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Last updated on September 11th, 2025 at 12:46 pm
If you’re wondering where to stay in Prague, one of our most beloved cities on earth, this guide to the best areas to stay in Prague is here to answer all your questions.
Starting with the fundamental one. Which is the best area to stay in Prague? Well, many have a claim. But with such a breadth of personality, it’s a chance to discover a district that speaks right to your heart.
Therefore, don’t waste any time. Proceed to read our guide on the best areas to stay in Prague.
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Understanding Prague’s Districts
Prague is divided into ten municipal districts. This is why you’ll see Praha 1, Praha 2 etc displayed on the city’s street signs, alongside the area’s name. When shown on a map, these districts of Prague make for a beautiful kaleidoscopic look at the city.
Each has its own distinct taste and a touch of the remarkable town planning that has occurred over the last 500 years.
However, the ten best places to stay in Prague that we explore below don’t correspond to the city’s ten municipal districts.
We thought it would be more efficient to use the name of the neighbourhood in question rather than the number attributed to the area because names are easier to remember when trying to tell the best areas to stay in Prague apart.
Our Favourite Hotel in Prague
Before we go into detail about the best areas to stay in Prague, here’s our recommendation for the best hotel in Prague. As you may already know, we’ve been to Prague several times – and we plan to keep going back.
Throughout the years, we’ve stayed at various hotels and B&Bs but there’s one that has a special place in our hearts: The Mozart Hotel Prague.
Housed in a Baroque palace, the Mozart Hotel is not only one of the finest luxury hotels in Prague but a part of Prague’s living history. As such, a stay at this historic 5-star hotel is one of the best things to do in Prague in its own right.
Back in the 18th century, the residents of the palace were avid art and music lovers. Their list of famous guests included names such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Giacomo Casanova.
Sleeping within the same walls as eminent personalities of the past doesn’t happen every day. This is why we love The Mozart Hotel Prague so much.
But also for its elegantly decorated rooms that have an aura of times gone by. Some of them boast spectacular views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River.
9 Best Areas To Stay in Prague With Hotel Recommendations
1. Old Town (Staré Město) & Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
The city’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter are compact and lathered with historic ambience. The narrow back streets lead you on a journey through Baroque and Gothic architecture.
This area is best for sightseeing because it is easy to access Prague’s major tourist attractions.
Top Attractions
The Old Town is one of the most popular places in Prague. The major highlight of Staré Město is the Old Town Square and the medieval Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock.
The 15th-century Powder Tower marks the start of the Royal Route across the delightful Charles Bridge into Lesser Town.
Within the Jewish Quarter, you can visit the gorgeous Spanish Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue and the Old Jewish cemetery, all parts of the Jewish Museum.
Why Stay in The Old Town & Josefov
Prague’s Old Town is the epitome of the city’s beauty with history around every corner. The numerous tourist attractions and the options for food and drinks make the compact Old Town and Josefov perfect for first-time visitors.
Why Not Choose The Old Town & Josefov
Unfortunately, the Old Town can get terribly crowded, especially at weekends. There are zero chances to mingle with locals, as tourists actually frequent the Old Town. Last, nightlife can be noisy and unpleasant, especially for families.
Hotel Recommendations
The Mozart Hotel Prague: A short walk from Charles Bridge, this hotel boasts the best location in Prague. The historic 5-star Mozart Hotel offers unique rooms and suites and mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the hotel’s marvellous courtyard.
Hotel Residence Agnes: Located in the Jewish Quarter, this 4-star boutique hotel offers elegant rooms, breakfast to die for and super-friendly and accommodating staff.
Allure Hotel Prague: Built in 1909 in the Jewish Quarter, a renovated Art Nouveau building houses today’s Allure Hotel. The hotel features a splendid staircase, a minimal cocktail bar where experienced mixologists create wonders and elegant rooms reflecting the building’s charm.
2. Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
Set at the other end of Charles Bridge, on the foot of Prague Castle, Malá Strana is colourfully layered with history and elegance.
Palaces with vibrant gardens, gorgeous churches and medieval cobblestone alleys make the Lesser Town the ideal place to stay for couples.
Top Attractions
Like the Old Town, there’s great value in exploring the Lesser Town without a destination. Quaint streets lead to historic burgher houses and unexpected photo opportunities.
Make time for Malostranske Square and the 18th-century St. Nicholas Church, arguably the city’s best example of Baroque architecture.
Last, and certainly not least, are the Lesser Town Bridge Towers. Climb to the top of the higher tower for fabulous city views.
