12 of the finest cafes and bars in Prague for winter visits

In winter, Prague transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, adorned with Baroque domes and lofty Gothic spires, attracting fewer tourists and evoking fairy-tale vibes.

Even the most adventurous travelers will appreciate occasional breaks to warm up frozen fingers and toes, ideally over a delicious drink or meal. With average winter temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F), visitors should definitely pack their thermals. The layers you bring will be worth it, as Prague’s Christmas markets are among the most enchanting in Europe. January and February offer a rare tranquility—you might even find the usually crowded Charles Bridge all to yourself.

Here’s our selection of the coziest cafes and bars in Prague, perfect for curling up with a warm drink while escaping the cold.

1. Café Savoy

Boasting art nouveau decor and a ceiling adorned with chandeliers, Café Savoy is a beloved institution in Prague. Here, attentive staff in white aprons serve steaming eggs and indulgent French toast to a mix of fashionable locals and savvy tourists who secured a reservation. The coziness comes not from size but from the intimate atmosphere; seated at a small table for two, you’ll feel enveloped in vintage charm. Enjoying a rich Savoy hot chocolate on the quaint internal balcony will prepare you for a day of strolling along cobblestone streets in your winter boots.

2. Oliver's Coffee Cup

Take in the lively scene of Prague’s bustling Wenceslas Square from the large windows of this cafe. Tucked away in a modest shopping center, Oliver's Coffee Cup offers a cozy vibe reminiscent of a friend’s living room, featuring stylish mid-century decor and a selection of books to peruse. Choose from an impressive coffee menu—boasting some of the finest brews in Prague—pair it with a slice of homemade cake, and sink into one of the many comfy armchairs.

3. Globe Bookstore & Café

A favored spot for the city’s expats, the Globe Bookstore & Café features wooden shelves brimming with new and second-hand English novels, travel guides, and newspapers. The adjoining café, adorned with ruby-red walls, offers numerous cozy corners where you can enjoy your purchase with a flat white or soothing mulled wine. Make sure to reserve a table for weekend brunch if you enjoy a lively bookshop atmosphere.

4. Jídelna Kuchařek bez domova

This bistro warms both heart and belly: Jídelna Kuchařek bez domova employs homeless women to prepare delicious vegan dishes. The space is small and quite popular, so even arriving at noon doesn’t guarantee you a seat for lunch. However, if you're willing to wait, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful meal. The prices are budget-friendly—a lunch and a drink cost just 129Kč—and by enjoying a meal or a slice of homemade cake, you're supporting a meaningful social initiative.

5. Choco Café

Foggy windows often hint at warmth within, and that's certainly true at Choco Café. Nestled on a quiet street just off Old Town Square, it has become a popular gathering place for both local chocolate lovers and travelers, often hailed as one of the best cafes in Prague. Indulge in their rich, thick hot chocolate, expertly made in the gourmet chocolaterie. The Hořické trubičky—a delicate rolled wafer filled with cream—are the ideal treat for dipping.

6. Lokál U Bílé Kuželky

In Prague, good Czech beer is everywhere; the challenge in winter is finding a cozy bar to enjoy it. If you're in Malá Strana (Little Quarter), Lokál U Bílé Kuželky offers fresh Pilsner Urquell along with hearty Czech favorites like beef goulash and bread dumplings. Given its central location, the upstairs pub can get crowded; follow the locals to the charming stone cellar for a more intimate experience.

7. Parlour

A nondescript door on an ordinary street in Prague’s New Town opens to this small but remarkable cocktail bar. Don’t come to Parlour with a set drink order; instead, the talented bartenders create cocktails tailored to the preferences and moods of their guests. With reservations only available for groups of up to four, the ambiance remains cozy and personal.

8. Black Angel’s Bar

As you descend to this award-winning cocktail bar located in the vaulted cellar of Hotel U Prince, the lively buzz of Old Town Square fades away. With a backdrop of live jazz, dim lighting, and classic cocktails served in vintage glasses, Black Angel’s Bar exudes the charm of a sophisticated 1930s speakeasy (be sure to remove your woolly hat at the entrance).

9. Lucerna Palace

Travelers entering Lucerna Palace in Prague’s New Town often plan to dance the night away at the lively Lucerna Music Bar below. However, there are many other compelling reasons to explore this stunning 1920s arcade. Kino Lucerna, the oldest permanent cinema in Bohemia, offers a charming refuge from the storm with frequent English-language screenings. Arrive early to savor coffee and cake at Kavárna Lucerna, where you can watch shoppers bustle beneath David Černý’s eye-catching suspended sculpture through the arched windows of this dimly-lit art nouveau café.

10. Manifesto Market Anděl

Choosing a street food market in the heart of a European winter might seem unwise, but Manifesto Market Anděl knows how to keep visitors warm. During the chilly months, a temporary roof, windbreakers, and efficient infrared heaters transform this cashless market into a haven for enjoying steaming bowls of ramen or spicy nachos. Don’t miss the hot spiced sangria from the onsite bar to warm you up from the inside out.

11. Mánesova Bar and Books

As part of the upscale New York chain of cigar bars that began over 25 years ago, the Mánesova location of Bar and Books offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind on red leather banquettes while enjoying a crafted cocktail or whiskey. They also serve high-quality cigars, and their schedule frequently includes live music and burlesque performances.

12. Prosekárna

Prosecco lovers can't stop raving about Prosekárna. The main room at the Letná branch resembles an elegant mountain lodge, complete with a cozy fireplace and plush, comfortable chairs. The owners are often present to engage with guests about their favorite subject: prosecco. If you’re new to sparkling Italian wines, the knowledgeable staff will guide you through an array of options. It's advisable to make a reservation in advance.