Bars in Prague

There is no shortage of bars in Prague - that's for sure. From high end cocktail joints to dark and dirty casino bars, it's all here.

Czech beer is always flowing at Prague bars.

In fact there are over 10,000 bars in Prague. Maybe that's because the citizens of Czech Republic drink more per head than anywhere else in the world.

But the question is: which bar or pub suits you?

Here's our top 5 bars to choose from in three categories. Pick a category to get you started.

Best Bars by Category

Good Beer and Tradional Czech Food

Cocktail Bars

Authentic Czech Pubs

Good Beer and Traditional Czech Food

If you're visiting Prague for a short time and just want a good Czech beer or drink with proper atmosphere then any of these will do. Of course they can be a bit more expensive, but the locations and traditions more than make up for it.

U Fleků Beer Hall Restaurant & Brewery Probably the most famous pub in Prague. They serve a strong dark beer among others with lots of history and ambience. There's even a brewery museum on site. Address: Křemencova 11, New Town, Prague 1. Metro: Národní Třida

U Medvídků This is a local favorite. It's an old school bar with history dating to 1466 offering 10 kinds of Czech beer. They also have cozy double rooms upstairs. Address: Na Perštýně, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Národní Třida

U Vejvodů Beer Hall and Restaurant Pilsner Urquell served up in a traditional Czech beer hall. Perfectly located near Old Town Square. U Vejvodů is appropriate for all groups large and small. Address: Jilská, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Staroměstská

Kolkovna This venue is maybe best for a drink and a bit to eat. Perfectly located near Old Town and serves unpasteurized Pilsner if you so desire. Address: V Kolkovně 8, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Náměstí Republiky

U Pinkasů Two floors for an authentic drinking and dining experience. It's also perfectly located at the foot of Wenceslas Square. Address: Jungmannovo Náměstí, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Můstek

Top 5 Cocktail Bars in Prague

Prague has exploded with swanky cocktail joints in the past few years. It's a tough call, but these are my top 5. The prices are expectedly high-end, but the crowds are cool and the bartenders are creative.

Bugsy's This mainstay always has a drink for your mood - from the classics to modern selections. A great place for a cigar and whiskey. Address: Pařížská 10, Entrance from Kostečná. Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Staroměstská

Cloud 9 Sky Bar and Lounge This classy bar is appropriately named because of the incredible view and well-mixed drinks. It's actually part of the Hilton Prague. Address: Pobřežní 1, Karlín, Prague 8. Metro: Florenc

Bar and Books This spot is refined with a deep, candlelight mood. It has smaller crowds and is well located for easily switching scenes. It's always a good safe pick. Address: Tynská, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Náměstí Republiky

Barego This is an upscale venue for "sophisticated crowds." It's snuggled in the Mandarin Oriental (see luxury Prague hotels). Address: V Kolkovně, Malá Strana, Prague 1. Metro: Malostranská - but tram is best - stop Ujezd.

Tretter's Tretter's is a great place to "meet", drink and just hang out. You won't be disappointed unless it gets over crowded. And, it's not far from Old Town Square.  Address: V Kolkovně 3, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Náměstí Republiky Prague bars are great, but let's not overlook the variety of beer gardens in Prague. The Letna Summer beer garden is possibly the best. Great views and good beer.

Authentic Czech Pubs

Visitors often overlook these kinds of bars in Prague. Their local atmospheres can be a bit intimidating I admit. But, once you get a seat all you need to know is "Pivo prosim." (Beer please.) 

U Černého Vola (At the Black Bull)

Hidden on the street to leading to Prague Castle, this local spot is for die hard pubsters.

Address: Loretenské Náměstí 1. Malá Strana, Prague 1. Metro: Malostranská - but tram is best - stop Pohořelec.

Zlatého Tygra (At the Golden Tiger)

This is one of most popular local stops. That doesn't mean it has a lot of tourists by no means - it's just good - and very well located near Charles Bridge and Old Town.

Address: Husova 17, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Staroměstská

U Hrocha (At the Hippo)

If you find yourself coming down from Prague Castle with a thirst, then by all means stop here. It's a hidden gem and worth the discomfort you might get being a tourist.

Address: Thunovská 20, Malá Strana, Prague 1. Metro: : Malostranská

Pivnice U Rudolfina

If you're still reading this article, congrats! You've found the place to go. Well at least, I think so.

Address: Křižovnická 10, Old Town, Prague 1. Metro: Staroměstská 

U Kocoura (At the Tomcat)

Somehow this great place still exists despite its tourist friendly location. You might expect it to go the way of a souvenir shop like so many places nearby. Stop in and see why it's still around.

Address: Nerudova 2, Malá Strana, Prague 1. Metro: Malostranská

Other Notes about Bars in Prague

Some bars offer unpasteurized beer known as "tankovna pivo." This just means the beer doesn't go through the rigors of pasteurization and heating. It's not pumped from barrels but from sacks inside large tanks. So, more flavor for you. On this page, U Rudolfina, U Pinkasu and Kolkovna all serve beer this way.

By the way, most bars in Prague do not have non-smoking sections. The battle for clean air is on, but Czech businesses are holding their ground.

Many bars in Prague also offer space outside to enjoy a drink. And, the children are often welcome to come. For excellent beer gardens try either of these two parks, Letna and Reigrovy Sady.