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.
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
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
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
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’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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
As you throw open the curtains each morning and survey the cityscape below, you can smile to yourself knowing you saved 20% off by booking in advance. Secure your stay at least five days ahead and enjoy the sublime comfort of your room for less, while enjoying a delicious breakfast each morning on our account.
The start of spring is an ideal time to visit the Czech capital. Suddenly, public parks are abuzz with picnicking locals, trees break into blossom and the city’s calendar fills with festivals. Whether you’re seeking contemporary dance or classical music, colourful costumes or outdoor events, these 10 Prague festivals cater to all tastes.
Prague is the perfect city to celebrate New Year’s Eve for its beautiful, elegant character, and all-round festive, family cheer. As you wander down fairy-tale cobbled streets, you’ll no doubt experience the real magic of Prague. The celebratory atmosphere can be felt throughout the city; on the streets, on the river, in the squares, and in the bars, clubs and restaurants. Below, you’ll learn more about this enchanting city and what it has to offer on this special evening.