Beer in Prague: fall in love with the city, one sip at a time

Beer is the Czech Republic’s national drink, and nowhere is the country’s rich brewing heritage more evident than in the capital. Many breweries have a proud tradition stretching back centuries, while their modern cousins offer an exciting range of local beer in Prague.

A beer-themed Prague city break is the perfect way to drink it all in. Must-see brewery tours in and around the capital, beer halls steeped in history or novel activities like beer spas or a trip on a Prague beer boat make the city a dream destination for lovers of pilsner and beyond.

It’s no exaggeration to say that beer courses through Czech veins; the country consistently ranks among the world leaders in per-capita ale consumption. Brewing here dates back deep into the Middle Ages, with monks first perfecting the craft behind the walls of medieval monasteries. Many a Prague brewery today still traces its origins to those early beginnings.

Alongside the historic establishments, a vibrant generation of contemporary craft brewers has sprung up over the last few years. These small-scale microbreweries focus on quality, creativity and distinctive flavour profiles rather than mass production.

With dozens of brewpubs scattered across the city, visitors and locals alike are spoiled for choice. Safe to say, you’re never far away from a refreshing glass of lovingly crafted beer. In fact, it would be a challenge equal to the passion of even the most ardent beer fan to sample every brew and decide on the best beer in Prague. If you’re tempted to try, handily, many breweries also run excellent restaurants where hearty Czech fare pairs perfectly with the house tipples.

Some beer places in Prague feel like stepping back in time, their grand halls and leafy beer gardens witness to traditional lagers being relished for generations. For a taste of that history, an iconic spot is U Fleků. Often considered the oldest beer brewery in Prague, they’ve been making the stuff continuously on the premises for over 500 years.

Břevnov Monastery Brewery (Břevnovský klášterní pivovar), founded in 993, rivals that claim to the crown of oldest brewery in Prague. Beer production was interrupted several times over the centuries, though, and only started up again recently. Visitors can work up a thirst by exploring the beautiful monastery complex before delighting in some of the best beer in Prague.

Another atmospheric monastic setting (monks loved to brew!) is Strahov Monastery Brewery (Klášterní pivovar Strahov), near Prague Castle. The first records of a brewery on the site date from 1400. Production stopped in 1907, before the premises underwent complete restoration nearly a century later, turning it into the charming brewpub and restaurant it is today. The brewery gets bonus points for its stunning views across Prague.

Perhaps the most singular of beer places in Prague to taste house brews is Loď Pivovar, a microbrewery, pub and restaurant aboard a vessel moored on the Vltava. Patrons get to enjoy a beer among the vats while they soak up the riverside atmosphere and picture perfect views of the city and its bridges.

Basta Neighbourhood Brewery (Sousedský pivovar Bašta), meanwhile, is a staple for locals and travellers with a hankering for microbrewed beers beyond traditional pilsner. It’s a little off the beaten path, but worth the trip for the authentic brewpub experience and lauded local cuisine.

Prague beer culture, of course, spills far beyond the breweries. The capital’s countless pubs and beer halls serve an astonishing range of Czech classics, innovative interpretations and international options. Beer connoisseurs may want to explore independently or join specialised tasting routes showcasing quality and craftsmanship. No matter how you do it, a taste of the best pubs in Prague and is a sure-fire way to drink in the culture!

The historic Old Town and area around Wenceslas Square are particularly rich in traditional taverns, but there are modern takes on the art of imbibing too. Start at the legendary U Zlatého tygra (At the Golden Tiger). Always packed, this bustling spot has long been a favourite watering hole of authors, actors and notables. It’s also said to serve some of the best Pilsner Urquell in Prague, making it a perfect introduction to an authentic Czech beer hall.

Move on to U Kunštátů. With a rotating selection of around 100 Czech craft beers and unique 12th century Romanesque cellar, this has to be one of the best pubs in Prague. For a contemporary twist that still honours local tradition, try Beer Point Prague. Its constantly changing choice of brews from across the country make it a great stop on the quest to find the best place for beer in Prague.

Some of the best breweries in Prague invite visitors behind the scenes, offering guided tours that reveal how the country’s beloved beverage is made. These experiences blend history, storytelling and tasting sessions, giving the inquisitive casual drinker or serious enthusiast a deeper appreciation of Czech brewing traditions.

Historic Staropramen Brewery Prague, founded in 1869, takes you on an interactive journey from local enterprise to international brand, revealing the secrets of “old spring” (the brand’s literal translation) and Czech beer-making along the way.

Pilsner Urquell Brewery Prague, the capital’s branch of the Czech Republic’s largest and most famous brewery, also offers innovative, immersive tours. Here you’ll learn not just about the brewing process, but also get a handle on the history of beer from its ancient origins to modern times – not forgetting, of course, the chance to taste the goods. If you’re the type that likes to dive deeper, you can also master the art of pouring the perfect pilsner or pair your bevvy with classic Czech dishes.

Your thirst for beer knowledge still not quenched? The Beer Museum in Prague takes an in-depth look at brewing techniques and Czech beer culture down the centuries. The self-guided tour is a fun way to learn the secrets and history of beer craft. And it’s bookended with an introductory glass and a tasting in the museum’s beautiful 13th century cellars. For a personalised souvenir, you can even bottle and label your own beer.

Insider tip: not to be confused with the Prague Beer Museum, a chain of pubs serving a wide range of Czech craft beers to try in Prague.

For those who take immersing oneself in the city’s beer culture literally, a beer experience Prague can offer unlike any other is a restorative beer spa. Guests soak away the stress in oak tubs infused with natural beer extracts, ingredients believed to benefit the skin and circulation – all with unlimited cool ones on tap alongside the baths.

The relaxing ritual concludes with a wellness-inducing hop sauna. Though it might feel modern, beer bathing is actually a revival of tradition dating back to ancient times, so do like our forebears and slip in!

A great way to combine sightseeing and relaxed celebration is to glide through the city’s heart on a Prague beer boat. Get a unique perspective on the landmarks as you drift gently down the Vltava, raising a glass of crisp Czech lager to this magnificent city. Seasoned skippers and barkeepers double up as expert tour guides, making it sightseeing, socialising and beer tasting rolled into one unforgettable experience.

Just an hour from Prague lies the city of Pilsen, birthplace of one of the world’s most influential beer styles. A day trip to Pilsen from Prague to visit to the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj) provides fascinating insight into how the original pilsner came about and why it became a global icon. After touring the brewery, wander Pilsen’s charming old town or even try the city’s own beer spa before heading back to the capital. It’s a rewarding day out for the curious and connoisseur alike.

Prague offers myriad ways to imbibe its brewing heritage. Every glass tells a story, every street leads to another great pint of beer in Prague – and every sip has you falling deeper in love.