Prague

A Gay Guide to Prague

Prague is a party city as well as a cultural destination

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and until 1968 was hidden from the rest of the world by the Iron Curtain. Today, the country is part of the EU and is also one of the most visited countries in the world.

Prague is a treasure trove of culture and history and is often described as Europe's most beautiful city, boasting a wide range of historically significant landmarks including Prague Castle and the Old Town Square. The city has faced frequent periods of political and financial turmoil and evidence of its fascinating history are hidden around every corner.

The gay community in Prague is one of the most vibrant and large in Eastern Europe. The city is home to many gay focused bars, clubs and other venues that operate openly and are popular amongst gay travelers. The main gay district in Prague is Vinohrady, a trendy and energetic residential neighbourhood. Located slightly out of the city centre, Vinohrady is where gay travelers will find most of the city’s lively gay scene.

Gay bars and clubs in Prague

Prague boasts a diverse selection of gay bars and clubs, the majority of which are located in the city’s Vinohrady district, close to the city centre.

Hidden in the basement of a property in the Old Town, Klub 21 is a popular hangout for LGBT+ locals and has been a staple of the gay scene in Prague for years. The traditional Czech style pub is brick-walled and has an edgy but welcoming vibe that attracts a mixed crowd in terms of age and style. The walls of Klub 21 are covered in local artwork for visitors to purchase.

Club Termax is the largest gay club in Prague and gets extremely busy on weekends. The club hosts a range of themed nights ranging from 80s and 90s parties to live drag performances. Termax attracts a young and trendy crowd with it’s colourful and stylish interior, pop anthems and great drink deals.

Piano Bar is a landmark in the Prague gay scene and has been a favorite amongst locals and travelers since its opening in 1995. The bar is a popular location for gay individuals looking to have a few drinks before heading to the area’s bigger and louder venues. Piano Bar holds weekly drag shows and gay bingo.

Gay hotels in Prague

The best location for gay travelers looking to explore all that Prague has to offer is the city centre, here you’ll find many of the most popular attractions and close walking proximity to the city’s main gay clubs and venues. Many of the best and most popular hotels are also conveniently located in the city centre and old town.

Hotel Leonardo is a stylish and historical hotel close to the city’s Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Guests can choose from a range of rooms and suites, all of which are furnished with hand-picked antique pieces from in and around Prague. Guests can also unwind by the fountain in the Hotel Leonardo’s private interior courtyard.

Offering a contemporary stay in a truly unique art deco building, the Mosaic Hotel is highly rated. Offering the choice of private rooms or shared dormitories, the hotel features a cool and modern interior and guests can make full use of the impressive rooftop terrace and the stunning views that can be seen from it.

Explore the Old Town

As the name suggests, Prague’s Old Town is one of the city’s oldest and popular districts. Tourists flock to wander the charming and intimate streets and alleyways that are preserved to an impeccable historic standard.

The heart of the area is the Old Town Square, the location of a number of significant political moments throughout the city’s extensive and dynamic history. The square is also Prague’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every year. In 1410, the astronomical clock was added to the area and is now a global landmark.

Prague

Visit Prague Castle

Prague Castle dates back to around 880 AD when it was built by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty. The castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world with an area of almost 70,000 m². A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Prague Castle is a group of buildings and monuments that span a range of architectural styles and periods.

One of the castles most breathtaking buildings is the St.Vitus Cathedral that boasts beautiful stained glass windows and dramatic neo-gothic architecture. The castle complex is also home to Golden Lane, where Czech writer Franz Kafka lived and wrote for many years, apparently being drawn to the streets quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

The castle is located near the city centre, is free to enter and guests can enjoy guided or audio tours.

Gay rights in Prague

The Czech Republic has the most liberal and respectful attitudes towards LGBT+ people and issues in Eastern Europe. However, LGBT+ people in the Czech Republic still face significant barriers to equality and advancement.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in the country and those entering civil partnerships are denied the same rights as those in legal mixed-sex marriages including no option for joint property ownership. If a married person wishes to undergo gender confirmation surgery they must first go through the process of compulsory divorce and sterilisation.

There are however laws and legislative protections that ban discrimination of any form on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and hate crimes are considered an aggravating offence.

Read More: Things To Do in Prague.

Join the Travel Gay Newsletter

What's On Today

More Gay Travel News, Interviews and Features

The Best Tours In Prague

Browse a selection of tours in Prague from our partners with free cancellation 24 hours before your tour starts.

The best experiences in Prague for your tripGet Your Guide