St. Bartholomew's Cathedral Plzeň Opening Hours and Prices for 2026

Visiting the cathedral requires checking two separate schedules. The tower and the interior have different access times. Most visitors find the tower is open daily throughout the year. The interior of the cathedral usually follows a more limited schedule. You should plan your visit around these typical patterns to avoid disappointment.

For the interior, hours are often Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. The tower usually opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Prices for the tower are generally around 100 CZK for adults. Entering the cathedral interior also costs about 100 CZK. You can often find a combined ticket for around 150 CZK. Always check the official city tourism board for seasonal changes.

Tickets are typically sold directly at the entrance of the tower or the cathedral. Cash is the most reliable way to pay, though cards are becoming more common. Expect crowds on weekends and during local festivals. Early morning visits offer the best light for photos of the gothic altars.

10 Must-See Attractions Near St. Bartholomew's Cathedral

The cathedral is the center of Plzeň life. However, there are many other gems within walking distance. Use this list to plan a full day in the city. Each spot offers a unique look at Czech history and culture. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

1. Name: Cathedral Interior Type: Iconic sight Why go: See the beautiful Sternberg Chapel and the famous Plzeň Madonna statue. Best for: History buffs Where: Republic Square Time: 45 minutes Cost: ~100 CZK Getting there: Located in the main square. Tip: Look for the detailed gothic stonework near the main altar.
2. Name: Cathedral Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the highest tower in the country with views reaching the Bohemian Forest. Best for: Photographers Where: North side of the cathedral Time: 30-45 minutes Cost: ~100 CZK Getting there: Entrance is on the outside of the church. Tip: Prepare for a steep climb while climbing St. Bartholomew's Cathedral tower.
3. Name: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) Type: Neighborhood Why go: It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Best for: Relaxing Where: City center Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Main hub for all city trams. Tip: Check out the three modern golden fountains representing city symbols.
4. Name: Great Synagogue Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the second-largest synagogue in Europe and has stunning Moorish-Romanesque architecture. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků Time: 1 hour Cost: ~120 CZK Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the cathedral. Tip: Visit the Great Synagogue for its incredible acoustics during concerts.
5. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Unique local experience Why go: Tour the birthplace of the world's first golden lager. Best for: Beer fans Where: U Prazdroje Time: 2 hours Cost: ~350 CZK Getting there: 15-minute walk or short tram ride from the center. Tip: Book a Pilsner Urquell brewery tour in advance on the official brewery site.
6. Name: Historical Underground Type: Unique local experience Why go: Explore a labyrinth of medieval corridors and cellars beneath the city streets. Best for: Adventurers Where: Veleslavínova street Time: 1 hour Cost: ~150 CZK Getting there: Near the Brewery Museum. Tip: Wear a jacket as the temperature stays around 10°C year-round.
7. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the history of brewing from the Middle Ages to the present. Best for: History lovers Where: Veleslavínova street Time: 1 hour Cost: ~100 CZK Getting there: Walking distance from Republic Square. Tip: Your ticket often includes a voucher for a small beer.
8. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: It documents the liberation of the city by the US Army in 1945. Best for: Military history fans Where: Pobřežní street Time: 1 hour Cost: ~100 CZK Getting there: 10-minute walk from the cathedral. Tip: The museum is small but packed with authentic artifacts.
9. Name: Techmania Science Center Type: Indoor activity Why go: Interactive exhibits and a 3D planetarium make science fun for all ages. Best for: Families Where: U Planetária Time: 3-4 hours Cost: ~280 CZK Getting there: Take a bus or tram to the Techmania stop. Tip: Great for a rainy day in Plzeň.
10. Name: Bolevec Pond Network Type: Nature/Day trip Why go: A system of historic ponds perfect for swimming and walking in nature. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Northern edge of the city Time: Half-day Cost: Free Getting there: Take tram number 1 to the Bolevec area. Tip: Visit the Great Bolevec Pond for the best sandy beaches.

Planning Your Visit to the Plzeň City Center

Plzeň is a very walkable city. Most major sights are clustered around the historic center. You can easily reach the cathedral from the main train station. The walk takes about 15 minutes through pleasant streets. Public transport is also efficient and uses a simple tap-on system for cards.

For dining, look for restaurants in the streets surrounding Republic Square. Many offer traditional Czech meals like roast pork and dumplings. Prices are generally lower than in Prague. Lunch specials are a great way to save money on weekdays. Always check for the "denní menu" or daily menu board.

If you visit in late September, you might catch the Sun in a Glass festival. This event celebrates microbreweries from across the country. The city becomes very busy during this time. Booking your accommodation early is essential for festival dates. Plzeň is a safe and welcoming city for all travelers.