Where To Stay In Prague: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Prague has been given the nickname the “City of a Hundred Spires” which it certainly lives up to with the many spires, towers, turrets and steeples that adorn its historical buildings and churches. It feels like a fairy tale built out of cobblestone and red-tiled roofs.

The city is split into numbered districts, each with its own totally different vibe. You could end up waking up right next to a 14th-century gothic tower, or in a quiet neighborhood full of hip espresso bars and leafy parks.

If it’s your first time, staying in the heart of the action means you can walk to the Charles Bridge before the crowds roll in. But the real magic often happens just outside the tourist core. Places like Vinohrady or Karlín were once industrial or quiet residential pockets, but today they host some of the best food and craft beer scenes in Central Europe. Plus, Prague’s metro and tram network is ridiculously cheap and punctual, so you’re never truly stuck anywhere.

Here is a fun fact to keep in mind while you wander: Czechs drink more beer per capita than anyone else on the planet, and they’ve held that title for decades. You’ll quickly see why. A draft pilsner here often costs less than a bottle of still water.

There are many great areas to stay in Prague so take a look at these top five neighborhoods to help you plan the perfect trip to this magical city.

In this travel guide:

Staré Město (Old Town)

Best area for: history, shopping, tourists

Prague’s Old Town is the perfect place to stay if it is your first time visiting Prague. It’s the part of the city where we feel history around almost every corner. The area dates back to medieval times, and its heart is the huge Old Town Square. It has been a marketplace since at least the 10th century.

We usually start at the Old Town Hall and wait for the famous Astronomical Clock to do its little hourly show. Then we head over to the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Its twin Gothic towers are hard to miss. From here, the narrow streets lead toward the river, the Clementinum, and eventually Charles Bridge. The old Royal Route runs right through this part of town, too.

Another highlight is Josefov, the former Jewish Quarter. It sits within Old Town and is home to several historic synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The Jewish Museum is spread across several sites, including the Old-New Synagogue and Spanish Synagogue. It’s one of the most interesting places to visit if we want to dig deeper into Prague’s history.

For coffee and breakfast, we’d stop at Café 11. It’s a handy little spot for cappuccinos and breakfast before heading back into the crowds.

Staying here means we can walk to many of Prague’s big sights. It can get crowded, especially around the square, but early mornings are much calmer.

Best place to stay in Old Town

Hotel Rott. Address: Male Namesti 4/138, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic.

Nové Město (New Town)

Best area for: history, business, central stay

Contrary to its name, Nové Město (which is located right next to Old Town) mostly consists of buildings that are around 700 years old! Like its close neighborhood Old Town, Nové Město is also full of history and grand and ornate buildings.

The neighborhood centers around Wenceslas Square, a massive boulevard that witnessed major modern Czech history, including the 1989 Velvet Revolution. At the top of the square sits the grand National Museum, packed with natural history and cultural exhibits. A short walk toward the river brings you to Frank Gehry’s famous Dancing House. You can take the elevator to the top floor for an awesome view over the Vltava River and the city rooflines.

For history and art lovers, the Mucha Museum showcases stunning Art Nouveau works by Alphonse Mucha. If you want something unique, head to the courtyard of Quadrio to see David Černý’s giant, rotating silver head of Franz Kafka.

When we need a caffeine fix and breakfast, we go straight to Super Tramp Coffee. It is tucked away in a hidden courtyard behind an old printing house. They brew some of the best specialty coffee in Prague and serve delicious pastries in a super peaceful spot.

Best place to stay in Nové Město

BoHo Hotel. Address: Senovážná 1254/4, 110 00 Nové Město, Czech Republic.

Malá Strana

Best area for: history, upscale, picturesque

Malá Strana means “Lesser Town,” and the area sits between the Vltava, Petřín Hill, and Prague Castle. Much of what we see today dates back centuries, with grand Baroque buildings mixed in among narrow lanes and old houses.

Our day typically starts around Malostranské náměstí, where the huge Church of St. Nicholas dominates the square. From there, we head uphill through Nerudova, one of the prettiest streets in the neighborhood. It’s also a good route toward Prague Castle, although the steep climb can wake you up faster than coffee.

Another favorite stop is Wallenstein Garden. The early Baroque garden was built in the 1620s and has fountains, statues, a pond, and even an artificial grotto.

Then there’s Kampa. This little island along the Vltava has grassy spots, the famous Lennon Wall, the Museum Kampa, and the old Čertovka canal. The huge mill wheel by the water is especially fun to see.

For coffee, we’d grab a table at Lžička café on Tržiště. For breakfast, Café Creperie Pod Věží is another easy pick. And if we’re hungry later, U Glaubiců on the main square is a solid place to try Czech food.

Best place to stay in Malá Strana

Hotel Mandarin Oriental Prague. Address: Nebovidská 459/1, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czech Republic.

Cheaper alternative:

Hotel Kampa Garden. Address: U Sovových Mlýnů 9, Prague, 11000, Czech Republic.

Vinohrady

Best area for: trendy, upscale, parks

Vinohrady gives you an authentic taste of everyday life in Prague. You get historic architecture, sprawling green parks, and some of the best cafes in Europe, all just a quick tram ride from the main tourist sights.

The name means “vineyards” in Czech, back when King Charles IV planted grapevines all over these hills in the fourteenth century. These days, it has transformed into a gorgeous nineteenth-century residential neighborhood full of pastel Art Nouveau buildings and leafy residential streets.

