Why Plzeň Microbreweries and Craft Beer Matter

Plzeň has been a brewing hub since the Middle Ages. Most people know it for the famous Pilsner Urquell brand. However, small-batch brewing is making a huge comeback here. These smaller venues focus on quality and innovation. They often use local ingredients and traditional methods. This creates a diverse range of tastes you won't find in grocery stores.

The city's beer culture is deeply rooted in social life. Locals meet in pubs to discuss their day over a cold glass. Visiting these spots is one of the most authentic experiences in Plzeň you can have. You will see how much pride the people take in their liquid bread. It is not just about drinking; it is about community.

Microbreweries often experiment with different styles. You can find stouts, sours, and pale ales alongside classic lagers. Many of these places are located in historic buildings. This adds a unique atmosphere to your tasting journey. Exploring these spots allows you to see the city from a different perspective.

Top 10 Plzeň Microbreweries and Craft Beer Spots

Before you start your journey, here are some quick picks for your trip:

• Best Overall: Beer Factory
• Best for History: Pilsner Urquell Brewery
• Best for Families: Purkmistr
• Best for Modern Craft: Raven Pub City

1. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is where the world's first golden lager was born. The tour is essential for any visitor. Best for: History buffs and first-time visitors. Where: Just east of the city center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from the main train station. Tip: Book your tickets online at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery site to skip the lines.
2. Name: Beer Factory Type: Microbrewery Why go: It offers a modern industrial vibe with excellent craft beers made on-site. The food is also top-notch. Best for: A lively dinner with friends. Where: City center, near the main square. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Easily reachable on foot from Republic Square. Tip: Try their tasting flight to sample several brews at once.
3. Name: Purkmistr Type: Unique experience Why go: This complex includes a brewery, a restaurant, and a famous beer spa. You can literally bathe in beer here. Best for: Relaxation and unique photo ops. Where: Černice neighborhood. Time: 3-4 hours if using the spa. Cost: Higher than average. Getting there: Take trolleybus line 13 from the center. Tip: Make a reservation for the beer spa weeks in advance.
4. Name: Raven Pub City Type: Craft beer bar Why go: Raven is known for bringing American-style IPAs to the Czech market. Their taps change frequently. Best for: Fans of hoppy beers and experimental styles. Where: Near the Great Synagogue. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Check their chalkboard for the latest seasonal releases.
5. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: It is the only museum of its kind located in a protected medieval brewing house. It explains the history of Plzeň microbreweries and craft beer. Best for: Rainy days and learning. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: You can buy brewery museum in Plzeň tickets that include a beer voucher.
6. Name: Pivovar Proud Type: Experimental brewery Why go: Located in an old power plant, this brewery focuses on innovative and non-alcoholic craft options. Best for: Seeing industrial architecture and trying new trends. Where: At the confluence of the Radbuza and Mže rivers. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the city center. Tip: Look for their collaborative brews with other European craft brands.
7. Name: Pivovar Groll Type: Traditional microbrewery Why go: It is named after the first brewer of Pilsner lager and offers a very traditional atmosphere. Best for: A quiet afternoon in a courtyard garden. Where: Near the river, north of the center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk across the bridge from the center. Tip: Their unfiltered lager is a local favorite.
8. Name: U Pašáka Type: Neighborhood pub Why go: This is a classic local spot that brews its own beer in copper vats right in the dining room. Best for: Seeing traditional Czech pubs in Plzeň. Where: Poděbradova street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Walkable from the central bus station. Tip: Pair your beer with their pickled Camembert cheese.
9. Name: Chodovar Type: Day trip Why go: This brewery is famous for its cellars cut into granite rocks. It is one of the most unique sites in the region. Best for: A half-day excursion outside the city. Where: Chodová Planá. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a train from Plzeň main station (about 45 minutes). Tip: Visit the "Ve Skále" restaurant located inside the rock cellar.
10. Name: Zlatá Kráva Type: Day trip Why go: A farm-based brewery that produces creative craft beers with a rural charm. Best for: Escaping the city for a few hours. Where: Nepomuk. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct train from Plzeň takes about 35 minutes. Tip: Check the Visit Plzeň website for local festival dates in Nepomuk.

Mastering the Plzeň Beer Culture

Drinking beer in Plzeň is an art form. You should know how to order correctly. In many places, if you put your glass on a coaster, a beer will appear. You don't always need to ask. The server will keep bringing them until you place your coaster on top of the glass.

The foam is very important in Czech beer culture. It protects the beer from oxidation and keeps it fresh. You can order a "Hladinka" for a standard pour with three fingers of foam. If you want more foam, ask for a "Šnyt." For a glass full of sweet, creamy foam, try a "Mlíko."

Many microbreweries are located near the Plzeň historical underground tours. This makes it easy to combine history with a drink. Always remember to drink water between beers. The local brews can be stronger than they look. Most importantly, enjoy the slow pace of the Czech pub life.