How to Book the Perfect Pilsen Brewery Tour from Prague
Are you looking for the ultimate beer experience in the Czech Republic? A Pilsen brewery tour is the perfect way to spend a day. Pilsen is the true home of lager beer. It is located just a short distance from the capital city. Many travelers choose this trip to see where the world's first pilsner was born.
Planning your visit is easy with the right information. You can enjoy historic cellars and fresh golden beer. This guide covers the best spots to visit in 2026. Whether you love history or craft beer, Pilsen has something special. Get ready to explore the heart of Czech brewing culture.
Top 10 Pilsen Brewery Tour Experiences
Pilsen offers a variety of experiences for every type of traveler. You should start with the famous flagship brewery. Then, explore the hidden gems in the city center. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.
- Quick Pick: Best Overall - Pilsner Urquell Brewery
- Quick Pick: Best for History - The Brewery Museum
- Quick Pick: Best for Adventure - Historical Underground
- Quick Pick: Best for Families - Techmania Science Center
- Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Sight Why go: This is the birthplace of the world's most famous lager. You can see the modern bottling plant and the historic cellars. Best for: Beer enthusiasts and first-time visitors. Where: U Prazdroje 7, Pilsen. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~380 CZK. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Book your tickets online at least two weeks early for weekend slots.
- Name: The Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: It is located in a preserved 15th-century brewing house. You will learn about beer history from ancient times to the industrial age. Best for: History buffs. Where: Veleslavínova 6, Pilsen. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Located in the city center near Republic Square. Tip: Ask for the beer voucher included with your ticket for a free drink nearby.
- Name: Historical Underground of Pilsen Type: Experience Why go: Explore a labyrinth of corridors and cellars under the city streets. These tunnels were used for food storage and beer fermentation since the 14th century. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Veleslavínova 6 (same entrance as Museum). Time: 50 minutes. Cost: ~190 CZK. Getting there: Easy walk from the city center. Tip: Bring a light jacket because the temperature is always around 10 degrees Celsius.
- Name: Purkmistr Beer Spa Type: Experience Why go: Relax in a wooden tub filled with beer ingredients. You can even pour your own beer from a tap next to the tub. Best for: Couples and relaxation. Where: Selský dvůr 21, Pilsen-Černice. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: ~800-1200 CZK. Getting there: Take a 15-minute taxi or trolleybus line 13 from the center. Tip: Book well in advance as the spa rooms are limited.
- Name: Beer Factory Pilsen Type: Activity Why go: This modern microbrewery offers a different vibe than the historic sites. They serve excellent craft beers and modern Czech cuisine. Best for: Foodies and craft beer fans. Where: Dominikánská 8, Pilsen. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (price of a meal). Getting there: Located right off the main square. Tip: Try the tasting flight to sample four different local brews.
- Name: Raven Pub City Type: Experience Why go: Raven is one of the most famous craft breweries in the country. They specialize in IPAs, sours, and stouts. Best for: People who want variety beyond lager. Where: Mozartova 1, Pilsen. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Low to moderate. Getting there: A short tram ride from the city center. Tip: Check their social media for special limited-edition releases.
- Name: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It features beautiful golden fountains and historic buildings. Best for: Photography and sightseeing. Where: Central Pilsen. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is the heart of the city. Tip: Visit during the seasonal markets for local snacks and crafts.
- Name: St. Bartholomew's Cathedral Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Climb the highest church spire in the Czech Republic. You will get a panoramic view of the entire city and the brewery. Best for: Active travelers and photographers. Where: Republic Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Located in the center of the main square. Tip: Be prepared for over 300 narrow steps to reach the top.
- Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Indoor Why go: It is a massive interactive museum located in former industrial halls. It is perfect if you are traveling with children. Best for: Families and rainy days. Where: U Planetária 1, Pilsen. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: ~280 CZK. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Don't miss the 3D planetarium show.
- Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This iconic Gothic castle is located on the train line between Prague and Pilsen. You can stop here for a few hours. Best for: Fans of history and architecture. Where: Karlštejn village. Time: 3 hours. Cost: ~250-500 CZK (depending on the tour). Getting there: Use the train from Prague to Pilsen and hop off at Karlštejn. Tip: Read a Karlstejn Castle guide before you go to choose the right tour.
