Top Plzeň Hidden Gems Sightseeing Spots

Plzeň is a city of layers, where medieval history meets modern industrial charm. Many visitors stay on the main square, but the real magic is tucked away. From world-class architecture to underground tunnels, these spots define the city's character. Use this list to find the most unique experiences available in 2026.

• Best overall: Adolf Loos Interiors
• Best for families: Techmania Science Center
• Best rainy-day: Plzeň Historical Underground
• Best free activity: Hradiště Riverside

1. Name: Adolf Loos Interiors Type: Architecture Why go: These are masterpieces of modernist design from the early 20th century. Loos used rare materials like marble and wood to create functional, beautiful living spaces. Best for: Design lovers and history buffs. Where: Various locations in the city center. Time: 1-2 hours per apartment. Cost: Moderate (tours must be booked in advance). Getting there: Walkable from the main square. Tip: Book weeks ahead as group sizes are very small.
2. Name: Meditation Garden Type: Nature/Peaceful Why go: Also known as the Garden of Memories, this site was created by a former political prisoner. It features beautiful stone sculptures and rare plants in a quiet atmosphere. Best for: Quiet reflection and nature lovers. Where: Doudlevce district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low entry fee. Getting there: Take bus 30 or trolleybus 14 from the center. Tip: Visit in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
3. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: This is the only museum in the Czech Republic dedicated to the U.S. Army. It honors the liberation of the city in 1945 with personal artifacts and stories. Best for: WWII history enthusiasts. Where: Pobřežní Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Short walk from the central bus station. Tip: Check the official Visit Plzeň site for special anniversary events.
4. Name: Historical Underground Type: Experience Why go: Explore a labyrinth of corridors and cellars dating back to the 14th century. It is one of the largest underground systems in Central Europe. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Veleslavínova Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located near the Brewery Museum. Tip: Bring a light jacket as the temperature is around 10°C year-round.
5. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Indoor/Educational Why go: Located in former industrial halls, this center offers hundreds of interactive exhibits. It features a 3D planetarium and fascinating science shows. Best for: Families with children. Where: Near the Škoda factory gates. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Take trolleybus 15 or 17. Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds.

Unique Cultural Experiences in Plzeň Center

The city center is more than just Republic Square. While the cathedral is impressive, several nearby buildings offer deep cultural insights. These sites highlight the diverse religious and industrial history of West Bohemia. Exploring these unusual places in the center adds variety to your itinerary.

6. Name: The Great Synagogue Type: Iconic Sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe and the third-largest in the world. The interior features stunning Moorish-Romanesque architecture and great acoustics. Best for: Architecture and religious history. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low entry fee. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Check for evening concerts as the sound quality is world-class.
7. Name: DEPO2015 Type: Cultural Hub Why go: A former bus depot turned into a creative zone for art, design, and events. It hosts exhibitions, markets, and a unique "maker space." Best for: Trendy travelers and art fans. Where: Presslova Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free entry to grounds; paid exhibitions. Getting there: A 15-minute walk south of the main square. Tip: Grab a coffee at the industrial-style café on-site.
8. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Climb the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic for panoramic views. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Bohemian Forest. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: Republic Square. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Very low. Getting there: In the heart of the city. Tip: The stairs are steep and narrow, so wear comfortable shoes.
9. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: Located in a preserved 15th-century brewing house, it tells the story of beer from ancient times. It is a more intimate alternative to the main factory tour. Best for: Beer enthusiasts. Where: Veleslavínova Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the historical underground entrance. Tip: Your ticket often includes a voucher for a small beer at local pubs.

Hidden Gems Near Plzeň for Day Trips

If you have extra time, venture just outside the city limits. The Plzeň Region is full of small towns and ruins. These spots offer a break from the urban environment and a chance to see the Czech countryside. Most are reachable within 20 minutes by car or train.

10. Name: Radyně Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: This 14th-century royal castle ruin sits on a high hill. It offers a dramatic silhouette and excellent views of the surrounding forests. Best for: Hikers and history lovers. Where: Starý Plzenec. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Low entry fee for the tower. Getting there: Short train ride to Starý Plzenec, then a hike up the hill. Tip: Visit during sunset for the most incredible photos of the valley.
11. Name: Chotěšov Abbey Type: Day Trip Why go: A massive, partly ruined Baroque convent with a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. It is one of the most significant architectural monuments in the region. Best for: Urban explorers and photographers. Where: Chotěšov (20km from Plzeň). Time: 2 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Train or bus from the main station. Tip: Check the schedule for seasonal guided tours of the interior.
12. Name: Starý Plzenec Rotunda Type: Day Trip Why go: Visit the Rotunda of St. Peter and Paul, the oldest preserved building in West Bohemia. It dates back to the 10th century and sits on a peaceful hilltop. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: Starý Plzenec. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Easy train connection from Plzeň. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby Bohemia Sekt winery for sparkling wine tasting.