Discovering the Urban Canvas of Plzeň

Plzeň transformed its image in 2015. It served as the European Capital of Culture that year. This event brought many international artists to the city. They turned grey concrete walls into beautiful masterpieces. Today, the street art scene continues to grow and evolve. You can find art in the city center and the outskirts.

Before you start your walk, look at these quick picks. They help you choose the best spots based on your interests. The city is very walkable, making it easy to see several murals in one afternoon.

• Best overall: DEPO2015 Outdoor Gallery
• Best for families: Spejbl and Hurvínek Mural
• Best for history: The Cosmonaut Mural
• Best for photography: Papírna Plzeň

Top 10 Spots for Free Street Art in Plzeň

Finding art in Plzeň is like a treasure hunt. Some pieces are huge and easy to spot. Others are tucked away in quiet corners. Use this list to plan your route through the city. Every location on this list is free to visit in 2026.

1. Name: DEPO2015 Outdoor Gallery Type: Industrial art hub Why go: This is the heart of Plzeň's modern culture. You will see large-scale murals and rotating art installations. Best for: Creative inspiration. Where: Presslova Street, near the Radbuza river. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 15 minutes south from the main square. Tip: Check out the indoor cafe for a quick break.
2. Name: The Pilsner Urquell Gateway Mural Type: Iconic mural Why go: This piece celebrates the city's brewing heritage. It is located very close to the famous brewery entrance. Best for: Beer lovers and photographers. Where: Near the main gate of the brewery. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a short walk from the main train station. Tip: Combine this with a Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour for a full morning.
3. Name: Papírna Plzeň Industrial Wall Type: Creative hub Why go: This former paper mill is now a cultural center. The exterior walls often feature fresh graffiti and large murals. Best for: Industrial vibes. Where: Zahradní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river from DEPO2015. Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the best light.
4. Name: Main Railway Station Underpass Type: Urban gallery Why go: The pedestrian tunnels are covered in professional street art. It makes a transit hub feel like a museum. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Under the tracks at the Plzeň Hlavní Nádraží. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter from the station main hall. Tip: Look for the pieces that depict local legends.
5. Name: The Cosmonaut Mural Type: Historical mural Why go: This massive artwork on Americká Street is hard to miss. It features a retro-futuristic astronaut design. Best for: Sci-fi fans. Where: Americká Street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is on the main shopping street. Tip: Stand across the street to get the whole mural in one photo.
6. Name: Jízdecká Legal Graffiti Wall Type: Legal wall Why go: This is a spot where artists can paint legally. The art changes almost every week. Best for: Seeing the latest local talent. Where: Jízdecká Street, near the city center. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Great Synagogue. Tip: You might see an artist working if you visit on a weekend.
7. Name: Vltavská Street Residential Murals Type: Neighborhood art Why go: Large murals cover the sides of several apartment buildings here. They bring color to the residential area. Best for: Seeing local life. Where: Vltavská Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram line 4 from the center. Tip: Respect the privacy of the residents while taking photos.
8. Name: Spejbl and Hurvínek Tribute Type: Cultural mural Why go: These famous puppets were born in Plzeň. The mural honors the city's puppetry tradition. Best for: Families with children. Where: Near the Puppet Museum. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right in the historic center. Tip: The Puppet Museum nearby is also worth a visit.
9. Name: Radbuza River Bank Art Type: Scenic walk Why go: Small pieces of art are scattered along the river path. It is a peaceful way to see the city. Best for: Nature and art mix. Where: Banks of the Radbuza river. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at the Wilson Bridge. Tip: This is a great route for cycling.
10. Name: Techmania Science Center Walls Type: Educational art Why go: The outer walls of the science center feature tech-themed art. It is modern and very colorful. Best for: Students and tech fans. Where: Borská Street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a bus or trolleybus to the Techmania stop. Tip: The architecture of the old Škoda factory buildings is also impressive.

Planning Your Street Art Walking Tour

Plzeň is a safe city for walking. Most street art spots are concentrated in the southern part of the center. You can easily navigate using a smartphone map. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for a while. It is a good idea to check Visit Czechia for broader travel tips.

The best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon. The soft light makes the colors of the murals pop. You can also find some of the best parks and gardens in Plzeň for walking along the river. These green spaces often sit right next to the best art spots. Always be aware of your surroundings when exploring industrial areas.

More Free Cultural Experiences in Plzeň

Street art is just one part of the local culture. You can find many other free things to see. The historic center is full of beautiful architecture and statues. Many squares host free markets and seasonal festivals throughout the year. These events often feature temporary art installations.

If you enjoy the industrial style, explore the old factory districts. Many buildings are being repurposed into galleries and shops. You can spend a whole day exploring without spending much money. Plzeň is a city that rewards those who look closely at its walls. It is a perfect destination for budget-conscious art lovers.