Prague Foodie Guide: Unforgettable Eats, Drinks & Sights in 48 Hours (or More!)

Prague consistently ranks among Europe’s most captivating cities, a place where ancient history gracefully intertwines with modern vibrancy. Its enchanting atmosphere, stunning architecture, and an utterly incredible food and cocktail scene make it an irresistible destination. I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in this magical city, and whether you have a whirlwind 48 hours or a more leisurely stay, this comprehensive guide distills the very best of Prague’s culinary delights, unique drinks, must-see attractions, and top accommodation options.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by AnonymouS Shrink’s Office, Eska, and Miss Sophie’s Charles Bridge Hotel! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Prague holds a special place in my heart, easily making my top five cities I’d recommend visiting again and again. Surprisingly, it wasn’t always on my travel radar. It was a city I found intriguing, but I hadn’t fully grasped its unique allure until I experienced it firsthand. Now, I can confidently say it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable European adventure.

This is a city undergoing a remarkable culinary and cultural renaissance. Prague is stepping up its game in exciting ways, transforming old cellar spaces into hip bars and restaurants, and even offering unique experiences like beer spas. Foodies, cocktail enthusiasts, beer connoisseurs, and adventure seekers alike will find something truly special here. The blend of historic charm with a dynamic, forward-thinking spirit is something I’ve encountered in other European cities, but Prague executes it with unparalleled flair, embracing the new without ever sacrificing its rich heritage.

My partner and I spent our time in Prague soaking up its profound history, and we were delightfully surprised by the myriad of unique experiences we stumbled upon. I was genuinely awestruck by the city’s ability to maintain its ancient roots while fostering an incredibly innovative and vibrant modern scene. It’s a city that effortlessly balances reverence for its past with an enthusiastic embrace of the future.

It’s challenging to capture the full enchantment of Prague in words, so let’s dive straight into the specifics of what makes this city so extraordinary.

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To Eat

Eska (Karlin)

For an exceptional lunch experience in Prague, head directly to Eska in the vibrant Karlin district. This Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant is a testament to innovative Czech cuisine, set in a bright, bustling space. Every detail, from the open kitchens allowing a glimpse into the culinary magic to the thoughtfully mismatched tableware, draws you into its unique world. While the ambiance is captivating, it’s the food that truly steals the show.

Michelin Bib Gourmand winners are personal favorites because they offer incredible quality and creativity without the hefty price tag often associated with Michelin stars. Eska delivers insanely good, thought-provoking food – the kind of meal you’d expect to pay hundreds for, yet it remains incredibly accessible. Bursting with life and serving up innovative dishes that celebrate local ingredients, Eska is an unmissable culinary highlight.

Recommended Bites: Indulge in their **Homemade bread and butter**, featuring creamy, hand-churned butter alongside a robust, flavorful bread—a staple in Prague, but none quite as exquisite as Eska’s. The **Potatoes in Ash** are a revelation: ash-charred potatoes submerged in a creamy, egg-based sauce with dill and cheese, creating a warm, gooey, and richly comforting dish. The **Roast Beef Neck** with red wine and onion simply melts in your mouth. For dessert, the traditional Czech **Kremrole** – a light, marshmallowy cream-filled pastry – pairs perfectly with an espresso to conclude your meal.

Kolkovna Olympia (Little Quarter)

After a long day of travel, we arrived in Prague utterly exhausted and craving something comforting and authentic. The friendly staff at our hotel (more on that below!) recommended Kolkovna Olympia in the charming Little Quarter. This chain restaurant delivered exactly the down-home, hearty Czech comfort food we needed. It was lively, bustling with locals even on a weeknight, serving up flavorful dishes late into the evening, alongside cheap, chilled beer. It’s an excellent introduction to traditional Czech cuisine at a very reasonable price.

Recommended Bites: Try the **Devil’s Toast** with pork, spicy pepper, onion, sauerkraut, and cheese, served with bread in a comforting little pot. The **Goulash** is thick, warm, and wonderfully satisfying, served with bread and potato pancakes – perfect for balancing out all that delicious Czech beer.

Little Break (Jewish Quarter)

While exploring the historic Jewish Quarter, we stumbled upon Little Break, a quirky and eclectic little cafe tucked away on a side street. Its charming decor, featuring wood, chalkboard signs, and thoughtful details like pillows and blankets on benches, instantly drew us in. It was the perfect spot for a delightful coffee and sweets break, offering fresh pastries and mulled wine in a whimsically cute atmosphere.

