Gametime: Prague

Prague’s killer nightlife rarely disappoints. Here’s a dangerous pregame routine: Fill up your favorite flask and take a swig every time you see a wedding, bachelor party, or birthday…Godspeed, my friend.

 

Speaking of the pregame, it’s a trusty ally in the club scene. Don’t get me wrong, there will be plenty to drink at the club. Thanks to a strong foreign exchange rate, even the expensive drinks won’t demolish your bank account. But you’re better than that! A drink in the club costs 2 in the home (an absolute understatement). Head down to the local prodejna alkoholu (liquor store) and snag a bottle of the good stuff. Need to get out of the apartment? Hit up any of these (recommended bars link).

 

A good warmup routine eliminates that awkward adjustment when you walk into the club. Better yet, you won’t be fighting lines at the bar while you try to play catch-up. But let’s talk about getting inside.

 

Dressing well comes with a number of advantages. That bouncer has explicit instructions to prioritize entry, and your favorite t-shirt probably doesn’t project the whole, “I’m about to drop some serious cash,” aesthetic. Look, you can pay off any bouncer to let you in…it’s just never really necessary. Prague clubs aren’t particularly strict, but they can fill up pretty fast. Why not stack the odds in your favor?

 

Cover charges depend on the night and location. They can range from 50-200 Kč  ($2-9 USD) if they’re collected at all. Best to be modestly prepared with some cash. Honestly, paying for drinks with cash is a grand idea anyways. You’ll keep better track, and be able to set some limits for yourself. Save yourself a little hassle (and money) by bringing a debit card overseas. I would not recommend using it for transactions, but as the most efficient way to access cash at a favorable conversion rate. Find an ATM owned by a reputable bank away from tourist centers and pull Kč directly from your checking account. And for goodness sake, stay away from those street side currency exchanges—they’ll rob you blind!

 

Without further ado, here is your guide to finding a club for every night of the week!

 

Monday: Roxy

Hit up Roxy with a big group of people. You’ll want to pregame this place, so check out some of the nearby bars beforehand. Going out on a Monday is aggressive, but you’re in Prague—step up your game.

 

Tuesday: Chapeau Rouge / Double Trouble

Want a wild place to blackout? Hit up Chap Rouge for a place you wouldn’t take your parents. Descend further into its basement levels as you party progressively harder into the night. There’s usually a live DJ, and you can enjoy the rough feel of the street art decor as you dance and drink your troubles away.

Double Trouble is a similarly ferocious establishment, but a little less rough. This bar is all about the dancing, which they’ll happily tolerate atop tables and chairs if it suits your wild heart.

 

Wednesday: Retro

Retro is an EDM club located a block from Náměstí Míru. You’ll definitely want to pregame this place to get the most out of its high-energy environment. Avoid the photographers skulking about the place, they’ll take some pretty embarrassing photos of you for their website if they get the chance!

 

Thursday: Radost

Rhianna’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music” was filmed here, and they’ll be sure to play it at least twice while you’re there. Radost is a little more upscale (dress well), but one of the most fun clubs in Prague on a good night. Drinks cost a smidgen more here, so pregame pregame pregame.

 

Friday: Lucerna

 You did not party in Prague if you haven’t been to Lucerna, full stop. Friday is 80s/90s music, and the energy is amazing. Some blessed saint out there actually made a Friday Lucerna playlist on Spotify for nostalgic Prague veterans. Sober or blackout, you will love this place on a Friday night. Enjoy a drink upstairs and take in the party below, or rage into the night on the main dance floor. Don’t leave without getting up on the stage, just don’t fall off (you’ll see what I mean).

 

Saturday: Duplex

 Find it at Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) for your Saturday party fix. You’ll face a cover charge here, but it’s really one of the only things going on the hardcore party front. Most bars fill up with Czechs on Saturday, so it can also be a great night to meet some locals.

 

Sunday: Explore & Get Some Rest, Tomorrow We Start Again!

You want to club on a Sunday, you savage? Prague actually takes a break on Sunday. Even Old Town Square becomes relatively peaceful in the evening. Do some homework…nah, just kidding. Sunday can be a good time to go out and scout new areas of the city. Hop on the Prague Metro (Pražské metro) and go to a random stop you’ve never visited before…Seriously, it can be a lot of fun. You really never know what you might find.

While we’re on the metro topic, use public transportation! There is rarely any reason to get an über or taxi in Prague. It might seem daunting at first, but its actually a very efficient and simple system! Czech isn’t an easy language, but you’ll figure out the words and names you need to know quickly. Most of the signs are bilingual anyways. Convinced yet? Think about purchasing one of the passes if you plan on using tons of public transportation. The investment can really beat the hassle of jamming coins into the little machines for your jízdenky (tickets), and will save you a boatload of money if you’re in the city longterm. If you’re feeling extra bold, convince the ticket agent to let you buy the student pass. Normally you’d need a special type of student ID to get one of these, but with a little luck, you’ll pay much less than the normal adult rate.