Prague, the capital of czechia, has long been synonymous with cheap beer and raucous bachelor parties. But a recent visit reveals a city keen to shed its boozy image and attract a more diverse, “cultured” crowd.

the transformation is driven, in part, by changing attitudes toward alcohol, notably among younger adults. The shift also reflects a broader trend in Europe and the United States, where cities are actively seeking to diversify their tourism offerings.

The experience began with a flight overseas, where the tone for Prague’s reputation was immediately set. “We’ll have four beers… each!” cackled the men sitting nearby. “It was 3 pm and we were technically still in the UK – albeit more than 10,000 metres in the air – but the stag weekend was already well underway.”

A Neighborhood Base: Anděl’s Appeal

Choosing a strategic home base can be key to experiencing Prague beyond the party scene. Anděl, a bustling neighborhood in the Smíchov district, offers a convenient location with easy access to the city center via tram.While “by no means a hidden gem,” Anděl’s slightly removed location keeps it “slightly too far from the old town to attract droves of party-goers in fancy dress.”

From Anděl, a morning stroll along the waterfront provides a refreshing start to the day, offering a glimpse into Prague’s blend of old and new.The Dancing House, an architectural landmark that now houses a café and restaurant, is a must-see. Nearby, the (A)void café, nestled in a vault-like embankment, offers a caffeine fix with a view, though the experience is described as “slightly gimmicky.”

Nutria Quest: Spotting Prague’s TikTok Stars

Beyond the architecture and coffee shops, Prague’s waterfront offers a unique wildlife encounter: the TikTok-famous nutria. These large rodents, often mistaken for beavers, have become a local attraction. Also known as Coypu, the animals “look like a distant cousin of the capybara” and were originally “imported to Europe for their fur and meat.”

Nutria have found a haven on the Vltava River, coexisting with swans, Egyptian geese, and pigeons. While feeding or touching them is discouraged due to their potential aggression, “they’re pretty cute if viewed from a distance.”

To increase your chances of spotting these creatures, head to “Nutria Lake” early in the morning, as they “tend to swim off by midday.”

Immersed in Art: From Dali to Local Voices

Prague’s Old Town, with its “ethereal Gothic architecture, quaint cobbled alleys, and endless rows of souvenir shops,” offers a sensory overload. The astronomical clock draws large crowds, but the Central Gallery, located below the Church of Our Lady before Týn, provides a more enriching experience.

The gallery features works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and Alfons Mucha.Spending “a good hour delving into the mind of the surrealist painter” Dali can be a highlight, with the artist’s iconic lips sofa serving as a memorable centerpiece.

For a deeper dive into Czech culture, seek out the work of Libuše Jarcovjáková, a photographer whose “candid and dynamic” work captures the essence of life in communist Prague. Jarcovjáková’s retrospective exhibition, featuring her experiences as a queer person in communist Prague, her travels to Japan, and the integration of Cuban immigrants in Czechia, “was truly breathtaking and tugged at my heartstrings.”

The exhibition, which included “a collage of photos depicting her mum’s last years on Earth,” offers a poignant reflection on family and resilience.

Gothic Echoes: An Artaud Performance

to complement Prague’s gothic ambiance, consider attending an Artaud performance at the New Stage theatre.Based on the works of Edgar allan Poe, the show offers a thrilling experience that is “absolute bliss to watch” for ballet lovers and those who enjoy a touch of horror.

According to the New Stage Theatre’s schedule, Poe will return to the theatre beginning June 5.

michelin-Starred Dining: A Sober Indulgence

For a culinary experience that transcends the typical pub fare, La Degustation, Prague’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a tasting menu with non-alcoholic drink pairings. The restaurant offers an “amazing” experience and pristine presentation.

Each dish, “from salsify with egg to roasted beetroot with edible flowers,” is complemented by “a host of homemade juices and fermented drinks.” The homemade grape soda,served from “an old-fashioned carbonator,” is a standout.

Prague’s Shifting identity: Beyond the Booze

Prague is actively working to shed its reputation as a party destination. In a move to attract more “cultured” tourists, the city banned organized bar crawls from 10 p.m.to 6 a.m. The city hopes to change attitudes toward alcohol, attracting a younger crowd interested in exploring prague’s cultural offerings. The shift is driven by factors such as the rise of the “sober curious” movement and a growing awareness of the negative impacts of excessive alcohol consumption.

Younger adults in the U.S. are also expressing a growing preference for alcohol-free options.According to a 2024 Gallup poll, alcohol consumption among adults aged 18-34 has decreased in recent years, with a corresponding increase in interest in non-alcoholic beverages.

The trend is consistent with data collected from CGA by NIQ that found that Gen Z is drastically slashing their booze consumption. “in fact, the survey found that 30 percent of 18-24 brits are drinking less than last year, while 13 percent have given up alcohol altogether.”

Despite these shifts, some argue that Prague’s party scene remains a significant draw for tourists, and that efforts to curb it could negatively impact the local economy. However, proponents of change argue that attracting a more diverse range of visitors will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and enriching tourism industry.

While the ban “won’t go down well with disorderly Brits wanting to throw up in a bin after a day of drinking, attitudes towards alcohol are swiftly changing. Ditching its boozy reputation could help Prague attract a younger crowd.”

For American travelers, Prague offers a compelling alternative to customary European destinations. Its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and burgeoning culinary landscape provide ample opportunities for exploration and discovery, nonetheless of one’s drinking habits. So remember, “there’s much more to do than get merry.”

FAQ: Exploring Prague’s Sober Side