Note: This restaurant has closed since this post was published, but its charm remains a fond memory of Prague’s evolving cafe scene.

Recommended Bites: Indulge in their exquisite **Apple Strudel**, perfectly complemented by a creamy, rich sweet cream ice cream. Their **Mulled Wine** with cinnamon and orange was far superior to the versions found at street carts. And for a kick, a strong yet balanced **Irish coffee** hit just the right spot.

Lokál Inn

While there are several Lokál locations across Prague, I highly recommend the one situated on the west side of the Charles Bridge, closer to the vibrant Lennon Wall and away from the dense tourist crowds of Old Town. This particular Lokál offers a much more authentic and relaxed vibe, with minimal wait times and a greater number of locals. Here, you can savor classic, authentic Czech dishes paired with fantastic beer in a genuinely laid-back setting. It’s the ideal spot to experience simple, delicious Czech cuisine.

Recommended Bites: Their **hearty sausages**, crispy **fried cheese**, and accompanying potatoes and bread make for excellent snacks or a satisfying lunch. Don’t shy away from trying the intriguing **beer and orange soda concoction** – it sounds unusual, but it’s surprisingly delicious and incredibly refreshing!

Random Sidenote: While wandering the streets of Prague, make sure to grab a **Trdelník** from a street cart! This sweet, rolled pastry, often coated in sugar and walnuts, sometimes filled with ice cream or chocolate, is an absolute must-try and utterly delicious.

To Drink

Cocktails

AnonymouS Shrink’s Office (New Town)

If you’re seeking an unparalleled cocktail experience in Prague, drop everything and make your way to AnonymouS Shrink’s Office. This isn’t just a bar; it’s an immersive, all-inclusive experience tailored for the true cocktail connoisseur, unlike anything I’ve encountered before. From the moment you step into its dark, sultry interior, you’re transported. The evening begins with enchanting cordials that magically change color as they hit the glass – a delightful Mary Poppins-esque touch!

As you sip, you’re presented with a menu featuring Rorschach inkblots. You’re invited to choose the one that resonates most, then to explain your choice and share your preferred flavor profiles. The bartender then retreats to craft a bespoke drink, leaving you to relax on plush leather couches with old jazz music drifting through brick columns. This entire concept is simply captivating. The bartenders are genuinely dedicated to creating a unique, personalized experience for each guest, ensuring every visit is a fresh adventure. You’re guaranteed an amazing, one-of-a-kind cocktail, often featuring their homemade bitters and blends (they even infuse oak barrel essence – truly next level!).

Recommended Sips: Based on my fiery red and spicy inkblot, I received a smoky homemade **Bloody Mary**, crafted with fresh peppers and tomatoes – truly the freshest I’ve ever tasted. The mezcal added a wonderful depth, and the tortilla chips and cheese garnish were the perfect “icing on the cocktail cake” (it was so inspiring, I even created my own version of this Bloody Mary!). My partner chose a simpler card and was presented with a smooth whiskey cocktail, garnished with a lemon rind rubbed onto his dominant drinking hand. The bartender explained this nuanced detail enhances the lemon essence without adding bitterness, showcasing their incredible attention to detail.

The Banker’s Bar (Old Town)

If you find yourself thirsty amidst the historic beauty of Old Town, take a delightful detour to The Banker’s Bar. This spot offers a playful banking and bank-robbing theme that’s creatively woven into its cocktails. With drinks named after notorious historical bank robbers, the bar successfully transports you back in time, providing a fun and unique break from sightseeing.

Recommended Sips: The **Horse Saddle**, inspired by Jesse James, offers a smoky mezcal, jerky, and tobacco essence for a smooth, full-bodied experience. The **Bad Hero**, dedicated to Dillinger, provides a sweet and fresh finish, reminiscent of a julep but with a distinct, spring-like dill note. And for something truly unique, try **Thorny Love** from Bonnie & Clyde, featuring whiskey, blackberry puree, and house-made coffee liqueur.

Parlour (New Town)

For another intimate cocktail experience, if your schedule allows, squeeze in a visit to Parlour in New Town. This small bar further exemplifies Prague’s burgeoning cocktail scene, which prioritizes the customer’s preferences over a rigid menu. The skilled bartenders here excel at understanding your favored flavors and crafting a delicious, personalized drink to delight your palate.

