U Zlatého tygra

U Zlatého tygra, At the Golden Tiger, is perhaps the most famous traditional pub in Prague. It stands on Husova Street in the Old Town and has the feel of a place that has hardly changed in decades. Its reputation rests on its beer, its regulars and its literary connections: the writer Bohumil Hrabal, author of Closely Watched Trains and I Served the King of England, was a devoted regular, and the pub's website dedicates a page to him. In 1994 President Václav Havel brought Bill Clinton here for a beer, adding to its fame.

This is a classic Pilsner beer hall. The beer is the main reason to come, carefully tapped and served fresh, and the waiters keep it flowing, bringing a new glass when yours is nearly empty unless you place a beer mat on top. The food is limited to simple pub snacks designed to accompany beer, such as the pub's beer cheese, so eat elsewhere if you want a full meal.

The pub has a strong local character, and that is both its charm and its challenge for visitors. Many tables are reserved for regulars, and the pub is often full, so getting a seat can be difficult, especially in the evening. Reservations are taken by phone, and booking is the most reliable way to be sure of a table. If you arrive without one, come soon after opening at 15:00, when there is a better chance of finding space, and be prepared to share a table. The experience is about the beer and the atmosphere rather than polished service.

U Zlatého tygra suits beer lovers, readers of Czech literature and anyone curious about traditional Prague pub culture. It is less suited to large groups or to those who want a lively night out with music. Prices are modest for the Old Town. The pub is open every day from 15:00 to 23:00.

Husova Street runs between the Old Town and Národní třída, a few minutes' walk from Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. The nearest metro stations are Staroměstská on line A and Národní třída on line B. Nearby are the Clementinum, the Bethlehem Chapel and the narrow lanes of the Old Town.