I get often asked which cafes in Prague I would recommend, which are the absolute best. And trust me – that’s a bloody difficult question when you live in a city that’s famous for its hundreds of spires and THOUSANDS OF CAFES. When strolling through Prague’s cobbled streets and alleys you’ll find one coffee shop after another. They are hidden on top floors of beautiful galleries, they are in the darkest of passages, they are tucked away in the Castle gardens, they are camouflaged in old ruins of town houses that hand been abandoned half a century ago.
10 magical cafes in Prague you’ll love
Cafe Louvre
Locals might say that this place is a little pretentious and that it’s “not what it used to be” but I still think it’s absolutely stunning. It’s located on the National Boulevard (Národní Třída) right next to the National Theatre. It opened in 1902 and saw many famous personalities walk through the door – from Albert Einstein to Franz Kafka, Max Brod T G Masaryk. The cafe is huge and the design is very 1920’s. You can pop in just for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake but I absolutely recommend you try their breakfast menu. They make beautiful scrambled eggs with ham and Moravian cheese as well as various breakfast sets (one of them being the Hangover breakfast which consists of a breakfast goulash with a sausage and some horseradish and a pint – a BLOODY PINT!).
The photo on the left is an original vintage photo from the 1920’s taken from the Louvre website.
Cafe Ponrepo
One of a much less traditional cafes in Prague is Cafe Ponrepo. You can find it in Bartolomějská 291/11 which is known for it’s remand prison, both historical and current – housed in the Ponrepo Cinema. Ponrepo is a very VERY old cinema which belongs to the Czech National Film Archive Association. You won’t be able to watch any new releases there – they only show old Czech films or films you’ve either never heard of (be it some super rare, pretty much forgotten Sundance film or perhaps a film by that Scandinavian producer who’s name you can’t even pronounce). But don’t worry – you can go to the cafe without buying a cinema ticket and I recommend you try their homemade lemonade or freshly made ginger tea!
Cafe Hlina
Cafe Hlina is a true hidden gem! Not many locals know about it because it’s hidden in Hybernska Campus (a new part of Charles University that’s only just being refurbished by their Art Council). You’ll find it in Hybernská 4 and need to walk through the main gate to the very very back of the whole court yard. And boom – you’re in a hidden plant jungle where you can try the best mulled wine and black charcoal ice cream, yum! (oh, and it’s dead cheap!!)
Cafe Kafíčko
If you’re strolling through the Lesser Town then you need to visit Cafe Kaficko. It’s such a cosy little den, located in the beautiful Maltese Square. It’s a tiny tiny place that makes it clear that they don’t support the current political regime in a tasteful way that won’t spoil your lovely cuppa but at the same time makes you think about the world a little differently. One thing you need to try is their apple strudel with homemade cream, it’s absolutely heavenly!
Styl & Interier
It wouldn’t be a cafe in Prague if there wasn’t something special about it – Styl & Interier is no different. It’s in fact a beautiful shabby chic interior decor store which also doubles as a stunning boutique cafe. You can either sit inside and enjoy their country interior or when it’s a lovely sunny day you can sit outside in their beautiful garden. Literally everything they serve is sooo delicious – from pates to cakes, you name it!
Tvoje Mama
Should you fancy exploring a bit further from the city centre then stop by at Tvoje Mama (Your Mother). It’s based in Vrsovice which is not terribly far from the centre, just a short tram ride away, and apart from it being oh so Instagrammable, they also bake THE MOST BEAUTIFUL traditional Czech cakes. I mean seriously, they are to die for. Much Czech. Much nice.
Grand Cafe Orient
Up until now I only introduced to you some of the most beautiful yet pretty affordable cafes that Prague has to offer. Now we’re jumping head first into one that’s just gorgeous but also slightly pricier (let’s not fool ourselves though – if you’re coming to Prague from the UK this is still cheaper than Starbucks, so probably won’t break the bank for you, it’s just on the pricier end of what I’m willing to pay for when it comes to a cuppa and a cake).
This treasure of a cafe is located on the first floor of “the House of the Black Madonna”, a stunning cubist house in the very centre of Prague. This cafe is particularly unique because it’s the only cafe in the world that’s designed in the cubist style. That’s why they sell even cakes that have the very specific cubical shape – they cost £2 but are definitely worth it!
Super Tramp Coffee
This one’s one of those proper hidden cafes that you won’t find unless someone tells you about it. It’s located in an old publishing house that closed decades ago, in Opatovická 18. It’s definitely a place that you’ll enjoy if you’re into the whole “slow life” living. The courtyard where you can also sit is decorated with string lights that light up during warm summer evenings. You can sit on the grass, on the stairs, on little wooden benches, or inside the cosy cafe where you can get delicious homemade cakes (during Christmas they also make beautiful Christmas cookies!) and special local drinks.
Just a fair warning – EVERYTHING’s dead nice, just not the salty lemonade. Salty lemonade is the spawn of Satan and literally put my tum on fire. Do NOT drink salty lemonade in any cafe ever. Or just ever. Just don’t.
Skautsky Institut Cafe
Czechs are known for their love for Scouts and Pioneers. It’s something that’s embedded in the country’s history. There’s still a fair amount of people who take part in it. That’s why there’s the Scout Institute, which you can find in the Old Town Square. The Institute runs a series of talks, seminars, exhibitions on all sorts of topics (usually focussing on community, society and its challenges and opportunities). But you will also discover that on the top floor there is a tiny cafe. It’s ever so cosy with beautiful views of the busy streets below. And ou can try some proper traditional Czech cakes too! And the prices are proper scout friendly too – pretty much everything is a quid or two.
Cafe Letka
If you find yourself in Letna (a part of Prague with stunning views of the city), you definitely need to stop at Cafe Letka. Much Instagram. But also much beautiful breakfast. Their breakfasts are proper Czech – hard boiled eggs with slices of salami and cheese and a cup of hot cocoa. Perfection.