One of my favorite things about any city I go to is the coffee, so when I studied abroad in Prague this summer, checking out the coffee scene was a must on my to-do list. Here are my top five coffee shops that I visited this summer!
1. Coffee and Riot
Coffee and Riot was about a block from my apartment in Prague 1. It was small and service was always quick. This place felt like my hometown coffee shop while I was abroad, and I always looked forward to stopping in on my way to catching the tram or going to the grocery store. Coffee and Riot also sold local art, had stamp cards to encourage loyalty, and sold an assortment of delicious pastries. My go-to drink here was an iced oat milk latte.
2. SmetanaQ Café and Bistro
Also about a block from my apartment in Prague 1 was SmetanaQ Café and Bistro. SmetanaQ was the perfect place to grab a quick lunch with my friends between our classes. They had so many good food options and great coffee to sip on as well. The hummus platter, waffles, and avocado toast all paired with an almond milk latte were my favorite choices on the menu. SmetanaQ has big tables perfect for doing homework and a piano that will sometimes provide live music. (Pictured above.)
3. The Miners Coffee and Characters
Miners Coffee is sleek and modern. Located in Prague 3, this coffee shop has a special relationship with AAU students because the owner is an alumnus. Students in the summer marketing class worked closely with The Miners to help it market to customers better. This coffee shop was doing really well prior to the student help, but should be even better now. They offer a variety of dietary options, have menus in English, and coloring books for kids (or adults, too). I highly recommend grabbing a cold brew and posting up in this minimalist coffee shop.
4. Cafefin
Located in Prague 3, Cafefin had an exotic yet homey interior, great music, and delicious food and coffee. I stopped here frequently to do homework and would order avocado toast with berries, oat milk lattes, and occasionally a brownie. This place is affordable and easily accessible, but be warned -- it does get pretty crowded on weekend mornings!
5. The Bowls
The Bowls was located in Prague 5 and served the best grain bowls and acai bowls in Prague. The owner was almost always working and offered exceptional customer service. Iced drinks are served with a bamboo straw and all food options are fantastic! My go-to drinks were iced lattes or chai tea lattes. Their dining area has a giant beanbag you can lounge on, comfortable couches, and tons of books to read. Definitely stop here for lunch if you are in the area!
I hope you take the time during your semester abroad in Prague to make some of my favorite coffee shops your favorite coffee shops. Prague is filled with so many great cafes, so take the time to stop in and grab something to drink!
Alexa Johnson is a CEA alumna who studied abroad in Prague during Summer 2019. She is currently a student at the University of Arizona.