The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Pilsen

Pilsen is famous for its brewery, which produces the delicious bottom-fermented pale lagers that are exported around the world. The brewery has been bringing joy to beer-lovers and students since it opened in 1839. They offer 11 different types of malt and wheat beer, with and without alcohol. They also organize fun tours around the old cellars and factory where you can learn more about how your favorite beer is made and taste some of their brews. You can sign up to learn how to ‘tap’ beer or try out the traditional brewing tasks. There’s also a great restaurant which serves Czech specialties.

If you love history, especially the period around the second World War, come to the Patton Memorial Museum. The museum’s exhibition documents the last days before the liberation of Pilsen by the US Army, the aftermath with the post-war economic aid, and the later communist totalitarian regime. Part of the exhibition concentrates on George S. Patton, a controversial figure and commander in the army who largely contributed to ending the Nazi regime. The museum is small but packed with educative information, videos and objects from that era.

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9 am-1 pm, 2 pm-5 pm

This incredible synagogue is the second largest in Europe and you can spot its towers for miles around. Its architecture combines romantic, neo-renaissance, Oriental, Russian Orthodox and Arabic styles. The synagogue was used as a storage facility during World War II and was closed down during the communist rule. It was only restored and reopened in 1998. There are no longer many practicing Jews in Pilsen, so the synagogue is also used as a concert hall and as an exhibition hall for photography artwork.