Top 10 Best Bars in Prague (with a Free Bar Itinerary)

Last updated: October 2026

Prague is known for beer, but its cocktail scene has quietly become one of the strongest in central Europe. If you want the best bars in Prague, start with the award-winning cocktail rooms such as Forbína and Alma, add a historic cellar like Black Angel’s Bar, and finish with a rooftop or a wine bar. Most of the bars below sit within a short tram or metro ride of each other, so you can visit several in one evening or spread them over a long weekend.

This guide covers ten bars, each with a practical box. Further down you will find how to pick between them, a free printable 3-day Prague bar itinerary, getting around, where to stay and budget guidance. If you would rather drink beer than cocktails, our guide to the best pubs in Prague covers beer halls and brewery taps, and the official Prague tourism website is a good place to check events and opening news.

Bars change faster than monuments. Addresses, opening days and menus move, and one bar in this guide relocated in 2025, so this post avoids exact times and prices. Where something could not be confirmed, it says so, and you should check before you go.

Quick answer: What are the best bars in Prague? For award-winning cocktails, go to Forbína, Alma or Taigen. For atmosphere, choose Black Angel’s Bar, a Gothic cellar under the Old Town Square, or Tretter’s for a 1930s New York feel. For a view, go to the Cloud 9 Sky Bar, and for wine, visit Vinograf. Hemingway Bar and AnonymouS Bar are the best-known classics in the centre.

Quick comparison: best bars in Prague

1. Forbína

Forbína is the bar to book first, because Czech bartenders voted it the best cocktail bar in the country. It sits at the corner of Národní, opposite the National Theatre, in the historic Lažanský Palace, the same complex as Café Slavia. At the inaugural Bartenders’ Choice Awards for Central and Eastern Europe it took the titles for Best Cocktail Bar and Best Atmosphere in Czechia, and it has also appeared on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for Europe.

The theatre next door is the theme. Drinks are named after stage works, and the best-known cocktail is a delicate, jasmine-scented serve called Swan Lake. The room is elegant and dark, with a long bar and a sense of occasion that suits a pre-theatre or after-theatre drink. The team treats the menu as a story, so it is worth asking the bartender to guide you rather than ordering a familiar classic.

The bar opened in August 2024, so treat it as a recent arrival rather than a long-established name. That also means it can be very busy, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Booking is strongly advised, and walk-ins are most likely to find a seat early in the evening on a weekday.

Forbína is easy to combine with a walk along the Vltava embankment, and it is only a few minutes from the Café Slavia and the Légií bridge. Check the bar’s own channels for the current booking rules and dress expectations before you set out.

• How to get there: Tram to Národní divadlo, then a one-minute walk to the corner of Národní.
• How long to spend: Ninety minutes to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening on a weekday, with a booking.
• Tip: Ask for a drink you would not normally order, and let the bartender explain how it connects to the theatre theme.

2. Alma

Alma is the cocktail bar most often described as the face of Prague’s modern, inventive drinking scene. It is in Nové Město, on V Jirchářích, a quiet street a short walk from the National Theatre, and it belongs to the KRO hospitality group. Like Forbína, it has been named among the best bars in Europe on the World’s 50 Best Bars Europe list.

The approach is creative and ingredient-led. Menus use unusual flavours, house-made preparations and local produce, and the drinks are designed to taste interesting rather than simply strong. The room is relaxed and stylish, and it works through the day, so you can visit for a coffee or a light lunch and return in the evening for cocktails. That all-day format makes it one of the easiest of the top bars to fit around sightseeing.

Because the menu changes, the best approach is to describe what you like, whether sour, bitter, smoky or fruity, and let the bartenders choose. Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options are part of the modern bar scene here, so ask if you are not drinking.

Alma suits a first evening in Prague, when you want a high-quality drink without a long wait or a strict dress code. It is also a useful base for a bar crawl, since Forbína, Hemingway Bar and several Old Town venues are within walking distance. Weekends are the busiest times, so reserve ahead where you can.

• How to get there: Tram to Jiráskovo náměstí or Národní divadlo, then a short walk along V Jirchářích.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, or an afternoon visit for a quieter drink.
• Tip: Tell the bartender your favourite flavours and ask for a tailored drink rather than choosing from the list.

3. Black Angel’s Bar

Black Angel’s Bar is Prague’s best-known atmospheric cocktail bar, set in a Gothic cellar directly under Old Town Square. You enter through the U Prince hotel on Staroměstské náměstí and go down two flights of wooden stairs into a vaulted brick room with chandeliers, leather seating and a 1930s mood.

