8 Best Areas to Stay in Prague For Tourists

Last Updated on

by Maggie Turansky


Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.


Though the tourist centre of Prague is compact and walkable, there are many good bases to stay when visiting this beautiful city. If you’re planning a trip and are wondering what the best area to stay in Prague is, then make sure to check out this guide.

From lovely Vinohrady to trendy Žižkovto hip Holesevice, several cool and interesting neighbourhoods in Prague can give you a great, holistic view of the city beyond the castle and the Charles Bridge.

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Prague

Stare Mesto (Old Town) – Best for Sightseeing

One of the most obvious places to stay in Prague is undoubtedly Stare Mesto, or the Old Town (Prague 1). The most iconic part of this historic city, this area isn’t home to many locals and is where the majority of concentration of tourists are.

Prices in the Old Town are the highest you will get in the entirety of the city, not only for accommodation but in other areas such as food a restaurant prices.

Because of its popularity, it can also get quite noisy and busy. This is also not the best neighbourhood to choose from if you’re interested in seeing what it is like for locals in the city as many choose not to live in this area – both because of high prices and crowds of visitors.

The Old Town can be a good option if you only have a short period of time in which to see Prague and you want to be as close as possible to the top attractions.

It’s also a nice choice if you want to be in the centre of the action, are visiting Prague for the first time and want to see the major tourist attractions like the Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock and don’t care too much about busyness and crowds.

Where to Stay in Stare Mesto

Miss Sophie’s Downtown – A mid-range boutique hotel in the heart of Prague that offers a range of rooms including single, double and family suites with some rooms having great city views. There is the option to include breakfast in the nightly rate.

Grand Hotel Bohemia – A luxury hotel in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, this hotel has beautifully decorated rooms with modern amenities. There is a restaurant and bar at the hotel with breakfast included in the room rate.

Old Town Boutique Apartments – This place offers a fantastic range of apartments that is perfect if you’re looking for a self-catering option. Choices include studios and lofts that can accommodate larger families. Guests also have access to a shared terrace.

The RoadHouse Prague – A social hostel located by the Vltava River, they offer a couple of different dorms with many modern comforts such as reading lights and a privacy curtain. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and common room area.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Stare Mesto!

Prague's Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square

Nove Mesto (New Town) – Best for Transport Links

If you want to be in the city centre, within walking distance of all of the top tourist attractions but think that the Old Town isn’t the right fit, then consider basing yourself in Nove Mesto — or the New Town. T

his area in central Prague is well-connected to the vast majority of main sites in the city and makes for an excellent option.

Nove Mesto is a large area that encompasses such areas as Wenceslas Square where a lot of Prague’s famous nightlife can be found all the way to Naplavka so there are lots of different areas within this neighbourhood to choose from.

It has great transport links should you want to hop on a tram or metro but plenty is within easy walking distance, as well.

Though this still isn’t necessarily the least touristy area, you can definitely get a more local vibe here on your trip to Prague. There are plenty of locals who do live in this area and even more who work here, so both accommodation prices and restaurant prices will likely be lower than those in the Old Town.

It is also a lot easier to avoid tourist traps and scams in this neighbourhood, with the exception of Wenceslas Square.

Where to Stay in Nove Mesto

Mosaic House Design Hotel – A beautifully designed hotel in Prague’s New Town, they offer a range of amenities for guests including free bikes, a garden on-site and a bar. There is also the option to include a buffet breakfast in your nightly rate.

Hotel CUBE Prague – A modern hotel located within a short walking distance of Prague’s many top attractions, they offer a range of comfortable rooms with breakfast included.

Aparthotel Wenceslas – A good option if you’re looking to accommodate a larger family or group, this aparthotel has two and three-bedroom apartments with modern facilities.

The Clock Inn – This hostel offers both dorm and private rooms with the entire floor being allocated to common areas meaning there are plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Nove Mesto!

National museum in Wenceslas Square
National Museum in Wenceslas Square

Malá Strana – Best Area for Couples

If you want to be situated in one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Prague, be nestled in the foothills of the Prague castle and still be within easy reach of the Old Town, then Malá Strana (Lesser Town) is an excellent option for you. This area is on the other side of the Vltava River from the Old Town and is a beautiful little enclave of the city.

This part of Prague is filled with gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture and is within very close reach of the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle.

It is an area that is popular with tourists and can have a lot of crowds, but as soon as you wander a street or two away from the river or the castle, you will be greeted with quiet streets and more locally-focused shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

This is also one of the best areas to stay for couples, as the streets are incredibly romantic and walks on Petrin Hill can be a great experience.

