Hi, are you planning a visit to the capital of the Czech Republic and looking for information on where to stay in Prague?
You have come to the right place, because I can give you some suggestions.
Prague is a very interesting city, which is why it is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
This has obviously prompted a lot of investment in the area, and the offer is quite varied.
They range from unpretentious guesthouses to luxury hotels, from hostels to rented hovels and B&Bs.
In this article I will answer the most frequently asked questions about where to stay in Prague.
You will find out in fact:
- what are the best areas and neighborhoods to avoid;
- where to sleep in Prague with children if you are looking for tranquility and safety;
- where to stay on a budget;
- where to sleep in Prague if you’re traveling with young friends and looking for the wildest nightlife.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
What are the best areas to stay in Prague?
Prague can rely on good public transportation, however if your hotel is located in an unfavorable part of the city (perhaps too far from the center, poorly served, etc.) your vacation may suffer.
It comes in handy then to know that the Czech capital consists of as many as 22 administrative districts.
The center of the city is occupied by Prague 1 and Prague 2.
However, drop this type of subdivision because it will be easier to consider the division into cadastral districts.
To say that you are staying in Nové Město in short is not the same as saying that you are staying in Prague 5.
So let’s learn more about Prague’s neighborhoods, which are the best ones to stay in and which ones to avoid.
Staré Mēsto (Old Town)
The best area to stay in in Prague
The Old Town is Prague’s historic district and is the most convenient area for visiting the city.
It, located in Prague District 1, lies on the eastern bank of the Vltava River and is teeming with monuments and places of interest.
Choosing to stay in Staré Mesto means having everything at your fingertips: from stores to museums, hotels to restaurants and so on.
Of course, again as far as accommodations are concerned you can’t hope to find very low prices, but the game is worth the candle.
By the way, you will have the possibility to easily travel to Mala Strana, another neighborhood that really has a lot to offer.
Here are some of the best hotels in this area that I recommend you book into for your stay in Prague.
- Luxury option (over €200 per night): Four Seasons Praga – this hotel looks like a Royal Palace! Enjoy movie-like views of the city from your room. This property is less than 10 minutes from the Astronomical Clock!
- Medium budget (between 120 and 200€ per night): MOODs Charles Bridge – a gorgeous hotel just a 6-minute walk from the Astronomical Clock and Wenceslas Square.
- Low cost (less than 120€ per night): Old Prague Hotel – a very nice hotel characterized by a vintage atmosphere, and located in a strategic area of Prague, within walking distance of all major attractions. Of note is the excellent breakfast buffet!
Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
Prague’s friendliest neighborhood (and most suitable for families with children)
Next, let’s move on to the Lesser Town, that is, from the neighborhood that has sprung up on the western bank of the Vltava River, what I call the best area in Prague in which to stay with families and children.
Staying in Malá Strana, right next to the imposing Prague Castle, means living for a few days in a rarefied atmosphere, in an environment of undeniable bohemian charm.
This is an excellent choice, not only because of the intrinsic beauty of the area, but also because of the geographically advantageous location and the possibility of finding accommodations at fairly cheap prices.
Look for a hotel around here especially if you are on your honeymoon, if you particularly love Venice, or if you are traveling with your family.
It is indeed a very quiet and romantic area, characterized by the presence of Renaissance and Baroque buildings, picturesque mills and the Vltava River.
Here are some of the best hotels in the Malá Strana area of Prague:
- Luxury option (over €200 per night): Malostranská Residence-a beautiful hotel that can accommodate 2 to 8 people per room. It is in a great location, within walking distance of Petrin Park!
- Average budget (between 120 and 200€ per night): U 3 Pstrosu – Rooms have wood-beamed ceilings and free WiFi, and some have incredible views of Charles Bridge, which is a short distance from this hotel.
- Low cost (less than €120 per night): Charles Bridge Hostel & Apartments-a budget hotel located a 15-minute walk from the historic center. And Petrin Park is just a short walk away! Some rooms also offer a nice view of the city of Prague.
Nové Město (New Town)
Prague’s area to sleep on the cheap (or if you’re looking for nightlife)
The New Town, on the other hand, is the perfect place for those who can’t stay away from the nightlife.
I generally suggest staying here for younger people, but not for families with children in tow.
The nerve center of the district is Wenceslas Square: here you will find theaters, offices, cinemas, stores, shopping centers and even a few museums.
When you get tired of pubs and shopping, however, you can relax a bit by heading to the charming Franciscan Garden.
If you want to stay in Nové Město you certainly won’t have any problems finding beds.
Hotels in these parts are many and their prices become gradually cheaper as you move away from the center of the neighborhood.
This area is very well served by public transportation.
What are the best hotels in Nove Mesto? Here you can find my top 3.
