The Golden Age of Prague Coffee Culture

Prague coffee culture reached its peak during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, the city was a bustling hub of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Coffee houses were not just places to eat and drink. They were social institutions where people read newspapers and discussed politics. Many writers used these cafes as their primary offices.

These establishments provided a neutral ground for Czech, German, and Jewish intellectuals to interact. You could find poets, philosophers, and artists debating until the early morning hours. The atmosphere was often thick with smoke and the sound of clicking typewriters. This era shaped much of the literature we associate with Prague today.

The rise of Communism after World War II saw many of these cafes close. The regime viewed them as bourgeois meeting places that were potentially dangerous. Fortunately, the 1990s brought a wave of restoration across the city. Many original interiors were saved and reopened to the public. Visiting these sites today is a way to honor that resilient intellectual spirit.

10 Best Historic Literary Cafes in Prague

If you are looking for a quick guide, here are our top picks for different travel styles:

• Best overall: Café Louvre
• Best for architecture: Grand Café Orient
• Best for families: Café Savoy
• Best for quiet reading: Týnská literární kavárna

1. Name: Café Louvre Type: Cafe & Restaurant Why go: This is one of the most famous historic literary cafes in Prague. It was a favorite spot for Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka. The pink and white interiors are incredibly elegant. Best for: History buffs and those seeking a grand breakfast. Where: New Town (Národní street). Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: $$-$$$ (Moderate). Getting there: Take tram 2, 9, or 18 to the Národní třída stop. Tip: Head to the back billiard room for a more local, quiet vibe.
2. Name: Café Slavia Type: Traditional Cafe Why go: Located directly across from the National Theatre, it has been a center for Czech culture since 1881. It was the preferred hangout for former President Václav Havel. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. Best for: Riverside views and theater fans. Where: Old Town/New Town border. Time: 1 hour. Cost: $$-$$$ (Moderate). Getting there: It is a short walk from the National Theatre tram stop. Tip: Try to get a window seat at sunset for the best views. For more city info, visit the Prague.eu portal.
3. Name: Café Imperial Type: Grand Cafe Why go: The interior is covered in millions of ceramic tiles and Art Nouveau mosaics. It offers a unique comparison to other grand spots like Café Savoy. The atmosphere is upscale yet welcoming. Best for: Architecture lovers and foodies. Where: New Town (Na Poříčí). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: $$$ (High). Getting there: Near the Náměstí Republiky metro and tram station. Tip: You must book a table in advance as it is very popular for lunch.
4. Name: Café Savoy Type: Neo-Renaissance Cafe Why go: It features a stunning seven-meter-high painted ceiling from 1893. The cafe is famous for its in-house bakery and gourmet breakfast sets. It feels like a step back into the imperial era. Best for: Weekend brunch and pastry lovers. Where: Malá Strana (Vítězná street). Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: $$$ (High). Getting there: Take tram 9, 12, or 20 to Újezd. Tip: Their hot chocolate is exceptionally thick and rich.
5. Name: Café Montmartre Type: Bohemian Cafe Why go: Known as "The Wild One" in the 1920s, it was a legendary night spot for writers. It has a much more intimate and moody feel than the grander halls. It remains a true literary hideaway in the city center. Best for: A quiet drink or late-night conversation. Where: Old Town (Řetězová street). Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: $$ (Affordable). Getting there: A short walk from the Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Look for the small plaque outside that mentions its famous past guests.
6. Name: Grand Café Orient Type: Cubist Cafe Why go: This is the only Cubist cafe interior in the world. It is located inside the House of the Black Madonna, a masterpiece of Prague architecture. Even the furniture and coat racks follow Cubist lines. Best for: Design enthusiasts and photographers. Where: Old Town (Ovocný trh). Time: 1 hour. Cost: $$-$$$ (Moderate). Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Powder Tower. Tip: Visit the museum upstairs after your coffee to see more Cubist art.
7. Name: Kavárna Obecní dům Type: Art Nouveau Cafe Why go: This cafe is located within the Municipal House, the city's most famous Art Nouveau building. The high ceilings and large windows create a bright, airy space. It is often filled with the sound of live piano music. Best for: Classical music fans and luxury seekers. Where: Old Town (Náměstí Republiky). Time: 1 hour. Cost: $$$ (High). Getting there: Right next to the Náměstí Republiky station. Tip: Check the National Gallery Prague website for nearby exhibitions.
8. Name: Kavárna Adria Type: Rondocubist Cafe Why go: It is located on the second floor of the Adria Palace, featuring unique Czech Rondocubist design. The terrace offers a great view of the bustling street below. It is less touristy than the cafes on the main squares. Best for: Avoiding crowds and unique design. Where: New Town (Jungmannova). Time: 1 hour. Cost: $$ (Moderate). Getting there: Exit at Můstek metro station and walk two minutes. Tip: The terrace is a great spot for people-watching in the summer.
9. Name: Kavárna Lucerna Type: Historic Arcade Cafe Why go: Part of the Lucerna Palace built by the Havel family, this cafe oozes early 20th-century charm. It sits right next to David Černý's famous upside-down horse statue. The marble and glass decor is very nostalgic. Best for: A quick coffee during a city walk. Where: New Town (Vodičkova). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: $$ (Affordable). Getting there: Located inside the Lucerna Passage near Wenceslas Square. Tip: Visit the rooftop of Lucerna if it is open for amazing city views.
10. Name: Týnská literární kavárna Type: Book Cafe Why go: This is one of the best cafes for reading books in Prague. It is hidden in a courtyard behind the Týn Church. The walls are lined with books and the prices are very reasonable. Best for: Students, writers, and solo travelers. Where: Old Town (Týnská). Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: $ (Budget-friendly). Getting there: Walk through the narrow alleys behind Old Town Square. Tip: It is a strictly non-smoking cafe with a very peaceful courtyard.

What to Order in a Traditional Prague Cafe

When you visit these historic spots, you should try some authentic traditional Czech food. Most cafes offer a mix of sweet pastries and savory light meals. A classic choice is the 'Vídeňská káva' or Viennese coffee. This is a long black coffee topped with a tall swirl of whipped cream.

For dessert, look for Medovník, which is a traditional honey cake with many layers. Another favorite is the apple strudel, often served warm with vanilla sauce. If you want something savory, many cafes serve 'chlebíčky' or open-faced sandwiches. These are perfect for a light lunch between sightseeing stops.

Don't be surprised if the service feels a bit formal. In these historic establishments, waiters often wear traditional vests and ties. It is customary to wait to be seated in the grander cafes. However, in the smaller literary spots, you can often pick your own table. Always check if service is included in the bill before tipping.

Planning Your Literary Cafe Tour in Prague

To make the most of your time, plan your route by neighborhood. Most of these cafes are located in Old Town or New Town. You can easily walk between Café Louvre and Café Slavia in ten minutes. This allows you to experience two different vibes in one afternoon. For more ideas, explore some authentic experiences in Prague.

Timing is very important for the more famous locations. Places like Café Imperial and Café Savoy are very busy during weekend brunch hours. We recommend visiting on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. Late afternoon is also a great time to enjoy the 'Kaffee und Kuchen' tradition. This is when locals take a break for coffee and cake.

Always keep a few Czech Koruna on hand for smaller cafes. While most grand cafes accept cards, some hidden gems might be cash-only. Most staff in these historic areas speak excellent English. They are usually happy to share a bit of history about their building. Enjoy the slow pace and soak in the atmosphere of 2026 Prague.