Climbing the St. Bartholomew Cathedral Tower

The tower of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is located right in the center of Republic Square. You will find the entrance to the tower on the outside of the church. The climb consists of exactly 301 steps that wind upward in a spiral. Most of the staircase is narrow, so be prepared for a bit of a squeeze.

The observation gallery sits at a height of 62 meters. From here, you can enjoy the best panoramic views of Plzeň city center and beyond. On clear days, you can even see the peaks of the Bohemian Forest. The gallery provides a 360-degree view of the colorful rooftops and historic streets. It is a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Before you start, check the weather and your physical fitness. The climb is moderate but can be tiring for some. There are no elevators available for this historic structure. You can find more details on the Visit Plzeň official tourism website. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the stone steps. The effort is well worth the stunning reward at the top.

10 Best Things to Do in Plzeň for 2026

Plzeň is more than just its famous cathedral tower. The city offers a rich blend of industrial heritage, culture, and nature. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Pilsner Urquell Brewery
• Best for families: Techmania Science Center
• Best rainy-day: Plzeň Historical Underground
• Best free: Republic Square

1. Name: St. Bartholomew Cathedral Tower Type: Sight Why go: To climb the highest church tower in the country. Best for: Panoramic views and photography. Where: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 100 CZK). Getting there: Walkable from anywhere in the city center. Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds on the narrow stairs.
2. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Experience Why go: To see the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner lager. Best for: Beer lovers and history fans. Where: U Prazdroje 7. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (tours vary). Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Book your tour in advance at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery website.
3. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Activity Why go: Explore a labyrinth of medieval cellars and tunnels. Best for: History enthusiasts and cooling off in summer. Where: Veleslavínova 6. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located near the Brewery Museum. Tip: Wear a jacket as the Plzeň historical underground tours are chilly year-round.
4. Name: The Great Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. Best for: Architecture and cultural history. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Short walk from Republic Square. Tip: Check the concert schedule for amazing acoustics.
5. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Experience Why go: Interactive exhibits and a 3D planetarium. Best for: Families with children. Where: U Planetária 2969/1. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Take trolleybus line 15 or 17. Tip: Visit the Techmania Science Center website for show times.
6. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the liberation of Plzeň by the US Army in 1945. Best for: Military history buffs. Where: Pobřežní 10. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Near the Peklo Cultural House. Tip: Look for the original artifacts donated by veterans.
7. Name: Republic Square Type: Sight Why go: One of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Best for: People-watching and local atmosphere. Where: City Center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central hub for all trams. Tip: See the three modern golden fountains representing city symbols.
8. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: Housed in a 15th-century brewing house. Best for: Learning about ancient brewing techniques. Where: Veleslavínova 6. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Right next to the underground entrance. Tip: Your ticket often includes a beer voucher for adults.
9. Name: Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark Type: Nature Why go: A large zoo with a botanical garden and prehistoric models. Best for: A full day out with kids. Where: Pod Vinicemi 9. Time: 4–6 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take tram line 4 to the Severka stop. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for both the Zoo and DinoPark.
10. Name: Radyně Castle Type: Day trip Why go: Dramatic ruins of a royal castle on a hill. Best for: Hiking and views of the region. Where: Starý Plzenec (10km from Plzeň). Time: 3 hours. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Local train or bus to Starý Plzenec, then hike up. Tip: Visit during sunset for the most atmospheric photos.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Plzeň Visit

Planning your trip to Plzeň is easy with a few tips. The city is very walkable, especially the historic center. Most major sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other. If you need to go further, the tram and trolleybus network is excellent. You can buy tickets using a contactless card directly on the vehicle.

For the best experience, visit between May and September. The weather is warm, and many outdoor festivals take place. If you prefer fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of April and October are great. Always check the official opening hours for the cathedral tower. It can sometimes close during very high winds or icy conditions.

Most locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas. However, learning a few Czech phrases like "Dobrý den" (Good day) is appreciated. Tipping is common in restaurants, usually around 10 percent. Keep some small change for public restrooms or small souvenir shops. Plzeň is a safe and welcoming city for all travelers.