The Oldest Pubs in Prague: Where History Meets Great Czech Beer

I have prepared an overview of the oldest beer pubs in Prague, where beer has been served (and sometimes even brewed) for centuries.

These pubs are closely connected with the history of Prague and Czech beer, so I definitely recommend visiting at least one of them. Even a small beer is enough to enjoy the historic atmosphere and traditional interiors.

These places are the most famous ones, so you should expect them to be busy and quite touristy.

If you are looking for a more authentic experience in old Czech pubs, where most guests are locals, I recommend visiting some of PRAGUE´S HIDDEN HISTORIC PUBS or THE BEST BEER GARDENS IN PRAGUE

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U Fleků ( Flek ´s Tavern )

Beer has been brewed here for over 500 years without a break. The first written record of the brewery dates back to 1499.

The tavern is huge. It has eight traditional halls and a large outdoor beer garden. The historic interiors are decorated with wooden furniture and have a wonderful atmosphere. The tables are shared, and there is live music.

U Fleků brews its own dark beer and does not serve any other type. The menu offers traditional Czech dishes.

The brewery is always busy, with many tour groups visiting every day. Expect plenty of noise and slightly higher prices.

A nice bonus is the Brewery Museum. Here you can learn about traditional beer brewing and see old brewing machines, tools, and equipment.

Established : 1499

Address : Křemencova 11, 110 00 Praha 1 – Nové Město

Website : www.ufleku.cz

U Zlatého Tygra ( The Golden Tiger )

U Zlatého Tygra is one of the most famous beer pubs in Prague. Many Czech locals lovers and beer enthusiasts consider it a legendary place. It is located on Husova Street, just a short walk from Karlova Street.

Here you can enjoy one of the best tank Pilsner Urquell beers in the city. The menu offers simple Czech food. The local specialty is beer cheese. Prices are very reasonable for such a central location. Also, most guests are local regulars, while the rest are beer lovers from around the world.

Do not expect luxury. The interior is simple and traditional, with wooden furniture that seems frozen in time. The tables date back to the 1950s and they are shared with other guests. There is a vibrant atmosphere and often noisy. It can be difficult to find a table without a reservation, and you can only pay in cash.

The history of the building goes back to the 14th century. The first written record of the pub dates from 1816. In the 19th century, it was home to a patriotic café for several decades. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became a beer pub again, and it has remained one ever since.

Many politicians, actors, artists, and athletes have visited U Zlatého Tygra. The most famous regular was the Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal, who came here for many years. In 1994, U.S. President Bill Clinton also visited the pub. He sat in the back room with Czech President Václav Havel, future U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and Bohumil Hrabal. Bill Clinton drank three beers and ordered a schnitzel 🙂

Established : 1816

Address : Husova 228/17, 110 00 Praha 1 – Staré Město

Website : https://www.uzlatehotygra.cz

U Pinkasů ( Pinkas ´s Pub )

Although U Pinkasů is popular with tourists, it is still one of Prague’s favorite beer pubs. It opened in 1843, and Pilsner Urquell has been served here ever since. It is the oldest restaurant in Prague where Pilsner Urquell is poured directly from the tank.

The pub is in the city center, just a short walk from Wenceslas Square. The interior is traditional and full of character. You will find a beautiful tiled stove, old photographs, and wooden tables.

The menu features traditional Czech dishes made from old recipes. During the summer, food is also grilled outside.

The real highlight is the outdoor seating area. It is located next to the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, in a quiet corner of the Franciscan Garden. It is one of the most beautiful beer gardens in the city.

Established : 1843

Address : Jungmannovo nám. 15/16, 110 00 Praha 1 – Nové Město

Website : https://www.upinkasu.cz

U Medvídků ( The Little Bears )

U Medvídků is one of the largest and oldest beer halls in Prague. It is located in the Staré Město ( Old Town ), within walking distance of the city’s main attractions.

The brewery was founded in 1466 by Jan Medvídek. Beer was brewed here continuously until the end of the 19th century. Later, the brewery could no longer compete with large industrial breweries, so it was turned into a beer pub. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was also home to Prague’s first tingl-tangl cabaret.

Beer brewing returned in 2005. Today, the brewery serves excellent Budweiser Budvar 12° lager, both light and dark, as well as a range of craft beer. One of them is XBEER 33°, a dark lager that is said to be one of the strongest beers in the world. It is brewed using a unique medieval method.

U Medvídků offers a historic atmosphere, great beer, and traditional Czech food. You can also try specialties such as beer goulash and beer sorbet.

The pub has several dining halls, so it can be very lively and noisy. It is also popular with tour groups. The building is also home to a hotel and a beer spa.

Established : 1466

Address : Na Perštýně 7, 100 01 Praha 1 – Staré Město

Website : https://www.umedvidku.cz

Krčma U Krále Brabantského ( The King of Brabant )

U Krále Brabantského is not a typical Czech beer pub, but it deserves a place on this list. It opened in 1375, making it one of the oldest taverns in Prague.

The biggest attraction is its unique medieval  atmosphere. The tavern is located in historic stone cellars, creating an unforgettable setting. The owners have turned this history into a popular tourist medieval tavern experience. Prices are high, and you will see only a few local guests.

The evening program includes a medieval-themed show with live music, jugglers, dancers, and staff dressed in period costumes. The vaulted ceiling with stone walls  are lit by candlelight, making the atmosphere even more special.

Be prepared to share large tables with other guests. Some dishes are also served to be eaten by hand, just as they were in the Middle Ages.

According to local legend, Czech kings visited the tavern in disguise through a secret passage from Prague Castle. It is also said that famous alchemists and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were among its guests.