Housed in a beautifully revamped cellar, Parlour offers a cozy, local atmosphere where you can truly unwind and feel like a Prague insider.

Wine

Bouvard&Pécuchet (New Town)

Beyond its stellar beer and cocktail offerings, Prague also boasts an impressive array of wine bars, often feeling straight out of a sophisticated lifestyle magazine. We discovered Bouvard&Pécuchet in New Town, a charming retreat where I instantly felt transported to Southern France. Sipping a full-bodied red on a comfortable white couch, it was almost hard to believe I was in the heart of Prague. This wine bar exudes a lovely personality, and its incredibly knowledgeable owner makes it a perfect place to spend hours savoring the finest French grapes.

Bokovka (Old Town)

Bokovka in Old Town embodies everything I adore in a wine bar. The moment I walked into its lively, dimly lit space, I was captivated. It’s truly one of the best spots to cozy up with a loved one over a glass or two of wine. What truly stole my heart were the wide-open windows, inviting you to snuggle into their window bays, complete with thick, furry blankets and small tables adorned with flickering candles. You feel as though you’ve found your own private, romantic corner of the world.

An added bonus: if you happen to be staying at Miss Sophie’s Charles Bridge Hotel (formerly Nicholas Hotel Residence), you can purchase a bottle and finish it in your room, complete with real wine glasses and a fridge to chill any leftovers!

Beer

Letná Beer Garden (Letná)

For an unforgettable beer with a view, make your way to Letná Beer Garden. Perched atop a hill, it offers the absolute best panoramic vista of the city, overlooking the Vltava River, Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter. The surrounding park is a beautiful area for a stroll, where you can admire gorgeous flowers, various statues, and breathtaking views from every vantage point, culminating in a refreshing beer as you take it all in.

BeerGeek & BeerGeek Pivoteka (Bottle Shop) (Vinohrady)

Hands down, BeerGeek is the ultimate destination for beer lovers in Prague. While it’s a little off the main tourist path, the city’s efficient metro system makes it easily accessible. Here, you can indulge in an extensive selection of beers from around the globe. This fun and lively beer bar is perfect for sampling various brews and grabbing a bite – definitely try their wings! Afterwards, take a short 5-10 minute walk to their bottle shop, BeerGeek Pivoteka, where you can find seriously unique bottles (they even stock beers from Estonia!) to enjoy back at your hotel.

To Do

Beer Spa Bernard

This was, hands down, the most unexpected and incredibly fun experience in Prague, and it’s the number one thing I recommend. We stumbled upon a video of this beer spa while researching beer spots before our trip, and at first, it seemed like a whimsical joke: bathing in hops in wooden tubs with unlimited beer? But after learning about the beneficial properties of hops and yeast therapy, and realizing it included a massage, we decided to give it a try. And I’m so glad we did!

(Please excuse the not-so-awesome phone pics!)

It’s essentially a spa treatment, but with the added joy of unlimited, delicious Bernard beer. You get to relax in bubbling bathtubs filled with the therapeutic brew for half an hour, then you’re whisked away to be bundled in heated blankets, allowing the hops and other natural ingredients to work their magic. Finish with a soothing massage, and you’re sent off with a full beer of your choice. Yes, I mentioned unlimited beer – it’s truly part of this spa happiness! It might sound peculiar, but it was incredibly enjoyable. I’m seriously considering opening one here in Denver; I’m convinced it would be a huge hit!

Prague Castle

Visiting Prague Castle is a must, even if just for the truly remarkable views it offers of the city below. However, I highly recommend going inside, particularly to experience the grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral. There’s something inherently moving about cathedrals and castles that always tugs at my heartstrings. Standing within such a magnificent hall evokes a sense of awe, regardless of one’s beliefs. The sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship, built long before the age of electricity and modern technology, are simply mind-boggling. You can’t help but marvel at the unknown builders who toiled to create such a crazy gorgeous structure.

Prague Charles Bridge

Of course, a visit to Prague wouldn’t be complete without traversing the iconic Charles Bridge. You’ll likely cross it numerous times, especially if you stay at the hotel I loved (details below!). The bridge itself is adorned with stunning baroque statues, each telling a story, and offers breathtaking views of the city on both sides. It’s a truly magnificent structure that connects Old Town with Lesser Town and is an essential part of the Prague experience.

Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall is one of my absolute favorite spots in Prague, an unexpected explosion of color and meaning. To reach it, you’ll first cross a tiny bridge guarded by a whimsical little troll on the river – yes, seriously! Just around the corner, you’ll find a long wall dedicated to messages of peace and love. The quotes, vibrant colors, and often the presence of a talented singer strumming Beatles songs, create an incredibly moving atmosphere. Catch it earlier in the day before the crowds swell for the most impactful experience.

Afterwards, pop into the Yellow Submarine for a pint – because The Beatles are always a good idea, forever.

Jewish Quarter

Exploring Prague’s Jewish Quarter with a good guide, like **Rick Steves Prague**, truly enhances the experience. I recommend focusing on gaining entry to the Old New Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in Prague, while appreciating the exteriors and histories of the other synagogues through your guidebook. This approach saves a little money while still providing a profound understanding of this historically rich neighborhood.

Vysehrad

I absolutely adored wandering around the ancient Vysehrad fortress. Again, a guidebook like Rick Steves is invaluable, offering historical insights and a wonderful walking tour that ensures you don’t miss any of its hidden gems. This historical fort and its surrounding grounds offer a more tranquil alternative to the often-crowded Prague Castle, providing a serene escape and deeply meaningful experiences.

The views from Vysehrad fortress are nothing short of spectacular, offering sweeping vistas of the Vltava River and the city beyond.

Moreover, the Vysehrad Cemetery is absolutely breathtaking. While I wouldn’t typically use that word to describe a cemetery, this one is truly unique. With its ornate tombstones, stunning sculptures, and an incredibly serene silence, wandering through this hallowed ground is a deeply moving experience that words can barely capture; the photos simply have to speak for themselves.

Astronomical Clock

While the Old Town Square can be quite crowded during the day, it’s worth braving the throngs at least once to witness the Astronomical Clock strike the top of the hour. Its intricate movements and detailed figures are a marvel, making it hard to believe this incredible timepiece was constructed over 600 years ago. The precision and artistry involved in its design are truly astonishing and a testament to medieval engineering.

Prague Communism and Nuclear Bunker Tour

One of the most surprising and impactful experiences we had in Prague was taking the Communism and Nuclear Bunker Tour. Did you know that a surviving nuclear bunker from the 1950s lies buried deep beneath the city? Designed to fit 5,000 people, a fact that becomes chillingly real once you’re down there, it’s filled with preserved rooms, relics from the communist era, and an incredible amount of history. It’s truly eye-opening to realize how recently Prague emerged from beneath the communist regime, making this tour a powerful reminder of its complex past.

To Stay

The Miss Sophie Charles Bridge Hotel

My stay at The Miss Sophie Charles Bridge Hotel was an absolute delight. This charming boutique hotel offers gorgeous suites that provide far more than just a bed and a bathroom. Here, you have ample room to spread out and truly relax. Even the smallest rooms boast a comfortable sitting area, a convenient kitchenette, and actual glasses to enjoy a beer or glass of wine at the end of a long day.

Having extra space in a hotel is a godsend, especially when you’re traveling with luggage and collecting souvenirs. Unlike impersonal big-box hotels, Miss Sophie’s feels rich and homey. Its location is truly ideal: just a two-minute walk east of the iconic Charles Bridge, with a metro stop literally right outside the front door. This prime spot puts you close to everything without being overwhelmed by the dense tourist crowds often found in the city center.

To top it all off, the hotel offers an absolutely divine breakfast spread, included with your stay! You’ll find a delightful array of pastries, fresh espresso, a variety of fruits, fruit juices, artisan breads, and so much more to start your day perfectly fueled for exploring Prague.

But honestly, my biggest highlight was the staff. The front desk team is incredibly helpful, genuinely friendly, and truly invested in helping you discover their beloved home city. They’ll not only guide you to your desired destinations but also share hidden gems throughout Prague, ensuring you gain an authentic and memorable experience.

If you haven’t yet booked your ticket to Prague, what are you waiting for? This city is simply unforgettable, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights that will leave a lasting impression.

Need more inspiration for traveling Europe? Check out my foodie guide to Copenhagen!