Top 10 Spots Where to Drink Craft Beer in Plzeň

Plzeň offers a mix of historic sites and modern taprooms. Most places are within walking distance of the city center. You will find traditional lagers and experimental ales. Here are our top picks for your next visit.

• Best overall: Raven Microbrewery
• Best for history: Pilsner Urquell
• Best for families: Purkmistr
• Best for rainy days: Beer Factory

1. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the birthplace of the world's first golden lager. You can taste unfiltered beer directly from oak barrels. Visit the official Pilsner Urquell site for tour tickets. Best for: History lovers Where: Východní Předměstí Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main square Tip: Book your tour online at least two days early.
2. Name: Raven Microbrewery Type: Microbrewery Why go: Raven is the leader of the modern craft scene in Plzeň. They brew excellent IPAs, stouts, and sours. Read about Raven Microbrewery Plzeň tasting room hours before you visit. Best for: Craft enthusiasts Where: Bolevec district Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Affordable Getting there: Take Tram 1 or 4 from the center Tip: Try their seasonal fruit sours in the summer.
3. Name: Beer Factory Type: Experience Why go: This modern brewpub is located in the heart of the city. It has an industrial vibe and a great kitchen. You can watch the brewing tanks while you eat. Best for: Groups and dinner Where: City Center Time: 2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: 2-minute walk from Republic Square Tip: The tasting flight is the best way to try everything.
4. Name: Purkmistr Type: Experience/Spa Why go: This complex features a brewery, restaurant, and a famous beer spa. It is a perfect place to relax outside the city center. See Purkmistr brewery beer spa prices and booking info here. Best for: Relaxation Where: Černice district Time: 3-4 hours Cost: High (for spa) Getting there: Take Trolleybus 13 to the end station Tip: Book the beer spa weeks in advance.
5. Name: Pivovar Proud Type: Microbrewery Why go: Proud is located in a former power plant at the edge of the brewery grounds. They focus on experimental and low-alcohol beers. Best for: Unique atmosphere Where: Brewery District Time: 1 hour Cost: Affordable Getting there: Walk through the main brewery gates Tip: Check their social media for limited-edition releases.
6. Name: Lokál Pod Divadlem Type: Atmosphere Why go: While not a microbrewery, Lokál serves the freshest Pilsner in town. The draft quality is world-class. Best for: Local atmosphere Where: Near the Great Theatre Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Affordable Getting there: Walk from the city center Tip: Order a "šnyt" for a smaller, refreshing pour.
7. Name: Francis Type: Craft Bar Why go: This cozy bar features several rotating taps from small Czech breweries. It is the best place to find rare beers in the center. Best for: Variety Where: Near Republic Square Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: 1-minute walk from the square Tip: Ask the staff for a recommendation based on your taste.
8. Name: Lékárna Type: Experience Why go: Located in a historic pharmacy, this pub offers a beautiful interior. They serve perfectly poured beer and traditional Czech snacks. Best for: Architecture Where: Republic Square Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: Located on the main square Tip: Sit near the window to watch the square.
9. Name: U Salzmannů Type: Historic Why go: This is the oldest pub in Plzeň, dating back to 1637. It offers a very traditional Czech dining experience. Best for: History Where: Pražská street Time: 2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: 2-minute walk from the square Tip: Try the goulash with your beer.
10. Name: Pivovar Radnice Type: Day trip Why go: Located just outside Plzeň, this brewery is set in historic cellars. It is a great escape from the city crowds. Best for: Day trips Where: Radnice (25 km from Plzeň) Time: Half-day Cost: Affordable Getting there: 30-minute train ride from Plzeň Tip: Visit the nearby museum after your beer.

Essential Tips for Drinking Beer in Plzeň

Drinking beer in Plzeň is an art form. You should know the three main ways to pour a lager. A "Hladinka" is the standard pour with a thick head. A "Šnyt" is a smaller beer in a large glass. A "Mlíko" is a glass full of sweet beer foam. Try all three to see which you prefer.

Most pubs in the center get very busy. You should book a table for Friday or Saturday nights. Many places allow online reservations. Consult the Visit Plzeň board for event schedules. This helps you avoid the biggest crowds during festivals.

Local food is heavy but delicious. It is designed to go well with beer. Look for pickled cheese or "utopenec" (pickled sausage). These are classic pub snacks. Most menus are available in English in the city center.

Planning Your Plzeň Craft Beer Itinerary

Start your day at the Pilsner Urquell brewery. It is the best foundation for your trip. Then, walk toward the city center for lunch at Beer Factory. Spend your afternoon exploring the small bars near the square. Lékárna and Francis are excellent choices for a mid-day drink.

If you have more time, head to the outskirts. Raven and Purkmistr offer a more local feel. The public transport system is very reliable. You can use a credit card to pay for tickets on the bus. This makes traveling between breweries very easy and safe.

Check the local calendar for beer festivals. The Sun in a Glass festival is famous. It features dozens of microbreweries from across the country. It usually takes place in September at the Purkmistr brewery. This is the ultimate event for craft beer fans.