A budget guide to Pilsen (Plzen), Czech Republic
Our first stop in our budget-friendly tour of the Czech Republic outside Prague is Pilsen:
Pilsen
Local name: Plzen
“The government that raises the price of beer will fall,” the old Czech saying goes.
Named the EU Cultural Capital for 2015, Pilsen is best known for, what else, Pilsener (or “Pilsner”) beer. Back in the 1200’s, the townspeople were allowed to brew and sell beer right in their homes. (Remember Good King Wenceslas?)
Today, the city’s draw is still its old local taverns. There, you can taste the distinct and flavorful Pilsner Urquell and follow a “beer trail” to find out how traditional secrets were guarded through many generations.
What to Do
Eat. Drink by the pitcher. Try the beer spa of Purkmistr brewery which takes groups up to 16 for a fun experience of massages and sauna. Skeptical whether hops and yeast can actually have a healing or cleansing effect on your skin? There’s only one way to find out. (Beer baths from €27.)
The Hotel Rango, Pilsen Photo: Booking.com
Stay
The Hotel Rango is a lovely three-star family-run property located in the historical center of Pilsen (literally less than a minute from the city’s main square). Its location alone makes it an easy walk home at night…
Doubles from $56 a night
Search all budget hotels available in Pilsen
Getting there
From Prague Airport, 90 km/50 minutes by car. There’s also a direct bus trip from Prague. Check schedules at www.idos.cz. Trains from Prague leave to Pilsen every hour.
More affordable Czech destinations
Pilsen is just one stop on our tour of budget-friendly Czech destinations. These also include:
- Františkovy Lázne (German Name: Franzensbad)
- Ceské Budejovice (German name: Budweis)
Also going to Prague?
Be sure to check out our recommended budget hotels in Prague, and our articles on how to save when visiting the city.
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