
Old Street in Prague © iStock/ a_Taiga
Venture beyond Prague’s tourist hotspots and you’ll discover a quirkier side to the city. With an abundance of offbeat venues, hip boutiques and trendy eateries, the Czech capital gives Berlin and London a run for its money. Make like the hipsters and seek out our pick of the coolest spots in Prague.
Shopping
BOHO Vintage Concept Store
The minimalist interior at BOHO certainly makes a pleasant change from your average second-hand store. Browse an eclectic assortment of vintage fashion and homeware sourced from flea markets alongside retro-style BOHO brand pieces.
Francouzská 240/76, Vršovice
Bric a Brac Antiques
This discreet pair of stores is each little larger than a closet, but they’re all the more charming for their petite size. Rummage through the vast collection of antiques – marionette dolls, ceramics, vintage perfume bottles, clocks – and you’re sure to find a treasure to take home.
Týnská 627/7, Old Town
100CLASS Concept Store
An edgy, high-end boutique, 100CLASS lives by Vivienne Westwood’s motto: “Buy less, choose well.” Meticulously laid out through the bright store is a careful curation of contemporary fashion, homeware and art from leading Czech designers.
Soukenická 30, New Town
PageFive
Wander down the road from Letná Park to this trendy bookshop. You’ll find beautifully designed books and magazines on arts subjects by young Czech creatives (plenty published in English), prints and posters, and you might even catch one of their regular exhibitions.
Veverkova 5, Letná
Wolfgang Store
Wolfgang’s pared-back interiors house a chaste selection of unisex styles, eschewing the fickle world of high fashion and opting for a timeless approach to its clothes. The Lazy collection is all wide silhouettes and comfortable cotton loungewear; Fine embraces delicate fabrics and classic wardrobe staples; while Classy brings in the cool leather accessories. All this makes Wolfgang Store one of the coolest spots in Prague
Benediktská 5, Old Town
Veltlin Wine Bar © Veltlin
100CLASS Shop Floor © 100CLASS
Drinking
Veltlin
Wine lovers should head to Veltlin, a pretty bar that pays homage to the grape. The proprietor prides himself on serving only organic wines of the highest quality, mostly sourced from small, boutique vineyards.
Křižíkova 488/115, Karlín
Malkovich Bar
With its floral wallpaper, mismatched furniture and jazz music, entering this cosy cocktail bar is like stepping into your grandmother’s lounge…in a good way. The drinks menu, by contrast, offers playful combinations like gin with elderflower liquor, cucumber and chilli tincture.
Bořivojova 623/100, Žižkov
Parlour
Hidden behind a nondescript exterior down a quiet street, this underground cocktail bar is about as hipster as they get. For starters, there’s no menu. A mixologist whisks up personalised combinations to suit your mood and serves them in vintage crystal glasses.
Krakovská 15, New Town
Lokál Dlouhááá
Lokál is one of Prague’s trendier beer halls, not least because the pints are pulled fresh from silver tanks sitting right under the bar taps. It’s just the thing to wash down their classic Czech cuisine (made with a modern twist, of course).
Dlouhá 33, Old Town
Elbow Room
The sophisticated sister of Bukowski’s Bar (also one of the coolest spots in Prague), Elbow Room has a deliciously illicit atmosphere with its unmarked entrance, low lighting and red velvet décor. The bar itself comprises two cramped but cosy rooms, and serves a mean Long Island Iced Tea.
Veletržní 302/40, Letná
Dining
Vnitroblock
A culture café and fashion/design store with a dance studio upstairs and an intimate underground cinema, Vnitroblock has it all. Sample artisan sandwiches, wholesome cakes and strong coffee in the spacious multi-purpose space, also used for art exhibitions, lectures and regular DJ performances.
Tusarova 791/31, Holešovice
Venue
A sleek café with fur-draped chairs and marble tables, Venue works with seasonal ingredients from Czech farms. The juices are fresh, the cakes decadent, and the mains range from fried egg-topped sweet potato hash for brunch, to lunchtime pastas, quiches and salads.
Havelská 4, Old Town
Bar Cobra
Serving the brunch of champions during the day and experimental fusion bowls by night, Bar Cobra is an industrial-themed hipster hangout in Letná. The food here is excellent, with unusual but successful flavour combinations – think lavender petals sprinkled over the sausages and pomegranate and mint on the Shakshouka – and the ambience is relaxed and friendly. Linger on into the evening and a live DJ mixes up a cool soundtrack to your digestif.
Milady Horákové 8, Letná
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FAQs
What should you not miss in Prague? ›
- Explore the Majestic Prague Castle. ...
- See the Charm of Old Town Square. ...
- Stroll on the Charles Bridge. ...
- Eat Trdelník from any Street Stand. ...
- Shop at Wenceslas Square. ...
- Experience the Czech Culture through Local Cuisine Tour. ...
- Take a Photo with the Franz Kafka Head Sculpture.
