LIFE IN PRAGUE: Best cafes in Prague
By: Kamran Vaqif Oglu Aliyev
Although most people know Prague for its distinguished pubs and beers, it would be an oversight to ignore its coffee and coffee shops, widely spread within the districts. So, what is it that makes these coffee shops so unique? For me, perhaps, it is the source of motivation: assuring myself to get certain assignments done by the time workers close their doors and rewarding myself with the desserts on the vitrine. And yes, I go to cafes not because of the coffee, contrary to popular belief, but because of their blueberry cheesecakes and Earl Grey tea. Whether it is for studying or for, catching up with friends, or the enjoyment of your own company, it is a delight to share my ten carefully selected and treasured coffee shops that I frequently visit in Prague:
Café Café
I am starting the list with my most favored one. This stylish café with a mouthwatering choice of cakes is located right in the city’s heart (Stare Mesto, Prague 1). It is pretty crowded in the evenings, so I would strongly advise making reservations beforehand. I love and recommend everything about this one: the location, the songs, the atmosphere, the service, the food. And it is even more enjoyable with the right company. I can undoubtedly say that it is my safe space in Prague.
Mamacoffee
This one holds a special place in my heart. It is my go-to one for studying, and there is a specific reason for that: sockets. Yes, sockets. I need to charge my laptop from time to time and constantly search for sockets whenever I go out to study. Besides that, I also tried the best hummus of my life there with a loaf of crunchy pita bread on the side. Vodickova branch has an Instagrammable interior and a soothing view of New Town Hall. I would also highly recommend trying their “mošt”, which is traditional Czech pear + apple juice.
Café Slavia
The third one is probably the most famous café in Prague. I couldn’t have written a blog post without mentioning this gem facing the Vltava River. This place is right across the street from National Theatre and has a rich background of playing a role as a meeting point for many cultural figures. Meanwhile, it is not usually a place to study or chill; it is a perfect place to go for a date or a celebration. In the evenings, a piano player performing adds to the magnificent architecture of the café.
Café Louvre
Continuing with the list of prosperous establishments with rich history, Café Louvre must be mentioned. If the name didn’t convince you to check out the place immediately, the fact that Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein used to have regular dinners on Tuesday evenings might. It is on Narodni Street and is highly recommended for dinners. Of course, reservations must not be forgotten, as it is very crowded – a day and a night.
Cafefin
I have so many good memories associated with this place, and my face turns into an emoji with hearty eyes when I hear the name. This, dare I say, cosiest café in Prague is located in Namesti Jiriho z Podebrad. It was also the first Vietnamese coffeehouse in Prague. Unsurprisingly, the place is always packed, and finding a table can be challenging. In my humble opinion, it also has the best avocado toast in Prague.
Grand Café Orient
Or so-known The House of Black Madonna is a work of Czech Cubism, and it is a must-visit for fans of design and architecture. The location is nearby Café Café in Prague 1 district, Stare Mesto. After trying the famous pastry “věneček” and admiring the interior, you can go to the second floor to check out the museum of Cubism.
Costa Coffee
This famous chain of coffee shops is perfect for studying. It has branches all over Prague, and every restaurant has multiple socket places, which is a way for the coffee shop to win my heart if I am in the mood for studying. You have to try their pear cake, and if you plan to go there frequently, don’t forget to get their card which gives back 10% of your spending in rewards.
Café Savoy
I bet everyone was waiting for this name to appear on the list. Located near the Kampa park, this cafe is one of the oldest cafes in Prague. SO, what makes this café so special? The opulent breakfasts, Art Nouveau ceiling, chef’s exclusive “cake Savoy”, atmospheric wine drinking in the evenings and complete wooden architecture. No matter the high price range, everyone who lives in Prague should give this café a chance.
Café Imperial
The Imperial hotel’s restaurant, and I consider this one an alternative to Café Savoy. Compared to the predecessor, this one is a Michelin restaurant and is even in a higher price range. However, that should not stop you from trying their establishment at least once and experiencing the Art Deco style of the 1920s. Don’t forget to make reservations at least seven days in advance.
Narodni Kavarna
The last one on the list is considered to be the national café of Prague. But don’t let the name fool you; it is relatively peaceful, less crowded, and less expensive. This one is more suitable for catching up with an old friend over coffee. It is just two minutes of walk from the National Theatre. P.S. Please try their delicious pancakes with homemade yoghurt.
_
In hopes of that you enjoyed the list as much as I did and that you could find your favorite café in Praha on the list. If not, then maybe you can be convinced to check out new locations and find out new favorites. As an extra treasure, I am leaving you a list of cafes titled “honourable mentions”, which did not make the top list, but still are as important.
Honourable mentions: SmetanaQ Café and Bistro, Oliver’s Coffee Cup, Globe Bookstore and Café, Paul, Coffee Corner Bakery, Venue, Waf Waf, Café Chloé