Plzen isn’t just about pilsner; it’s a city packed with authentic experiences that give you a real feel for Czech culture and history. Whether you’re interested in uncovering underground secrets, tasting world-famous beer, or exploring the city’s sights from a bus, Plzen offers options for every curiosity. Among our favorites is the Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer, which combines history and a refreshing drink, and the Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague, perfect for those who want a personalized experience of the brewing process. These tours showcase the city’s rich brewing traditions and give you a glimpse into its medieval roots.
For travelers who want a bit of adrenaline, the Big Bunker Shooting Experience offers a rare chance to handle legendary firearms. And if you prefer a relaxed overview of the city’s landmarks, the Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour with audio guide makes it easy to see Plzen’s highlights comfortably. Each experience provides a different perspective, helping visitors decide which side of the city they want to explore most.
1. Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer
At number 1 on our list is the Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer. This tour takes you beneath the streets of Plzen to explore its ancient tunnels, cellars, and secret passages. The underground network is more extensive than many realize — the tour visitors have been surprised by its size and complexity, with some describing it as “very interesting” and “massive.” As you learn about how these tunnels supported medieval life, you get a vivid picture of what life was like in the Middle Ages.
The highlight is the included beer voucher, which allows you to taste 0.3 liters of Pilsner Urquell, directly connecting you to the city’s brewing heritage. The guide, often praised for speaking proficient English, makes the history engaging and accessible. This tour is ideal for those interested in history, local legends, and authentic underground spaces. It lasts about an hour and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Bottom Line: A great way to combine history, local culture, and a refreshing beer in a compact, well-reviewed package. Perfect for curious travelers wanting an immersive experience.
2. Pilsen: Panoramic Sightseeing – Bus Tour with audio guide
For around $18, the Panoramic Sightseeing Bus Tour with audio guide offers a quick, comfortable way to cover a lot of ground in just an hour. It’s ideal if your time in Plzen is limited but you want to see the key sights. The open-top bus provides excellent views of the historic city center and the renowned Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
The audio guide, available in 10 languages, gives you insightful commentary on the city’s history, architecture, and local stories. Plus, you get free water, and there’s an option to hop off at various points to explore further. Many reviewers appreciate how relaxed this tour is, especially compared to walking or self-guided options. It’s perfect for first-timers or travelers who prefer a broad overview without much walking.
Bottom Line: An easy, informative, and budget-friendly way to get oriented, especially suitable if you’re short on time but want an overview of Plzen’s highlights.
3. Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague
Number 3 is the Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague, offering a tailored experience for those who want to combine a city visit with a private brewery tour. This exclusive trip lasts about 7 hours and is perfect for travelers seeking personalized attention and flexibility. The tour includes admission to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where you’ll taste the beer straight from the barrel, and a guided walk through Pilsen’s historic center.
What sets this apart is the hassle-free pickup from your Prague accommodation, making it a stress-free day trip. The private nature allows for a more relaxed pace and tailored questions. The reviews highlight the quality of the experience, with one stating it was “a personalized experience” and “very enjoyable.” The tour is best suited for beer lovers, history enthusiasts, and those who appreciate privacy.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you prefer a private, in-depth brewery visit combined with exploring Pilsen’s urban charm.
4. Plzeň: Big Bunker Shooting Experience
For adrenaline junkies, the Big Bunker Shooting Experience provides a chance to handle legendary firearms such as CZ pistols, GLOCK 19X, Colt 1911, AR-15s, AK47, and shotguns. This 2-hour session is a unique opportunity to learn shooting techniques with professional instructors. The experience is designed to be both fun and safe, emphasizing proper handling of different types of firearms.
Participants can check their accuracy and hone their shooting skills, making it a memorable highlight for gun enthusiasts. While it’s a bit intense, many find it a fun and empowering activity, especially with the option to use “red dot” sights for better precision. The reviews note the instructor’s expertise and the high quality of the firearms.
Bottom Line: Best suited for thrill-seekers and firearm aficionados eager to try legendary guns in a controlled environment. Not for the faint of heart or those uncomfortable with guns.
5. Plzen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery & City Tour
Number 5 is a comprehensive day tour combining a guided visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery with a walking tour of Plzen’s key sights. This includes transport from Prague, making it a convenient, all-in-one experience. The tour covers the brewery’s history, brewing process, and a tasting session, plus visits to iconic landmarks like the Church of St. Bartholomew and the Great Synagogue.
It’s a private tour, with tickets included, and a professional guide who shares stories behind the city’s most important sites. The itinerary is well-paced, offering a thorough look at both the brewing industry and local architecture. Reviewers praise its convenience, knowledgeable guide, and the chance to learn about Pilsen’s cultural heritage.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing, beer tasting, and cultural exploration with all logistics handled.
6. Prague: Private Day Trip to Pilsen with Brewery Tour
Finally, the Private Day Trip from Prague to Pilsen offers a well-rounded experience with a mix of city exploration and brewery insights. Over about 7 hours, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Pilsen’s main sights and a detailed visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, including tasting fresh, unfiltered beer straight from the oak barrels.
This trip is perfect for those staying in Prague but eager to see Pilsen’s highlights without rushing. The itinerary includes visits to the Great Synagogue and the Church of St. Bartholomew, making it a culturally rich day. The reviews highlight its smooth organization, with many noting the value of combining city sights with beer in a private setting.
Bottom Line: Highly recommended for visitors wanting a flexible, private experience that combines sightseeing with beer tasting, all in one day.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Plzen
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your interests and travel style. If you’re fascinated by underground architecture and medieval secrets, the Underground Tour with Beer is a must. Budget travelers or first-timers might prefer the Panoramic Bus Tour, which offers quick sightseeing without a lot of walking.
Beer lovers who want a personalized experience should opt for the Private Brewery Tour from Prague, while thrill-seekers might enjoy the Big Bunker Shooting Experience. For those wanting a full-day, guided exploration, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery & City Tour is an excellent choice, and the Private Day Trip from Prague offers the most flexibility.
Booking early is wise during peak seasons, especially for private tours, to secure your preferred times.
To sum it up, Plzen offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests — whether you want to explore underground tunnels, sample legendary beer, or enjoy panoramic city views. For history enthusiasts, the underground tour is a standout. If you’re a beer connoisseur, the private brewery experience can’t be beaten. And for those with a sense of adventure, the bunker shooting experience will leave you with stories to tell.
No matter your taste, planning ahead and choosing the right tour will ensure your time in Plzen is memorable and enriching. Happy exploring!