What to See in Plzeň, Czechia: Beer, History and the Unusual Beer Bath at Purkmistr

When you think of Czechia, Prague is probably the first city that comes to mind. And understandably so. The capital attracts millions of visitors, has world-famous monuments, and streets that, at certain times of the year, seem to be filled with tourists from all over Europe. But Czechia has other cities worth discovering, and Plzeň is one of them.

I visited Plzeň at the invitation of Visit Plzeň and discovered a city with an atmosphere quite different from that of the capital. Here, I felt a sense of calm, a slower pace of life, and the feeling that the city simply goes about its business without constantly revolving around tourists. And if the name Plzeň doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps Pilsner does. The connection is no coincidence. This is the city where the pilsner style of beer was first brewed in 1842, eventually becoming famous around the world.

Where Is Plzeň and How Do You Get There?

Plzeň is located in western Czechia, in the region of West Bohemia, approximately 90 kilometres from Prague and around 80–85 kilometres from Karlovy Vary by road. It is a city with more than 700 years of history, founded in 1295, which grew through trade, industry and, of course, beer. Its historic centre features old buildings, spacious squares and monuments that are easy to explore on foot.

You can reach Plzeň from Prague by train or car, and its location makes it a good choice for a day trip. If you also want to visit the brewery, explore the historic underground tunnels and enjoy some local experiences without rushing, you can easily spend more time here.

What to See in Plzeň

Plzeň isn’t a city where you need to rush from one attraction to another. You can start in the historic centre and then explore a few places that tell the story of the city.

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral

Located in Republic Square, this Gothic cathedral is one of the city’s main landmarks. Its tower stands just over 102 metres tall, making it the tallest church tower in Czechia. If you’re up for climbing almost 300 steps, you can enjoy views of the city and the surrounding area from the top. The square itself is a lovely place for an unhurried walk, with historic buildings, cafés and colourful façades.

Pilsner Urquell Brewery

For many visitors, this is the main reason to travel to Plzeň. The first beer in the pilsner style was brewed here in 1842, and the brewery’s story has become an essential part of the city’s identity. The guided tour takes you through the history of brewing, the production process and the historic cellars. Even if you’re not a beer enthusiast, it’s fascinating to discover how a local product went on to influence an entire industry.

The Great Synagogue

Plzeň also has an important Jewish heritage, and the Great Synagogue is one of its most impressive landmarks. Opened in 1893, the building combines Moorish and Romanesque architectural elements. It is often described as the third-largest synagogue in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world. Beyond its size and architecture, it also preserves the memory of a community that was an integral part of the city’s history and was devastated during the Holocaust.

The Historic Underground

Beneath the old town lies a network of cellars, corridors and wells extending for almost 20 kilometres in total. The tourist route open to visitors covers approximately 800 metres. These spaces were used for storage, keeping food and beer, and supplying water. Exploring them offers a different perspective on the city, taking you beneath the streets you have been walking along above ground.

Adolf Loos Interiors

For those interested in architecture and design, Plzeň has a lesser-known attraction: interiors created by Adolf Loos, one of the pioneers of European modernism. The preserved apartments offer a glimpse into how the architect used materials, furniture and space to create modern interiors for his time. Visits are organised along specific routes, so it’s best to check availability in advance.

These are some of the places worth visiting. But I also want to tell you about a rather unusual experience, one that fits perfectly with the city’s reputation.

Purkmistr: The Place Where You Can Take a Beer Bath

In Plzeň, beer isn’t just something you drink at a table or discover inside a brewery. You can also bathe in it. Or, more precisely, in a tub of hot water infused with ingredients associated with the brewing process.

Purkmistr is located in the Černice district, at Selská náves 21/2, in the southeastern part of the city. It is a complex that brings together a hotel, its own brewery, a restaurant and a beer spa. It’s not just an attraction for curious tourists, but also a place where you can enjoy a meal or spend a few hours relaxing. The restaurant serves Czech cuisine and beer brewed on-site. The atmosphere reflects the area’s brewing traditions, and you can combine a visit to the restaurant with a spa experience.

But let’s get back to the reason I came here: the beer bath.

What Is a Beer Bath Actually Like?

First, let’s clear something up: you don’t climb into a barrel filled with beer, as you might imagine at first. The bath takes place in a tub of hot water to which ingredients such as hops, brewer’s yeast and malt extracts are added, along with other ingredients used in spa treatments. The exact composition depends on the treatment offered by each spa.

At Purkmistr, the experience is designed for two people. The tub and intimate atmosphere turn it into something quite different from an ordinary spa visit. The water is hot, and it takes a few moments to get used to the temperature. This isn’t the kind of bath where you step in and immediately forget about everything. You settle in, get comfortable and start enjoying the experience.

Then you notice a detail that makes the whole thing even more interesting: there’s a beer barrel with a tap nearby, allowing you to pour yourself a glass while sitting in the tub. Yes, you read that correctly. Beer is included in the experience, and the package I had allowed unlimited beer during the session.

You don’t need to get up, call someone over or wait for your next drink. The tap is within reach, and you can pour yourself as much as you like. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should drink a lot, especially while sitting in hot water.

After the Bath Comes the Relaxation

The experience doesn’t end when you get out of the tub. After the bath, you have time to relax on a specially prepared relaxation bed. If you wish, you can also have some more beer. It’s a moment when you don’t have anything else to do. There’s no monument to visit, no schedule to follow and no need to hurry to the next stop. You simply sit back and rest.

As for the health benefits, I’d take the claims with a grain of salt. Ingredients such as hops and yeast are promoted in the spa industry for their potential skin benefits and relaxing properties. However, I wouldn’t present this experience as a treatment with guaranteed medical benefits. And I don’t think that’s the reason you should try it anyway.

Is a Beer Bath in Plzeň Worth Trying?

If you ask me whether this is the most profound relaxation experience you can have, my answer is no. It’s not necessarily a zen ritual, and I wouldn’t consider it a miracle treatment for your health. But it is a different, fun and unusual experience that is likely to stay in your memory.

How many opportunities do you get to sit in a tub of hot water infused with ingredients used in brewing, while pouring your own beer from a barrel right next to you? I think it’s worth trying at least once. Especially if you’re visiting a city where beer isn’t just a drink, but an important part of the local identity. And if you make it to Purkmistr, you can round off the experience with a meal at the restaurant. That way, you discover two sides of the same tradition: beer as a local product and beer transformed into a tourism experience.

Plzeň, a City That Has Kept Its Charm

I don’t think Plzeň is the first destination that comes to mind when someone plans a holiday in Czechia. Prague has the advantage of famous landmarks, international recognition and an extensive tourism offering. Plzeň doesn’t try to compete with it on the same scale.

And perhaps that’s exactly why I liked the atmosphere here.

I found a quieter city that doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to prove how tourist-friendly it is. A place where you can discover history, architecture, beer and unusual experiences without feeling that you have to tick everything off in a single day.

Plzeň may not be Czechia’s number one attraction. But perhaps the fact that it isn’t constantly in the spotlight has helped it preserve some of its charm and originality. And sometimes, when travelling, the places you have the fewest expectations of are the ones where you end up feeling most at home.