The bar opened in 2009 and takes its theme from Prohibition. Its story is tied to the bartender Alois Krcha, who ran a Prague pub when alcohol was banned. The cocktail list has classic drinks and house creations, and the cellar setting makes it a good choice for a special night out. Reviewers consistently describe it as moody and intimate, with a speakeasy feel that is hard to find so close to a major square.

Because of the location, expect a mix of visitors and locals, and expect prices at the upper end. The bar stays open late, but you should check the current opening arrangements and reserve a table for Friday and Saturday evenings. It is one of the few places on the square where it is worth paying a premium, because the setting is the main reason to go.

Black Angel’s pairs well with a stroll around Old Town Square after dark, when the astronomical clock area is calmer. For more background on the building and its location, see the official Prague tourism page for Black Angel’s Bar.

• How to get there: Metro to Staroměstská, then a short walk to Old Town Square.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: A weekday evening, with a table booked.
• Tip: Ask for a table in the main vaulted room rather than the bar stools if you want the full effect of the cellar.

4. Hemingway Bar

Hemingway Bar is one of the most famous cocktail bars in Prague, built around the writer’s love of rum, absinthe and champagne. It moved in 2025 from its long-time home on Karolíny Světlé to a new address on Opatovická, on the other side of Národní třída, so do not rely on older guidebooks for the location.

The drinks list has a long history, and the rum collection is the headline. Absinthe is served in the Parisian style with iced water dripped slowly from a fountain, not the burning-sugar ritual often seen in tourist bars. Champagne cocktails complete the trio. The move also brought a changed cocktail menu, and the bar now serves food as well, so it can work for a longer evening.

The bar has been famous for years, and some regulars say the new space feels different from the old one. That is a matter of taste, so judge for yourself. What does not change is the need to book. Reservations are important, especially at weekends, and sources describe the bar as popular with both visitors and locals. Check the official Hemingway Bar website for the current address, booking process and opening days.

If you like rum or absinthe, this is the best place in the city to try them with good advice. If you prefer lighter, fruit-led drinks, Alma or Forbína may suit you better.

• How to get there: Tram or Metro to Národní třída, then a short walk to Opatovická.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: An early evening slot, booked in advance.
• Tip: Ask for a rum flight or a Parisian-style absinthe if you want the bar’s signature experience.

5. Tretter’s

Tretter’s is a classic American-style cocktail bar, designed to feel like a New York bar of the 1930s. The best-known branch is on V Kolkovně in the Old Town, a few minutes from Old Town Square, and there is a separate Tretter’s American Bar inside the Municipal House on náměstí Republiky. This guide refers to the V Kolkovně bar.

The style is polished and old-fashioned, with dark wood, a long bar and bartenders in smart uniforms. The menu leans on classic cocktails made well, which makes it a good choice if you like a martini, an old fashioned or a negroni. It is a place for conversation rather than loud music, and it works well as a first or last stop of the night.

One of the pleasures of Tretter’s is its consistency. Where newer bars chase novelty, this one aims for well-made classics in a comfortable room. That makes it a safe recommendation for a mixed group, or for a traveller who wants a reliable drink after a day of sightseeing.

Because it is in the heart of the Old Town, expect it to be busy on weekend evenings, and a booking is wise. Check the current opening days before you go, and confirm which branch you have booked, since the two share a name. The Municipal House branch is useful if you are already visiting the Kavárna Obecní dům, which is covered in our guide to the best cafes in Prague, a good daytime stop before an evening out.

• How to get there: Metro to Staroměstská or Náměstí Republiky, then a short walk to V Kolkovně.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before the weekend crowd.
• Tip: Order a classic and judge the bar on how well it is made.

6. AnonymouS Bar

AnonymouS Bar is the most playful bar on this list, with a Guy Fawkes mask theme and a hidden blacklight menu. It is on Michalská in the Old Town, a short walk from Old Town Square, and it is easy to recognise by its mask logo.

The idea comes from the film V for Vendetta. Bartenders put on masks when they make certain secret-menu drinks, and a UV menu reveals a hidden layer of cocktails when lit by blacklight. Some people find that gimmicky, and others enjoy the theatre. Either way, it is a lively option for a group that wants a fun night rather than a quiet one. A courtyard seating area is listed for warmer months.

The cocktails are generally approachable, with a mix of classics and creative drinks. The bar is a good choice if you want a relaxed first stop before moving on to a more serious cocktail room. Because it is in a busy part of the Old Town, it can be crowded on weekend nights, so go early if you want a seat.

The official Prague tourism listing shows it at Michalská 12 and open every evening, but the listing is undated, so check the bar’s own contact details to confirm before you go. If you are building an Old Town route, it sits naturally between Black Angel’s Bar and Tretter’s.

