Praha 2 Prague – All our local tips

The old Aida was located in Týnská, few steps from Old Town Square. As it was very well hidden, you just had to know where to go to find this crazy place. Now, in a new location, this venue is also not very promoted. Fortunately all the other advantages have remained. They offer great and cheap beer: Primátor. 10° for just 20 CZK (less than 1€), but also 16° on tap and bottled specials. Too many pictures on the walls, old-fashioned music from 70’s, a strange mixture of regulars and easy-going bartenders / owners who banter you to drink more.

There isn’t much space inside, so usually during the evenings you have to be lucky to grab a seat, but you can wait for a while chatting with the bartenders and sipping from a glass of glühwein (hot wine with cinnamon, cloves and sugar). There is also a selection of teas, one or two items from the kitchen and I like the fact they serve Czech soft drinks, not just “always Coca Cola”.

Aida Club is G&L friendly too (meet the owners and you get it quickly), while still remaining a typical, one would almost say “traditional” Czech pub.

PS: The closing hour might not be taken very strictly, especially on a crowded night.

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Aida Club | Bars, Music | Primátor 10° CZK 20
Na Zderaze 8 | Praha 2 | +420608121323
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 22:00, Sat 16:00 – 22:00

It seems that the places with good coffee tend to be in the same neighbourhood. Besides Bio zahrada (check the  Bio zahrada article), there is Al Cafetero, situated in the Blanicka street (the ending vertical to Vinohradska street).

This non-smoking café bar was actually awarded “The best café bar” in the annual competition Czech Bar Awards and I think that it´s well deserved. Not only they have a nice selection of coffee, but they also know perfectly, how to prepare it. Besides the classics like espresso or cappuccino you can also try their speciality – single origin coffee from vacuum pot.

If you are not a coffee person, you can have a glass of wine together with some small stuff to eat – some tapas, salads and small meals (try for example the tuscanny grilled vegetable). Al Cafetero can be also a nice place where to start your day – they prepare breakfasts as well (eggs in different style etc.)

The overall ambiance of the place is very nice and the staff (the owners) are always very friendly (but professional). And if you can not live without internet, you can relax – they have wifi

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Al Cafetero | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Snacks | Espresso CZK 38
Blanická 24 | Praha 2 | +420777061161
Mon – Fri 08:30 – 21:30

Although I think that I could not be a vegetarian, I try to eat less meat and I often eat and cook vegetarian cuisine.

Approximately once a week or two (depends of the workload , I go for lunch to Beas with my colleagues - a vegetarian self-service eatery specialized in North Indian meals. Beas has three branches in Prague. They do not use meat, fish, eggs or any products which would contain them. The food is based mainly on vegetables and pulses, which may sound boring for carnivores, but believe me, it´s really tasty.

On the menu, they have both fixed menus (big menu, small menu etc.) plus some daily offer. I usually take the small menu, which consists of soup, salad, raita, rice, dhal, sabji (for the last three mentioned you are always choosing between two possibilities – eg. plain and colored rice).

As far as drinks are concerned, besides water (which is for free) you can try delicious yoghurt based drink lassi, a mango shake and other vegetable and fruit fresh drinks.

Beas is often crowded around noon, hence I recommend to come little bit later. If it´s warm, you can sit in the courtyard garden.

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Beas | Restaurants (Indian) | Big menu CZK 98.00
Bělehradská 90 | Praha 2 | +420773644561
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 21:00, Sat 12:00 – 20:00, Sun 12:00 – 18:00

Like every woman, I love to receive flowers, especially, when there is no special occasion. I like to decorate my flat with fresh cut flowers to make it more cosy (which works perfectly until my cat tries to be a gardener). But as most men still do not understand the importance of giving flowers to women, I have to buy them by myself

My favourite spot where I buy flowers is called Belles Fleurs. The shop is situated just a few steps from the famous Radost FX. I like Belles Fleurs because hey have a variety of already prepared bouquets (both one kind and mixed flowers) which are reasonably priced. You can of course let the florist to assemble a bouquet by picking up single flowers.

At the conclusion, a little recommendation for men: if you would like to have a romantic dinner in Prague with your partner or date, flowers would be definitely a nice thing on top. So don’t hesitate – now you know, where you can find them

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Belles Fleurs | Shopping | Flowers CZK 99
Bělehradská 124 | Praha 2 | +420222512486
07:30 – 20:30 daily

One my favourite places on my daily path is a pleasant place named Bio Zahrada (Bio garden) which is situated in Belgicka street, just outside Namesti Miru.

As the name is suggesting, Bio zahrada is as a shop with organic food including fresh vegetables (sometimes meat) and now functions also as a point of supply for veggie boxes (which becomes a growing popular trend among certain people, myself included ).

Bio zahrada is also a nice non-smoking coffee house, where you can have a cup of really good coffee (try for example the Brazilian single origin coffee prepared in french press) and a delicious dessert - various types of cakes (apricot, rapsberry, cheesecake etc) . When it is warm outside (I wish the spring comes soon!), you can sit in the garden and relax for a while.

Sometimes I go to Bio Zahrada for a light lunch – I usually have a soup (each day except Saturdays they have another soup on the menu) and a sandwich (well..and a cake too . If you are in a rush, you can take the sandwiches or salads away. For those, who are Internet addicts or just want to check their emails it might be a useful information that they have wi-fi connection there.

Bio Zahrada is not only a friendly place for getting together over a cup of coffee but also a place for occasional events, eg. coffee tastings managed by the coffee roasting company which supplies Bio Zahrada or some organic wine testing.

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Bio zahrada | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Snacks | Espresso CZK 38.00
Belgická 33 | Praha 2 | +420603752468
Mon – Fri 08:30 – 20:00, Sat 14:00 – 20:00

“Sentimental, maudlin, melodramatic, corny”, that’s what Urban dictionary says about the word “cheesy”.

The truth is that after having some cheese from this place I do feel maudlin and sentimental. Sentimental when there is not a single crystal left from the super-old Gouda I love. Maudlin is that phase when there is only one last bite left. Melodramatic fits when I offer a mature goat cheese around my office. Corny are the comments of those who refuse.

Cheesy is a franchise, with shops open all over the Czech Republic, and with couple in Prague. You can find all shops in map on their website.

List of those in Prague:
Prague 1 Old Town – V Kolkovně 4
Prague 2 Vinohrady – Jugoslávská 23 (where picture is taken)
Prague 2 Žižkov – Slavíkova 3
Prague 4 Podolí – Podolská 3
Prague 5 Smíchov – Štefánikova 18/25
Prague 6 Břevnov – Bělohorská 117
Prague 7 Letná – Letenské náměstí 6
Prague 8 Karlín – Sokolovská 49

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Cheesy | Shopping, Snacks
Jugoslávská 23 | Praha 2
Depends on location, see website

This building has been a significant mile-stone for Prague and its architecture. Designed by Vlado Milunic and Frank Ghery, it was one of the first projects of the 90’s with a big name in Prague. As such, it of course raised some controversy, since many people didn’t want such an extravagant piece to neighbour with older buildings.

The time has shown the beauty of the concept and Dancing house is as favourite as many old sights. There is also a reputable French restaurant Céleste on the top floor – the prices fit the exclusivness of the spot (500-700 CZK for mains), but are said to be worth the service and quality of meals.

But even as a poor chap you can enjoy the moving spirit of the building – the best spot is from the Palackého Bridge. As shown on the photo, it looks great at night (the photographer wasn’t fully satisfied with the photo as he finds it blurred, but I believe it actually fits very well).

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Dancing house | Art & culture
Rašínovo nábřeží 80 | Praha 2
24 hours daily

I’m not a big fan of fast food. Nevertheless, when I´m in a hurry looking for some quick bite or have a hangover, it’s a suitable option.

Since my studies, I have a thing for hot dog. It has always been cheap plus I had a feeling that I’m not supporting international corporations

In Czech republic we actually have our version of hot dog called „párek v rohlíku” – the sausage is not placed in a lengthwise cut bun, but in a hole made in this bun.

You can find quite a lot of hot dog stalls all around Prague. I like the one which is at Náměstí Míru (called Mírák),  situated strategically near the subway entrance. You can have your hot dog with different types of mustards and ketchup. There’s also an economic value meal, with hot dog, a wafer and a cold drink.

I recommend to take your hot dog and then eat it on the steps of nearby church – eating fast food does not mean, that we can not slow down a little bit at the same time, right?

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Hot dog at Mírák | Snacks | Hot dog CZK 19.00
Náměstí Míru | Praha 2
Practically daily, the opening hours might vary

Status of Lemon Leaf as “the best thai in the city” will make it – only in case there would not be the Noodles restaurant just couple blocks down the road.

The truth is that their Thai cuisine is indeed good and does not go up and down in quality according to the tourist season as do many other places in the city. So if you are in the mood for something spicy, in good portions and relatively well priced, choose Lemon Leaf. And what always counts is their friendly staff, pleasant atmosphere and nice music.

Worth mentioning is also the self-service weekend buffet menu – all you can eat for just for 239 CZK. While browsing the morning news thanks to free wi-fi spot.

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Lemon Leaf | Snacks, Restaurants (Thai) | Main meal CZK 120
Myslíkova 14 | Praha 2 | +420224919056
Mon – Thu 11:00 – 22:00, Fri 11:00 – 00:30, Sat 12:30 – 00:30, Sun 12:30 – 22:00

This is an extraordinary place, yet it is not suitable for everyone. Imagine a one-room pub (it used to be an apartment) located in the garden of Prague botanical garden and occupied mostly by students.

It is not very nice (the interior hasn’t changed much since maybe 1992): there is only simple wooden furniture and one toilet. What makes this spot interesting is the people who come there. I have never seen anybody older than 35 years in here.

Mrtvá ryba (Dead Fish) is the nearest bar/pub both from 1st Medical Faculty of Prague and Natural Sciences Faculty so students coming here after their lectures usually attend one of these schools. It is a great place to meet some local people from Prague, especially if you’re about my age or even interested in the same fields.

People come here to study, hang out, drink, kill time between lectures or also work on computer (plugs are available). Another advantage of this place is the price range, it shows this place is really a student one.

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Mrtvá ryba | Bars, Coffee & tea | Beer Staropramen 0,5 l CZK 21
Benátská 4 | Praha 2
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 23:00, Sun 14:00 – 23:00

The Vinohrady ares hosts some of the nicer cafés in the town, and usually there is something special about each of the best ones. Šumava is a region, in English usually translated as Bohemian Forrest – and the whole place shows it. Not only it is located on Šumavská street, close to tram stop Šumavská, they even have Šumava in the brand of the beer on tap (King of Bohemian Forrest). All around they showcase photos and paintings of the region, and you can buy some of the local specials – like honey or matches.

The beer is strong and good, and they take good care of it. On Fridays and Saturdays you can often taste some specials – different beers from Bavarian side, check out the time-table. You can also have a tasty cup of tea or coffee – it is a café after all. One of the most important points is the quality of the service – always caring and smiling. The main room is a non-smoking area. The interior resembles cottage in the hilly Šumava, to somene it might seem a bit kitchy. Better make a reservation if you’re a bigger company.

So if you want to claim you were not only in Prague, but also in the mountains and the countryside – come here and – check, you have it

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Na Šumavě | Bars, Coffee & tea | Šumavský sulc CZK 46
Šumavská 31 | Praha 2 | +420775688180
Mon – Fri 14:00 – 22:00, Sat 15:00 – 22:00

Why most bizarre? Because of 3 reasons:

1. – location
Nested at the corner of the park at the bottom of Karlovo náměstí, on the corner of a very busy crossing – 3 lanes of cars coming down the hill, 2 trams lines running up and 2 car lanes running across. Maybe like 50 cars and 3 trams a minute? Not to mention the all-day long traffic jam and time-to-time ambulances, fire engines and police cars…

2. – the “building”
The bar itself is located where a former public toilet was. So it is really quite small. And redone with a great affection for street art. They have the tiniest DJ table I ever saw in my life. Is there a toilet? Yes, the tiniest. But drinks here are graciously large.

3 – terrace
Take into account the location and its’ former use. And then walk upstairs onto the terrace and enjoy the perfect sofa/seats, and look down onto the daily buzz of stressed people, each of them in their own very small enclosures of carefully polished metal boxes on wheels.

You can watch the jolly public inside on their o2bar website.

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o2bar | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Mojito CZK 100.00
Karlovo náměstí | Praha 2
Afternoon till late daily

Are you staying in Prague for a longer period of time or just want to do something for your body and mind? Prague Yoga studio is a perfect place to go. The studio itself is clean and cozy and on a quite street near Karlovo náměstí. Even if you don’t have any yoga experience you will feel welcome here. All classes are in English so you don’t have to worry you would get lost.

You can choose from different levels and styles but, according to my experience, even if you are a beginner and want to try the harder class the teacher will make enough adjustments for you so you don’t feel left behind. If you are an experienced yogi or yogini and want to connect deepening your practice with spending some time in the beautiful city of Prague, I can highly recommend their teacher training.

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Prague Yoga | Relaxing | Drop-in class CZK 200
Plavecká 400/12 | Praha 2 | +420777028371
Daily according to the schedule

One of the most beloved and celebrated night clubs in Prague. One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Prague. Would you dare to miss it? I definitely would not. So follow me.

Even a glimpse from the street will tell you that this place is definitely different. A lavish interior design, rich ornaments, glass, mirror and gold. I love this combination – I feel welcomed nad pampered, the relaxing atmosphere helps me find a calm dimension, even when it is for just a short moment.

The restaurant, lounge and café is on the street level. The café is in more classical style facing the street; a lounge with a good bar and then, further back, the last, darkest and most romantic part – the restaurant. Excellent meals are served in all of them. The lounge is my favourite for lunch with friends, the café is great for business meetings and the back restaurant works well when there are more of us.

The menu is fully vegetarian. I love their delicious entrees and appetizers that originate in kitchens of places such as Greece, India, Thailand and Mexico.

The club downstairs is worth visiting – if you like the newest style in the dance scene. There something going every day – if it is a regular programme like FX Bounce! or Soultrain Weekender, there is always something good and somebody new to meet. Have a look at the programme and you will understand why Radost FX is Prague’s first and favorite place to party.

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Radost FX | Bars, Music, Restaurants (veg) | Main from CZK 130
Bělehradská 120 | Praha 2 | +420224254776
11:00 – 04:00 daily

This is a bridge without an official name. Local people give it a proper one  – The Railway Bridge. A piece of true industrial art is in proper use every day – trains from Smíchov to Vyšehrad and back are crossing, while their hooting wafts all the way down the Vltava stream.

And you can walk it too. Do not miss this chance while being in Prague. You will get one of the best views of both banks and Prague castle at the same time. Not to mention numerous bridges. I love it especially when train comes by – the whole structure is shaking, the noise is extreme – and my industrial heart is in heaven.

The Railway Bridge was built in 1900-1901, in a place of much narrower one – for only one railway. In maps it is marked as “railway bridge / železniční most” or “the Vyšehrad railway bridge / vyšehradský železniční most”.

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Railway Bridge | Art & culture, Relaxing
Railway Bridge | Praha 2
24 hours daily

I love Thai cuisine. Maybe that`s because I love spicy food, thick curry sauces and jasmine rice. I love the numbness in my mouth afterwards and the the feeling that can be described as “tipsiness”. And I feel good afterwards – spicy food is good for your body, keeps it healthy. So Thai sounds perfect for me

Noodle Bar, just around a corner from the Vltava river, is one of my favourite places when mindlessly strolling alongside the embankment below Vyšehrad and Podskalí. Seated outside on the calm street in summer or in design-sensitive interior in winter, I can watch the river, the life around, and dream about exotic trips over a plate of excellent Thai cuisine.

For each season the chef prepares a special offer. My reccommendation is Pomelo salad: a fresh pomelo mixed with sh

rimps, shallot, fresh coriander leaves, coconut and spicy sauce with Thai basil. I am glad that this great dish stayed on their offer from summer 09 – as it is one of the most delicate combination of tastes I ever had

Anyway, all their meals are freshly prepared, so count on some waiting time especially during lunch hours. Also be sure, that all dishes here are original – here it is real thai, not “in thai style”.

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The Noodle Bar | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Thai) | Main course from CZK 140
Plavecká 4 | Praha 2 | +420602370984
Tue – Sat 11:30 – 22:00

I do not need to have meat for every lunch and when I ask for something vegetarian in a Czech restaurant I often have to choose from uninteresting salads or fried cheese. A couple years ago it was even more bizarre as chicken and fish were not counted as “meat”. Soup, in which there “is not very much meat” is often still considered “vegetarian”. So finding some place that’s solely vegetarian – and where the food tastes good -  that’s a miracle, about which it would be a sin not to write.

Veg Food opened in 2008, as a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Vietnamese style. The quality of their food is good and sometimes less good, the way it goes with all restaurants, but their noodles, risotto, steamed vegetables and big bowls keep their delicious standard.

This place is pretty packed around noon, as there are many local office people taking every possible seat. Their happy hour from 11:00 – 15:00 adds to the crowding but around 14:00 it gets pleasantly calm. If I am lucky with the weather I sit in the outside garden below street level, that ensures a pleasant touch of separation from the everyday buzz and fuss.

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Veg food | Snacks, Restaurants (Vietnamese) | Main meal from CZK 90.00
Londýnská 35 | Praha 2 | +420222515006
Mon – Fri 10:30 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 11:30 – 19:00

It is a place you will probably find in all regular city-guides. However, as it is not directly in the center, many people (even the locals) just miss the opportunity to visit it, which is definitely a shame. Vyšehrad is an important place in Czech history, appearing in many national myths and legends (most of which appear in this book).

There are basically two ways to get there. Either you can take the Metro „C” and get out at the stop „Vyšehrad” – it is still a small walk, but that shouldn’t bother you. Or – and I prefer that one – you can take the tram to the stop „Podolská vodárna” and walk up the hill. Up there, there is not only the majestic and huge church and an ancient rotunda, but most importantly a spacious and calm park.

Vyšehrad is nut just a summer place. Thanks to all the trees, it is very beautiful in the fall. And when its freezing and the city rests under a pillow of snow, Vyšehrad is a place for a nice silent walk. The great view of the city (from different places at Vyšehrad, you can see different parts of the city and get a complete picture) makes it a somewhat relaxing spot.

Up on the hill, there is also a cemetery called „Slavín” at which the Czech heroes and heroins of the past two centuries rest. Surely worth seeing!

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Vyšehrad castle | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Vyšehrad | Praha 2
Park: 24 hours daily

Zvonařka is a nice restaurant famous for its terrace and spicy buffalo wings. Which says it all – a perfect summer evening spot, to watch the sun go down in the south part of the city (lower Vinohrady, Vršovice and Nusle).

Restaurant Zvonařka is nestled in area of historical vineyards – some of them still exist just couple streets away. Not surprisingly – Vinohrady in Czech means vineyards. Maybe that is the secret of the relaxed atmosphere?

I like to go there for a drink after work, to revive my energies by looking across the Nuselské údolí and have a chat with friends. I adore their pickled cheese (nakládaný hermelín) – and their cuisine is pretty good allround. Just watch the time as the terrace is only open untill 22:00. But there is plenty space inside, so why worry?

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Zvonařka | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Czech) | Main meal from CZK 120.00
Šafaříkova 1 | Praha 2 | +420224251990
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 02:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 00:00