Old Town packs the tourist crowds, yet its lanes also hold some of the best cocktail rooms and beer halls in the country if you know which doors to open. The list below skips the trap bars for the rooms our editors stand behind. Compare them with our best cocktail bars in Prague and the full Prague bar guide.
Karoliny Svetle · $$$
Hemingway Bar built Prague's modern cocktail reputation in a small Old Town room near the river, with a long rum list and absinthe service. It ranks among the World's 50 Best Bars. Reservations are close to essential.
Parizska · $$$
Bugsy's has poured classic cocktails off Parizska since the 1990s, a quiet basement room with a thick menu and veteran bartenders. The crowd skews international and well dressed. It rewards ordering a classic done right.
V Kolkovne · $$$
L'Fleur mixes a French leaning cocktail and champagne list in a polished room on V Kolkovne. The list is long and the room fills early. It works for a celebration or a late drink.
Staromestske namesti · $$$
Black Angel's works a 1930s themed cellar under the U Prince hotel on the Old Town Square. Bartenders mix vintage style cocktails by candlelight. The setting draws as many visitors as the drinks.
Michalska · $$
Anonymous Bar runs a masked, secretive theme on Michalska with a long menu and a back room feel. It books out on weekends and leans into the mystery. The cocktails keep pace with the concept.
V Kolkovne · $$$
Tretter's keeps a New York style cocktail room on V Kolkovne, all dark wood and white jacketed bartenders. The menu favours classics built with care. It has been a steady Old Town fixture for years.
Husova · $
U Zlateho Tygra is a legendary Old Town beer hall on Husova, once the haunt of writer Bohumil Hrabal. It pours tank Pilsner Urquell to a tight room of regulars. Seats are scarce and the welcome is gruff.
Dlouha · $$
Lokal Dlouha from the Ambiente group serves fresh tank Pilsner Urquell and Czech classics in a long tiled hall. The beer turnover is fast and the food is honest. It stays busy from afternoon onward.
Dlouha · $$
Prague Beer Museum pours around 30 Czech taps on Dlouha, a multi tap bar built for sampling regional brewers. The boards list everything by strength and style. It suits a group working through a flight.
Kozna · $$
Čili Bar is a tiny Old Town room on Kozna known for homemade chilli rum and a loose, friendly crowd. Cash only and standing room keep it informal. It fills fast after ten.