Cafe Imperial

This endearingly shabby yet grand Habsburg era café has retained its original, over-the-top 20th century cream-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. There is live jazz on Friday and Saturdays evenings. Meals cost from 120 CZK to 250 CZK.

Location: Na poříčí 15, New Town
Open: daily 9am-11pm
Price range: cheap to moderate.



Cafe Slavia

This is the most famous Cafe in Prague: a 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. Indulge in your cup of coffee while watching the city pass by. It is a Czech version of Viennese coffee culture; that is to say, intellectuals gather here to read newspapers, discuss politics, plot artistic activities and drink coffee for hours. Many Czech writers, dissidents and artists visit here. The café has been open since the 1920s but has been carelessly modernised since then. The menu offers some great cream cakes, fresh salads, pastas and vegetarian dishes. It is open daily from 8am until midnight. Meals cost from 100 CZK to 250 CZK.

Location: corner of Smetanovo nábřeží and Národní, Old Town
Open: daily 8am-midnight
Price range: cheap to moderate.

Cafe Milena

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, and choose from a variety of light dishes and desserts. The prices for coffee and alcoholic beverages are fair considering the location.

Location: Old Town Sq. 22, Old Town.



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

Location: Zlatnická 10, Old Town
Open: Mon-Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-6pm
Price range: cheap


Café Louvre

This historic French-style café is a place for a great coffee with an even greater feel for the real Czech atmosphere. There is an upstairs restaurant with views of the Art Nouveau architecture.

Location: Národní třída 20, Old Town
Open: Mon-Fri 8am-11.30pm, Sat and Sun 9am-11.30pm
Price range: moderate
www.cafelouvre.cz


Grand Café Orient

This imposing Grand Café is located at The House of the Black Madonna and has a unique cubist interior restored in the 1980s. We recommend getting a seat on the balcony from where you can see beautiful Celetná Street.

Location: Ovocný trh 19, Old Town
Open: 9am-10pm
Price range: moderate.

Municipal House Coffee (Kavárna Obecní Dům)

Come for the atmosphere as well as the treats. This Art Nouveau café on the ground floor of Municipal House is one of the most elegant in town.

Location: Náměstí Republiky 5, Municipal House
Open: 7.30am-11pm
Price range: moderate.

Did you know? Czech traditional coffee is Turek. This Turkish coffee is served in small cups with a thick layer of coffee grounds on the bottom.