- Luxury option (over €200 per night): Boutique Hotel Seven Days – The interior is decorated in Italian neoclassical style, boasting rich colors and luxurious fabrics. Guest amenities include a gym, spa, hot tubs, a casual lobby bar, and an upscale restaurant for mouthwatering dinners.
- Average budget (between €120 and €200 per night): Hermitage Hotel Prague – beautiful hotel within walking distance of the Vltava River and Vysehrad Castle.
- Low cost (less than €120 per night): H7 Palace – Located a 5-minute walk from the National Museum. And it offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy courtyard.
Hradcany
Great area to sleep in Prague for couples
Staying in Hradcany means finding accommodation right next to Prague Castle.
This neighborhood is in fact, like Malá Strana with which it also borders, located on the western bank of the Vltava River.
It is a prestigious area and, as such, full of luxury hotels.
Clearly staying here will require a higher budget than staying in a room in other areas.
You will, however, be just a step away from the Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Rosenberg Palace, Golden Lane, St. Vitus Cathedral, and, of course, the Castle.
- Luxury option (over €200 per night): Hotel Hoffmeister – a fabulous boutique hotel just a 5-minute walk from Prague Castle. The hotel has a spa center and a luxury restaurant. The rooms are equipped with whirlpool baths.
- Average budget (between €120 and €200 per night): Golden Star-a cozy, trendy hotel with modern rooms and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace! Prague Castle is within walking distance.
- Low cost (less than 120€ per night): City Center Apartments – staying here you have a choice of 2 beautiful apartments located right next to Prague Castle! The property is super cozy and even features a bathtub and a dishwasher!
Josefov: the Jewish Quarter
The best neighborhood to stay in if you are looking for new hotels
Staying in Josefov, Prague’s Jewish quarter, means living for a few days in a place that is, to say the least, evocative, where history, folklore and religion are virtually ubiquitous.
In existence since the 10th century, with pogroms beginning in the late 11th century, its name is a tribute to Joseph II, the Holy Roman Emperor who emancipated the Jews in 1781. Positioned in the northwest corner of the Old City, it is surrounded by it. This area houses six synagogues and museums that tell the story of Prague’s Jewish citizens over 11 centuries, and even a very special cemetery. Hotels are located in newer buildings in Josefov, as the Jewish quarter suffered severe damage during World War II.
And how about a detour to the shopping street? There is no shortage of things to do here!
Here is my selection of the best hotels in Josefov, Prague.
- Luxury option (over €200 per night): Grand Hotel Bohemia – this hotel boasts 79 rooms in a beautiful 1920s building, and the star of the property is the magnificent neo-Baroque ballroom. In the hotel’s Franz Josef restaurant you can dine on five-star Czech cuisine and a handful of international culinary delights. Many of the rooms offer views of the historic center and updated amenities such as iMac computers and Nespresso machines (ideal for us coffee-loving Italians).
- Average budget (between €120 and €200 per night): Hotel Residence Agnes – Located on a narrow cobblestone pedestrian street, this is a favorite hotel for travelers who want to delve into history and culture without spending a fortune. Rooms are decorated with fine wood, luxurious fabrics and extras such as free Wi-Fi and modern flat-screen TVs.
- Low cost (less than €120 per night): Ibis Praha Old Town-the ideal lodging choice for travelers on a budget but still wanting to experience a central city location. Rooms are modern and simple and offer basic but high-quality services.
Žižkov & Vinohrady, Prague 3
Best area to stay in Prague if you’re looking for a hipster vibe
The neighborhood mainly includes Žižkov, but the Vinohrady area from Prague 2 also extends to Prague 3.
Recently, hipsters have contributed to the trendy atmosphere with trendy cafes and clubs.
Staying near Vinohrady offers many opportunities, with good connections via metro and streetcars.
Žižkovhas plenty of green areas and beer gardens, including the 216-meter-high Television Tower with a view of more than 100 kilometers on a clear day.
The tower, located in the heart of Mahlerhaven, is a symbol of Prague, although it elicits mixed opinions about its appearance. It is possible to visit the restaurant 66 meters above the tower.
Here are the best hotels and B&Bs in the Žižkov and Vinohrady areas:
- Luxury option (over €200 per night): Hotel Prokop Square – a hotel with excellent ratings on Booking with rooms with a garden, private parking, terrace and bar. A really comfortable 4-star hotel located in a very quiet area of Prague.
- Average budget (between 120 and 200€ per night): Three Crowns Hotel – The Three Crowns Hotel’s impressive neoclassical facade makes it a popular subject for photographers. Be sure to try the free breakfast buffet in the spacious restaurant and sip drinks on the beautiful garden terrace.
