Booking Your Pilsen Brewery Tour from Karlovy Vary

Booking your tour early is very important. The Pilsner Urquell brewery is very popular. Tours often sell out weeks in advance. You should check the official website for 2026 schedules. Most tours are available in English and German. You can also find tours in the Czech language. This is one of the top things to do in Czechia for beer fans.

Think about the timing of your trip. Summer is the busiest season in Pilsen. Spring and autumn offer cooler weather and fewer crowds. Many people combine this with other local visits. You might enjoy the Chyse Chateau and brewery visit for a shorter trip. However, Pilsen remains the ultimate destination for lager lovers. It is a full-day commitment from the spa region.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for the day. You will walk a lot in the brewery and the city center. Bring a light jacket even in summer. The brewery cellars are very cold all year round. The temperature stays near 7 degrees Celsius. You will also need a camera for the historic buildings. Most places in Pilsen accept credit cards. However, having some Czech Koruna is helpful for small shops.

10 Top Experiences on a Pilsen Brewery Day Trip

Pilsen offers many unique activities for every traveler. Here are the best things to see and do during your visit.

1. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: sight Why go: This is the birthplace of Pilsner beer. You see the modern bottling plant and historic cellars. Best for: Beer enthusiasts and history fans. Where: Prazdroj 7, Pilsen. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 350-450 CZK. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Taste the unfiltered beer directly from the oak barrels.
2. Name: Pilsen Historical Underground Type: experience Why go: Explore a vast labyrinth of medieval corridors. These tunnels were used for food storage and brewing. Best for: Adventure seekers and families. Where: Veleslavínova 6, Pilsen. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Located in the historic city center. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be damp.
3. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the highest church tower in the country. You get a panoramic view of the entire region. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: Republic Square. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: 100 CZK. Getting there: Right in the middle of the main square. Tip: Be ready to climb 301 steps to reach the top.
4. Name: Great Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It is the second largest synagogue in Europe. The architecture is stunning and very colorful. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků, Pilsen. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 120 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from Republic Square. Tip: Check the schedule for evening classical concerts.
5. Name: Purkmistr Beer Spa Type: unique local experience Why go: Relax in a wooden tub filled with beer ingredients. It is great for your skin and very relaxing. Best for: Couples and spa lovers. Where: Selská náves 2, Pilsen. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 1200-1500 CZK. Getting there: Take bus 32 from the city center. Tip: Book at least two weeks in advance.
6. Name: Brewery Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn about the history of brewing from ancient times. It is located in a 15th-century brewing house. Best for: Curious travelers and students. Where: Veleslavínova 6, Pilsen. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: Next to the Historical Underground entrance. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the museum and underground.
7. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: history Why go: This museum honors the US Army liberation in 1945. It features original equipment and personal stories. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Pobřežní 10, Pilsen. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 100 CZK. Getting there: Near the main bus station. Tip: Look for the rare items donated by veterans.
8. Name: Raven Pub Type: experience Why go: Try modern craft beer styles like IPAs and sours. It is a local favorite away from the main brewery. Best for: Craft beer fans looking for variety. Where: Mozartova 1, Pilsen. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 60-120 CZK per drink. Getting there: Take tram 1 towards Bolevec. Tip: Try the seasonal fruit beers on tap.
9. Name: Republic Square Type: neighborhood/market Why go: The heart of Pilsen with beautiful Renaissance houses. It often hosts local food and craft markets. Best for: Casual walking and people watching. Where: Náměstí Republiky, Pilsen. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central hub for all city transport. Tip: Visit during the Christmas or Easter markets.
10. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: indoor/museum Why go: Huge interactive exhibits and a 3D planetarium. It is perfect for a rainy day with kids. Best for: Families and science fans. Where: U Planetária 1, Pilsen. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: 280-350 CZK. Getting there: Take trolleybus 15 or 17 from the center. Tip: Plan to spend at least half a day here.

How to Travel from Karlovy Vary to Pilsen

Traveling from Karlovy Vary to Pilsen is quite easy. The distance is about 80 kilometers. You can choose between the train, bus, or a car. The train is a very scenic option. You can check times at the Karlovy Vary railway station official site. Trains run several times a day and take two hours. It is a relaxing way to see the countryside.

Buses are often faster than the train. Direct buses take about one hour and 15 minutes. Companies like FlixBus or RegioJet serve this route. You should buy your tickets online to get a seat. The bus station in Karlovy Vary is near the city center. In Pilsen, the bus station is also close to the main sights. This makes a Pilsen brewery tour from Karlovy Vary very convenient.

Driving is the most flexible choice. The drive takes about one hour via route 20. You will pass through small villages and forests. Parking in Pilsen center is available in paid garages. Most hotels in Karlovy Vary can help you rent a car. Be aware of the zero-tolerance alcohol law in Czechia. Never drive after your brewery tour.

More Great Day Trips from Karlovy Vary

If you have more time, explore other nearby gems. The Loket Castle day trip is very popular. It is a medieval fortress just 15 minutes away. You can also visit the Marianske Lazne spa town. It is famous for its singing fountain and colonnades. These towns are part of the UNESCO World Heritage spa region.

For nature lovers, try the Svatosske skaly rock formations hike. These granite towers are located along the Ohre River. It is a great place for a walk or a bike ride. You can reach it quickly from the city center. Karlovy Vary is the perfect base for exploring West Bohemia. Each trip offers a different look at Czech culture.