Some breweries offer tours year-round. Budějovický Budvar has a multimedia exhibition (photo: www.kudyznudy.cz)

Most visitors to the Czech Republic know that the country is famous for its beers, and most know the names of the country's beer juggernauts - Pilsen (Plzeňský prazdroj) and Budweiser (Budějovický budvar). But the country is home to many smaller and regional breweries, many of which can be tasted in Prague as well. Recently The Friends of Beer association voted on the Czech Beer of the Year. The winner? Small Moravaian brewery Černá hora.

For a taste of Černá hora beer in Prague (the brewery makes both light and dark beers), head to Království (Kubelíkova 36, a small basement pub in Žižkov.

Just off Wenceslas Square is another great pub offering Czech microbrew - Ferdinand beer from Benešov. The aptly named U Ferdinanda is located at Politických vězňů 19 and has great food as well.

Czech pubs always have 'their' beer, which is advertised by the sign hanging above the door. The most common beers in Prague are probably local Prague (Smíchov) brew Staropramen, followed by Plzeňský prazdroj. Since Staropramen is owned by a Belgian brewery, however, you'll often find Stella Artois served at pubs serving Staropramen. Similarly, most pubs which offer Pilsner also offer Gambrinus (a less hoppy, less strong beer) and Kozel (brewed in Velké Popovice near Prague and available in both light and a sweet dark version).

So when walking around town, keep an eye out for the beers advertised on the pub's sign, and don't be afraid to try out some regional brews such as Svijany (from Svijany near Turnov) , Lobkowicz (from Velký Chlumec near Sedlčany), Bernard (Humpolec), or Braník (Prague-Braník).

When outside of Prague, try to find out what the local brew is and give it a taste. Other local beers in the Czech Republic include Starobrno (Brno), Krušovice, Ježek (Jihlava), Dačický (Kutná Hora), Klášter (Klášter Hradiště nad Jizerou near Mladá Boleslav), and Eggenberg (Český Krumlov). Some breweries offer tours year-round.