How to Beer in Prague

It comes as no surprise that there are initiatives currently underway aiming to list Czech beer as UNESCO cultural heritage. Czech beer unites people from different backgrounds, social and economic standing, political views; at the last presidential elections, two of the candidates – Petr Pavel and Danuše Nerudová – had beer together before the second round as a sign of mutual respect and values. Follow their lead and order any “pivo, prosím!”

Of course, the real reason the Czech Republic is so strongly associated with beer is because Czech beer really is that good, and as such is beloved by locals and visitors alike. From the most famous Pilsner* through the bitter Radegast to micro-breweries and local breweries of less internationally famous but nationally beloved brands such as Vinohradský pivovar, Matuška, or Chříč, it’s quite hard to end up drinking bad Czech beer (though also not impossible, so do ask the regular sitting next to you).

It may however be a bit trickier to find the perfect place for you to enjoy said beer in Prague, especially during the summer, amidst tourist traps and the sheer number of establishments in the center. 

This is why we would like to share with you a few time-tested tips for where to order a pint or two in Prague. As temperatures rise and cooling fountains remain scarce, this list ought to come in handy! 

*Friendly reminder that Pilsner is actually written and pronounced Plzeň [Puhlzenyuh] in Czech, in case you want to impress your waiter. 

Prague Beer Gardens

The Letná Beer Garden

Likely on tap: Pilsner

Address: Letenské sady 341 

Located on a hill overlooking the city and not too far from Prague Castle, Letná is a beautiful park that attracts people from all over the city: dog-walkers, families, runners, and tourists. The neighborhood itself shelters the last remaining Prague hipsters, while the Letná beer garden welcomes everyone to stop for a pint and enjoy the beautiful view. You may also catch a glimpse of a traditional Czech wedding, as many couples choose the little chateau right beside the garden for their special day. Don’t forget to stop by an ATM on the way as this beer garden is cash only.

Don’t make the beer gardens your only spot – though you might find it hard to leave after just one beer – because the park is full of fascinating bits of recent history, be it the Stalin open-air club or the fascinating Metronome kinetic sculpture right above the club, which after the revolution replaced the empty plinth where a statue of Stalin had stood, and has been in operation for over thirty years.

Riegrovy Sady

Likely on tap: Gambrinus 10°, Kozel 11°

Address: Riegrovy sady 28, 120 00 Vinohrady

If you find yourself in Vinohrady, which is a bit of a rivalling neighborhood to Letná across the river, with a similar native population of hipsters, expats, and born-and-bred Praguers, don’t miss out on a stroll through the Riegrovy Sady park, which offers yet another beautiful view of Prague and has its own beer garden, which has recently reopened. 

Kasárna Karlín

Best for those who love alternative culture & art 

Likely on tap: Rudohor 10°, 11°, 12° 

Address: Prvního pluku 20/2, 186 00 Karlín

Hidden behind Florenc, Prague’s biggest bus station, at the very edge of the New Town, are tall but unassuming former military barracks lining a large hidden courtyard. Here lies Kasárna Karlin. For a few years now, thanks to a rare deal between the collective running Kasárna and Prague city hall, this beautiful space has been the ultimate Prague go-to hangout spot. There’s a never ending offer of film screenings, small festivals, and workshops. Complete with a large kids’ play area, a beach volleyball court, a café bedded in a former swimming pool, several little bars, and a military watchtower, the only thing missing is a good restaurant, but you won’t go hungry – Czech pub staples such as hermelín (pickled cheese) or chlebíčky (open sandwiches) are on offer as well as a few vegan snacks, hot soup, and ice-cream.

Čapadlo

Likely on tap: Pilsner, Proud Ventill 11°, Proud Nikl Psenice 10°, Proud Fresh way 11° 

Address: Smetanovo nábř. 6, 110 00 Staré Město

Čapadlo, one of the newer additions to the Prague beer garden scene, lies smack in the center, right near the National Theatre with views of the castle. Yet its more concealed location has made it a favorite summertime hangout for locals. Its location near the river makes it the perfect spot to take a load off, complete with little sofa islands for maximum comfort. On top of the excellent selections of beer they have on tap, you can get gourmet Neapolitan-style pizzas if you want to pair food with your beer. In the summer months, Čapadlo also has a program of concerts and events to bring people together.

