Where To Stay in Prague: Prague’s Coolest Neighbourhoods

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Where to Stay in Prague: Advice from Canadian expats in Prague about the best areas to stay in Prague, Czech Republic! Includes guides to Prague’s coolest neighborhoods and Prague neighborhood maps. Start your search for the best place to stay in Prague here!

Where to Stay in Prague

Prague Trip Planning Resources: Where to Stay | Things to Do | What to Pack

Short on time? Here are my top three hotel recommendations for Prague:

1. Design Hotel Neruda – The #1 choice amongst our readers! In the charming Mala Strana district, just outside the city center. In a charming historical building, this hotel is just a short walk from the castle and Charles Bridge. Check availability here.

2. MOODS Charles Bridge – A lovely four-star hotel, right in the heart of charming Old Town, Prague. If you want to be right in the center of the action, this is the place. Check availability here.

3. La Fenice – An inexpensive hotel in the trendy Vinohrady area. This area has more of a local feel, but still provides easy access to the city center. Check availability here.

One late September evening, as we looked out over the red tiled roofs from Prague castle, a darkening purpleish dusk setting in, I said to my husband, “it looks like we live in a fairytale kingdom.”

We’ve used that term to describe Prague many times, and it has always felt accurate. While many European capitals were rebuilt after WWII, Prague was relatively unharmed. So many of the rooftops we look out over today are the same rooftops enjoyed by 8th century kings and Praguers throughout the centuries. It’s a view that never gets old.

Although Prague is relatively small for a capital city, and many of the sites are walkable, your visit to Prague will be shaped by the area you stay in.

Our main goal for this guide is to answer the question, where should I stay in Prague? But we also want to give you ideas for your trip, and help you get beyond Old Town to explore the Prague neighborhoods untouched by most visitors.

While most tourists choose to stay in or near Prague’s historical center, there are plenty of other areas to stay in Prague. Staying in some of these other neighborhoods will still allow you to enjoy the main attractions, while also experiencing local life and perhaps saving some money.

We learned a great deal about Prague while living in the Golden City. We’ve done our best to share that information here. Hopefully you can use this as a complete Prague guide, rather than merely a where to stay in Prague guide.

 

 Where to Stay in Prague: An Introduction

Before we moved to the Czech Republic, I remember being pretty confused trying to figure out where to stay in Prague.

When we visited back in 2012, we stayed near Wenceslas Square because we figured that would be the center of the action.

While it’s not far from Old Town Square, and Wenceslas Square is quite beautiful by day, it’s not the nicest at night. Although it’s well-lit, well-policed, and busy, there are also ‘gentlemen’ only clubs, casinos and prostitution. We never felt unsafe, but it wasn’t the charming Prague experience we were after.

When we decided to move to Prague in 2014, we still had a difficult time trying to find the best area to stay in Prague. We were befuddled by the city’s numbering system. We couldn’t find much information about Prague’s cool neighbourhoods.

We wondered whether Prague is safe in all neighborhoods, or if we needed to avoid some bad areas. And we weren’t sure which areas of Prague were convenient for public transportation. Indeed, it was generally quite difficult figuring out what the best area to stay in Prague is.

Understanding Prague’s Numbering System When Choosing Where to Stay

Central Prague is made up of different numbered districts. When you’re trying to figure out the best area to stay in Prague, consider staying in Prague 1 through Prague 10. These districts are more-or-less convenient for both visitors and residents.

Although Prague 1 is the heart of the tourist district – this is where Old Town Square and the Castle are – it doesn’t follow that Prague 10 is the furthest away. Prague 2 through 10 spiral around Prague 1 like a snail’s shell, but it’s far from a perfect spiral.

Prague’s districts are also quite large. For example, we lived in Prague 5, but our flat was right on the border of Prague 2.

Because of this, our apartment was close to the city centre and the river. Had we lived on the opposite edge of Prague 5, we would have been in ‘the boonies.’

At the beginning of the main Prague neighborhood sections, we’ve included a map that shows the neighborhood’s borders. Take a look at each map to get an idea of where the neighborhood is, and which part of the area is most convenient in relation to the city center.

Prague Neighborhoods Maps and Descriptions

The Prague neighborhoods maps below outline the 8 best areas to stay in Prague (colorful outlines) and main Prague attractions (red map markers). These maps should give you an idea of where each neighborhood is in relation to the Prague highlights you’ll want to see.

Prague neighborhood map of prague where to stay in prague
Prague neighborhood map of prague where to stay in prague

📍 1. Prague Castle; 2. Old Town Square; 3. Wenceslas Square; 4. Charles Bridge; 5. Dancing House; 6. Powder Tower; 7. National Theatre

(Use the links below to skip ahead to each neighborhood section, which contains a full description of each Prague neighborhood)

Most Popular Prague Neighborhoods for Tourists

Malá Strana: The historic castle district and ‘little quarter,’ Malá Strana is great for travelers who want to be in the center of historic Prague, and also enjoy a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere. This is a great place to stay for a romantic holiday or quiet city break. A word of warning: Nerudova St. sits on a hill, which is worth knowing if you have mobility issues. Find hotels in Mala Strana.

Old Town Prague: Stay in Prague’s Old Town if you want to be in the center of the action and in the liveliest and most touristic part of Prague. Find hotels in Old Town.

New Town Prague: The word ‘New’ doesn’t really mean new in this case. This 14th century Prague neighborhood surrounds Old Town. It is easily walkable, mostly flat, and well served by trams and the metro. Prague New Town has plenty to see, along with a vast selection of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shopping. Find hotels in New Town.

Alternative and “Cool” Prague Neighborhoods

Vinohrady: (pronounced: vee-no-raa-dee) Quiet and central, Vinohrady has beautiful buildings and tree-lined streets. Filled with restaurants, pubs, and cafés, Prague’s international community loves this neighborhood. So do young, middle-class families looking to put down roots. Find hotels in Vinohrady.

Žižkov: (pronounced: zhizh-kov) Full of cafes, pubs and boutique restaurants offering fare that won’t blow the budget, Žižkov is convenient and budget-friendly. Find hotels in Zizkov.

Holešovice / Letna: (pronounced: hoh-lesh-oh-vit-say) Further away from the center and with less metro access, Letna-Holesovice is home to Letna park and beer garden. It’s a neighborhood in transition, with hip areas, as well as industrial and working class spots. Find hotels in Holesovice.

Karlín: (pronounced: car-leen) Located next to the Vltava river, Karlin is trendy. Restaurants, bars and galleries seem to be opening all the time. Find hotels in Karlin.

Smíchov / Anděl: (pronounced: smee-hoff / and-yell) While it’s unlikely anyone would call Anděl quaint and charming, it’s convenient and offers high-value accommodations. Find hotels in Smichov. 

Where to Stay in Prague: Prague 1 includes Malá Strana and Old Town

Most tourists stay in Prague 1, and with good reason. This is where most Prague highlights are located, and you can get to almost everything without taking the metro or a tram.

Both Malá Strana (Little Quarter) and Staré Město (Old Town) are beautiful areas in which to stay. That said, if you stay in Prague 1, your experience will be very much that of a tourist. It’s convenient, but over-priced. It’s busy, but not with everyday Czech life.

If someone I knew was coming to Prague for 2 to 5 days to see the main sites and experience Prague’s famous old city, I’d suggest they stay in Prague 1. Prague 1 is the perfect base for a short-term trip to Prague, when your main focus is sightseeing! (Here are our favorite things to do in Mala Strana.)

As Prague 1 includes both the Mala Strana side (the same side of the river as Prague Castle) and the Old Town Side, we’ve done the same in our neighborhood descriptions below! 

Malá Strana

For a perfect day in Malá Strana, start your day at Café Savoy. Their breakfasts are famous, so be sure to make a reservation. After breakfast, go to Újezd and take the funicular (which is just around corner) to the top of Petřín hill. If you are not tired, we recommend you walk through park, which has beautiful views. Enjoy your view over all of Prague from Petřín tower and have fun in mirror maze. Don’t miss the nice walk from Petřín hill to Prague castle, where you can visit the Castle and cathedral. Klára Kvitová, Cafe Savoy
where to stay in prague map prague 1 mala strana

Prague Castle; St. Nicholas Church; Charles Bridge; Kampa Island;  Franz Kafka Museum; John Lennon Wall Mandarin Oriental; EA Residence U Bílé kuželky; Vintage Design Hotel Sax; Hotel William,  Design Hotel Neruda


What’s to Love About Mala Strana?

If you like peace, quiet, and tranquility, and you want a slightly less touristic experience than Old Town Prague, you will probably enjoy staying in Malá Strana.

Malá Strana began as an 8th century settlement, and gained prominence a century later with the founding of Prague castle.

Mala Strana means ‘Little Quarter,’ and is on the “castle side” of the Vltava River. Parts of the area have the feeling of a peaceful village, but it’s still walkable to Charles Bridge, Old Town, and many other Prague attractions.

If you stay in Malá Strana, you’ll be in one of Prague’s most historic parts, but still enjoy a calmer setting than Old Town. expect chilled out restaurants and pubs, rather than the rowdier bar scene of Old Town.

Because this peaceful Prague neighborhood leads directly up to Prague Castle and is home to some famous landmarks, Malá Strana’s main streets do tend to get crowded during the day.

The historic Nerudova Street, which leads from St. Nicholas Church up to Prague Castle, gets particularly busy. You’ll no doubt find yourself on this street at some point.

When you do, take a look above some of the doorways to spot decorative violins, golden cups, suns, and others. These decorations are holdovers from a time when Prague didn’t have proper addresses, and each decoration was a way of identifying the home or building!

