10 Best Breweries in Prague
Are you passionate about beer? Then the Bohemian city is the ideal destination for you.
Beer Glass | ©Gerrie van der Walt
In the Czech capital you'll find dozens of places to enjoy a good pint, which is definitely one of the things to do on a trip to Prague. To help you choose the one that best suits your tastes, we've compiled a list of the best beer bars in Prague. You'll find bars in the Old Town and some interesting options off the beaten tourist track.
1. Pivovar Sv. Norbert Strahov, where tradition comes alive again
For more than six centuries, this monastery near Prague Castle has produced litres and litres of beer. After years of neglect, in 2000 a group of friends rescued this place from oblivion and turned it into the Czech capital's main beer destination.
The fermentation area does not occupy the entire building and before having a pint you can explore the place. Here you will also find the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (Bazilika Nanebevzetí Panny Marie na Strahově) and the Strahov Library, a historical archive preserved with a number of medieval manuscripts, maps and globes
In this microbrewery they serve various types of beer, some all year round, others depending on the season. Among the latter are the Sv. Norbert Smoked Porter (a beer with a touch of Big Peat whisky), the Sv. Norbert Mandarina Weizen (brewed with Mandarina hops, perfect for summer) and the Sv. Norbert Coconut Wet-hop Ale which fuses coconut with Huell Melon hops.
- Address: Strahovske Nadvori 301/10
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: From the Old Town, just take the green metro line at Staroměstská and get off at Hradčanská. Once on the surface, from the same stop take the tram (line 25) to Malovanka.
2. U Kunštátů, a little gem in the centre of Prague
A bar offering around 100 craft beers from small independent producers. The owners of U Kunštátů are true pioneers as they were one of the first craft beer bars in the country. The menu varies according to the seasons but the quality is always high. They also offer Czech beer tastings. Another reason to visit is the Romanesque building tucked away in an alley in the old town.
- Address: Retezova 222/3
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: U Kunštátů is located in the heart of Prague. From the astronomical clock, it is only a 5-minute walk. Be careful, the bar is located in a cul-de-sac.
3. Letná Beer Garden, an unmissable stop in spring and summer
Letná Park stretches along the left bank of the river and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. In the warmer months it is frequented by thousands of people who flock to this green area to play sports, escape the heat and enjoy a good beer. The higher elevation provides an incomparable view of the Vltava, its bridges and the Old Town. IF you are interested in Prague's scenic spots, I recommend reading the post about the best views of the Czech capital.
- Address: Letenské sady 170
- Price: low
- How to get there: the nearest metro station is Hradčanská (green line). The stop is a five-minute walk from the park entrance. You can also use the tram. Take lines 1, 2, 8, 12, 14, 25 or 26 and get off at the Letenské náměstí stop.
4. Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden for a pint with the locals
Another highly recommended "beer garden" can be found in the Vinohrady district, a forgotten corner of Prague, but no less interesting for tourists. The district lies to the east of the historic centre and takes its name from the vineyards that were planted by Charles IV in the 14th century. It is a residential district with elegant residences (especially in Lužická, Hradešínská and Na Šafránce streets), cafés and the neo-Gothic church of St. Ludmila overlooking Peace Square (Náměstí Míru).
Vinohrady has a lot of charm and is a must for anyone who wants to get off the beaten tourist track. After a stroll, you can have a pint in the Riegrovy sady park and sit on the grass or at the tables.
If you like football, this can be a good place to watch a match as there is a projector. Alternatively, you can come here to watch the sunset. According to connoisseurs, it is simply magical from this spot.
- Address: Vinohrady, 120
- Price: low
- How to get here: To get here from the Old Town, take a tram (line 5 or 9) and get off at the Viktoria Žižkov stop.
5. U Tří růží, a brewery a stone's throw from the Astronomical Clock
If you are looking for a pub with good food and quality beers, U Tří růží should be your first choice. Housed in a 15th century building, this establishment offers top and bottom fermented beers that are brewed under the supervision of master brewer Robert Maňák. The beer is produced in the cellar using traditional methods and quality ingredients. If you want, you can take a tour that will take you among the fermentation tanks.
As for the restaurant, it offers traditional Czech dishes that have won rave reviews from tourists and regular customers. The menu has been designed by Martin Procházka, a chef with many years of experience in high-end catering. Among the specialities, I recommend the duck leg confit, goulash and pork schnitzel. U Tří růží is located in the heart of the Old Town and is open every day of the week from 11:00 to 23:00.
- Address: Husova 232/10
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: U Tří růží is located just a few metres from the Church of St. Giles (kostel svatého Jiljí). From the Astronomical Clock, you should walk for less than five minutes.
6. Dva kohouti, a design bar on the riverbank
A must-visit for all craft beer fans. In the morning, the brewmasters brew the Lokal Lager; in the afternoon, the same brew ends up in the bar's taps. Customer reviews leave no doubt: Dva kohouti is one of the best breweries in the Czech capital. And if you like their production, you can go home with a six-pack of Místní Ale, a 5° beer with Citra and Mosaic hops. They also offer a design pack that includes a few pints of glass. Highly recommended.
