10 Best Cafes for Reading Books in Prague

Prague has a deep-rooted coffee house culture that welcomes readers. Many spots offer comfortable seating and a peaceful atmosphere. Here are our top picks for your next literary escape in 2026. These locations range from grand halls to hidden courtyards.

• Best overall: Globe Bookstore & Cafe
• Best for history: Café Louvre
• Best for quiet: Týnská literární kavárna

1. Name: Globe Bookstore & Cafe Type: Bookstore Cafe Why go: It is the city's premier English-language bookstore and a true expat hub. Best for: English readers and students. Where: New Town (Nové Město). Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Affordable to moderate. Getting there: Walk from the Karlovo náměstí metro station. Tip: Browse the back shelves for rare used books before you sit.
2. Name: Café Louvre Type: Historic Cafe Why go: This iconic spot served famous figures like Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka. Read more about the history of Cafe Louvre and Einstein visits. Best for: History lovers and grand atmospheres. Where: Národní Street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take any tram to the Národní třída stop. Tip: The back rooms are usually quieter than the front dining area.
3. Name: Týnská literární kavárna Type: Hidden Literary Cafe Why go: Tucked away near Old Town Square, it offers a silent sanctuary from the crowds. Best for: Serious readers seeking absolute quiet. Where: Near the Týn Church. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Very affordable. Getting there: Walk through the narrow alleys behind Old Town Square. Tip: The courtyard is beautiful in the summer months.
4. Name: Café Savoy Type: Traditional Grand Cafe Why go: The neo-Renaissance ceiling is stunning and the service is impeccable. Check out this breakfast comparison for more details. Best for: An upscale reading morning with high-quality pastries. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: Cross the Legion Bridge from the National Theatre. Tip: Book a table in advance as it gets very busy at noon.
5. Name: Kavárna Lucerna Type: Atmospheric Art Nouveau Cafe Why go: It is located inside the historic Lucerna Palace with a view of the hanging horse statue. Best for: People watching and vintage vibes. Where: Near Wenceslas Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Enter from Vodičkova street. Tip: Sit near the windows to watch people passing through the gallery.
6. Name: Super Tramp Coffee Type: Modern Specialty Cafe Why go: It is hidden in an old printing house courtyard with great music and coffee. Best for: Hipster vibes and outdoor reading. Where: Near Lazarská. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Look for the small passage off Opatovická street. Tip: Their homemade cakes change daily and are always excellent.
7. Name: Café Slavia Type: Iconic Riverfront Cafe Why go: It offers views of the Vltava River and the National Theatre. Best for: Watching the sunset while finishing a chapter. Where: Opposite the National Theatre. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Tram stops Národní divadlo are right outside. Tip: Ask for a window table for the best river views.
8. Name: Cukrárna Alchymista Type: Garden Cafe Why go: It features a magical garden and a museum of coffee nearby. Best for: A fairy-tale reading experience. Where: Letná district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Take a tram to Korunovační stop. Tip: Visit in late spring when the garden is in full bloom.
9. Name: Kavárna co hledá jméno Type: Industrial Chic Why go: A former carpentry workshop turned into a spacious, light-filled cafe. Best for: Those who like high ceilings and rustic wood tables. Where: Smíchov. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from Anděl metro station. Tip: Their eggs Benedict is famous if you need a reading snack.
10. Name: Café Montmartre Type: Bohemian Literary Spot Why go: Historically known as the "Cabaret Montmartre," it was a haunt for the 1920s avant-garde. Best for: Feeling like a lost generation writer. Where: Old Town. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Walk from Můstek metro through the side streets. Tip: It is very dimly lit and atmospheric in the evenings.

Historic Literary Cafes in Prague

Prague has always been a hub for intellectuals and creatives. The city's historic literary cafes in Prague served as second homes for many. Writers like Max Brod and Franz Kafka spent hours in these halls. They debated philosophy and wrote manuscripts over cups of Turkish coffee. This tradition continues today as locals still value quiet time in cafes. Visiting these spots allows you to connect with the city's soul. You can find more about the city's heritage on the official tourism portal. Many of these cafes have preserved their original decor for over a century.

Practical Tips for Reading in Prague Cafes

To have the best experience, visit these cafes during weekday mornings. Weekends can be loud and crowded with tourists. Most cafes in Prague are "laptop-friendly," but reading a physical book is highly respected. Always check if a table is reserved before you sit down. It is polite to order something every hour if you stay long. Many places offer free tap water, but you should ask first. Try to learn a few basic Czech phrases to impress the staff. For more ways to see the city like a local, look into authentic experiences in Prague.