Why Stay in The Lesser Town (Mala Strana)
One of the main reasons to stay in the Lesser Town is the elegance and romanticism oozing at every corner. The fairytale-like area is walkable, packed with history, and has easy access to most areas of Prague, either on foot or public transportation.
Why Not Choose The Lesser Town (Mala Strana)
Although the Lesser Town is across the crowded Old Town, the area still feels busy with tourist crowds, especially in the morning.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Nerudova 211: This is our top pick of hotels in Malá Strana for its exquisite style, wooden elements and marvellous frescoes on the ceilings and walls. This family-run boutique hotel is housed in a Baroque building where the famous architect Blažej Santini used to live.
Old Royal Post Hotel: This luxury boutique hotel is located near Charles Bridge and features 25 modern rooms and suites inspired by prominent Czech figures and artists.
Waldstein Hotel: Housed in a 14th-century historical building, Waldstein Hotel boasts an excellent location next to the Wallenstein Palace and Garden. Its 19 luxury rooms promise a unique stay in Prague.
3. Castle District (Hradčany)
Yes, it’s hard to top the history of the Old Town and Lesser Town. But that doesn’t stop Hradčany from trying. You see, this is the Castle District.
Set behind Malá Strana, Hradčany boasts an untold number of noble homes and gorgeous palaces standing within metres of the largest castle on earth.
But here you’ll find a portal to the past, where museums and galleries hold the fort, while cathedrals and grand buildings create an impeccable skyline.
Top Attractions
Hovering over Malá Strana, the Prague Castle is impossible to miss. Taking you on a journey back to the 9th century, the castle is spellbinding and its sheer size helps to spread out the crowds.
Within and around the castle is a fantastic array of sights and activities, including the Sternberg Palace, the largest art institution in the country. Complementing the gallery are St. George Basilica and St. Vitus Cathedral.
Why Stay in The Castle District (Hradcany)
The views are jaw-dropping from almost anywhere in the Castle District, adding more of the card postal element to the picture. The atmosphere is vibrant in the morning, while the evening is perfect for low-light romantic strolls.
Why Not Choose The Castle District (Hradcany)
The only downside of choosing the Castle District for your accommodation is the uphill streets. Therefore, if you have mobility issues, this area might not be the perfect match for you.
Hotel Recommendations
Golden Star Hotel: Situated right below Prague Castle, the Golden Star Hotel offers panoramic views of Malá Strana. The baroque building features a traditional Czech restaurant on the ground floor, a 270-year-old staircase and comfortable rooms with a modern touch.
Monastery Hotel: Overlooking the Old Town and the Strahov Monastery’s gardens, this 4-star hotel is ideal for anyone looking for a quiet, cosy place to stay with easy access to Prague city centre.
4. New Town (Nové Město)
The term New Town may have you thinking Nove Mesto is ultra-modern and born of recent expansion.
But you’ll be intrigued to learn the new moniker dates back to the 14th century when the district became the newest of the city’s five historic neighbourhoods.
A modern business hub in its own right, it remains quieter than its renowned counterparts while providing easy access to the best places in Prague, thanks to the wide public transport network.
This makes the New Town the best area to stay in Prague for sightseeing without the hordes of tourists.
Top Attractions
Over forty striking mobile tiers are placed together to create the eleven-metre rotating sculpture of Franz Kafka. The technical marvel has become a highlight of the New Town.
Visitors should also relax and people-watch in Wenceslas Square.
As one of Prague’s main squares, it was once the heart of 1945’s Uprising and its National Museum stands with an unmissable presence on its northern end. You’ll also find a statue of St. Wenceslas in the centre of the square.
Why Stay in The New Town (Nove Mesto)
One of the main reasons to stay in the New Town is that it’s quieter than the Old Town and the Lesser Town. At the same time, you have convenient access to other neighbourhoods by public transport.
Last but not least, there is plenty of history and sights to visit in the area.
Why Not Choose The New Town (Nove Mesto)
Some parts of the area, like Wenceslas Square, get crowded, especially with bachelor parties at the weekend. Other than that, there are hardly any cons in the New Town.
Hotel Recommendations
Pytloun Boutique Hotel Prague: Topping our list of the best accommodation options in Prague New Town, this hotel belongs to the same Czech family that runs the Pytloun Boutique Hotel we stayed at during our Liberec trip.
Situated on Wenceslas Square, this 5-star hotel offers luxury design rooms and a fantastic bar-restaurant on the rooftop terrace.
