Where to Stay: Best Areas in Prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic or Czechia, is one of Europe’s most beautiful urban destinations.

It is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, picturesque Vltava River, and fascinating blend of architectural styles. Plus, the historic city center is packed with attractive landmarks and cultural attractions, and visitors can expect exceptional food, vibrant nightlife, and a rich live music scene.

If you’re planning to visit Prague for the first time and wondering which part of the Czech capital to stay in, consider one of these popular neighborhoods.

Hradčany for History

Highlights: Prague Castle, The National Gallery, Convent of St. George, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, Lobkowicz Palace, Loreto

Hradčany is Prague’s oldest neighborhood and is situated around the city’s enormous 9th-century castle on Petřín Hill. Prague Castle has been the seat of various heads of state, princes, kings, and bishops over the centuries, and it has been expanded multiple times since its original moat-fortified beginnings. The sheer size of the castle and its grounds is impressive enough, but what makes it even more of a draw for tourists is that it houses several major attractions inside of its walls. St. Vitus Cathedral, Rosenberg Palace, and St. George’s Basilica are all within the castle’s grounds and accessible with a basic ticket that grants entry for two consecutive days.

Outside of the castle walls, Hradčany is a mesmerizing warren of narrow cobblestone streets lined with grand buildings that were constructed to serve the castle. There are so many attractions squeezed into such a small area that Hradčany can get incredibly crowded, particularly in the peak summer season.

Where to Stay in Hradčany

If you want to be in the hustle and bustle of the most historic part of the city, Hradčany is the ideal neighborhood to stay in. You’ll be within easy walking distance of many of the city’s biggest sights and surrounded by incredible architecture.

There are some high-quality hotels in the area set in fabulous historic buildings, but you can expect high rates to reflect the central, touristic nature of the area.

Malá Strana (Lesser Town) for Families

Highlights: Czech Museum of Music, Lennon Wall, Museum Kampa, The Vrtba Garden, St. Nicholas Church, Kafka Museum, Waldstein Palace, Memorial to the Victims of Communism

Malá Strana, which translates to Lesser Town in English, lies on the hillside just beside Hradčany with the Vltava River running along its eastern edge. It’s a pretty neighborhood packed with hotels, laid-back restaurants, and traditional pubs. The narrow streets feel labyrinthian, but the colorful, ornate buildings give the area a whimsical charm that makes it a pleasure to wander around. This is one of the best places to appreciate Prague’s Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

There are many popular attractions in Malá Strana, including Museum Kampa, an art museum set on the leafy Kampa Island, and the Kafka Museum which celebrates the life of famed Czech writer Franz Kafka. Look out for the Lennon Wall which features a portrait of the Beatles star surrounded by Communist-era political slogans and messages of peace.

Malá Strana is a little less cramped than Hradčany, although the castle and its associated attractions are just a short walk away. The neighborhood is also within easy reach of Staré Mesto, (Old Town) which lies across the Vltava River and is connected by multiple bridges, including the iconic medieval stone arch Charles Bridge. Malá Strana is a good area for families to stay in because it’s a little quieter than its neighboring districts.

Where to Stay in Malá Strana

While there are other hotels in Malá Strana, our top recommendation is Hotel Pod Věží. This hotel is set within two historic buildings beside the famed Charles Bridge and is one of the city’s best boutique hotels. It has a 24-hour reception, a rooftop terrace with views of Prague Castle, and an on-site cafe and restaurant.

Staré Mesto (Old Town) for Sightseeing

Highlights: Old Town Square, Old Town Bridge Tower, Pinkas Synagogue, The Jewish Museum, Old Jewish Cemetery, Machines Museum, Klementinum, Rudolfinum Concert Hall, Convent of St. Agnes, IAM Illusion Art Museum Prague, Man Hanging Out, Astronomical Clock

Staré Mesto, Prague’s Old Town, is the very heart of the city. It has medieval origins and, with Hradvany, comprises the district known as Prague 1. This entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because the historic buildings offer such a fascinating and important glimpse into medieval European history.

You’ll see some incredible Gothic and Baroque properties in Old Town, many of which are now home to some of the city’s most exclusive grand hotels. The Old Town Square lies at the very center of the neighborhood, crowned by the renowned Astronomical Clock. Josefov, the city’s Jewish quarter, comprises the northwestern portion of Old Town, and it’s home to a range of important historic sights that remind us of the history of persecution of the Jews in Prague and throughout Europe.

There’s a huge variety of popular sights in Old Town, including museums, historic buildings, and art sculptures (look out for the statue of Sigmund Freud hanging from a pole above a street). This is a great location for first-time visitors who want to be surrounded by popular attractions. It’s easy to reach Prague Castle and New Town on foot, and public transport links are excellent for reaching other neighborhoods. Keep in mind that the area gets very busy with tourists and it’s one of the most expensive parts of the city for accommodation, food, and drink.

Where to Stay in Old Town

Grand Hotel Prague is one of the most iconic and popular hotels in Old Town. It’s set in a 14th-century building that lies right across the street from the Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock. The classic decor in its indulgent rooms and suites perfectly preserves the atmosphere of Prague’s Old Town.

