FEATURE STORY • NIGHTLIFE • ART+CULTURE • FOOD+DRINK • TRAVEL • STYLE

 

Prague by Night
by Joshua Green & Merlot
updated February 2005

So you want to go out but you don't know where to go? Or maybe you're tired of the same old places and want to see what else the capital has to offer. Well, you're in luck. Prague is well known for its nightlife and it should come as no surprise that there is something interesting going on just about every night of the week. Of course beer drinking is a national pastime, so there are bars aplenty. But for those who are looking for a more memorable experience, we offer you this quick tour of Prague by night.

A Sure Thing
Some nights may be better than others but, thankfully, every night there are places in this fair city that never fail to please. If it's an exotic cocktail you're after, a short trip across the Charles Bridge to Mala Strana leads to the smooth, laid back atmosphere of the Blue Light. Or, if you're looking for the scene, stroll into Tretter's or Bugsy's and rub elbows with lookers, high-rollers and visiting celebrities. For those who prefer a nice, cold pivo in a more down to earth setting, try keeping up with the locals soaking up suds at Pivnice Pod Petrínem or U Provaznice. Need a more international flavor to suit your tastes? Check out Chateau or La Casa Blu and make friends with any number of worldly residents or passers-by. What about clubs, you ask? Even on slow nights Prague can deliver. Get your groove on at the Roxy or the rugged and venerable Akropolis. And if it's one of those nights where you just can't get enough, there is always Batalion: a heavy-weight in the after hours category. For those new to town, these establishments also offer a good opportunity to make some contacts with long time locals who can tell you where the hot places are on any given night.

Theme Nights
Theme nights are a growing trend in capital cities around the world and Prague is no exception. Many of the best known weekend spots have set up special theme nights to attract die hard partiers on what would otherwise be quiet nights. So here is the clubber's gospel from the Prague Compass:

Monday - That surreal weekend has come to an end and you've recovered from the excesses of Saturday night and Sunday morning. Now it's time to get up and going again. If you're a clubber, the choice is easy: you've got great house and techno and sometimes live music at the Roxy. It's sure to be packed because on Monday nights the entrance is always free. But for those of you are suffering from the beginning of the week blues, "Stormy Mondays" featuring Stan the Man Bohemian Blues Band at U Malého Glena may be just what you need.

Tuesday - Traditionally, this is one of Prague's slower nights. On Tuesday your best bet is to check out lounge bars, pubs and cocktail bars, or take in some live music at one of Prague's excellent live music venues. But all things considered, Tuesday is the quietest night in Prague.

Wednesday - The night owls slowly start to come out of hiding and Prague begins to rock once again. This is the perfect time of the week to avoid the crowds and check out some hot spots that are often packed to bursting and less inviting in general on the weekends. Think Solidni Nejistota, Bombay, or La Fabrique. Wednesday is also one of the best days of the week to see Prague's famous beauties out for a night on the town, as they often want to avoid the weekend crowds at all costs.

Thursday - Thursday is the first full-fledged party night in Prague and most bars, pubs and discotheques are well attended. Best known is the Soul Train party at RadostFX which never fails to pack them in, but if you prefer house music check out Duplex, which features good house music parties on Thursdays. DJs Lucky Lucasso and Uwa are a local phenomenon and it is a mystery to us why porn stars and strippers are among their most faithful followers. If you look around, you'll undoubtedly come across lots of other dance clubs hopping to the music of top notch DJs. Be sure to check out the calendar of events for more info.

The Weekend - Prague's nightlife thrives during the weekend, regularly featuring unforgettable events where the music, sights and spirits assault the senses in a manner unequalled in Europe. Big dance clubs such as Mecca, Duplex, RadostFX and Roxy often house the best-known local DJs but ask around because the crowd tends to shift from venue to venue depending on which particular DJ is spinning. Take a look at our calendar of events to see who is playing where and ask around at Chateau, Tretter's or M1 to find out what names you should be looking for.

Friday and Saturday - Apart from dance clubs, most bars, pubs, cocktail bars and lounges are bursting at the seams with fellow drinkers out enjoying a drink or two. Your best bet is to get to wherever you're going early as it's pretty much standing room only by the time midnight rolls around. If you happen to be feeling a little retro and need a good dose of Madonna or R.E.M., make sure to check out the 80s and 90s parties at Lucerna and Futurum. They sometimes end up being legendary.

Sunday - For those who still believe that the road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom, Saturday night doesn't end until Sunday afternoon. Sunday mornings (and Saturdays too) can be spent at Studio 54, that temple of indie music where reality is often suspended or forgotten. But true disciples of pleasure never say never and the Relax party at Naïf is a good way to spend Sunday evening, with Dj Chris Cags spinning chill out tunes all night long. For musicians and lovers of amateur music alike, the Leimonarion Jam Session on Sunday nights at U Malého Glena is also a must see.

After all is said and done, Prague is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it's also one of the most fun. It's unique and inexpensive, and it's an easy place to meet lots of people who share the same interests as you - enjoying a night on the town.