49 Best Nightlife in Czech Republic

Bearing the name of an old Miles Davis album, this small but charming vaulted basement is home base for many local jazz acts. The management also runs a jazz record label and sells its CDs at the club's store. The historic place can't handle big acts, so the club's ongoing jazz festival often puts those who will draw larger crowds into Lucerna Music Bar. Music starts around 9, but come an hour earlier to get a seat.

Pretty much a fairy-tale dream of a European wine bar, established by a group of artsy Praguers: located in a crumbling courtyard and cellar-style cozy archway (check), serving up personally recommended wines to your taste (check), which you sup by candlelight on barrel tables either inside or outside, wrapped in blankets in the winter if you like (check). It's a little hidden: keep an eye out for the wine droplet sign, leading you into the courtyard, and it's on the right. 

As you walk by in summer, you'll be drawn in by the gentle guitar playing of the brilliant resident musicians, or the smell of the pizza, or the lively hum of conversation and clink of glasses. There are some downers—steep beer prices, and occasionally surly staff—but it's worth it for the location, right on the water's edge near the Narodní divadlo (National Theater), with the castle looming over you on the other side of the river. Beware: you could lose hours of your vacation here if the weather's good, with the water lapping gently beside you and a never-ending stream of foaming beer mugs arriving at your table. 

When it comes to beer buzz, nothing in recent years has come close to Dva Kohouti (translation: "Two Roosters"). This joint brewery and taproom—the beer is brewed there in the mornings then served to thirsty patrons later the same day—has quickly established itself as a neighborhood favorite. There's only one permanent local beer, but it's excellent: crisp, malty, and incredibly fresh (it's poured from a tank that is filled directly from the brewery). Alternatively, choose from one of their seasonal brews or the many other Czech lagers and ales on tap. You can also get a one-liter can to take away. Feeling peckish? Order a tasty slider and fries from Bufet (owned by the same group) just across the courtyard.

If you missed your boat tour, don't despair. You can still hear notes and beats wafting across the water while sipping a cocktail in a decadent venue. This extremely cool, glass-enclosed nightclub and jazz bar—built, as the name suggests, on a dock—offers a view of the passing boat traffic and lit-up landmark buildings like the National Theater, while you enjoy the strains of world-class live music acts. There are typically two concerts per night; it's worth reserving a table in advance for weekend shows.

The first references to this gorgeous hilltop brewery inside a monastery are from the turn of the 14th century. And the tasty Pivo Sv. Norbert continues to be brewed on this spot, although it's no longer made by monks. There's a decent food menu and outdoor seating too.

The Swan Mini Brewery, as its name translates, is an underground brewpub—literally, in the cellar or a former art-nouveau hotel—just off Peace Square (Mirove Namesti). The space is very clean-looking, with stone walls and floor and light wood tables and chairs, some of which face the copper tanks in which the four house beers are brewed. The restaurant is half smoking, half non-smoking, but the ventilation system works well to prevent smoke from crossing over. You can order individual pints, like the semi-dark lager with chocolate notes, or a tasting flight of all four; flights come with an explanation by the owner of the brewing process and a little behind-the-scenes look. You can munch on platters of local sausages and cheese, bread, gherkins, lard with cracklings, and popcorn.

Wine, soft drinks, hot drinks, and liquor are also on the menu.

A hot spot from the 1930s returned to its former glory provides a somewhat romanticized but enjoyable take on a Czech pub. Part of the Kolkovna chain that has locations around the city, Olympia appeals to visitors and locals alike who like the special unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell. There's also a great menu of Czech classics to help soak up all that delicious beer. Try the schnitzel or the steak tartare.

From the street, this Vršovice taproom appears entirely unremarkable, but step inside to find one of Prague's true after-dark gems. The beer is exceptional, with four home brews on tap—the award-winning 12° pale lager plus three seasonal beers—while the service is friendly and the interior is cozy. In the summer, you can enjoy your beer out on the terrace.

A former brewery dating as far back as the 15th century, U Medvídků now serves draft Budvar shipped directly from České Budějovice, as well as its own super-strong X Beer 33, which is brewed on-site. It's perhaps the most authentic of the city-center Czech pubs, which also means that it's often pretty busy and service can be correspondingly slow. However, it's also big enough that you've got a good chance of finding a seat. The interior, including the taps, has a turn-of-the-20th-century feel. Occasionally, the bar offers exclusive Budvar brews available only at this location. There's a hotel on-site, and a beer spa, too, and some tours are available. 

The last of the old, smoky, surly pubs in Staré Mĕsto, the "Golden Tiger" is famous for being one of the best Prague pubs for Pilsner Urquell. It's also renowned as a former hangout of one of the country's best-known and beloved writers, Bohumil Hrabal, who died in 1997, as well as Velvet Revolution hero and then president Václav Havel. Reservations are not accepted; one option is to show up when the pub opens at 3 pm, with the rest of the early birds, and settle in for the rest of the night. You won't be disappointed.

One of Prague's best craft beer bars, Bad Flash has 12 taps serving a constant rotation of brews from its own stable as well as other Czech and international microbreweries. The minimalist, shabby-chic interior and simple menu of beer snacks (try the pickled cheese) attract a young and cosmopolitan crowd. The bar doesn't take reservations, so it's best to come early and stay late.

