The Czech Republic has the highest per capita beer consumption in the world. Prague is the ideal city to explore the Bohemian brewing tradition among historic breweries, student haunts and underground pubs.
Prague and beer: a 700-year history
The Czech Republic is the country with the highest per capita beer consumption in the world (188 litres per person per year). Bohemia has a brewing tradition dating back to the 13th century, and Prague is its spiritual capital.
Pilsner Urquell: the mother of all lagers
Pilsner Urquell, brewed in Plzen since 1842, is the beer that revolutionised the world: it was the first pale lager in history, the forerunner of all modern blonde beers. In Prague it is on tap practically everywhere, but the unpasteurised version (nepasterizovana) is available only in a few selected venues.
U Fleku: the oldest brewery
U Fleku (1499) is the oldest brewery in Prague still active: it has produced a single beer, the Flekovska 13 (a dark lager), on site for over 500 years. The atmosphere is picturesque but very touristy - high prices compared to the Prague average.
Lokal: the perfect beer
Lokal (Dlouha 33) is considered the best pub in Prague for the quality of its draught beer service. Pilsner Urquell is served according to Czech tradition (measuring the foam) in chilled glasses. A menu of authentic Czech cuisine.