What Is Pilsen and What Can You Do There?

What is Pilsen? The Czech city of Pilsen is located in the west of the country, near the border with Germany, and is famous for its industrial history and vast array of things to do. Known as the “City of Beer’ and home to the original Pilsner lager, the city is the capital of the Plzeň Region and has plenty of activities and sights to offer visitors.

Founded as a fortified settlement in the 12th century and granted city status in the 15th century, Pilsen has a rich cultural heritage, especially in architecture. From Gothic churches and neo-renaissance town halls to Viennese art nouveau buildings, many of the city’s structures remain in excellent condition, so it’s easy to experience a sense of old-world charm while you explore.

Many travelers have come to Pilsen for the beer, most notably for the famed Pilsner Urquell brewery, but there’s much more to discover. Let’s take a look at some of what this eastern Bohemian city has to offer tourists.

See the City Sightseeing Attractions

One of the best ways to experience Pilsen and appreciate its architecture is to take a tour of the city’s historic sights. Start at the Old Town Square, where you can admire the colorful facades of its renaissance buildings and take in its atmosphere. The 12th-century Gothic church on the square is one of the oldest in Bohemia, while the Marian Column offers a viewing point at the center of it all.

If shopping is more your thing, be sure to check out Pilsen’s main pedestrian shopping street, Masná. Here you can find several high-end stores and boutiques offering a wide range of clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. Nearby street Na Parkánu is home to many smaller independent shops.

You should also visit the ​Skoda Museum​. Named after Pilsen’s automobile manufacturer, it used to be located in a former monastery and now hosts interactive displays on special Skoda cars and motorcycles, displaying the company’s renowned design skills over the years.

The city is also home to two famous architectural monuments designed by one of Czech’s most renowned architects: Jakub Itrat. The Westenberger Palace is now a hotel but was originally built in the 18th century as residence for Baron Alexander Westenberger. The Art Nouveau Černice Castle ​is now an visitors’ center​ that houses various events throughout the year and houses a digital archive on Pilsen’s history and art.

Culture and Museums

Pilsen is home to several renowned museums celebrating its culture, art, and industrial history, including several galleries devoted to individual artists or art periods. The Regional Museum hosts multiple exhibits by Czech artists from past and present, while the House of Arts is considered to be the most important art gallery in the region and houses collections from both local and global artists. At the ​City Gallery​ visitors get an overview over two centuries of fine art in Pilsen, while at the Museum of Czech Breweries​ visitors learn about beer brewing as it relates to Czech culture, all while tasting a free sample.

Elsewhere, visitors can explore other aspects of Pilsen’s culture at places like the Departmental Museum located at what used to be a Dominican Order monastery, which now houses exhibits on local history. The Brewery Museum looks back at how Pilsner Urquell came to be, while other museums focus on topics like architecture, pharmaceuticals, and music history.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities

When exploring Pilsen, you can also take in some fresh air by taking advantage of its outdoor activities. Head to Boží Park for a walk or a picnic by the lake; here you can also go for boat rides or hire rowing boats for an extra bit of fun. There are also several paths dotted around the city enabling you to see all its best sights from a different angle.

Cycling is another popular activity in Pilsen. Visitors can rent bicycles throughout the city and make the most of its flat landscape with wider cycle lanes than most cities offering an enjoyable ride around town.

Finally, Pilsen boasts several green spaces within city limits such as Smetana Park and Doosgreen Park near Sacre Coeur Hospital. Riegrovo Sady Park is a notable spot due to its Japanese Garden, where you can escape from daily hustle and bustle amongst local wildlife and plants. Kids will also enjoy this spot with its zoo, a playground full of slides and swings, and more activities on offer.

Timeless Cuisine and Pub Crawling

A trip to Pilsen isn’t complete without tasting some traditional local cuisine accompanied by some of its world-famous beers. There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can sample local flavors such as goulash or pork with dumplings. Remember that Czech beer goes with practically everything on most menus so it’s definitely worth finding out what’s on offer in each spot before ordering.

For those looking for a more adventurous evening out, why not try ​a pub crawl in Pilsen? Although it’s quite small compared to cities like Prague or Brno, Pilsen still offers plenty of pubs conveniently located around each other making it easy to explore them all in one night. As an added bonus, you can usually find drinks for cheaper than other parts of Europe so you can enjoy your night out knowing you’re not breaking the bank either! If you need help planning where to go exactly then why not sign up for an organized tour like this “Pilsen Pub and Club Crawl’, so you can get some real insider knowledge about all that Pilsen has to offer?

All in all, Pilsen is an interesting city with lots of culture and plenty to do throughout day or night. From admiring beautiful architecture and exploring historic sites to sampling traditional cuisine or taking part in outdoor activities; tourists will find something they love here surrounded by locals that are proud of their city. Whether you’re traveling alone or wanting tovisit with family or friends, there’s something for everyone in this lively yet cosy eastern Bohemian city with plenty of charm!