Prague drinks in style. This is the home of the world's best pilsner, poured fresh from the tank in gruff, timeless beer halls, but the after-dark scene runs far deeper: world-ranked cocktail bars, an extraordinary art-club built from recycled machinery, historic jazz cellars, sprawling underground wine caves, panoramic rooftop lounges and Central Europe's biggest mega-club. From a quiet perfect pint to dawn on the dance floor, here are 10 of the best places to spend a night out, with hours, prices and etiquette tips.
Mega ClubKarlovy Lázně
Area
Old Town
Type
Mega Club
“Five floors, five music styles — one ticket covers them all, so club-hop upward through the night.”
Cocktail BarHemingway Bar
Area
Old Town
Type
Cocktail Bar
“Tiny and hugely popular — book a table ahead, then trust the bartenders with a bespoke drink.”
Traditional PubU Zlatého Tygra
Area
Old Town
Type
Traditional Pub
“Regulars rule the tables — arrive right at opening to snag a spot, and don't order food, just beer.”
Craft Beer PubPrague Beer Museum
Area
Old Town
Type
Craft Beer Pub
“It's a pub, not a museum — order the tasting paddle to sample five Czech craft beers at once.”
Underground ClubCross Club
Area
Holešovice
Type
Underground Club
“The industrial-scrap interior is worth a visit alone — go for a drink even if you don't stay to rave.”
Club / Live VenueRoxy
Area
Old Town
Type
Club / Live Venue
“Check the line-up — it swings from big-name DJ nights to concerts, so there's always something on.”
Jazz ClubReduta Jazz Club
Area
New Town
Type
Jazz Club
“This is where Clinton played sax in 1994 — book the early set for a table close to the stage.”
Rooftop BarCloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge
Area
New Town
Type
Rooftop Bar
“Go at golden hour for the panoramic terrace, then stay as the city lights come on and the DJ starts.”
Music ClubPalác Akropolis
Area
Žižkov
Type
Music Club
“The beating heart of bohemian Žižkov — grab a beer in the quirky café-bar before the gig upstairs.”
Wine & Beer CellarU Sudu
Area
New Town
Type
Wine & Beer Cellar
“Keep going down — the labyrinth of vaulted cellars runs far deeper than the small street-level bar suggests.”
Prague nightlife in detail
1.Karlovy Lázně
Karlovy Lázně bills itself as the largest club in Central Europe, and its five floors — each dedicated to a different musical era and genre, from oldies and pop to dance, R&B and hardcore electronic — make it an institution for young travellers and stag parties. Housed in a historic building right beside the Old Town entrance to Charles Bridge, it packs in a huge, international, party-hungry crowd every weekend, moving between floors on a single admission until the early hours. It is unashamedly mainstream, touristy and boisterous rather than cool or underground — locals largely steer clear — but that is precisely its appeal for a big, uncomplicated night out. The multi-level format means there's always a room playing something you like, and the setting could hardly be more central. Expect queues, a lively atmosphere and drinks at reasonable Prague prices. It won't suit those seeking an intimate or credible scene, but as a high-energy, all-in-one mega-club for a first-time party night in the historic centre, Karlovy Lázně delivers exactly what its reputation promises.
Hours
Thu–Sat ~21:00–05:00
Price
Entry ~150–250 Kč; drinks moderate
Getting there
Metro A to Staroměstská, beside the Old Town end of Charles Bridge
Insider tip: Five floors, five music styles — one ticket covers them all, so club-hop upward through the night.
2.Hemingway Bar
The Hemingway Bar is regularly ranked among the world's best cocktail bars, a dimly lit, intimate den on a quiet Old Town lane dedicated to the spirit and tastes of its literary namesake. The focus is on serious craft: an encyclopaedic rum selection, a proper absinthe ritual complete with fountain and sugar, and a menu of impeccably balanced classic and signature cocktails mixed by some of the most skilled bartenders in the city. The atmosphere is hushed and grown-up, all low light, leather and vintage detail, a world away from the raucous mega-clubs nearby, and the staff are famously happy to craft a bespoke drink around your preferences if you let them. Because it is small and in constant demand, a reservation is essential, especially at weekends, and there is a smart-casual, no-large-groups sensibility to preserve the mood. Prices are higher than a pub but very fair for cocktails of this calibre by international standards. For a refined, memorable evening of exceptional drinks and old-world charm, the Hemingway is Prague's benchmark cocktail experience and well worth planning ahead for.
Hours
Mon–Sat 17:00–01:00 (to 02:00 Fri–Sat)
Price
Cocktails ~180–290 Kč
Getting there
Metro A to Staroměstská; on Karoliny Světlé in the Old Town
Insider tip: Tiny and hugely popular — book a table ahead, then trust the bartenders with a bespoke drink.
