Why Seek Out Hidden Cafes in Prague Old Town?

Main tourist routes in Prague are often packed with people. Hidden cafes provide a necessary sanctuary for weary travelers. You will find that these spots often serve better quality products. Local baristas take pride in their craft away from the tourist traps. You can also save money by stepping off the main path. Prices in hidden courtyards are usually much more reasonable.

These cafes often occupy historic buildings with unique stories. You might find yourself sitting in a former monastery or a medieval basement. The atmosphere is calm and perfect for planning your next move. It is the best way to see the city like a local. For more quiet locations, check out these quiet cafes near Old Town Square.

• Best overall: Skautský Institut
• Best for garden vibes: Styl & Interier
• Best for history lovers: Café Montmartre
• Best for specialty coffee: One Sip Coffee

Top 10 Hidden Cafes in Prague Old Town to Visit

Finding these locations requires a bit of curiosity. Most are hidden inside hidden passages and arcades that locals use. Always look for small signs or open gates leading to inner courtyards. Here are our top picks for 2026.

1. Name: Skautský Institut Type: experience Why go: It is located right on Old Town Square but feels miles away. The entrance is a plain door that looks like an office building. Best for: People watching from the balcony. Where: Staroměstské náměstí 1/4. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Walk to the corner of the square near the clock. Tip: Read our full Skautsky Institut review for directions.
2. Name: Super Tramp Coffee Type: sight Why go: Tucked in a crumbling but beautiful courtyard between two streets. It has a very cool, industrial-meets-nature vibe. Best for: Quiet mornings. Where: Opatovická 160/18. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Enter through the passage from Spálená street. Tip: This is one of the best hidden courtyards in the city.
3. Name: Týnská literární kavárna Type: experience Why go: A literary cafe hidden behind the massive Týn Church. It is incredibly quiet and smells of old books. Best for: Reading or writing. Where: Týnská 6. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Very cheap. Getting there: Walk through the narrow alley behind the church. Tip: They have a small outdoor seating area in the back.
4. Name: Styl & Interier Type: experience Why go: It looks like a furniture shop from the street. The back opens into one of the most secret gardens in Prague. Best for: A romantic afternoon. Where: Vodičkova 35. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Take the tram to Vodičkova and look for the shopfront. Tip: Their homemade cakes are legendary.
5. Name: Café Montmartre Type: experience Why go: Known as "The Cabaret," this place was a haunt for Kafka and Hašek. It retains a dark, smoky, 1920s atmosphere. Best for: History buffs. Where: Řetězová 7. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from Charles Bridge. Tip: Great for romantic hidden places in the evening.
6. Name: One Sip Coffee Type: activity Why go: A tiny specialty coffee shop in a quiet corner of Old Town. They serve some of the best beans in the country. Best for: Coffee purists. Where: Haštalská 15. Time: 30 mins. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk towards the St. Agnes Convent area. Tip: There is very limited seating, so be prepared to stand.
7. Name: Original Coffee Type: activity Why go: A minimalist space near Bethlehem Square. It is modern, clean, and very peaceful. Best for: A quick caffeine fix. Where: Betlémská 12. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the winding streets near the river. Tip: They roast their own beans on-site.
8. Name: Kavárna Adria Type: sight Why go: Located on the second floor of the Adria Palace. It has a beautiful terrace overlooking the busy streets below. Best for: Views without the crowds. Where: Národní 36. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Enter the palace and take the elevator or stairs. Tip: The architecture of the building is unique "Rondo-cubism."
9. Name: Kavárna Velryba Type: experience Why go: A legendary student hangout with an art gallery in the basement. It feels like the Prague of the 1990s. Best for: Artsy vibes. Where: Opatovická 24. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Budget. Getting there: Near the National Theatre. Tip: Try their traditional Czech snacks.
10. Name: Standard Cafe Type: activity Why go: A very local spot that tourists rarely find. It is simple, honest, and very welcoming. Best for: Escaping the heat. Where: Karoliny Světlé 23. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Walk along the river towards the National Theatre. Tip: Perfect for a quiet morning coffee.

How to Find Secret Coffee Spots in Prague

Prague's layout is like a labyrinth. Many of the best hidden cafes in Prague Old Town are not on Google Maps. You must look for signs that say "Kavárna" or "Vchod." These often lead into dark corridors. Do not be afraid to enter these buildings. Most are open to the public during the day.

Check the official Prague.eu portal for event listings. Sometimes cafes host secret pop-up events. Visiting early in the morning is also a great strategy. You will see the city waking up without the tour groups. This is the best time to photograph the empty courtyards. Always keep your eyes open for open gates.

Essential Tips for Your Prague Cafe Crawl

Most hidden cafes now accept credit cards. However, it is wise to carry some Czech Koruna. Smaller spots might have a minimum spend for cards. Tipping is usually around 10 percent in Prague. You can just round up the bill for small orders. This is common practice in local establishments.

The Visit Czechia website has great maps for travelers. Use them to navigate the narrow streets of the Old Town. Remember that many cafes close earlier on Sundays. Always check the door for updated hours. Some places might be closed for private events in the summer. Enjoy the slow pace of Czech cafe culture.