The best LGBTQ+ friendly places in Prague

LGBTQ+ friendly… What does it mean? Does this label still have any meaning today? Probably not, but some sort of shorthand on this topic simply has to still be used. Because if it weren’t for it, maybe that quiet voice in your head wouldn’t be translating these lines right now, because this article wouldn’t have reached you. Because if you take the very essence of the whole phrase, all businesses should be LGBTQ+ friendly. Or rather, if they were somehow explicitly “unfriendly,” they would be violating the Anti-Discrimination Act, and we don’t want that in the Czech Republic. So now that we know that all places in Prague are LGBTQ+ friendly, would it be enough to select only the best businesses from those? Yes, but that would destroy the point of this text. And since we’re starting to get a bit confused at this very moment, we’ll get some advice from those who are most concerned with the topic.

WHAT ARE THE BEST QUEER VENUES IN PRAGUE?

“I honestly don’t even know if LGBTQ+ people in Prague somehow decide where to go to a venue based on whether it’s LGBTQ+ friendly or not. From my own experience, my friends go everywhere,” comments Tomas on the topic. Michal responds similarly: “I’m noticing a trend that the division between “gay” and “straight” is disappearing from many parties. This makes me feel that they are more inclusive, which is great! I go to places regardless of whether they are queer or not.”

Overall, we came across during our chat that there is a problem of choice, but it lies elsewhere than it would seem at first glance. “Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ life in Prague is pretty much about clubs or bars. Overall, there are many cafes and friendly places where one feels safe, but there are few organized activities that are explicitly for us and take into account our needs.” Some of the venues that create a safe place where people can have a drink, meet, and chill are Patra or Q café.

“The problem is that most parties in Prague are rave-oriented and then there are only those classic gay bars. I would welcome more queer events and bars, but they would take a more modern approach to the whole issue.” Throughout the interviews, the trio of venues Ankali, Fuchs2, and Bike Jesus were the main ones mentioned about nightlife. Ankali even runs an event once a year called Dick, which presents itself as “straight” friendly, but nightlife simply isn’t for everyone, and there aren’t that many places that openly guarantee “no judgment”.

Luckily, it’s not all techno and rave. “Over the last few years, drag has taken off a lot in Prague, and so has the number of events that take place with this theme. A friend of mine organizes a drag show every month at the Grid club. At the same time, the ballroom scene is also growing, which is an LGBTQ+ subculture with roots in Latin America.”

Fuchs2

One of Prague’s busiest party places is located in Štvanice.

Bike Jesus

Just on the other side of Fuchs2 is Bike Jesus, which, in addition to the club space, partially connected to Fuchs, also offers a nice garden.

Ankali

For many, the most popular club in Prague is hidden in Vršovice. We won’t show you a photo from inside, and you won’t take it away either…

Grid

A nice spot to hang out during the day, but also for evening fun can be found in Nové Město.

Mezi Patra

Friendly café on Krymská, which is often referred to as “Dlouhá for locals” or a party street without tourists.

Q Café

A cozy LGBTQ+ café where you can go for an afternoon coffee and stay late.

WHAT IS PRAGUE MISSING?

There are quite a few spaces and venues where queer people can go to have fun without fear of prejudice or rejection. On the other hand, a much bigger problem is the classic “daytime” spaces where LGBTQ+ people can go to enjoy themselves. This again brings up the question of whether an increase in the number of such places would lead to a separation of the minority from society, which would, in the long run, learn to avoid spaces not exclusively reserved for themselves. “Some sort of community center where one could go to relax or meet new people in peace would be useful – without alcohol, drugs, or the possibility of sex.” Other statements on this topic are similar, generally highlighting the problem that there are only a small number of events during the day where one can come and interact in some way, but it’s not a party in a club. So if anyone from City Hall happens to be reading us, we’re sending a little tip ? .

The ultimate goal is for all places to accept all types of customers without judgment and to be able to provide a sense of security. We believe the situation is already positive, but if it did not need to be improved, these lines would not have been written.

You can also read more articles and interviews on LGBTQ+ issues by clicking here.