- Low cost (less than €120 per night): Royal Plaza – For budget accommodation but close to the busiest and most exciting attractions, the Royal Plaza is the best choice. The rooms are well but simply equipped, and the free breakfast buffet is a great way to start each day in Prague.
Other neighborhoods
A good choice, especially if you want to save some money, is to stay in Karlin and Smichov, which are neighborhoods that are not exactly touristy but quite cheap.
Before booking accommodation, always check that it is located near the metro or bus stop.
Where to stay in Prague: some tips
Photo by Dmitry Goykolov on Unsplash
After you have made up your mind about the place to stay in Prague, before you finally choose it, read online reviews left by visitors who have already stayed there.
This way, by reading the experiences of those who have gone before you, you will be able to make a more informed choice.
From personal experience, I recommend that you choose hotels, B&Bs or vacation rentals with a rating of no less than 8 on Booking.com. Also monitor the number of reviews, the more there are, the more tourists have stayed there and therefore the rating will generally be more reliable.
Where to stay in Prague: frequently asked questions
Photo by Patrick Pahlke on Unsplash
The best neighborhood in which to stay in Prague is undoubtedly Prague District 1, which includes the following neighborhoods: Staré Mēsto, Malá Strana, Hradčany, and Nové Mēsto.
These districts represent the historical center of Prague, are all close to the city’s biggest attractions and, each with its own peculiarities, represent the cultural core of Prague.
Of these, despite being the least economical, I would definitely recommend the Staré Mēsto district, the city’s most central and most tourist-friendly district.
In Prague, the Old Town (Staré Město) and the New Town (Nové Město) are two distinct historic districts with significant differences in age, architecture, and atmosphere.
The Old Town, dating back to the 13th century, is the historic heart of the city, characterized by cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and iconic monuments such as Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.
The area offers an atmosphere of yesteryear with churches, historic buildings and picturesque squares. On the other side, the New Town was founded in the 14th century to accommodate the city’s growing population.
Despite its name, it is still ancient but has a slightly more modern appearance, with wider streets, spacious squares, and a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau.
Some attractions in the New Town include Wenceslas Square, the National Museum and the State Opera.
While both areas are rich in history and culture, the Old Town is generally more popular with tourists for its picturesque charm, while the New Town offers a mix of historical sites, stores, and a vibrant nightlife.
The four areas I recommend you avoid in Prague are:- the upper part of Wenceslas Square: despite being in the city center, it is quite crowded and is known to attract pickpockets and tourist traps;
– Hlavní nádraží the area of the train station, which is not particularly dangerous but rather scruffy, especially at night
– Bartolomějská, Benediktská or Krakovská (three streets in the Old and New Town): despite not being particularly dangerous neighborhoods, these three streets, along with the Smíchov district, have the highest crime rate in Prague.
– Prague districts 9, 10 and 11: are more residential and industrial, lacking the charm and historic beauty of the city center.
Although they are not particularly dangerous, they may not offer the best experience for tourists seeking the magic of Prague.
In my opinion, the district with the best value for money is Malá Strana, a cozy district with narrow streets and colorful houses, close to the center and Prague’s main attractions.
The cheapest district, on the other hand, is New Town (Nové Město), an area that is not particularly touristy but well connected to the center. It is located in Prague District 2, and is within a 10-minute walk of the historic center.If you are one of those travelers who likes to stay in areas that are not too touristy, New Town is the one for you.Here you can go to bars with locals, shop in typical supermarkets, and still be within minutes of the historic center.
In short, staying in Prague Tip 2 will give you a more local experience while being cheaper.
If you wish to sleep in Prague with children, I recommend staying in the Malá Strana district. This district includes the Prague Castle, beautiful and colorful buildings in small streets that form almost a labyrinth, the John Lennon Wall, the Petřín Tower, numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.
In short, it is one of the most cozy and comfortable neighborhoods in Prague, and it is particularly safe and comfortable, thus proving to be the best place to stay in Prague with children.
Although Prague is a fairly safe city, I recommend avoiding Bartolomějská, Benediktská or Krakovská (three streets with a high crime rate).
If you are traveling with a group of friends and want to party, you should definitely stay in the Nové Město (New Town) district. Here you have the opportunity to walk around and get to bars, clubs, and pubs that put on music late into the night.
Yes, Prague is a generally walkable city. The historic center is relatively compact and can be explored simply by walking. Many of the city’s attractions (such as Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Prague Castle) are within walking distance of each other.
Visiting Prague for 3-4 days is a good amount of time to explore the city’s main attractions, such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock.
Looking for a peculiar hotel to stay in in Prague? Well, you should know that some very original entrepreneurs have thought of starting a very unique accommodation facility. If you like to be rocked by the waves, book a bed in a boat hotel now. Boat Hotel Matylda is a floating hotel capable of giving a special experience to anyone who decides to stay around here.
