Plzeň: The Heartbeat of Czech Culture and Brewing Legacy

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeNashledanou
  [nah-she-leh-dah-noh]
• YesAno
  [ah-noh]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yee]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [proh-meen-teh]
• How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak seh mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [doh-breh. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-teh ahng-leets-kee]
• I don't understandNerozumím
  [neh-roh-zoo-meem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím
  [kh-tyel bikh vee-dyet meh-noo pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNejím maso
  [nyeem mah-soh]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [nah zdrah-vee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [kh-tyel bikh zah-pla-teet pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [po-mohts]
• Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preetch]
• Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [zah-vo-ley-teh poh-lee-tsee]
• Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora!
  [zah-vo-ley-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztrah-teel yehm seh]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [yehm neh-mohts-nee]

• I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [kh-tyel bikh koh-peeht]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yehn seh dee-vahm]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh yeh pree-leesh dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moo-zheh-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [koh-leek yeh hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yehd-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Půl jedenácté
  [pool yeh-deh-naht-seh]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [ohd-poh-led-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-cheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zee-trah]
• 1Jedna
  [yehd-nah]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tři
  [tree]
• 4Čtyři
  [ch-tihr-zhee]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shest]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [osm]
• 9Devět
  [deh-vyet]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...
  [kdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-kah yeh ah-deh-srah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi to ukázat (na mapě)?
  [moo-zheh-teh mee toh oo-kah-zaht nah mah-peh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdee yeh-deh dah-lshee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu jízdenku (do ...)
  [yed-noo yeez-dehn-koo doh]

Plzeň, known internationally as Pilsen, was founded in 1295 by King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia. Situated at the confluence of four rivers—Mže, Radbuza, Úhlava, and Úslava—the city was strategically positioned for trade and defense. Its establishment marked the beginning of a prosperous era for the region.

During the early 15th century, Plzeň became a focal point in the Hussite Wars, a series of religious conflicts in Bohemia. The city was a stronghold for the Catholic cause and withstood several sieges by Hussite forces. Its fortifications and the loyalty of its citizens played a crucial role in its defense.

The 16th and 17th centuries saw Plzeň flourish culturally and architecturally. The city embraced Renaissance and Baroque styles, leading to the construction of significant buildings like the Renaissance Town Hall and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. This period also saw the establishment of several significant breweries, laying the groundwork for its future fame.

In 1842, Plzeň made history with the creation of Pilsner beer at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. This new style of pale lager, characterized by its golden color and crisp taste, revolutionized brewing and became a global standard. The brewery remains a major attraction, drawing beer enthusiasts from around the world.

The 19th century brought significant industrial growth to Plzeň. The Škoda Works, founded in 1859 by Emil Škoda, became one of Europe's largest industrial enterprises, producing weapons, machinery, and vehicles. This industrial boom transformed Plzeň into an economic powerhouse and significantly influenced its urban development.

Plzeň experienced significant hardship during World War II, suffering from bombings and Nazi occupation. However, it holds the unique distinction of being liberated by the US Army on May 6, 1945, under the command of General George S. Patton. The annual Liberation Festival commemorates this pivotal moment in the city's history.

Following World War II, Plzeň fell under communist rule as part of Czechoslovakia. The city endured political repression and economic challenges during this period. The Velvet Revolution of 1989, a peaceful uprising against the communist regime, eventually led to the restoration of democracy and significant political and economic reforms in Plzeň and the rest of the country.

In recent decades, Plzeň has undergone a cultural renaissance, embracing its historical heritage while fostering modern development. The city was named the European Capital of Culture in 2015, highlighting its vibrant arts scene, historical landmarks, and ongoing contributions to European culture. Today, Plzeň continues to attract visitors with its rich history, cultural diversity, and renowned beer tradition.

Plzeň is conveniently located in the western part of Czechia, about 90 kilometers southwest of Prague. The most common way to get to Plzeň is by train from Prague, with frequent services that take approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by bus, which offers a similar travel time. For those preferring to drive, the city is accessible via the D5 motorway.

Plzeň has an efficient public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses. A single ticket is valid for all modes of transport and can be purchased at ticket machines, newsstands, or via mobile apps. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For a more local experience, consider renting a bike to explore the city's extensive network of cycling paths.

The official currency in Czechia is the Czech koruna (CZK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Plzeň. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or market purchases. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

Plzeň is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded places. Certain areas, such as the vicinity of the main train station at night, can be less safe, so exercise extra vigilance there.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Plzeň has several hospitals and clinics, with the University Hospital being the main facility for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches. Remove hats and speak softly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Pilsner beer and traditional Czech dishes. Don't leave tips out of the bill; it's customary to round up the amount.

To experience Plzeň like a local, visit the Pilsner Urquell Brewery for a guided tour and taste the original Pilsner beer. Explore the historical underground labyrinth of tunnels beneath the city. Attend a local festival, such as the Liberation Festival in May, which commemorates the liberation of Plzeň by American forces in World War II. For a relaxed afternoon, stroll through the scenic Borský Park or enjoy a paddleboat ride on the Bolevec Ponds.