Nové Město (New Town) for Foodies

Highlights: Municipal House, National Theatre, Palladium Mall, Wenceslas Square, National Museum, Mucha Museum, Museum of Communism, Museum of Senses

Nové Město (New Town), separated from Old Town via Na Příkopě, is part of Prague 2 which is a sprawling extension of the historic city center. Prague 2 was founded in the 14th century but much of its medieval construction has since been redeveloped. Today, the district is marked by its chic Art Nouveau, Cubist, and Functionalist architecture. New Town is also home to some of Prague 2’s most iconic modern properties such as the Municipal House, Dancing House, and Palladium Mall.

Prague’s New Town is well known for its fantastic food scene. There’s a huge variety of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area, plus plenty of theaters, concert halls, and cinemas to keep you entertained. New Town is also packed with shops and malls, and it has several major museums including the National Museum in the picturesque Wenceslas Square.

If you don’t want to feel hemmed in by the crowded streets of Prague 1, New Town is a great way to stay in a central area outside of the very city center. That doesn’t mean to say it’s quiet; you can expect a lively atmosphere throughout the day and night. There’s a good mix of accommodations on offer, including some affordable hostels for backpackers and solo travelers.

Where to Stay in New Town

There’s a lot of great places to choose from in this area so we’ve done the heavy lifting and narrowed it down to a few of our most recommended options.

Here are some of the best hotels in Nové Město:

• Art Deco Imperial Hotel is set in a landmark 1920s property and it was once a popular haunt for movie stars, artists, and statesmen. You can expect opulent decor and exceptional service in this five-star hotel.
• Dancing House Hotel is set within a chic post-communist building with a unique leaning tower designed to resemble the dancer Ginger Rogers. It’s a luxury hotel that offers exceptional castle and river views from some of its rooms and on the top floor of its Ginger & Fred restaurant.
• BoHo Hotel is a stylish hotel with spacious rooms and modern decor. It has a wellness area with a gym, a spa, and a sauna.
• Prague Marriott Hotel offers elegant comfort in stylish rooms with deluxe mattresses and pillows. Free WiFi is provided throughout the hotel, and there’s an on-site gym, coffee lounge, and restaurant.

Vinohrady for Nightlife

Highlights: Riegrovy Sady, Havlíčkovy Sady, Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord

Vinohrady lies east of the city center and it’s one of Prague’s most desirable residential areas. Centuries ago it was home to the royal vineyards that supplied the country’s elite with fine wine. Today, wine continues to be an important part of Vinohrady’s identity and you’ll find an abundance of trendy wine bars and restaurants as you wander its streets. The neighboring area of Zižkov is also known for its bars but these tend to center around beer and have a much more relaxed atmosphere. If you like the finer things in life, you’ll love the upscale bars and bistros of Vinohrady.

You can expect a slightly quieter pace in Vinohrady than in the city center because there are fewer attractions and therefore fewer tourists milling around. Plus, the neighborhood is home to some lovely green spaces, such as Riegrovy Sady and Sady Svatopluka Čecha.

You don’t have to worry about being too far from the main sights; many New Town attractions are accessible on foot to those staying in the western end of Vinohrady, and you can reach Old Town in 20 to 30 minutes by Metro or tram.

Žižkov for Bar Crawls

Highlights: Zižkov TV Tower, National Memorial on Vitkov Hill Czech History Museum, Czech Army Museum

Zižkov lies east of Prague 2 in Prague 3 and is a lively area known for its laid-back pub culture. It was once considered one of the city’s grittier areas but gentrification over recent years has freshened it up and given it a cool reputation. You can expect to see an unusually high number of pubs lining Zižkov’s streets, but there are also small art galleries and eclectic boutiques to explore.

Landmarks in the area include the Zižkov TV Tower, the statue of the neighborhood’s namesake, Jan Zižkov, and the National Memorial On Vitkov Hill which is home to the Czech History Museum. For bigger attractions, you can take a tram or Metro into the city center.

There are fewer hotels here than in more central neighborhoods, but you can expect cheaper rates.

Karlín for Budget Travelers

Highlights: Karlín Studios, Praha Florenc Bus Station

Karlín lies along the bank of the Vltava River just east of Old Town, beyond a small neighborhood called Florenc which is known for its grand hotels and casinos. Karlín was once an industrial neighborhood but over the last couple of decades, it has transformed into a trendy, artistic hub. You’ll find cool galleries, studios, bars, and coffee shops here, some of which are housed in former factories.

There are plenty of good hotels in Karlín, many of which are within walking distance of Praha Florenc Bus Terminal. This is a major terminal for national and international coach and bus travel, so if you’ll be dropping into Prague by bus for a short stay, Karlín could be a convenient base.

You’ll find some affordable hotels and B&Bs here if you’re on a tight budget.

Vyšehrad for Romantic Getaways

Highlights: Vyšehrad Castle, Saints Peter and Paul Basilica, Gothic Cellar

Vyšehrad is a residential area on the east bank of the Vltava River south of New Town in Prague 2. It centers around the 10th-century fortress of the same name, which has impressive ramparts, bastions, and gates and is surrounded by a lovely park that is dotted with monuments and historic landmarks. Vyšehrad Castle attracts fewer visitors than Prague Castle which means the neighborhood is a little quieter and more peaceful than Hradčany.

If you want to enjoy Prague at a quieter pace without missing out on the city’s historic architecture, Vyšehrad is a great compromise. It could be a great base for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

There are some good hotels surrounding the area, and you can reach the heart of the city easily via public transport.

Which Area Will You Stay in Prague?

These are some of Prague’s best areas for tourists, but there are fantastic hotels and vacation rentals throughout the city. Which neighborhood will you call home when you visit this charming historic city?