Quick Picks: Best Beer Spots in Plzen

Are you in a hurry? Here are our top recommendations for your visit. These spots cover different tastes and styles.

• Best Overall Craft: Beer Factory
• Best Traditional Vibe: Na Parkánu
• Best Modern Selection: Pivotečka
• Best Unique Experience: Purkmistr Beer Spa

12 Best Craft Beer Pubs in Plzen City Center

Plzen's beer scene is diverse and exciting. You can find everything from 19th-century cellars to industrial-chic taprooms. Most of these locations are near Republic Square.

1. Name: Beer Factory Type: Microbrewery Why go: They brew excellent modern craft styles on-site. Best for: IPA and Stout lovers. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 60-90 CZK per beer. Getting there: 2-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Try the tasting flight to sample four different brews.
2. Name: Pivotečka Type: Craft Beer Bar Why go: It has one of the largest rotating tap lists in the city. Best for: Trying rare Czech microbrews. Where: Rooseveltova street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 55-95 CZK per beer. Getting there: Located just off the main square. Tip: Check the chalkboard for limited edition seasonal kegs.
3. Name: Na Parkánu Type: Traditional Pub Why go: It is the only place serving unfiltered Pilsner Urquell directly from the source. Best for: Iconic history and perfect pours. Where: Veleslavínova (next to the Brewery Museum). Time: 1 hour. Cost: 55-70 CZK per beer. Getting there: Easy walk in the old town. Tip: Pair your beer with their famous pickled cheese.
4. Name: Lékárna Type: Traditional Pub Why go: This former pharmacy offers a stunning interior and top-tier tap masters. Best for: A high-end traditional experience. Where: Republic Square. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 65-80 CZK per beer. Getting there: Directly on the main square. Tip: Sit at the bar to watch the "hladinka" pour technique.
5. Name: Raven Pub City Type: Craft Taproom Why go: Raven is one of the most famous craft breweries in the country. Best for: Experimental flavors and young crowds. Where: Plachého street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 70-100 CZK per beer. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the center. Tip: Their fruit-infused sours are refreshing in summer.
6. Name: Pivovar Groll Type: Microbrewery & Restaurant Why go: It is named after the creator of Pilsner beer and has a cozy courtyard. Best for: A quiet afternoon brew. Where: Truhlářská street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 50-80 CZK per beer. Getting there: Near the river, north of the center. Tip: The "Lotr" beer is their signature dark lager.
7. Name: U Salzmannů Type: Historical Pub Why go: It is the oldest pub in Plzen, dating back to 1637. Best for: Old-world atmosphere and hearty food. Where: Pražská street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 60-80 CZK per beer. Getting there: Very close to the cathedral. Tip: Great spot for a traditional Czech goulash dinner.
8. Name: Francis Type: Craft Beer Bar Why go: A small, friendly bar with a focus on quality over quantity. Best for: Meeting locals and beer enthusiasts. Where: Rooseveltova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 60-90 CZK per beer. Getting there: Short walk from Republic Square. Tip: Ask the bartender for recommendations based on your taste.
9. Name: Pivstro Type: Beer Bistro Why go: They combine street food like burgers with excellent craft taps. Best for: Casual lunch with a great brew. Where: Bezručova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 250-400 CZK for food and drink. Getting there: Southern part of the city center. Tip: Their pastrami sandwiches are highly rated.
10. Name: Purkmistr Type: Brewery & Spa Why go: You can literally bathe in beer here. Best for: A unique relaxation experience. Where: Černice (Plzen outskirts). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: 800-1500 CZK for spa treatments. Getting there: Take trolleybus line 13 from the center. Tip: Book spa treatments at least two weeks in advance.
11. Name: Radyně Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: It offers the best views over the Plzen region. Best for: Nature and history lovers. Where: Starý Plzenec. Time: 3 hours. Cost: 100 CZK entrance fee. Getting there: Short train or bus ride from Plzen. Tip: Hike up the tower for a panoramic photo.
12. Name: Chotěšov Abbey Type: Day Trip Why go: A massive, mysterious baroque monastery undergoing restoration. Best for: Exploring hidden architectural gems. Where: Chotěšov. Time: 4 hours. Cost: 150 CZK for a tour. Getting there: 20 minutes by train from Plzen. Tip: Check the official website for seasonal opening dates.

Planning Your Plzen Factory Tour and Beer Weekend

Getting to Plzen is very simple for international visitors. Most people choose to travel from Prague to Plzen by train. The journey takes about 90 minutes and is very comfortable.

You should also consider a Pilsner Urquell brewery tour. These tours sell out quickly on weekends. It is best to book your tickets online before you arrive in the city.

For more information on national travel, visit the Visit Czechia website. They provide updates on festivals and regional events. Plzen is a great base for exploring the western part of the country.

Tips for Drinking Beer Like a Local in Plzen

Czech beer culture has its own set of rules. Always put a coaster down before the waiter brings your drink. This signals that you are ready to order. It also keeps the table clean.

When toasting, look your friends in the eye. Say "Na zdraví" and tap the bottom of the glass on the table. Never cross arms with others while toasting. It is considered bad luck.

Do not be surprised by the large head of foam. A proper Czech pour has about three fingers of foam. This protects the beer from oxidation and keeps it fresh. It also adds a creamy texture to the drink.