Destination guides > Europe > Czech Republic > Bohemia > Plzeň (Pilsen)
Plzeň (Pilsen)
This large industrial city receives few foriegn visitors despite its close proximity to Prague and its position on the main rail line. Although it doesn't have the charm of many other destiantions in the Czech Republic, there are some very good museums although the Pilsner Urquell brewery is the main reason most backpackers visit the city.
Coming & going
Plzeň is well served by both buses and trains and is situated on the main rail line between Prague and destinations in western Europe. The train station is located across the Radbuza River on the eastern edge of the centre while the bus station is around 500m west of the city centre.
Local transport
Plzeň's public transport is comprised of buses and trams. Tram 1 and 2 connect the train station and the city centre while tram 2 also runs to the bus station.
Hostel accommodation
Euro Hostel Plzeň
Na Roudné 1, 301 00 Plzeň 1
Bus 20, 33, 39, 40 (stop: Otylie Beniskove)
Tel (0373) 729 732
Ubytovna a Hostel - TJ Lokomotiva Plzeň
Úslavská 75, 326 00 Plzeň
Tel (0377) 448 041
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Pilsener Urquell Brewery
This is the home of the original Pilsner beer, known in the Czech Republic as Plzensky Prazdroj. Tours of the brewery are popular and last up to two hours, although you have to pay for your drinks at the end of the tour. It is recommended to phone in advance to book a guided tour.
U Prazdroje, Plzen
Tel (019) 706 2888
Pivovarské muzeum
The brewery museum features exhibits on beer and brewing and is predictably a popular spot for most people who visit Plzen for the brewery.
Veleslavínova, Plzen
Open Jun to mid-Oct 10am-6pm, mid-Oct to May Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Západoceské muzeum
The West Bohemian Museum is the city's biggest museum and features an impressively ornate interior as well as some interesting exhibits.
Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
