Prague Tours and accommodation.Hotels and apartments in Prague.

BEER ETIQUETTE 

The Czech Republic brews some of the best light beers in the world and its various pubs and bars are skilled in knowing how to look after and present them. Some of its brands such as Pilsner Urquell, Budveiser Budvar and Staropramen are well known on the world market but beer lovers should also try some of the others, particularly Gambrinus, Radegast and Krusovice, which are very popular in Prague, but also beers from smaller breweries such as the tasty Bernard and Velkopovicky Kozel.  

On entering a Czech pub you should first take a seat (it is very unusual to stand) and wait for the waiter to approach you. He will then give you a small paper tab on which he will collate the number of beers you have drunk as you progress through the evening. When you wish to stop drinking simply wave your paper tab at the waiter. When paying simply round up the amount to include the tip. 5 to 10 percent is normally acceptable.  

Visiting Czech pubs is of course a good way to meet the locals who will invariably speak a few words of English. Czechs are very fond of toasting. It is important when doing so however always to look them very quickly in the eye when toasting. Not acknowledge the toast in this way makes you look insincere or dishonest in Czech eyes. Also never ever pour the remains of an old beer glass into the new one; this is considered very bad form.  

Following are some pubs that we have particularly enjoyed.  Go and try them out, you won't regret it, except maybe in the morning but when you awake with a hangover.  

U MEDVIDKU 

The Little Bears continues to attract large amounts of tourists and locals to its semi-circular bar. The chief attraction here is its famously potent but delicious Budvar beer rather than the sometimes indifferent service. Next door is the larger 500 year old U Medvidku restaurant which serves traditional Czech food.  

Open Monday to Friday 4pm to 3am, Saturdays 6pm to 3am, Sundays 6pm to 1am.

Na Perstýne 7, Praha 1 (close to Tesco). Metro: Narodni Trida. Tel: 224 211 916.   

PIVRNCOVA HOSPODA 

This traditional Czech pub is owned by a cartoonist and the walls are covered in painted-on examples of his work. Most of the cartoons are a scream (even if you can't understand the colloquial Czech captions) and usually depict human weakness and addiction to alcohol and sex. The beer is pretty good too. Make sure you take a seat downstairs where the best work is to be found. They also serve a full Czech menu 

Open daily 1100 - 2400 hours.

Phone: 222 329 404. Address: Maiselova 3, Praha 1  

U PINKASU 

Traditional pub and restaurant with fresh unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell beer pumped in daily. The outdoor tables are popular in the summer. Has a great location just a stone's throw from Mustek in Wenceslas Square. 

Open daily 9am to 4am.

Address: Jungmannovo Namesti 16, Prague 1. Tel: 221 111 150.   

POTREFENA HUSA (THE WOUNDED GOOSE) 

One of a chain of 4 Husas in Prague, this neighbourhood pub is very popular with upmarket Czechs and expats and worth a reservation. They have an unusually adventurous menu for a Czech restaurant. Seating at tables or at the long bar although be prepared for some indifferent service at the latter. 

Open daily 11am to 1am.

Vinohradska 104, Vinohrady. Tel: 267 310 360