After visiting Prague over and over again and finally choosing to live here for a short time, this guide combines honest reviews with local expertise to help you navigate this charming city. While Prague isn’t large, the neighborhoods feel very different from one another and can be confusing especially for first timers.
Pick the right fairy-tale quarter packed with landmarks, or quieter residential districts where locals actually live, and you will be rewarded with lifetime memories. However, stay in the wrong area, and you may find yourself battling crowds, overpaying for mediocre restaurants, or commuting more than expected.
For first-time visitors, the biggest decision is whether to stay directly in the historic center or just outside it. Prague’s Old Town and Lesser Town put you within walking distance of the city’s most famous sights (including some interesting sculptures), but they’re also the most crowded and tourist-heavy areas. Step slightly beyond the core—into districts like New Town, Vinohrady, or Smíchov—and you’ll often get better hotels, more local dining, and a calmer atmosphere, all without sacrificing convenience.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Prague based on travel style, with honest pros and cons for each neighborhood. You’ll also find hand-picked hotel recommendations by area, so you can quickly narrow your options and book with confidence—whether you’re visiting for the first time, traveling as a couple, exploring Prague’s nightlife, or looking for better value outside the tourist core.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Prague
These are the best neighborhoods for most travelers:
- Old Town (Staré Město) – Best for First Timers and iconic sights – 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.
- Lesser Town (Malá Strana) – Best for Atmosphere and Romance – 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.
- New Town (Nové Město) – Best for Value and Nightlife – 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.
- Vinohrady – Best for Families/Large Groups and Foodies – Quiet and central, Vinohrady has beautiful buildings and tree-lined streets. Filled with restaurants, pubs, and cafés, Prague’s international community loves this neighborhood.
- Žižkov– Best for Budget Travelers – Full of cafes, pubs and boutique restaurants offering fare that won’t blow the budget, Žižkov is convenient and budget-friendly.
Alternative & Upcoming Neighborhoods That are “Cool”
- Holešovice / Letna – Best for Longer Stays & Local Vibe- 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.
- Karlín: (pronounced: car-leen) Located next to the Vltava river, Karlin is trendy. Restaurants, bars and galleries seem to be opening all the time.
- 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.
Best Hotel Recommendations for Prague – Across all Neighborhoods
Now, if you have already done all your research and are now just looking to book the perfect property for your trip, we put together our top 6 list here across all neighborhoods. These are properties that friends and family have either stayed at or come highly recommended for different reasons.
And if you already know where you are staying, be sure to check out our top things to do in Prague as well as best day trips from Prague!
- Iron Gate Hotel and Suites: A five-star gem but with three-star pricing. Only a few minutes from Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square as well as all the restaurants and bars in Old Town.
- Boat Hotel Matylda – A cool and unique concept in New Town that blends wow views on the river and excellent location right next to the Dancing House.
- Hotel Fitzgerald: A beautiful and under the radar property in Karlin, the Fitzgerald offers high-end service but at reasonable prices with excellent amenities.
- Pure White – An incredible property right in Vinohrady that gets high marks for service and easy access to all the major highlights.
- Mandarin Oriental – Definitely a luxury splurge in Malá Strana that might actually be worth it. Excellent location and top-notch luxury touches will make for a very special trip.
- Hotel Josef – A stunner in Old Town with excellent location and great service all around. Make your first trip to Prague seem like a dream.
Understanding Prague’s Numbering System for Districts
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 spirals 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 apartment was right on the border of Prague 2. And as you can see from map above, there is definitely overlap between the districts given the shape.
Because of this, our apartment was close to the city center and the river. Had we lived on the opposite edge of Prague 5, we would have been looking at long commutes to visit any of the historical or cultural attractions.
Old Town (Staré Město) – Best for First Timers
Neighborhood Overview
Old Town is Prague at its most iconic and just full of gorgeous architecture. 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. Read our full review of Old Town if this is where you plan to be.
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.
The downside is crowds. Old Town is busy from morning until late evening, especially in peak season. Restaurants tend to be more tourist-oriented, and prices are higher than elsewhere. That said, for a first visit—especially a short one—Old Town is incredibly convenient and immersive.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Old Town
Pros
- Walkable access to Prague’s top sights
- Unmatched historic atmosphere
- Excellent public transport connections
- Ideal for short stays
Cons
- Heavy crowds, especially midday
- Higher hotel and dining prices
- Some streets can be noisy at night.
