Looking for a Day Trip from Prague? Discover the City that Gave the World Pilsner Beer
Most visitors to the Czech Republic head to Prague. Some of them continue to Český Krumlov or Karlovy Vary. However, just 80 minutes by train from the Czech capital, there is a destination that can offer an authentic Czech experience, the world-famous beer, impressive architecture, and also a pleasant atmosphere without the crowds of tourists.
Pilsen is known primarily as the birthplace of the world-known beer Pilsner Urquell. But it would be a shame to stop there. In a single day, you can explore the historical centre with one of the largest squares in Europe, climb the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic, visit the brewery that changed the global brewing industry, and get to know the city that has preserved its authentic character to this day.
The Ideal One-day Itinerary
From the centre of Prague, you can comfortably get to Pilsen by direct train in about 80 minutes. From the main train station, which will captivate you with the elegance of its recently renovated passenger terminal in Art-Nouveau style, the historical centre is just a short walk or two tram stops away. You can also pay for your public transport ticket on board using a contactless card.
10:00–12:00 | A Visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery
The first stop is the place where the beer style that today accounts for the majority of the world beer production today was born in 1842. The guided tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewere takes visitors through the history of beer production, modern facilities, and also historical cellars. The highlight is usually a tasting of unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell straight from oak lager barrels. You cannot taste this exact one anywhere else in the world. Even visitors who are not usually very interested in beer often leave surprised by how fascinating story hidden behind the famous Pilsen lager truly is. Book you tickets in advance here.
12:00–13:30 | A Czech-Style Lunch
Pilsen is a great place to taste traditional Czech cuisine. Unlike busy tourist areas, you can often experience more authentic atmosphere and also friendlier prices here. In the historical centre, you will find a number of excellent restaurants offering both Czech and international cuisine.
14:00–16:00 | Historical Centre and the St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
After the lunch, go explore the historical city centre. Republic Square ranks among the largest historical squares in Central Europe. The dominant feature is the Gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral with the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. The climb to its top offers a magnificent view oity and the surrounding landscape. After visiting the cathedral, take some time for a walk through the surrounding streets, admire the Renaissance-style City Hall and historical townhomes, or enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafés.
16:00–17:30 | The Great Synagogue or the Historical Underground
If you have time to spare, choose one of the city’s landmarks. The Great Synagogue belongs to the largest synagogues in the world and represents an important part of the European cultural heritage. You will be astonished by its monumental interior. Just be aware that it is open only from Sunday to Thursday. History lovers, on the other hand, can head to the Pilsen historical underground and explore a network of cellars and passageways hidden beneath the streets of the city.
17:30–19:00 | A Relaxing Way to End the Day
Before returning to Prague, treat yourself to a bit of relax in the city centre, enjoy a glass of Pilsner lager, or take a short stroll through the city parks. During the summer season, you can combine both experiences at one of the popular restaurant terraces in the heart of the city.
19:00 | Departure to Prague
After a day packed with experiences, a comfortable journey back to the capital awaits you.
Why visit Pilsen?
Because it offers what many travellers are looking for these days – an authentic experience. It is close enough to a convenient one-day trip from Prague, yet different enough to show visitors another face of the Czech Republic. It combines history, architecture, gastronomy, famous beer, and a pleasant atmosphere of a true Czech city.
And What If You Decide to Stay Longer?
If you are not in a hurry, stay in Pilsen for a night, or even two. There are plenty of other places that are worth exploring. These include interiors designed by the world-renowned architect Adolf Loos, which you can see on guided tours. You will also find a variety of museums and galleries here.
You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city in the Pilsen Zoological and Botanical Garden, which belongs to the most popular ones in the Czech Republic. Lovers of craft beer will be delighted by the offer of local breweries and beer bars, which show a slightly different side of the Pilsen beer culture.
And if you are not exactly a beer fan, we have one surprise for you. Just few kilometres from Pilsen, you will find Bohemia Sekt, the largest producer of sparkling wines in the Czech Republic. Here, as well, you can take a guided tour that ends with a tasting.
Pilsen may not be at the top of every travel guide to the Czech Republic. However, it comes as an even bigger surprise for many visitors. Are you one of them?
