About
Plzeň, in western Bohemia in the Czech Republic, is the home of Pilsner beer, and that connection is the first thing many visitors come for. The city is an easy place to spend a day or two, with a compact historic centre and a few clear reasons to plan your route around.
What to see
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery. A tour of this historic brewery lets you see how the beer is made, and it suits anyone interested in brewing or in the city's best-known export.
- Underground tunnels. Plzeň has tunnels dating back to medieval times beneath the city, offering a different view of its past.
- St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. This Gothic church rises above the spacious main square and is one of the city's defining landmarks. Give yourself time to look up at it and to walk the square around it.
Beyond the city
Plzeň also works well as a base for trips into the Bohemian Forest, a scenic region of woods and countryside a short journey away. Many visitors combine a day in the city with an outing into the hills, which makes for a balanced trip between town streets and open landscape.
If you enjoy historic squares, brewing heritage and a walk through old underground passages, Plzeň offers a focused and rewarding visit. It is a good stop for a day trip or a longer stay in western Bohemia.