Planning Your Visit to Republic Square

Republic Square is the best place to start your city tour. It is surrounded by colorful Renaissance and Baroque houses. Most major landmarks are located directly on the square or in nearby streets. You can easily spend a full day here exploring museums and cafes. For more ideas, check out our guide on things to do in Plzeň.

• Best overall: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
• Best for families: The Puppet Museum
• Best view: The Cathedral Tower
• Best free activity: The Three Gold Fountains

The square is very walkable and mostly pedestrian-friendly. It hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. You will find the main tourist information center on the square. They provide maps and helpful advice for your stay. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, making it perfect for photography.

Top 10 Attractions: What to See at Republic Square in Plzeň

When deciding what to see at Republic Square in Plzeň, you should prioritize these iconic spots. Each site offers a unique look at the city's rich history. Many of these locations are within sight of each other. This makes it easy to navigate without a map. Here are the top ten must-see attractions.

1. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: This Gothic masterpiece dominates the square. It features a beautiful interior and a famous statue of the Madonna. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Center of Republic Square. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the interior. Getting there: Walk to the very center of the square. Tip: Look for the "angel for luck" on the outer choir railing.
2. Name: The Cathedral Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. The views of the city and surrounding hills are incredible. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: Attached to the cathedral. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: The entrance is on the side of the cathedral. Tip: There are 301 steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
3. Name: The Three Gold Fountains Type: Experience Why go: These modern fountains represent the city's coat of arms: an angel, a camel, and a greyhound. They are covered in real gold leaf. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Three corners of the square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Simply walk around the square perimeter. Tip: They look especially beautiful when lit up at night.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Sight Why go: This Renaissance building features stunning sgraffito decorations. It is one of the most beautiful town halls in Bohemia. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Northern side of the square. Time: 10 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Located next to the tourist office. Tip: Check the detailed drawings on the walls depicting local history.
5. Name: Marian Plague Column Type: Sight Why go: Built in 1681, this Baroque monument thanks the Virgin Mary for ending a plague. It is a classic piece of Czech religious art. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Near the Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the northwest corner of the square. Tip: It is a popular meeting point for locals.
6. Name: Puppet Museum Type: Museum Why go: Plzeň has a long tradition of puppetry. The museum is interactive and fun for all ages. Best for: Families and children. Where: Eastern side of the square. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Look for the historic house near the corner. Tip: You can try operating some of the puppets yourself.
7. Name: Museum of Religious Art Type: Museum Why go: Located in a former Franciscan monastery, it holds rare treasures from local churches. The cloisters are very peaceful. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Just off the southeast corner. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk 50 meters from the square down Františkánská street. Tip: Don't miss the beautiful Gothic murals in the main hall.
8. Name: Seasonal Markets Type: Experience Why go: The square hosts famous markets for Easter and Christmas. You can try local food and buy handmade crafts. Best for: Foodies and shoppers. Where: Entire square area. Time: 1–3 hours. Cost: Free entry; pay for food/goods. Getting there: Visit during holiday seasons. Tip: Check when are the Christmas markets in Plzeň square before booking your trip.
9. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Experience Why go: This is a vast labyrinth of corridors and cellars under the city. It shows how people lived and stored beer in the past. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Entrance is on Veleslavínova street, 2 minutes from the square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate; booking recommended. Getting there: Walk north from the square. Tip: It is quite cold underground, so bring a jacket even in summer. Learn more about the Plzeň historical underground tour.
10. Name: General Patton Memorial Museum Type: Museum Why go: This museum honors the US Army's liberation of Plzeň in 1945. It is very important to local identity. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Pobřežní street, 5 minutes walk from the square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk west from the square toward the river. Tip: The museum is small but packed with authentic artifacts.

Practical Tips for Exploring Central Plzeň

Getting to Republic Square is very easy. Most trams and buses stop nearby. If you arrive by train, the square is a 15-minute walk from the main station. You can find more travel info on the Visit Plzeň official site. Many locals speak English, especially in shops and restaurants.

Public toilets are available in the Town Hall and nearby shopping centers. Most attractions accept credit cards, but keep some Czech Koruna for small market stalls. The square is generally safe at all hours. However, always watch your belongings in crowded market areas. For official regional updates, visit the Plzeň Region official site.

If you have extra time, consider visiting the national tourism portal at Visit Czechia for broader travel tips. Plzeň is a city that rewards slow exploration. Take time to sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. The local beer is world-famous, so enjoy a glass at a terrace on the square.