Planning a trip to Prague, Czech Republic? This guide will help you choose the best areas and hotels for your stay, tailored to your travel style.
Prague is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. There’s a reason why 7.5 million people visit the Czech capital every year.
From its cobblestone streets to its gorgeous Gothic and Baroque architecture, there’s something about Prague that keeps pulling us back. We’ve been visiting since 2014, and each trip has given us a chance to explore new areas and discover Prague’s hidden gems.
That said, deciding where to stay in Prague can feel a bit overwhelming. With its mix of historic neighbourhoods and unique vibes, it’s not always obvious where to base yourself (especially if you’re visiting for the first time).
That’s why we created this guide! Over the years, we’ve explored Prague’s neighbourhoods for ourselves and helped friends, family, and colleagues find their perfect accommodations, from cosy hostels to luxury hotels.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Prague, including their pros and cons, and recommend hotels to suit every budget.
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Short on time? Here are our favourite areas and hotels in Prague:
Best Neighbourhood: Our top pick for both first-time and repeat visitors is New Town (Nové Město). It’s central, within walking distance to key attractions, and less crowded than Old Town. Plus, it’s more affordable, with great restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Best Hotels: Our recommended hotels in Prague are:
➞ Budget: Luma Terra Prague Hostel
➞ Mid-range: Allure Hotel & Residence Prague
➞ Luxury: Almanac X Alcron Prague
3 Best Areas to Stay in Prague (with Hotel Picks!)
Prague is home to 1.4 million residents and consists of 22 distinct districts. Choosing where to stay might feel like a puzzle, but if it’s your first trip and you only have 1–3 days, staying in central Prague is your best bet.
We’ve narrowed it down to 3 top picks for tourists:
- Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
- Old Town (Staré Město)
- New Town (Nové Město)
These three neighbourhoods offer a central location close to Prague’s main attractions, such as Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. You’ll also love how easy it is to get around on foot; there’s no need to rely on public transportation or taxis.
Below, you’ll find these neighbourhoods marked on our illustrated map:
In the following sections, we’ll break down the highlights and pros and cons of each area to help you find the perfect base for your Prague trip.
1. New Town (Nové Město)
Best for: foodies, nightlife lovers, business travellers, and shoppers.
Pros
- Central location with easy access to major attractions
- Plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops
- Excellent nightlife options
- Less hectic than some parts of the city centre
- More affordable than Old Town
Cons
- Some areas, particularly near bars and clubs, can be noisy
- Doesn’t have the historic charm of Old Town
New Town (Nové Město) is our absolute favourite area to stay in. It feels more modern than the nearby Old Town and Lesser Town, yet it still offers a central location that makes exploring Prague easy.
Old Town and Lesser Town are packed with the main sights, so they also tend to attract huge crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons (May-October). Staying in New Town means you can enjoy the best of both worlds: proximity to the city’s attractions without the overwhelming foot traffic.
New Town is a commercial hub that combines business centres, cultural landmarks, and a lively atmosphere. For those who prefer a quieter stay, we’d recommend choosing accommodation on the edges of the district, near the Vltava River.
Top tip: Foodies will especially enjoy this area! Whether or not you’re staying here, make time to explore some of the local restaurants, bars, and cafés. Café Imperial, QQ Asian Kitchen, and U Červeného páva are a few of our personal favourites.
The most important sights in New Town are Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, the National Theatre, Lucerna Palace, the Dancing House, and the Jerusalem Synagogue.
Did you know? New Town was established by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, in 1348 to accommodate Prague’s growing population. At the time, it was the largest medieval urban project in Europe.
While New Town is a great area for first-time visitors looking for a balance of modern comforts and historic charm, Old Town may appeal more to history buffs.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Prague New Town
Luma Terra Prague Hostel ($) – Located next to a metro station and the National Museum, this modern hostel offers both shared and private rooms. Two friends and a co-worker of ours stayed here, and one of them mentioned it’s the best hostel he’s stayed in out of more than 50. It’s clean, spacious, and ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
MOSAIC HOUSE Design Hotel ($$) – Just a short walk from the Dancing House, this stylish hotel features beautifully designed rooms and is in an excellent location.
