Travel around Pilsen with Bobby
I chose to visit Pilsen because it’s the birthplace of Pilsner beer, and as a beer lover, I couldn’t pass up the chance to experience that history firsthand. The opportunity to tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and taste the beer straight from the source was a big draw. Beyond beer, I was also intrigued by the city’s rich architecture, from Gothic to Renaissance, and its stunning cathedral. Pilsen has a lively cultural scene with festivals, galleries, and museums that showcase Czech art and tradition, making it a well-rounded destination. Plus, I wanted to explore a city that felt like a hidden gem in the Czech Republic, offering both history and a modern vibe.
Day 1Uncovering Pilsen’s Historic Heart
Arriving in Pilsen, I immediately felt the charm of this hidden gem in the Czech Republic. I checked into a cozy boutique hotel just a short walk from the city’s historic center, perfect for exploring Pilsen on foot. My first stop was Náměstí Republiky, Pilsen’s main square, which was buzzing with locals and fellow travelers enjoying the day. Dominating the square was the majestic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, with its towering Gothic spire—the tallest in the Czech Republic. I climbed to the top, where I was rewarded with panoramic views of the city and its mix of old-world architecture and modern touches.
Back on the ground, I wandered around the square, taking in the colorful facades of the Renaissance and Baroque buildings. I loved the feel of the place—it was both historical and lively, with outdoor cafes and small shops lining the cobblestone streets. For lunch, I decided to try a traditional Czech dish at a restaurant nearby. I ordered svíčková, a tender beef dish served with creamy sauce, dumplings, and a dollop of cranberry sauce. The flavors were rich and comforting, a delicious introduction to Czech cuisine.
After lunch, I visited the Pilsen Historical Underground, a fascinating network of medieval tunnels and cellars that run beneath the city. The guided tour took me through narrow passageways that once served as storage for food, beer, and supplies in medieval times. It was an unexpected and unique way to explore Pilsen’s history from a different perspective. The day ended with a casual stroll back to the hotel, excited for what the next day had in store.
Start your trip with a visit to St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral for the best views of Pilsen. The Pilsen Historical Underground offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past and is well worth the visit.
Day 2A Taste of Tradition at Pilsner Urquell Brewery
No visit to Pilsen would be complete without experiencing the birthplace of Pilsner beer, so I dedicated my second day to the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery. The brewery is just a short tram ride from the city center, and the journey itself offered a glimpse of local life and Pilsen’s quieter residential areas. Upon arrival, I joined a guided tour that took us through the brewery’s history, beginning with the story of how the world’s first pale lager was crafted here in 1842.
The tour included a look at the modern brewing facilities as well as the original brewing cellars, where the beer was historically fermented in open barrels. It was fascinating to see the contrast between traditional and modern techniques, both still in use at this iconic brewery. The highlight was, of course, the tasting! We were led into the cool cellars, where we sampled unfiltered Pilsner Urquell straight from the barrel. The taste was crisp, refreshing, and unlike any beer I’d had before—a true original that made me appreciate the artistry behind Czech brewing.
After the tour, I grabbed lunch at the brewery’s restaurant, Na Spilce, which is set in one of the old fermentation cellars. I ordered a hearty plate of roasted pork with sauerkraut and dumplings, which paired beautifully with a freshly poured Pilsner. Later, I spent some time exploring the brewery’s gift shop, picking up a few souvenirs and local beer to take home. That evening, I relaxed at a nearby pub, savoring another glass of Pilsner and soaking in the authentic local atmosphere.
Lunch at Na Spilce, the brewery’s restaurant, was hearty and delicious. The roasted pork with sauerkraut and dumplings was the perfect pairing for a freshly poured Pilsner, making the meal feel authentically Czech.
Food
Returning to my hotel after a day at the brewery was refreshing, as the quiet, comfortable room offered a relaxing environment. The staff’s helpfulness with tram directions added a personal touch to my stay.
Accomodation
The Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour was unforgettable, especially tasting unfiltered beer straight from the barrel. Learning about the brewing process and the brewery’s history added depth to the experience.