Who Should Stay in Mala Strana?

Malá Strana Prague is great for a romantic vacation, families, sightseeing and culture, and for travelers who enjoy laid-back pubs.

Many of Mala Strana’s streets are on an incline leading up to castle hill. Keep this in mind if you have mobility issues, and consider staying closer to the river if the hill is a problem.

From the river to Malostranske Namesti and St. Nicholas Church is relatively flat. Malostranske Namesti and St. Nicholas Church to Prague Castle is uphill.

Top Mala Strana Prague Highlights:

  • Prague Castle – Although it’s technically located in the Hradcany district, Mala Strana lies at the base of Prague’s castle hill and extends up from the river to the Castle’s doorstep. It just wouldn’t be right not to list it here, and staying in Mala Strana means you’re super close to the Castle. Be sure to read our insider’s guide to visiting Prague Castle.
  • Charles Bridge – Spanning the Vltava River, this famous 14th-century bridge connects Mala Strana with Old Town. Don’t miss the views from the towers at each end. Don’t miss my tips for visiting Charles Bridge.
  • Franz Kafka Museum – Kafka fans should visit the museum itself. Everyone should visit the courtyard outside the museum to see ‘Piss,’ a sculpture by David Cerny. It consists of two men peeing (water) on a map of the Czech Republic. We’ll let you decipher the artist’s message! Be sure to read our DIY Walking Tour of Prague’s Bizarre Sculptures for more like this!
  • St Nicholas Church – The 18th-century church was built by 3 generations of the same family. It has a stunning interior well worth a look, and Mozart once played the church’s pipe organ.
  • Kampa Island – A man-made island built for the mill industry in the 12th century, Kampa Island feels a world away from the crowds of the historical center. Despite this, it runs directly underneath Charles Bridge and is very convenient to visit.
  • John Lennon Wall – The wall mysteriously sprung into existence as a memorial after the singer’s murder. It then morphed into a symbol of peace and freedom. Throughout the communist years, secret police tried tirelessly to keep the wall freshly painted, but the messages of peace and freedom kept returning. Bring a marker and contribute your own message!

Be sure to check out our full Mala Strana neighborhood guide, and top things to do in Mala Strana for more ideas!

Pros & Cons of Staying in Malá Strana

Pros

      • Central and convenient
      • Close to Prague castle and many other attractions
      • Quieter than Old Town

Cons

      • Pricey
      • Main streets are busy and touristy during the day
      • Some hills to walk up
Mala Strana Pro Tip
Toward the top of Nerudova Street, you’ll find what some say is the best trdelník in Prague at Creperie U Kajetána (Nerudova 248/17). Trdelník is a chimney cake, kind of like a donut, but a bit more cakey than doughy. It’s cooked over a charcoal fire, and typically served with cinnamon, sugar, chocolate, and sometimes some nuts. While we can’t say Creperie U Kajetána is the best in the city for sure, we can confirm it is delicious!

Where to Stay in Prague Malá Strana: Top Prague Hotels in Malá Strana

Mandarin Oriental 5-Star Hotel Prague

9.2 / 10 on Booking.com

A luxury 5-star property, the Mandarin Oriental sits in a restored 14th Century monastery. The spa is in the former chapel! Luxurious touches you can expect include underfloor heating, a bedding/pillow menu, evening turn-down service, and essential oils. The hotel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Prague Castle.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

EA Residence U Bílé kuželky (Formerly: Lokal Inn)

9.0 / 10 on Booking.com

This boutique hotel strikes a lovely balance between modern and cozy/romantic. Located in the heart of Malá Strana, past guests mention location, quietness, and design as stand out features. Guests seem to love the bar/restaurant downstairs, as well, which offers classic Czech cuisine. Some past guests has mentioned the restaurant/bar adds to the noise in the hotel – worth considering if you’re a light sleeper!

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Vintage Design Hotel Sax 4-Star Hotel Prague

8.5 / 10 on Booking.com

Small, cute and quirky is how we’d describe this 4-star design hotel. Decor channels decades past – the 50s to 70s – and look like a lot of fun. It’s in a good location within walking distance to everything, and gets top marks for being quiet! If you’re looking for something kitschy and different, this might be your hotel.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Hotel William 3-Star Hotel Prague

8.5 / 10 on Booking.com

This 3-star budget option is in a great location, includes breakfast, and gets glowing reviews. If you’re looking for a quiet base while exploring Prague, and you’re on a budget, this seems like a great option. The price comes in between $50 and $70 when we look on Booking.com.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Hotel Neruda Boutique Hotel Prague

8.9 / 10 on Booking.com

Our readers seem to love this place, and with good reason, too! It looks beautiful, comfortable, and relaxing – always a winning combo. A 4-star hotel located in a 14th-century building on the famous Nerudova Street, it’s a short walk from the Castle and Charles Bridge.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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St Nicholas Church in Mala Strana Prague
Prague Card

Prague Card

Grab a Prague Card before you come and enjoy free entry to 60+ attractions including Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Golden Lane, and St. George’s Basilica. It also includes entry to the Jewish Museum, several synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and lots more. It basically includes entry to everything a tourist would want to see in Prague. Plus, you get a city bus tour and river cruise! Available in 2, 3 and 4 day increments.

Click to Learn More

Old Town Prague (Staré Mesto)


The heart of Prague’s tourist center, Old Town Prague is one of the prettiest areas of the city. It’s full of gorgeous architecture, ambiance, and plenty to do. Staying in Old Town ensures you’ll have access to pretty much everything you’ll want to see.

Old Town Square is anchored by Old Town Hall, the Astronomical Clock, and Our Lady Before Týn church. The streets radiating out from Old Town Square lead into the old Jewish Quarter (Josefov) and to Charles Bridge.

If you follow the streets southeast of Old Town Square, you’ll reach Wenceslas Square in New Town.

While Malá Strana is a bit quieter and more tranquil, Prague’s Old Town is the heart of the action. To be fair, that doesn’t mean it will be loud and rowdy where you stay: there are plenty of quiet pockets. It’s just that Old Town has far more going on.

If you love an urban vibe, want access to cocktail bars and shops, and don’t mind running into partiers while you’re out and about, Old Town is for you.

From Old Town Square, it’s about a 10- to 12-minute stroll to Charles Bridge, and about a 25-minute walk to Prague Castle. There is an uphill climb as you get closer to the Castle, but you can also take tram #22.

Staying in Old Town Prague means you’ll also have access to all three metro lines, trams, and plenty of restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars.

Who Should Stay in Old Town Prague?

Old Town is the best place to stay in Prague if you love history, culture, nightlife, a beautiful setting, and a busy city vibe … and you want it all at your doorstep!

Old Town is good for any type of traveler. If your time in Prague is short, it’s hands-down the best place to stay in Prague.

Attractions, restaurants, cafés, bars, and museums, are all easily walkable if you stay in Old Town. It is a flat area of town, and there is plenty to see.

Top Old Town Prague Highlights:

  • Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock – Prague’s Old Town Hall has amazing views from the top, and thankfully has an elevator. The Astronomical Clock has a little show at the top of each hour. It’s a bit underwhelming today, but pretty cool for being 600 years old.
  • Our Lady Before Tyn Church – Impressive from the exterior, not many venture inside. The main part is free, but the temple area costs 25kc (in the form of a suggested donation).
  • Old Jewish Quarter – While the entire Jewish Quarter is worth spending a couple of hours in, the two main attractions are the Pinkas Synagogue and the Old Cemetery. The Pinkas Synagogue has a couple of very moving memorials to the victims of the Holocaust. The Old Jewish Cemetery is another interesting site. For roughly 350 years, it was the only place Jews were allowed to be buried in Prague. As a result, there are an estimated 100,000 people buried beneath 1200 plots.
  • Walk the Royal Route – Czech kings arrived at Prague Castle’s St. Vitus Cathedral via the “Royal Route.” It runs from the Municipal House in Namesti Republiky, through the gates of Powder Tower to Old Town Square, and on to Charles Bridge and Mala Strana.
  • Powder Tower – It’s sometimes called Powder Gate because it was used to store gun powder in the 17th century. Built as a coronation gift to Vladislav II in the 15th century, it’s one of the original city gates. Kings passed through here en route to their coronation. 

Staying in Old Town Pros & Cons

Pros

      • Central and convenient
      • Close to most Prague attractions
      • No hills to climb
      • Many bars and restaurants

Cons

      • Pricey
      • Busy and touristy
      • Can be loud at night in some parts
Prague Old Town Pro Tip
Old Town Prague can be pretty expensive. In many places in Prague, a 0.5L glass of premium Pilsner costs less than CKZ 40. In Old Town, don’t be surprised if prices are closer to CKZ 90 for the same beer.

Because of this, if you’re on a budget but want to stay in Old Town Prague, splurge on meals and drinks at the places you really want to try. Venture outside Old Town for the rest of your meals.

Where to Stay in Prague Old Town: Top Hotels in Prague Old Town 

Check out:  Four Seasons Prague  Myo Hotel Mysterius Josephine Old Town Square Hotel Hotel Rott and these top rated hotels…

Iron Gate Luxury Hotel and Suites Prague

8.8 / 10 on Booking.com

A 5-star hotel around the $150 to $200 range, in an awesome “heart of the Old Town” location only a few minutes walk from Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Mustek Metro station, which serves the A and B Lines (green and yellow). You’ll be close to shopping, restaurants, boutique and international coffee chains (Costa Coffee and Starbucks), and transportation, and you can still walk everywhere from here!

