Pilsen

Pilsen (Plzeň) is the 4th largest city in the Czech Republic and the largest in West Bohemia, famous as the birthplace of pilsner beer. The city offers Gothic architecture centered around the St. Bartholomew Cathedral, a sophisticated underground tunnel network, and easy access to spa towns like Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně. It's a convenient base for exploring West Bohemia without Prague's crowds.

Pilsen is well connected to Prague with hourly buses and trains taking just over one hour. From Germany, direct trains run every two hours from Munich (4½ hours) and from Nuremberg via Marktredwitz and Cheb (about 3 hours). Railway connections also exist from Železná Ruda via Klatovy (spectacular Šumava mountain views) and from Gmünd via České Budějovice. Both rail and bus stations are within walking distance of the city centre.

The compact city centre is best explored on foot. For the wider city, PMDP operates trams, buses, and trolley-buses. Visit the PMDP website for line information, schedules, and fares. People aged 65 and over travel for free on public transport.

Accommodation options in Pilsen range from budget pensions to mid-range hotels. City centre options include Hotel Central on náměstí Republiky and U Zvonu on Pražská. Outer city centre options include AK Penzion Plzeň, Stará Plzeň, and Morrison. For higher-end stays, Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen and Parkhotel Plzeň in the Bory neighborhood offer comfortable options.

Pilsen is the home of pilsner beer—Pilsner Urquell is the original. At Na Parkáně pub and the brewery itself, you can drink unfiltered, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell. Gambrinus Light (desítka) is the most common beer in the Czech Republic, cheaper and weaker than Urquell. For food, try traditional Czech cuisine at U Salzmannů (oldest beer restaurant) or Potrefená Husa. Vegetarian options include Slunečnice (bio cuisine) and Anděl Vegetarian Restaurant.

Climb the 102.26m tower of St. Bartholomew's Cathedral for the highest church tower in the Czech Republic. Visit the second largest synagogue in Europe and explore the Historical Underground Network of cellars and tunnels (tour: 120 Kč). The Pilsner Urquell Brewery offers tours (250 Kč) daily from 12:30. The city has over a dozen museums including the West Bohemian Museum, Brewery Museum, Techmania Science Center, and Patton Memorial Pilsen.

Pilsen can be visited year-round. Summer (April-October) offers longer opening hours at tourist offices (09:00-19:00) and the zoo is open with full admission (adults 150 Kč, children 110 Kč). Winter (November-March) has reduced zoo admission (adults 100 Kč, children 70 Kč). The Historical Underground Network offers one English tour on weekdays and three on weekends from April-August.

Pilsen serves as a base for exploring West Bohemia's spa towns. Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) offers thermal spas and colonnades. Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) provides another spa experience. Historic Loket, Františkovy Lázně, Cheb, and Lázně Kynžvart are all reachable as day trips from Pilsen.

Pilsen has 5G coverage from all Czech carriers. WiFi is widely available in public places throughout the city.

From Pilsen, continue to the spa towns of West Bohemia: Karlovy Vary (famous for thermal springs), Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, and Lázně Kynžvart. Historic towns like Cheb and Loket offer medieval castles and charming old towns. All are accessible by train or bus.