Prague's Beer Scene: What To Drink And Where

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a beer lover's paradise. The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, and Prague is the undisputed epicentre of this beer-loving nation. The city has thousands of places to enjoy a beer, from the basic products of the two largest and traditional breweries in the country, Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser, to the small but high-quality craft breweries that have been popping up in recent years.

The Czech Republic is the birthplace of pilsner, and Prague has long been considered the beer capital of the world. Beer is often as cheap as water and is readily available everywhere, from street kiosks to cavernous beer halls. The city also has a growing craft beer scene, with bars dedicated to serving up unique and interesting brews.

Whether you're looking for a classic Czech beer or something a little more modern, Prague has something for every beer lover.

Best Breweries in Prague

Prague is a beer lover's paradise, with thousands of places to enjoy a pint. The Czech Republic is the birthplace of pilsner and has long been known as the beer capital of the world. Beer is often as cheap as water and is available everywhere.

Strahov Monastery Brewery

This historic brewery, located near Prague Castle, has been producing beer for centuries. The monks of the Strahov Monastery have been brewing beer since the 13th or 14th century. In 2000, the original brewery was renovated and reopened as a craft brewery and restaurant. Visitors can enjoy a range of unfiltered Czech beers, including the Sv. Norbert Amber, Sv.Norbert Dark and Sv.Norbert IPA, in the beautiful courtyard setting.

Brevnov Monastery Brewery

The Brevnov Monastery Brewery is regarded as the oldest brewery in Bohemia, dating back to 993. Monks still produce traditional Czech beers, operating the brewery next to the church in the former farm stables. Visitors can order the monks' fresh brew in the adjoining restaurant.

U Tri Ruzi

U Tri Ruzi is a cozy and historic house in the Old Town, dating back to the 15th century. They brew traditional lagers and craft beers on the ground floor. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot for a bite to eat.

Prague Beer Museum Gastropub

The Prague Beer Museum is a unique tasting room for small brewers from around the Czech Republic. They offer 30 beers on tap, featuring some of the best breweries in Prague. The knowledgeable staff and lively environment make it a great spot for visitors wanting to sample a variety of Czech beers.

Staropramen Brewery

Staropramen is the second-largest beer producer in the Czech Republic, and its brewery is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Visitors can sip on fresh Staropramen in the in-house brewery restaurant, Na Verandách, and then sign up for a tour of the brewery.

In addition to these breweries, there are many other great places to enjoy beer in Prague, including beer gardens, pubs, and craft beer bars. So, whether you're looking for a traditional Czech beer or something more modern, Prague has something for every beer lover.

Best Beer Gardens in Prague

Prague is a beer lover's paradise, with thousands of places to enjoy a drink. The Czech Republic is the country with the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, so it's no surprise that the city has some fantastic beer gardens. Here are some of the best:

Letná Beer Garden

Perched atop Letná Park, this garden offers stunning panoramic views of Prague. Tucked beneath a leafy canopy of chestnut trees, it's the perfect spot to escape the summer heat. Grab a seat at one of the many picnic tables and choose from a selection of Czech beers, including Gambrinus, Pilsner, and Kozel. You can also enjoy a traditional Czech sausage. Letná Beer Garden is a must-visit destination, offering the perfect blend of nature, history, and refreshing beverages.

Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden

Located in the beautiful Vinohrady district, Riegrovy Sady is one of the biggest parks and best beer gardens in Prague. It's a gathering spot for an eclectic mix of sports fans, hipsters, families, and well-behaved dogs. Grab a beer and watch a football match on the projector screen, or relax on the grass and enjoy the sunset. The garden offers a range of domestic and international beer choices, including Pilsner beers.

Strahov Monastery Beer Garden

Strahov Monastery, a 12th-century medieval monastery, is home to one of the most unique beer gardens in Prague. With a history of brewing dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, the monastery offers a range of unfiltered Czech beers. Enjoy your drink surrounded by the monastery's historic architecture and beautiful ivy-covered walls. The monastery is located on Petrin Hill, a short walk from Prague Castle, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Hospůdka Na Hradbách Beer Garden

Within the walls of Vyšehrad, Prague's OTHER castle, lies Hospůdka Na Hradbách. This beer garden offers a blend of history and nature, with stunning views of the river and the city. Explore the Gothic St. Peter and Paul Basilica, wander through ancient battlements, and visit the art gallery and sculpture garden. Then, relax under the beige Pilsner umbrellas and enjoy a classic Czech beer like Gambrinus, Kozel, or Pilsner, paired with grilled meats and Balkan-inspired dishes.

