The word ‘hipster’ gets thrown around a lot these days. Nobody is really sure what it means, but when applied to neighborhoods we can risk a rough definition: fashionable and cool places, mainly appealing to young people, with a big focus on edgy bars, cafes, and shops.

Prague has always been a cool city in the cultural sense, attracting old-school hipster types such as Franz Kafka and others, who have flocked to the ancient city to take inspiration from the breath-taking architecture and Bohemian (in both senses of the word) vibe.

Today, Prague retains its artsy, hip image, and draws like-minded people from across the globe. One result of this is an impressive collection of cool neighborhoods and districts, filled with all the necessary ingredients for a hipster paradise.

And they’re pretty impressive. Plus, you don’t have to be impeccably dressed in Doc Martens and a beany hat; these places have a lot to offer anyone who appreciates gritty all-night bars, unique coffee shops, and crazy street parties. The hippest districts in Prague are definitely Karlín, Vinohrady, Letná, and Holešovice. Let’s check out some of their best…

Karlin District

Karlin is one of my favorite places in Prague. It’s situated about twenty minutes’ walking distance outside of the center and can be accessed fairly easily by metro (go to Florenc or Křižíkova) and tram. Karlín is also home to regular events and festivals, such as the United Islands of Karlín festival which took place recently. This post contains some cool examples of the activity and excitement that consumes the neighborhood on a regular basis.

When Prague flooded back in 2002, Karlín took a pretty big hit due to its low-lying location on the banks of the Vltava River. However, thanks to a concerted effort by the city of Prague and local residents, it has since risen from the ashes as one of the most modern and promising areas in the city.

Today, Karlin is home to many tech companies and startups, which is why it’s often called the “Czech Silicon Valley.”

Part of this renovation included a springing-up of many new cafes and bars, which appeal to the youth of the city and those with a taste for the cooler things in life. A stroll through the district will reveal to you a seemingly endless procession of these neat little hangouts, but I’ll run you through some of the more notable ones:

Note below: Unfortunately, Kro Karlin has closed (they’re moving to Liben), and Kasarna Karlin is (hopefully) temporarily closed – otherwise, they’d definitely be on the list!

1. Dva Kohouti

First on the list has to be the beer garden, of course. Dva Kohouti is a vibrant brewery founded by brewer Adam Matuška and tapmaster Lukáš Svoboda, it combines the art of brewing and pouring under one roof.

The venue features an industrial-chic interior with exposed tanks and graffiti-adorned walls, complemented by a spacious courtyard for outdoor seating. Dva Kohouti offers a variety of craft beers, including their signature Mistni Ale or Mistni Sour, and regularly hosts events with DJs, creating a lively atmosphere for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

If you get hungry you can also get a great food from Bufet which is located in the same area.

• Address: Sokolovska 81/55, 186 00 Prague 8 - Karlin
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 3 PM – 1 AM; Saturday 12 AM to 1 AM; Sunday 12 AM to 10 PM
• Bookings: Not available

2. Typika Coffee

There are many coffee spots in Karlin, but our favourite is Typika, located in the former Grounds S16 café. Stop in for your favourite cup of coffee (ours is Nitro) and continue your stroll through Karlin.

• Address: Saldova 419/16, 186 00 Prague 8 - Karlin
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM – 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM
• Bookings: Not available

3. Pivovarský Klub

Close to the Florenc metro station, Pivovarský Klub offers a wide selection of craft beers from all over the country. You can partake in a variety of different types, and even purchase bottles to take home. There’s also a range of meals on offer, and the chance to hang out in a relaxed and friendly environment.

• Address: Krizikova 272/17, 18600 Prague 8 – Karlin
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 – 23:30
• Bookings: +420 222 315 777

4. Přístav 18600

Pristav a.k.a. Harbor in English is a community area which is opened only during Spring, Summer, and beginning of Fall. It’s right next to a Vltava river behind the office buildings in Karlin. It’s a perfect place to hang out with our friends, have a couple of beers, and some snacks. You can also book a grill spot or beach volleyball court. On top, there are often events like concerts, debates, open cinemas or open theater. Make sure to check the official program.

We really like the village spirit and vibe which is a great contrast to the expensive office buildings next to it. You certainly don’t feel like you are just a few minutes away from the city center. Our ultimate tip is taking a boat ferry from the Prazska Trznice in Holesovice and arrive on the island on a boat!

