History of the Great Synagogue in Plzeň

The Great Synagogue was built between 1888 and 1893. It reflects the wealth of the local Jewish community at that time. The architect combined Moorish and Romanesque styles beautifully. This gives the building a unique and exotic look. It survived the Nazi occupation because it was used as a warehouse. During the Cold War, it fell into disrepair. However, a massive restoration was completed in 2022. Today, it is a vibrant center for culture and concerts. You can learn more about the area on the Plzeň Region official site.

Essential Great Synagogue Plzeň visiting info

Planning your visit is easy with the right details. The synagogue is usually open from Sunday to Thursday. It is closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath. Most visitors spend about one hour exploring the interior. Tickets are affordable and support the maintenance of the site. You can buy them at the entrance desk. Photography is allowed but please be respectful. Men may be asked to wear a head covering in certain areas. For more details, check the Visit Plzeň tourism portal.

10 Best things to do in Plzeň for 2026

Plzeň offers a mix of history, beer culture, and modern art. There are many unique places in Plzeň to explore. Here are the top ten sights you should not miss.

• Best overall: Great Synagogue
• Best for families: Techmania Science Center
• Best for views: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
• Best for history: Historical Underground

1. Name: Great Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It is the third largest synagogue in the world. The interior features incredible acoustics and painted ceilings. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~120 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 1 or 2 to the Sady Pětatřicátníků stop. Tip: Check the local calendar for evening organ concerts.
2. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: experience Why go: This is the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner beer. You can take a Pilsner Urquell brewery cellar tour to see the oak barrels. Best for: Beer enthusiasts. Where: U Prazdroje 7. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~380 CZK. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Book your tour online at least two days in advance.
3. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Type: sight Why go: It has the highest church spire in the Czech Republic. You can take the St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral tower climb for a panoramic view. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: Republic Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Located in the very center of the city. Tip: The climb involves 301 steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
4. Name: Adolf Loos Interiors Type: experience Why go: See world-class modernist design from the early 20th century. These Adolf Loos interiors apartment tours show how wealthy families lived. Best for: Design fans. Where: Various locations (Bendova, Klatovská). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~300 CZK. Getting there: Most are within walking distance of the center. Tip: These tours sell out fast, so book weeks ahead.
5. Name: Historical Underground Type: activity Why go: Explore a labyrinth of medieval cellars and tunnels. This Plzeň historical underground tour explains how beer was stored. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Veleslavínova 6. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~190 CZK. Getting there: Near the Brewery Museum in the old town. Tip: It is cold underground, even in summer, so bring a jacket.
6. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: museum Why go: Learn about the liberation of the city by the US Army in 1945. The Patton Memorial Pilsen museum guide helps you understand the local bond with America. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Pobřežní 10. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Walkable from the Great Synagogue. Tip: Look for the original artifacts donated by veterans.
7. Name: Meditation Garden Type: nature Why go: A peaceful park created by Luboš Hruška as a monument to victims of evil. The Luboš Hruška meditation garden is perfect for quiet reflection. Best for: Relaxation and nature lovers. Where: Plzeň-Doudlevce. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~80 CZK. Getting there: Take bus number 30 to the Tyršův most stop. Tip: Visit in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
8. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: indoor Why go: It is one of the top science museums in the country. It features interactive exhibits and a modern planetarium. Best for: Families with children. Where: U Planetária 1. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: ~280 CZK. Getting there: Take Trolleybus 15 or 17 from the center. Tip: Allow plenty of time for the 3D cinema shows.
9. Name: Puppet Museum Type: museum Why go: Plzeň has a long tradition of puppetry. You can see historical puppets and even try moving them yourself. Best for: Families and theater fans. Where: Republic Square 23. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Located right on the main square. Tip: The museum is very interactive for kids.
10. Name: DinoPark Plzeň Type: family trip Why go: See life-sized models of dinosaurs in a forest setting. It is located right next to the city zoo. Best for: Families with young kids. Where: Nad ZOO 1. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~220 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 4 to the Zoologická zahrada stop. Tip: Buy a combined ticket with the zoo to save money.

Practical tips for your Plzeň city break

Plzeň is a very walkable city. Most major sights are near the central Republic Square. If you need to go further, use the efficient tram system. You can buy tickets using a contactless bank card on the vehicle. For dining, try local pubs for traditional Czech food. Goulash and dumplings pair perfectly with a fresh Pilsner. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. However, learning a few Czech words like "Dobrý den" (Good day) is appreciated. Always carry some cash in Czech Koruna (CZK) for smaller shops.