5 Boozy Watering Holes in Prague

An 1,100-year-old European capital known for its rich history, baroque buildings, lush greenery and gothic churches, Prague has another, younger thing going for it.

The capital of the Czech Republic is a town filled with great food, interesting cocktail concepts and cheap, delicious beer. The walkability factor in Prague is key, especially if you’re planning to get a bit tipsy.

When the climate is mild (spring and autumn bring good weather and fewer tourists), you can see sites like Prague Castle, Lennon Wall, Old Town Square and more on foot. Here’s a list of five unique watering holes I’d frequent if I lived in the City of One Hundred Spires. For now, boozy Czech vacays will have to do.

Hemingway Bar

The name alone should be reason enough to visit if you’re a fan at all of Ernest Hemingway’s books and the wild life he once lived.

Hemingway Bar is the Czech Republic’s oldest rum bar, where patrons can watch talented mixologists work their cocktail magic. Inspired by some of the bars Hemingway frequented, his namesake has a classic, sexy feel with dark leather furniture and a wooden bar as well as a soft, bluesy soundtrack that plays in the background.

Absinthe cocktails are a must, and rum tastings can be arranged in advance. This is the perfect Prague place to start (or end) a sophisticated night on the town. In previous years, Hemingway Bar has been listed as one of the World’s Best Bars.

Cash Only Bar

No credit cards. No smoking. No reservations. No exceptions. At Hemingway’s little sister, Cash Only Bar, these are the only rules.

Similar to Hemingway and just a few blocks away, Cash Only Bar prides itself in creative cocktails as well as a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The bartenders are warm and welcoming, delivering impeccable service every time. If you fancy an item that’s not on the menu, they’ll do their best to come up with something just for you based on your spirit and flavor preferences. If you forget cash, not to worry—there is an ATM within walking distance.

Letna Beer Garden

They say the best things in Prague are cheap or free, and Prague’s beer gardens are both.

Beer is cheap (often around $2 USD for a glass) in the Czech Republic, and nothing (seriously, nothing) beats drinking it in a forest overlooking the entire city. With a beer kiosk and wooden picnic tables at the top of a hill, this casual beer garden is less about variety and all about the breathtaking views.

Although it’s a mini trek to reach Letn á Beer Garden (up what feels like a hundred stairs and then through playgrounds and bike trails), when the weather is nice, the adventure is one worth having. I did it in the rain, and it was still painfully beautiful. When you make it to the top, grab a snack—there is a sausage stand—and a cold one, then settle in for some sky-high sightseeing that never disappoints.

Cukrkavalimonada

I have a soft spot for this one. It’s not a bar, per se, but more like a posh, healthy pasta cafe. Yup, you read that right—carbs. Fresh pasta, green juices, Viennese pastries made daily and European wine.

I liked it so much I went back twice in three days—for a glass (OK, two) of bubbly and a mouthwatering home-cooked pesto spaghetti plate. Hidden behind the Charles Bridge in Mala Strana, Cukrkavalimonada, is the cool place for víno any time of day. And although it is a bit pricier than my other picks, it’s the perfect alternative to and a break from meat-based Czech meals.

The Globe Bookstore & Cafe

An expat hangout and Prague’s first English-language bookstore, The Globe Bookstore & Cafe offers up great coffee, a diverse cocktail menu, American literature and even one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artists.

Founded in 1993, this bookstore has a selection of close to 10,000 titles, offers an American-influenced menu (in case you’re feeling a little homesick) and typical American cocktails like the Bloody Mary, White Russian and Sex on the Beach. Plus: the staff is friendly and oh so helpful.

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