One of the cheapest cities in Europe also has a great bar scene? Packing my bags!
Autumn in Europe is always a vibe, from the beautiful foliage to the stunning Holiday preparations like Christmas markets!
From Belgium to Germany to the Czech Republic, October through November are the perfect times to visit -- not only because of how these cities especially pop during the autumn but also because of those low season prices!
The city of Prague is especially known for being one of the least expensive European destinations. And while prices may increase during December due to its extremely popular Christmas markets, it still remains affordable for the average traveler! I had the privilege of visiting the city last October, and I was not disappointed. The city was already preparing for Christmas, with a huge tree in the city center and stunning lights illuminating the shop windows. I got the "small-town Christmas aesthetic" early, and as I was visiting during the low season, the prices were spectacular!
One thing that surprised me about Prague was the availability of nightlife. For being a moderately small city, I was still pretty occupied when night fell!
So here are a few of my recommendations for the best bars in Prague if you ever find yourself wandering this city's streets:
Add some intrigue to your evening out at the Anonymous Shrink’s Office, which takes quite the theatrical approach to mixology. After ringing a doorbell and being led to a leather chair, visitors are presented with a menu full of Rorschach tests to help them choose a drink. Don’t worry – you’re allowed to confirm the ingredients in your chosen form of therapy before it arrives.
The effortlessly cool spot near Letná Park fades from mellow table service through the afternoons and evenings into a DJ-backed party from Thursday to Saturday. Just a tram ride across the river from Prague’s Old Town, locals sprawl across the window ledges on hot summer days, making it easier to spot this subtly marked bar lined with black awnings. The draught beer, sparkling wine, and a seasonal cocktail menu provide a great start to your night out!
Hemingway Bar must be one of Prague’s top cocktail bars... if not its best. The bar is named after Ernest Hemingway himself – that guy loved a drink, after all, and these days the bar keeps that predilection of his alive, boasting as it does a menu of more than 200 rums (plus a dangerously wide absinthe selection). But get there early, because this place is BUSY!
Cash Only Bar
When disappointed visitors were turned away from Hemingway Bar’s full house, they needed a backup plan. Luckily, the enterprising Hemingway team jumped at the opportunity and added a more relaxed option just down the street! The long hallway of bar stools and standing-room space still offers exquisite seasonal cocktails and simple snacks like popcorn and hot dogs, and no fear of rejection.
Malkovich
This Žižkov spot claims to serve ‘pseudo cocktails’, and that description will make perfect sense once you step through the door into a bar of contradictions and character. The living room aesthetic is strong here, a homely atmosphere accentuated by the low hum of conversation and the occasional cat. The prices are low, the chances of fun are high.
One of Prague’s nightlife staples, Roxy is a guaranteed exhilarating night out. After a little pre-game drink elsewhere, Roxy should definitely be your last stop of the night. The atmosphere here is vibrant, and the club’s interior – with its one-of-a-kind art and in-your-face colour scheme – only adds to the ambience. Roxy’s aim is to ‘revive the space of the music club through visual arts’, and that symbiotic relationship between its art and music makes for a brilliant assault on the senses.
Cross Club
This place is for you if you're looking for a club, but not necessarily one as rambunctious as Roxy. Steampunk décor and dance music collide in this late-night club in Prague’s edgy, formerly industrial neighborhood of Holešovice. Multiple stages with live music and DJs spinning dubstep, hip hop and electronic music ensure the dance floors keep reverberating until 5am or later on weekends.
Green Devil's Absinth Bar & Shop
Located on the ground floor and in the cellars of a building from the 14th century, this bar offers a hands-on experience with more than 100 absinthes from all over the world. All drinks are prepared right in front of you using one of three special methods. The bartenders explain the history and makeup of each drink, so its very informative as well as tasty!
L'Fleur
Your seasonal cocktail at L’Fleur might be inspired by a Parisian artist or a Greek legend – we love an interactive experience! The setting is elegant, with stained glass windows and chandeliers. The extensive champagne list attracts guests looking to celebrate splurge-worthy events (including making it to the weekend).
The Alchemist Bar
Easily my favorite bar in Prague! An elegant venue featuring a carved wood bar and plush seating, this cocktail bar also comes with some pretty cool lore! During the reconstruction of the house at Provaznická Street, the staff found an old chest under a loose plank on the second floor. At the bottom of the chest, there was a pack of tarot cards covered in dust. From the underside, one could see the shaken writings done by the hand of the old Alchemist, leaving a secret that to this day, no one has solved! The staff offers a hundred thousand Czech crowns if you crack the secret. I, unfortunately, did not solve the riddle, but I did have a delicious cocktail there.
Did I inspire you to do a bit of bar-hopping in Prague?
