Prague is one of the most beautiful capital in Europe, with gorgeous architecture and massive amount of tourists. I spent there recently few days and I was almost squashed in Old Town Square. The last time when I saw so many people in such a small square was Old Delhi in India. Nevertheless, I had a great time as I discovered for you many cool places where you could eat, shop and had a proper drink! But let’s not forget that primarily Prague is the capital of European culture!
Art
My number one is Gallery of Art Prague where you can see Salavadore Dalí, Alfons Mucha and Andy Warhol paintings, posters and graphics. Each time I am in Prague I need to visit this place, my endless love for Dalí says it all.
If you wish to see wider collection of Mucha paintings, you definitely need to visit his museum located at Kaunický palác. I am in love with every single painting, wish to have my wall covered by some of them, or at least a wallpaper? I think, that Mucha’s prints can look great on some denim jackets or oversize hoodies. And this actually make me think that I need to do some experiments (will show you the results).
Another place, which should be definitely checked out is Sex Machines Museum located at Melantrichova 18. When I entered this place and saw all the sex gadgets, I was genuinely happy I was born in the XXI century. Not sure what type of pleasure those toys could give you as some of them looked like a torture machines! But remember: EDUCATION IS THE KEY. I saw couple of budget fuck dolls, some pussy pillows and very weird things which looked like a massive vacuum cleaner but it turned out to be an air vibrator. Super scary, believe me.
Where to eat and get wasted?
Prague has a lot of bars and hang outs, but majority of them are very traditional and the interiors are not really compelling. Not to mention a massive amount of tourists, which can easily ruin your perfect night. But since you have me, a person who loves to deep dive into to the city and find all the great spots, you are SAFE.
If you feel like drinking a perfect cappuccino, flat white or espresso, there is no better place than Café Neustadt located at Karlovo náměstí 1/23. Interior of this place is quite cold, rather industrial but there is a really good vibe. You get there very tasty lunch (tomato soup was perfect) and also you can bring your laptop and spend couple of hours just working. During summer you have a possibility to chill on the patio.
Another great spot, which runs as a coffee place, concept store and event space is VNITROBLOCK located in the end of Prague, joking it’s located in the Northern part of the city in the booming district, Holešovice (Tusarova 791/31). I truly like the idea of this place. The combination of industrial design with super comfy couches and wood elements is something what I enjoy the most. For such a lazy people like me, couch is the most important element of each place. When you can also browse through streetwear clothing and designed stuff such notebooks, candles, little home decor items you can literally spend there hours.
If you are not the biggest fan of smažený sýr, knedliky or any other heavy food, you should visit Nostress cafe located at V Kolkovně 9. Sophisticated and super healthy food guaranteed. It’s quite cozy yet a bit posh place, but somehow there is a really cool vibe, especially when you seat by the window and observe people passing by. This place is located at the side of core city center, surrounded by many boutique shops and restaurants. The whole street looks quite cute and charming, especially when you walk there during evening.
One of the best place in terms of interior design which I saw in Prague, was without a doubt Černá Madona, located at Celetná 34.
Modern Art Deco design and well dressed waiters truly got me! I am in love with such places, it’s not only you can make your stomach happy (Croque Monsieur with cherry tomatoes and rocket, rolled beef carpaccio with herb baguette and Parmesan shavings) but also your eyes! You know that I am very picky when it comes to interior design!
Ok, time to get into darker, more underground mood. If you are looking for small place with perfect electronic music, you need to visit Vlkova 26.
“If you crave a late-night drinking den to discuss various existential topics, the 3rd district has a lot to offer to wandering souls in search of some bonhomie”. What can I add from my side? Pure electronic music, dark and small room with dj corner is what I am usually looking for and what I found at Vlkova 26 street. Žižkov is really cool neighborhood in Prague, packed with bars and coffee places so I definitely recommend you to have a look.