Dancing House Hotel: The famous Dancing House is not only one of the best photo spots in Prague but also a 4-star hotel with modern luxury rooms and an extraordinary rooftop bar and restaurant.
Falkensteiner Boutique Hotel Prague: Situated near the main train station and Wenceslas Square, the 5-star Falkensteiner Boutique Hotel provides luxury rooms, a lovely courtyard, fancy cocktails, a sauna, a steam bath and a fitness room.
5. Vinohrady
Translating to vineyard, Vinohrady is a district filled with charming parks and green spaces that adds a layer of hearty green to the city.
While it’s no longer a pure vineyard like it was for its first few hundred years, Vinohrady has still found a way to delight the tastebuds thanks to its plethora of coffee houses.
Visitors will find a rich tapestry of culture thanks to Vinohrady’s youthful vibe and a strong expat community that has provided Prague with a zesty spread of international cuisine.
Top Attractions
As a leafy haven, you can’t spend time in Vinohrady without a visit to Havličkovy Sady, the second-largest park in Prague. The nearby Riegrovy Park offers some of the best views of Prague and a relaxed atmosphere.
Along with its youthful and worldly vibe, Vinohrady has some great restaurants and one of the best bar scenes in Prague. You can find a hint of the former at any of its local markets, with Náměstí Míru, aka Peace Square, being a city favourite.
Why Stay in Vinohrady
With its unique atmosphere, Vinohrady tops our list of favourite areas to stay in Prague. The green parks amidst the colourful buildings are perfect for relaxing strolls after sightseeing.
In addition, the numerous food and drink options will never let you down when you need a hearty dinner or a nightcap before bed.
Why Not Choose Vinohrady
Lacks the same level of history and tourist attractions, so it might be better suited for a second – or third-visit to Prague.
Hotel Recommendations
Luma Terra Prague Hostel: Lingering between the New Town and Vinohrady, this 4-star hostel not only features dorms, which are definitely not our thing.
It also offers comfortable and modern private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and fully equipped apartments. It earned its place on our list of the best hotels in Vinohrady because of the beer bar on the ground floor where you can try twelve different draft beers.
6. Žižkov
Aside from the Old Town, Žižkov is the best place to stay in Prague for nightlife. The authentic neighbourhood offers fantastic dim-lit cocktail bars, enchanting nightclubs and beer houses.
Rundown cobblestone streets have been somewhat revitalised by boutique shops and chic galleries, while there are several unique attractions to complement the adult beverages.
Top Attractions
The neighbourhood is named after Jan Žižkov, and you can find a striking statue of him on horseback at the top of Žižkov’s tallest hill. Alongside him stands the National Monument, home to the Czech History Museum.
For us, the highlight of Zizkov is the Old Jewish Cemetery, a peaceful green space with clear signs of beguiling neglect and the final resting place of Franz Kafka.
You should also climb up the Zizkov TV Tower for some of the best views in Prague. Be warned, the tower is surrounded by statues of babies. Yes, Žižkov is an oddly wonderful place.
Why Stay in Zizkov
Here, you can mingle with locals away from the tourist hordes of the Old Town. The area is full of pubs promising a great nightlife experience among locals near your hotel.
Why Not Choose Zizkov
The only downside of Zizkov is that it feels less charming by Prague standards.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Prokop Square: This elegant 4-star hotel features bright, stylish rooms and its guests praise the excellent breakfast and the accommodating service.
7. Karlín
Just two centuries ago, this part of Prague was nothing but a collection of rolling green fields. Then came the Industrial Revolution.
Today, Karlín is one of Prague’s newest neighbourhoods, a residential area offering a welcoming glimpse into the lives of Prague’s locals.
Without the same amazing main attractions found elsewhere in the city, Karlín is one of those Prague neighbourhoods considered off-the-beaten-path.
If that piques your interest, Karlín evokes authenticity where restaurants, bars and cafés cater to the local crowd, rather than travellers. In addition, great public transit puts you close to the Old and Lesser Towns.
Top Attractions
Aside from experiencing Prague like a local, while in Karlín, take the time to visit the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. This is one of the largest holy buildings in Czechia.
Why Stay in Karlin
Karlin is the ideal neighbourhood to stay in Prague for an authentic and local experience. It’s also very well-connected to other districts by tram or metro.
Why Not Choose Karlin
The only con here is that it lacks major tourist attractions.
Hotel Recommendations
The Viaduct – Suites & More: A stone’s throw from the historic centre, this boutique 4-star hotel offers luxury and comfortable rooms. We picked this hotel for its in-room breakfast and dog-friendly policy.
