Czech Beer Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Prague

Czech beer is arguably the best in the world. The Czech Republic consumes more beer per capita than any other country, and Prague is its beating heart. Here’s what you should know before you visit.

A Brief History of Czech Beer

Czech brewing dates back over 1,000 years. The Bohemian town of Žatec (Saaz) produces the world’s finest hops. In 1842, Pilsner Urquell was born in nearby Plzeň: the world’s first golden lager, which became the template for most beers brewed globally today.

Czech Beer Types Explained

Světlý Ležák (Pale Lager)

The most common Czech beer. Light golden colour, bitter finish, served cold. Classic examples: Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Kozel. Strength: typically 10–12° (4–5% ABV).

Tmavý Ležák (Dark Lager)

Deep brown, malty, slightly sweet. Less bitter than pale lager. Excellent food pairing. Often overlooked by tourists who don’t try it.

Polotmavý (Amber/Semi-Dark)

Between pale and dark: amber colour, balanced bitterness and maltiness. Rare outside Czech Republic. Worth trying when you find it.

Nefiltrované (Unfiltered)

Cloudy, hazy appearance. Richer flavour than filtered beer. Only available fresh at the brewery and can’t be bottled. Often the best beer you’ll drink in Prague.

Craft Beer (Řemeslné Pivo)

Prague’s craft beer scene has grown rapidly over the past decade. IPAs, stouts, sours: the variety is impressive. Microbreweries like Dva Kohouti and Vinohradský Pivovar lead the scene.

What Do the Degrees Mean?

Czech beer is measured in degrees (°). This refers to original gravity (the sugar content before fermentation), not alcohol content. A 10° beer is roughly 4% ABV, 12° is roughly 5%, 14° is roughly 6%.

Beer Prices in Prague

Beer in Prague is cheap by Western standards, but prices vary a lot depending on where you are:

• Local neighbourhood pub: 40–55 Kč (€1.50–2.00)
• City centre pub: 60–90 Kč (€2.50–3.50)
• Tourist area / Old Town: 90–150 Kč (€3.50–6.00)
• Rooftop bar: 150–200 Kč (€6–8)

Beer Etiquette in Czech Republic

• Always say “Na zdraví!” (Cheers) and make eye contact when clinking glasses
• Never pour your own beer from a shared bottle: always pour for others first
• Wait for the waiter to bring another beer, don’t go to the bar yourself in traditional pubs
• Cover your glass with a coaster when you’ve had enough

The Best Way to Experience Czech Beer in Prague

Reading about Czech beer is one thing. Tasting it in a working microbrewery is another. Our Prague Brewery Tour takes you to 3 local microbreweries where you’ll taste 9 different styles of Czech beer with an expert guide explaining the history, brewing process, and culture behind each one.

Book a Beer Tour