Sports are the heartbeat of Europe, from football to rugby to tennis, with major events happening year-round. The excitement is even better when shared at a lively sports bar, where fans gather over drinks to cheer on their teams. Whether it’s a crisp lager during a Premier League match or a rich stout while watching the Six Nations, beer has long been part of the sports-viewing tradition. NBA Hall of Famer and sports analyst Charles Barkley captured this communal energy perfectly.
He said, “I have always loved going to sports bars. I would go to the sports bar and watch the game, have a few beers, and just enjoy being around other people who were enjoying the game.“
Kate Richardson, an expert travel blogger, writes about her experiences in Europe. Take a journey with us through the heart of sporting enjoyment from Prague to Berlin, where you can have the best craft beers without spending much.
Nightlife in Prague: Discover the Best Pubs and Nightclubs
One of Prague’s best charms is its serene neighborhood and nightlife. There is so much on offer in this historic Czech capital, from traditional Czech beer to mouthwatering Czech food.
Czech has the largest beer consumption per capita in the world. “I have a great affection for Czech beer. It’s one of the best in the world,” according to Bill Clinton during one of his visits to Prague. The best Czech pubs in Prague include:
McCarthy’s Irish Pub & Disco
This is one of the best pubs in Prague, found between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. It attracts almost everyone with drinks, a lively atmosphere, and big-screen coverage of top sports. It also has a disco in the basement so you and your group can rest after the pints·
Rocky O’Reilly’s
Located around Wenceslas Square, Rocky O’Reilly’s is an Irish pub with multiple bars and screens showing different sports. The locals and even tourists have confirmed that it’s one of the great beer havens in Europe.
One perk of this pub is the access to the broadcasts of sports matches. Therefore, you can watch your favorite match and at the same time bet on the playing team. You can wager on players and teams to win in not just any bookie but arguably the best ones in the Czech Republic by choosing the most acceptable one through MightyTips.
Similarly, you get to watch live games while sipping on lokál Czech beers, including the famous Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar, and Staropramen, plus foreign brews such as Guinness.
James Joyce Irish Pub
Located close to Old Town Square, James Joyce Irish Pub is a must-try for anyone who likes a pint of cold beer, live music, and soccer. This place also serves Irish beers like Guinness, Harp Lager, and Kilkenny.
Sitting arrangements include indoor and outdoor options with access to Czech Cuisine.
Rocky O’Reilly’s
This pub is one of the best places to catch a game for many reasons. For starters, it’s easy to find – close to Wenceslas Square, in the New Town (Nove Mesto). Another upside is that it has the biggest screen in Prague.
You can catch different Czech and international sports, including rugby, American Football, and the World Cup or Olympics. It has great furnishing, awesome service, and a reasonably priced drinks and food menu.
Famous Bars in Amsterdam
These are the most famous sports bars in the whole of Amsterdam:
Café ‘t Smalle
Café ‘t Smalle, found in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, stands out as one of the best sports bars in the city because of its unique blend of historic charm and vibrant atmosphere. Dating back to 1780, this brown café exudes authenticity with its wooden interiors and cozy, welcoming vibe.
While known for its jenever, during sports events, the place buzzes with energy as fans gather on the canal-side terrace to watch live matches on big screens. The blend of traditional Dutch hospitality, excellent beer selection, and prime location make Café ‘t Smalle an unparalleled sports viewing experience in Amsterdam.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Brouwerij ‘t IJ, beside a historical windmill, ranks among the best sporting bars in Amsterdam. It’s famous for its tasty organic beers and its exciting atmosphere, which is great for sporting lovers.
The bar’s expansive outdoor seating area offers the perfect spot for live matches under the sun of the Netherlands, with lovely views of every game. The ambiance of big matches is infused with the enjoyment of locally brewed, hand-crafted beverages and the thrill of sporting action. The fusion of culture, quality beer, and setting makes Brouwerij ‘t IJ second to none and a top destination for sporting fans.
Vesper Bar
Vesper Bar, dedicated to the legendary James Bond cocktail, is different from other sporting bars in Amsterdam in terms of the quality of its atmosphere and cocktails. Though historically renowned for its innovative mix, this bar, in sporting times, transforms into a comfortable haven for spectators who want their sporting action with a dash of class.