• How to get there: Metro to Můstek or Staroměstská, then a short walk along Michalská.
• How long to spend: One hour.
• Best time to go: Early evening, when it is easier to get a table.
• Tip: Ask about the UV menu, which is the bar’s signature feature.

7. Taigen

Taigen is a tiny, minimalist cocktail bar in Vinohrady, and Czech bartenders voted its menu the best in the country. It won the Best Cocktail Menu award at the same inaugural Bartenders’ Choice Awards that honoured Forbína, and it is run by the bartender Tomáš Melzer.

The setting is deliberately quiet. The bar is in a small semi-basement space behind an unmarked door on Budečská, which gives it the feel of a hidden find. The menu draws on theatre themes, with drinks named after works such as Swan Lake and Don Giovanni, and the focus is on careful technique and balance rather than spectacle.

Because the room is small, seats are limited and the bar can fill quickly. Czech press reports in 2026 say it opens only from Tuesday to Friday and is closed at weekends and on Mondays. The address is listed as Budečská 18, but the door has no sign and the house number is hard to spot, so use a current map listing and confirm the opening days before you set out.

Taigen suits a traveller who wants to see where Prague’s bartenders go themselves. Vinohrady is a residential district with wide streets, wine bars and restaurants, so the visit also gives you a feel for everyday Prague away from the Old Town crowds. It pairs well with an early dinner in the neighbourhood.

• How to get there: Metro to Náměstí Míru, then a short walk towards Budečská.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: An early evening on an open weekday.
• Tip: Confirm the opening days and book ahead, since the room has few seats.

8. Cobra

Cobra is an all-day neighbourhood bar that serves cocktails, wine and coffee in a relaxed, unfussy room. It sits in the Letná area on the edge of Holešovice, and listings use both names, so check a map before you go. It is subtly marked, with black awnings rather than a large sign.

The appeal is its flexibility. You can drop in for coffee in the morning, a light meal at lunchtime or a carefully prepared cocktail in the evening. The drinks list includes classics, house creations and a selection of wines, and the menu of food is aimed at sharing. A Czech media profile describes it as the pulsing heart of Letná, which is a fair sign of how popular it is with locals.

This is a good bar for travellers who want to see a different part of Prague. Letná and Holešovice are residential and creative districts, with Letná Park, cafes and galleries nearby. The park has a famous beer garden with a view across the river, so Cobra works well as part of an afternoon in the area.

Prices are generally lower than in the Old Town, and the atmosphere is calmer, which makes it a good choice for a relaxed night. Weekends are busier than weekdays. Check the current opening times and any booking rules before you go.

• How to get there: Tram to Letenské náměstí or Metro to Vltavská, then a short walk.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Late afternoon or early evening, when it is relaxed and easy to get a seat.
• Tip: Combine it with a walk in Letná Park before or after your drink.

9. Cloud 9 Sky Bar

Cloud 9 Sky Bar is the rooftop bar on the Hilton Prague in Karlín, with wide views over the city. The hotel is at Pobřežní 1, a short walk from the Florenc area and the river, and the bar sits on the top floor.

The main reason to go is the view. From the terrace and the lounge you can look across Karlín and towards the skyline of the Old Town and Prague Castle. The cocktail list is classic hotel style, with signature drinks and well-known favourites, and it is a good option at sunset or on a clear evening. It is not a hidden local find, but it is one of the few rooftop options in the city, so it earns its place.

Because it is a hotel bar, the atmosphere is polished and relatively formal. Prices are higher than in a neighbourhood bar, so treat it as a treat for the view rather than a place for a cheap night out. The terrace is weather dependent, and it can close in cold or wet conditions, so check the hotel’s website before you go in winter.

Karlín is a former industrial district that has become one of the liveliest areas in Prague, with cafes, restaurants and modern buildings. A visit to the rooftop fits naturally with a meal or a coffee in the neighbourhood. If you want a view without a hotel setting, a walk up to Petřín or Letná is the free alternative.

• How to get there: Metro to Florenc or Křižíkova, then a short walk to the Hilton.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Just before sunset on a clear evening.
• Tip: Check that the terrace is open before you go, since it depends on the weather and season.

10. Vinograf

Vinograf is the place to go for wine, with a large list that includes many Moravian bottles served by the glass. The branch on Senovážné náměstí in Nové Město is the one this guide covers.

Czech wine is underrated outside the country, and Moravia produces fresh whites, light reds and sparkling wines that suit the city’s food. Vinograf is a good place to try them with guidance from staff, either by the glass or in a tasting-style flight. The menu includes simple food to match, so you can make an evening of it. Sources describe the list as one of the largest in Prague, with hundreds of wines.