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

MOODs Charles Bridge 4-Star in Prague

9.4 / 10 on Booking.com

A lovely 4-star hotel in the most amazing location. Just steps to the Charles Bridge and just a few minutes walk through the fairytale streets to the iconic Old Town Square. Well appointed rooms featuring smart TVs, large King sized beds, coffee/tea making facilities, safe and complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer. On site you’ll find a bar, fitness center and spa. A daily breakfast is available to all guests.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

U Tri Bubnu 3-Star Hotel Prague

7.5 / 10 on Booking.com

A 3-star hotel around the $90 range in a great location right in Old Town, with great customer reviews and really nice-looking rooms! It’s only 2 blocks walking to Staroměstská Metro station (Line A), and about the same distance to a tram stop. If you’re mobile and somewhat active, you’re within walking distance to Charles Bridge (5 minutes), the Rudolfinum (5 minutes), the National Library (3 minutes), Old Town Square (10 minutes), St. Nicholas Church (10 minutes), and the Castle (20 minutes, with a somewhat steep hill). *Note – this hotel doesn’t have an elevator, a source of complaints from some guests on TripAdvisor!

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Hotel Residence Bologna 3-Star Hotel Prague

8.2 / 10 on Booking.com

A 3-star hotel around the $65 range in a great location right in Old Town, with okay customer reviews – this seems like a good, but not amazing, budget option. Walking distance to the metro and tram, and if you’re reasonably active, you’ll likely be able to walk to almost all the places you want to visit while in Prague. You’ll be super close to the river for great views of the castle, and will have lots of options for restaurants and cafes nearby!

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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The view from Old Town Hall tower prague

Where to Stay in Prague: New Town Prague (Nové Město)

where to stay in prague map prague new town

 Dancing House; National Theatre; Wenceslas Square; Náplavka

La Ballerina; Hotel UNIC; Boat Hotel Matylda


The “New” in New Town is a bit misleading. In fact, Prague’s New Town is more than 700 years old!

Despite the misnomer, New Town is a great place to stay in Prague. It’s close to all the main attractions, and has a few of its own, including the National Theatre (Národní divadlo), Dancing House, Narodni trida, and Lucerna Passage.

New Town is also home to plenty of pubs and places to eat. If you’re sick of Czech food, Globe Cafe (Pštrossova 1925/6) has a North America-inspired menu. U Fleku is also a must visit: it’s a traditional Czech beer and food hall.

Who Should Stay in New Town Prague?

New Town Prague is a great area to stay in Prague for just about anyone.

Outside the buzz of Old Town, it feels like you’re still in the center of things. It’s well connected with both tram and metro options, and also very walkable. It has a great selection of bars, cafes and restaurants, and has a nice riverside scene in summer at Naplavka.

Top New Town Prague Highlights:

  • Dancing House – Co-designed by Frank Gehry, its modern architecture somehow fits-in with is surroundings. Opened in 1996, it was inspired by dancing duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
  • National Theatre – Completed in the 1860s, the National Theatre has been a pillar of Czech culture ever since! The theatre helped the country persevere through oppression, and the building symbolizes that triumph. Check out the intricate rooftop sculptures. 
  • Wenceslas Square – More of a rectangle than a square, it’s a hub of commercial activity, and is also home to a few notable and beautiful buildings. The top of the square is home to the National Museum, with a statue of Wenceslas riding a horse in the foreground. The bottom of the square is a great place to grab Czech street food.
  • David Cerny Statues – There are a couple of well-known and bizarre Cerny scultures within walking distance of each other. Upside Down Dead Horse being Ridden by St. Wenceslas (Lucerna Passage – Štěpánská 61) and the giant rotating Kafka’s Head (Národní 63/26) behind the big Tesco MY are both in New Town.
  • Náplavka – A seasonal treat during warmer months, Naplavka is across from Dancing House. Take the ramp that leads down to a paved path along the river. You’ll find open air bars, live music, grills, and small boats selling cheap drinks and food. In the evening, the sunset is gorgeous behind the castle.

For a deeper dive into this popular district, check out our full Insider’s Guide to Old Town and our favorite things to do in Old Town.

Staying in New Town Pros & Cons

Pros

      • Central and convenient
      • Walkable to most Prague attractions
      • Well connected with trams/metro
      • Lots of bar and restaurant options

Cons

      • Pricey
      • Busy and touristy in some parts
Prague New Town Pro Tip
Outdoor beer gardens are a popular option in Prague, but they’re seasonal and only open in warm weather.

If you visit Prague in winter or bad weather, instead check out U Fleku (Křemencova 11), a traditional Czech beer hall. The food is good and well-priced, and they’ve been brewing their own beer for more than 500 years – a sure sign they’ve perfected the process!

Where to Stay in Prague New Town: Hotels in Prague New Town 

Check out: Dancing House Hotel Mosaic House and these other great New Town Prague hotels…

La Ballerina Luxury Boutique Hotel Prague

9.3 / 10 on Booking.com

A beautiful-looking 5-star hotel with a design hotel feel to it, La Ballerina is technically in Prague 2, but it’s away from the expat centres of IP Pavlova and Namesti Miru. Located right on the river, this would be a beautiful place to stay if you want to go for morning runs along the river, and evening beers (in the summer) along the Naplavka riverfront walk which fills up with street-food-style restaurants and bars between May and October, weather dependent. This hotel gets fantastic reviews and looks delightful!

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Hotel UNIC 4-Star Hotel Prague

9.4 / 10 on Booking.com

A 4-star hotel around the $130 range, this hotel is close to Prague’s beautiful Jewish Quarter and is within walking distance to the Old Town Square. It’s only a few blocks from Namesti Republiky (Republic Square), which has a metro stop and a large shopping mall with coffee (Paul, Starbucks, McDonalds, as well as non-chain shops), a grocery store, etc. It’s also close to one of our favorite “views” in Prague, from the T-Anker restaurant patio (Check out our top 10 views in Prague). Really hard to think of any negatives about this place, especially considering they get great reviews from past guests, too.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Boat Hotel Matylda Prague

8.8 / 10 on Booking.com

Boat hotels (Botels) are a unique accommodation option in Prague and, as you may have guess from the name, are hotels on boats. This place is a 4-star, right on the river in Prague 2, and in a fantastic location near the Dancing House, and at the quiet end of “Naplavka” a river-front area that turns into a bar and restaurant area when the weather is nice from late Spring to early Fall. We’ve walked past this boat hotel hundreds of times, and it looks really cool plus it has great reviews. Prices in the $110 to $120 range.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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The dancing house where to stay in Prague New Town

Prague’s Cool Neighborhoods: Best Areas to Stay in Prague Outside the Historic Center

Old Town, New Town, and Mala Strana are the main tourist areas and the most popular places to stay in Prague. However, there are plenty of other choices as well.

Outside the main tourist centre, you’ll find some of the best areas to stay in Prague. These neighbourhoods let you experience local life in Prague, while still providing a convenient base to explore from.

If you enjoy a bit of walking or aren’t averse to taking public transit, you can save a bundle and add to your experience.

For something more “authentic,” you may want to stay in one of these Prague neighbourhoods… 

Where to Stay in Prague: Vinohrady

where to stay in prague map prague vinohrady

Namesti Miru; Havlíčkovy sady; Vinohrady TheatreAnkora Hotel; La Fenice; Deminka Palace; Clarion Hotel Prague


Once a 14th century vineyard, charming Vinohrady is one of Prague’s ‘it’ neighborhoods. Praguers want to live in Vinohrady, and it’s also one of the best areas to stay in Prague as a tourist.

Vinohrady is beautiful, elegant, and full of young professionals and young families. It’s convenient without being too loud or crazy. It’s no surprise this Prague neighborhood is a favorite given its proximity to Old Town and cool community vibe.

Vinohrady stretches between 2 metro stations: Náměstí Míru and Jiřího z Poděbrad (or JZP), on Metro Line A (Green). With excellent tram connections and metro access, Vinohrady is convenient for public transit. It’s also within walking distance to Wenceslas Square.

Who Should Stay in Vinohrady?

Choose to stay in Vinohrady if you want to be within easy reach of the city center, without being in the tourist center. If you love neighborhood cafés, restaurants, and pubs, you’ll likely enjoy Vinohrady. Nearby Riegrovy Sady park has an awesome beer garden and views of the city.

Top Vinohrady Prague Highlights:

  • Náměstí Miru  – (Peace Square) A well-maintained little square, Náměstí Miru is dominated by the 19th-century neogothic Cathedral of St Ludmila. At Christmas and Easter, there is a cute local market.
  • Náměstí Miru Metro Station – It’s the deepest metro station within the EU, and has the longest escalator as well. Not exactly a tourist draw, but quirky nonetheless.
  • Havlíčkovy sady – Prague’s second-largest park with a gorgeous Italian Renaissance-inspired villa. This park is a wonderful spot to spend a couple of hours in. The villa, vineyard, and English gardens surrounding the old estate were once used as a retreat by the Hapsburgs. During a darker period in history, they were used a Hitler Youth training center during the Nazi occupation.
  • Vinohrady Theatre – A beautiful early 20th-century Art Nouveau building, you’ll find it next to Namesti Miru.

Staying in Vinohrady Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quiet and laid back
  • Walkable to Wenceslas Square
  • Easy tram/metro access
  • Many cafes, bars and restaurants
  • Local living
  • Less expensive than Old Town

Cons

      • Too quiet for some travelers
Vinohrady Pro Tip
If you’re in Prague during market season (Christmas and Easter, typically), both Náměstí Miru and Tylovo Náměstí have great markets that cater mostly to locals. While the market at Náměstí Miru is the best, the mulled wine (Svařák in Czech) at Tylovo Náměstí is the best!