Where to Stay in Malá Strana

Hotel Ikona – This mid-range hotel in Prague makes for a great option in Malá Strana. Located within spitting distance of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, they have lovely rooms available and offer a continental breakfast each morning.

Hotel Pod Věží – If you’re after a luxury option in Malá Strana, then this 4-star hotel is a fantastic choice. Centrally located within easy reach of Prague’s top attractions, they have a range of plush rooms on offer, they are pet-friendly and there is even an on-site restaurant and bar.

Old Royal Post Hotel – This hotel is another great option if you want some self-catering facilities while still being in a nice and comfortable setting. They have a few suite options complete with furnished kitchenettes and also some lovely regular rooms to choose from.

Little Quarter Hostel – Located just a few minutes walk from Prague Castle, this hostel has a range of dorms and private rooms. There is a rooftop terrace and plenty of shared common space.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Malá Strana!

Exploring Mala Strana
Exploring Mala Strana

Vinohrady – Best Area for Families

Vinohrady (Prague 2) is a very popular neighbourhood for people to live in Prague and it isn’t hard to see why – it is, in my opinion, the prettiest area of the city.

Adorned with grand, pastel-coloured Art Nouveau buildings, plenty of lovely cobbled streets, inviting parks and a myriad of restaurants and cafes, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Prague for visitors. There are also several parks nearby that make it a great option for families.

Vinohrady isn’t in the Old Town, but it is directly adjacent, meaning that it is incredibly easy to reach the city centre either on foot or via public transit. However, when based here, you can enjoy a much more local side of the city without having to pay tourist prices or dodge crowds.

The neighbourhood is also very quiet but due to its close proximity to the city centre and top attractions, makes for one of the best locations to stay in Prague for tourists.

Where to Stay in Vinohrady

Anna Hotel – This mid-range hotel is an excellent choice for a place to stay in Vinohrady. Located close to Namesti Miru, it is well-situated for exploring Prague and its lovely neighbourhood. They have a range of comfortable rooms to choose from.

Clarion Hotel Prague City – If you’re looking for a little bit more luxury, then this 4-star hotel makes for a great place to stay in Prague. Located close to metro and tram stops, they have several lovely rooms available, breakfast on offer in the morning and they are pet-friendly.

Eight Secrets Boutique Residence – For those interested in seeing what it’s like to live in this neighbourhood, these apartments are great options. They have a range of fully furnished flats available and a great location within easy reach of the city centre.

Hostel One Miru – A small hostel with a handful of dorm rooms and a private room, this is another great social place to stay. There are regular activities organised by staff and modern comforts in the rooms such as individual plugs and curtains.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Vinohrady!

Church of the Sacred Heart in JzP
Church of the Sacred Heart in Vinohrady

Žižkov- Best for Budget Travellers

Though it has a central location and is situated directly next to one of Prague’s most in-demand neighbourhoods (Vinohrady), the neighbourhood of Žižkov (Prague 3) still struggles to shake its more gritty reputation.

However, if you’re looking for an affordable, unique and central area that is away from tourist crowds, then Žižkovis a fantastic choice.

This district is about as well-located to the city centre as Vinohrady and you can get countless trams directly from Žižkovto the Old Town in around ten to fifteen minutes. Accommodation prices can also be some of the most affordable in the city without sacrificing quality.

Žižkov also boasts a lot of great restaurants including international and traditional Czech cuisine, cafes and pubs and you’re definitely going to get a very local vibe to the city if you stay here, without sacrificing proximity to the Old Town, Castle and main attractions.

This area is also a good option if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Prague for nightlife that is more local and not as geared towards tourists as the Old Town.

Where to Stay in Žižkov

Theatrino Hotel  – Perfect for mid-range travellers, this hotel in Prague is located in a former theatre in a gorgeous Art Nouveau building. Well located a stone’s throw from a tram stop that will take you to the Old Town in just ten minutes, they also have great rooms to choose from and breakfast available each morning.

Carlton Hotel – Another well-located Žižkov hotel, this is another great place to stay in this cool neighbourhood. There are countless great rooms available, it’s located close to tram stops and they even offer an airport shuttle.

Vitkov Park Apartment – Located close to Vitkov Hill, this studio apartment is great for those who are looking for a self-catering option in cool Žižkov. It is fully furnished with everything you would need for your stay and close to all of the cool things that this neighbourhood has to offer.

Hostel Elf – Located in the hip Žižkov neighbourhood and only a short walk from the main train station, this hostel also has both dorms and private rooms with the staff organising events in the hostel and around Prague.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Žižkov!

View of Zizkov from Vitkov Hill
View of Zizkov from Vitkov Hill

Holesovice – Best To Get Off The Beaten Path

If you’re looking for another super cool area in Prague that is well off the beaten tourist trail, then you can’t go wrong with Holesovice.

