo here before your tour starts.
2. Name: The Modern Bottling Plant Type: Activity Why go: See one of the most advanced bottling lines in Europe. It handles 120,000 bottles every hour. Best for: Tech enthusiasts. Where: Brewery grounds (via tour bus). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in tour price. Tip: Watch the robotic arms move the crates.
3. Name: The Historical Brewhouse Type: Sight Why go: See the massive copper kettles used for brewing. You can compare the old 19th-century equipment with modern versions. Best for: History buffs. Where: Brewery central building. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in tour price. Tip: Notice the intricate tile work on the walls.
4. Name: The Brewery Cellars Type: Experience Why go: This is the highlight of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour Plzen. You walk through miles of sandstone tunnels. Best for: Everyone. Where: Underground brewery area. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Included in tour price. Tip: The temperature is always 5 degrees Celsius.
5. Name: Unfiltered Beer Tasting Type: Experience Why go: Taste beer directly from oak barrels. This version is only available inside the brewery cellars. Best for: Beer enthusiasts. Where: Brewery cellars. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in tour price. Tip: You must be 18 or older to drink.
6. Name: The Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: Located in a former malt house from the 15th century. It tells the story of brewing from ancient times. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Veleslavínova 6, Plzen. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the brewery tour.
7. Name: Plzen Historical Underground Type: Activity Why go: Explore a labyrinth of corridors beneath the city streets. It dates back to the 14th century. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near the Brewery Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Tip: You must wear a hard hat provided.
8. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Type: Viewpoint Why go: The cathedral has the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. The views from the top are incredible. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Republic Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Tip: There are 301 steps to the top.
9. Name: The Great Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The Moorish-Romanesque architecture is stunning. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Check for concert schedules held inside.
10. Name: Na Parkánu Brewery Tap Type: Experience Why go: This pub is connected to the Brewery Museum. It serves perfectly poured pilsner in a traditional setting. Best for: Lunch or dinner. Where: Next to the Brewery Museum. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Typical restaurant prices. Tip: Try the traditional Czech goulash here.
11. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: It honors the liberation of the city by the US Army in 1945. It features many personal items from soldiers. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Pobřežní 10. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Tip: The museum is near the river.
12. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Indoor Why go: An interactive museum perfect for children. It features a 3D planetarium and hundreds of exhibits. Best for: Families with kids. Where: U Planetária 1. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: It is located in the former Skoda factory.

How to Reach Plzen from Prague

Getting to your Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour Plzen is very simple. Most visitors travel from Prague for a day trip. The train is the most comfortable and scenic option. Trains depart from Prague Main Station every hour. The journey takes about 90 minutes. You can check the Prague official site for local transport links to the station.

You can also take a bus from the Zlicin station in Prague. Buses are often cheaper but can be affected by traffic. Once you arrive at the Plzen train station, the brewery is a short walk. Follow the signs or use a map app. The walk takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you prefer driving, the trip takes about one hour via the highway.

For those who love organized travel, many companies offer guided tours. These often include transport and a guide. You might consider this if you want to visit other sites. Some people combine this with a Karlovy Vary spa day trip. However, Plzen usually requires a full day to enjoy properly. Plan your return trip in advance to avoid long waits.

Practical Tips for Your Brewery Visit

To make the most of your visit, keep a few things in mind. The brewery is a working industrial site. Stay with your group and follow the guide's instructions. Photography is allowed in most areas for a small fee. You can pay for a photo permit at the ticket desk. This is common in many Czech attractions, including Karlstejn Castle.

If you have mobility issues, contact the brewery in advance. Some parts of the tour involve stairs and uneven floors. They do offer accessible routes for most visitors. The gift shop is a great place to buy glassware. They can pack items safely for your flight home. Remember that the brewery is very popular on weekends. Visiting on a weekday often means smaller tour groups.

After your tour, explore the local dining scene. Plzen has many great restaurants serving Bohemian cuisine. Look for places that display the Pilsner Urquell certification. This ensures the beer is stored and served correctly. If you have extra time, consider a Kutna Hora Sedlec Ossuary trip on another day. The Czech Republic has many unique sites within reach of Prague.