Where to Stay in Prague: Vinohrady Hotels

Check out: Deminka Palace Clarion Hotel Prague City and these great Vinohrady Prague hotel choices…

Ankora Hotel 3-Star Prague

8.6 / 10 on Booking.com

A 3-star hotel around the $100 range right by the metro station IP Pavlova (and one of my favorite coffee shops in Prague: Anonymous Coffee). This places looks clean and modern with great customer reviews, and it’s in a good location on 10 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square and 10 minutes to Namesti Miru, which is a pretty square and expat hot-spot rimmed by non-touristy restaurants. You can walk into Old Town from here (20 minutes) or take a tram or metro, and can jump on the metro to get to the castle.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

La Fenice 3-Star Hotel Prague

8.3 / 10 on Booking.com

A 3-star option that seems to be a cross between a hotel and an apartment, this place seems to offer pretty good value in the $60 to $70 price range, and it’s in a great location if you want to see “real” Prague. Right near the JZP metro station, you’ll share the neighbourhood with young Czechs and expats, and will have lots of options to choose from when it comes to restaurants and bars. There is also a seasonal Farmers Market on the nearby square!

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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A guide to Vinohrady district Prague

Where to Stay in Prague: Žižkov

Žižkov is a vibrant and lively neighborhood that’s very residential and full of families with kids. The atmosphere is unique, not so stiff and official, making it east to get to know people, and meet friends in the park, outside or over a glass of wine in our bistro. A lot of trees and parks allow people to spend more time outside, which brings people together. Markéta Tichavská, La Bottega Gastronomica

Žižkov (pronounced zhizhkoff) sits north of Vinohrady and starts where Vinohrady ends.

The Flora and JZP metro stations make it convenient for getting around the city. As with Vinohrady, there are plenty of trams to choose from.

Žižkov is traditionally a working class Prague neighborhood. It’s been slowly changing over the years, and is now considered one of Prague’s coolest areas to stay and live.

The restaurants, pubs and cafés here will charge local prices – and there are plenty to choose from.

The closer you get to Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station, the more “grown up” things feel, with sophisticated dining and drinking options to match.

Further out, you’re more likely to find younger Praguers and students.

Whereas Vinohrady “arrived” long ago, Žižkov is still arriving, and is a bit on the grittier side in parts.

Who Should Stay in Žižkov?

Besides being one of the best areas to stay in Prague for budget friendly travel, it’s also a great spot to stay and enjoy a real Prague neighborhood.

It has convenient transit access to the historic city center, local cafes, restaurants and pubs serving good Czech food.

There are plenty of expats that live the area as well, so comfort food can be found fairly easily.

Top Žižkov Prague Highlights:

  • Riegrovy Sady – One of our favorite parks in Prague and one of the best spots to catch the sunset over Prague castle. It also has one of the best summer beer gardens in the city.
  • Žižkov TV Tower – This weird rocket-ship-like tower was used by the communists to block out radio signals from the west. Today, it’s a restaurant/cafe and one-room hotel. There is a pleasant garden restaurant at the base, and decent views of the city from the top.
  • Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord (Kostel Nejsvětějšího Srdce Páně in Czech) – A rather odd-looking church boasting the country’s largest clock, the Jiřího z Poděbrad square around the church is also nice. On sunny days, you’ll usually find lots of locals hanging out here. There is also a farmers market and seasonal festivals on the square.

Staying in Žižkov Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quiet and residential
  • Easy tram/metro access
  • Many cafes, bars and restaurants
  • Local living
  • Less expensive

Cons

  • Too quiet for some travelers
  • Difficult to park if you have a rental car
  • Most restaurants serve Czech food – this could also be a ‘pro’ if you’re adventurous!
Žižkov Pro Tip
Riegrovy Sady Park has one of the best sunset-watching spots in Prague. Once you’re in the park, find the sports track/field, and then walk around the edge until you see a sloped clearing filled with locals sitting on the grass. The park has an awesome beer garden too, in case you get thirsty after all the Prague ogling.

Where to Stay in Prague: Žižkov Hotels

Check out: Carlton Courtyard by Marriott Prague City Theatrino Hotel and if you want something quite different…

One Room Hotel Prague

8.5 / 10 on Booking.com

If you REALLY want to splurge for something unique, there’s actually a hotel room in the top of the Zizkov Television Tower, at a rate of $400 to $550 per night. The Zizkov TV tower was used during communism to spy on residents, or so the story goes. Now, it’s been converted into a tourist attraction. You can visit the tower for views of Prague, there’s an awesome garden restaurant at the base when the weather is warm, and you can now stay in the top of the tower when you visit Prague!

Check Availability & Prices:
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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Zizkov district prague zizkov TV tower view

Where to Stay in Prague: Karlín (Prague 8)

Karlín (pronounced kar-leen) suffered a big flood back in the early 2000s, and had to be almost completely rebuilt.

Most of the old buildings have been refurbished, with some newer modern office buildings thrown in. This mix of buildings and newness creates an energy and vibe unique in the city.

Karlin is a bit quieter and calmer than Vinohrady and Zizkov, but there are still a lots of cafés and food spots.

You can grab a great cup of coffee at Můj šálek kávy and enjoy plenty of interesting food options (although some of them are more upscale).

Karlin is a narrow Prague neighborhood located behind Florenc metro station (Line B & C). Florenc is also the international bus terminal, making Karlin convenient if you arrive by bus.

The district is also served by Křižíkova metro station (Line B). Old Town Prague is 3 or 4 stops away, depending on where you want to go.

Travelers generally like staying in Karlín, although many note it’s really quiet at night.

Pros

  • Quiet and residential
  • Decent tram/metro access
  • Many cafes, bars and restaurants some rather upscale (which might be a con)
  • Local living
  • More Modern

Cons

  • Too quiet for some travelers
  • Can be a bit sketchy around the bus station
Karlín Pro Tip
Homesick Canadians won’t want to miss Garage Karlin (Křižíkova 58) a standing-room-only poutine joint. It’s the only place in town where you’ll find anything close to cheese curds. Because we know poutine isn’t for everyone, here’s another tip: there’s a great view from the top of Vitkov Hill, which is easily accessible from Karlin.

Where to Stay in Prague: Karlín

Check out: Jury’s Inn Hotel Mucha Hilton Prague and other great hotels to consider…

Hotel Alwyn 4-Star Prague

9.1 / 10 on Booking.com

On the higher end, Hotel Alwyn seems like a great option, that will give you a good feel for life in Karlin. Located in between Florenc Metro, which has a shopping centre, and Křižíkova metro, which has a really cute neighbourhood feel to it, this 4-star place has fantastic reviews from past guests, and is between the $150 and $200 price range.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

PentaHotel 4-Star Hotel Prague

8.6 / 10 on Booking.com

An affordable 4-star option in a chain hotel with a boutique feel. The rooms look really nice, and the guest reviews are fantastic. There’s a wide-range of prices – when I looked anywhere from $80 to $150 for different room styles. It’s also in a nice quiet area, about a block from the Křižíkova metro stop.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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where to stay in Prague 8 Karlin best area to stay in Prague

Where to Stay in Prague: Holešovice/Letna (Prague 7)

Holešovice is home to the National Gallery at the Trade Fair Palace, where you can find 19th and 20th century art, and DOX, the Czech Republic’s most important contemporary art center. You can also go to the sprawling Prague Market, an open- air flea and farmer’s market used by locals and travelers alike. At night, you can walk a few blocks to catch an independent movie at the hip BIO / OKO movie palace or catch music under the striking industrial decor at Cross Club. In short, Holešovice gives travelers a central location just outside the crush of tourism … a new way to experience Prague. Jonathan Marie, Mama Shelter Hotel

Holešovice (pronounced hol-esh-oh-vit-say) is the least gentrified of the cool Prague neighbourhoods listed in this guide.

This lovely Prague neighborhood is slowly sprucing itself up. It’s letting go of its working class, meatpacking past with galleries, restorations, and new cafés and restaurants.

This district doesn’t really jump off the map to most people when deciding where to stay in Prague, but the thing that Holešovice really has going for it is its proximity to Stromovka and Letna Park.

Stromovka is Prague’s largest, and Letná has awesome views of the city and a great beer garden with a view. It’s probably also a bit cheaper to stay in Holešovice than some of the other Prague areas.

The downside to Holešovice is transit: there are trams (tram #17 goes into town along the river, and is Prague’s most beautiful tram ride), but the metro is a bit of a hike, depending on where you’re staying in relation to Nádraží Holešovice (Metro Line C – Red).

Who Should Stay in Holešovice?

People who have a bit more time, and are looking to have a calm, local experience, and a quiet place to stay in Prague after a day of sightseeing.

Top Holešovice Prague Highlights:

  • Stromovka Park – A massive city park with lots of families picnicking and children playing. Great running paths and playgrounds, restaurants, food stands and even a planetarium.
  • Lapidarium – The museum’s most popular displays the original stone statues that lined Charles Bridge and other original pieces from the Castle and Old Town. Some date back to the 11th century.

Staying in Holešovice Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quiet and residential
  • Nice local cafes and restaurants
  • Local living
  • Less expensive

Cons

  • Too quiet for some travelers
  • Public transportation is a bit limited in some parts
  • Some parts are quite far out, depending on where in the neighborhood you are
Holešovice Pro Tip
Výstaviště Holešovice (Výstaviště 67) is a beautiful, albeit a bit tired looking, exhibition ground in Holešovice. Built in 1891, Art Nouveau Industrial Palace is the highlight, which was featured in Everything Is Illuminated (a film) as the train station.