Hotel Mucha: Situated near the Florenc Metro Station, Hotel Mucha offers easy access to Prague’s Old Town. This 4-star hotel offers stylish rooms, retro common spaces, and a delicious breakfast buffet.
8. Vyšehrad & Around
The Vyšehrad district was named after the local fort that stands commandingly on the banks of the Vltava River. Set across Prague Castle, this is one of the best places for families to stay in Prague.
Legend states that the fort marks the very spot where Prague was founded in the 8th century. Here, families will find convenient access to other districts of Prague on foot or by public transportation.
In addition to the fort’s Baroque design and striking bastions and gates, an expansive park with breathtaking views and space to relax is also nearby.
Top Attractions
The Vyšehrad fort will take some time to explore in detail and its position at the top of the hill allows for breathtaking views of Prague’s skyline.
Elsewhere, you’ll find the Vysehrad Cemetery, where many famous Czechs have been laid to rest alongside beautiful monuments and statues. The nearby Rotunda of Saint Martin is one of Prague’s oldest surviving buildings, dating back to the 11th century.
Why Stay in Vysehrad
Vysehrad is a historic district with a central location near the Vltava River and the New Town. The district is away from tourist crowds and loud parties, making it a great choice for families.
Why Not Choose Vysehrad
Besides the bars along Naplavka, the riverbank of the Vltava River, the only downside of choosing Vysehrad for your accommodation is the average dining and bar scenes.
Hotel Recommendations
Hermitage Hotel Prague: Situated within easy walking distance from Vyšehrad Fort and the vibrant Náplavka, the Hermitage Hotel is housed in an impressive Art Nouveau building.
With its modern interior, comfortable rooms and a fitness centre on the rooftop, this 4-star hotel is ideal for a unique stay in an alternative area away from the Old Town.
9. Smíchov
Just south of the Lesser Town, Smíchov was once the city’s hub of tram and beer development.
Businesses, boutiques and plenty of restaurants have since taken over the space, making Smíchov much like the rest of Prague but without some of the impressive buildings and history.
You’ll find some great shopping here, thanks to sprawling malls and busy thoroughfares.
Its position within Prague’s public transport network also makes it a hub for those looking to explore the rest of the city without having to stay alongside fellow travellers.
Top Attractions
The visual highlight of Smichov is the Zlatý Anděl. This spectacular, modern-day design is glass from head to toe and is topped by an angel.
Nový Smíchov, a former train and tram plant, is now Prague’s central mall, with designer stores and ample restaurants. You’ll find more shopping on the bustling Plzeňská Street.
Yet, for us, the ultimate draw of Smichov is Naplavka, the glorious riverside promenade that flanks both sides of the Vltava River.
Why Stay in Smichov
Smichov is centrally located and has excellent access to public transportation. The area offers local and authentic vibes, making it a great alternative to the busy Old and Lesser Towns.
Why Not Choose Smichov
Smichov lacks major attractions, but what we didn’t like most when we stayed in Smichov is that some parts of the area can be sketchy at night.
Hotel Recommendations
Admiral Botel: We love unique accommodation options and staying in a boat hotel, aka a Botel, right on the Vltava River is a one-of-a-kind experience.
The rooms look pretty basic. However, the lavish interior with wooden furnishings contributes to the Botel’s romantic ambience.
OREA Hotel Angelo: Situated near the Anděl Metro Station and the fancy Manifesto Market, this 4-star hotel offers modern and cosy rooms in a stylish setting.
How Many Days in Prague
As much as we want to avoid sounding cliché, Prague is one of those cities where you want to spend a part of your life, if not your entire life, in. However, before seeing it for yourselves, we recommend spending at least 4 days in Prague for the first time.
Is Prague Safe?
To put it briefly, yes, Prague is totally safe. Petty crime and pickpocketing are the most common crimes. So be wary when riding any metro line, on board buses and tram lines or at crowded places, such as the Old Town Square.
We’ve been to Prague many times and never have we felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Even when walking around at night. That said, you should always use common sense.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this guide to the best areas to stay in Prague, we hope that you have a clear idea of where to stay in Prague next time you’re in the city.
If you’ve been to Prague before, which are the best neighbourhoods in Prague according to you? If you’re planning your first trip to the Czech capital, where would you like to stay in Prague? Let us know in the comments!
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: We were guests at The Mozart Hotel Prague. However, as always, we express nothing but our honest opinion about the experience we had.