Why You Should Plan a Visit to Pilsen: the Czech Metropolis of Beer in 2026
The city of Pilsen, which became famous all over the world for its bottom-fermented lager (pils, pilsener, pilsner beer) has an ideal position between Prague and the western border with Germany. From the centre of the capital, you can get to the centre of the beer metropolis in about an hour and a quarter, and it is even closer from Václav Havel Airport. Whether you travel for authentic beer culture, the iconic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral with the tallest church tower in Czechia, fifth largest synagogue in the world, or you just want to discover another face of Czechia, you will have fun in Pilsen. And if you need a few more good reasons – or have already been to Pilsen – here they are.
1) The Authentic Tour of the Brewery
What we can guarantee you, is the delicious and unchanging flavour of the unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner beer that you will taste at the end of the Pilsner Urquell tour right in the historical lager cellars. Nowhere else in the world, not even virtual reality or modern exhibitions in Prague, Hong Kong, or Tokyo will offer you this experience. If you’ve been to the tour before, you’ll definitely appreciate a new part of the exhibition dedicated to the basic ingredients, without which the Pilsner beer would not have its quality and characteristic taste.
2) Two Pilsen Restaurants in the Prestigious Michelin Guide
The gastronomic scene in Pilsen has been on the rise for a long time. Although the city does not have the Michelin star yet, two local restaurants have appeared in the prestigious Michelin Guide. While the Na Spilce Pub, a traditional part of the Pilsner Urquell brewery area, scores a success with an honest, home-style Czech cuisine, craft approach, and perfectly crafted beer, the Štipec restaurant, by contrast, represents the more modern side of Pilsen – an open kitchen, an emphasis on ingredients, and a unique concept that combines the craftsmanship and creativity. If you are in Pilsen, you shouldn’t miss them.
3) Try Something New
You already have a photo on Charles Bridge, have seen fairy-tale Český Krumlov, and you’re familiar with the “svíčková” sauce with dumplings? Explore Czechia in a slightly different way. Leave Prague and the most famous tourist places behind and treat yourself to more authentic experience. In the historical centre of Pilsen, you’ll find a number of pubs and restaurants with excellent beer and great food, where the locals go. It is here that you will best understand that Czech beer culture is not an attraction for tourists, but a natural part of everyday life.
4) Architecture that Will Surprise You
Pilsen, seemingly inconspicuous at first glance, hides many architectural treasures. Besides the gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and the renaissance City Hall, you can find here a wide array of historical houses with decorated facades, the Art-Nouveau Burghers’ Hall (Měšťanská beseda), and unique interiors by the architect Adolf Loos that are among the most interesting of their kind in Central Europe. While walking around the city, you will also discover former industrial sites transformed into cultural areas, galleries, and cafés, which give the contemporary and lively character to Pilsen.
5) The Ideal City for a Weekend and the Starting Point for Next Trips
Pilsen is compact and well arranged. The majority of sights, restaurants, and also culture institutions can be comfortably reached on foot. The city does not feel overcrowded, but, at the same time, it offers enough opportunities to spend two or three day without rushing. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to combine sightseeing, good food, and relax without having to deal with complicated transport or crowds of tourists. Pilsen is also an ideal starting point for trips to West Bohemia. The spas of Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) and Mariánské Lázně, the nature of Šumava and Český les, as well as smaller towns and unique historical buildings, such as Plasy, Mariánská Týnice or Kladruby, are all within reach. If you want to experience city, nature, and traditional Czech culture in one trip, Pilsen offers a balanced combination of everything.
