Where to Stay in Prague

My Favorite Hotels in Prague

• Five-Star Hotel: Four Seasons
• 4-ā€¢ Penn Station: Renaissance
• 3-Star Hotel: Mooo Downtown

  • An accommodation in Piraeus called The Alex.
    • For Families: BoHo Prague
    • For Couples: Buddha Bar
    • Best Pool: Popular Hotel Chain
    • Near Airport: Courtyard
    • Near Train Station: Exe City Park

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    The Best Areas to Stay in Prague

    Despite being home to over 1.3 million individuals, the central neighborhoods of Prague are concentrated in a relatively small area. This implies that while one may choose to stay near certain attractions or activities, it`s easy to walk or use public transportation to access other regions. There is no single best neighborhood for visitors; many (but not all) of the major, historical attractions are clustered around Malá Strana (Little Quarter) and the neighboring Prague Castle, Staré Mesto (Old Town), and Nové Mesto (New Town). The culture revolves around drinking so nightlife can be found throughout, with a younger and rowdier scene in New and Old Towns. The greatest accumulation of hotels is located in these central neighborhoods even though there are plenty of options beyond the main tourist zones as well that can provide a fascinating experience. For romance, the quieter cobblestone streets of Malá Strana are the best choice.

    a large building with a clock on top of it

    The Malá Strana (Little Quarter) sits across the Vltava River to the west. Lanes winding among charming buildings hold landmarks including the ornate Baroque St Nicholas Church while the massive Prague Castle complex sprawling its borders defines the adjoining Hradcany neighborhood. Daylight hours, especially summer holidays and weekends, deliver swelling tourist crowds, so early visits avoid the throngs. Despite heavy sightseeing, fine eateries and bars remain amongst the area`s fairytale-like streets reachable on foot over Charles Bridge or via public transportation from the east bank.

    Staré Mesto (Old Town) feels like the energetic heart of tourism in the city. Old Town Square and its historic buildings, most notably the famous Astronomical Clock, are perpetually bustling with activity, particularly from 9 am to 11 pm when automated apostle figurines emerge from the clock face to perform a 45-second procession beneath. Countless museums, shops, pubs, and restaurants branch out from here, with highlights being the Josefov neighborhood (Jewish Quarter) to the north, renowned for its fascinating Jewish heritage.

    To the south and east of Old Town is Nové Mesto (New Town), which despite being around seven centuries old is still newer than Old Town. This is a large and diverse neighborhood that serves as the commercial center of Prague. It centers around Wenceslas Square, where big name stores and busy eateries can be found under tall and elegant apartment complexes. There are numerous quality museums scattered throughout and if one stays here, they will likely be crossing the less busy but very beautiful Legions Bridge to reach the west bank of the river.

    South of Staré Mesto and Nové Mesto are up-and-coming neighborhoods, Smíchov, with numerous new hotels and drinking establishments, and Vysehrad, holding the magnificent Vysehrad Castle where Prague is purportedly originated. Residing in either of these areas will place you in zones significantly quieter than the city center without being too distant, alongside hiking and bicycling opportunities, rendering them fantastic options for athletic or outdoor-loving individuals wanting to be near the action.

    a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

    The neighborhoods north of Malá Strana are Bubenec and Dejvice, the chicest and most affluent residential areas in Prague. There are some moderately priced yet high-end hotels situated here along with numerous noteworthy attractions suitable for families, such as an aquarium, planetarium, dancing fountain, and Stromova, the city`s largest park. The nostalgic tram ride 41 on an antiquated streetcar also originates in the Dejvice neighborhood at the Museum of Public Transportation. Transport links to downtown are straightforward and this locale is proximal to the airport as well.

    This region stretches northeast into Letná and Holesovice, a traditionally working population neighborhood that is becoming more trendy step by step. Currently, lodging prices here offer great value and nightlife caters to a hipper local crowd, but dining selections are limited. The C Metro line goes straight into downtown, making it simple to enter and exit. The primary sight here is Letná park with its outstanding vistas of Old Town.

    You`ll obtain a local and more industrial vibe from the neighborhoods of Karlín and Zizkov, situated to the east of the northern section of New Town. This is where you`ll discover most of Prague`s better hostels and low-cost accommodations. It`s easy to access downtown by Metro or by walking for about 20-30 minutes. Zizkov is known for its boisterous pub scene and there are some good (though not fancy) places to dine too, generally in the form of trendy cafes. There are a few attractions over this way, like the strange sight of the massive TV Tower adorned with baby sculptures crawling on it, and the beautiful Art Deco National Monument housing a museum containing items mostly from the 20th century. This is a great neighborhood for backpackers or younger travelers on a tight budget.

