"Birthplace of Pilsner & the smoky train affair" Plzen by richiecdisc

Plzen Travel Guide: 128 reviews and 418 photos

When a town and a beer have the same name, you know the beer must be something special. The pleasant surprise is the town itself, which manages to avoid being an overly touristy ode to Pilsner and retain its authentic Czech character. With a picturesque Old Town Square, a great Gothic cathedral, a regal Renaissance Town Hall, an underground city, and a brewing museum, there is more than enough to keep you busy for a day or two. Add to this, its 700-year-old namesake brewery, and you have a town well worth a visit for any visitor to the Czech Republic, and a true must see for any lover of world-class beers. Though there is a lot more to offer, this is one place that is worth visiting just to have a beer.

Last visit to Plzen: Nov 2001
Intro Written Sep 10, 2002
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Reviews (15)

St. Bartholomew Church. Things to Do (5)

This 13th century Gothic structure has superb stained glass window and a Gothic Madonna on the high alter. more travel advice

Packing List What to Pack (1)

Bring someone that can properly compose a photo or you will lose part of the historical archway from the Urquell... more travel advice

The New Synogogue was built in... - Plzen

The New Synogogue was built in... Local Customs (1)

The New Synogogue was built in the Romantic Moor-Romanesque style in 1892 and is a testimonial to the rich Jewish... more travel advice

We arrived via train from... Transportation (1)

We arrived via train from Prague for 82 kc ($2.25). The trains leave Prague nearly every hour and arrive at hlavni... more travel advice

Comments (43)

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Gili_S Feb 8, 2009 at 2:46 AM

Be sure that on one of my free days I will come to visit this historical town.
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blaird Feb 28, 2005 at 7:36 PM

what is that Pilsner tap? I have never seen something like that before. It kinda looks like a urinal type thing from a baseball game. I'll need to make a trip to Plzen, anyway.
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herzog63 Jun 20, 2003 at 12:09 PM

Richiedisc has found his Mecca!!! I can picture you sleeping in one of those big copper vats!! Sleeping with a smile! Great writing about the train ride!
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phil_uk_net Apr 28, 2003 at 9:09 AM

Richie, you're a beer monster! I hope you're being paid for this invaluable research. Beer in the CR is so good, and so cheap. Non-smoking g/f's are a lot less hassle.
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syllybabe Mar 21, 2003 at 1:43 AM

Awww...beery sweet story ;-)
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Kentbein Jan 6, 2003 at 12:41 PM

I'll be in Plzen next week, so will take you up on the restautrant recommendation!
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Imbi Dec 1, 2002 at 6:50 PM

no doubt Pilsner is a very good beer. great pictures.
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sargentjeff Aug 3, 2002 at 12:53 PM

I`ll drink to that....Great intro story too!
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isolanthui Aug 3, 2002 at 10:40 AM

something about beer! :-D
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wispofcloud Jul 7, 2002 at 7:55 PM

nice write-up and photos!