In a city renowned for its beer culture, the Letná Beer Garden offers something magical. It is one of the best viewpoints in Prague, where you can enjoy your beer surrounded by greenery in the warmer months.
High above the Vltava River’s winding curve, this sprawling garden is where locals and travellers alike meet to unwind, socialize, and drink in a panorama that feels like a living postcard. As the sun sets, the golden glow of the city`s buildings creates a spectacle no indoor pub could ever match.
As it is typically the case with beer gardens, the atmosphere at Letná is refreshingly casual. Long wooden tables and benches are arranged under the shade of chestnut and maple trees, fostering a friendly atmosphere and positive mood. You are just as likely to share a table with a group of Czech students, a family with children or fellow travellers from across the globe.
When in Prague, you should drink what the locals drink. At Letná, there are more than ten types of beer on tap, including the world-renowned Pilsner Urquell: a crisp, golden lager and the very definition of a Czech pint. It has a long tradition since 1842, when the brewery was established in Pilsen (Plzeň), 80 km from Prague. At Letná they also typically offer dark beer, such as Kozel Černý, for those who prefer a less bitter and maltier flavour.
The serving system is straightforward. You queue at the central kiosk, order your beer (a “pivo” in Czech) and pay. You’ll receive a half-litre or a litre of beer in a sturdy plastic cup, which is ideal for an outdoor setting. Cheers! (Na zdraví!) The food menu is simple and satisfying. For instance, you can enjoy sausages with mustard and bread, or a traditional marinated cheese called hermelín.
If you visit during the autumn and winter, when the beer garden is closed, you can still eat inside at Letenský zámeček (Letna Chateau), which offers both Czech and international dishes.This villa was not built for a noble family, but rather as a restaurant for the city’s elite. They used to stroll in the park and wanted a grand venue in which to enjoy gourmet cuisine. Inspired by Italian villas, it was built in the Neo-Renaissance style in the 19th century. The Letna Beer Garden or Letna Chateau can also be your gateway to Letná Park, where you can marvel at the Metronome, the site of the former Stalin Memorial, and several other buildings.
Letna Park is easily accessible by public transport. To avoid climbing all the steps from the riverbank, you can walk from Prague Castle, or take a tram to the Letenské náměstí stop or Hradčanská Metro station and walk towards the park. The park is also a great place to visit on your way to the nearby National Technical Museum or the Museum of Agriculture.