We are coming back to Holešovice district once again, this time to check another great spot: Cobra (Milady Horákové 8). This place is all you need during cold evening. Massive bar, simple but delicious food and liters of alcohol plus great music (rather electronic one). Industrial interior mixed with wooden element become a hot trend in the past years. I observe that more and more places going into that direction. Bars like Cobra are perfect lunch spots, where you can also work during a day – small tables situated by the windows give you a natural light (for people like me who are almost blind it is a big plus). The atmosphere of this place changes in the evening hours when people come to have a drink. Great tunes along with friendly staff will surely provide you a laid back atmosphere!
Fashion
If you think that Prague does not have a fashion scene you are so wrong! I spent most part of my trip walking from one fashion boutique to another. From streetwear clothing to high fashion brands, you have quite big fashion scene in the Czech capital.
I started my trip visiting Unique One which is an international model and event agency run by Karolina Bosakova (lady behind European Fashion Accelerator, Košice Fashion Week and Happy Hearts Fund). Karolina sent me to few fashion showrooms run by Czech designers, where I had not only a possibility to check their collections but also had a little chat!
Jitka Klett is one of the most recognizable fashion designer in Czech Republic, where she started her fashion journey already in 1994. Well known from her luxurious evening dresses and spectacular wedding gowns has a lot of customers. I visited her showroom with ready to wear collection and it was really nice feeling to see soft blouses and jeans with perfect cut and little, surprising embroidery.
Beata Rajska is another great Czech designer and her showroom just took my birth away. I checked some of the great ready to wear clothes, including silk trousers and gorgeous A-line skirt made out of Chanel fabric. I saw also few evening dresses, all hand made looked spectacular!
There is one more place which you should visit once walking around Prague – La Gallery Novesta, located at Elišky Krásnohorské 9.
“The gallery provides a space for fashion designers who do not have their own store. The exposition includes contemporary design of clothes, jewelry and, exclusively, product design”. There is more than 30 young and emerging designers, represented by this gallery and I can guarantee that you will be able to find some suitable piece for yourself.
Let’s talk about streetwear which is actually one of my favorite topic. Since I met Valentina – my fashion guide, life became easier. She showed me all hidden places with fantastic showrooms and also reviled some little, fashion secrets.
My absolutely favorite store with male fashion was Basmatee located at Školská 7. Once I saw two charming men running this place, (actually their clothes, but they were both very handsome too, ok I liked the ginger one) I knew we’re talking here about some serious business. The history of Basmatee is quite long as started in 2008, where this place was selling T-shirts and snickers. The current store opened its door 4 years ago and without a doubt it’s a fashion heaven for all guys out there. You will be able to find here brands such as: Gosha Rubchinskiy, Henrik Vibskov, Libertine-Libertine and many more French and Scandinavian designers. What is actually so cool about this place? It’s a safe shelter for all guys who are looking for quality and unique pieces, as much as a simple conversation with other folks who also need some fashion advice. This store guarantees all of this. I definitely suggest you to visit this place once you will be in Prague! I am in LOVE.
Now something for girls. If you are into streetwear as much as I do you need to check: Identity store, located at Rytířská 1023/11. I found there fantastic leather jackets, oversized hoodies and blazers plus perfect jeans. A lot of high quality, simple t-shirts which definitely should end up in your wardrobe.
Would you like to wear more minimalist clothes? Black&white maybe? No better place than: Blackout located at Kozí 3. You can shop there clothes from designers such: Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Pas The Calais and many more. I found really good stuff there for young guys but also for those who are looking for more avant-garde design. Ladies won’t be disappointed either, as they can choose between many woolen coats, long cardigans or simple shirts.
Finally if you are looking for more commercial streetwear brands, you need to visit Freshlabels located at Panská 9. I love this place due to very simple reason – I LOVE Cheap Monday brand and this store has it in its portfolio. Of course there are plenty other great brands, including some which produce cosmetics or little accessories like home decor items or plants. This place has really wide selection of different brands and I am sure each of you can find something for yourself.
Speaking about the plants, there is one more place which you definitely need to visit! Zahrada na niti is absolutely a fantastic flower shop, where you can find Japanese kokedamas, called also “levitating plants”. Those plants look amazing and you have such a big choice, that I had a serious difficulties to pick only one flower!
What’s your favorite place in Prague? Do share your comments!
