Pilsen stands out as a top destination for beer enthusiasts. It’s not just about sipping the world-famous Pilsner Urquell; this city offers a rich blend of history, authentic brewing traditions, and lively local culture. Walking through Pilsen’s charming streets, you can feel the brewing legacy that’s been brewing for centuries. Among the many ways to experience this city, a brewery tour is the best way to appreciate its spirit. We particularly love tours that combine cultural sights with behind-the-scenes access, like the Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting, which delivers a full day of exploration, storytelling, and tastings.
For those who want a quick, immersive experience, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour offers an iconic visit into the birthplace of the world’s most famous pilsner. And if you’re interested in the history of beer itself, the Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer gives a deep dive into beer-making traditions through engaging exhibits. Below, we’ll walk you through each of these top brewery experiences so you can choose the one that best fits your interests and schedule.
1. Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting
If you want to see Pilsen from all angles—its sights, history, and brewing heritage—this full-immersion tour hits the spot. It’s a small-group experience with about 5.5 hours of walking, sightseeing, and brewery exploration. The tour includes visits to old Pilsen landmarks, where a knowledgeable guide shares stories about the city’s past, and a detailed look into the Pilsner-Urquell Brewery, including its historic cellars. For an authentic experience, you’ll taste beers directly from oak barrels, an opportunity many travelers cherish.
What sets this tour apart is the all-inclusive nature: lunch at a quality restaurant and all entry fees are covered, making it great value for your money. The tour’s reviews consistently praise the guide’s local knowledge and the chance to see hidden corners of Pilsen you might miss on your own. One traveler noted, “Our guide Lucie was fantastic, and we learned so much about both the city and the brewery.” It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day with plenty of local flavor, history, and beer in a relaxed group setting.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a thorough look at Pilsen’s highlights combined with exclusive brewery access and a nice meal, ideal for those wanting an in-depth experience.
2. Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
For around 1 hour and 50 minutes, you can step into the legendary Pilsner Urquell Brewery—a spot that’s won the World Travel Awards 2024 as Europe’s best brewery tour. This is the quintessential choice for beer lovers who want a quick but meaningful visit. The tour begins at the Visitor Center, where you learn about the origins of the first pilsner lager brewed in 1842, a style that influenced over 80% of beer brands today.
From there, a brewery bus takes you to the modern bottling plant, where 120,000 bottles are processed every hour. The highlight? A tasting of unfiltered Pilsner Urquell in the historic cellars—an experience that captures the essence of the original brew. The guide’s engaging storytelling, combined with the impressive facilities, makes this tour stand out. Reviewers emphasize the well-paced, informative nature and praise the “fabulous beer at the end.”
This experience is perfect if you’re short on time but want to see the heart of the brewery where this iconic beer was born. It’s also a fantastic way to learn about the brewing process without committing to a full day.
Bottom Line: Efficient and memorable, this tour is ideal for those interested in the history and production of Pilsner Urquell, especially if you’re pressed for time.
3. Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer
For a more relaxed, educational experience, the Brewery Museum in Pilsen offers a fascinating look into the history of beer in Bohemia. This museum, the only professional of its kind in the region, features exhibits on the history of pubs, the brewing process, and beer curiosities. It’s a hands-on way to understand the cultural significance of beer through displays like the malt shop, kiln, and even a laboratory.
The experience is straightforward—admission includes a beer voucher for a small sample at nearby restaurants, which is a great way to extend your visit into a casual tasting. The reviews highlight the museum’s unique content, with one visitor noting, “It’s a one-of-a-kind museum that really captures the spirit of beer-making.” It’s best suited for travelers with limited time, those interested in beer history, or anyone looking for a low-cost outing.
The museum provides a window into Pilsen’s brewing roots without the need for a full factory tour, making it a good complement to other experiences or a standalone visit for history fans.
Bottom Line: If you love history and want a relaxed introduction to beer culture, this museum entrance with a beer sample is a smart pick.
How to Choose Your Perfect Pilsen Brewery Experience
When selecting a brewery tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you want a comprehensive day with sightseeing, the Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour delivers city landmarks plus brewery access with lunch included. For those seeking a shorter, highly informative tour, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour offers a faithful, iconic experience perfect for beer enthusiasts. And if your focus is on beer history and local culture without extensive brewery visits, the Brewery Museum provides a relaxed, educational outing.
Booking early is wise—popular tours tend to fill quickly, especially during peak season. Think about your fitness level: walking tours involve some steps and outdoor activity, while museum visits are more sedate. For a full experience, consider combining a museum visit with one of the brewery tours for a well-rounded understanding of Pilsen’s beer heritage.
Final Thoughts
Pilsen offers a diverse range of brewery experiences that cater to different interests and schedules. For the complete immersion, the Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour with Lunch is hard to beat, combining sightseeing, history, and beer tasting in one package. If you’re a beer fanatic eager to see the original brewery, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour delivers a classic and memorable visit. And for history lovers, the Brewery Museum offers a relaxed way to learn about Pilsen’s brewing legacy without the crowds.
No matter which you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Pilsen’s beer scene is a highlight on any Czech Republic itinerary—so raise a glass and enjoy your visit.