There is something for everyone in Prague, from top-flight classical concerts, to jazz, cinemas and clubs. One of the city’s charms is that whatever you are into, you will find the venues relaxed and not as concerned with appearances as might be the case elsewhere.
To purchase tickets it is best to go directly to the box office in order to get the lowest price (and for many places you can book tickets directly online). However, if you do need to go to a ticket agency, try one of the following:
Bohemia Ticket
Na Příkopě 16; tel: 224 215 031; www.bohemiaticket.cz
Ticket Art
Politických vězňů 9; tel: 222 897 552; www.ticket-art.cz
Ticketpro
Václavské náměstí 38; tel: 222 986 185; www.ticketpro.cz
Ticketstream
Koubkova 8; tel. 224 263 049; www.ticketstream.cz
Classical Music, Theatre and Ballet
Národní divadlo (National Theatre)
Národní třída 2; tel: 224 901 448; www.narodni-divadlo.cz
Opera, ballet and theatre performed by the National Theatre ensembles. This is also the location of the Laterna magika ‘Black Light’ theatre (for more information, click here).
Obecní dům (Municipal House)
Náměstí Republiky 5; tel: 222 002 101; www.obecnidum.cz
The splendid Art Nouveau Municipal House has one of the best concert halls in the city and is home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra (www.fok.cz).
Obecní dům, home to the Prague Symphony Orchestra
Obecní dům, a.s.
Alšovo nábřeží 12/náměstí Jana Palacha; tel: 227 059 227
This is the home of the Czech Philharmonic (www.ceskafilharmonie.cz) and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra (www.rozhlas.cz/socr). The main concert season runs from October to May.
Státní Opera Praha (Prague State Opera)
Wilsonova 4; tel: 224 227 266; www.opera.cz
Productions here are usually of a very high standard. The repertory offers a mix of 19th-century opera and more daring contemporary works. Closed for renovation until 2018.
Stavovské divadlo (Estates Theatre)
Ovocný trh 6; tel: 224 901 448; www.narodni-divadlo.cz
Don Giovanni was premièred here in 1787, conducted by Mozart himself, and his operas are still regularly staged here today. Part of the National Theatre network, the venue also hosts dance and theatre productions.
The Estates Theatre
Getty Images
Jazz Clubs
AghaRTA Jazz Centrum
Železná 16; tel: 222 211 275 (evenings only); www.agharta.cz
This jazz club is popular with all ages and nationalities. It is a good place to catch top local musicians and it organises an ongoing jazz festival, attracting high-quality foreign bands.
Reduta Jazz Club
Národní třída 20; tel: 224 933 487; www.redutajazzclub.cz
Reduta’s something of a legend on the Prague music scene and still going strong. Talent ranges from traditional jazz legends and big bands to contemporary modern jazz.
U Malého Glena
Karmelitská 23; tel: 257 531 717; www.malyglen.cz
Intimate (read tiny) basement that is home to some of the finest jazz in Prague. Good acoustics and a decent bar add to the attractions.
Ungelt Jazz & Blues Club
Týn 2; tel: 224 895 748; www.jazzungelt.cz
Lots of blues, aimed more at visitors than locals, with a cosy stone interior and a casual crowd. It’s the only club where you can see the legendary Luboš Andršt Blues Band.
Cinemas
English-language films in Prague are usually shown with Czech subtitles. The following places have more daring selections of new and classic movies: Kino Aero (Biskupcova 31; tel: 271 771 349; www.kinoaero.cz); Evald (Národní třída 28; tel: 221 105 225; www.evald.cz); and MAT Studio (Karlovo náměstí 19; tel: 224 915 765; www.mat.cz).
Nightlife
Karlovy Lázně
Novotného Lávka 5; tel: 739 054 641; www.karlovylazne.cz
Five floors of hip hop, R’n’B, electronic dance, retro, trance and techno make this one of the most popular nightspots in Prague. Located near the Charles Bridge, it gets thronged with locals and tourists alike, so arrive early, especially at weekends.
Lucerna Music Bar
Vodičkova 36; tel: 224 217 108; www.musicbar.cz
This large underground club features a themed 1980s and 90s video music club at the weekend. During the week it’s a good place to catch live Czech bands.
Mecca
U průhonu 3; tel: 734 155 300; www.mecca.cz
Large and flash, the Mecca attracts top local DJs and packs club-goers in for its party nights. Jazz nights are courtesy of Jazz Club Železná.
Radost FX
Bělehradská 120; tel: 224 254 776; www.radostfx.cz
Still the king of dance clubs, with a good crowd and top local and international DJs playing lots of house and R’n’B. Good vegetarian restaurant.
Roxy
Dlouhá 33; tel: 602 691 015; www.roxy.cz
This popular venue presents an eclectic mix of top foreign DJs and contemporary art shows. The music scene here is more hard core than other city venues.