Where To Stay in Prague

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!

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.

📍 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

❶ 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.

❷ 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.

❸ 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

❹ 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.

❺ 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.

❻ 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.

❼ 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.

❽ 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 1: 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!

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

❶ Prague Castle; ❷ St. Nicholas Church; ❸ Charles Bridge; ❹ Kampa Island; ❺ Franz Kafka Museum; ❻ John Lennon Wall

❶ Mandarin Oriental; ❷ EA Residence U Bílé kuželky; ❸ Vintage Design Hotel Sax; ❹ Hotel William, ❺ 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.
• 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.
• 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!
• 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!

Pros & Cons of Staying in Malá Strana

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

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Old Town Prague (Staré Mesto)

❶ Old Town Square, Our Lady Before Tyn Church, Astronomical Clock; ❷ Jewish Quarter; ❸ Powder Tower

❶ Iron Gate Hotel; ❷ MOODs Charles Bridge; ❸ U Tri Bubnu; ❹ Hotel Residence Bologna

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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, ambience, 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

Pro Tip: 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…

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

❶ Dancing House; ❷ National Theatre; ❸ Wenceslas Square; ❹ Náplavka

❶ La Ballerina; ❷ Hotel INNSiDE by Melia (formerly Hotel Unic); ❸ Boat Hotel Matylda

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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 sculptures 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.

Staying in New Town Pros & Cons

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

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

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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

❶ Namesti Miru; ❷ Havlíčkovy sady; ❸ Vinohrady Theatre
❶Ankora Hotel; ❷La Fenice; ❸Deminka Palace; ❹Clarion Hotel Prague

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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

Where to Stay in Prague: Vinohrady Hotels

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

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Where to Stay in Prague: Žižkov

Žižkov (pronounced zhizh–koff) 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

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

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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.

Where to Stay in Prague: Karlín

Check out: ✓ Botanique Hotel ✓ Hotel Mucha ✓ Hilton Prague and a couple more great hotels to consider…

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

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 parks.

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

Where to Stay in Prague: Holešovice Hotels

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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

Where to Stay in Prague: Anděl/Smíchov Hotels

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The Best Area to Stay in 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 and do not have a Prague Card, 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.

If you have a Prague Card, public transit will be included for the duration of your card, or tickets are available at the vending machines, Relay stores, or the Visitors Center inside the terminal,

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