Established : 1375

Address : Thunovská 198/15, 118 00 Praha 1 – Malá Strana

Website : https://www.krcmabrabant.cz

U Dvou koček ( The Two Cats )

U Dvou koček is another great historic pub with a long past. It has been operating since 1678 and has its own brewery. It is located in Prague’s Old Town, close to both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

Inside, you will find a traditional Czech interior with wooden furniture and historic details. The pub offers fresh, well-poured Czech beer ( mainly Pilsner Urquell ) and traditional Czech food with large portions. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the central location. Sometimes there is also live music.

Be prepared for a busy and noisy atmosphere. The pub is often full of people, especially tourists. Some guests have reported problems with bills, such as overcharging or incorrect amounts, so it is a good idea to check your bill carefully.

The pub is also interesting because, according to local stories, it was visited by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonín Dvořák. In 1965, the American poet and writer Allen Ginsberg also stopped here for a beer and a meal.

Established : 1678

Address : Uhelný trh 415/10, 110 00 Praha 1 – Staré Město

Website : https://www.udvoukocek.cz

U Glaubiců ( Glaubic´s Tavern )

U Glaubiců has a prime location. It is just a short walk from Charles Bridge and right next to St. Nicholas Church. The pub has a cozy interior and a authentic atmosphere, it´s a perfect place where locals and tourists enjoy beer together.

The main beers on offer are Pilsner beer and Velkopopovický Kozel. The food is authentic Czech cuisine, prepared with quality ingredients and offered at reasonable prices.

The Gothic cellars were first mentioned in 1389, and beer brewing started here in 1521. In 1615, the building was bought by Glaubic, the mayor of Prague at that time. His pub kept the same name for centuries and became a famous meeting place for many important and influential people.

Established : 1521

Address : Malostranské náměstí 266/5, 118 00 Praha 1 – Malá Strana

Website : https://www.uglaubicu.com

Lokál U Bílé kuželky ( The White Skittle )

Just a few steps from Charles Bridge, in a historic building in Prague’s Malá Strana (Lesser Town ), you will find another excellent beer pub – Lokál U Bílé kuželky. The pub has been here since 1862, although the building itself is much older. In the past, there was a winery here.

The name comes from the game of skittles, which was very popular at the time and was played in the pub.

The pub serves excellent draft beer, especially Pilsner Urquell, as well as other Czech beers. The menu offers traditional Czech cuisine, including some dishes that are not easy to find in other restaurants. You can also order various light snacks to enjoy with your beer.

The kitchen focuses on fresh ingredients, and both food and beer can be ordered to take away. Prices are reasonable, and the historic vaulted cellars create a truly unique atmosphere.

Established : 1862

Address : Míšeňská 12, 118 00 Praha 1 – Malá Strana

Website : https://lokal-ubilekuzelky.ambi.cz/en/

U Černého vola ( The Black Ox )

Just a few steps from Prague Castle, on Loretánské Square, you will find a genuine Czech neighborhood pub. Most guests are local regulars, with only the occasional tourist.

For centuries, this has been a meeting place for locals, artists, and politicians. Before the Velvet Revolution, it was also known as a place where opponents of the communist regime met.

Inside, you will find long, worn wooden tables with benches, stone floors, and wooden ceilings. The pub serves Velkopopovický Kozel lager and dark beer, as well as Pilsner Urquell.

The food is very simple. You can order a few traditional beer snacks, but the main reason to visit is the excellent cheap beer and the timeless atmosphere. Prices are very reasonable. Keep in mind that the pub accepts cash only, and the staff may speak only limited English.

The history of the pub dates back to 1726, when there was already a tavern in this building. But the pub as we know it today opened in 1965. Since then, it has twice been close to closing, but each time it was saved by its loyal local regulars.

Established : 1726

Address : Loretánské nám. 107/1, 118 00 Praha 1 – Hradčany

You can also check Prague´s Hidden Historic Pubs to Taste Authentic Czech Beer

FAQ :

What is the oldest pub in Prague?

The oldest pub on this list is U Krále Brabantského, which opened in 1375. Other historic pubs include U Fleků, where beer has been brewed continuously since 1499, and U Medvídků, whose brewery dates back to 1466.

Which historic pub in Prague serves the best beer?

This depends on your taste.U Zlatého Tygra is famous for its perfectly poured tank Pilsner Urquell. U Fleků is known for its own traditional dark lager, while U Medvídků brews several unique beers, including seasonal specialties.

Do I need a reservation?

Not always. However, reservation is highly recommended, especially in the evening or on weekends. These places are often full.

Are Prague’s oldest pubs expensive?

They are still reasonably priced compared with similar attractions in other European capitals. As some of them are also visited by locals, they are known for very affordable prices.

Can I pay by card?

Most historic pubs accept credit cards, but some traditional places accept cash only. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carry some Czech crowns.

Do these pubs serve traditional Czech food?

Yes. Most serve classic Czech dishes such as goulash, roast pork with dumplings and cabbage, schnitzel, beef sirloin in cream sauce (svíčková), and a variety of beer snacks. However, some pubs also serve international food, including vegetarian.

Are these pubs touristy?

Yes. Most of Prague’s oldest pubs are well known and attract many visitors from around the world. However, if you are looking for a more authentic local atmosphere, visit traditional neighborhood pubs Prague´s Hidden Historic Pubs to Taste Authentic Czech Beer

Which historic pub is best for first-time visitors?

If you are visiting Prague for the first time, U Fleků, U Zlatého Tygra, and U Pinkasů are excellent choices. Each offers a unique atmosphere and an important part of Prague’s beer culture.

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