Located on the other side of the river from the Old Town, Holesovice is a very cool area filled with beautiful buildings and a lot of cool restaurants, bars, cafes and beer gardens.

In fact, if you’re interested in heading to a beer garden with one of the best views in Prague, Holesovice is located directly adjacent to Letna Park, where you can get a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Holesevice is also home to the Prague Market, a major market hall that sells an array of different things.

Despite not being on the typical tourist path, it is still quite centrally located and you can easily get around to the city centre and Prague’s top attractions.

Where to Stay in Holesovice

Mama Shelter Prague – This 4-star hotel is an excellent choice in the Holesovice area. Located close to Letna Park, they have several plush rooms available, two on-site restaurants and plenty of other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Plaza Prague Hotel – Another lovely 4-star hotel in Holesovice, this is a fantastic option to stay in this area of the city. Well-located to all the neighbourhood has to offer and close to transport links, they have a great breakfast available each morning and plenty of chic rooms to choose from.

Trendy Local Apartment – Holesovice is a great neighbourhood to pretend you’re a local in Prague and this apartment is a great place to do it in! It is fully furnished, set in a beautiful Art Nouveau building and quite well-located for exploring both the neighbourhood and Prague as a whole.

Sir Toby’s Hostel – Another great social hostel in Prague offering both dorms and private rooms. There is a large common area and a garden for guests to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Holesovice!

View from Letna Park in Holesovice
View of Prague from Letna Park in Holesovice

Karlin – Best for Trendy Visitors

Across the river from Holesovice and on the other side of Vitkov Hill from Zizkov lies cool and trendy Karlin, a great area to stay in Prague for tourists looking for something very close to the old town, but still away from the beaten trail.

Karlin has a lot to offer visitors – like so many areas in Prague, there is beautiful architecture here and lots of cool cafes and restaurants to check out.

There are many pubs and beer gardens to enjoy and these are probably going to be the least popular among foreign visitors – but incredibly popular among young locals.

Karlin is also very well-located for getting to the city centre, with both metro and tram lines taking you to the old town in around ten to fifteen minutes. All in all, it is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a cool area that is super well-located for exploring the city.

Where to Stay in Karlin

Seven Wishes Boutique Residence – There are several chic and comfortable fully furnished flats to choose from, ranging from studios to those accommodating up to 6 adults. They are also well located for exploring the neighbourhood and the city in general.

Hotel Royal Prague – This swanky four-star hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a sleek and modern place to stay in Karlin. They have lovely rooms to choose from, they have a spa and wellness centre and are even pet-friendly.

Florenc Hostel – Located next to one of Prague’s major bus stations, this hostel has everything you need for a comfortable stay with smaller dorms compared to many other hostels as well as private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Karlin!

Park in Karlin
Park in Karlin

Smichov – Best for a Local Feel

If you want to stay in quite a local area of Prague that is still very well-located to the top attractions, the Smichov may be a great choice for you. Located across the river from Vysehrad, there is a lot in this neighbourhood to offer and it is a place where plenty of locals call their home, as well.

There are plenty of transport links in this area that can take you anywhere you may want in the city. There is also a wonderful farmer’s market to enjoy some days of the week, a shopping centre and lovely streets to wander without a lot of tourists around.

Smichov is also home to some great restaurants, pubs and cafes that cater far more to locals than to tourists, so you can be sure you will get a true “Prague experience” if you choose to stay in this neighbourhood.

Where to Stay in Smichov

Light Rooms Prague – This mid-range hotel is a great option in the Smichov area. They have clean and comfortable rooms available, some including a hot tub and sauna, and a fantastic location for exploring Prague and the neighbourhood itself.

Hotel Julian – This grand hotel in Smichov is located only a fifteen-minute walk from the Charles Bridge, but is still situated in quite a local neighbourhood. They have great rooms available, a beautiful rooftop terrace with excellent views of the city and plenty more to offer visitors.

Aparthotel Austria Suites – This pet-friendly aparthotel is an excellent option for those looking for a self-catering choice in Prague. They have both one and two-bedroom suites available and are well-located for exploring this area of the city and for getting to the top attractions in the Czech capital.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Smichov!

Vysehrad
Nearby Vysehrad

With so many neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be hard to determine the best area to stay in Prague. Whether you want to be in the centre of the action or want to spend time in a trendy area filled with hip, young locals – there is something for everyone in the capital of the Czech Republic.

Are you wondering where to stay in Prague? Have any questions about these areas? Let us know in the comments!

Like It? Pin It!
Avatar photo

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Leave a Comment