Parukarka Beer Garden

For a more modern plasticky vibe, head to Parukarka Beer Garden in Prague 3. This garden serves beer in portly glass mugs, creating a unique atmosphere with the cacophonous clinking of mugs. If the weather takes a turn, you can escape to the underground bunker-turned-pub, once meant to protect citizens from nuclear warfare. Parukarka offers a different side of Prague, away from the tourist traps, and is a favourite among locals.

Beer Classification

The Czech Republic is the country with the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, and the Czechs tend to be traditional when it comes to their beers, with ales not being very popular and the most famous Czech brands focusing on lagers. The most common measure of beer is a pint (500 ml or 0.5 litres), which is referred to as a "large" in Prague, while a "small" beer is 0.33 litres.

The Czechs use a measure of degrees, usually between 8°-13°, to indicate the amount of sugar in the beer before fermentation, which is usually a measure of how much alcohol is in the beer. Most of the time, 8° equals about 3.5% alcohol, and 13° is roughly 5.7%.

The most famous beer in Prague is Pilsner Urquell, which is served almost everywhere. However, there are many other beers to try, and the Czech brewing landscape is changing, with smaller breweries now producing great craft beers that extend beyond the ubiquitous lager.

In addition to the lager (ležák), you can also find dark beer (tmavé), yeast beer (pšeničné, or hefeweizen), and, on rare occasions, an amber (jantar).

Beer Recommendations

• Pilsner Urquell: The world's first pale lager, Pilsner Urquell is made using pale malts and soft water and has a distinct "hoppy" taste and an alcohol content of 4.5%-5%.
• Kozel: Kozel, which means "male goat" in Czech, has been around since 1874 and is a typical pale beer with a 4% alcohol content.
• Svijani: One of the oldest beers in the Czech Republic, founded in 1534, Svijani produces unpasteurised lagers, which have a unique "true" taste compared to other Czech beers.
• Matuška: One of the country's youngest beers, Matuška is a craft beer brewed with no added extracts or sugars, using different types of yeasts and specially filtered water.
• Bernard: A family brewery dating back to the 16th century, Bernard was revamped in 1991 when new owners took over and switched to making unpasteurised beer using traditional methods. Bernard beers are known for being full-bodied and bitter.
• Sv. Norbert: Located at the Strahov Monastery, this brewery offers a diverse, seasonal beer menu, including a special dark lager.

Ordering Beer in Prague

The Czech Republic is the country with the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, so it's no surprise that drinking beer is a popular pastime in its capital, Prague. The Czech Republic is also the birthplace of pilsner, and the city of Prague has long been regarded as the beer capital of the world.

How to Order Beer in Prague

To order a beer in Prague, simply say "Pivo, prosim", which means "Beer, please". If you want a small beer (0.33 litre), say "Male pivo, prosim", pronounced "ma-lay pee-vo pro-seem". "Na zdraví" is how you say "cheers" in Czech.

Beer Prices in Prague

The price of beer in Prague is relatively low compared to other European cities. On average, a pint (500 ml or 0.5 litre) costs around 35 CSK (Czech Crowns), which is roughly $1.50 or €1.30. However, prices can go up to 90 CSK in microbreweries or touristy bars.

Types of Beer in Prague

While the Czech Republic is famous for its lager (ležák), you can also find dark beer (tmavé) and yeast beer (pšeničné, also known as hefeweizen). On rare occasions, you might come across an amber beer (jantar).

