Prague Food Tour: Karlin Tastings & Local Drinks with Guide

Summary

Karlin food stops, Czech drinks, new friends and local stories

You’ll wander Prague’s Karlin district with a local guide, tasting everything from open sandwiches to dumplings—plus drinks at every stop (non-alcoholic options too). Expect laughter over mispronounced dishes, real stories behind each plate, and enough food that dinner plans are probably off. You might even leave feeling like you belong here for a second.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s waving us inside a place with steamed-up windows — I’m still not sure if it was our guide or just a regular who recognized her. Either way, we squeezed past tables packed with people talking over plates that smelled like garlic and something smoky. The first bite (some kind of open-faced sandwich — I forgot the name already) was salty and crunchy and honestly better than anything I’d expected from “Czech food.” Li laughed when I tried to say it in Czech. I definitely butchered it.

Our Prague food tour didn’t go anywhere near Charles Bridge (our guide said there’s nothing good to eat there anyway), but instead we wandered around Karlin. It’s this neighborhood where old factories have turned into bars and bakeries, and everyone seems to have either a tiny dog or a laptop. We stopped for dumplings at one spot where the owner slid us shots of something herbal — not sure what was in it, but it burned in a good way. There was this moment outside when the rain started up again and people just kept eating under awnings like it was nothing. Made me feel like maybe I could live here.

By the time we reached Wenceslas Square, I’d lost track of how many places we’d eaten at — but every stop had water waiting (which is rare in Europe, right?) and someone telling us why this dish mattered or what had changed since they were kids. There was coffee at the end, roasted right there in Prague. Needed that after all the food. I still think about the way one of our group tried to pronounce “svíčková” and got applause from the staff. Not sure if it was pity or pride.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Prague's authentic food scene

• Pass by Charles Bridge
• Visit Karlin district for food
• Pass by Wenceslas Square

Top questions

How long is the Prague food tour?

The tour lasts several hours and includes multiple restaurant stops across Karlin district.

Is vegetarian or vegan food available on this tour?

Vegetarian options may be limited; Sunday tours are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Are drinks included in the Prague food tour?

Yes, one local drink per stop is included, with non-alcoholic options available if you prefer.

Does the tour include Wenceslas Square or Charles Bridge?

The tour finishes near Wenceslas Square but does not visit Charles Bridge for food stops.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, water is available at every stop and bottled water is offered on hot days.

Can single travelers join this Prague food tour?

Single travelers should contact before booking so a spot can be arranged for them.

Is the Prague food tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most physical fitness levels.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes plenty of tastings across several restaurants in Karlin—enough to count as a full meal—plus one local drink per stop (with non-alcoholic choices if you want), water everywhere you go (and bottled water on hot days), all fees and taxes covered, specialty coffee roasted locally served at the end of your walk, and guidance from locals who know their stuff inside out.