Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most visited and alluring cities. Home to nearly two million hospitable and vibrant residents, this stunning city is brimming with nightlife options—centuries-old pubs and bars, restaurants of every cuisine and caliber, clubs, theaters, and concert halls.
What sets Prague apart is that it remains one of Europe’s most smoker-friendly destinations. In every restaurant, bar, or hotel, you’ll find a designated smoking area—not hidden away in some obscure corner, but proudly positioned at the front, open and inviting. Adding to this, Prague boasts several well-stocked cigar bars, offering aficionados a refined selection. Here, we explore four of the city’s finest, based on personal experience.
Black Angel’s Bar
Tucked away in the basement of the U Prince Hotel, Black Angel’s Bar exudes an intimate, almost clandestine charm. A steep staircase leads down to a series of dimly lit rooms, two of which house bars manned by highly skilled bartenders. The space is packed with a well-dressed crowd, the ambiance set to classic jazz, and the décor reminiscent of the early 20th century—despite the bar’s relatively recent opening, long after the fall of communism in former Czechoslovakia.
The cigar selection leans heavily toward Cuban smokes, while the liquor selection is virtually endless. Photography is strictly forbidden, with prominent signs at the entrance reinforcing this rule.
Black Angel’s Bar sits deep beneath Prague’s Old Town Square, one of Europe’s most iconic tourist sites. Above it, the U Prince Hotel occupies a historic building. While the hotel itself is not particularly recommended, its rooftop restaurant, with panoramic views over the Old Town, is an excellent choice for a summer evening.
Back to the bar: in 2012, The Sunday Times ranked it among the world’s 50 best bars. In 2013, at the prestigious Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans, Black Angel’s was listed among the top 10 bars globally, recognized for its exceptional spirits collection, bartender expertise, design, and service. By 2014, the same competition named it one of the four best hotel bars worldwide and one of the top 10 cocktail bars on the planet.
So, settle into one of the cozy corners, light up your favorite cigar, and challenge the bartender with the most complex and obscure cocktail you can think of. Rest assured, they’ll rise to the occasion.
📍 Staroměstské náměstí 29, Prague 1
📞 +420 224 213 807
🌐 www.blackangelsbar.cz/bar
The Cigar Bar at the Boscolo Hotel
The luxurious Boscolo Hotel, officially known as the Boscolo Carlo IV Hotel, is a destination in its own right. Amidst Prague’s endless selection of hotels catering to every taste and budget, this one stands out with its unique character. Its somewhat somber façade—clad in shades of gray and black—gives no hint of the breathtaking interior that awaits inside. A grand staircase leads from the street to the entrance hall, where an opulent lobby reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles sets the stage. From there, the hotel unfolds—a striking contrast between the ultra-modern restaurant bathed in soft purple light and the warm, inviting cigar bar.
Originally built in the late 19th century as a bank, the building later served as a post office during the communist era. After years of neglect and decay, it was acquired by the Italian Boscolo hotel group and meticulously restored under the direction of Adam Tihany—a renowned hotel designer and an avid cigar aficionado himself.
The cigar bar was crafted with careful thought and attention to detail, with part of it housed within the bank’s former vault. Though the humidor is modest in size, it offers a well-curated selection of Cuban cigars. With attentive and professional service, the cigar bar at Boscolo is a must-visit haven for any aficionado seeking a refined smoking experience in Prague.
📍 Senovážné náměstí 13, Prague 1
📞 +420 224 593 111
🌐 prague.boscolohotels.com
La Bodeguita del Medio
The name of this place speaks volumes about its character. Of all the spots catering to cigar lovers, this is undoubtedly the most Cuban establishment in Prague. The original La Bodeguita del Medio bar was founded in Havana, Cuba in 1942, and it became famous not only for being the birthplace of the mojito but also as a gathering place for many iconic figures, including Ernest Hemingway. In the 1990s, the brand began to expand globally, opening several bars worldwide that captured the distinctive atmosphere of the original Cuban venue. Today, cigar enthusiasts, music lovers, foodies, and those in love with the joy of life can enjoy the spirit of La Bodeguita del Medio in 16 countries, including Prague, where it opened its doors in 2002.
The Prague location is a spacious bar-club with a generous restaurant, which even has a small, designated non-smoking area tucked away. At the front of the restaurant, there’s a small stage where professional salsa dancers perform, and in the basement, a cozy room is available for private events. But the crown jewel of this lively spot is the upper floor, which boasts an opulent cigar-friendly bar and restaurant, an exclusive members-only club (wish we had one of those), as well as a humidor and shop.
Choose a Cuban cigar from the wide selection in the humidor and let the expert Cuban vendor light it for you. The mojito you order will look just like its Cuban counterpart, though its flavor could use a little refinement. Regardless, a cheerful and enjoyable evening is guaranteed.
📍 Kaprova 5, Prague 1
📞 +420 224 813 922
🌐 www.labodeguitadelmedio.c
Bar and Books
Don’t be mistaken—we’re still in Prague, not New York, where the Bar and Books brand has gained significant fame since its inception in 1990. The concept—a cigar bar lined with shelves of books—was brought to Prague in 2004 by Marina Festova, following her extensive career with the company that operates the brand’s three locations across New York City. Marina opened two bars in Prague: one on Týnská Street, just a few steps from the Old Town Square, and another on Mánesova Street, a bit further from the city center.
In a romantic alleyway just off the Old Town Square, the Týnská location invites you into its unique atmosphere, always filled with a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike. Whether you choose to sit at the bar or at a table, you’ll enjoy the warm, friendly service from the staff. The cigar menu is extensive, complemented by a selection of small pub-style bites (cheeses, sausages, etc.), and a surprising touch: a whiskey tasting menu featuring seven varieties at a very reasonable price.
The bar on Mánesova Street tells a slightly different story. Though its walls are lined with bookshelves, the space is larger and hosts live performances on weekends. Adjacent to the bar, there’s a wine display and shop, offering both local and imported varieties, as well as an extensive range of other alcoholic beverages. Due to its size, the atmosphere here is less intimate. By the way, Marina is planning to open another Bar & Books soon—this time in Warsaw.
📍 Týnská 19, Prague 1
📞 +420 224 815 122
📍 Mánesova 64, Prague 2
📞 +420 222 724 581