Holešovice is one of the hipster neighborhoods in Prague. At one time, it was the old meatpacking district. Now, it's filled with a slew of coffee shops, modern restaurants, bookshops, arts, and pubs. Holešovice is constantly changing, but here are three great ways to explore the hippest neighborhood in Prague.
Do and don'ts in Prague? ›- Don't line up like a tourist to get into popular attractions.
- Do know the scams and don't let your guard down.
- Don't expect people to smile at you.
- Do take a secret food tour with a local.
- Do remember the Euro is not the correct currency.
Tipping in the Czech Republic is commonly expected. Foreign visitors are often expected to tip at least 10%. (N.B. This practice holds true mainly in Prague and leading tourist "meccas" such as Cesky Krumlov, not in the general countryside, where foreigners are not expected to do anything more than locals.)
What food is Prague famous for? ›- Koleno (pecene veprove koleno) Koleno (pork knuckle) is served on a wood cutting board with a serrated knife. ...
- Czech roast duck. ...
- Knedliky (bread dumplings) ...
- Svickova na smetane. ...
- Bramborak (potato pancake) ...
- Utopenci. ...
- Nakladany hermelin. ...
- Smazeny Syr (fried cheese)
It is very much a tourist city with visitors from around the world, so you will see all sorts of clothing and there are no real restrictions – although locals tend to be smart casual. Jeans and t-shirts are popular – with the majority of people seen wearing dark blue or black denim.
What is the most beautiful square in Prague known as? ›One of Europe's most beautiful and busiest urban spaces, the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí, or Staromák for short) has been Prague's principal public square since the 10th century, and was its main marketplace until the beginning of the 20th century.
Where do locals hang out in Prague? ›...
Bars in Prague – go where the locals go
- 1 Vinárna U Sudu, Vodičkova 677/10, Nové Mesto. ...
- 2 Baráčnická rychta, Tržiště 23, Mala Strana.
The Czech actually hate it when people go to meetings exceedingly early or unexpectedly. It's considered rude and unnecessary, not because they think you're showing the other people up, but rather you're not respecting the time set for the meeting itself.
Are Americans welcome in Prague? ›Effective April 9, 2022, the Czech Republic has suspended all COVID-19 related entry restrictions for travelers. Travelers to the Czech Republic are no longer required to complete a Passenger Locator Form, provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or prior infection, etc.
How do you say hello in Prague? ›
Ahoj (ah-hoy) = Hi. or Bye. Much like Aloha this word can be used both when meeting and leaving. You will often hear Czechs saying hi while waving you goodbye. Čau is another informal equivalent.
Is Prague a walkable city? ›Prague is very walkable. If you dropped from the sky and landed in Old Time Square you would be in a good position to walk everywhere interesting within 30 minutes. The city sits in a valley split in half by a river and surrounded by rolling hills. The encircling hills forced compactness on the city builders.
What is the best month to visit Prague? ›May and September are the best months to visit Prague. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds than in summer. However, if you're looking for cheaper accommodation prices, consider visiting in the winter.
How much money do you need in Prague a day? ›For budget-minded travelers, it costs around $35-$50/day to visit Prague. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another $50-$80/night depending on your stay.
Should I carry cash Prague? ›Most places in Prague accept credit cards and mobile payments, but not all. It is advisable to carry at least some Czech Crowns in cash. Some larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept both Euros and Czech Crowns. Many local shops, entertainment venues and tourist attractions only accept Czech Crowns.
Can you drink tap water in Prague? ›Yes, tap water in Prague is safe to drink
The quality of tap water in the Czech Republic is very high. You can drink tap water in Prague without worrying about unpleasant consequences.
Casual dress is the norm for everyday wear, including at most restaurants. Shorts for men are not as common in Prague as they are in North America. In the evening, long pants are the norm, even in summer.
What is a typical Czech breakfast? ›White Bread
That would probably be the most common answer if you asked a Czech what they usually have for breakfast. A slice of wheat-and-rye bread, traditionally sourdough, or a white roll (rohlík) topped with butter, hard cheese, and ham is one example. Those with more of a sweet tooth opt for jam or honey.
Absinthe, the storied legendary libation that was initially famous in France and Switzerland, can now be ordered in many bars across North America and Europe. But the Czechs have been making it for much of the 20th century, too. And at 70 proof, it's dangerously strong.
Can I use US dollars in Czech Republic? ›You don't need to get Czech currency before arriving in Prague. But if you prefer to carry some cash, then euros, US dollars and British pounds are the next best options. They are the easiest to exchange and euros can be used in some shops, which is helpful at the airport and main train station.
Do I need to carry my passport in Prague? ›
You should carry your passport with you at all times for identification. The police may fine you or arrest you if you fail to do so. Some city centre bars and restaurants don't allow entry to stag groups. Drunken or offensive behaviour is dealt with according to Czech law and may result in detention and or fines.
What is Prague famous for shopping? ›- Czech Porcelain. Compared to other Czech handicrafts, porcelain is relatively new. ...
- Kovap Mechanical Toys. ...
- Bohemia Crystal. ...
- Designer Fabric Accessories. ...