    Heading south from here, you’ll reach the higher-end and quite stylish Vinohrady and Vrsovice neighborhoods. With some good hotel options and some very good globally-inspired places to dine, the streets and parks are great for wandering around, far from the tourist swarms. That said, this is still quite close to the city center, with the Metro or tram getting you in within 20-30 minutes.

    The Best Places to Stay in Prague

    a large body of water surrounded by buildings

    Best Areas in Prague for…

    • For first-time visitors to Prague, the best area to stay is Staré Mesto (Old Town) in the historic center near top attractions.
    • You can`t go wrong if you establish yourself in Old Town – it`s rather lovely, central, packed with dining and sights, and yet easy to wander over the Charles Bridge to Malá Strana for additional sightseeing. You can also find accommodations to accommodate most budgets. The Old Town is also the best place to stay if you`re visiting Prague without an automobile.

    • Best zone in Prague for sightseeing: Malá Strana
    • Exploring Malá Strana on foot allows one to regularly come upon more areas of cobblestone roads, exceptionally tall places of worship, baroque gardens, world-renowned collections, and of course, the grand Prague Castle. Beginning at Charles Bridge with its introspective statues and scenic perspectives over the river, then wandering to St Nicholas Church, casually observing storefronts along fairy-tale lanes, and making your way up to Prague Castle’s galleries, houses of worship, and more – this will occupy at minimum a full day.

    • Best Area in Prague for Nightlife: Nové Mesto (New Town)
      Beer is said to be cheaper than water in Prague and hordes of people come from around the world to drink here. Venues like clubs, beer gardens, breweries, cocktail bars, jazz lounges – no matter your preference for a night out, you can find satisfaction here.
    • Considered Prague`s foodie epicenter, Staré Mesto (Old Town) lures gastronomes with cozy cafes and world-class restaurants.
    • There are so many excellent restaurants in this neighborhood providing a wide variety of delicious options that finding somewhere to enjoy a meal would be possible even with your eyes closed. Options range greatly from upscale European dining beside the river to first-rate American steakhouse cuisine in George Prime Steak. New Town is an easy walk away and contains yet more possibilities for dining.

    • Best Areas in Prague for Families: Bubenec & Dejvice
    • Baseing yourself in these neighborhoods places you near tranquil surrounds like the aquarium, planetarium, dancing fountain, and Stromova, the city’s largest park. Tram route 41 starting in the Dejvice neighborhood also provides a nostalgic trip on a vintage streetcar. Public transportation makes reaching Old Town easy within around 15-20 minutes, and the walk to Prague Castle takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
    • a clock tower in the middle of a city

    • Most charming area in Prague: Malá Strana
      Malá Strana appears like something from a fantasy with its aged stone pathways, houses dating back centuries, the Gothic spires of St Nicholas Church, and Prague Castle rising above everything else. Numerous dining selections here are bistro-style, perfect for a table for two along with a white tablecloth as well as a bottle of wine. Then there are the views across the river to Old Town – or walk there across the remarkably scenic Charles Bridge.
    • Best Districts in Prague for a Local Vibe: Karlin & Zizkov
      Residing in this more industrial neighborhood outside the city center distances visitors from tourists while immersing them in a hipper local atmosphere. Strolling the architecturally stunning street, relaxing in parks, examining the uniquely peculiar TV Tower, savoring coffee in tiny cafes, or discovering youthful entertaining pubs offers appeal. Additionally, it`s approximated 15 minutes via public transit or a 30-minute walk to downtown.
    • Pedestrian-Friendliest Area in Prague: Malá Strana
      Really any neighborhood in Prague is great for walking but Malá Strana has less busy lanes, a huge array of parks, some hills to help you stay fit, and stunning views over the river and town. Historical landmarks and architecture are everywhere.
    • Safest Areas of Prague
      Anywhere in central Prague in daylight tends to be quite safe. That said, take the regular cautions of not traveling alone intoxicated late at night and being aware of your surroundings.
    • Unsafe Areas of Prague
      Drinking and drugs are usually involved in some form or another in a large percentage of Prague’s crimes that target tourists. Staying out late at night, heavy drinking and/or buying/using drugs will (as anywhere) increase the risk of theft and violence.