• Address: Rohanský ostrov 8, 18600 Prague 8 – Karlin
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 – 22:30 (only during Spring, Summer, and September)
• Bookings: Online

Vinohrady & Vrsovice Districts

Vinohrady is close to Prague’s city center and combines old gothic architecture with modern restaurants and nightlife. It covers a wide area, and different parts of it can be reached from the metro stations I. P. Pavlova, Muzeum, Náměstí Míru, and Jiřího z Poděbrad. There are also plenty of tram and bus links.

It’s a popular area with expats, many of whom live here, but it also attracts a lot of locals. Vinohrady is too large and all-encompassing to be considered solely a ‘hipster’ district, but it’s packed with stylish bars and restaurants.

Much of what Vinohrady has to offer costs nothing at all, such as Riegrovy Sady Park and JZP square (Namesti Jiriho z Podebrad). If you really want to immerse yourself in the trendy atmosphere part of the city, however, here are some establishments to check out:

5. Vinohradský Pivovar

This modern and up-market venue consists of a brewery with an on-site bar and restaurant (or maybe it’s the other way around…). Visitors of Vinohradský pivovar can enjoy a home-brewed beer at friendly prices, in a welcoming and spacious environment. Regular events such as improv comedy performances take place here often and are relatively cheap to attend.

• Address: Korunni 2506/106, 10100 Prague 10 – Vinohrady
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 – 24:00
• Bookings: +420 222 760 080

6. Thrift Shops

If you enjoy expanding your wardrobe at minimal expense, you’ll be familiar with the concept of the thrift shop. These places – stocking second-hand clothes at low prices – aren’t too common in Prague, but the place to look is Vinohrady.

If you like old school, make sure to check out our ultimate guide on thrift shops and second-hand stores in Prague.

7. Café Bar Pilotů

If you’re looking for a bar with a cool vibe, a GREAT soundtrack, piano (!) and a wide range of extremely tasty cocktails, then you need look no further than Vrsovice’s very own Café Bar Pilotů. It has been open only since September 2017 but quickly made its way to our list.

• Address: Donská 19, 101 00 Prague 10
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday 17:00 – 24:00; Friday and Saturday 17:00 – 1:00
• Bookings: +420 739 765 694

Holešovice & Letná Districts

Just across the river from the busiest part of Prague, Holešovice recently featured in a list of the coolest neighborhoods in Europe.

And this reputation is well deserved. Holešovice is home to a culture of art, creativity, and urban cool reflected in the wealth of awesome things to do here.

8. Cross Club

Whether or not Cross Club can be described as a ‘hipster’ joint is perhaps debatable. But that’s only because Cross Club evades all attempts at labeling or description. It’s a bizarre, insane, utterly unique venue that plays host to some of the biggest names in the Drum and Bass, Techno and House genres, along with many more. If you’re even slightly into underground music (or crazy architecture, or unforgettable nights out) it simply can’t be missed.

• Address: Plynarni 1096/23, 17000 Prague 7 – Holešovice
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 18:00 – 5:00
• Bookings: Not available (and needed)

9. Letna Park and Beer Garden

Perched on the edge of a steep hill overlooking the Vltava River, Letna Park is a magnet for young, fashionable Praguers and expats. When the weather starts to brighten up, Letna park and beer garden rapidly fill with people looking to enjoy a cold beer with an impressive view.

• Address: 17000 Prague 7 – Letna
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 – 23:00; park is open to public non-stop
• Bookings: Not available (and needed)

10. Bio Oko

As hipster hotspots go, it’s tough to beat Bio Oko. This small, independent cinema, located on the Františka Křižka Street, is a popular haunt of film buffs, art students, and anyone with an interest in culture and cinema. Films are reasonably priced at around 120 CZK (definitely beats the IMAX) and are usually in either Czech or English (with relevant subtitles).

• Address: Frantiska Krizka 460/15, 17000 Prague 7 – Letna
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 1:00; Saturday to Sunday 11:00 – 1:00
• Bookings and tickets: +420 608 330 088

11. Bar Cobra

Located in the heart of Holesovice, Bar Cobra offers a great selection of cocktails, beers, and simple yet delicious food. It used to be a dirty casino, but new owners decided to remake it completely and give the place some vibe. It’s a very friendly place where you are welcome to work or bring your dog (or cat, or tiger).

• Address: Milady Horákove 688/8, 170 00 Prague 7 – Holesovice
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 – 2:00; Saturday 10:00 – 2:00; Sunday 10:00 – 24:00
• Bookings: +420 778 470 515