- Kubista. ...
- Bohemian Lavender. ...
- Personalized Objects d'Art. ...
- Marionettes.
Cultural taboos
Specifically, you should avoid asking questions about intimate personal subjects, such as your host's personal age, health or finances. Czechs don't like to flaunt their riches, so asking about where and how they live might also be inappropriate.
Prague is a 3D architecture textbook. Romanesque chapels and cellars, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and gardens, worldly Art Nouveau buildings, and unique Cubist architecture make it a place with no parallel in the world.
Is Prague the prettiest city in the world? ›It's not surprising at all! Prague has been officially named the most beautiful city in the world by the international magazine Time out.
What should I look for in Prague? ›- Staromestske namesti. 55,724. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas. ...
- Charles Bridge. 72,709. Bridges. ...
- St. Vitus Cathedral. 23,630. ...
- Prague Castle. 36,610. Castles. ...
- Prague Zoo. 10,622. Zoos. ...
- Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock. 27,160. ...
- Lesser Town. 5,026. ...
- Hradčany. 6,961.
There is no certain rule for dressing up in Prague when it comes to nightlife, however, some bars and clubs require you to dress smartly. If you don't want to spend your entire night in one place, I would advise you to dress smart casual. This will help you to “fit in” most of the nightclubs and pubs.
Do locals speak English in Prague? ›English is widely spoken, but a little Czech is welcome
It's common for people who live or work in Prague's tourist hotspots to speak English. Menus and museum information boards will usually be translated into English, too.
The staple hot alcohol drink in Prague is Hot Mulled Wine. You'll see signs for Mulled Wine, Gluwein or in Czech it's Svarák. Generally this is a red wine with a hint of cinnamon and cloves.
What are some strange laws in Czech Republic? ›- Drinking in public is illegal (sort of)
- Honest walkaround. ...
- Writing on the John Lenon wall can result in 1 year in prison.
- Honest walkaround. ...
- It is forbidden to ride a bicycle in Prague (sort of)
- Honest walkaround.
What time is dinner in Prague? ›
Lunch and Dinner. Most Czechs tend to eat their evening meal at around 7 pm on weekdays, as they want to get to bed early to be wide awake the next morning and ready for work. Most restaurants in the city do stay open later than this, though, with the average closing time being around 10:30 pm.
What is one thing Czech is known for? ›The Czech Republic is famous for its beer
Czechs consume the most beer per capita in the world. You can go join them for a Pilsner-style larger (their most famous brew) in any old alluring pub – called a hospoda – around town.
The Czech Republic (official short name: Czechia) is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Czech Republic for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.
Do they speak good English in Prague? ›English in Prague
And at the tourist hotspots, restaurants in the centre, hotels, and gift shops, knowledge of the English language is taken for granted. Of course, all the tourist spot attendants speak English very well, and cab drivers, waiters, hotel concierges, and people working at the airport do too.
According to the United States State Department, Prague is exceptionally safe to travel to, and visitors only need to consider basic safety precautions. In fact, it's at the lowest threat level available in the U.S. system.
How do you respond to thank you in Czech? ›Není zač. Sometimes, Czech people also use the friendly expression rádo se stalo. There is not an exact English equivalent, but it is quite similar to “It was a pleasure to help you”. You can use it as a response to situations when someone thanks you for your help.
Can you pay with euro in Prague? ›Do Prague stores and restaurants accept the Euro? – Euro is not in official use. – Some shops, restaurants, and hotels accept payments in Euro and other currencies but usually with an inconvenient exchange rate.
What is the typical food in Czech Republic? ›Meats and starches dominate the national dinner table. The most popular typical Czech dish is Veprova s knedlikem a se zelim — roast pork served with sauerkraut and dumplings. This hearty tabletop trinity will have fans of plain home cooking pleased from the first mouthful down to the last carraway seed.
What should I be aware of in Prague? ›Most visitors to the Czech Republic experience no difficulties but you should be aware of street crime and petty theft, particularly in Prague. Prague city police advise visitors to: always exchange currency at a currency exchange office or bank, never on the street as this money is often counterfeit.
What should I know before traveling to Prague? ›- The currency used in Prague is the Czech Crown (not Euro!) ...
- Most tourist landmarks are within walking distance of each other. ...
- The public transportation is well-connected and affordable. ...
- Avoid cabs and taxis. ...
- Beware of pickpockets. ...
- Beer is cheaper than water.
How many days in Prague is enough? ›
To really see Prague, it's best to visit for four to five days. That will allow you to see all the main sites and get a sense of the city's culture — without rushing (something a lot of tourists do).
Do I need cash in Prague? ›Most places in Prague accept credit cards and mobile payments, but not all. It is advisable to carry at least some Czech Crowns in cash. Some larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept both Euros and Czech Crowns. Many local shops, entertainment venues and tourist attractions only accept Czech Crowns.
What is the best month to go to Prague? ›May and September are the best months to visit Prague. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds than in summer. However, if you're looking for cheaper accommodation prices, consider visiting in the winter.