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Colorful architecture of Square of the Republic in Pilsen. Pilsen, Czech Republic

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Overview

Plzeň (Pilsen in German) is famed among beer-heads worldwide as the mother lode of all lagers, the fountain of eternal froth. Pilsner lager was invented here in 1842. It’s the home of Pilsner Urquell (Plzeňský prazdroj), the world’s first and arguably best lager beer – ‘Urquell’ (in German; prazdroj in Czech) means ‘original source’ – and beer drinkers from around the world flock to worship at the Pilsner Urquell brewery.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Plzensky Prazdroj Brewery, home of the Pilsner Urquell Beer. Plzen. West Bohemia. Czech Republic

    Pilsner Urquell Brewery

    Plzeň

    Plzeň's most popular attraction is the tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, in operation since 1842 and arguably home to the world's best beer. Entry is…

  • Techmania Science Centre

    Techmania Science Centre

    Plzeň

    Kids will have a ball at this high-tech, interactive science centre where they can play with infrared cameras, magnets and many other instructive and fun…

  • Underground Plzeň

    Underground Plzeň

    Plzeň

    This extraordinary 60-minute guided tour explores the passageways below the old city. The earliest were probably dug in the 14th century, perhaps for beer…

  • Brummel House

    Brummel House

    Plzeň

    Fans of early-modern architecture will want to tour this restored villa, designed by renowned architect Adolf Loos. In the 1920s and '30s Loos designed…

  • Museum of West Bohemia

    Museum of West Bohemia

    Plzeň

    Plzeň's impressive main museum is generally held back by a lack of information in English, though a couple of the exhibitions, including an enthralling…

  • St Bartholomew Cathedral

    St Bartholomew Cathedral

    Plzeň

    Gigantic St Bartholomew Church looms over the surrounding facades from the centre of náměstí Republiky. The early years of the church are shrouded in…

  • Patton Memorial Pilsen

    Patton Memorial Pilsen

    Plzeň

    The Patton Memorial details the liberation of Plzeň in May 1945 by the American army, under General George S Patton. Especially poignant are the…

  • DEPO2015

    DEPO2015

    Plzeň

    Housed in a former tram depot, this 'makerspace' is a creative hub that provides working space for tech start-ups, artists and craftspeople, and houses…

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