Where to Drink Beer in Prague

Prague has thousands of places to enjoy a beer, from classic beer halls to street kiosks and beer gardens. Here are some recommended spots to drink beer in Prague:

• Zly Casy: Located in the Prague 4 district, Zly Casy offers 48 beers on tap from smaller Czech breweries and a wide range of bottled beers from around the world. It's a non-smoking venue with a relaxed atmosphere and a community of beer aficionados.
• Beergeek: A new addition to the Prague beer scene, Beergeek offers a curated selection of 30 craft beers, including local favourites like Matuska, Antos, Kout na Sumave, and Falkon. It's a non-smoking bar with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
• Nota Bene: This venue combines a restaurant on the ground floor with a beer point in the basement, offering a total of 13 taps featuring beers from smaller local breweries. The food here is highly recommended, but expect a wait for the dishes.
• Sedmej schod: A small bar with only about five tables, located near the National Technical Museum and the Letna beer garden. They usually have four beers on tap and a fridge stocked with great local and foreign beers.
• T-Anker: A rooftop bar located on the top floor of the Kotva department store at Namesti Republiky square. It offers nine beers on tap and about 60 bottled beers from the Czech Republic and worldwide, along with great views of the Old Town and Prague Castle.
• Kulovy Blesk: A pub with 16+11 beers on tap, including offerings from the Unetice and Kocour breweries. It's located on a busy street, but the outdoor seating in the courtyard provides a nice atmosphere during the summer.
• The Tavern: Located next to the Riegrovy sady park, The Tavern has a great atmosphere and delicious, juicy burgers. Their beer selection includes local favourites such as Matuska and Permon, as well as the ubiquitous Pilsner Urquell.
• Dish Fine Burger Bistro: Serving one of the best burgers in town, Dish is a great place to pair a hearty meal with a lager from the Unetice brewery.
• Nase Maso: A butcher shop and restaurant serving meatloaf, sausages, and burgers, along with unpasteurised and unfiltered lager by the Antos brewery.
• Letná Beer Garden: Located inside Letná Park, this beer garden offers light and dark beer options, stunning views of the Vltava River and Old Town, and a perfect setting for watching the sunset.
• Vyšehrad Beer Garden: This beer garden is known for its delicious selection of grilled food, including vegetables and meats cooked by guys from Bosnia. They offer a variety of beers, including Gambrinus, Kozel, and Pilsner.
• Riegrovy Sady: Another popular beer garden in Prague, known for its eclectic mix of patrons and stunning sunsets.
• U Fleků Brewery & Restaurant: The only brewery in Central Europe that has been brewing continuously for over 500 years. They serve a 13° dark lager in eight beautifully decorated halls and an outdoor garden area.
• Hostinec U Tunelu: A rustic and homey brewery off the beaten path, offering a nice selection of Konrad beer.
• Klasterni Pivovar at Strahov Monastery: A diverse and seasonal beer menu, including a special dark lager and a cool, crisp wheat beer.
• U Šumavy: A blend of old-world Prague and new-world beer, with a deep tap list of locally brewed Czech beers ranging from classic dark lagers to modern takes on IPAs and imperial stouts.
• U Vejvodu: A touristy spot in the centre of the city, serving fresh Pilsner Urquell from a tankovna. It's a huge beer hall with stellar beer and a convenient location.
• U Dvou Koček: A great old pub in central Prague that brews its own beer. Order their "Kočka", a smooth pilsner that's easy to drink.
• Bad Flash Bar: Located on the trendy Krymska Street, Bad Flash Bar brews their own beer and offers a wide range of craft beers from around the world, with 12 beers on tap and 300 bottled options.
• Brevnov Monastery Brewery: Regarded as the oldest brewery in Bohemia, dating back to 993. They produce traditional Czech beers, including lagers and craft beers.
• Brewery U Tri Ruzi: A cozy and historic house in the Prague Old Town, dating back to the 15th century. They brew traditional lagers and craft beers on-site and offer a bite to eat as well.

Beer Price in Prague

Prague is known for its cheap beer. The average price of a pint of beer is 35 CSK (Czech Crowns) or 500 ml/0.5 litres. This equates to roughly $1.50 or €1.30. However, in microbreweries or tourist bars, a pint could cost up to 90 CSK, which is still considered relatively cheap.

Beer is considered a meal complement in the Czech Republic, and so it is taxed less than in other countries. A classic Czech meal in a restaurant will cost less than an equally filling meal in other Western countries. For $5, you can enjoy a hearty lunch of pork, sauce, six dumplings, and half a litre of beer.

The trick to finding cheap beer is to avoid tourist hotspots, such as restaurants near the Charles Bridge, and instead, ask locals where they eat.

Frequently asked questions