The Czech city of Plzen, birthplace of pilsner beer, serves up some of Europe’s most enlightening drinking experiences. The standout is the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour, where you’ll wander through massive copper vats and centuries-old tunnels while sampling unpasteurized beer straight from oak barrels. I’m especially fond of the small-group pub crawls – they’re intimate, informative, and led by passionate locals who know the best hidden taverns. The beer bike tours offer a fun twist, combining sightseeing with sampling, though they’re best in warmer months.
Let’s examine the top drinking tours that make Plzen special.
Key Points
- The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour, recognized as the Best Brewery Tour in Europe, offers a 110-minute experience showcasing the brewery’s efficiency and history.
- The Day Trip to Brewery & Glassworks provides a 9-hour semi-private tour with a guided visit to the Rückl Crystal factory and Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
- The Brewery Museum Visit allows visitors to explore the 15th-century building, medieval drinking customs, and the smallest jug in the world, with a complimentary glass of Pilsner Urquell.
- The Beer Bike Experience offers a 1.5-hour tour with unlimited Pilsner draft beer, a private guide, and an entertaining after-party for groups of up to 14 participants.
- The Pub and Club Crawl provides a 5-hour experience visiting 6 popular clubs and bars, with a live tour guide, a welcome drink, and the opportunity to participate in the famous Pilsen naked run.
Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour With Beer Tasting
The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting offers visitors a captivating exploration of the birthplace of the iconic pilsner beer.
Lasting 110 minutes, the tour takes participants through the brewery’s historical cellars, where they can learn about the beer-making process and ingredients.
Visitors will also witness the modern bottling facility, which processes an impressive 120,000 bottles per hour.
The highlight is the tasting of unfiltered Pilsner Urquell beer in the historic cellars.
Recognized as the World Travel Awards’ Best Brewery Tour in Europe, this immersive experience is a must for any beer enthusiast visiting Plzeň.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English and German, with a reasonable price of $16.69 per person.
Read our full review: Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour With Beer Tasting Review
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Day Trip to Pilsner Urquell Brewery and Bohemian Glassworks
This day trip to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and Bohemian Glassworks offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and traditions of the Czech Republic.
Priced at £160.94 per person, the semi-private tour lasts 9 hours and includes a guided visit to the Rückl Crystal factory, Pilsen sightseeing, and a tour of the iconic Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
Travelers will enjoy a traditional Czech lunch and have ample free time to explore the sites.
Transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all admissions are included.
With a 5/5 rating based on 11 reviews, this tour provides excellent value and a memorable glimpse into Czech culture and craftsmanship.
Read our full review: Day Trip to Pilsner Urquell Brewery and Bohemian Glassworks Review
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Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance With a Glass of Beer
Visiting the Brewery Museum in Plzeň is a must for any beer enthusiast exploring the heart of Czech brewing tradition. Housed in a preserved 15th-century building, the museum offers a fascinating journey through beer-making history, including medieval drinking customs and features like the smallest jug in the world.
Visitors can explore the Gothic malt house, medieval cellars, and authentic beer pubs from the early 20th century. The highlight is a complimentary 0.3-liter glass of Pilsner Urquell Beer for those aged 18 and over.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, foreign visitors can download the SmartGuide app for tours in English or German. At just $6.78 per person, it’s an excellent value for money.
Read our full review: Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance With a Glass of Beer Review
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Pilsen: 1.5-Hour Beer Bike With Unlimited Beer
For those eager to explore Pilsen’s vibrant beer culture, the 1.5-Hour Beer Bike with Unlimited Beer offers an unparalleled experience.
Operating from DEPO2015, this tour accommodates up to 14 participants and costs $520.57 per group. Guests can expect unlimited non-alcoholic Pilsner draft beer, cycling through the city center, custom music, and a 30-minute after-party.
The tour includes a private guide, safety briefing, and refreshments. While suitable for most, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or medical conditions.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 36 reviews, this beer bike tour promises an authentic and entertaining way to discover Pilsen’s brewing heritage.
Read our full review: Pilsen: 1.5-Hour Beer Bike With Unlimited Beer Review
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Pilsner Brewery Tour Incl Beer Tasting & Czech Town Pilsen
Discovering the rich brewing legacy of Pilsen, the Pilsner Brewery Tour Incl Beer Tasting & Czech Town Pilsen offers an immersive experience.
This 7-hour tour takes visitors through the world-famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where they’ll explore the history of the original Pilsner beer and taste it straight from oak barrels.
The tour also includes a visit to notable sites in Pilsen, such as the medieval cathedral and historical center.
Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the small-group tour (up to 10 participants) provides an informative and enjoyable experience.
Wheelchair accessible and with free cancellation up to 3 days in advance, this tour is a must for beer enthusiasts exploring the Czech Republic.
Read our full review: Pilsner Brewery Tour Incl Beer Tasting & Czech Town Pilsen Review
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Pilsen: Pub and Club Crawl
Setting out on a Pilsen pub and club crawl offers an exhilarating way to take in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
This 5-hour experience takes you to 6 popular clubs and bars, each with a complimentary welcome drink.
Led by a live tour guide fluent in multiple languages, the tour provides a seamless exploration of Pilsen’s buzzing nightlife scene.
Highlights include pouring your own beer at a unique venue and the opportunity to participate in the famous Pilsen naked run at the tour’s end.
With an average rating of 4.8/5 from 28 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable night of discovering top spots often missed by travelers.
Priced from £49.80 per person, it’s a fantastic value for money.
Read our full review: Pilsen: Pub and Club Crawl Review
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Sum Up
Pilsen offers a variety of drinking tours for visitors. They can explore the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, visit the Brewery Museum, or experience a beer bike tour. Those looking for a more lively night can join a pub and club crawl. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply want to experience the local nightlife, Pilsen has something to suit your tastes.