Almanac X Alcron Prague ($$$) – We absolutely love this hotel! It’s elegant and perfect for special occasions. Expect spacious rooms, a luxurious cocktail bar, and a huge and delicious breakfast selection. We celebrated an anniversary here and stayed for an entire week.
Check availability and pricing for accommodation in New Town
2. Old Town (Staré Město)
Best for: history enthusiasts and first-time visitors who want to stay in the heart of Prague.
Pros
- Central location, with most tourist attractions within walking distance
- Beautiful buildings and stunning historic architecture
- Plenty of restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops
- Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience the historical centre of Prague
Cons
- Can be very crowded, especially during peak seasons
- Accommodation prices are higher than in other areas
Prague’s Old Town is the heart of the city, offering a perfect mix of medieval charm and must-see landmarks. It’s where you’ll find iconic sights such as the famous Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and the Jewish Quarter with its old Jewish cemetery.
For first-time visitors, staying here means being just a short walk from Prague’s major sights. It’s bustling with life, from street performers in the square to outdoor cafés, giving you an authentic taste of Prague’s vibrant atmosphere.
Top tip: If you want to see Old Town Square and Charles Bridge without the crowds, head out early in the morning. We explored Old Town a few times before 8am, and it was absolutely magical! You’ll have a peaceful start to your day and some great photo opportunities.
However, be prepared for crowds, especially in peak seasons. Having lived in NYC and London, we can definitely say we’re no strangers to busy streets!
This area is packed with history, but the crowds can sometimes make it overwhelming. However, if you want to be close to the main square and popular tourist attractions, this is the best place to stay in Prague.
Did you know? Beneath Old Town lies a network of underground rooms and passages, some dating back to the 12th century. We took this medieval underground walking tour during our last visit, which was fascinating.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Old Town
White Wolf House Hostel & Apartments ($) – A mix of shared rooms and private apartments with kitchens, just a 2-minute walk from Old Town Square. It’s modern, clean, and great value for money.
Allure Hotel & Residence Prague ($$) – This new 4-star hotel blends modern amenities with a historic building. Friends who’ve stayed here rave about its comfortable beds, spacious rooms, and superb location. We’ve experienced it ourselves and can confirm that it’s a great place to stay.
Hotel Kings Court ($$$) – This luxurious 5-star hotel in a historical building features spacious, modern rooms and a spa. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring Old Town, and the food is fantastic.
Check availability and pricing for accommodation in Prague’s Old Town
3. Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
Best for: couples seeking a romantic vibe, history lovers, and photographers.
Pros
- Quiet and peaceful compared to the bustling Old Town
- Stunning views of Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge
- Packed with history, with picturesque streets and classic architecture
Cons
- Limited accommodation options, especially for budget travellers
- Fewer nightlife and dining options compared to other areas
- Hilly sections can be challenging for some
Lesser Town (Malá Strana) is located on the other side of the river, right below Prague Castle. It’s a lovely neighbourhood with a calm, almost serene atmosphere, which makes it a good option for those who prefer to avoid the crowds.
It’s known for its Baroque palaces, hidden gardens, and cobblestone streets.
Did you know? Lesser Town is home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe, complete with its own pedestrian traffic light!
The neighbourhood is also close to major landmarks, like St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge.
If you’re considering staying in the castle district, we’d recommend choosing accommodation in the lower part of the neighbourhood. The upper sections near the castle are uphill, which can be a bit of a workout. However, if you don’t mind the climb, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over the city.
The Charles Bridge connects Lesser Town with Old Town, making it easy to explore both areas on foot.
The evenings feel peaceful (almost like a ghost town), which can be ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing escape. Mornings here are unbeatable, especially if you’re up for a sunrise walk; there’s less foot traffic, and the light on Petřín Hill in the morning is gorgeous!
Top tip: Be sure to visit Wallenstein Garden. It’s one of Prague’s most beautiful green spaces, with fountains, peacocks, and manicured hedges.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Lesser Town
Old Royal Post Hotel ($$) – This aparthotel is located on a charming square just 5 minutes from Charles Bridge. It offers individually styled rooms, a calm atmosphere, and plenty of nearby restaurants.
Augustine Hotel ($$$) – Housed in a 13th-century monastery, this 5-star hotel combines historic charm with modern luxury. You’ll love its on-site brewery, spa, and stylish rooms.
Check availability and pricing for accommodation in Prague’s Lesser Town
Our map below lets you browse accommodations and check real-time prices in Prague. It’s set to New Town (our favourite neighbourhood in Prague), but you can easily switch to explore other areas.
Alternative Neighbourhoods
While Lesser Town, Old Town, and New Town are among the best areas to stay in Prague for history and sights, we believe two other neighbourhoods deserve mention: Vinohrady and Žižkov.
You can see where these two areas are on our illustrated map below:
These residential areas offer a more local life and a different vibe but aren’t as close to the city’s iconic attractions. For a second visit or a more relaxed experience, these outlying areas are a good place to consider.
Vinohrady
Vinohrady is a residential neighbourhood with a lot of character. Its leafy streets, beautiful architecture, and peaceful parks like Riegrovy Sady make it a great location for anyone wanting a break from the bustling city centre.
We’ve genuinely enjoyed discovering the trendy cafes and restaurants here. It’s a foodie’s haven for sure!
What we love about this area
- The relaxed vibe compared to the busier areas.
- Excellent metro line connections, which make it easy to reach Prague’s best things to see.
- The variety of cheap hotels is ideal for budget travellers.
What we don’t love as much
- It’s removed from major sights like the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.
- For first-time visitors, staying in a more central residential area may be more convenient.
Check availability and pricing for accommodation in Vinohrady
Žižkov
Žižkov has a unique feel and stands out for its alternative side of city life. It’s known for its edgy atmosphere and lively nightlife. Plus, it’s home to the Žižkov Television Tower, which lights up beautifully in red and blue at night (see the picture below).
What we enjoy about this area
- The local life here feels a world away from the main tourist spots.
- Budget-friendly accommodations, perfect for cheap stays.
- It’s a good place for those who enjoy discovering different districts of Prague, especially for its nightlife.
What we don’t enjoy as much
- It lacks the historic charm of Prague’s central districts, so it might not suit first-time visitors.
- Walking to the must-see sights isn’t an option, although public transportation makes getting around easy.
Check availability and pricing for accommodation in Žižkov
FAQ: Areas in Prague
This section answers some of the most common questions we’ve come across when talking about the best places to stay in Prague. We hope these tips will help you choose the perfect spot that suits your interests and travel style.
What is the best part of Prague to stay in?
The best part of Prague to stay in is New Town (Nové Město). It’s central, walkable to major attractions, yet less crowded and more affordable than Old Town. New Town offers a quieter atmosphere with great restaurants, shops, and hotels, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
What is the most touristy part of Prague?
The most touristy part of Prague is the Old Town (Staré Město). It’s home to top attractions like the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Hall, and the bustling Old Town Square. With its historic charm, it draws the largest crowds, which makes it the city’s prime tourist hub.
Is it better to stay in Prague’s New Town or Old Town?
We recommend staying in New Town for a more affordable, less crowded experience. It’s centrally located and walkable to major attractions. However, if you don’t mind the crowds and higher prices, Old Town offers a more charming atmosphere and is closer to the main sights.
What is the most beautiful part of Prague?
Old Town Square is often considered the most beautiful part of Prague. This iconic medieval square is surrounded by stunning Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architecture, including the iconic Astronomical Clock, the Old Town Hall, and the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
What is the coolest neighbourhood in Prague?
Holesovice is considered the coolest neighbourhood in Prague. It’s full of trendy restaurants, bars, and galleries, like Airship Gulliver and Vnitroblock. For a fantastic view, head to Letná Park and grab a drink at the busy beer garden.
Final Thoughts
For your first time in Prague, we’d suggest staying in Lesser Town, Old Town, or New Town. They’re the best areas for soaking up Prague’s history and culture, with plenty of restaurants and landmarks within easy walking distance.
However, if you’ve been to Prague before or prefer a quieter stay, consider Vinohrady or Žižkov. Vinohrady offers leafy streets and a fantastic food scene, while Žižkov is great for those wanting to explore a more laid-back, offbeat residential district.
Whichever area you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a fabulous time in this beautiful city!
Check out our other Prague-related posts:
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