The vibe here is relaxed and local. Riegrovy Sady sits right at the top of the hill. It features a huge outdoor beer garden with sweeping views of Old Town and the Prague Castle. Another standout spot is Náměstí Míru, dominated by the gothic Church of Saint Ludmila. If you prefer weird architecture, check out the nearby Žižkov Television Tower. You can ride up for incredible panoramic views of the entire city.

The local food and specialty coffee scene is fantastic. For an incredible morning, we always head to Cafefin on Jiřího z Poděbrad square. They serve amazing specialty coffee alongside delicious Vietnamese-inspired breakfast dishes and avocado toasts. You can sit outside and watch the local farmers market right on the square.

Best place to stay in Vinohrady

Hotel Royal Court Legerova. Address: Tourist Information Center, Legerova 48, Prague, 12000, Czech Republic.

Zizkov

Best area for: bohemian, trendy, nightlife

Žižkov is a good pick if we want Prague with a little more personality and a lot less polish. You get fewer grand palaces and tourist crowds here, and more old pubs, street art, apartment blocks, and locals going about their day.

The neighborhood has a rough-around-the-edges history. It started out as a working-class district and was named after Jan Žižka, the Hussite military leader who defeated crusader forces on nearby Vítkov Hill in 1420.

Vítkov is still one of our favorite places to explore. You can walk through the park, check out the huge National Memorial, and see the enormous bronze statue of Žižka. The hill also gives us some great views over Prague.

Then there’s the Žižkov Television Tower. Love it or hate it, you can’t miss it. The 216-meter tower rises above the neighborhood, with David Černý’s giant baby sculptures crawling up the outside. Head to the observation area for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the city.

For a quieter stop, we’d grab coffee at Žižkavárna Cafe. It’s an easy spot for breakfast or a mid-morning caffeine fix. Later, we’d settle into one of Žižkov’s many pubs. The area has long had a reputation for its dense pub scene, and that’s still part of its charm.

Best place to stay in Zizkov

Hotel Theatrino. Address: Borivojova 53, Prague, 13000, Czech Republic.

Where travel critics stay in Prague

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Dublin, Prague? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Prague.

Budget

Sophie’s Hostel.

“This upbeat hostel enjoys a fairly convenient location in Vinohrady, a quasi-boutique aesthetic, and a unique mix of dorms, private rooms and apartments that are dotted with designer furnishings and generally devoid of drunken backpacker groups.” — Telegraph.

Address: Melounova 2, Prague, 120 00, Czech Republic.

Mid-range

Dancing House Hotel.

“Last year also saw the arrival of a new Dancing House Hotel. The location along the river and south of Old Town is excellent, though the real pleasure comes from getting to stay inside the landmark riverside building by architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic.” — New York Times.

Address: Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město, Czech Republic.

Luxury

Golden Well Hotel.

“Consistently rated one of Prague’s best boutique hotels, the Golden Well is hidden away at the top of a narrow side street in Malá Strana. Effectively built into the side of a hill below Prague Castle, the location affords spectacular views of the city.” — Fodor’s.

Address: U Zlaté studně 166/4, Malá Strana, 118 01 Praha 1, Czech Republic.

FAQ: Prague hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Prague? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Prague hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Prague.

Best time to visit Prague

The best time to visit Prague is in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded with tourists. During these periods, you can enjoy the city’s architectural beauty, historical sites, and cultural festivals in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Spring is particularly enchanting as the city blooms with cherry blossoms and vibrant greenery, providing perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Fall offers a picturesque view of Prague with its stunning autumn foliage, making a walk across Charles Bridge or through the Old Town a truly memorable experience.

If you are a fan of Christmas markets, December would be the best time to visit Prague. Despite the cold weather, the festive atmosphere with beautifully decorated streets, traditional Czech food and drinks and the sound of Christmas carols make it a magical experience.

Summer can also be an exciting time to visit Prague. The city hosts various music and cultural festivals which attract a lot of tourists. However, it is also the peak tourist season and can be quite crowded.

Best things to do in Prague

There are numerous things to do in Prague and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Prague:

Prague: Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks

Spend an evening in the heart of Prague enjoying a 3 or 5-course medieval dinner with unlimited drinks. You’ll be entertained by a special medieval performance, in a show that includes swordsmen, jugglers, and belly dancers, all accompanied by music. Price: $49. More info.

Small-Group or Private City Walking Tour Including Vltava River Cruise and Lunch

Explore must-sees such as Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the Jewish Quarter as your guide recounts their histories, and savor a hearty Czech lunch at an Old Town restaurant. Price: $89. More info.

Prague: Ghosts and Legends 1.5-Hour Walking Tour

Discover the myths and legends of Prague on a 1.5-hour ghost tour. Go to some of the city’s most mysterious alleys, and hear stories that will make you pray for the daylight! Learn the story behind the skeleton on the Astronomical Clock, and more. Price: $20. More info.

More things to do in Prague

Deciding where to stay in Prague

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Prague above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Prague

• Zizkov
• Vinohardy
• Malá Strana
• Old Town
• Nové Město

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Prague is important. Whether you stay in Zizkov, Vinohardy, Malá Strana, Old Town or Nové Město, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Prague.

Prague overview

More Prague tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Prague:

Hotels in Prague

Hostels in Prague

Boutique hotels in Prague

Luxury hotels in Prague

Cheap hotels in Prague

Sustainable hotels in Prague