If you're a beer enthusiast, Plzeň (Pilsen) should be right up there on your travel wish list. This historic Czech city is the birthplace of pilsner, the world's most popular beer style, and home to a thriving and historic beer culture that spans from legendary breweries to innovative craft beer bars. The Orbit Beers team got to visit in January 2026, and here are some of our recommendations.
Understanding Czech Beer: More Than Just Pilsner
Czech brewing traditions date back over a thousand years, with beer being such an integral part of the culture that the phrase "Na zdraví!" (to your health!) is heard in every pub. While pilsner is the country's most famous export, Czech beer culture encompasses several key styles:
- Pilsner (Světlý Ležák) – The golden, hoppy lager invented in Plzeň in 1842. Crisp and refreshing, with a sweet caramel taste from Pilsner Malt and a distinctive bitterness from Saaz hops.
- Dark Lager (Tmavý Ležák) – A rich, malty beer with notes of caramel and chocolate, often overlooked but equally traditional in Czechia. We’ve brewed our own Tmavý (12°) Ležák at Orbit this February, inspired by our trip!
- Pale Lager (Výčepní) – Less commonly seen, and lower in alcohol (around 3-4% ABV), these session beers are suited for all-day drinking.
Czech beers are traditionally advertised in degrees Plato (°), which indicates the original gravity rather than alcohol content. A 12° is the standard pilsner strength, while a 10° is a lighter session beer. So that’s something to look out for if you’re used to seeing ABV.
Breweries
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
No visit to Plzeň is complete without a pilgrimage to Pilsner Urquell, the brewery that created one of the world's first golden coloured lagers in 1842. The tour takes you through the historic grounds of the brewery and into the more modern fermentation rooms. Then into the extensive underground labyrinth and cellars, where beer has been lagered in oak barrels for nearly two centuries.
The highlight? Tasting unfiltered Pilsner Urquell from the barrels in the cellars. A richer, softer version with a delicate complexity. The cellars maintain a constant temperature perfect for lagering, and the tunnels stretch for over 9km beneath the city.
Book in advance as the tours are guided, and ours was full on a Saturday afternoon in January!
Elektrárna Brewery
Housed in a former power station (hence the name meaning "Power Plant"), Elektrárna represents Plzeň's modern craft beer scene. The industrial space has been transformed into a unique and vast brewhouse with exposed brick, metal beams, and a visible brewing system alongside elements of the old power station. Work is still underway, but we were delighted to be shown around by Michel, the Head Brewer, and find out what they have planned.
Their beer range goes beyond traditional Czech styles, experimenting with IPAs, wheat beers, and creative seasonal brews. We even tried their take on an English Pale Ale – which was delicately hopped with English varieties with a touch of Pilsner malt (of course!).
Purkmistr Brewery & Restaurant
Purkmistr is a much smaller brewery and restaurant set in a beautiful historic building just outside the city centre. Unlike Pilsner Urquell's industrial scale, this is a more intimate site where you can see the brewing equipment from your dinner table.
Their house beers include a classic pilsner, a dark lager, and seasonal specials. We particularly enjoyed their amber ale, and imperial stout! The food menu was traditional, but well executed. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between being a serious brewery and a comfortable neighbourhood spot. You have the option to stay in the hotel on site where they have a beer spa! We didn’t have time for that sadly, but a warm hop bath on a cold January night sounded perfect, with beer taps next to the baths.
Restaurants, Bars, and Brew Pubs
Na Spilce Restaurant – The Brewery Tap
Located right next to Pilsner Urquell brewery, Na Spilce is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Czech cuisine alongside fresh brewery beer. The restaurant is large and welcoming for big groups, and you’ll also find the rare unfiltered Pilsner Urquell in here!
The menu features hearty Czech classics: we had classics like Beef Ribs, Spätzle, and Pork Knuckle, amongst other things. The portions are generous, and the quality is great if you need a post-tour lunch/dinner.
