Cultural Gems and Historic Landmarks

The city center is compact and walkable. Most historical attractions surround the massive Republic Square. This area is the perfect starting point for your adventure. You will find centuries of history packed into just a few blocks.

1. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Iconic Sight / Experience Why go: This is the birthplace of the world’s first golden lager. You can see the original copper kettles and taste unfiltered beer in the cellars. It is an essential pilgrimage for beer lovers. Best for: History buffs and beer enthusiasts. Where: U Prazdroje 7, near the main train station. Time: Allow 2–3 hours. Cost: Approx. 300–400 CZK. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Book your Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour guide in advance, especially for English language slots.
2. Name: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) Type: Neighborhood / Historic Hub Why go: It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The space hosts vibrant seasonal markets and festivals throughout the year. Renaissance fountains and colorful townhouses line the perimeter. Best for: Photographers and market lovers. Where: City Center. Time: 30–60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram lines 1 or 2 stop right here. Tip: Visit during the Christmas or Easter markets for local crafts and snacks. Read more about Republic Square historical landmarks.
3. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Type: Viewpoint / Religious Site Why go: The cathedral dominates the skyline with the tallest church tower in the country. Climbing the tower rewards you with panoramic views of the entire region. The Gothic architecture inside is equally impressive. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Center of Republic Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower (approx. 70 CZK). Getting there: Central plaza, accessible on foot. Tip: Prepare for 300+ steps; there is no elevator to the top. Check out our guide to the St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral tower climb.
4. Name: Great Synagogue Type: Historic Site / Architecture Why go: This is the second-largest synagogue in Europe and the third-largest in the world. The Moorish-Romanesque design is visually stunning and unique for the region. It serves as both a monument and a concert venue. Best for: Architecture admirers. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 120 CZK. Getting there: Just a 5-minute walk west of the main square. Tip: Verify opening times as it occasionally closes for rehearsals. See visiting info for the Great Synagogue before you go.

Family Fun and Unique Experiences

Plzeň is surprisingly family-friendly. Beyond the historic center, you will find attractions designed for interaction and exploration. These spots are perfect for rainy days or active afternoons. They offer a break from traditional sightseeing.

5. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Adventure / Museum Why go: Explore a labyrinth of passageways, cellars, and wells dating back to the 14th century. The guided tour reveals medieval secrets and daily life underground. You even get a voucher for a beer (adults only) at the end. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Entrance near the Brewery Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 200 CZK. Getting there: Veleslavínova street, near the center. Tip: Bring a jacket; it is cold down there year-round. Learn more about tickets and tips for the Historical Underground.
6. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Museum / Indoor Activity Why go: Housed in a former Škoda factory hall, this is a hands-on paradise. Exhibits cover physics, astronomy, and engineering in a fun way. It features a 3D planetarium that is among the best in Czechia. Best for: Families with kids. Where: Bory district, near the train station. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Approx. 280 CZK. Getting there: Trolleybus or a 15-minute walk from the station. Tip: Check the show schedule for the planetarium upon arrival. Read our Techmania Science Center family guide.
7. Name: Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark Type: Nature / Family Why go: The zoo is cageless and blends naturally into a rocky, botanical landscape. The adjacent DinoPark features life-size animatronic dinosaurs that thrill younger kids. It is one of the most visited zoos in the country. Best for: A full day out. Where: Northern suburbs (Lochotín). Time: 3–5 hours. Cost: Combined ticket approx. 350 CZK. Getting there: Tram 1 or 4 to Lekářská fakulta. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is hilly. Here are the highlights of the Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark.
8. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum / History Why go: Plzeň was liberated by the US Army in 1945, not the Soviets. This museum honors General Patton and the American soldiers. It houses authentic equipment, uniforms, and personal artifacts from WWII. Best for: Military history enthusiasts. Where: Pobřežní street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 100 CZK. Getting there: Near the New Theatre (Nové divadlo). Tip: Visit in May during the Liberation Festival for a huge celebration. See the Patton Memorial exhibit guide.

Architecture and Design Highlights

Architecture in this city goes beyond Gothic and Baroque. The early 20th century left a significant mark here. Modernism fans will find hidden treasures behind ordinary facades.

9. Name: Adolf Loos Interiors Type: Architecture / Culture Why go: World-famous architect Adolf Loos designed several unique apartment interiors here in the 1930s. Tours showcase his signature use of high-quality stone, wood, and mirrors. It is a rare chance to see residential functionalism intact. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Various locations (Brummel House, Semler Residence). Time: 1–2 hours per tour. Cost: Approx. 250 CZK per route. Getting there: Guided tours start at designated meeting points. Tip: Tickets sell out weeks in advance; booking is mandatory. Learn how to visit with our Adolf Loos interiors walking tour guide.
10. Name: West Bohemian Museum Type: Museum / Art Why go: This Neo-Renaissance building is a work of art itself. Inside, you find extensive collections of military history, porcelain, and book culture. The local tourism board often highlights their seasonal exhibitions. Best for: Quiet culture and art. Where: Kopeckého sady. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from Republic Square. Tip: Don't miss the armory section, one of the best in Central Europe.

Practical Tips for Visiting Plzeň

Getting around Plzeň is straightforward. The public transport system includes trams, trolleybuses, and buses. Most travelers can simply walk between the major sights in the center. Tickets are cheap and can be bought via card terminals on board.

For dining, always look for the "Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant" seal. These pubs guarantee the freshest tank beer. Prices in Plzeň are generally lower than in Prague. You can enjoy a hearty meal for under 300 CZK.

If you plan to visit multiple paid attractions, check the official Visit Plzeň website. They sometimes offer city passes or bundled tickets. Official sites like Pilsner Urquell's visitor page allow direct booking to skip lines. Planning ahead saves both time and money.