Gay Guide to Prague

Despite the recently-voiced opinions of some of the country’s politicians regarding ‘homosexualism’ and its ‘deviant’ community, Prague has earned itself a reputation as being one of the more liberal cities in this part of Europe when it comes to gay culture. Since the legalization of same-sex registered partnerships (with many of the same benefits as marriages) back in 2006, and the successful launch of Prague’s very own Pride event two years ago (see our recent article about the organizers here), the city is now home to a large and vibrant LGBT+ community and also attracts many gay visitors throughout the year. We recently spoke to the Prague Pride team, who gave us their guide to some of the city’s gay and gay-friendly hot spots and events throughout the year.

Cafes

Q Café
Opatovická 166/12, 110 00, Prague 1.
Tel.: 776 856 361
info@q-cafe.cz
Popular, friendly cafe/bar located between Karlovo náměstí and the river. Non-smoking zone downstairs. Serves a range of drinks and snacks. Open daily.

Café Café
Rytířská 10, 110 00, Prague 1
info@cafe-cafe.cz
Tel.: 224 210 597
Not strictly a LGBT venue, but definitely gay-friendly. Very centrally located. Great cakes and pastries, and a trendy interior and staff.

Cafe Erra
Konviktská 11, 110 00, Prague 1.
Tel.: 722408755
info@cafeerra.cz
Another gay-friendly cafe/bar with good food, breakfasts, lunches, and dinner. Includes some vegetarian options. Intimate downstairs lounges with fireplace. Particularly popular with Prague’s lesbian crowd.

Angels Cafe
Vinohradská 30, Prague 2
Tel.: 739 400 541
norbert@angelscafe.cz
Situated on the main drag (excuse the pun!) that is Vinohradská, this basement bar is a popular starting point on a night out. Trendy interior, good music and attractive staff make it popular with Czechs and expats alike. Has a relaxed, ‘lounge’ feel.

Bars & clubs:

ON Club
Vinohradská 40, 120 00 Prague 2.
Tel.: 222 520 630
Prague newest and biggest gay club, previously ‘Valentino’, totally re-vamped and reopened last year. Regular theme nights and DJs. 

Friends
Bartolomějská 11, Prague 1, 110 00
info@friendsprague.cz
Tel.: 734 304 183
One of the most well-known gay bars in the city. Offers a wide range of drinks and cocktails and a weekly schedule of regular parties including karaoke, jukebox, and the Thursday ‘Travesti’ drag show.

The Saints
Polska 32, Prague 2
info@praguesaints.cz
Tel.: 222 250 326
Long-standing British-run LGBT bar in the centre of Vinohrady. They host regular nights including the infamous quiz on the last Sunday of each month.

Club Termix
Třebízského 4a, Prague 2
Tel.: 222 710 462
club-termix@club-termix.cz
Small but very popular club in the centre of Prague’s gay district. Don’t miss the regular Hezky Česky Wednesday night parties which are guaranteed to draw the crowds.

U Sta Rán aka ‘Boudoir’
Francouzská 50, 101 00, Prague 2
This gay-friendly hangout located on the border of Vinohrady and Vršovice is a bit of a hidden gem. It has no website, but is always busy so don’t be surprised to have to wait for a table. Cheap and cheerful food and welcoming staff. Has a terrace/garden.

Klub 21
Římská 21, 120 00, Prague 2
Tel.: 222 364 720
info@klub21.cz
Popular with Czechs. Nice brick-walled art gallery/bar in Vinohrady.

Jampa Dampa
V Tůních 10
120 00 Prague 2
Tel.: 739 592 099
info@jampadampa.cz
Fun music club with regular Tuesday night karaoke. Centrally located, good range of food and light meals. Popular with lesbians.

Useful websites:

Prague Saints
Run by the owners of the bar with the same name, Saints is the most comprehensive English-language website for gay visitors to the Czech Republic. Accommodation, reviews, maps, guides, and tours are all available via their user-friendly site. They also have links to their sites in Budapest, Bratislava and Berlin if you’re planning a city-break.

Prague4Gay
General city guide aimed primarily at tourists, but also useful for English-speaking locals. Bar and café listings, maps, guided tours, and general information.

eLnadruhou
info@elnadruhou.cz
eLnadruhou is a charitable organisation which represents interests of lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual women in the Czech Republic. They host an annual ‘not only lesbian’ festival (see Events below), which is now in its 9th year, as well as various sports and cultural events throughout the year.

Jihočeská Lambda
České Budějovice-based charitable organization aimed at prevention of HIV/aids specifically in the Southern Bohemia region. Hosts social and cultural events with a focus on dating, LGBT entertainment, and art.

Events:

Prague Pride
Held annually in August, 2013 dates tbc
The second edition of Prague’s successful (and, politically, controversial) Pride event has just wrapped. Check out our interview with the Festival’s organizers here.

Mezipatra Queer Film Festival
Prague 8-14 November 2012, Brno 16-22 November 2012
Now in its 13th year, Mezipatra is a huge film festival held primarily in Prague and Brno, and then via ‘echo’ events in various other cities across the country. The purpose of the festival is to present the widest possible range of world cinema exploring themes of sexual orientation to a large and mixed audience. The festival offers a balanced portrayal of characters that are usually represented via clichés and stereotypes in mainstream culture and media.

Prague Rainbow Spring
Held annually in May, 2013 dates tbc
The Prague Rainbow Spring tournament dates back to 2000, when 24 volleyball teams from all over Europe gathered in Prague for the first time. Over the next ten years, teams from more than 60 European cities have followed. Since 2006 the tournament has grown every year. Over one decade, the tournament has developed into the largest LGBT sports event in Central and Eastern Europe!

eLnadruhou Festival
Held annually in May, 2013 dates tbc
Open lesbian festival put together by the organization of the same name (see above). Held across various venues in Prague. The 2012 programme included exhibitions, debates, music events and even bowling!

Freedom Night
Next event: 21 September, PM Club, Trojická 10, Prague 2.
Regular club night ‘for girls who like girls’. Held in Prague, Brno, Bratislava, Plzen and other cities. Hosted by DJ Henriette.

Pioneer
Regular club night organized by local activist and general scenester Míra Valeš, usually held at Final Club in Žižkov. Expect contemporary house music, and a fashionable young crowd.

Queer noises
Popular alternative music night and online community. Hosted a large event at Chapeau Rouge as part of the Pride festivities.

Queer Eye Festival
Held annually in April, 2013 dates tbc
The ‘Jiný pohled’ festival focuses on alternative music, performance, visual arts, and photography. It offers a different view of Czech society and culture from a “queer” perspective, but it also has an international reach. Programme includes workshops, lectures, photography/art, artistic and theatrical performances, and alternative bands.