Planning Your Self-Guided Plzeň Beer Trail

Organizing your walk is easy because the city center is very compact. Most of the top spots are within walking distance of the main square. You should start your journey by checking a Plzeň beer tasting walking route map. This helps you save time and see more sights. You can also visit the Visit Plzeň website for local events. Here are a few quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: Na Spilce
• Best for history: U Salzmannů
• Best for craft fans: Pivotečka
• Best for groups: The Pub

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the day. Most streets in the old town are cobblestone. You should also carry a bit of cash for smaller pubs. Many places accept cards, but it is good to be prepared. Always check the opening times before you head out.

10 Best Pubs to Visit on Plzeň Beer Walk

These selections represent the very best of the local beer scene. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere and a perfect pour. Follow this list to ensure you do not miss any iconic locations.

1. Name: Na Spilce Type: Iconic Brewery Pub Why go: It is the largest pub in the Czech Republic, located right inside the brewery grounds. Best for: The freshest Pilsner Urquell. Where: Brewery District. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Book a Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour before your meal.
2. Name: Lékárna Type: Upscale Traditional Pub Why go: Located right on the main square, it offers perfectly tapped beer in a beautiful setting. Best for: Watching the world go by. Where: Republic Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the heart of the city center. Tip: Ask for a "hladinka" pour for the classic experience.
3. Name: U Salzmannů Type: Historic Inn Why go: This is the oldest pub in Plzeň and feels like stepping back in time. Best for: Traditional Czech food and history. Where: Old Town. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Just steps away from the cathedral. Tip: Try their beef goulash with bread dumplings.
4. Name: Beer Factory Type: Modern Brewpub Why go: You can see the brewing vats while you enjoy a range of craft beers. Best for: Trying something other than lager. Where: City Center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Easy walk from the main square. Tip: Order a tasting flight to try multiple styles.
5. Name: Pivotečka Type: Craft Beer Bar Why go: They have a rotating selection of local and international craft beers. Best for: Beer geeks and variety. Where: Near the Great Synagogue. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by beer. Getting there: Walking distance from the center. Tip: Check the chalkboard for the daily specials.
6. Name: Lokál Pod Divadlem Type: Traditional Tank Pub Why go: They serve beer directly from large tanks for maximum freshness. Best for: A lively, local atmosphere. Where: Near the J.K. Tyl Theatre. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: A short walk from Republic Square. Tip: Their fried cheese is a local favorite snack.
7. Name: The Pub Type: Interactive Bar Why go: Every table has its own beer tap and a screen to track consumption. Best for: Fun with a large group of friends. Where: City Center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Central location. Tip: Compete with other tables on the digital leaderboard.
8. Name: Raven Pub City Type: Local Craft Hub Why go: Raven is one of the most famous craft breweries in the region. Best for: IPAs and modern beer styles. Where: North of the center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short tram ride or 15-minute walk. Tip: Try their seasonal fruit beers.
9. Name: Pivstro Type: Beer Bistro Why go: It combines excellent craft beer with high-quality bistro food. Best for: A casual dinner with great drinks. Where: Near the city park ring. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walking distance from the center. Tip: Their burgers are widely considered the best in town.
10. Name: Purkmistr Type: Brewery and Beer Spa Why go: This is a unique complex that offers a beer spa experience alongside its brewery. Best for: A relaxing day trip extension. Where: Černice (suburb). Time: 3 hours. Cost: Higher (for spa). Getting there: Take a bus or taxi from the city center. Tip: Book the beer bath in advance as it fills up quickly.

Essential Tips for Your Plzeň Beer Adventure

To drink like a local, you should understand the different types of pours. A "hladinka" has a large head of foam and is the standard. A "šnyt" is a smaller beer in a large glass with mostly foam. Many locals believe the foam protects the beer's flavor. You can learn more about these traditions through Visit Czechia resources. Always wait for the foam to settle before taking your first sip.

Tipping is common in Czech pubs but usually involves rounding up. If your bill is 185 CZK, you might pay 200 CZK. It is polite to hand the money to the server rather than leaving it on the table. Most waiters in the center speak good English. However, learning a few words like "Pivo, prosím" (Beer, please) goes a long way. This makes your experience much more enjoyable.

Be mindful of the alcohol content when visiting multiple spots. Czech lagers are easy to drink but can be quite strong. It is wise to eat a heavy meal before you start your walk. Most pubs offer small snacks like pickled cheese or sausages. These are designed to pair perfectly with bitter lager. Drinking water between stops is also a very smart move.