3.U Zlatého Tygra
U Zlatého Tygra — 'The Golden Tiger' — is one of Prague's most famous and fiercely traditional beer halls, a smoky-legend of a pub that has changed little in decades. It was the favourite haunt of the celebrated writer Bohumil Hrabal, whose regular corner is commemorated, and it once hosted a memorable pint shared by President Václav Havel and US President Bill Clinton. The single serious purpose here is beer: superbly kept, unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell, poured with practised care and set down almost before your previous glass is empty. The atmosphere is authentically local and famously gruff — communal tables are guarded by loyal regulars, the waiters are brisk, and this is a place for drinking and conversation rather than dining. Getting a seat can be a challenge, so arrive right as it opens in mid-afternoon. It offers a genuine, unvarnished slice of old Prague pub culture that the polished tourist bars can't replicate. Embrace the etiquette — sit where you're told, keep the beers coming, tip modestly — and you'll experience the real thing. An essential stop for beer pilgrims.
Hours
Daily 15:00–23:00
Price
Half-litre Pilsner Urquell ~50 Kč
Getting there
Metro A to Staroměstská; on Husova in the Old Town
Insider tip: Regulars rule the tables — arrive right at opening to snag a spot, and don't order food, just beer.
4.Prague Beer Museum
Despite the name, the Prague Beer Museum is not a museum but a bustling, beer-focused pub — and a brilliant one for exploring the breadth of Czech brewing beyond the ubiquitous Pilsner Urquell. Its main Dlouhá street branch keeps more than thirty rotating taps of Czech craft and regional beers, from hoppy pale ales and dark lagers to specialities from small independent breweries you'd struggle to find elsewhere. The signature move is the tasting paddle: a wooden board of five different beers you choose yourself, perfect for sampling styles and finding a new favourite in one sitting. The atmosphere is convivial and busy, popular with both curious visitors and beer-loving locals, and it serves solid pub food to soak it all up. Central, welcoming and open late, it makes an ideal spot to begin a night out on lively Dlouhá street, which is lined with bars and clubs. Prices are very reasonable, and knowledgeable staff can steer you through the ever-changing tap list. For anyone wanting to go deeper into Czech beer culture in a relaxed, hands-on way, this is one of the best and most enjoyable places in the city.
Hours
Daily 12:00–02:00
Price
Beers ~55–75 Kč; tasting paddle ~250 Kč
Getting there
Metro A to Staroměstská; branch on Dlouhá in the Old Town
Insider tip: It's a pub, not a museum — order the tasting paddle to sample five Czech craft beers at once.
5.Cross Club
Cross Club is one of Prague's most extraordinary nightspots, a multi-level industrial labyrinth in the Holešovice district whose interior is a mind-bending, ever-evolving sculpture of recycled machinery, gears, pipes and scrap metal, much of it mechanised and lit to move and glow. Part alternative club, part art installation, part café, it draws a mixed, unpretentious crowd for electronic music — techno, drum and bass, dub, reggae — as well as live gigs, film screenings and cultural events across its bars, terrace and dance floors. The atmosphere is friendly, creative and refreshingly non-touristy, a window into Prague's thriving alternative and underground scene far from the Old Town party circuit. Entry is cheap or free depending on the night, drinks are inexpensive, and you can come simply to marvel at the surreal surroundings over a beer without committing to a full night of dancing. Reached easily by metro to Nádraží Holešovice, it's well worth the short trip out of the centre. For anyone seeking Prague's creative, offbeat side rather than its mainstream clubs, Cross Club is an unmissable and genuinely unique experience.
Hours
Daily; club nights ~from 18:00 late
Price
Free–200 Kč depending on event
Getting there
Metro C to Nádraží Holešovice, 2-min walk
Insider tip: The industrial-scrap interior is worth a visit alone — go for a drink even if you don't stay to rave.
6.Roxy
The Roxy is a Prague institution and one of the city's most respected music venues, set in a beautifully faded former Art Deco cinema on Dlouhá street. For decades it has been at the heart of the capital's electronic-music culture, its sloped floor and central location hosting an eclectic programme that spans cutting-edge international and local DJs, live bands, world music, and everything from techno and drum and bass to reggae and experimental sounds. The atmosphere is credible and music-focused, drawing a mixed crowd of locals and in-the-know visitors rather than pure stag-party traffic, and its associated NoD space upstairs adds an experimental arts and theatre dimension. Because the line-up varies so widely from night to night, it's worth checking what's on before you go — you might catch a legendary DJ, an intimate gig or a themed party. Entry prices depend on the event, and drinks are reasonably priced. Central, historic and genuinely important to the city's nightlife, the Roxy offers a more authentic and musically serious alternative to the mega-clubs a few streets away, and remains a firm favourite on the Dlouhá strip.
Hours
Event nights, typically ~22:00–05:00
Price
Entry ~150–400 Kč by event
Getting there
Metro B to Náměstí Republiky; on Dlouhá in the Old Town
Insider tip: Check the line-up — it swings from big-name DJ nights to concerts, so there's always something on.
