Prague’s café culture is one of the best aspects of the city’s food scene. It’s a cool mix of hidden gems, tourist-driven (and deservedly so) classics, design-meets-espresso-bar vibes, and, of course, the odd chain too. My favourite spaces in Prague are typically ones that feel just as appropriate for a morning laptop work session as they are for an evening cocktail and a bite.
From gallery-meets-coffee spaces to courtyard hideouts and industrial-chic coffee nooks, here are the five spots I like to frequent (in rotation, naturally!) for working remotely, catching up with friends, or maybe even a Tinder date or two.
Kavárna co hledá jméno
Stroupežnického 493/10, 150 00 Praha 5–Smíchov, Czechia
Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This is one of those cafés that always feels buzzing. It’s ever-lively without being chaotic, and to me, it strikes that sweet spot of feeling creative without feeling precious. The food is reliably great, the crowd is primarily locals with the odd in-the-know visitor, and the rotating art exhibitions give Kavárna co hledá jméno a constant sense of movement. It’s a place where a late-morning coffee can quietly turn into lunch and then evolve into an afternoon glass of wine. Bless the ability of working remotely.
Mlýnská kavárna
Všehrdova 449/14, 118 00 Praha 1–Malá Strana, Czechia
Daily from 10 a.m. to midnight
Tucked away just enough to feel like a discovery, but still close to some of Prague’s busiest corners, Mlýnská kavárna strikes a rare balance—a trusted local go-to that tourists slightly off the beaten path filter in and out of. Its sweet courtyard and canal-side setting are instant mood-lifters, and the regularly changing art and cultural energy make repeat visits feel genuinely worthwhile.
Eska Restaurant and Bakery
Pernerova 49, 186 00 Praha, Czechia
Mondays to Fridays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Part bakery, part restaurant, Eska is one of my favourite places to start a day properly—equal parts proximity, friendly staff, and great coffee. It’s ideal for lingering over a morning coffee, getting some work done, and leaving with an excellent loaf of sourdough under your arm. I’d personally argue the Eska sourdough is famous, so feel free to fight me on that. If you're keen on some carb-on-carb action, there's some pretty good quality poutine just around the corner too a la Garage Poutine.
Bonus points for the heated outdoor seating in colder months, which lets me sip my coffee and tap away on my keyboard in peace when the inside is (often) packed — and helps make winter a little more tolerable.
CODE Concept – Coffee shop & interior design store
Husitská 143/51, 130 00 Praha 3–Žižkov, Czechia
Wednesdays to Fridays 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. though hours vary slightly by season
Equal parts café and interior design inspiration, CODE Concept is a sensory win from the moment you walk in. Between the curated home accents and the range of homemade baked goods, the place smells incredible—it’s those freshly baked scents wafting through the room that make you order something you didn’t plan to.
(Pro tip: Make a point of walking up here for an afternoon coffee after devouring the iconic mince-meat schnitzel at Kantýna in Nové Město.)
VNITROBLOCK
Tusarova 31, 170 00 Praha 7, Czechia
Daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The big sibling to Kavárna co hledá jméno, VNITROBLOCK goes all in on scale and atmosphere. High ceilings, loads of light, a plant and flower shop on site, and two outdoor seating areas make it feel like its own little ecosystem. Entering through the alley packed with independent businesses — including Prague’s first craft distillery, Garage22 — only adds to the sense that you’ve stumbled into something special.
Given its size, it makes for a perfect first-date spot rather than a cozier café where the table next to you can hear all your awkward questions. You know — “What movies do you like?” et al.
Prague’s morning-to-night café culture is truly a cut above many cities around the world, especially when it comes to spaces that feel as good for work as they do for unwinding. Once you settle into that rhythm like I have, it’s hard not to wonder why cities in Canada haven’t figured this out quite yet.