Where to Stay in Prague: Holešovice Hotels

Mama Shelter Prague

8.9 / 10 on Booking.com

This fresh and cool hotel chain has just opened their Prague location. It has a young and energetic theme, and for the neighborhood, it’s well located just steps from a tram stop that can whisk into old town in under 10 minutes. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and terrace on site, and the themed rooms are compact but well appointed with A/C, a small refrigerator, toiletries, laptop safe and hairdryers. Guests can also watch a selection of on-demand movies in the rooms for free.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Art Hotel 4-Star Boutique Prague

8.4 / 10 on Booking.com

This place looks awesome! Tucked behind Letna Park (with it’s amazing and popular beer garden..probably a 10 minutes’ walk from here), this is 4-star boutique-style hotel that seems to offer great value, with rooms in the $70 to $80 range when I check through Hotels Combined. Plus, it gets great reviews. If I had to suggest a place for a couple that wanted to be slightly out of the hustle and bustle of Prague, this would be a top contender.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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where to stay in Prague 7 Holesovice best area to stay in Prague

Where to Stay in Prague – Anděl/Smíchov (Prague 5)

Anděl/Smíchov (pronounced and-yell and smee-hoff) was the second neighborhood we lived in while in Prague.

While I doubt anyone would claim it’s the coolest or best neighbourhood in Prague, we found it to be mighty convenient.

That’s because there are restaurants, pubs, a few cafés (nothing spectacular) and a couple of large grocery stores right near the metro stop. There’s also a mall and 2 cinemas in the area.

As it’s one of the city’s transit hubs, there are lots of trams going in every direction. If you choose to stay in this Prague neighborhood, pick a hotel near the river, which is awesome for jogging or hanging out for a beer.

Like Vinohrady, it’s possible to walk into the centre from Anděl – we could get to Malá Strana in about 20 minutes, and the National Theatre in about 15 minutes. If you’re not up for the walk, it’s a quick ride on the tram or metro.

If you walk across Jiráskův most (bridge) from Anděl, you’ll walk straight toward the famous Dancing House building. You’ll also get a lovely view of the castle and St. Vitus cathedral.

Staying in Anděl/Smíchov Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quiet and residential
  • Great tram/metro access around Andel/Novy Smichov shopping center
  • Many local cafes and restaurants
  • Local living
  • Less expensive

Cons

  • Too quiet for some travelers
  • Away from the river is getting a bit far from Prague attractions
Anděl/Smíchov Pro Tip
The Plzeňský Restaurant Anděl pub and restaurant has a 2-lane bowling alley in the basement. Be sure to reserve the lane in advance (English is fine) if you want to bowl. This was one of our local favorites – the little nooks and crannies in the basement were a cool spot for a drink.

Where to Stay in Prague: Anděl/Smíchov Hotels

The Ibis Praha Mala Strana

8.1 / 10 on Booking.com

Honestly, the prices for this Ibis seem like a fantastic deal, in the $40 range. The reviews are also very good from past guests. The location of this hotel is right next to the big “Novy Smichov” shopping centre, which has lots of restaurants, etc. and is close to public transport.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

La Boutique Hotel Prague

7.9 / 10 on Booking.com

This hotel is apparently a 4-star, but it looks a bit on the basic end of the spectrum. That said, it seems to be good value, and the reviews are good, but not spectacular. Prices seem to fall in the $55 to $60 range, which is reasonable. And again, it’s a convenient location right near Andel metro, within walking distance to the river (which will have nice views of Vysehrad fort), and about a 20 minute walk to old town.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Vienna House Andel’s Prague

8.9 / 10 on Booking.com

This place looks awesome! I remember frequently walking by this hotel and thinking it looked nice, and it seems like great value for a 4-start hotel in the $100 to $120 range. It’s super modern looking, and gets fantastic reviews, but beyond that, the location is super convenient, being right near the Andel metro station. There’s a huge mall across the street with a TESCO, Starbucks, and food courts with different local and international chains. And as I recall, there was a nice wine bar in the basement.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

Red and Blue Design Hotel Prague

8.6 / 10 on Booking.com

This place looks cute, and has the best reviews of the bunch….people seem to love it! It’s about 3 blocks from the shopping centre, and 4 blocks from the metro station, which I’d consider a plus if you’re a light sleeper: I expect this would be the quietest option of the recommendations for this area. Prices are between $80 and $100, and it’s listed as a 4-star.

Check Availability & Prices on
Booking.com / TripAdvisor

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The Best Area to Stay in Prague and Prague FAQs

So What is the Best Area to Stay in Prague?

If we had friends coming to stay in Prague for only a few days, we’d tell them to stay in Prague 1 (so convenient), Vinohrady (so cool), or near Anděl (convenient, but not touristy).

If you’re coming for a longer stay in Prague, check out Vinohrady, Karlín, or Holešovice/Letná instead.

Prague doesn’t really have any city-centre neighbourhoods that are super sketchy or need to be avoided. For the most part, it’s a really safe city!

Are the Best Areas to Stay in Prague Always Near a Metro Station?

Unless you’re staying in Prague for a while, consider staying near a metro station. Public transport in Prague is excellent and convenient.

If you stay near a metro stop or on a tram line, you won’t have to stay in the historial center, as you’ll be able to access the city center via transit.

If you’re looking at a place online and wondering if it’s in a good place to stay Prague, the following stops are pretty convenient for getting into town:

  • Line A (Green): Dejvická, Hradčanská, Malostranská, Staroměstská, Můstek, Muzeum, Náměstí Míru, Jiřího z Poděbrad, or Flora. Beyond that, you’re starting to get a bit far out, which will be less fun and less convenient.
  • Line B (Yellow): Křižíkova, Florenc, Náměstí Republiky, Můstek, Národní Třída, Karlovo Náměstí, Anděl. You could go one or two more stops on either end, to Invalidovna or Pamlovka, or to Smíchovské Nádraží going the other way – they’re still relatively convenient, just not very exciting.
  • Line C (Red): Vyšehrad, I. P. Pavlova, Muzeum, Hlavní Nádraží, Florenc,Vltavská, and Nádraží Holešovice

Is Taking Public Transit in Prague Difficult?

In and around the city center, public transit in Prague is very easy to use. Important stops and announcements will also be made in English.

Regular Priced Prague Public Transit Tickets (under 6-free, other discounts for children/seniors)

  • Basic: 90min 32CKZ (~$1.40USD)
  • Short Term: 30min 24CKZ (~$1.00USD)
  • 1 day: 24h 110CKZ (~$4.80USD)
  • 3 day: 72h 310CKZ (~$13.50USD)

If you plan on taking public transportation, get yourself a one-day, or three-day transit pass. The metro is very good, but the trams are also quite convenient, especially for getting up to the castle.

How Do I Get From Prague Airport to the City Center?

Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport is roughly 10 miles (16km) west of the city center. In reasonable traffic, the trip will take about 35 minutes or so.

A taxi ride should cost the equivalent of $20-$25 USD. Tipping is starting to become the norm, especially if they help with luggage, no more than 10%.

You can pre-book shared, or private transfers for reasonable prices. The Airlink Express bus connects the airport with the main train station (Hlavni Nadrazi).

Alternatively, public transit is a two-stage process consisting of a bus, to a metro station. Either bus #119 to metro line A (green), or bus #100 to metro line B (yellow) are the fastest.

Tickets are available at the vending machines, Relay stores, or the Visitors Center inside the terminal,

Why Should You Visit Prague?

There’s no denying that Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a dream destination for many, and a city that should be included on every central European itinerary. The iconic Old Town, and one-of-a-kind views of Prague from Prague Castle make Prague seem like a fairytale creation that’s lost in time.

While Prague’s beauty is the key draw, the city’s vast history doesn’t hurt. Once the capital of the Holy Roman Emperor, the city has been home to kings, battles, and legendary stories. Mozart, Einstein, Mucha, and Kafka have all called Prague home at one point or another, each leaving a mark on the city.

When is the Best Time to Visit Prague?

Visiting Prague in Spring, Summer and Fall

Prague is pretty any time of year. However, the warmer months are certainly our favorite time in the city.

Although tourist attractions become much busier from late Spring to early Fall, city life is also largely enjoyed outdoors. Locals spend their time by the river, in the parks, and of course, at the beer gardens. The Naplavka riverside is a favorite. You can hang your feet over the edge of the riverwalk, beer in hand, and watch the sun set over Prague castle.

Pro Tip
For another beer with a great view, head to Letna Park Beer Garden. Here, the best seats in the house look over the red roofs of Old Town.
Visiting Prague in the Fall and Winter

When the leaves change color in autumn, Prague’s best views transform, saturated with lovely colors. And when winter comes, lucky visitors catch Charles Bridge covered in a blanket of snow – one of the most beautiful scenes in the world! There are also plenty of warm and cozy pubs and hearty Czech food to keep you warm in the cold.

At Christmas, the Prague Christmas Markets in Old Town and Namesti Miru will transport you to another time!

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100 thoughts on “Where To Stay in Prague: Prague’s Coolest Neighbourhoods”

  1. Hi!

    We are Montrealers coming to Prague in October and your suggestions will be very helpfull!

    Your blog is great! Thank you so much!!

    1. That’s great to hear! We actually wrote this post because a friend from Toronto was coming to Prague, and couldn’t find anything like this when she was searching for apartments and areas to stay in. We’re glad it was helpful! October was really nice last year — T-shirt weather during the day! Hopefully you have the same luck :)

  2. Katie, your blog is great. My wife and I are planning about a week in Prague, hoping to feel like locals. I like the looks of Vinohrady, Letna, and Karlin, thinking of going the apartment rental route. What do you think about Vršovice? Our favorite pasttimes are visiting bars, cafes, shops, etc. We like an area with a high walk score, and we’re also comfortable with public transportation. We don’t plan to rent a car. Any other recommendations would be great!

