Plzen is a must-visit for anyone interested in Czech beer—specifically, the legendary Pilsner. This city isn’t just about tasting a cold pint; it’s where the world’s most famous beer originated and where you can explore authentic brewing traditions. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery is a central highlight, but Plzen offers a variety of tours catering to different interests and schedules. Whether you prefer a quick visit, a detailed exploration with tastings, or a full-day experience that includes sightseeing and local culture, there’s something in Plzen for every beer lover.
One of our favorite options is the Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting. It combines a well-organized, 110-minute tour with the chance to learn how this iconic beer is made and to sample unfiltered pilsner in the historic cellar. The fact that it’s a winner of the World Travel Awards as Europe’s Best Brewery Tour speaks volumes about its quality. For those wanting a deeper dive into Czech craftsmanship, the Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks offers a combination of brewery tour, glassmaking, and a traditional Czech lunch, making it a well-rounded day.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top-rated brewery experiences to help you decide which suits your style and schedule best.
1. Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
This tour is the quintessential Plzen experience for beer fans. It lasts about 110 minutes and combines a thorough walkthrough of the brewery with tastings of fresh Pilsner Urquell. You’ll see how the beer is brewed, explore the historic cellars, and even sample the unfiltered pilsner straight from the original fermentation tanks. As a winner of the World Travel Awards in the category of Best Brewery Tour in Europe, it’s a standout for its quality and depth.
Tour guides are praised for their knowledge, and the tour includes a visit to the brewery’s traditional cellar, where you can truly feel the history. The small group size means a more personal experience, and the price—just $18 per person—offers excellent value for such a rich experience. Many reviewers mention how informative and engaging the guide was, with comments like “very informative” and “great value for the money.” The highlight for most: tasting the authentic pilsner in a historic setting.
Bottom Line: This tour gives you a solid, immersive introduction to Pilsner Urquell and Czech brewing at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for first-time visitors.
2. Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks
For about $222, this small group tour offers more than just beer. It’s a full-day excursion with a maximum of 8 people, including visits to the famous Bohemian glassworks—a craft unique to Czechia—and a traditional Czech lunch. Starting from Prague, the tour features a guided visit to the Glasstar Glassworks, where you’ll learn about the art of glassblowing, and a comprehensive tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewery.
What makes this experience stand out is the balance of culture and beer. The tour includes the history of Pilsen, a visit to the city’s sights, and a chance to taste Czech specialties during lunch. The guide, Hana, is noted for her friendliness and deep knowledge, making the day both enjoyable and educational. Reviews often mention how well-organized and personalized this trip is, with comments like, “memorable visit” and “highly recommend for a relaxed, full-day experience.”
Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice if you want a rich cultural experience combined with beer tasting, perfect for travelers who appreciate craftsmanship and local traditions alongside their brew.
3. Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance with a Glass of Beer
If you’re after a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore beer history, this museum visit costs only $7 and is valid for a day from activation. It’s a self-guided experience, but it offers fascinating insights into the history of Czech brewing from the 15th century onward. You’ll see the smallest jug in the world, a medieval malt house, and a beer brewing laboratory—all in one place.
While the tour is self-paced, it provides a rich visual and educational experience for anyone interested in beer heritage. Some reviews note that the signs are primarily in Czech, which may be a minor obstacle for non-Czech speakers, but overall, visitors find it a worthwhile stop. After exploring the exhibits, you get a voucher for a glass of Pilsner Urquell, making it a cost-effective way to focus on beer history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs or those traveling on a tight budget who want a glimpse into the roots of Czech beer culture without a structured guided tour.
4. Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen
This 7-hour experience is a deep dive into Pilsen’s brewing tradition and the town itself. For $150, you’ll explore the brewery with tastings, and spend time wandering the charming streets of Pilsen. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just a quick visit, as it includes a detailed brewery tour and a chance to see Pilsen’s historic town square.
What sets this apart is its focus on local culture—not just the beer. The tour’s reviews highlight the friendliness of the guide and the quality of the included Czech lunch. It’s a comprehensive experience for beer enthusiasts who also want to soak in the local atmosphere. The value is excellent, given the length and inclusions, making it suitable for those who prefer a leisurely, informative day.
Bottom Line: A great option for travelers wanting a full day of beer, sightseeing, and culture in Pilsen.
5. Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery
This 7-hour tour combines a guided visit to the brewery with a stop at the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew and a traditional Czech lunch for $209. It’s tailored for those wanting a guided, all-in-one experience from Prague. The tour includes a 2-hour guided walk through the brewery, plus a look at Pilsen’s architectural highlights.
The reviews praise the expert guide and the well-organized itinerary. The blend of cultural sights and brewery exploration makes this ideal for travelers eager to see Pilsen’s historic architecture along with the beer. The price reflects the inclusive nature of transport, guides, and tastings, making it a good value for a full day’s outing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a guided, structured day that combines brewery history with local sights.
6. Plzen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery & City Tour
Offering a private guided tour, this experience takes you from Prague to Pilsen in comfort. It features a 1.5-hour brewery tour and a walking tour of the city’s key sights, including the Great Synagogue and Church of St. Bartholomew. The small-group or private format ensures personalized attention, and all tickets are included.
While details on duration vary, the focus on local history and beer makes it a nice option for travelers who prefer private arrangements. Many reviewers appreciate the flexibility and the chance to customize their experience, especially with a knowledgeable driver and guide. The cost isn’t specified but is worth considering for those who want exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a private, tailored experience with a focus on both brewing and cultural highlights.
7. Prague: Private Day Trip to Pilsen with Brewery Tour
This private day trip is ideal for those in Prague wanting a personalized experience. It lasts about 7 hours and includes a guided walk of Pilsen, a tour of the brewery, and tastings of unfiltered Pilsner straight from the barrels. Expect to see the Great Synagogue and Gothic architecture along the way.
The reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guide and the convenience of door-to-door service. It’s perfect for travelers who want a flexible, intimate tour with all logistics managed for them. The focus on history, culture, and beer makes it a well-rounded option for a curated experience.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who prefer a private, customizable day with a focus on Pilsen’s heritage and brewing secrets.
How to Choose Your Perfect Brewery Tour in Plzen
Choosing the right experience depends on your schedule, budget, and interests. If you’re after an affordable, informative intro, the Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting offers excellent value. For a full-day immersion that combines beer with local culture, the Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks is hard to beat.
Travelers seeking a more personalized, private experience should consider the Plzen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery & City Tour or the Prague: Private Day Trip to Pilsen with Brewery Tour. If you’re interested in history and heritage, the Brewery Museum provides a flexible, budget-friendly option.
Consider your time constraints—a quick 110-minute tour fits into a busy schedule, while a full-day adventure suits those with more time and curiosity. Also, think about whether you want to include sightseeing and cultural highlights or focus solely on beer tastings.
Booking early, especially for private and small-group tours, is recommended to secure your preferred date.
Plzen offers a broad spectrum of brewery experiences, from quick tastings to full cultural immersions. Whether you’re a beer novice or a connoisseur, these tours promise an engaging look at the origins of the Czech golden lager. Pick what suits your style best—and don’t forget to raise a glass to this historic brewing city.