Prague cafe bars

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Cafe bars

Beer is almost a religion in the Czech Republic. The country has the highest beer consumption per head in the world - twice as much as the British.

But then they invented Pils lager which comes from the Czech city of Plzsen. As most city break visitors will spend some time in Prague sipping a beer, here is a quick guide to the Czech Republic's finest gift to the world.

Czech beers

Most beers in Prague are either 10°, similar to 4% ABV, or 12° which is about 5% ABV. As well as the famous Pils-style beers, you'll also find dark, or black beers.

Pilsner Urquell The most famous Czech beer has a sweet, malty taste. While now owned by the international SABMiller, quality has been maintained - lager beer at its finest.

Budvar The most widely exported lager (Budweiser in German) - not to be confused with the American beer. This is a fine spicy, dry, hoppy lager with a hint of citrus. It's brewed using Saaz hops.

Staropramen From the largest brewery in Prague, Staropramen is found across Prague. Some consider it a little dull with a bitter aftertaste. Look out for the Granat or Velvet.

Gambrinus This widely available beer is brewed by Pilsner Urquell. Gambrinus is cheap, refreshing and not too intoxicating.

Radegast If you know why a stout gentleman in a skirt is holding a horn goblet with a duck on it, you'll be a Czech beer label expert. Radegast is highly rated, particularly the 12° version.

Kozel A small brewery with an excellent draught beer. The Black Ox, near Prague Castle, sells Velkopopovicky Kozel with all profits going to a school for blind children. Pernstejn Porter is less well known, a strong 8% ABV porter tasting of toffee and liquorice.

Prague bars

Bars open from 10am until 11pm but pub gardens close at 10pm. You are served at your table. Always use a beer mat and pay the bill when you have finished. A beer mat on top of your glass shows you've had enough.

Famous bars include the 500-year old U Fleku, a true European beer hall. U Fleku has served generations - Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have visited. There's live accordion music daily.

U Cerneho, or the Black Ox, is small beer hall serving Kozel beer, but not food. U Medvedku, which translates as The Bears, has excellent Budvar beer. Potrefena Husa, meaning The Wounded Goose serves Staropramen and good food.

Prague cafes

The famous Grand Café Slavia oozes central European atmosphere. It's across the road from the National Theatre and opened in 1881, as did the theatre. The cafe has been restored to its 1930s Art Deco look. Fabulous pastries and coffee.

The Café Louvre is an elegant and large Art Nouveau cafe on Národní. It dates to 1902 and has attracted the like of Kafka and Einstein. It reopened in 1992.

The Kavárna Obecní is one of Prague's most beautiful Art Nouveau style cafes with mirrors, crystal chandeliers and nightly piano music.

The Café Milena is on the first floor in the Old Town Square with views of the Astronomical Clock.

• Czech Tourist Office- Visit a country of famous composers and create a symphony for the senses