    1. Hey Joel! Thanks for getting in touch, and for the questions. The good news is, in Prague, you don’t really need a car. The transport system is great, and you can take a tram or metro pretty much anywhere in the city. The city transport website is dpp.cz, and there is an English option, so you can plan journeys that way and get an idea of distances. As for the neighbourhoods, we have friends that live in all of those neighbourhoods, and everyone swears by theirs :). Pluses/minuses for each: Karlin is really convenient, feels like a neighbourhood, and is on a metro line, also has great bars and cafes, but everything shuts down early and it can feel a bit sleepy. Letna/Holesovice has Letna ber garden (a huge plus if you’re here when the weather is nice), some good bars and cafes (go to Farm Letna for brekkie-lunch, Lokal Stromovku for the Czech food and beer). Con is its not on a metro line, so you’ll have to be comfortable with the trams (no biggie, but I know some people feel a bit intimidated by the transit. Vinohrady has a tonne of pros, and the biggest con is probably cost – the apartments will probably be more expensive, because its so central. If you stay here, be sure to check out the sunset at Riegrovy Sady (park) on a nice night and the beer garden in the park. I don’t know a lot about Vrsovice, so can’t advise you there…we know people that live in the area and like it though :). Enjoy your trip and let us know if you have any other Qs!

      1. Wow, thanks for the reply. I think I’m leaning toward Vinohrady now. Looking on Airbnb, there seem to be plenty of reasonable apartments, but maybe prices are low because I’m looking so far out (we’re not traveling until next July).

        Karlin sounds good, except for the early lights out. Don’t get me wrong, I’m typically in bed by 9p, but not on vacay in a new city.

        Thanks again for all the great info. Don’t be surprised if I hit you up again in a few months. :) Always looking for great restaurant reccos; that’s pretty much our favorite thing to do; I’m surprised I didn’t call that out originally.

        1. Finally booked our trip for July! I was originally hoping to book an apartment in Zizkov, but we wound up in a hotel in Vinorhady. Definitely pleased with the neighborhood, and we’re so close to all the action I want to check out. We’ll be there for 4 nights, so I don’t feel like we need to rush anything. One question I had was on transportation – I see that public transit runs 5a – 12a, so if we’re out till say 2a, we either need to cab or Uber. Any other tips/tricks there?

          1. That’s awesome, Joel! I hope you love Prague, and Vinohrady is a great neighbourhood :). Re transport, there are night trams, which run all through the night at much less regular intervals, so you should be able to take transit at 2am too. That said, Uber is pretty reliable and inexpensive in Prague. And I’d def. recommend Uber over cabs…the taxis in Prague don’t have an awesome reputation. Have a great trip and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any more questions!

  3. Christabel @ Two Nomads One World

    Love this post – I’m currently planning for my trip in November and this will help narrow down the airbnb apartment/hotel choices. Can’t wait!

  4. We are coming from Berlin, for a several days’ stay in late-November. Will be chilly, we know, but that’s what works for my sister who is visiting from the US. We have two apartment options we’re considering: (1) Vitezna 12, Prague 1, (no view, but 3 full bedrooms and luxury furnishings (2) On Krakovská, near Žitná (has skyline view and a terrace; furnishings are not as luxury and one bedroom is actually a loft). What do you think of the locations? Thanks for your insights! Happy to provide a similar service if you come to Berlin!

    1. Hi Kathleen!

      Sorry for the delay in getting back to you…we’ve been travelling and offline for a few. If it were me, I’d go with option 1, the apartment on Vitezna. It’s a really convenient location, and you’ll be able to walk across the bridge (most legi) to get to old town in about 15 minutes, or jump on a tram. It’s also convenient for the castle, as you can take a tram up to Hradcanski Namesti and switch to the 22 tram, or walk up the hill. There are lots of restaurants around and bars, but I don’t think it will be too loud. The other option isn’t a bad location, it just won’t be as atmospheric! I hope that helps and lets us know if you have any more Qs!

  5. Hello
    Thank you for the wonderful post.
    We will be staying at the Palais hotel for 3 nights and I was hoping you could recommend your favorite dinner restaurants.
    Would you recommend taking a private guide for half a day? Do you have any recommendations?
    Thank you

    1. Hi Nicole!

      The Palais looks like a great location, and within easy walking distance from Namesti Miru, where there are lots of restaurants. For Czech food/pub, Vinohradsky Parlament at Namesti Miru isn’t bad (http://www.vinohradskyparlament.cz/en) and also, of course, the beer museum is nearby! For Mexican, Las Adelitas (Prague 2 location) is really good. Closer into town, we really like Cafe Colore (http://www.cafecolore.cz/en/) and Lokal is awesome for Czech food: http://lokal-dlouha.ambi.cz/cz/. Also, our friend Cristina actually just pulled together some awesome listings of where to eat in Prague. Here is Part 1: http://www.chasingtravel.com/what-to-eat-in-prague-guide/ and Part 2: http://www.chasingtravel.com/what-to-eat-in-prague-guide-part-2/ — where you’re staying, you’ll be close to the Riegrovy Sady beer garden, which is a nice typical experience for a beer garden (if you’re there before the weather gets too cold, that is!).

      As for the tour, I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. Sandemans New Europe tours has a ‘free’ walking tour, and the guides make a living off of the tips. It’s not a bad way to get oriented, although we also didn’t find it blew us away (and free walking tours def. aren’t totally free, as per this post: http://www.olympicwanderings.com/free-walking-tours-really-free/).

      We haven’t used Viator tours before, but they work with a lot of bloggers, so are also happy to point you in their direction: http://www.viator.com/. Maybe they’ll have what you’re looking for?

      Have fun in Prague – it’s a truly awesome city!!!

  6. Pingback: Prague, Czech Republic Travel Guide | Just Globetrotting

  7. I rarely comment in any blogs but with this one I could not help it. I am beyond grateful for this information! Thank you for your contribution as it makes a radical difference in many of us coming to Prague for the first time.

    Lots of love!

  8. My brother is going to be in Prague in a few months so I was looking for the best areas for him to stay. We visited Prague a few years ago and stayed in Prague 6, which we thought was a bit out of the way and not such a cool area to stay in for 4 days.

    A quick google search got me to your article and thanks to you we have a good list of places to choose from.

    Cheers!

    1. Awesome! Glad we could be of help…with so many cities, where you stay can make or break the experience, and Prague has so many cool areas to stay in :)

  9. Hi Katie,
    Thank you for your blog and answers. They have been very informative for a visitor and lover of Prague like me.
    I like Prague, it is sort of cozy place and a fairly safe city with moderate cost of living compared to other western & West European cities. At the same time, it is a modern place too. I may even consider a business/investor residence visa sometime in the future. You may suggest some contacts/links regarding this.
    I wish to familiarize my wife to this city soon so that she may also start liking it. For that I need to stay for a couple of weeks in Prague with my wife. Where would you recommend us to stay in the spring of 2016? Are there nice guest-houses available for a two weeks’ stay? We are basically Indians; we work and live in Doha. My wife is a vegetarian while I am used to other types of food including western food.
    Would greatly appreciate your response.
    Thanking you,
    Chandra.

    1. Hi Chandra,

      Thanks for getting in touch! It sounds like you have some exciting plans coming up for Prague :) To answer your questions: 1) if you decide to go the residency route, I always recommend Veronika of 4expats ([email protected])…we send everyone to her!!! 2) As for places to stay, I would recommend an Airbnb, especially since your wife is a vegetarian, it might be easier to be able to cook. If you sign up to Airbnb with this link, you get $20 credit: http://www.airbnb.com/c/kmatthews92?s=8. I think around Namesti Miru and Jihro Z Podebrod is a nice area to stay for a longer stay.

      Also, I would recommend you join this Facebook group, for Vegetarians in Prague — Prague is a very “meaty” city for eating, but there are some great veggie, vegan, and raw restaurants if you know where to look. Here is the link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/170277823119895/

      Good luck and enjoy your trip!!!

  10. Hi Katie,
    I really appreciate your prompt & kind response.
    I noted all your suggestions and thank you for that. I will go through the links and give you a feedback in due course.
    I may plan a business visit sometime by end of the month. Will it be possible to meet up with you in Prague around 27th-28th Nov? It would be nice.
    Thanks once again. I will be in touch with you for any further information. Please do let me know if you guys visit Doha or Dubai. Please do say Hi to Geoff.
    Chandra.

    1. Hi Chandra…thanks for the follow up. We’re actually in Mexico now, and are not sure when we’ll be back in Prague. So unfortunately, a meet up won’t work, but we wish you the very best during your stay!!!