Planning Your Pilsen Brewery Tour from Prague
Getting to your Pilsen brewery tour is very simple. Most people travel by train from Prague Main Station. The journey takes about 90 minutes. You can check the Visit Czechia website for general travel updates. Trains run every hour, making it a flexible option.
You can also take a bus from the Zličín station. This is often cheaper but takes slightly longer. Once you arrive in Pilsen, the city is very walkable. You can reach the brewery on foot in ten minutes. Most attractions are clustered around the main square.
Booking is the most important part of your plan. The main brewery tours often sell out. This is especially true on weekends and holidays. Try to book your slot at least two weeks before your trip. Always bring a valid ID for beer tastings.
Why a Pilsen Brewery Tour is the Ultimate Beer Trip
Pilsen changed the world of beer forever in 1842. Before this, most beers were dark and cloudy. Josef Groll created the first clear, golden lager here. This style now accounts for most beer sold globally. Visiting the source is a pilgrimage for many.
The traditional methods are still honored today. In the brewery cellars, some beer is still fermented in wood. You get to taste this unfiltered beer during the tour. It is a flavor you cannot find anywhere else. This connection to history makes the trip unique.
Czech beer culture is also about the atmosphere. In Pilsen, you will find traditional pubs with great service. The locals take pride in how the beer is poured. A thick, creamy head of foam is essential. Learning these local customs adds value to your visit.
Best Times to Visit Pilsen in 2026
Summer is the most popular time for a visit. The weather is warm and beer gardens are open. However, this is also the busiest season for tours. Expect larger groups and higher prices for hotels. If you visit in summer, book everything early.
Autumn is a fantastic choice for beer lovers. Pilsner Fest usually takes place in October. This festival celebrates the anniversary of the first brew. There is live music, food, and plenty of fresh beer. It is a lively time to be in the city.
Winter offers a more quiet and cozy experience. The underground tours are great during cold months. You can warm up in a traditional pub with a hearty meal. For more ideas, look at winter day trips from Prague. You will find fewer crowds and a more local feel.
More Amazing Day Trips Near Prague
If you have extra time, there are many places to visit near Prague. You can explore medieval towns or natural parks. Each destination offers a different look at Czech life. Most are easily reached by public transport.
Many people enjoy day trips from Prague by train. This is the most relaxing way to see the countryside. You can watch the landscape change from your window. It is also very affordable for budget travelers.
If you only have a few hours, consider half day trips from Prague. These are perfect for busy schedules. You can see a castle or a small town and be back for dinner. There are also many best castles near Prague worth exploring. The Czech Republic is full of hidden treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Prague to Pilsen for a brewery tour?
The best way is by train from Prague Main Station (Hlavní nádraží). Trains depart every hour and take about 90 minutes. You can also use the RegioJet bus from Zličín station. Both options are affordable and drop you near the city center.
Do I need to book the Pilsner Urquell tour in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended. The English-language tours are very popular and often sell out days in advance. You can book directly on the official brewery website. This ensures you get the time slot that fits your schedule.
Is the Pilsen brewery tour worth it if I don't drink beer?
Yes, the tour is still very interesting. It covers industrial history, architecture, and the heritage of the region. The historic cellars are a marvel of engineering. However, the highlight for many is the tasting, so non-drinkers may prefer the Brewery Museum.
A Pilsen brewery tour is a must-do for any visitor to the Czech Republic. It combines world-class history with the best beer on earth. From the deep cellars of Pilsner Urquell to the relaxing beer spas, there is so much to see. Make sure to plan your logistics and book your tickets early for 2026. For more travel inspiration, check out other day trips from Prague by train. Enjoy your journey to the heart of beer culture!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Prague.eu — Official city tourism portal; unverified.
- Praha.eu — Official municipal government portal; unverified.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO heritage listing; unverified.
- Prague Castle — Official landmark domain; unverified.
- National Museum — Major national museum; unverified.
