Planning Your Great Synagogue Plzeň Visit

The Great Synagogue is located just outside the main square. Its red-domed towers are visible from many points in the city. The interior was recently renovated to its former glory. You can see beautiful paintings and a grand organ inside.

Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the main hall. There are also smaller exhibitions about Jewish life in the region. The building often hosts concerts due to its excellent acoustics. Check the local schedule if you enjoy live music.

• Best overall: The Great Synagogue
• Best for views: St. Bartholomew’s Tower
• Best rainy-day: Brewery Museum
• Best free activity: Republic Square walk

12 Best Things to See Near the Great Synagogue

Plzeň is a compact city that is perfect for walking. You can see many iconic sights in a single day. This list includes the most important cultural and historical landmarks. Each entry provides practical details to help you plan your route.

1. Name: Great Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: It is the third-largest synagogue in the world. The Moorish-Romanesque architecture is breathtaking. Best for: History and architecture fans. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Five-minute walk from Republic Square. Tip: Look up at the intricate ceiling paintings.
2. Name: Republic Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It is home to many Republic Square Plzeň historical buildings. Best for: People watching and photography. Where: City center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central hub for all trams. Tip: Visit the three modern golden fountains.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Bartholomew Type: Viewpoint Why go: It features the highest church spire in the Czech Republic. You can take a Cathedral of St. Bartholomew tower climb for amazing views. Best for: Panoramic city views. Where: Republic Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Center of Republic Square. Tip: Be prepared for many narrow stairs.
4. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Experience Why go: This is the birthplace of Pilsner beer. You can tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery historical cellars. Best for: Beer lovers and history buffs. Where: U Prazdroje. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Higher than average. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the center. Tip: Book your tickets online in advance.
5. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Sight Why go: Explore a labyrinth of medieval corridors beneath the city. You can buy Plzeň historical underground tour tickets easily. Best for: Adventure and cooling off in summer. Where: Veleslavínova. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the Brewery Museum. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and a jacket.
6. Name: Adolf Loos Interiors Type: Experience Why go: See world-class modernist design in private apartments. These Adolf Loos interiors Plzeň tours are highly rated. Best for: Design and art enthusiasts. Where: Various locations (Klatovská 12 is main). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk or tram from the center. Tip: Tours must be booked well ahead.
7. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: It honors the liberation of the city by the US Army. Learn about the Patton Memorial Pilsen liberation history. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Pobřežní. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low entry fee. Getting there: Near the Great Synagogue. Tip: Check out the original wartime equipment.
8. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: It is located in a medieval brewing house. Learn about the ancient history of beer making. Best for: History lovers. Where: Veleslavínova. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near Republic Square. Tip: The museum is very close to the Underground entrance.
9. Name: Great Theatre (J.K. Tyl Theatre) Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Neo-Renaissance building from the early 1900s. It is a center for local culture. Best for: Architecture and performing arts fans. Where: Smetanovy sady. Time: 30 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view outside. Getting there: Walk from the Great Synagogue. Tip: Check for evening opera performances.
10. Name: West Bohemian Museum Type: Museum Why go: One of the largest museums in the country. It has a massive collection of historical weapons. Best for: Families and students. Where: Kopeckého sady. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Easy walk through the city parks. Tip: Don't miss the unique municipal armory.
11. Name: Old Synagogue Type: Experience Why go: A hidden gem tucked away in a courtyard. It offers a more intimate look at Jewish history. Best for: Those seeking quiet reflection. Where: Smetanovy sady. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low entry fee. Getting there: Very close to the Great Theatre. Tip: Visit the "Garden of Memories" nearby.
12. Name: Franciscan Monastery Type: Sight Why go: A peaceful medieval complex with beautiful frescoes. It is one of the oldest buildings in Plzeň. Best for: Medieval art lovers. Where: Františkánská. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Just off Republic Square. Tip: Look for the Gothic wall paintings.

Practical Tips for Your Plzeň Heritage Tour

Visiting the Jewish heritage sites requires some planning. The Great Synagogue and Old Synagogue are usually closed on Saturdays. This is due to the Jewish Sabbath. Always check the official Visit Czechia site for holiday closures. Most sites open at 10:00 AM.

Respectful behavior is expected at all religious sites. Men may be asked to cover their heads in certain areas. Photography is usually allowed but avoid using flash. You can find English-language brochures at the ticket desks. These provide great context for the exhibits.

Plzeň is very safe for tourists. You can easily navigate the city on foot. If you are tired, the tram system is excellent. Tickets can be bought with a contactless card on the tram. This makes getting around very simple for international visitors.