Pivovarska Krcma – A Hidden Microbrewery
This small microbrewery and pub is tucked away just off the main square by the cathedral. Pivovarska Krcma feels very local, and brews its own beer on-site in small batches. It was our first stop when we arrived and it’s the kind of place where you'll find yourself chatting away with locals as you make your way through the menu.
Lokal pod Divadlem – Authentic Czech Beer Culture
Part of the respected Lokal chain (found in Prague and other Czech cities), Lokal pod Divadlem serves tank beer from the brewery and is a known spot for getting a Pilsner Urquell in top condition along with other great beers.
The no-frills atmosphere is exactly what a Czech pub should be: straightforward, efficient, and focused entirely on beer and traditional food. The menu features Czech staples done well and traditional beer snacks. Service is quick, and the beer is always perfectly poured with a proper foam head.
Na Parkánu & The Beer Museum
Located right next to the square with views of the cathedral, Na Parkánu is another excellent traditional option.
It’s right next to the beer museum, so you can work up a thirst on the tour, which is handy, because your ticket will get you your first drink on the house. The interior has a rustic, historic charm, and the atmosphere feels authentic and unpretentious.
We popped to the Beer Museum (Pivovarské Muzeum) bright and early on Saturday morning, which offers crucial context for understanding Plzeň's brewing heritage. Housed in a historic malthouse, the museum details the history of brewing in the city and the invention of pilsner. The exhibits include historic brewing equipment, coopers' tools for barrel-making, and detailed explanations of the brewing process.
Raven Bar – Craft Beer
Raven Bar was recommended to us by the head brewer at Purkmistr. It’s a craft beer bar showcasing beers from Czechia and international breweries. With around 10-12 beers on tap and plenty more in bottles, lots of styles to choose from.
The bar staff are friendly & knowledgeable, and were happy to recommend beers. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a more modern feel to the place. An easy home from home for us.
Kegzistence Craft Beer Bar – For Craft Beer Enthusiasts
For serious craft beer enthusiasts, Kegzistence is essential. This small bar focuses exclusively on quality craft beer, with a rotating selection of taps featuring Czech and international breweries.
On our visit, we found everything from IPAs and fruited sours to barrel-aged stouts alongside excellent craft Czech pilsners.
The space is intimate and conversation-focused, without loud music or distractions. It's the place to go to discover something new. If you need a break from traditional Czech pubs and want to see what the new generation of breweries are creating, this is well worth a visit.
Making the Most of Your Trip to Plzeň
Getting there:
We flew to Prague from London Gatwick and then got a mini bus to Plzeň from the airport, which took just under an hour. You can get the train or a taxi easily enough though.
Getting Around:
Plzeň is compact and walkable. Most of the breweries and bars mentioned are within a 20-30 minute walk of each other. But there are buses from the main square or Bolt taxis to get around if you’re heading further out of town (we found this much better than Uber).
When to Visit:
The city is less crowded than Prague, making it enjoyable even in summer, but we went in January. So, minus temperatures, but beautiful and snowy. Plus, it’s very warm in all the bars and restaurants.
The Proper Pours:
Czech beer is served with a thick, creamy head (roughly 2-3 fingers of foam). This isn't a mistake, it's tradition and protects the beer's aroma and flavour. There are different types of pour, often shown on the menus. Most notably, Hladinka (about 1/3rd foam), Šnyt (roughly 2/3rd foam), and Mlíko (almost all foam – down in one!).
Booking:
Reserve tours at the breweries in advance, especially on weekends.
The birthplace of pilsner offers so much more than just one famous brewery. From historic cellars to innovative craft beer bars, Plzeň showcases beer culture at its finest. Whether you're a pilsner purist or a craft beer explorer, this Czech city deserves a spot on your beer travel bucket list.
Until then, we’re releasing a Dark Czech Lager in February in bottles and on tap at selected venues, so you can enjoy a taste of Czechia here at home!
Na zdraví!
Looking for more travel recommendations? Check out our Cologne and Düsseldorf guides as well.