The official Vinograf website currently lists only the Senovážné náměstí location, and older guides that mention other branches may be out of date. Check the official Vinograf website for the current address and opening days, as the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

A wine bar is a good counterpoint to a night of cocktails, and it suits travellers who prefer a quieter drink. It is also a useful stop if you are travelling in a mixed group, since beer and non-alcoholic options are usually available. Pair it with a dinner from our guide to the best places to eat in Prague.

• How to get there: Tram or Metro to Náměstí Republiky or Můstek, then a short walk to Senovážné náměstí.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, after the work crowd has left.
• Tip: Ask for a Moravian flight, and let the staff pick a white, a red and a sparkling wine.

How to pick the right Prague bar

Start with what you want from the night. For award-winning cocktails, choose Forbína, Alma or Taigen. For atmosphere, choose Black Angel’s Bar or Tretter’s. For a view, choose Cloud 9, and for wine, Vinograf.

Next, think about location. Forbína, Alma and Hemingway Bar are all within a short walk of each other around Národní, which makes them an easy trio for one evening. Black Angel’s Bar, Tretter’s and AnonymouS are all in the Old Town, while Taigen and Cobra are in residential districts that reward a tram ride.

Finally, think about booking. The most popular bars, especially Forbína, Hemingway Bar and Black Angel’s, are best reserved in advance for Friday and Saturday evenings. Smaller rooms such as Taigen have few seats, so confirm the opening days. Walk-ins are easier on weekdays and early in the evening.

Suggested bar plans for 1, 2 or 3 days

You can see the best of Prague’s bars in three evenings by grouping them by area. The itinerary below is also available as a free printable PDF, which the site adds after the quick answer.

Day 1: The National Theatre area

Start with an early dinner near Národní, then book Forbína for the first drink of the evening. Walk to Alma on V Jirchářích for a second, more experimental round, and finish with a rum or absinthe at Hemingway Bar if you have a booking. All three are within a short walk of each other, so you will not need transport.

Day 2: The Old Town

Begin with an early drink at AnonymouS on Michalská, then walk to Tretter’s on V Kolkovně for a classic cocktail. Finish at Black Angel’s Bar, below Old Town Square, for a late drink in the Gothic cellar. Use the metro or a night tram to return to your hotel, rather than looking for a taxi in the square.

Day 3: Beyond the centre

Spend the afternoon at Cobra in Letná, with a walk through the park beforehand. Take the tram towards Vinohrady in the early evening for Taigen if it is open, or Vinograf for wine. If you prefer a view, finish at Cloud 9 Sky Bar in Karlín just before sunset, then walk back along the river.

Getting around Prague at night

The centre is compact, and most of the bars above are within a short walk of a tram stop or metro station. Prague’s public transport is run by the Prague Public Transit Company, and a single ticket system covers trams, the metro and buses. The metro closes around midnight, but night trams and night buses run through the small hours, so you can return to most districts without a taxi.

If you use a taxi, book through an app or a reputable company rather than hailing one in a tourist area, since overcharging is a known problem. Walking between bars in the Old Town is simple, but cobbled streets can be slippery after rain, so wear sensible shoes.

Where to stay for Prague bars

For the easiest access to the cocktail bars, stay in the Old Town or Nové Město. Both are central, and you can walk to Forbína, Alma, Hemingway Bar, Black Angel’s Bar and Tretter’s. The area around Národní třída is especially convenient, with plenty of tram and metro links.

If you prefer a calmer base, Vinohrady has wide streets, wine bars and restaurants, and Taigen is on your doorstep. Karlín is a good choice if you want a modern, lively district close to the Cloud 9 Sky Bar, and Letná suits a quieter stay near Cobra and the park.

Budget guidance

Bars in the Old Town and hotel bars sit at the top of the price range, and drinks in rooms such as Black Angel’s, Hemingway Bar and Cloud 9 are a treat rather than an everyday spend. Award-winning cocktail rooms like Forbína and Alma are mid-range to comfortable, with prices that vary by drink.

To keep costs down, choose neighbourhood bars such as Cobra, go early in the evening, and look for lower-priced drinks of the day. A mix of one special bar and several relaxed ones is better value than a night entirely in the most expensive rooms. Rounding up the bill or adding a modest tip for good service is customary, and many bars add a service charge to group bills, so check the receipt.

Discover more of Prague

Prague rewards a long stay, and a night out is only part of it. If you enjoy a good cocktail room in other cities, compare this list with our guide to the best bars in Rome or our guide to the best bars in Copenhagen when planning your next trip. If you would like to see more of the region by day, our guide to the best day trips from Prague covers castles, historic towns and countryside within easy reach of the city.

Featured image: Photo by Tom Mrazek, CC BY 3.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons