An insider's perspective on Prague's student friendly bars

The drinking community in Prague is huge since Czechs drink more beer per person than any other country in the world, and no wonder, since beer is cheaper than water! Are you in the mood for a couple of tasty beers or perhaps some fancy cocktails? There are cool pubs practically everywhere in Prague. Either it is a local hipster joint, or a smoky typical Czech pub you're looking for, Prague has got a lot to offer! This article will point out a couple of bars, which are a must on your stay in Prague.

Vinárna u Sudu (u sudu - at the barrel) – inconspicuous from the outside, deceptively large on the inside, this bar reminiscent of a medieval cellar is one of the hottest spots to be on a Friday/Saturday night. Located on one of the city's busiest streets and just a stone's throw from Wenceslas Square, this pub is popular with all generations, locals, study abroad students and expats. On the top floor there is a room to the right of the bar with a well-used piano, which is free to play and has experienced many a night of passionate singing. However, do not hesitate to climb down the steep staircase, to the underground floor, because that's where the magic happens. You will find there a foosball room and then enter the labyrinth filled with rooms and tables branching off at different angles, low lit, with two more bars for your pleasure. The bar can hold up to 300 people, is always open late and is a great place for pregaming or wrapping up the night. With great beer on tap and a wide variety of cocktails and shots you will sure have some quality fun at U Sudu!

In case you want to mingle with local students, Hany Bany (not to be confused with the club in Vyšehrad) is the place to be. By day a great place to enjoy a book while sipping on an expresso, by night a loud crowded bar. This small cafe/bar located in the center with a unique interior design is cheap, has a great vibe and is open all day until 1-2am. It is a popular place, so its always packed. Don't hesitate to join a table of strangers if you find some free seats, or make a reservation in advance. They serve cheap pub food until pretty late, and the bar is divided into smoking and non smoking rooms. 

To experience a very different kind of place, visit Vzorkovna or “Showroom.” This grungy hangout is located in the very city center, and occupies a uniquely rustic builing with arched ceilings with its main room being stuffed with mismatched couches, lamps and tables. This multi-functional, alternative space serves beer from the award winning Unětický Pivovar and Moravian wines by the glass and they also sell fresh products from the local farms.  The bar is a place of many impromtu concerts and it is pretty crowded on a Friday or Saturday night. If you're a musician, feel free to join in a jam session and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Bukowski's – located in Žižkov, this remarkable place is one of the few cocktail bars that actually offers good cocktails. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan and the staff friendly. This is a great place to get in shape before the night out, or just chill out with your friends. The bar is unusually open till late (2-3am) and with its low-lit rooms very stylish and intimate which makes it ideal if you need some place to chat. Girls should not miss out on free sangria served every Tuesday night! Starting at 7pm, till they run out.

PopoCafePetl Club Michalská - PopoCafePetl chain of bars and music clubs is popular all over the wider city center. The location in Michalská Street has a small dance floor and is located close to other popular bars in the Old Town. PopoCafePetl is popular among both local youth and study-abroad students and gets extremely busy on Friday and Saturday nights. A great choice for parties, seeing as how they have good prices on drinks. They offer beer, wine and a wide range of mixed drinks and shots. 

By Vero Arutyunyan

veronika.arutyunyan@gmail.com