- Address: Sokolovská 81/55
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: Dva kohouti is located in Karlín, a neighbourhood on the right bank of the river. From the Old Town, you can take a tram (lines 3 and 24) from Masarykovo nádraží and get off at the Karlínské náměstí stop.
7. BeerGeek, the brewery for real connoisseurs
In Prague, beers such as Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus can be found in every bar. They are easy to drink and affordable; however, they are not the tastiest. If you're a true fan of the amber-coloured beverage, BeerGeek has the widest range in the Czech capital.
They brew their own beer under the brand name Sibeeria and select the best national and international beers for the bar. In the "Right now on Tap" section of the official website you can see what is being served at the moment.
Without a doubt, BeerGeek's strong point is its bartenders. They all speak English, are real beer fanatics and can recommend a style to suit your tastes. This establishment is characterised by its modern style and has a special feature: the taps, the menu and the furniture are handmade by friends of the owners. BeerGeek is located in Vinohrady, an elegant residential neighbourhood that has remained off the beaten tourist track. All the more reason to explore it.
- Address: Vinoradska 988/62
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: easily accessible by metro (line A) and tram (line 11). The nearest stop is Jiřího z Poděbrad.
8. Pivovarský dům, if you feel like trying something different
A cosy establishment just a stone's throw from Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí). Its specialities are wheat beer and Benedict, a classic Czech lager available in two versions: blonde and dark. However, Pivovarský dům offers some rather unusual beers:
- Šamp**- Beer Champagne**, bottled together with champagne yeast at the end of the production process. A pleasant discovery.
- Nettle beer with its unmistakable green colour.
- Sour cherry beer, an experiment that turned out very well.
- Banana beer, a light variety with a mild banana fragrance.
- Coffee beer, a dark lager with hints of caramel and coffee.
Their restaurant has a range of tasty meat dishes and also has a few vegetarian options. If you want to dine here, I recommend booking in advance. Pivovarský dům opens at 11:00 and closes at 23:00. Beware, on Sundays and public holidays, the bar is closed.
- Address: Lipova 15
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: From the Old Town, a 20-minute walk will be enough. You can follow the signs to Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí).
9. Staropramen, one of the most important beers in the country
Staropramen is part of the brewery complex in Smíchov, a district of the Prague 5 district. In the past, a large number of industries were concentrated here. Over the years, the old factories have given way to office blocks, shopping centres and modern establishments. However, this brewery has remained standing and is still in operation today.
Staropramen is the second largest brewer in the Czech Republic and the first beers left the brewery in 1869. Tours of the brewery's interior are organised and after the tour you can enjoy a beer served in handcrafted glasses made by Czech glassmakers. There is also a restaurant serving traditional dishes. If you are interested in the latter, I advise you to read the post about the best restaurants in Prague.
- Address: Pivovarská 9
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: the yellow metro line connects this part of the city with the Old Town. If you are staying in the centre, you can get on at Můstek and get off at Anděl.
10. U Kroka, a must in the Vyšehrad neighbourhood
If you're fed up with the crowds in the centre and fancy a pint in an authentic place, we've got the solution for you. Head away from Old Town Square and towards Vyšehrad. A short distance from the fortress is an establishment with over 100 years of history: U Kroka.
As usual, this bar has a selection of Czech beers (especially Gambrinus, Plzeň and Popovický Kozel) which you can enjoy alongside traditional dishes. The menu at U Kroka includes delicacies such as veal goulash, baked duck and pickled Camembert, a Czech speciality.
After a good meal, you can explore the area, which is home to some interesting monuments. The main one is Vyšehrad Castle, the oldest castle in the city. A few metres further on is the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul (Bazilika svatého Petra a Pavla), a neo-Gothic church with interiors decorated with Art Nouveau paintings. From here there is a beautiful view over the river and the rest of Prague.
- Address: Vratislavova 12/28
- Price: medium-high
- How to get there: From the Old Town, you can take the tram (lines 2 and 17) from Staroměstská and get off at the Výtoň stop. You will enjoy a pleasant ride as it runs along the banks of the Vltava River. If you feel like cruising along the river, I recommend you check out the page with the best dinner cruises in the Czech capital.
What kind of beers should you drink in Prague?
In the Czech Republic, large breweries and small local producers share the market. The most traditional and popular beer is pilsner, a variety characterised by its moderate alcohol content (between 3% and 5%), light colour and refined fragrance. The most famous brand is Urquell, which holds a record: it is the oldest pilsner in the world.
Lovers of cloudy beers can delight their palate with a pint of Černa Horá Velen. Its yeast, banana and clove notes are much appreciated by tourists and locals alike. If you prefer lagers, you have plenty of options: Březnický Ležák (full-bodied and 5.2% abv), Czechvar Lager (the original Budweiser), Svijanský Máz (brewed with Saaz hops and hop extracts) and Kozel. The latter is a lager that is usually drunk in a slightly different way: if you ask for it, the bartender puts honey, water and cinnamon powder (Honey Crust) on the rim of the pint. Another option is the Kozel cut: half Kozel Premium Lager and half Kozel Dark.