74 Best Nightlife in Prague, 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.

This popular craft beer bar serves uncommon brews from the Czech Republic, across Europe, and the United States. It has an impressive 32 taps, with the choice of beers changing daily (though usually including at least one from its in-house Sibeeria Brewery label). There's also a good selection of beer snacks; opt for the excellent chicken wings. If you don't have time to stop, there's also a BeerGeek Pivoteka (bottle shop) a five-minute walk away, which stocks more than 500 bottled beers.

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. 

The owners set up this exceedingly cool bar when bemoaning the fact that Letná used to be entirely dead after midnight. Almost single-handedly, they've changed that, with cool, modern food, a brilliant cocktail list, a disco ball or two, no proper sign (of course: the right people know where to come), industrial-chic decor, and a welcoming attitude at all hours of the day and late into the night. A gem.

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.

Gaze over the river and the breathtaking rooftops of Staré Město in this beer garden at the top of Letná Park. The beer is cold and the atmosphere is fantastic. Facilities, however, (chiefly, toilets) are a little basic.

Rock bands on the comeback trail, touring bluesmen, and other solid performers across many different musical genres, including some Czech acts, make up the live schedule of this basement music venue in the historic pasáž. The crowds are always friendly and up for it, and the acoustics are good, making it a great place to see live music in the city center. Book tickets in advance for the bigger acts. Another big draw are the nights—usually Saturday—of 1980s or '90s music videos. The nostalgia-fest will have you dancing your socks off until the wee hours, alongside what feels like half of Prague and much of the rest of Europe as well. 

One of the coolest places to drink and hang in Prague just got cooler (and considerably more appealing during the chilly winter months than it previously was). This riverside promenade near the Dancing House began with little more than pop-up pubs on benches and boats, but newly reclaimed former storage pods inside the waterfront walls offer cafés, galleries, and even a branch of the municipal library. Don't worry, sunset beers are still central to the vibe, with plenty of pop-up pubs and tethered boat/bars still present. 

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.

Housed in a funky art deco–esque building, this is arguably the city's best live music club. When shows are sold out, the place is pretty packed. While the main room closes at 10 due to noise concerns, DJs play in the two side bars until much later.

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.

This brewpub may be short on history, but it makes up for that with outstanding beer. The dark, light, and seasonal microbrew beers are stellar. (Fermenting beer can be viewed through a window.) The food is good but a slight letdown when compared with the drinks, which include sour-cherry beer and even a Champagne beer for the more adventurous. Take heed: there is often a line to get in.

This jazz club is where President Bill Clinton jammed with Czech president Václav Havel in 1994, and lots of pictures of that night are still hanging around the joint. Reduta was one of the bigger clubs in the 1960s and '70s, and it still feels a little like a dated museum of those glory days (or like a funky retro tribute to that era, depending on your persuasion). The coat-check person can be pretty aggressive, which is another throwback to the pre-1989 era, but the jazz is worth any aggravation.

If you go on a quiet weeknight, staff might upgrade you to the VIP seats, where Bill and Václav sat back in the day.

This open-air party at the top of Letná Park in summer is the hottest ticket in town, for a nominal "recommended" fee of 50 Kč at some events. There are concerts, film screenings, and even secondhand clothes nights through the week, electronic music shindigs on Friday and Saturday, and a "musical siesta" on Sunday. The bar and DJs are located right next to the huge metronome monument, which marks the spot that once housed the world's largest statue of Stalin. Chill vibes, a young, international crowd, and great views over the sparkling city lights make this a cool option on warm nights. Beer is for sale, but lines can be long—good thing bringing a can of your own is acceptable. Currently it's open only May–September.

This small British-owned pub and cocktail bar is centrally located near several other gay and gay-friendly establishments in Vinohrady. But unlike many of those other places, it's open all week long. The owners also run a gay-friendly travel and accommodations service.

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. 

Literally translated as "At the Shot-Out Eye"—it's an homage to the one-eyed Jan Žižka, for whom the neighborhood is named (he's also the guy on the horse atop Vítkov Hill)—this poky, perennially popular pub has been a local favorite for years. As well as perfectly poured Czech beers (always three fingers of foam), the pub does a great line in traditional no-frills food, from cold pickled herring to fried Camembert cheese. Sit inside to enjoy the warm open fire and, often, the live music accompaniment, or head out onto the log-lined terrace.

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.

Located on the very touristy Wenceslas Square, the drinks here are delivered by miniature train on 900 meters of track (including five drawbridges). It's gimmicky but great fun when the drinks pull up to the table.

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.

The cocktail maker's cocktail bar of choice in Prague, and still probably one of the absolute best, Bonvivant's has a nostalgic feel and fantastic staff, who ask you what drinks and tastes you like and then whip you up something bespoke. Upmarket but not pricey, this is a perfect place for an adventure in mixology and some tasty tapas in a refined setting.

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.

This crowd-pleasing drinking establishment, named for the American writer–cum–bar fly Charles Bukowski, serves top-quality cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. The candlelight makes for a cool (if slightly seedy) atmosphere, and bar staff are unfailingly friendly. In summer, patrons tend to spill out into the street.