The 14 best bars in Prague

If you’re talking about Prague’s best bars, U Zlatého Tygra has to be number one. This bar is somewhat of an icon of Prague’s drinking culture, and it’s said to have housed tons of famous and influential figures from Prague’s history, from presidents to poets and actors to authors. You’ll feel like you’re part of something special, tucked away in Prague’s old town, sipping on a pilsner on a wooden bench under arches ceilings. U Zlatého Tygra means At the Golden Tiger, by the way. 

This isn’t the kind of destination you stick on your list as a one-time stop, this is a bar you’ll want to go to again and again. That’s if you’re into beer and hot dogs (who isn’t?), which is what Pivo a párek literally translates to. Unsurprisingly, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Here, you’ve got fantastic beer offerings that change weekly, bottles and jugs of the stuff you can take home after, and chilled out garden seating with shady and sunny spots to drink. 

Kasarna Karlín isn’t just a bar, oh no. Formerly the barracks of the Czech Republic, this is now the centre of Prague’s social scene, showing outdoor film screenings in the summer and putting up a pop-up ice rink in the winter. A cafe, gallery, playground and cinema, this is a spot where there’s always something going on, from shows to DJ sets to live music (and more). 

The effortlessly cool spot near Letná Park fades from mellow table service through the afternoons and evenings into a DJ-backed party from Thursday to Saturday. Just a tram ride across the river from Prague’s Old Town, locals sprawl across the window ledges on hot summer days, making it easier to spot this subtly marked bar lined with black awnings. Draught beer, sparkling wine and a seasonal cocktail menu fuel the party into the early hours.

The young men behind Dva Kohouti – which translates, oh-so cheekily, as ‘the two cocks’ – come from solid pivo pedigree. Exposed beer tanks, bench seating and standing room tables create a minimalist, industrial vibe, while the beer garden is a buzzing Karlín hangout. Come here to discover the next generation brewmasters – don’t miss the house lager, brewed on-site and served alongside a rotating selection of Czech microbrews. 

This pub might not look like much at first glance, but trust us when we say it’s one of the city’s most characterful drinking establishments. Pivnice U Sadu, built in the 1920s, is located on a picturesque square, in a quiet part of Zizkov, and is a haven for beer lovers who like a bit of atmosphere with their pints. The place is deceptively massive inside, with a spacious area downstairs, as well as an old-fashioned bar upstairs (along with a Shrek pinball machine).

Your seasonal cocktail at L’Fleur might be inspired by a Parisian artist or a Greek legend – try and suss it out yourself. The setting is elegant, with stained glass windows and chandeliers dangled over couples snuggled in booths, but a staff of young, much-tattooed mixologists keep the mood light and chatty. The extensive champagne list attracts guests looking to celebrate splurge-worthy events (including making it to the weekend).

Bukowski’s Bar takes a different approach from the bars with kitschy décor and out-there drinks that pull in punters around the city centre. This Žižkov neighbourhood favourite relies on simple, classic, reasonably priced cocktails served in dim candlelight. The best place to sit is at one of the tables tucked in the nooks and crannies of the adjoining rooms. 

This intimate Karlín wine bar isn’t limited to local wines, but you won’t find any bottles that have crossed an ocean here. The daily selection of natural vino poured each night comes exclusively from countries within the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. The friendly, multilingual staff are happy to chat about personal preferences and price points.

Steampunk décor and dance music collide in this late-night club in Prague’s edgy, formerly industrial neighbourhood of Holešovice. Multiple stages with live music and DJs spinning dubstep, hip hop, and electronic music ensure the dance floors keep reverberating until 5am or later on weekends. Bartenders serve an eclectic crowd draught beer, wine and shots.

Navigating the Czech wine landscape can be hard work, so help will come in handy. Consider the staff at Vinograf your personal tour guide through hundreds of bottles poured and paired with a platter of light snacks. Locations in New Town’s Senovážné Square and Malá Strana, both just a few steps away from Prague’s popular tourist drag, make Vinograf the ideal way to round off a day of sightseeing.

Add some intrigue to your evening out at the Anonymous Shrink’s Office, which takes quite the theatrical approach to mixology. After ringing a doorbell and being led to a leather chair, visitors are presented with a menu full of Rorschach tests to help them choose a drink. Don’t worry – you’re allowed to confirm the ingredients in your chosen form of therapy before it arrives.

When cocktail bars first took off in Prague, many stuck to a formula of Prohibition-era décor, international spirits and passionate mixologists who clearly took great pride in their craft. The suspender-clad staff at Hemingway Bar in Old Town gained an early reputation as one of the best. Reservations are essential to get a seat inside this popular, speakeasy-style establishment loved by tourists and residents alike.

Your average Czech pub will offer one or two lagers from a single brand and potentially a dark ale on draught. But Beer Geek breaks the ‘Pilsner is king’ tradition with 30+ microbrews on tap ranging from sours to stouts, catering to an international clientele in the Vinohrady neighbourhood. Americans, Brits, Germans and Belgians could easily find a hometown favourite on tap. Food-wise, expect chicken wings in 11 different forms.