Is Plzen expensive to visit?
Plzen is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
If you're not cautious, Plzen can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $56 (Kč1,288) per day, mid-range travelers spend $128 (Kč2,946) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $245 (Kč5,635) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Plzen.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Plzen is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Plzen Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Plzen?
The average Plzen trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Plzen travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Plzen cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Plzen without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $56 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
So, are you average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Plzen will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $128 per person, per day.
Plzen offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Rango is an excellent choice, while Hotel Rous is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Plzen.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $245 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Plzen
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Plzen can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Plzen in the off-season is $58, but in the peak travel season it will average around $108. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Plzen to range from $43 to $157. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Plzen for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $126 (Kč2,905). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $63 (Kč1,452) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Plzen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Plzen include:
- Hotel Rous starting at $65
- Hotel Purkmistr starting at $82
- Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen starting at $77
- Hotel U Pramenu starting at $56
- Primavera Hotel & Congress centre starting at $54
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Plzen
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $8.54 (Kč197) per person, per day, on local transportation in Plzen. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Plzen is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.54
Kč197
By plane, the nearest airport is in the Czech capital of Prague which offers international flights and serves as the hub for Czech Airlines. The airport is about one to one and a half hours northeast of Plzen. From Prague, the best way to reach the city is by bus. Plzen also has direct bus connections to airports in Munich and Frankfurt, Germany.
Another option for travelers is to take a train from Prague to Plzen. The main station in Plzen is just a five minute walk from the city center.
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague for $93 details
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing for $123 details
- Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague for $288 details
How much does it cost to go to Plzen? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Plzen will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Plzen
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Plzen can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Plzen is $55 (Kč1,268) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$55
Kč1,268
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Plzen is around $55 (Kč1268) per person, with previous travelers spending from $24 to $106. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Plzen are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $8 to $22
- Dinner: $17 to $39
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Czech cuisine makes up the traditional fare of the general area. A Czech meal will typically consist of two or more main courses, with the first being soup and the second being the main dish. Thick soups and many kinds of sauces are especially popular. These are both based on stewed or cooked vegetables and meats, often with cream, as well as baked meats with natural gravies. A third course might sometimes consist of dessert or fruit compote. A mainstay of Czech side dishes is the dumpling - usually sliced, potato-based, filled with smoked meat, and served with spinach or sour cabbage. Other side dishes include noodles, boiled or risotto rice sometimes made into a kind of pudding, boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, and French fries or croquettes. As far as the main course goes, pork is the most common meat though beef, veal, and chicken are also found. These can be cooked into stews, marinated, stuffed into dumplings, minced and baked, or smoked. Also, be sure to try a brew of the famous pilsner beer, named for the city in which it was invented.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Plzen
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Plzen typically cost an average of $22 (Kč507) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
Kč507
A visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery is an especially popular attraction for those looking to experience the historic home of the original pilsner beer. Established in 1842, the brewery with its brewing cellars and a bottling plant is open for visitors to tour. For those interested in the wine scene, the Bohemia Sekt Winery, located just 10 km outside the city, is the largest Czech Champagne Winery and can be reached by train.
As far as architecture goes, one unique feature to the city's skyline is the Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, which was founded in the late 13th century. Today its tower is recorded as the highest in the Czech Republic at 335 feet (102.26 meters). Another landmark is the Great Synagogue - the second largest synagogue in Europe and third largest in the world (after synagogues in Jerusalem and Budapest). The Town Hall, built in the mid-16th century, is another Renaissance masterpiece with a structure based on the designs of an Italian architect, Giovanni de Statia. Beneath the entire old town center, there is also a historic network of underground cellars and tunnels which extends up to three levels. It can be accessed from the Brewery Museum on Veleslavínova Street.
Admiring Plzen's historical architecture and experiencing its famous pilsner brew are just two of the many activities that the city has to offer. Additionally, many visitors also spend some time at the Plzen Zoo which was founded in 1926 - the second oldest zoo and largest in the country. It is home to more than 1,300 species and over 6,500 individual animals. Species include Indian rhinos, Sudanese cheetahs, Liberian hippos, Komodo dragons, giant tortoises, lemurs, chimpanzees, giraffes, Siberian tigers, snow and Chinese leopards, penguins and many others - each living within a recreation of its own natural habitat. The Techmania Science Center and Puppet Museum also have a variety of activities for all ages, while other museums include the West Bohemian Museum, the Brewery Museum, the Ghost Museum, and the Diocese Museum.
A nice way to explore destinations in Plzen is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer for $9 details
- An Audio Tour of the City of Beer: Pilsen's History and Legends for $8 details
- Experience Pilsen through Digital Audio Guide in English for $11 details
Plzen, Czech Republic
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.