Classy Cafes

In Prague’s bustling Main Railway Station, away from the crowds rushing to catch their connections, the Fantova Kavarna cafe is an oasis of peace and quiet with a charming 1920s atmosphere.

This hidden gem is right under the old departure hall’s cupola, which is decorated with beautiful Art Nouveau motifs and statues. The Main Railway Station in Prague was first designed in an Art Nouveau style by architect Josef Fanta at the beginning of the 20th century. Czech sculptors Šimonovský, Krautman, and Pikart and painter Fröhlich helped decorate the station’s dominant feature—an elegant vestibule with a cupola. The space directly under the cupola originally served as a busy departure hall, and so travelers could admire its beauty as well as the motifs depicting the Czech towns that were accessible by train from Prague in those days. In the 1970s, a new departure and arrival hall was built, putting Fanta’s original building out of operation. It languished in disrepair for many years until it was finally carefully reconstructed in 2012. In honor of Josef Fanta, the cupola and the space under it were restored to their original brilliance. Located in this elegant space, the Fantova kavárna cafe also celebrates Josef Fanta’s life and works. On the walls of the cafe, you can have a look at period photographs from the 1920s and 1930s, and also worth noting is the rare Madonna created by Josef Fanta himself. Visitors can admire the refurbished stained glass, stucco decorations, and replicas of the original ceramic tiles that were made according to the drawings of Josef Fanta. Located on the 1st floor of the Art Nouveau cupola, the cafe is away from the hustle and bustle of the main departure hall, allowing you to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, a slice of homemade cake, or a light lunch of soup and a sandwich. Fantova kavárna cafe is an ideal place to pass the time while waiting for your train or simply when you need a break from your busy day in the city, since it’s located right in the center. Drop by the Fantova kavárna cafe in the Main Railway Station and enjoy the atmosphere of the original hall that originated in the imagination of the talented Josef Fanta a century ago.