Quick Picks for Your Plzeň Trip

Plzeň is a compact city with many treasures. If you are short on time, these quick picks will help you choose. Most sites are within walking distance of the main square. This makes it easy to see the top famous landmarks in Plzeň in one day.

• Best Overall: St Bartholomew Cathedral Tower Climb
• Best for Families: Techmania Science Center
• Best Rainy-Day: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
• Best Free Sight: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky)

How Many Steps to Top of St Bartholomew Cathedral?

The answer is simple but challenging. There are exactly 301 steps to the top of the tower. This tower is the highest in the Czech Republic. It reaches a height of 102.26 meters. The viewing gallery is located about 62 meters above the ground. You will need a moderate level of fitness to reach the top.

The stairs are made of stone and wood. They become narrower as you get closer to the bells. Most people take about 10 to 15 minutes to finish the St Bartholomew Cathedral tower climb. Once you reach the gallery, you can see the entire city. On clear days, you might even see the Bohemian Forest. It is a rewarding experience for any visitor.

10 Best Things to Do in Plzeň

Plzeň offers a great mix of culture and fun. Here are the top experiences you should not miss. Each item includes practical details to help you plan your day. Make sure to check the official Visit Plzeň website for seasonal updates.

1. Name: St Bartholomew Cathedral Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the region. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: Republic Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Walk to the center of Republic Square. Tip: Bring a bottle of water for the 301-step climb.
2. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: experience Why go: This is the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner lager. Best for: Beer lovers and history buffs. Where: East of the city center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~380 CZK. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Book your Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour in advance online.
3. Name: The Great Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~120 CZK. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the square. Tip: Check the Great Synagogue opening hours as they vary for events.
4. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: experience Why go: Explore a labyrinth of corridors dating back to the 14th century. Best for: Adventurers. Where: Near the Brewery Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~190 CZK. Getting there: Enter through the Brewery Museum. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground even in summer.
5. Name: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) Type: neighborhood Why go: It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Best for: Relaxing and people-watching. Where: City center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: All main tram lines stop nearby. Tip: Look for the three modern golden fountains representing the city's coat of arms.
6. Name: Brewery Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn about the ancient history of beer making in a medieval house. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: 3-minute walk from the Cathedral. Tip: Your ticket often includes a beer voucher for adults.
7. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: indoor Why go: Interactive exhibits and a 3D planetarium. Best for: Families with children. Where: U Planetária. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: ~280 CZK. Getting there: Take trolleybus line 15 or 17. Tip: Visit the Techmania website to see the daily show schedule.
8. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: museum Why go: It honors the liberation of the city by the US Army in 1945. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Pobřežní street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Short walk from the Great Synagogue. Tip: The museum has unique artifacts donated by veterans.
9. Name: Pilsen Zoo and DinoPark Type: nature Why go: See exotic animals and life-sized dinosaur models. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: Northern part of the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: ~200-300 CZK. Getting there: Take tram line 4. Tip: Buy a combined ticket to save money on both attractions.
10. Name: Borský Park Type: nature Why go: The largest park in Plzeň, perfect for a quiet walk. Best for: Budget travelers and locals. Where: Southern Plzeň. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram line 4 to the terminus. Tip: It is a great spot for a picnic in the spring.

Practical Tips for Your Visit to Plzeň

Visiting Plzeň is very straightforward. Most people speak some English in the tourist areas. The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Many shops and restaurants accept credit cards. However, it is good to have some cash for smaller cafes.

The city is very safe for tourists. You can easily explore on foot. If you need to go further, use the efficient tram and trolleybus system. You can buy tickets using a contactless card directly on the vehicle. For official regional info, visit the Plzeň Region official site.