Plzen offers so much more than itself

Yes, that's right. While Prague is kinda isolated for day trips (except to Dresden), the little towns around Plzen like Klatovy, Stribro, Domazlice each have surpsisingly fine architecture. Not to mention that German state of Bavaria is right next door with lots of interesting little medieval towns.

Pilsen's also closer to the Bohemian/Bavarian forest and the natural park Sumava. There are even ski possibilities nearby. It's far away from the sea but it still has some lakes and even beaches nearby:

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Here are some of the nicer towns around Plzen:

Stribro

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This is one of only two gate bridges in the Czech Republic still standing (the other being the Charle's Bridge in Prague):

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Klatovy

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Klatovy by night

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Vimperk

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Pilsen and the whole region of Western Bohemia is filled with underrated gems.