Café
Café Savoy
A grand café near the Lesser Town end of the Legion Bridge, with a high historic ceiling, cakes from the Myšák pastry shop and breakfast served…
Café Louvre
A first-floor grand café on Národní třída open since 1902, with Viennese-style coffee, Czech classics, homemade cakes and a historic billiard hall.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic grand café
- Area
- Nové Město, Prague, Czech Republic
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- cafelouvre.cz
Good to know
- Billiard hall
- Breakfast
- Online reservations
- Newspapers
Why we recommend it
Café Louvre opened in 1902 on the first floor of a building on Národní třída, the boulevard that runs from the National Theatre towards Wenceslas Square. It became one of the meeting places of Prague's intellectual life in the early 20th century, and Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein are among the famous names linked to it. Closed for decades under communism, it reopened in the 1990s and now feels both grand and comfortable, with high ceilings and a long, gently busy room.
The café serves coffee in the Viennese style, with daily newspapers to read, and a menu that runs from breakfast through lunch to dinner. Breakfast is a good time to come, before the room fills up. During the day there are classic Czech and international dishes at reasonable prices, and the homemade desserts and cakes are a big part of the appeal. In the late afternoon the café offers a five o'clock tea, with black teas, sandwiches and pastries.
At the back is one of Prague's best known historic billiard halls, with several tables that can be booked, and discounted rates during morning practice hours. It gives the café a more lived-in, local feel than many of the grand coffee houses in the centre.
Café Louvre suits almost everyone: solo travellers with a book, couples looking for a relaxed lunch, families and friends meeting for cake. Prices are moderate for the location. It gets busy at weekend breakfast and lunchtime, so use the online reservation system if you want to be sure of a table, especially for a group. The café is open from 08:00 on weekdays and 09:00 at weekends, and stays open until 23:30 every day.
The entrance is on Národní třída, with stairs up to the first floor. Národní třída metro station on line B is a few minutes away, and the Národní třída tram stop is right outside. The National Theatre, the Vltava embankment and Wenceslas Square are all within a short walk, which makes Café Louvre an easy stop before a performance. Allow an hour for a relaxed coffee and cake, longer if you plan to play billiards or stay for a full meal.
Café Louvre FAQs
When was Café Louvre founded?
It opened in 1902 on Národní třída.
What are Café Louvre's opening hours?
Monday to Friday 08:00 to 23:30, and Saturday and Sunday 09:00 to 23:30.
Does Café Louvre serve breakfast?
Yes. The menu runs from breakfast to dinner.
Can you play billiards at Café Louvre?
Yes. The café has a historic billiard hall, with discounted play during morning practice hours.
Do I need to book at Café Louvre?
It is not essential, but booking online is wise at weekend breakfast and lunchtime, and for groups.
What is five o'clock tea at Café Louvre?
An afternoon offer of black teas with sandwiches and pastries.
Is Café Louvre expensive?
No. Prices are moderate for central Prague.
How do I get to Café Louvre?
It is on Národní třída, near Národní třída metro station on line B and the tram stop of the same name.