PRAGUE BEER TOURS

Beer & Baroque: A Highbrow Brew Tour

Likely on tap: a selection of locally brewed beers 

The old Prague area of Strahov and its monastery is wedged between Prague Castle and Petřín Hill, but still quite off the beaten path. One of the more interesting ways to get there is to take the Prague City funicular up Petřín and walk to the monastery (but make sure to check first if the funicular is in operation for the day!). 

At the monastery, Insight Cities’ Beer & Baroque tour offers a taste of Czech history, architecture, and beer all carefully curated into a one-of-a-kind experience. Strahov provides one of the best yet not best-known views of the city. The monk-run brewery itself is over a 1000 years old, and finally, the Strahov Monastery Library is an absolute Baroque gem of architecture. The tour then concludes with flights of beer at Břevnov, the oldest monastery in the Czech Republic, founded in 993!  Believe us, beer tastes even better when drunk on a spot where it’s been served for over 1000 years.

Prague Old Town Pubs

Best for those who want their beer with traditional Czech fare!

Likely on tap: Pilsner, Staropramen, Gambrinus, and local micro-brews

The Old Town is home to traditional pubs that have been operational for many decades, some even for centuries. People of all trades, professions, and social standing have frequented pubs that are now associated with particular names or epochs in history. Below are just a few iconic pub names – you probably can’t go wrong with a “U” at the beginning of the title (means “at the,” and is usually a household name). 

• Get a Pilsner beer at U Zlatého tygra, where famous Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal is said to have hung out with the likes of dissident, playwright and former president Václav Havel 
• U Kunštátů offers over 100 kinds of craft beers, most from small local breweries. Be sure to get a beer sampler if you can’t decide what to try! 
• U Pinkasů, the first Czech pub to serve Pilsner beer coming on horse-drawn carriages in wooden beer barrels in the 19th century, is full of tourists. But we still recommend its beautiful cool beer garden in summer for outdoor lunches or dinners right under the great New Town Church, Our Lady of Snows. It is always full of native Czechs too for good reason. You cannot make a reservation for the garden but it’s worth a 10 minute wait for a cool and casual summer meal with beer in a historic Prague setting. The traditional Czech kitchen is quite good along with the Pilsner lagers.
• U Fleků is yet another traditional pub with its own micro-brewery of a dark and pale ale. Often crowded with visitors from all over town, this was the place where all the Old Town workmen used to go for lunch.

Malá Strana pubs

Cross Charles Bridge from Old Town and you’ll be in Malá Strana, just down the hill from the castle. Here, you’ll find even more beer spots to quench your thirst for the Czech national beverage. 

• Roesel doubles as a cafe as well as a pub, offering craft beer from three rotating taps and traditional Czech dishes, with the occasional vegan dish in their daily menu.
• Bar U klíčů may not look like much, but it gets a lot of praise for its atmosphere and friendly staff and clientele. Beer is just part of the alcoholic selection at U klíčů, so if some of your fellow travelers would rather imbibe in wine or cocktails, this spot can be a good compromise.

Prague Pubs by the River

Náplavka

The Vltava river cuts Prague right down the middle from north to south. Walking along the eastern náplavka, or embankment, is one of our favorite pastimes, and you can stop at any of the anchored boats or stands for some decent beer. On Saturdays, there is also a large farmer‘s market where you can find various fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese and other locally produced goodies. 

(A)VOID Floating Gallery (bar & event space)

A bit further along the main thoroughfare at náplavka, (A)VOID Floating Gallery is permanently anchored ship and a local hotspot for art, music and cultural events. Writers come here to read their work out loud, bands come to play concerts, sauna-goers come to sauna, and beer drinkers come to drink. 

Legal tips: 

You can purchase or be served alcohol only if you’re 18 years or older. 

Alcohol tolerance when driving is zero.

You are allowed to drink alcohol in public but not everywhere. Prohibited areas include public transit stops and stations, many parks, and a lot of places in Prague 1, which is most affected by overtourism in the summer. 

You’re legally required to keep quiet in residential neighborhoods after 10 PM. 

Non-alcoholic beer such as Birrell or fruity non-alcoholic beer sodas such as Radler are widely available. 

And finally, the golden rule: Be safe. Avoid bad beer. Go with locals!