    The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Prague for Tourists

    a building with a clock on the side of it

    1. Malá Strana

    The eastern area of the Vltava River known as Malá Strana historically encompasses the area directly beneath Prague Castle. Hradcany, where Prague Castle is located, is technically another district, but it is included here for simplicity`s sake along with Malá Strana since most visitors will experience both areas simultaneously during their time in the city. This is an extremely scenic part of the neighborhood featuring cobbled streets, lanes lined with ancient houses, and views across the river to the Old Town. Begin at Charles Bridge then wind through antique roads to magnificent churches, charming shops, lively bars, and some quality restaurants, some offering the best panoramas in the city. Up the hill is Prague Castle, arguably one of Prague’s top attractions filled with numerous museums, churches, and even a monastery, warranting a full day to explore.

    • Top Hotels: Mandarin OrientalAugustineAria HotelAlchymist Prague Castle Suites
    • Essentially a small city within itself with its own skyscrapers, this area boasts superb perspectives of Sydney and its harbor, opera house and extension, and offers a lot of inns, cafés, bars and shops. Scarcely 3 halts by prepare from core Sydney, it’s a significantly more reasonable base, with some lodging rates half of those charged simply over the link. North Sydney is likewise convenient for brief voyages to close attractions, for example, Taronga Zoo and the Luna Park diversion focus. The Meriton Suites has single and double room suites with finish cooking zone that are incredible for families.

    2. Staré Mesto (Old Town)

    Old Town is simply jam-packed with sights and often people as well. Everything revolves around Old Town Square, which houses one of the city’s biggest attractions, the Astronomical Clock. Paths and lanes branch out from here, with churches, museums, cafes, restaurants, and some great beer-drinking locales. North of the square are ancient synagogues and the Jewish Cemetery and Museum that are a must-visit for comprehending the city’s history. It’s easy to walk across the Charles Bridge from this area to reach Mala Strana or head east or south into the more commercial and urban feeling Nové Mesto (New Town).

    3. Nové Mesto (New Town)

    a large body of water with a bridge over it

    This area of Prague feels fresh in that it accommodates most of the shopping, nightlife, and commercial activity, though the structures remain grand and sometimes date back seven centuries. Visit here to shop, socialize, dine, and take in museums like the Mucha Museum and National Museum. Charles Square represents the largest in the city, even if Wenceslas receives more tourist foot traffic and has a grand boulevard feel. (New Town surrounds Old Town to the east, southeast, and south.)

    4. Vinohrady & Vrsovice

    This area was once home to a vineyard but nowadays has a trendy urban vibe away from the core tourist zones. While lacking major attractions, these places are wonderful to explore leisurely and allow appreciation for the refined architecture combined with the abundant parks and perspectives of Prague Castle. International cuisine also features prominently here, seen mostly through options like Mexican and Vietnamese dining. Access is available via Metro or tram in approximately 20-30 minutes from the Old Town district.

    5. Smichov & Vysehrad

    Vysehrad Castle is a sprawling complex situated atop a hill housing various museums, an ancient burial ground, and the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, an architectural marvel in the Art Nouveau design. The views over the river from here are spectacular and you`re more likely to find local families enjoying the space on weekends than tourists, especially. Smíchov comes across as more industrial and constitutes one of Prague`s grittier neighborhoods, but the area is on the upswing and proves a fruitful hunting ground for trendy coffee shops, breweries, and cafes.

    6. Bubenec & Dejvice

    These neighborhoods north of Malá Strana are stylish (Bubenec more so) and a great location for families. Sights include an aquarium, planetarium, a dancing fountain display, the huge Stromova Park, and the Museum of Public Transportation that marks the starting point of a pleasant sightseeing journey on nostalgic Tram 41. Dejvice is particularly good for Communist-era architecture and this is most evident at the Hotel International.

    7. Letna & Holecovice

    Locals cite Holecovice as the coolest area of Prague even though sightseers searching for attractions won’t find much over this way. The cool factor stems more from the nightlife and coffee shops. The green spaces, particularly Letna Park, are a major attraction and the neighborhoods are as safe as they are clean and nice. It’s also easy to arrive here with the C Metro line running directly into downtown.

    8. Karlin & Zizkov

    There aren’t many famous landmarks located here but locals enjoy spending time in these neighborhoods, especially younger travelers, for their lively nightlife and affordable lodging options. It’s an area with an industrial past housing some antique structures along with more street art than inner sections of the city. Wandering through provides chances to find trendy cafes and budget-friendly meals while taking in the peculiar yet interesting TV Tower. The primary attraction is the National Monument, an art deco building containing a collection focused largely on the 20th century.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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