  11. Hi Katie,
    Really appreciate you taking the time to write this post – it’s really been helpful for us. My wife and I are thinking of a Prague Xmas this year (2015) but are not sure about length of stay. We are interested in Art, Architecture (contemporary), design and food and will have a car (coming over from the UK), so some day trips out would also be possible if there are good things to see?. We are thinking maybe 5 nights?
    Do you know of any ‘rent my carpark’ type services/websites in Prague as it looks doubtful if many AirBNB options will have a place for the car.
    Any tips greatly received!
    Shawn

    1. Hey Shawn — this is a great time of year to go to Prague, especially with the Christmas markets in full swing. If you like contemporary art, you should def. check out DOX gallery up in Holesovice, and there are a tonne of great Cerny sculptures around too! For daytrips, the ones we typically recommend are: 1) Kutna Hora (there’s a bone ossuary that’s really cool) 2) Cesky Krumlov (really pretty medieval town) 3) Pilsen beer tour. None of those are particularly contemporary, though. Dresden is also really nice, and only about 2 hours’ drive. Re. parking, I honestly don’t know, but you may want to reach out and ask a few hosts, as there may be a street parking option that’s just not listed? Holesovice/Letna area might be less difficult to find parking/more likely to allow street parking. We also had street parking outside our flat, which is up on Airbnb now, but I don’t actually know if it was by permit only (we didn’t have a car). I hope this helps!

  12. Hi Katie,

    Stumbled upon your posts while googling for ‘Where to stay in Prague’ — airbnb has so many options within budget (vs London) that it’s starting to feel like I’m spoilt for choice. Will be there end-Jan for 3 nights with my 2 siblings. Your post is extremely helpful and tempting as I’d love to go beyond the touristy area but since we only have 3 nights and it’ll be our first visit, we may go for the safe choice after all. But thank you nonetheless and I hope Prague will still have traces of Christmas & New Year, and not just the cold & little sunlight, despite it being end of Jan

  13. Thank you so much for this guide! It is so much more comprehensive than anything else I’ve seen and is making my travel planning a whole lot easier! :)

  14. hi katie
    very informative blog. planning on 3 day visit in october. sounds like the weather could be nice that time of year. ty.

  15. Hey Katie,
    indeed interesting blog.
    we are planning a trip to Prague and from there to Amsterdam.
    planning to stay in Prague for 3 days (+/-).
    usually when i travel, i like to stick to the authentic, local and not so much touristic commercial areas. thou we are looking into staying close to everything that needs to be seen and visited in Prague.
    what would you recommend? from the comments above, Vinohrady seems to be a good option (right?), can we find there authentic restaurants where we can try some local food and drinks and have locals sitting around in the cafes and bars? and what about hotels? or better to stick to airbnb?
    apart from Prague, do you have any recommendation about Amsterdam?
    thank you dear

      1. May is hit-or-miss for the weather, but it should be fine…I think the worse case scenario is that it’s still a bit chilly and cold. That said, when we moved to Prague, we arrived on May 21 and it was 30 degrees!

    1. Hi Rola!

      Thanks for reading and for your questions. Yes – I agree that Vinohrady would be a good area for you if you like to be surrounded by locals. As we stayed in apartments only, I don’t know if there are hotels or not, but I would guess there are probably many hotels to stay in. You can look for hotels nearby Jihro Ze Podrebad or Namesti Miru. And Vinohrady also has many local restaurants. On Namesti Miru square there are a few spots you could try…”Parliament” is quite popular. Enjoy your trip!

  16. What a great resource, Katie! Thank you so much. We are headed to Prague for a little over a week with our kids (ages 19, 10, and 8) this coming August. Really looking forward to it, and this blog has helped us immensely when trying to decide on a “home” location. If you had time, we’d love to hear about some great family friendly activities and restaurants. Thank you again, Katie! Great post!

    1. Hey Chris!

      Thanks for reading and we’re so glad this is helpful :). I don’t know a lot about kids activities in Prague, but there is a Facebook group dedicated to just that. In Facebook, just search “Kids in Prague” and request to join. The group focuses on kid-friendly activities in Prague, so should be a great resource for you. Enjoy your trip…Prague is magical :)

  17. Hi, thanks for your blog, it’s been very helpful! Myself and my other half are heading to Prague next week – can you recommend some things to do during the day? Thanks so much :-)

  18. Hi Katie,

    I happened to read your blog on the places to stay while in Prague and am really happy I read it. I am travelling to Prague in May along with my wife and two kids for tourist stay for 2 days in Prague and was researching about safe places to stay in Prague. Your write up was really very interesting and informative as also quite tempting. I look forward to my trip to Prague and mostly would be staying in the vicinity of Vinohrady Will you be able to tell me of any Indian restaurants in Prague city. That would be really helpful. thanks nevertheless for the wonderful description of the city

    1. I’m so glad to hear the post is helpful, and a bit jealous you’re heading to Prague in May. When we lived there, May was often a nice time of year to visit (although, be prepared for some rain!). Vinohrady is a good bet, it seems, for your needs. You’ll be close enough to everything, but in a quieter area than old town! Unfortunately, though, I don’t have Indian food recommendations. I don’t think I ever went for Indian during my time in Prague!!! There’s a great Mexican restaurant called Los Adelitas in Vinohrady if you feel like switching it up, though. Ha ha! And of course lots of great Czech food. Enjoy your trip!!!

      1. Thanks Katie, for your prompt reply. I was a tad late to look it up. Hope to be in touch after our trip. cheers!

  19. Thanks for the great info. I tried to take a look at your old apartment on Airbnb but your link opens to airbnb with all the Prague places for rent.

  20. Hi Katie,

    So me and my wife have our vacation planned in Prague in June end this year. Going through your blog, I understand that Vinohrady is a cool place to stay and not very far from the old town… can you help me advice if it will be better to stay in Prague 1 or in vinohrady, since this is our first trip to prague? We would like to be near to where all the best nightlife is..

    Thanks,
    Saurabh

    1. Hey Saurabh!

      It really depends on what you’re looking for, but I’ll do my best to advise :)

      Vinohrady has more of a locals and expat feel. There are many restaurants and pubs, but they all have more of a relaxed and low-key feel, in my opinion. Vinohrady is nice, because there is good public transit, nice cafes, etc.

      Prague 1 is where you’ll find a few more upscale places, such as Hemingway’s and the cool Anonymous Bar, for cocktails, and nicer restaurants. The people you’ll interact with in Prague 1 will include quite a few more visitors, than in Vinohrady, but you’ll be right in the heart of the most beautiful part of Prague, and you’ll be right near some of the more popular bars and restaurants!

      Does that help?

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  22. Hi Katie

    My girlfriend and I are gonna be in Prague June 25-30th. We’re researching Airbnb’s right now and thanks to your website, we are definitely looking at places in Vinohardy.
    When we travel, we want to live (as best we can) like to locals. We are both from New Orleans where we’re always surrounded by tourists. We wanna eat, drink and be merry where the locals do while we’re there while also doing a tiny bit of sight seeing. If you can recommend some great local places to eat, street food even, that would be awesome. I have so many other questions to ask but i’ll leave it at that one for now.

    I haven’t been in Prague in 30 years so your information was amazing and I appreciate the extra help.

    Thanks again

    Juan

    1. Hi Juan!

      Hope you have an awesome trip to Prague – it’s a really awesome city, and I’m sure you and your girlfriend will have a lovely time. And I’m sure it has changed a lot in the 30 years since you were there last!

      From what you’ve said about your travel style, and wanting to live more like locals, Vinohrady seems like a good fit for an area to stay in. In that area, there are two public squares that often have food festivals and food markets on the weekends and evenings – Namesti Miru is one, and the other is Jiřího z Poděbrad. Both of those squares also have lots of pubs and restaurants around them, and are a good spot to hang with locals and expats!

      The other recommendations we’d have is going up to the beer garden at Letna Park (Letensky Namesti) which has cheap eats and beer, and fantastic views over the city; the beer garden at Riegrovy Sady (in Vinohrady); and Lokal, which is a locally-owned chain of local speciality food! We also really enjoyed going to Cafe Colore when we were near Old Town – it’s a bit off the beaten path and is mostly locals, and is a mix of Czech and international food, and has an upscale cafe/bistro feel.

      I hope that helps and have an awesome trip!

  23. Hi, visiting Prague for the first time with family for vacation. would like to stay in the countryside with city like facilities but certainly away from the busy city. Request your help to decide on a place / location. Thanks in advance.

  24. Hi Katie!
    Thanks for taking the time to share this with us. We have an airbnb booked already on Jilska in Oldtown for a 4 night trip this October. I am considering switching it with a Mala Strana apartment becuase I have heard that it can get rowdy at night in old town. We are in our late twenties but do not drink… hense party either. haha. What is your opinion? We have never been to Prague before. Thanks again!

  25. Although we do not party we plan to be out and about even at night to enjoy as much of Prague as we can. I am worried that the Mala Strana area is not as convenient for the restaraunts and cafes we want to visit (most are on the other side of the river), but the calmer nights might be worth it. These alternative apartments are on either Snemovi, Maltézské náměstí, or Tržiště.

    1. Katie Matthews

      Hey Delia!

      That’s awesome that you’ve got a trip to Prague planned. When we lived there, October was a lovely month…hopefully the same is true for you!

      To answer your question, YES — the Oldtown area can get a bit rowdy at night. Prague is a really popular destination with stag and hen parties from other parts of Europe, and sometimes they are rather loud :). That said, when we lived there, my mom and a friend came to visit (both in their 60s) and they stayed in an apartment in Old Town, and it was totally fine. So really, I think it comes down to the specific apartment you booked, and whether it’s street-facing, etc, and how you feel about ear plugs if needed :)

      Re. Mala Strana, you’re also right. It’s WAY calmer over on that side, but not as convenient in the evenings for restaurants and cafés. That said, it is NOT inconvenient – Prague is 1) really walkable between old town and mala strana, and any excuse to walk over the Charles Bridge is okay in my books, 2) has fantastic public transit. So if you’re tired and you don’t feel like walking, then you can jump a tram or take the Metro (there is a metro stop in Mala Strana).

