10 Best Historic Cafes In Prague To Visit

Prague is one of the only cities that came away unharmed from the World War II. Known primarily for it medieval architecture and down-to-earth culture, the place is slowly becoming a popular tourist destination. But when it comes to experiencing the bohemian flavours the city has to offer, most miss out on the opulent coffee houses in the light of those in Italy and Turkey. 

 

With these unexplored cafes throwing open their doors to tourists again, we decided to list down the absolute best 10 historic cafes in Prague that you must visit. 

 

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The oldest of coffee houses, Kavárna Slavia is situated in one of the prettiest locations. It sits on the banks of the Vltava River and you get an astounding view of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle  from its huge glass windows. You’ll easily spot Czech actors and opera singers performing at this cafe. 

 

A lot of locals and tourists usually enjoy sipping a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or warm apple cider at the cafe. Some of the must try food items here include the Czech style baked duck with potato dumplings, Viennese sachertorte and braised chicken in pepper sauce.

 

Address: Smetana Nabrezi 1012/2, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic 

 

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Opened in the 1893, Cafe Savoy boasts of really high Neo-Renaissance ceiling going up to 7 metres. The cafe was preserved during the communist era so the vast windows and oversized chandeliers are still intact. One of their windows looks over their on-site bakery that gives the cafe an even cozier look. 

 

The cafe has a vast team menu. Typically, the locals enjoy a cup of hot coffee and morsels of the ořechový dort walnut cake in the morning. But if you’re angling at lunch, we highly recommend potato gnocchi with poppy seed, pear compote and their gourmet menu which includes grilled duck liver and apple reduction. 

 

 

 

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Probably one of the world’s finest examples of Cubist style design, Grand Cafe Orient is tucked away on the first floor of the House of the Black Madonna. Initially inspired by artworks from the likes of Pablo Picasso, the cafe now boasts of candy striped green upholstered furniture and a little more of early 20th century glory. 

 

The menu covers different types of coffees and desserts, with the flaky quince pastry pie, Czech jablečný závin (apple strudel) and cucumber lemonade being absolute must-orders. A strong cup of coffee with kremrole is popular here all year round. 

 

  

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Opened back in 1914, Cafe Imperial was quite literally the talk of the town for a while. The unique decor depicting Moorish motifs varying from exotic flowers to a rising phoenix, the cafe’s interiors are set to take you aback for a moment. The golden floral mosaic crafted from tiny ceramics, arched above is a sure shot jaw dropping view. 

 

If you get to visit the cafe, then you shouldn’t be missing out on Pohlreich Cake Imperial which is a sinful chocolate cake layered with dates. It is sure to remind you of salted caramel. 

  

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Opened in 1902, Cafe Louvre is also known as the headquarters of Prague’s early 20th century intelligentsia. The cafe served as a personal office to the likes of Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka and more. Although the place was destroyed in 1948 by a communist coup, it was fully restored in 1992. 

 

The pink cerise decor and large archways now make the cafe really noteworthy. The place still serves as a meeting for many business deals. Its menu dates from a century ago and should be in every foodie’s bucket list - svíčková na smetaně, the house cheesecake served with peaches and Viennese cream. They also serve some homemade cocktails to match the modern times. 

 

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Built in 1889, Cafe Evropa is located on the Wenceslas Square. If the locals are to be believed, this cafe has gone practically untouched since decades. So you’ll see an authentic decor right from the time you step into it. The decor has an unsettling similarity to the dining room you saw on the Titanic - yes, the movie! 

 

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Named after a small neighbourhood in Paris, Cafe Montmartre is situated in the heart of Prague and oozes warmth that no other cafe does. The decor includes antiques like a worn out green piano, eclectic arm chairs, leather shade lamps, wooden tables and posters donning the walls. The dimly lit cafe is actually perfect for a date! 

 

Serving some pocket friendly dishes, the cafe is relatively full at all times. While the menu boasts of some modern day foods, a few must haves from the past include Franta Sauer, Artur Longen, Franz Werfel and Franz Kafka. 

 

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Opened along with the Municipal House back in 1912, Kavarna Obecni Dum is right adjacent to the Smetana Hall, which is the home of the Prague Royal Orchestra. The decor boasts of eight magnificent Art Nouveau chandeliers hung from two story tall ceilings that are supported by columns with mirror work and gold lining. 

 

The cafe serves some of the most unique coffees. Some of the popular ones include Caribbean coffee with rum and cloves, Mexican coffee with cinnamon and grated chocolate and one that goes by the name of Maria Theresa. 

 

 

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Located near the National Theatre, Narodni Kavarna is considerably more relaxed from bustling crowds as seen in the other cafes. Opened back in 1896, the cafe was renamed and then renovated to open in 1923. For those who want to experience the true Czech culture, this is the cafe to be because it is less touristy and more local. 

 

If you’re in the area, you must definitely pop in for a cup of mulled wine garnished with orange. With the live piano music playing in the background, it is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss. 

 

 

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 Kavarna Lucerna is a cafe located on the second floor of the Lucerna Palace, a multi purpose complex opened in 1921 in the late Art Nouveau style. The decor is that of the building’s overall shabby grandeur - curtains, glass wooden doors, dimly lit bar room and tables lined against a wall with ceiling high windows that give you a view of the Lucerna arcade. 

 

You’ll find a lot of tourists and locals visiting the adjacent cinema grabbing a cup of morning coffee here. Although their services aren’t speedy, this is one of the most budget friendly cafes in Prague. 

 

Prague is a city rich of culture that is still considerably unharmed by tourism. Their zeal to keep their cultures intact has kept these cafes going so far, admittedly with a few modern touches. 

 

So if you’re in town, don’t forget dropping by these if you don’t want to miss out on the Czech culture!