7.Reduta Jazz Club
Reduta is Prague's oldest jazz club, opened in 1958, and remains the most storied place in the city to hear live jazz in an intimate, old-fashioned setting. Its most famous moment came in 1994, when US President Bill Clinton, on a state visit, borrowed a saxophone and played a couple of numbers on its small stage — an instrument now displayed in the club. Beyond the anecdote, Reduta offers nightly concerts across traditional, swing, modern and fusion jazz in a low-ceilinged, red-velvet cellar that oozes smoky mid-century atmosphere, with tables close to the musicians and a proper listening-room feel. It draws a mix of locals, aficionados and curious travellers, and the quality of the resident and guest performers is consistently high. Because seating is limited and intimate, booking ahead secures a good spot near the stage, and arriving early lets you settle in with a drink before the music starts. Centrally located on Národní street near the National Theatre, it makes an easy, civilised evening out and a wonderful antidote to the club scene. For jazz lovers, a night at Reduta is one of Prague's most rewarding after-dark experiences.
Hours
Nightly; concerts usually ~21:00
Price
Tickets ~400–600 Kč
Getting there
Metro B to Národní třída; on Národní in the New Town
Insider tip: This is where Clinton played sax in 1994 — book the early set for a table close to the stage.
8.Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge
Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge sits on the ninth floor of the Hilton Prague, offering one of the best panoramic vantage points in the city from its stylish indoor lounge and open-air summer terrace. The sweeping views take in the river, the castle in the distance and the sprawl of the city, making it a magnet for a sophisticated sundowner. The vibe is upscale and contemporary — well-made cocktails, sparkling wine, a resident DJ spinning laid-back beats, and a smart-casual crowd of hotel guests, locals and visitors after a more polished night than the beer halls offer. It comes into its own at sunset, when the terrace glows and the lights of Prague flicker on below, and it stays lively into the small hours at weekends. Prices are naturally higher than a traditional pub, reflecting the setting and the cocktails, but reasonable for a rooftop bar of this quality. Slightly removed from the Old Town near the Florenc transport hub, it's an easy metro ride and a refreshing change of scene. For glamorous drinks with a view, Cloud 9 is among Prague's premier rooftop destinations.
Hours
Daily ~17:00–01:00 (later weekends)
Price
Cocktails ~250–350 Kč
Getting there
Metro B/C to Florenc, atop the Hilton Prague hotel
Insider tip: Go at golden hour for the panoramic terrace, then stay as the city lights come on and the DJ starts.
9.Palác Akropolis
Palác Akropolis is the cultural cornerstone of Žižkov, Prague's famously bohemian, pub-dense neighbourhood, and a much-loved fixture of the city's alternative scene since the 1990s. Housed in a characterful old building, it's a multi-purpose culture-house rolling a concert hall, club, theatre and a wonderfully quirky café-bar into one, decorated with the distinctive fantastical designs of Czech artist František Skála. The programming is eclectic and consistently interesting, spanning live indie, world, electronic and Czech bands, DJ nights, theatre and film, drawing a young, creative, local crowd. The atmosphere is unpretentious, arty and genuinely Czech, a world away from the Old Town tourist bars, and the café-bar is a great spot for a cheap beer and people-watching even without a ticket to a show. Set in the heart of Žižkov, which boasts more pubs per capita than almost anywhere in Europe, it makes the perfect launchpad for a night exploring the district's raucous, down-to-earth drinking scene. For visitors who want to tap into Prague's living independent culture and nightlife, Palác Akropolis is essential and endlessly rewarding.
Hours
Café daily; concerts most nights
Price
Gigs ~200–500 Kč; café drinks cheap
Getting there
Tram 5, 9, 15, 26 to Lipanská in Žižkov
Insider tip: The beating heart of bohemian Žižkov — grab a beer in the quirky café-bar before the gig upstairs.
10.U Sudu
U Sudu is one of Prague's most characterful and disorienting bars — a modest street-level wine bar that opens, Tardis-like, into a sprawling underground labyrinth of interconnected medieval vaulted cellars descending several floors below Vodičkova street. First-timers are invariably astonished at how far the candlelit maze of nooks, arches and low-ceilinged rooms goes, and half the fun is exploring it to find a spot. The house speciality is Moravian wine, including the local burčák (young, partly fermented wine) in autumn, alongside cheap beer and spirits, and prices are refreshingly low for such a central location just off Wenceslas Square. The crowd is a lively, sociable mix of students, locals and travellers, and the atmosphere is buzzing and informal, especially late, when it stays open into the early hours. There's no pretension and little in the way of food, just an endlessly atmospheric, affordable place to drink and lose track of time (and possibly your friends) underground. For a quintessentially Prague night in the city's remarkable cellars, U Sudu is a firm and enduring favourite.
Hours
Mon–Fri 08:00–04:00, Sat–Sun from ~10:00
Price
Beer & wine from ~40 Kč
Getting there
Metro A/B to Můstek; on Vodičkova near Wenceslas Square
Insider tip: Keep going down — the labyrinth of vaulted cellars runs far deeper than the small street-level bar suggests.