Drinking Great Beers in the City of Prague: Complete Guide to the World Beer Capital
You don’t visit Prague just once in your life. When you buy plane tickets and book a hotel, you always think "three or four days will be enough," but once you’re there, you realize you should stay another month or come back after some time. Because Prague is one of those cities you can explore in a thousand different ways, and if your goals are breweries and beer halls, few other European capitals offer such a wide and quality selection.
Whether you prefer fil rouge, blond, ambré, or noir, this guide will take you through the Czech beer culture, the best historic pubs, modern craft breweries, and legendary beers that made Prague the world beer capital.
Prague and Beer: A Millennial Love Story
The Czech Brewing Tradition
The Czech Republic has the highest per capita beer consumption in the world: over 140 liters/year per person (almost double Germany!). Beer is not just a drink, it is culture, identity, and national pride.
Why Czech beer is so special:
- Purest water: From Bohemian springs
- Saaz hops: The world's finest noble hops (grown in Žatec)
- Moravian barley malt: Excellent quality
- Centuries-old tradition: Beer brewed since the Middle Ages
- Pilsner Urquell: Born here in 1842, it revolutionized the beer world
The Birth of Pilsner (1842)
In 1842, in Plzeň (Pilsen), Bavarian brewer Josef Groll created the world's first Pilsner: a golden, clear, hoppy, and refreshing beer that revolutionized the global beer scene. Before that, beers were dark and cloudy.
The Pilsner Urquell ("Original Pilsner") became the model for 70% of beers produced worldwide today.
The Best Historic Pubs in Prague
1. U Fleků (Since 1499)
Founded: 1499
Area: Nové Město (New Town)
Style: Historic brewpub
History: U Fleků is the oldest brewpub in Prague and one of the oldest in Europe. It has been brewing beer continuously since 1499 (over 500 years!).
Beer:
- Flekůvský Tmavý Ležák 13° (5.5% ABV): Dark Lager, malty, caramelized, slightly toasted
- Only beer produced: Just this one, for 500 years
Atmosphere: Seven historic rooms with frescoes, dark wood, medieval vibe. Always crowded (tourists and locals).
Food: Traditional Czech cuisine (goulash, sausages, pork knuckle)
Note: Beware of "becherovka pushers" offering liquor (for a fee!)
Info:
📍 Křemencova 11
🕐 10:00-23:00
💶 Beer: 80-100 Kč (~€3-4)
2. U Zlatého Tygra (Since 1816)
Founded: 1816
Area: Staré Město (Old Town)
Style: Traditional Czech pub
History: "At the Golden Tiger" is a legendary pub, frequented by writer Bohumil Hrabal and president Václav Havel. In 1994, Bill Clinton and Havel drank here together.
Beer:
- Pilsner Urquell: On tap, very fresh
- Kozel Tmavý: Dark Lager
Atmosphere: Authentic, local, no-nonsense. Shared tables, brusque but efficient service. True Czech pub experience.
Unwritten rules:
- Sit where there is space (shared tables)
- The waiter automatically brings beer (marks it on a slip)
- Do not ask for the menu (only beer and a few snacks)
- Pay at the end
Info:
📍 Husova 17
🕐 15:00-23:00
💶 Beer: 50-70 Kč (~€2-3)
3. U Medvídků (Since 1466)
Founded: 1466
Area: Staré Město
Style: Historic brewpub
History: "At the Little Bears" is one of the oldest pubs in Prague. Brewing beer since 1466.
Beers:
- Oldgott Barique: Lager aged in wooden barrels
- X-Beer 33: Strong Lager (7.5%)
- Budweiser Budvar: On tap
Atmosphere: Historic but cozy, less touristy than U Fleků.
Info:
📍 Na Perštýně 7
🕐 11:30-23:00
💶 Beer: 60-90 Kč (~€2.5-3.5)
4. Lokál (Modern Chain)
Founded: 2009
Area: Various locations
Style: Modern pub with traditional style
Concept: Lokál is a pub chain that recreates the atmosphere of traditional Czech pubs with modern quality.
Beer:
- Pilsner Urquell: Perfectly tapped (tank beer - unpasteurized beer directly from the tank)
- Freshness guaranteed: Very high rotation
Atmosphere: Lively, clean, efficient. Perfect for those who want quality without sacrificing comfort.
Food: Modern and traditional Czech cuisine, excellent quality.
Info:
📍 Various locations (Dlouhá, Újezd, etc.)
🕐 11:00-01:00
💶 Beer: 50-70 Kč (~€2-3)
The Best Craft Breweries in Prague
1. Pivovarský Dům (Brewer's House)
Founded: 1998
Area: Nové Město
Style: Experimental brewpub
Concept: Brewery producing experimental and innovative beers, often with unusual ingredients.
Beers to try:
- Kavárna (Coffee Beer): Coffee beer
- Banan (Banana Beer): Banana beer
- Kopřiva (Nettle Beer): Nettle beer
- Švestka (Plum Beer): Plum beer
- Seasonal beers: Change regularly
Atmosphere: Informal, creative, perfect for those looking for something new.
Info:
📍 Ječná 15
🕐 11:00-23:30
💶 Beer: 60-80 Kč (~€2.5-3)
2. Únětický Pivovar
Founded: 1710 (reopened 2011)
Area: Únětice (Prague suburb)
Style: Traditional craft brewery
History: Historic brewery reopened in 2011, now considered one of the best Czech craft breweries.
