Prague's relationship with coffee spans over three centuries, evolving from exotic novelty to cultural institution. Today's vibrant specialty scene stands on foundations laid by generations of cafe culture that shaped the city's intellectual and artistic identity.
The Arrival of Coffee in Bohemia
Coffee first arrived in the Czech lands during the late 17th century, following the Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683. Legend holds that bags of coffee beans abandoned by retreating Turkish forces introduced the beverage to Central Europe, though the truth is likely more complex.
The first documented coffeehouses in Prague appeared in the early 1700s, initially serving the city's merchant class and foreign traders. These establishments offered a sober alternative to beer halls, providing spaces for business discussions and news exchange.
By the mid-18th century, coffeehouses had spread beyond commercial districts into residential neighborhoods. The beverage remained expensive and somewhat exotic, consumed primarily by the upper middle class and aristocracy.
The Golden Age of Prague Coffeehouses
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the golden age of Prague's coffeehouse culture. As the city transformed from a provincial Habsburg town into a modern metropolis, kavarnas (the Czech word for coffeehouses) became essential institutions of public life.
These establishments served as informal offices, meeting places, reading rooms, and cultural salons. Guests could linger for hours over a single cup, reading newspapers from around Europe or engaging in passionate debates about politics, literature, and art.
The Kavarna Tradition
Traditional Prague kavarnas offered more than just coffee. Patrons expected a glass of water served alongside their beverage, access to newspapers and magazines, and the unwritten right to occupy their table for extended periods. This civilized approach to cafe culture persists in many historic establishments today.
Literary and Artistic Connections
Prague's coffeehouses attracted the city's creative elite. Writers, journalists, artists, and intellectuals made kavarnas their second homes, producing some of their most important work in these public spaces.
The multilingual nature of Prague society meant that coffeehouses served as meeting points for Czech, German, and Jewish communities. This cultural mixing produced remarkable creative ferment, though it also reflected the complex tensions of the era.
Famous figures associated with Prague's cafe culture include the writer Franz Kafka, who frequented several establishments in the Old Town, and the poet Jaroslav Seifert, who later won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Surviving the 20th Century
Prague's coffeehouse culture faced severe challenges during the 20th century. World War II and the subsequent communist takeover transformed the city's social landscape. Many historic kavarnas were nationalized, neglected, or converted to other uses.
Despite these difficulties, some establishments survived. Cafe Slavia on Narodni street became a gathering place for dissidents during the communist era, hosting figures like the playwright and future president Vaclav Havel. The cafe's survival through decades of political upheaval made it a symbol of cultural resistance.
The communist period also introduced a distinctly Czech coffee preparation: turecka kava (Turkish coffee), made by pouring hot water directly over ground coffee in the cup. This simple method became ubiquitous in households and workplaces, though it bore little resemblance to actual Turkish coffee traditions.
Revival and Renewal
The Velvet Revolution of 1989 opened new possibilities for Prague's coffee culture. Historic kavarnas were restored to their former grandeur, and a new generation of entrepreneurs began exploring specialty coffee.
The 2000s saw the emergence of Prague's first specialty roasters and third-wave cafes. These pioneers introduced concepts like single-origin sourcing, light roasting profiles, and alternative brewing methods to a city still dominated by traditional espresso and turecka kava.
The coffeehouse is a place where time stands still while the world rushes by outside. In Prague, we have preserved this understanding even as we embrace new ways of preparing and appreciating coffee.
Today's Coffee Scene
Contemporary Prague offers remarkable diversity in coffee experiences. Visitors can choose between ornate historic kavarnas serving traditional preparations, minimalist specialty cafes featuring single-origin pour-overs, and everything in between.
The specialty segment has grown particularly quickly, with local roasters like Doubleshot achieving international recognition. Prague now hosts regular coffee events, barista competitions, and public cuppings that attract enthusiasts from across Central Europe.
This evolution represents not a break with tradition but rather its continuation. Like the literary kavarnas of the past, today's specialty cafes serve as gathering places for creative professionals and coffee enthusiasts, maintaining Prague's centuries-old connection between coffee and culture.
Visiting Historic Coffeehouses
Several historic kavarnas remain open and welcoming to visitors. These establishments offer a tangible connection to Prague's coffee heritage:
- Cafe Slavia - Overlooking the Vltava River and National Theatre, this landmark has served Prague since 1884. The interior features period furnishings and the famous painting "Absinthe Drinker" by Viktor Oliva.
- Cafe Louvre - Operating since 1902, this elegant first-floor cafe reportedly hosted Albert Einstein during his Prague years. An interactive map displays 160 historic coffeehouses.
- Cafe Imperial - A stunning art deco interior with ceramic tile decorations makes this 1914 establishment one of Prague's most photographed cafes.
- Grand Cafe Orient - The world's only Cubist cafe, located in the House of the Black Madonna, offers a unique architectural experience.
For external reference on Prague's historic cafes, visit Prague.eu, the official tourism portal of the city.