Prague is the ultimate party city

I knew I’d like Prague as soon as our bike tour guide said, “Here, beer is cheaper than water.” The birthplace of the Pilsner. The holy grail of all party opportunities.

I’m a beer gal. While this hasn’t been beneficial to the healthy diet I typically try to stick to, it’s the only alcoholic beverage that really speaks to me. I’ve tried the low-cal bullshit (with 2% alcohol, so you have to drink 30 litres anyway) and the vodka water/lemon juice combination, but nothing satisfies like a cold beer on a hot day.

Or a cold day.

Or ANY day.

What I immediately LOVED about Prague was its laid-back vibe. (Except for when the astronomical clock dings at noon in the Old Town Square. People are really freaking passionate about that clock.)

But I’ve always had this theory that if Canada and the US weren’t so ridiculous with its rules and regulations on alcohol consumption, a lot of us would be less likely to go on a crazy binge. For the Czech people, beer is just a way of life.

Harley’s, “the coolest hell on earth”

Our Contiki guide was bit of a pro when it came to the underground bar scene in Prague, and this was the first place he took us. Initially it seemed like a low-key joint, although the hot Asian chick grinding herself against a guy at the bar while lip-syncing to terrible music was pretty off-putting.

Fast forward to three hours later when people are dancing on table-tops, on the “stage,” on chairs, on everything. Shirts are coming off. We’re ordering shots of Becherovka, a bitter herbal liqueur. I get acquainted with my Contiki travellers over a vat of Rum and Coke with 40 long straws sticking out from it. Sanitary, and delightful.

Karlovy Lazne

This is apparently the “largest music complex in Central Europe,” with five clubs on five floors (with one admission fee). Perhaps we should have kept this in mind before all entering the club together –- I went to use the bathroom, and I never saw half of my group again.

Personally, I’m not really into the dance club scene. But this is kinda a local institution. Located next to the Charles Bridge, each club on each floor has a very distinct style…everything from trance to hip-hop.

And apparently, in clubs like these, nobody shuts it down until the last person leaves. Thinking it was probably 3 AM-ish, I left the club and walked out into bright sunlight. Seriously. That was the first time it ever happened in my life. EVER.

Kavarna Mlynska

I’ve already told you a bit about this one, where David Cerny hangs out and where the bar countertop is a piece of art designed by him. You could sit there all day and find new things to look at it in that artwork, by the way. Vaginas and all.

Letna Beer Garden

I have never had a real beer garden experience before, except for those designated areas of a concert or festival where the drunkards are penned to keep the peace. I was stoked to find this place in Letna Park, atop a hill with a pretty stellar view of the city. The few remaining people on our tour all got together for some cheap beers and sausage, and naturally stayed until the sun went down.

I loved the casualness of this whole experience. There were mothers with their BABIES, and a slobbering dog roaming around our feet, and nobody was reckless drunk and out of control. The locals were out to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon, families and all.

U Prince Hotel Rooftop Bar

Having a rooftop bar in the middle of Prague is bit of an anomaly, considering it’s probably like…the only one. Prague is a remarkably preserved city, so its buildings are OLD. While the food here was average, the view of the city made it all worthwhile.

As did the cocktail menu.

The Pub

I can’t believe this place is even legal (but apparently Montreal has one like it). Basically, you and a group of friends can book a table with a tap in the middle of it, and are free to pour your own beer. You pay per amount poured. But the crazy twist is that it gets super competitive, because a massive screen at the front of the room tallies your pints. We weren’t much match for the folks in Berlin, but we did alright judging by the following scoreboard.

We’re Praha 5.

The Strahov Monastic Brewery

This is actually the one I didn’t do, and with great regret. (Mostly because I had to listen to Natalie rave about it for HOURS. Just kidding, Nat!) While most everything in Prague focuses on the Pilsner, this place brews its own St. Norberts beer. And it’s in a monastery.

This trip was hosted by Contiki, but all thoughts and opinions are my own unless bribed with millions of dollars.

  • August 20 2012

    ‘Letna Beer Garden’ will have to be my topmost reason to go. After all these years of -places I can go to with Tanvi and places I can’t go to at all (because she can’t), the open-air family atmosphere plus beer is a big draw ;)

    Great post!

    Cheers!

    • August 20 2012

      Totally! LOVED that families were there. I mean why not, really?

  • August 20 2012

    Beer is the best! I wish I’d had more time to spend in Prague, but I absolutely loved The Pub place. So dangerous, but so fun.

  • August 20 2012

    Now this place looks like fun. I really want to go there one of these days. And is the beer on “Letna Beer Garden” good? I really want to visit that place one of these days.

    • August 27 2012

      It was delish! No idea what kind of beer it was, though. Two random dudes were just pouring it up for us.

  • August 20 2012
    Kate

    Here’s a little love, even though I’m sure you’re far too famous to care about the little people any more! ;)
    http://www.recommendeddailydose.com/?p=9562

    • August 27 2012

      You’re so silly! Nowhere near “famous.” :) I’m so glad you’re still reading.

  • August 20 2012
    KaleenasKaleidoscope

    Me too, me too, I LOVE beer! It pretty much saved the human race on numerous occasions–scientific fact. Have you ever tried making beer? I’ve gotten into home brewing and it is so fun! This post makes me want to go to Prague immediately and order a pint (or eight).

    • August 27 2012

      I have not! But I’d love to try, honestly. Have you ever written any how-to posts?

  • August 21 2012
    Pter Lee

    Candice, you have described the place very beautifully and your love of beer is very tempting for us. I wish I get a chance to visit the place.

  • August 21 2012

    You look unsure about whatever’s coming through that straw! These all look like really fun places…I’ve never heard of a pub with a pint tally but what a good idea.

  • August 22 2012

    Dude. I really effing missed you. Basically I’ve had Becherovka and Biergartens are pretty much my favorite things. Ever.

    • August 27 2012

      Can we bond over Becherovka someday? And then start fights with random people?

  • September 03 2012

    Sounds like quite the time! I like the beer garden… we should have one of those. People who get stupid and senseless can be banned for life for ruining it for the rest of us. But maybe if drinking was more casual we’d have less obnoxious drunks..

  • January 28 2013
    Chris

    Fun post! Quick question – I’m visiting Prague in late May but will only be there for 3 nights over the week (I’m thinking Monday – Wednesday)? Did you get a taste for what the nightlife is like during the week? Still pretty fun?

  • January 28 2013
    Chris

    Fun post! Quick question – I’m visiting Prague in late May but will only be there for 3 nights over the week (I’m thinking Monday – Wednesday)? Did you get a taste for what the nightlife is like during the week? Still pretty fun?

  • January 28 2013
    Chris

    Fun post! Quick question – I’m visiting Prague in late May but will only be there for 3 nights over the week (I’m thinking Monday – Wednesday)? Did you get a taste for what the nightlife is like during the week? Still pretty fun?

    • January 28 2013

      I am pretty positive that the nightlife is a 24/7 thing, ha! You shouldn’t have to go far to find a party.

      • January 29 2013
        Chris

        Haha good to know! Thanks! =)

      • January 29 2013
        Chris

        Haha good to know! Thanks! =)

      • January 29 2013
        Chris

        Haha good to know! Thanks! =)

      • January 29 2013
        Chris

        Haha good to know! Thanks! =)

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