Beers:
- Únětické Pivo 10°: Light Pale Lager (4%)
- Únětické Pivo 12°: Premium Lager (5%)
- Tmavý Ležák 13°: Dark Lager
Where to drink in Prague:
- Malostranská Beseda: Pub in Malá Strana
- Hostinec U Kocoura: Traditional pub
Brewery visit: Possible (reservation recommended)
3. Matuška
Founded: 2009
Area: Broumy (outside Prague)
Style: Modern craft brewery
Concept: One of the pioneers of Czech craft beer, producing modern and innovative beers.
Beers:
- Matuška Raptor IPA: Czech American IPA
- Matuška California Lager: Hoppy Lager
- Matuška Weizen: Wheat beer
Where to drink in Prague:
- BeerGeek Bar: Modern craft beer bar
- Zlý Časy: Pub with craft selection
4. Dva Kohouti (Two Roosters)
Founded: 2014
Area: Břevnov
Style: Craft brewpub
Beers:
- Pale Ale, IPA, Stout, Lager
- Seasonal and experimental beers
Atmosphere: Modern, informal, frequented by locals.
Iconic Czech Beers to Try
1. Pilsner Urquell
Brewery: Plzeňský Prazdroj (Pilsen)
Style: Bohemian Pilsner
ABV: 4.4%
Characteristics:
- Bright golden color
- Saaz hops (herbaceous, spicy, floral)
- Delicate but present bitterness
- Dry and refreshing finish
Where to drink it: Anywhere, but better "nefiltrovaná" (unfiltered, straight from the tank)
2. Budweiser Budvar
Brewery: Budějovický Budvar (České Budějovice)
Style: Bohemian Lager
ABV: 5%
Note: This is the real Budweiser (not the American one!). Centuries-long legal battle over the name.
Characteristics:
- Malty, rounded, balanced
- Full body
- Delicate Saaz hops
3. Kozel
Brewery: Velkopopovický Kozel
Style: Lager (light and dark)
ABV: 4-5%
Characteristics:
- Kozel Světlý: Light, easy-drinking Lager
- Kozel Tmavý: Dark Lager, caramelized
- Kozel Černý: Black Lager, roasted
4. Staropramen
Brewery: Staropramen (Prague)
Style: Lager
ABV: 5%
Characteristics: Commercial but quality Lager, produced in Prague since 1869.
The Czech Degrees System (°)
In the Czech Republic, beers are classified by "degrees Plato" (°), which indicate the density of the wort before fermentation (not the alcohol content!).
Classification:
- 10°: ~4% ABV - Light, easy-drinking beer
- 11°: ~4.5% ABV - Standard
- 12°: ~5% ABV - Premium (Pilsner Urquell, Budvar)
- 13°+: ~5.5%+ ABV - Strong Lager
Example: "Pilsner Urquell 12°" = 12 degrees Plato = ~4.4% ABV
How to Order Beer in Prague
Useful Phrases
- "Jedno pivo, prosím" = One beer, please
- "Dvě piva, prosím" = Two beers, please
- "Velké pivo" = Large beer (0.5L)
- "Malé pivo" = Small beer (0.3L)
- "Světlé" = Light
- "Tmavé" = Dark
- "Účet, prosím" = The bill, please
- "Na zdraví!" = Cheers!
Czech Pub Etiquette
- Sit where there is space (common tables are normal)
- The waiter automatically brings beer (marks on a slip)
- Each finished beer is replaced (put the coaster on the glass if you don’t want another beer)
- Pay at the end (the waiter counts marks on the slip)
- Tip: Round up (e.g., 95 Kč → 100 Kč)
Prague Beer Tour Itinerary (3 Days)
Day 1: Historic Pubs
- Morning: Visit Prague Castle
- Lunch: Lokál (Pilsner Urquell tank beer)
- Afternoon: Historic center
- Evening: U Zlatého Tygra (authentic experience)
- Night: U Fleků (historic Dark Lager)
Day 2: Craft Beer
- Morning: Jewish Quarter
- Lunch: Pivovarský Dům (experimental beers)
- Afternoon: BeerGeek Bar (modern craft beer)
- Evening: Zlý Časy (craft selection)
Day 3: Pilsen Excursion
- Train to Plzeň (1h)
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
- Unfiltered beer tasting
- Lunch in Plzeň
- Return to Prague
Practical Tips
Budget
- Beer: 40-100 Kč (~€1.5-4)
- Meal: 150-300 Kč (~€6-12)
- Accommodation: 800-2000 Kč/night (~€30-80)
- Daily budget: 1500-3000 Kč (~€60-120)
When to Go
- Spring/Summer (May-Sep): Better weather, open terraces
- Autumn (Oct-Nov): Fewer tourists, authentic atmosphere
- Winter: Christmas markets, perfect dark beers
Transportation
- Metro/Tram: Efficient and affordable
- On foot: The historic center is compact
- Taxi/Uber: Available but not necessary
Conclusion: Prague, Beer Paradise
Prague is a city every beer enthusiast must visit at least once in their lifetime. From the legendary Pilsner Urquell to historic medieval pubs, from modern craft breweries to authentic beer culture, Prague offers a unique beer experience in the world.
Whether you're a fan of classic Lager or a craft beer explorer, Prague has the perfect beer for you. And with incredibly low prices (beer at €2-3!), it's a paradise for every beer lover.
Discover our selection of Czech beers on Maltese.beer and bring home the taste of Prague! 🍺🇨🇿