The bar’s intimate ambiance is enhanced with giant screens, where patrons can catch the action with a hand-held cocktail. The blend of live sporting action and mixological genius, captured in Vesper’s dedication, creates a truly unequaled experience.
Watch a Sports Match in Vienna
Here are the top three places that feel like home to soccer fans:
Champions Sports Restaurant and Bar
If you’re looking for the best sporting experience, then Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant, in the Marriott, is where you must head. There are TVs everywhere, with Premier League and NFL matches on. There’s American-style food and a glass of cold beer for those tourists craving something familiar.
Pointers
Pointers are where to head for sporting action in Vienna. They’ve got rugby, NFL, and football, and more. With multiple flat screens and giant TVs, there isn’t a single play you will miss. Plus, being a Sky Sports partner, they’ve got the best coverage.
Belushi’s
If you’re after the atmosphere of a game day, head down to Belushi’s. There’s AFL, there’s NFL, there’s even Formula 1 on HD TVs. And the atmosphere? Charged.
In addition, they also offer deals on their happy hours, and therefore, you can view the match with a cold beer in your hand.
Is There a Berlin Sport’s Nightlife?
Yes. Berlin has a very vibrant sporting evening atmosphere with plenty of pubs where people gather and watch matches, share the freshest beer, and soak up the atmosphere. Here are the top five sports bars in Berlin:
Belushi’s
Right by Alexanderplatz, this bar’s big on big matches and big screens. Football, rugby, NFL – your choice, they’re on. The atmosphere’s also always charged, and they’ve got decent beverages.
FC Magnet Bar
Over in the Mitte, this trendy pub’s the unofficial soccer hangout. It has the communal feel where everyone’s screaming for the same team, and they even host their very own soccer team, FC Magnet Mitte.
Kilkenny Irish Pub
Near Hackescher Markt, this is where to go if you’re into the Irish pub experience with a sporting angle. Rugby and soccer are huge, and the Guinness flows all day or night in this beer bar.
Salamas Bar
If American football is your passion, then Friedrichshain’s Salamas is the way to go. NFL on Sundays, naturally, but also coverage of the NBA and NHL. This is where you can get a taste of America in Berlin.
Geronimo
A bit further towards Ostkreuz, but worth the journey for the easy-going atmosphere, this bar’s ideal for soccer matches with cheap beer and cozy decor. Locals frequent there for the big matches and the camaraderie.
Paris for a Snack
The fun never ends for sports fans in Paris. Wherever you are, whenever you crave the camaraderie of football and beer, you can check out these spots:
The Moose
The Moose feels like a small slice of Canada in the middle of Paris. The sporting atmosphere of this bar can’t be beat, and if NHL and NFL are your thing, then this spot’s for you. It also has some of the best poutine, and this bar’s perfect for noshing on when there’s a game on.
Belushi’s
Belushi’s has a bar in Berlin, Vienna, and Paris. There are two of them in Paris, one near Gare du Nord and the other near Canal Saint-Martin. They’re both sports havens – soccer, rugby, anything. `The atmosphere is charged with big matches, and they also have a wonderful happy hour for some snacks.
The Long Hop
Right in the middle of the Latin Quarter, this is where you can find your quintessential English pub experience. There’s action on the TVs, and light snacks range from burgers to wings and other classics. A cozy place to sit and wind down, and even better with a pint.
The Bombardier
If you’re in the area of the Pantheon, step into this traditional-style British pub. There are large TVs for sporting events, and this is a pleasant spot for a good night out. The snacks are very traditional – fish and chips, anyone?
Café Oz
For a taste of Aussie ambiance, head on down to Café Oz. They’re committed to showing sporting events, including some Aussie football, but there’s also soccer and rugby. The ambiance is top-notch, and their snacks are spot on, with Aussie and French fusion.
Concluding Remarks: Which Beer Pub is the Best in Europe?
Ranking pubs in Europe is quite difficult because they each bring something special to the occasion. Whether it’s access to a unique blend of beer or proximity to retail sports betting centers and vibrant culture, there’s a lot to cherish with these pubs. So, instead of comparing, why not enjoy them all? Explore Europe’s finest from Prague to Vienna and Munich and don’t just drink to your heart’s content but enjoy the sports community that makes these bars worthwhile.
