In the 1990s, Prague's post-communist nightlife was justifiably famed with grunge-chic firmly en vogue. These days the Czech capital has developed a more sophisticated scene that still does have alternative clubs, but it also increasingly has slick cocktail bars, Irish bars, sumptuous whisky lounges and trendy DJ-bars, all weaving into an eclectic and enticing mix. Venues shift in and out of popularity rapidly in Prague. There are still many options in the city centre, but some of the more interesting new places have moved out in search of cheaper venues to suburbs like Žižkov. Establishments tend to be divided to meet the demands of three groups - expensive (for the newly wealthy Czechs and tourists), cheap and trashy (for the young tourists, backpackers and ex-pats) and cheap and innovative (for young Czechs and visitors in the know). Many bars are open late (until 0200 or 0400) and clubs even later (until 0600 or later).

In the Czech Republic, however classy, 'nightclub' often means a table-dancing club, usually with a strip show and often even with a sauna and Jacuzzi in private rooms. Clubs that feature live music are generally known as 'music clubs' or 'jazz clubs', while establishments that offer dancing are known as 'discos' or 'dance clubs'.

Dress codes and admission prices do not feature strongly in Prague's nightlife. The minimum drinking age in the Czech Republic is 18 years and drinks are inexpensive (depending on the drink - vodka is cheaper than whisky, for instance). Prices are the highest around the Old Town.

Weekly listing (in English) of music events can be found in the Prague Post (website: www.praguepost.cz).

Bars: These days the old town overflows with Irish bars and touristy drinking dens, but more traditional options include Zhlato Tygra, Husova 17, a tiny bar where Vaclav Havel took Bill Clinton for a beer when he was in town. For a bar with a view check out Bazaar Mediterranee, Nerudova 40. Up in the castle district U Cerneho Vola, Loretanske Namesti, somehow survives in tourist-land with ice cold Krusenovice beer on tap and no frills. The über trendy suburb of Žižkov is where the local cognoscenti tend to hang out these days. Some worthwhile bars out here include Hapu, Orlicka 8, a friendly and intimate bar run by a couple expert in mixing generous cocktails and U Sadu, Skroupovo náměsti, a more traditional style Czech beer hall that is popular with students.

Clubs: Prague has more than its fair share of trashy discos, but a welcome alternative is the world music that continues to attract great attention in both clubs and live venues in the city. For a bit of everything (world music through to hard rock) try Akropolis, Kubelíkova 27, Prague 3 (website: www.palacakropolis.cz), a complex of concert spaces, bars and a cafe in Žižkov. Latino clubs include La Habana, Míšeòská 12, Prague 1, and Mánes, Masarykovo nábřeži 250, Prague 1, a 1930s functionalist gallery, which is only open on Friday and Saturday. Roxy, Dlouhá 33 (website: www.klub.roxy.cz), Prague 1, caters to the dance crowd and features a hidden tea house. 

Radost/FX, Bìlehradská 120, Prague 2 (website: www.radostfx.cz), is one of the few clubs to survive the early post-Revolution period and offers up a glamorous mix of house and techno music with big name guest DJs, though the dance floor is disappointingly small. It also includes a vegetarian restaurant and art gallery. Industry 55, Vinohradská 40, Prague 2, stays open very late for a youngish crowd, playing techno, house, trance and other dance music. Klub Lávka (website: www.lavka.cz), Novotného Lávka (by the Charles Bridge), is a popular top-40 club with good food, a wonderful riverside terrace and a tendency to put on strippers. 

Karlovy Lázné (website: www.karlovylazne.cz), also located at Novotného Lávka, claims to be the largest club in central Europe. The four floors all feature different music styles, with synth techno on the fourth floor, retro on the third, radio pop occupying the second and hip hop and funk blasting out on the first floor, complete with MCM cafe. There is also a chill-out area with big bean bags and sofas.

Live Music: For Czech folk music, see the Music section in Culture. Otherwise, Malostranské Beseda, Malostranské námìstí, Prague 1, features everything from 1920s jazz to contemporary rock. The Lucerna Music Bar, Vodickova 36, Prague 1 (website: www.musicbar.cz), serves up a rich blend of excellent jazz, rock and 1980s nights, with plenty of space to dance. Jazz has been popular in Prague since the 1920s and even though the scene has contracted with the growth of rock music, there are still excellent venues for an evening of jazz and blues. The Jazz & Blues Café, Na přikopì 23, Prague 1, has good programming and sound reproduction that more than make up for the terrible décor. U Malého Glen, Karmelitská 23, Prague 1 (website: www.malyglen.cz), is one of the oldest jazz bars in Malá Strana, with good food and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Reduta, Národní třída 20, Prague 1 (website: www.redutajazzclub.cz), remains infamous as the club where President Clinton attempted to establish a cool image by playing the sax for President Havel, but is very touristy.

The image of the cowboy has been inexplicably popular in the Czech Republic since the 1920s. První Prag Country Saloon Amerika, Korunní 101, Prague 3, is only open until 2300 but can provide a wild evening of country and western music - dress the part and mosey on down.