Best Places to Stay in Old Town
- Iron Gate Hotel and Suites: 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!
- MOODs Charles Bridge 4-Star: 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 served and is delicious.
- Hotel Josef: A beautiful heritage property in a great location right in Old Town. 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)
- Hotel Golden Crown: A 3-star hotel around the $65 range in a great location right in Old Town, with decent 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!
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.
Lesser Town (Malá Strana) – Best for Sightseeing & Romantic Couples
Neighborhood Overview
Located below Prague Castle on the west bank of the Vltava River, Lesser Town is one of the most beautiful areas in the city. Baroque buildings, cobblestone streets, and quieter evenings give it a romantic, almost village-like feel, especially after day-trippers leave. For a full review of Malá Strana, check out our neighboorhood guide here!
Malá Strana began as an 8th century settlement and gained prominence a century later with the founding of Prague castle. It 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. And a lot of the streets are on an incline so folks with mobility issues should be aware.
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!
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!
Pros & Cons of Staying in Lesser Town
Pros
- Stunning architecture and scenery
- Calmer evenings than Old Town
- Great for couples and photographers
- Close to Prague Castle
Cons
- Fewer restaurants and bars
- Hilly streets in some areas
- Slightly less central for nightlife
Best Places to Stay in Lesser Town
- Mandarin Oriental Prague: 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.
- Hotel Ikona 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 have mentioned the restaurant/bar adds to the noise in the hotel – worth considering if you’re a light sleeper!
- LH Vintage Design Hotel Sax: 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 of everything and gets top marks for being quiet! If you’re looking for something kitschy and different, this might be your hotel.
- Hotel William: 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 at Booking.com.
- Design Hotel Neruda: Everyone we recommended to this too seems 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.
Top Mala Strana 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!
New Town (Nové Město) – Best for Value & Nightlife
Neighborhood Overview
Despite its name, New Town is historic with nearly 700 years of history but more modern in layout and feel. Centered around Wenceslas Square, this area offers excellent transport connections, a wide range of hotels, and some of the best value accommodation in central Prague.
New Town is ideal if you want easy access to sights during the day and restaurants, bars, and clubs at night. Some parts can feel busy or commercial, but quieter streets are easy to find just a block or two away. 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.
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!
Pros & Cons of Staying in New Town
Pros
- Excellent value for central Prague
- Strong nightlife and dining scene
- Great metro and tram connections
- Wide range of hotel options
Cons
- Less charming than Old or Lesser Town
- Busy traffic near main roads
- Can feel commercial in spots.
Best Places to Stay in New Town
- Dancing House Tancici dum: 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!
- EA Hotel New Town: A 4-star hotel 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.
- Boat Hotel Matylda – Boat hotels (Botels) are a unique accommodation option in Prague and, as you may have guessed 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.
Top New Town Prague Highlights:
- Dancing House – Co-designed by Frank Gehry, its modern architecture somehow fits-in with its 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.
Vinohrady – Best for a Local Vibe
Neighborhood Overview
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.
If you want to experience Prague as a livable city rather than an open-air museum, Vinohrady is an excellent choice.
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!
Pros & Cons of Staying in Vinohrady
Pros
- Local dining and café culture
- Quieter, greener streets
- Better value than Prague 1
- Excellent public transport
Cons
- Not walkable to most major sights
- Fewer hotels than central districts
- Less “classic Prague” scenery
Best Places to Stay in Vinohrady
- Hotel Ankora: A mid-range hotel that punches above its weight and is right by the metro station IP Pavlova (and one of my favorite coffee shops in Prague: Anonymous Coffee). This place is clean and modern with great customer reviews, and it is in a good location within a 10 minute walk from Wenceslas Square and 10 minutes to Namesti Miru. 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.
- La Fenice: A great option that is a cross between a hotel and an apartment, this place offers rather good value in the $60 to $70 price range, and it is 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!
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.