      I know this doesn’t directly answer your question…just trying to give you more info. If it was me, I’d go through the Airbnb reviews from the first place you booked, and see if there are a lot of complaints or comments from past guests about noise. If not, I’d stay where you are. If there are a lot of comments, then I’d probably consider moving.

      One more thing. When we first moved to Prague, we lived about 2 blocks off Wenceslas Square, and our building was directly across from one of the largest Irish pubs in Prague. With some regularity, we’d leave our building on Saturday or Sunday morning and find someone had vomited on our building. GROSS! But, our room was in the back, and wasn’t street facing. So even in the heart of the drunken foolishness that some tourists bring to Prague, it was totally livable for us…simply because of the way the building was designed and where our bedroom faced.

      I hope this helps!

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  28. Hi Katie

    Thanks for sharing this with us.

    A friend of mine(not from prague) has booked a place for me in Na Farkáně. I am going to be there for 3 days. Is it a good place to stay. I am travelling solo in August.

    1. Katie Matthews

      Hey Ramesh!

      Awesome that you’re heading to Prague…it is a lot of fun in the summer. To be honest, we ever went up to the Radnice area (where Na Farkane is) so can’t comment. Probably the question I would ask is how close is your place to a tram or metro? It is definitely a bit far out, but transportation in Prague is also really good, so it could be great if you have access to a tram. I would also expect you can get a good deal in that area being a bit further out.

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  31. Hi Katie! My husband and I will be traveling to Prague over NYE and hope to book accommodations soon. We want to be in a lively area that isn’t touristy. Not really into clubs but looking more for a few casual bars to visit within walking distance. Any suggestions for where we should stay? Thanks!

    1. I would suggest either Mala Strana (Prague 1, on the Castle side of the river) or Prague 2/3 (Vinohrady and Zizkov, near either IP Pavlova, Namesti Miru or Jihro ze Podebrad metros). Mala Strana will put you in one of the most beautiful spots in Prague, and also one that’s tranquil! It’s right near the castle, and there are still plenty of pubs and restaurants and cafes, and within walking distance to Charles Bridge! Our Design Hotel Neruda reco is in that area. The other areas recommended (mostly walkable from one another) is a locals/expat area. It will be further to get to Prague’s atrractions (transit required), but you’ll be away from other tourists and tourist prices.

      I hope this helps!

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  35. I am planning just a few days in Prague for Christmas with my husband and brother-in-law; do you have any particular suggestions for restaurants/activities since it’s a holiday weekend? We just booked in Lesser Town near the gardens. We are planning to drive to Budapest and Vienna after Prague so I will check out those guides as well!

    1. Hi there! Prague is lovely in Christmas – good choice :). Re. spending Christmas in Prague, I found a few resources that should point you in the right direction:

      Christmas Planner — A list of restaurants and activities open on Dec. 24, 25, and 26 including option to make reservations — https://www.pragueexperience.com/events/christmas-planner.asp

      What to Expect and Do on Christmas Eve — This is really the biggest day of celebrations in Prague, and hours will be limited – this post outlines it – https://www.pragueexperience.com/events/christmas-eve.asp

      I hope this helps and you have a lovely trip. And hopefully our Budapest and Vienna where to stay guides are helpful as well :)

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  37. Huge and very informative post about the places to stay. I haven’t read anything more detailed than this regarding choosing the right place to stay. Its very informative for tourists visiting Czech Republic.

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  40. This guide was amazing! I wish I found it before I visited Prague.

    That being said, we stayed at the Augustine hotel in Mala Strana and had the best experience! Highly recommend looking into that if you’re in the market for a new hotel to add to your list :)

    1. Oh nice! Just took a look at the Augustine and it looks lovely! Next time we do an update, I think we’ll look at adding it in as an alternative to a luxury option in Mala Strana (we currently list the Mandarin Oriental, which people seem to like too). Glad to hear you had a lovely stay at the Augustine, and hope you loved Prague? It’s such a beautiful city, it’s hard not to :)

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  42. Wow, this site is excellent! We are planning our holidays in Prague and were recomment to stay in Salvator hotels. We have found two Salvator properties.
    Which one would you recommend as far as the location is concerned?
    Many thanks for your help!
    Maria

    1. Hi Maria, based on Location alone, I think the one at Truhlářská 10 in Prague 1 is more central, and the metro is very close.

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  46. Hi Katie, reading your info about Prague has been so helpful. We are travelling from Australia and will be in Prague from june30-july3.
    Thinking of staying at Design Hotel Neruda. Can you suggest where to shop, as in boutiques? I would love to buy a nice piece of jewellery as well if that is something to get in Prague? Thanks Ros

    1. Katie Matthews

      Hey Ros! Glad to hear the blog is helpful, and if you do book with Design Hotel Neruda, use our code (above) and you’ll get a discount :). As for shopping, here are a few suggestions: Hard de Core is a design shop with Czech design pieces, including clothing and jewelry (http://www.harddecore.cz/); 100 Class is similar – minimalist design pieces; While it’s less fun than shopping in-person, Bohemia Design Market is an online shop with loads of Czech designers; Pragtique is a souvenir shop for people who don’t like kitschy souvenirs – it may be more homeware focused and clothing, but it’s worth checking. Kuraz stocks designs by Czech and Slovak designers, and has some modern, funky pieces. For more traditional souvenirs, Manufaktura and Blue are both good options, but I’m not sure if they have jewellery (Blue might, Manufaktura probably doesn’t, but their ‘beer spa’ products make great gifts!).Hopefully this helps!!!!

      1. Thanks Katie. I have got them all safely in my phone! also i was thinking of doing some kind of a sightseeing thing. Would only want 2 hours what would you suggest to get a good overview of the city and some history?
        Thanks again.

        1. Katie Matthews

          With only 2 hours, I think you could take the tram up to the Castle, and then walk down the steps through Mala Strana, over Charles Bridge, to Old Town Square, and wander around there, as well as through the adjacent Jewish quarter. It’s definitely not enough time to see Prague, but I totally get that sometimes that’s all the time you have and you have to make do! If you can, try to go up Old Town Hall, as you get absolutely fantastic views when the weather is nice :)

  47. Hi,
    Your blog is very helpful and detailed. I will be attending conference in Prague congress centre. So i want to know in which area of prague should i stay which would be nearer to Prague congress center and the city centre, where i can find all tourists places. Thank you

    1. Katie Matthews

      Hi Aneela,

      Staying in Prague 1 Old Town would probably be most convenient for you, as you can take the metro directly from Muzeum (a short walk from Mustek) to the Vysehrad stop (where Prague congress centre is). Muzeum and Vysehrad are both on the red metro line, so it won’t require changes, or you can change jump on earlier at Mustek and then change after one stop. Hotel UNIC is one of the most popular hotels in that area that our readers seem to book, so it might be a good place to start your search?

      1. Hi Katie,

        I just found your guide to Prague and its very clear and helpful.
        We’ll be in Prague for 2 days in December (27 – 29) and we know the weather may not be very pleasant during that time. Do you have any recommendations for sightseeings and must sees?
        We’re also checking availability at Hotel Neruda, but if you have any hotel updates, i would appreciate your suggestion.
        Thank you in advance!

  48. Katie..I’ll be there this feb for a month and read this post make up my mind.It really usefull info..but I still trying to find a place to stay.Tq..and its very great if I can meet the writer..that is you!

    1. Hi Suzie! Enjoy your trip :) We have actually left Prague so won’t be able to meet up, but hope you have fun!

  49. Hi,Katie. My husband and I are from San Diego and will be heading there from Berlin the first week in October for 5 days. After reading your blog, I’m thinking we will stay in Old Town Square. Any hotel recommendations? We are pretty adventurous and not huge on big tours but want to get the most out of our 4 days. Any suggestions would be great! thanks!

    1. Hi Jill – I’m so sorry for the delay in responding. We just had a baby mid-July – I remember SEEING your comment when it came through, but then the baby distracted me (ha ha!) and I forgot to respond. So…Old Town Square is a great choice. That’s the center of the action, and you’ll have loads of things to look at and experience – restaurants, bars, shops, attractions. So…Old Town Square is a really easy choice, there are loads of hotels to choose from, and you won’t have to worry about spending your time on transportation, etc.

      4 full days in Prague is also great. I would suggest 1 day on the Old Town side, 1 day on the Castle side of the city, 1 day doing more special interest things (i.e. if you want to do food tours or something like that), and then you have time for a day trip. Alternatively, you can easily spend all that time in Prague, but simply take everything at a more relaxed pace.

      Also – Berlin is great! Sounds like a fabulous trip and hope you have loads of fun!

      1. Hey Katie ,
        Firstly congratulations on the baby .. wishing you all happiness

        Went through tour posts . Very informative I must say

        Would be reaching Prague on 18 Jan evening after 10 day in Berlin by train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof and leaving on 20th ..
        Would you advice staying in Mala Strana ? Which hotel/ home property?? Any suggestions and discount ??
        How best to cover all in one day?? Hope weather will allow us
        Any advice??
        Looking forward to hearing from you
        Regards
        Annoop

        1. Hi Anoop – sorry for the delated response to this! Arriving at the main train station in Prague is quite convenient, so wherever you choose to stay should be good. Mala Strana, however, is a nice neighborhood that’s convenient for sightseeing and a bit more calm than old town. So hopefully that ends up being a great choice! If you only have one day, I would visit Prague Castle, Mala Strana, Charles Bridge, Kampa Island (the John Lennon Wall, and the island has nice views of Charles Bridge), and Old Town, including the Jewish Quarter. Those are the true highlights of Prague, and if the weather is nice and you have enough energy, it should be possible to visit all in a day. Good luck and have fun!

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