Just off Old Town Square, but worlds away from the raucous touristy venues nearby in terms of atmosphere, sophistication, and quiet, Bar and Books is a grown-up, reliable place for a cocktail that is open late. Try the martini, made as you like it; it's predictably good.

This is an authentic Czech pub, with wooden benches and booths, great beers, and reasonable food; it even delivers on traditional service (i.e., not always that attentive). But that's part of the vibe—just ask the mix of tourists and locals supping on the Svijany and Malastrana brews. The courtyard beer garden is a nice spot in summer, too, and it's far enough off the main drag that it isn't overly packed.

Despite its location just off the main drag up from the Charles Bridge, the Bluelight Bar manages to remain a laid-back, grungy haunt for some dedicated late-night drinking. The rock walls of the cavelike space are covered in graffiti, and the clientele is a mixed bag, but somehow it works. This is the perfect destination for a nightcap—just don't blame us if you're still ensconced hours later.

This small but stylish American-style bar serves beers, wines, spirits, and a wide range of excellent cocktails. It also has, somewhat unexpectedly, some of Prague's best coffee. Whether serving a Tom Collins or a latte macchiato, the bartenders really know their stuff.  Cash only.

A steel-and-glass, lights-in-the-bar design gives this popular American-style cocktail bar a modern look, and the bartenders, in bow ties and suspenders, lend a classic touch. The drinks menu has all the expected favorites, and sometimes there's live music. Check out the curio rack showing off one of the last Bacardi rum bottles from pre-Castro Cuba.

From morning until it closes at midnight, this relaxed, hip café-bar serves up decent drinks and cakes, but what it really trades on is its creative and cultural atmosphere. Open mic nights and an archway entrance, plus chill courtyard seating when the weather allows, complete the picture.

If you like your Champagne bars relaxed, located in ancient buildings with shutters and crumbling exterior walls that are covered with graffiti, this little joint is for you. A cool and welcoming spot, with candles scattered around as the sun sets, Champagneria offers a range of drinks from the fizz of its title to Matuška, a craft brew that many Prague hipsters consider the Champagne of beers anyway. Great acoustics for cheerful conversation, proper Champagne glasses, a tasty snack menu, a piano in the corner, art on the walls and regular musical performances only add to the promise.

This chic, lounge-style bar, situated on the rooftop of the Hilton Prague hotel, offers glorious views of the Czech capital (including parts you don't usually see). There's an extensive menu of innovative cocktails, as well as some beautifully presented snack food; try the chicken lollipops and prawn popcorn. The music can be very loud in the evening so it's not the place to come for a quiet conversation.

This side-street taproom has an enormous, arching bar with an ever-changing selection of 10 Czech and international beers on tap. There are fridgefuls of bottles, too; the enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you make a selection. Beer-friendly food, from cheddar-smothered nachos to beer-marinated ribs, is served throughout the day.

This (appropriately named) friendly bar in Staré Mĕsto serves reasonably priced beer—and Western-priced mixed drinks—in a roomy cellar space. There's plenty of seating most weeknights, but it does get busy on weekends. It opens at 7 pm (and stays open until 6 am!), videos play every night, happy hour starts at 9, and a DJ spins after 10 on weekends, luring people onto a small dance floor—try karaoke on Tuesday. There's no cover.

The decor at this stalwart Smíchov club could be described as odd but cool. Think 1950s sci-fi crossed with art deco, and you're on the right track. It all makes for a fun, casual night out. Video parties, complete with '80s, '90s, and '00s music, draw big crowds every Friday night. There are occasional live performances, too, usually from punk or goth bands, or DJs playing electronic music.

This upscale funhouse consists of the English-themed Becher's Bar and the casino of the biggest hotel in town. You don't have to be James Bond to get in, so gamble the night away within the mirrored walls and under a glass ceiling.

Absinthe is all over Prague, and if you want to dabble in the green fairy's magic, there are worse places than the sophisticated cocktail bar Hemingway, which is named after the man himself. You won't find any flaming absinthe here, but you will find a range of interesting cocktails, alongside Champagne and 200 varieties of rum—the famous writer's drinks of choice. It's worth reserving a table on weekends.

House of Blues, related to the American chain in name only, showcases live blues and rock acts. Ignore the mirrored disco ball on the ceiling—ashtrays on every table let you know you're in a real joint.

Jazz Rock Cafe gives you a license to party. Drop by on Wednesday to catch some live blues or jazz music.

It is about time that this side of the river got in on the riverside drinking action. With deck chairs laid out on the lawn by a hut, this is a remarkably relaxed place to sup wine, beer, or even a cocktail while the Vltava rolls by. 

An atmospheric haunt that calls itself an "alchemical pub" (probably thanks to its location in the same building as the Museum of Alchemists), this bar likely hasn't worked out how to turn base metals into gold or discovered the elixir of life yet, but it's a pretty fun gimmick nonetheless. Try the cocktails (complete with dry ice) and enjoy the drinks in flasks, pipes on the ceilings (allegedly full of said elixir), and drawings and diagrams on the walls.

A few blocks north of the city center, Klub Alterna hosts good Czech jazz and folk performers.