Activity
The Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour is a must for anyone visiting Pilsen. Be sure to try the unfiltered beer straight from the barrel—it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Day 3Art, Culture, and a Farewell to Pilsen
For my last day in Pilsen, I decided to explore the city’s artistic and cultural side. My first stop was the Museum of West Bohemia, which houses an impressive collection of art, historical artifacts, and exhibitions on the region’s cultural heritage. I spent hours wandering through the exhibits, particularly enjoying the section on Czech folk art and the beautifully crafted historical artifacts from the Bohemian era. It was a wonderful way to gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture and history.
In the afternoon, I visited DEPO2015, a creative cultural space located in a former bus depot. This unique spot is now a hub for contemporary art, events, and exhibitions, and it’s a fantastic place to see a modern side of Pilsen. The industrial setting adds to the creative vibe, with art installations, workshops, and a lively café where I grabbed a coffee and relaxed among locals. DEPO2015’s blend of art and community truly showcased the vibrant and evolving cultural scene in Pilsen.
For my last dinner in Pilsen, I chose a cozy restaurant in the Old Town, where I ordered vepřo knedlo zelo—roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, another classic Czech dish. It was the perfect meal to end my trip, filling and full of flavor. After dinner, I took one last walk through the Old Town, reflecting on the history, culture, and warmth I’d experienced in Pilsen. It’s a city that combines tradition with modern creativity, making it an unforgettable destination.
Dinner at a cozy Old Town restaurant featured vepřo knedlo zelo, a classic Czech dish of roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. It was flavorful and filling, a perfect way to end my trip with a true taste of Czech tradition.
Food
The hotel provided a warm and comfortable stay throughout, and my final night was just as pleasant as the first. The room was clean, quiet, and well-equipped, making it a great place to return to after a full day.
Accomodation
Visiting the Museum of West Bohemia and DEPO2015 offered a rich combination of history and modern art, showing two different sides of Pilsen’s cultural scene. The contrast between the museum’s traditional exhibits and DEPO2015’s creative space made for a dynamic last day.
Activity
Be sure to check out DEPO2015 for a glimpse of Pilsen’s contemporary art scene. The Museum of West Bohemia is also a great stop for those interested in Czech history and culture.
Summary of My Trip
Pilsen was an incredible mix of tradition, culture, and vibrant local flavor. From the moment I stepped into the Old Town with its Gothic architecture and bustling main square, I felt immersed in the city’s rich history. Visiting St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and exploring the underground tunnels gave me a real sense of Pilsen’s past, while the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour brought Czech beer culture to life. Tasting fresh, unfiltered beer straight from the barrel was an unforgettable highlight that any beer lover would appreciate. Each day felt like a journey through the layers of Czech heritage, with new insights around every corner.
I also found Pilsen’s creative spirit refreshing, especially in places like DEPO2015, where contemporary art meets community in an industrial setting. The food was another major highlight, with comforting dishes like svíčková and vepřo knedlo zelo that were both delicious and deeply connected to the region’s traditions. The locals were warm and welcoming, always eager to share stories or offer recommendations. All in all, Pilsen combines history, art, and authentic Czech experiences in a way that makes it truly special. It’s a hidden gem that deserves to be on every traveler’s radar when visiting the Czech Republic.
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Pilsen offered a memorable experience, blending historic charm with vibrant culture and an impressive culinary scene. From iconic attractions and world-famous beer to warm hospitality, the city provided a well-rounded and enriching visit. Here’s my rating for Pilsen across 10 key categories:
Lunch at a traditional Czech restaurant in the main square was delicious, with a hearty plate of svíčková that combined tender beef with a creamy sauce and dumplings. The flavors were rich and authentic, giving me a warm, satisfying first taste of Czech cuisine.
Food
My boutique hotel near the Old Town was cozy and well-located, with friendly staff and rooms that combined comfort with a touch of Czech style. It made for an ideal base to explore Pilsen, and I loved being just a short walk from the main square.
Accomodation
Exploring St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and climbing to the top of the spire offered breathtaking views of Pilsen’s historic and modern blend. The Pilsen Historical Underground tour added a unique layer to my understanding of the city’s past.
Activity