How to: Drink like a local in Prague

🍺The beer capital of the world

The storybook city of Prague, with its cobbled streets and medieval skyline, is also known as the beer capital of the world. It currently holds the record for the highest beer consumption per capita. But what makes Prague truly special isn’t just the quantity of beer consumed. It’s the quality, history, and cultural pride that come with every frothy mug.

Czech brewing traditions date back over a thousand years, and Prague is the shining epicentre of it all. Today, Prague’s beer culture still revolves around craft, consistency, and ritual. Beer is often cheaper than bottled water here, but that doesn’t mean it’s taken lightly. Pouring the perfect pint is a matter of honour, and bartenders train for years to get it right.

Many pubs still serve beer straight from traditional oak barrels, and the atmosphere inside ranges from quiet and contemplative to cheerfully boisterous. Tables are often shared, conversations are warm, and there’s a strong sense of community in the air. It’s not uncommon to see a group of friends sipping beers while playing cards, or an elderly couple clinking mugs over a casual weekday lunch.

For travellers, stepping into a Prague pub is like stepping into a living museum of Czech culture. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Pilsner, a dark tmavé, or a modern craft brew, you’re participating in something timeless.

🍻It’s All About the Pilsner

While beer has been brewed in the Czech lands since the 10^th century, it was the invention of Pilsner that truly put the country on the global beer map. This crisp, golden lager style was first brewed in 1842 in the Bohemian city of Plzen (Pilsen), about an hour west of Prague. Its creation marked a turning point in beer history.

At the time, European beers were typically dark and murky. Dissatisfied with inconsistent quality, the citizens of Plzen built a state-of-the-art brewery, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, and hired Bavarian brewer Josef Groll. Using pale malts, local Saaz hops, soft Czech water, and bottom-fermenting yeast, Groll crafted a clear, golden beer that stunned drinkers with its brightness, balance, and refreshing bitterness.

The beer became an instant success and inspired countless imitators around the globe. Today, nearly every lager labeled “Pilsner” is paying homage to that original Czech creation. And yet, nothing quite compares to sipping an authentic Pilsner Urquell in Prague, often served unpasteurized and fresh from the tank. Beyond its signature taste, Pilsner became a symbol of national pride and craftsmanship, helping to define Czech identity during times of political and cultural change.

🫗The Pouring Ritual

In Prague, pouring beer is a craft in itself, one that’s taken just as seriously as brewing. Order a lager at a traditional pub, and you’ll get a beer delivered with a specific pouring technique that affects its texture, aroma, and even how it settles in your stomach.

Czech bartenders are trained to master several distinct pour styles, each tailored to a moment, mood, or preference:

🌟 Hladinka (HLAH-din-kah):
This is the gold standard of Czech beer pours. A full glass of beer topped with a thick, creamy head of foam, usually about 3-4 fingers high. The foam protects the beer from oxidizing, keeps it fresh, and adds a silky texture. Locals believe a proper hladinka brings out the best aroma and flavour of a Pilsner.

🫧 Snyt (shnit):
Half beer, half foam. The snyt is ideal if you want “just a taste” or a quick drink without committing to a full glass.

🥛 Mlíko (mlee-ko):
Literally meaning “milk,” this pour is almost entirely foam. Sweet, smooth, and light, it’s served in a full glass but intended to be drunk quickly, almost like a dessert. Mlíko is often ordered late at night, when you’ve already had your fill of beer but want a creamy, frothy finale.

In Czech culture, these pours are steeped in tradition, etiquette, and artistry. A proper pour shows respect for the beer, the brewery, and the drinker. Skilled bartenders will rinse the glass with cold water first, tilt it just so, and time each stage to ensure the foam settles perfectly.

💞Perfect pairings

Traditional Czech cuisine was practically made to be enjoyed alongside a crisp lager. Rich, hearty, and deeply savoury, these meals are complemented by the carbonation and bitterness of a well-poured pilsner, which cuts through fat, balances sweetness, and elevates every bite.

Czech pubs often have menus designed with these pairings in mind. Whether it’s a mid-day lunch or a late-night plate to soak up your last mlíko, here’s what locals reach for when they raise their glasses:

🍖 Wiener Schnitzel + Hladinka – Light bitterness and malty sweetness complement the dish’s crunchy texture.

🍗 Smazený sýr (fried cheese) + Light Lager – Think of it as the Czech beer-and-cheese version of comfort food.

🍲 Gulás (goulash) + Dark Lager – The maltiness of the beer complements the stew’s bold, meaty flavours.

🥨 Utopenci (pickled sausages) + Hladinka – A pub snack made to be chased by beer, sharp and tangy meets creamy and smooth.

🧄 Cesnecka (garlic soup) + Mlíko – A bold start and a smooth finish; the foam cools the garlic heat.

🛀🏼Microbreweries and Beer Spas

While Prague’s beer legacy is centuries old, the city’s brewing culture is anything but stagnant. In recent years, a new wave of microbreweries has sprung up alongside the traditional beer halls, adding creativity and bold flavours to the scene. These smaller brewers experiment with hops, barrel-aging, and even wild fermentation, blending Czech tradition with global craft trends.

Local favourites like Pivovar Matuska or Strahov Monastic Brewery offer everything from classic Czech lagers to hoppy IPAs and smoky porters. These spots are often attached to cozy pubs or restaurants, so you can sip something small-batch while snacking on Czech fare just steps from the fermentation tanks.

But Prague takes its love of beer to the next level with beer spas.

Yes, beer baths are a real thing. At places like Beer Spa Bernard or Original Beer Spa, you can soak in a bubbling tub filled with warm, unfiltered beer ingredients, hops, barley, and brewer’s yeast, said to nourish the skin, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. The best part? You get your own tap at the side of the tub to drink while you soak.