Žižkov – Best for Budget Travelers
Neighborhood Overview
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 easy 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 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. Whereas Vinohrady “arrived” long ago, Žižkov is still arriving, and is a bit on the grittier side in parts.
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.
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.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Žižkov
Pros
- Affordable hotels and dining
- Lively nightlife scene
- Good tram connections
- Authentic, non-touristy feel
Cons
- Rougher edges than other areas
- Not walkable to main attractions
- Fewer upscale hotel options
Best Places to Stay in Žižkov
- Carlton – Good value with reliable comfort. It is located in the heart of Zizkov. This has some of the best reviews on travel sites given what you get for the low price. Definitely a must in District 3
- Hotel Prokop Square – A beautiful mid-range option with breakfast and all of the conveniences of a top-end property. Easy walking distance from Riegrovy Sady and the TV Tower.
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
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.
Karlin (District 8) – New and Upcoming
Neighborhood Overview
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 lot 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.
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.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Karlin
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
Best Places to Stay in Karlin
- Hotel Fitzgerald: On the higher end, Hotel Fitzgerald is 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.
- PentaHotel: 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.
Holešovice/Letná (Prague 7) – New & Upcoming
Neighborhood Overview
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 neighborhoods 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).
Holešovice Pro Tip
Výstaviště Holešovice (Výstaviště 67) is a beautiful, albeit a little 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.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Holešovice
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
Best Places to Stay in Holešovice/Letna
- Mama Shelter: This fresh and cool hotel chain opened their Prague location not too long ago . 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 the 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.
- Art Hotel: This place is tucked behind Letna Park (with its amazing and popular beer garden..probably a 10 minutes’ walk from here). It is a 4-star boutique-style hotel that seems to offer great value, with rooms in the $70 to $80 range when I check through travel sites. 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.
Anděl/Smíchov (Prague 5) – New & Upcoming
Neighborhood Overview
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.
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.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Anděl/Smíchov
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
Overall Recommendation for 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 and specifically Malá Strana or Old Town with Vinohrady as a close second option. If you’re coming for a longer stay in Prague and budget is key, check out New Town, Karlín, or Holešovice/Letná instead.
Practical Tips for Staying in Prague
- Choose hotels near metro or tram stops rather than relying on walking distance alone.
- Avoid rooms facing busy streets if you’re sensitive to noise—cobblestones amplify sound.
- Prague hotels offer excellent value in the midrange (4-star) category.
- Book early for spring, summer, and December (Christmas markets).
FAQs
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. These can change but as of recently, this was the line information for choosing where to stay.
- 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 Palmovka, 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.
What are the prices for the metro? (under 15 is free, other discounts for children/seniors)
Official website is https://www.dpp.cz/en and please note that all tickets are cheaper in the app
- Basic: 90min 50CKZ (~$2.50USD)
- Short Term: 30min 39CKZ (~$2USD)
- 1 day: 24h 150CKZ (~$7USD)
- 3 day: 72h 350CKZ (~$17USD)
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 $30-$35 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,
When is the Best Time to Visit Prague?
Prague is pretty any time of year. However, the warmer months (May-July) 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 my favorite. You can hang your feet over the edge of the riverwalk, beer in hand, and watch the sun set over Prague castle.
Can you visit 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!
Is Old Town too touristy to stay in?
It’s crowded and yes there are a lot of tourists, but its also extremely convenient to all the sights. Great for first timers looking to soak up the energy of this beautiful city.
How many nights should I stay in Prague?
Three to four nights is ideal for most travelers. That way you can see all of the historical sights but with plenty of time to visit some lesser known areas as well as enjoy some amazing food and wine.
Is public transport safe at night?
Yes. Prague’s trams and metro are safe and reliable, even late.
Final Thoughts
Prague is a city where location matters, but perfection isn’t required. Thanks to excellent public transport and compact distances, you can stay just outside the historic core and still have an outstanding experience. For first timers, Old Town or Lesser Town delivers classic Prague. For better value and a more local feel, New Town and Vinohrady are hard to beat. Choose the neighborhood that fits your travel style and Prague will do the rest.
Related Guides / Internal Links
Self Guided Walking Tour of Prague’s Strangest Sculptures