After exploring Prague Castle during a downpour (perfect timing!), we were ready for a latte. We found ourselves at Original Coffee (Betlémská 12, 110 00 Praha 1), where they roast an ever-changing menu of carefully selected coffees from around the world. This is just one of several serious high-end espresso shops in Prague that offer not only milk-based espresso drinks but also pourovers, French press, and AeroPress®, as well as light snacks. In Prague coffee shops, as in Budapest, I once again observed that whole milk is much more common than semi-skimmed or skim milk. |
Vinograf (Senovážném náměstí 23) serves over 35 wines by the glass, including Czech wines. When you walk in, you are handed a tablet loaded with the wine menu, including descriptions and recommendations. You can save individual wines to your “favorites” list as you narrow down your selection. If you’re thinking, “I’m on vacation to get away from screens!” never fear: the staff is very friendly and can still guide you through their offerings the good old-fashioned way. The Hort rosé is a perfectly refreshing Czech wine for a summer day. |
But sitting in a wine bar isn’t the way to enjoy Prague. Sitting in a beer garden is another story; so we made our way to the best one in the city. The Letna Hill Beer Garden (Letenské sady, 170 00 Praha 7) sits high on an embankment and offers gorgeous views of the river and the city beyond. We grabbed two Czech beers, each of which turned out to be perfect for our tastes: a Gambrinus Original 10° pilsner for him and a Fénix witbier for me. We also shared a kebab but we couldn’t determine if the meat was pork or chicken. (Both were on offer but I think there were some language issues when my husband got up to order.) Not that it really mattered since the best part of the whole thing was really the soft chewy bread it came on. |
As we headed back to our room to pack for the next day’s flight home, we heard the sounds of friends having a super relaxed, good time. We want to have laid-back fun too! We walked into what turned out to be Cajovna Jedna Basen (Pod Zvonařkou 14, 120 00 Praha 2), a tea house with wooden platforms covered in rugs and cushions. The group of friends was laughing and chatting quietly as they played cards. We nodded our heads at them as we slipped off our shoes and climbed up onto the next platform. No common language required. What a lovely, peaceful way to end a trip filled with blazing sun, cold beers and rich food. |
Quick Guide
- Late night local bar U Sadu (Škroupovo náměstí 5, 130 00 Praha 3 - Žižkov)
- Lunch at Prague Castle Lobkowicz Palace Café (Jiřská 3 119 00 Prague 1)
- Coffee near Prague Castle Original Coffee (Betlémská 12, 110 00 Praha 1)
- Wine bar Vinograf (Senovážném náměstí 23)
- Beer with a view Letna Hill Beer Garden (Letenské sady, 170 00 Praha 7)
- Rooftop lunch T-Anker (5, OD Kotva, nám. Republiky 656/8, 110 00 Praha 1)
- Third wave coffee EMA espresso bar (Na Florenci 1420/3, 110 00 Praha 1)
- Special occasion Kampa Park (Na Kampě 8b, 118 00 Praha)
- Craft beer bar Zly Casy (Čestmírova 390/5, 140 00 Praha)
- Tea house Cajovna Jedna Basen (Pod Zvonařkou 14, 120 00 Praha 2)
- Bakery & salad bar Bakeshop (Kozí 918/1, 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město)