Drink no Beer in Public Places

Here no beer. Even though Prague is the beer capital of Europe, you cannot drink your Gambrinus or Pilner Urquel everywhere you like. This sounds contradictory because nowhere else in the world does beer taste so good and is so cheap. So, what do you do when you are in Prague? You drink Pilsner Urquel or any of the other famous Czech beers. But did you know you can’t drink everywhere in the Czech capital? As a tourist it is important to know that the ‘no drinking in the streets’ applies to the historic centre, so in all streets near Old Town Square. Here no beer also applies to Prague 4 and 8, but these are less touristy.

Here No Beer

It is commonplace to walk down the streets of Prague with an uncapped Pilsner Urquel or Gambrinus in hand you bought in the supermarket. But, is it legal to do so? The answer is: no. Drinking alcohol is illegal in certain parts of the city: most streets in the Old Town, at bus and tram stops, at metro stations, in parks, in playgrounds and in the vicinity of schools.

Meet the Locals

Public drinking is prohibited in as many as 800 places in Prague! If you are caught drinking in one of these places, the fine amounts to 1000 CZK, which is € 37. The good news is: this law is hardly ever enforced. Still, be on the safe side and drink your Pilsner Urquelr in one of the many pivnice or pubs in the city. Moreover, this is the best way to meet the locals. It’s is only homeless people and alcoholics who are drinking in the parks or in the streets.

Tip of the Prague Now editor:
Go on a Czech beer-tasting tour! Your Beer Master Guide knows everything about beer, brewing and beer tasting etiquette. You will sample seven different beers and learn to appreciate the taste and aftertaste.