Water Tower Pražská Gate
Discover the historic Water Tower Pražská Gate, the heart of Pilsner Urquell's brewing legacy. Experience centuries of history and taste the original ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tours
Water Tower Pražská Gate
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the historic Water Tower Pražská Gate, the heart of Pilsner Urquell's brewing legacy. Experience centuries of history and taste the original unpasteurized lager.
"The water tower is a 400-year-old marvel, vital for Pilsner production, offering a unique tasting experience."
Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for the Pilsner Urquell brewery tour, especially the water tower experience. :admission_tickets:
Taste the Original
Don't miss the unpasteurized Pilsner tasting; it's a unique experience! :beer_mug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Water Tower
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
A 400-year-old Gothic marvel, vital for Pilsner production. See where the magic began!
Unpasteurized Beer Tasting
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
Savor the authentic taste of unpasteurized Pilsner, the base for the world-famous brew.
Underground Tourist Route
Beneath the Water Tower
Descend into the historic cellars and discover the hidden depths of Pilsen's brewing past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Brewery History & Beer Tasting
Beyond the Tower
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for the Pilsner Urquell brewery tour, especially the water tower experience. :admission_tickets:
Taste the Original
Don't miss the unpasteurized Pilsner tasting; it's a unique experience! :beer_mug:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, including stairs and underground passages. :athletic_shoe:
Learn About Beer
Understand how dishwashers can affect beer head and taste. Hand-washing is key! :beer_mug:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for the Pilsner Urquell brewery tour, especially the water tower experience. :admission_tickets:
Taste the Original
Don't miss the unpasteurized Pilsner tasting; it's a unique experience! :beer_mug:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, including stairs and underground passages. :athletic_shoe:
Learn About Beer
Understand how dishwashers can affect beer head and taste. Hand-washing is key! :beer_mug:
Explore the City
Pilsen has more than just the brewery; discover its charming streets and pubs. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the historical significance of the water tower and the unique experience of tasting unpasteurized Pilsner at the source. The brewery tours are highly informative, offering deep dives into brewing history and local heritage. Some find the tasting portion brief, but the overall historical and cultural immersion is consistently praised.
"Great visit and wonderful English speaking guide."
Anne-Laure HUBERT
"Super"
Jiří Krubl
"Until 2004, the brewery's water 💦 was stored in this tower. The water is pumped up from a depth of 100 meters and used for the pilsner."
Alex Schätz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Water Tower Pražská Gate is part of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery complex. You can reach Pilsen by train or bus from Prague (approx. 1.5-2 hours). From Pilsen's city center, it's a short tram ride or a pleasant walk to the brewery. Many visitors opt for guided beer tours from Prague that include transportation. +1
Yes, there are parking facilities available at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery for visitors. However, if you plan on enjoying the beer tastings, it's highly recommended to use public transport or a taxi.
Yes, it's a walkable distance, approximately 20-30 minutes from the main square. It's a nice way to see more of the city.
Many tour operators offer day trips from Prague that include round-trip transportation to Pilsen and the brewery tour, making it a convenient option. +1
Trains are frequent and comfortable between Prague and Pilsen, taking about 1.5 hours. Buses are also a viable option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but typically range from 16 euros upwards for a comprehensive tour including the water tower and tasting. It's advisable to check the official Pilsner Urquell website for current pricing and to book in advance.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially for the popular Pilsner Urquell brewery tours that include the water tower. This ensures you get your preferred time slot and avoids disappointment.
Tours typically include a visit to the historic water tower, insights into the brewing process, a walk through the original cellars, and a tasting of unpasteurized Pilsner. Some tours may also include a tasting of other Pilsner Urquell products.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Pilsner Urquell website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and availability.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Check the official website or inquire when booking. Sometimes, purchasing tickets online in advance can also offer slight savings.
🍽️ 🍺 Beer & Dining
The best place to taste authentic Pilsner Urquell is at the source, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery itself, where you can try unpasteurized beer directly from the tank. Many traditional pubs in Pilsen also serve excellent Pilsner.
The unpasteurized Pilsner tasting offers a unique flavor profile that is fresher and more vibrant than the pasteurized version found in most stores. It's the original taste that made Pilsner Urquell famous.
Yes, the brewery complex has restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy traditional Czech cuisine alongside your beer. 'Na Spilce' is a popular choice.
You can expect hearty traditional Czech dishes like goulash, svíčková, and various meat and dumpling specialties, perfectly paired with Pilsner beer.
Yes, there is a shop at the end of the tour where you can purchase various Pilsner Urquell products, including bottles, cans, and merchandise.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The Gothic portal of the water tower itself is a stunning architectural subject. The brewery grounds offer many picturesque spots, especially the historic buildings and the beer tanks.
While the focus is on beer, the tour offers a rich historical and architectural experience. The history of the brewery and the city is fascinating, and the tasting is a small part of the overall experience.
The underground tourist route explores the historic cellars and tunnels beneath the brewery, offering a glimpse into the historical infrastructure and brewing methods.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of the brewery tour. However, it's always good to check with your guide if there are any specific restrictions in certain areas.
It's the birthplace of Pilsner lager, a brewing tradition over 180 years old. The historic water tower and the continuous brewing process are key unique elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour that emphasizes the history and architecture rather than just the beer tasting. Many tours offer a glimpse into the Škoda family history, which might be more engaging for younger visitors. It's also worth noting that Pilsen itself has parks and other attractions that can be enjoyed by families.
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
Engage with your guide, ask questions about the nuances of the beer, and learn about the proper way to pour and enjoy a Pilsner. The insights shared by experts, like the importance of hand-washed glasses for the perfect head, are invaluable.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the underground tourist route to understand the historical infrastructure and brewing techniques. The museum dedicated to the Škoda family provides context on another significant aspect of Pilsen's industrial heritage. This destination is a fascinating intersection of architectural history, industrial development, and the birth of a global beer phenomenon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Water Tower
Today, the above-ground section of the tower has been transformed into a multifunctional space, housing a contemporary art gallery and a museum dedicated to the influential Pilsen family, the Škodas. The underground section is now a fascinating part of an underground tourist route, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the historical infrastructure that supported the brewery's operations.
This historical significance makes the water tower a must-visit for anyone interested in the origins of Pilsner beer and the industrial heritage of Pilsen. It's a tangible link to the past that continues to be celebrated and explored by visitors from around the world.
The Art of Pilsner Urquell Tasting
Many travelers emphasize that tasting the beer on tap is a completely different experience than drinking it from a can or bottle. The creamy head is a crucial element, and as one expert points out, dishwashers can ruin this by leaving residue that kills the head. Hand-washing glasses is essential for the perfect pour.
Beyond the tasting, the brewery tour itself is an immersive journey. You'll learn about the meticulous brewing process, the importance of the local water source, and the heritage that has made Pilsner Urquell a global icon. It's an educational and delicious experience that appeals to both beer aficionados and casual visitors alike.
Pilsen: More Than Just Beer
Pilsen is also known for its traditional Czech pubs, or 'hospody', where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine and, of course, more of the city's famous beer. These pubs offer a genuine taste of Czech culture and hospitality.
For those interested in the city's industrial heritage beyond beer, Pilsen is also the birthplace of the Škoda Works, a major engineering company. You can learn more about this aspect of the city's history at various museums and exhibitions. The blend of brewing tradition, historical architecture, and industrial legacy makes Pilsen a well-rounded destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit