The Czech Republic is a beer country in the strictest sense: the lager style that the world drinks today was born in Plzeň in 1842, Czech brewers still treat the pour with a ritual seriousness, and a half-litre in a pub is still an everyday, affordable pleasure. A guided tasting is a good way to get beyond the obvious. This ninety-minute session, run by Discover Prague Tours from its office just off Old Town Square, pours seven Czech beers in 330 ml measures, so you taste a real range rather than sips, alongside Hermelín, the soft Czech cheese, and crackers. A beer master leads the session in English, explaining the differences between pale lagers, dark lagers and other styles, how the ingredients and brewing methods vary, and how to tell a well-poured beer from a poor one. It is a relaxed, sociable format that suits groups and solo travellers alike, and the small snack helps pace the evening. The tasting is not a pub crawl or a brewery tour, so there is no walking between venues, but it is a useful orientation before you head out to choose your own pubs. With a high rating from a limited number of reviews, it is a solid choice for anyone who wants a structured introduction without a late night.
The meeting point is the tour office on Týnská, a lane running behind the Church of Our Lady before Týn, a minute from Old Town Square. The listed start is late in the afternoon, with a request to arrive about fifteen minutes beforehand and show your phone ticket. Because the session runs at a fixed time, it works well as a pre-dinner activity: you finish in time to move on to a restaurant in the Old Town without feeling rushed.
What you learn
Czech lager is built around a few ingredients, and the differences between beers depend on the water, the Saaz hops, the malt and the length of lagering. Expect to hear about the Czech system of describing strength in degrees rather than alcohol percentage, why the foam matters, and the culture of local pubs where one brewery supplies the taps.
Seven beers is a generous number, so go in with a decent meal behind you and pace yourself with water. The Hermelín and crackers are a classic pairing that gives a flavour of pub snacks.
Practical details
Free cancellation and rescheduling are available until about two days before the visit, which makes it low-risk to book early. The session is led in English. Group size is not specified, so expect a sociable mix of travellers. The tasting is aimed at adults, and anyone who does not drink alcohol should consider another activity. Wear whatever you like; there is no walking. After the session, ask your guide for recommendations on pubs and breweries, or continue to Letná or the Žižkov pubs for the full experience.
Check the current schedule when you pick your date, as start times can change. Because the format is seated and the snack is included, it is also an easy way to meet other travellers. Go with an open mind about styles you might not usually order, and ask the beer master anything you have wondered about Czech pub etiquette, from how to order a second round to why the foam is so valued.
What to expect
The experience
A seated, guided tasting with a beer master: seven Czech beers in 330 ml measures, plus Hermelín cheese and crackers, in English.
Best time
Late afternoon, before dinner. Eat something beforehand.
How long
About ninety minutes.
Tips
Meet at the tour office on Týnská, just off Old Town Square, a little before the start. Free cancellation and rescheduling are available until about two days before.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beer lovers and curious first-timers who want a guided introduction to Czech lager.
- Families
- Adults only in practice. Not suitable for children.
- Couples
- A relaxed, social ninety minutes, easy to follow with dinner in the Old Town.
- Pair with
- A pub dinner in the Old Town or a walk to Letná beer garden.
- Time needed
- Ninety minutes.
Good questions
What is included in the tasting?+
Seven Czech beers in 330 ml measures, Hermelín cheese and crackers, and a beer master who guides the session in English.
Where does it meet?+
At the Discover Prague Tours office on Týnská, just off Old Town Square.
How long does it last?+
About ninety minutes.
Can I cancel?+
Free cancellation and rescheduling are listed until about 55 hours before the visit.
Is this a brewery tour?+
No. It is a seated tasting in the Old Town. For a brewery visit, consider the Pilsner Urquell Experience in Prague or a day trip to Plzeň.
