Prague

Destinations

21 Jul

Written By NBH

DESTINATION GUIDE WITH MILA ZILA

Prague Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Mila Zila

Prague is often celebrated for its historic architecture, but beyond its Gothic spires and Baroque façades lies a dynamic contemporary design culture shaped by architecture, craftsmanship, gastronomy, and the creative reuse of historic spaces. In this Prague Design Guide, designer Mila Zila shares a personal edit of the city's most inspiring restaurants, galleries, design hotels, concept stores, and cultural destinations, revealing a more layered perspective on one of Europe's most visually compelling capitals.
Moving between modernist landmarks, contemporary art institutions, collectible design destinations, and neighbourhood favourites, the guide highlights the places that define Prague today. From the raw materiality of Eska and the architectural significance of Müller Villa to the international exhibitions of Kunsthalle Praha and the evolving creative energy of Karlín, these destinations offer insight into a city where heritage and contemporary culture exist in constant dialogue.
**july 2026**
**Words:** designeers

breakfast and coffee:

Café Letka

Set within Prague’s creative district of Letná, Café Letka has become a defining destination for those drawn to understated interiors and authentic atmosphere. Characterised by raw materials, visible imperfections, and its iconic peeling pink wall reflected through a large mirror, the café embodies a distinctly Prague approach to design that feels effortless, honest, and deeply considered.

favourite Art Gallery:

Kunsthalle Praha

Kunsthalle Praha has quickly established itself as one of Central Europe’s leading contemporary art institutions, presenting ambitious exhibitions that connect local and international artistic perspectives. Housed within a carefully restored historic building, the gallery combines world-class programming with elegant contemporary exhibition spaces, positioning Prague firmly within the global contemporary art conversation.

A FINE DINING EXPERIENCE:

Marie B

Marie B offers one of Prague’s most distinctive dining experiences, hidden behind an intentionally discreet entrance that reveals little of what lies beyond. Inside, dark, atmospheric interiors frame a highly curated tasting menu that invites guests to engage directly with the food, transforming dinner into an immersive and playful exploration of flavour, surprise, and storytelling.

A place to Eat Lunch:

Eska

Located in the revitalised Karlín district, Eska is one of Prague’s most celebrated contemporary restaurants, bringing together architecture, craft, and gastronomy within a beautifully restrained interior. Raw concrete, timber, steel, and an open kitchen centred around a large bakery oven create a space where design and dining operate with the same commitment to simplicity, locality, and material honesty.

favourite dinner spot:

Alma Prague

Alma Prague represents a more relaxed expression of contemporary dining, combining exceptional food with a warm, residential atmosphere. Natural materials, soft lighting, and collaborations with local artists and designers create a constantly evolving environment that feels connected to Prague’s wider creative community while maintaining a strong focus on hospitality.

a design hotel to stay in:

Sir Prague

Located next to the Vltava River, close to the Dancing House, the hotel draws on Prague's Bohemian spirit, Cubist heritage and mystical traditions. Designed by Linda Boronkay, its interiors combine hand-painted Cubist art, traditional Czech pieces and contemporary details in a way that feels playful yet refined.

The public spaces are particularly strong, from the softly lit library with elegant woodwork and Murano chandeliers to the quiet courtyard. With its warm, intriguing atmosphere and views across the city, Sir Prague offers a more characterful alternative to a conventional luxury hotel.

favourite Collectible Design and Concept Store:

Nookart Studio

Part gallery, part private residence, Nookart Studio offers a uniquely personal approach to contemporary collectible design. Rather than presenting objects within a conventional white-cube environment, the space demonstrates how limited-edition furniture and contemporary artworks can exist naturally within a lived interior, creating a more intimate and relatable design experience.

an artist everyone should know about:

Krištof Kintera

Among the most influential figures in Czech contemporary art, Krištof Kintera is known for creating works that blur the boundaries between sculpture, installation, technology, and design. His practice often transforms everyday objects and industrial materials into complex narratives that explore contemporary life, positioning him as a significant voice within both the Czech and international cultural landscape.

A Neighbourhood That Defines the City:

Vinohrady

Vinohrady offers a softer, more residential perspective on Prague, defined by elegant Art Nouveau architecture, tree-lined streets, and a slower pace of life. Rather than a concentrated design district, its appeal lies in atmosphere, providing a glimpse into the everyday rhythms and architectural beauty that make Prague such a compelling city to explore.

A cocktail bar:

Forbína Cocktail Bar

Forbína is distinguished by its attention to detail, where carefully crafted interiors create an atmosphere of understated sophistication. Rich wood marquetry, bespoke furniture, and a restrained material palette contribute to a space that feels intimate and timeless, making it one of Prague’s most refined destinations for an evening cocktail.

A Landscape Beyond the City

Bohemian Switzerland

Located beyond the city, Bohemian Switzerland offers a dramatic natural landscape of sandstone formations, forests, and expansive views. The region provides a striking contrast to Prague’s urban environment, offering a quieter experience where nature, geology, and atmosphere become the primary focus.

Best Spot to Slow Down :

Riegrovy Sady

One of Prague’s most beloved public parks, Riegrovy Sady combines open green spaces with panoramic views across the city skyline and Prague Castle. Particularly popular at sunset, it offers a place to slow down and experience the city from a different perspective, where everyday life, landscape, and architecture come together in a uniquely Prague moment.

Iconic Architectural Landmark:

Müller Villa

Designed by Adolf Loos and completed in 1930, Müller Villa remains
one of the most influential residential buildings in architectural
history. Renowned for its revolutionary Raumplan concept, the house
unfolds through interconnected volumes rather than conventional
floor levels, creating a layered spatial experience that continues to
influence architects and designers worldwide.

IMAGE credits:

Kunsthalle Praha: The Battle Between YES and NO by William Kentridge; COURTESY OF Kunsthalle Praha
MARIE B: Kuba Zeman; COURTESY OF MARIE B

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