Cafe Imperial
This endearingly shabby yet grand Habsburg era cafe which has retained its original, over the top 20th century creamy-and-mustard ceramic tiled decor and colourful mosaic ceiling. The locals clearly approve of its unpretentious air too and the free doughnuts go down a treat. Live Jazz on Friday and Saturdays evenings. Mains cost from 100CZK to 200CZK. Cafe is located in centre Na porici 15 close to metro Namesti Republiky. Open daily from 9am until midnight - more info www.hotelimperial.cz

Cafe Slavia
Most famous Cafe in Prague, cherry-wood and onyx shrine to Art Deco elegance, with polished limestone topped tables and big windows overlooking the river and National Theatre just across the street. It's a Czech version of Viennese coffee culture; that is to say, intellectuals gathered here to read newspapers, discuss politics, plot artistic activities and drink coffee for hours.  Many Czech writers, dissidents and artists would visit here. Cafe was open since 1920s but was carelessly modernized since those days. Menu offers some great cream cakes, fresh salads, pastas and vegetarian dishes. Open daily from 8am until midnight. Mains cost from 100 CZK to 250 CZK. Cafe is hard to miss, corner of Smetanovo nábřeží and Národní, Old Town, phone: 224 239 604

Cafe Milena
Staromestske nam. 22, Prague 1
Opened and driven by the society of Franz Kafka's friends, this café is named after a friend of Franz Kafka, the translator Milena Jesenka. Milena was one of the lovers Franz Kafka never had the courage to propose to. You can read the daily papers, choose from a variety of light dishes and desserts. The prices for coffee and alcoholic beverages are fair considering the location.

Cafe Nordica
Café Nordica is a travel cafe in the heart of the city and offers Scandinavian specialities as well as fresh salads, sandwiches and a hearty ‘soup of the day’ that may be washed down with three kinds of Czech beer. There’s always an exhibition of paintings or photographs to admire as well as newspapers and free wireless Internet connection, perfect if you’ve brought your lap top! More information about the Café, including sample menus may, be found at: www.scandinavianhouse.cz

Café Louvre
Upstairs restaurant with views of the art nouveau architecture.
Národní třída 20, Old Town, phone: 224 930 949; www.cafelouvre.cz