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In this guide12 sections
- The short answer
- First, choose the area
- Staré Město: the historic heart
- Malá Strana: Lesser Town quiet
- Nové Město: New Town modern
- Žižkov: quirky and local
- Vinohrady: residential and green
- All 12 at a glance
- What kind of hotel? Prague types
- Before you book: five checks
- If you are still undecided
- Frequently asked questions
Prague is a city of spires, bridges, and layers of history. For travelers, this means there is no single "center." Where you sleep determines whether you wake up to Gothic towers, baroque courtyards, or quiet residential streets — and how many tram or metro rides you take to reach the next wonder. Choosing the right neighbourhood is the single most important logistical decision of your trip.
The short answer
| If you... | Stay in | Why |
|---|---|---|
| are on a first trip and want iconic sights walkable | Staré Město | The Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and Charles Bridge on your doorstep. |
| want a lively market, local bars, and authentic Czech life | Malá Strana | Prague Castle grounds, Nerudova Street, and charming lanes down to the river. |
| love wide boulevards, Art Nouveau, and a modern vibe | Nové Město | Wenceslas Square, Municipal House, and plenty of shopping and cafes. |
| prefer quirky streets, independent venues, and a local vibe | Žižkov | The TV Tower area, local pubs, and a multicultural, artistic scene. |
| want tree-lined streets, cafes, and a village feel | Vinohrady | Peaceful residential streets with parks, cafes, and local markets. |
First, choose the area
Prague's central districts are compact but distinct. To make your sightseeing stress-free, prioritize hotels near these key zones:
- Staré Město (Old Town): The historic core, home to Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and Týn Church.
- Malá Strana (Lesser Town): The baroque district beneath Prague Castle, known for Nerudova Street and embassy buildings.
- Nové Město (New Town): The area founded by Charles IV, featuring Wenceslas Square and Art Nouveau architecture.
- Žižkov: The quirky district east of the centre, famous for the TV Tower, independent venues, and a multicultural atmosphere.
- Vinohrady: The upscale residential district southeast of the centre, known for tree-lined streets and local markets.
Being within a ten-minute walk of a metro stop (A) or tram stop (22, 23) will save you hours over a week-long trip.
Staré Město: the historic heart
Staré Město is where you find the Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Charles Bridge (a short walk away). It is one of Prague's busiest neighbourhoods, filled with hotels, souvenir shops, and cafes that have served visitors for centuries.
Where to stay in Staré Město
- Hotel Evropa, splurge. A historic luxury hotel with suites and a rooftop terrace. Choose it for the ultimate luxury experience. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Mosaic House Design Hotel, comfortable. A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace. Watch out for: Very close to Old Town Square, so expect some foot traffic. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Courtyard by Marriott Prague, good value. A modern hotel with rooms themed around Prague's history. Watch out for: Very close to Old Town Square, so expect some foot traffic. Check rates on Booking.com →
Malá Strana: Lesser Town quiet
Malá Strana is where you find Prague Castle, the St. Nicholas Church, and the charming lanes that lead down to the Vltava River. It's the best area for those who want to be near the castle and enjoy panoramic views while avoiding the crowds of Old Town.
Where to stay in Malá Strana
- Augustinian Hotel Prague, splurge. A historic hotel with elegant rooms and a tranquil courtyard. Choose it for peace and historic charm. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Hotel Under The Rose, comfortable. A family-run hotel with a traditional Prague welcome. Watch out for: Slightly removed from the main tram lines, requiring a short walk or bus. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Pension Kings Court, good value. Rooms include small kitchenettes, making it ideal for longer stays or families. Watch out for: No full-service restaurant on site. Check rates on Booking.com →
Nové Město: New Town modern
Nové Město is where you find Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, and some of Prague's best Art Nouveau architecture. It's the best area for those who want to be near shopping, transportation, and a modern vibe.
Where to stay in Nové Město
- Hotel Indigo Prague, splurge. A modern hotel with a rooftop garden and excellent service. Watch out for: Book far in advance for the best rates. Check rates on Booking.com →
- NH Prague, comfortable. A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace. Watch out for: Very close to Wenceslas Square, so expect some foot traffic. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Pension Mikulandska, good value. A traditional pensionato with simple, clean rooms. Watch out for: Limited on-site dining. Check rates on Booking.com →
Žižkov: quirky and local
Žižkov is where you find the Žižkov Television Tower, some of Prague's best pubs, and the Olšany Cemeteries. It's the best area for those who want to be near local life and avoid the tourist crowds of the centre.
Where to stay in Žižkov
- Hotel Madison Prague, splurge. A modern hotel with a rooftop terrace and excellent service. Watch out for: Book far in advance for the best rates. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Pension Olšany, comfortable. A traditional pensionato with simple, clean rooms. Watch out for: Slightly removed from the main metro lines, requiring a short walk or tram. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Pension Sejkora, good value. Rooms include small kitchenettes, making it ideal for longer stays or families. Watch out for: No full-service restaurant on site. Check rates on Booking.com →
Vinohrady: residential and green
Vinohrady is where you find Riegrovy Sady park, some of Prague's best cafes, and the Vinohradská tržnice market. It's the best area for those who want more space, quieter streets, and proximity to local life.
Where to stay in Vinohrady
- Hotel Residence Vilnius, splurge. A modern hotel with a rooftop garden and excellent service. Watch out for: Book far in advance for the best rates. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Hotel Royal Vinohrady, comfortable. A family-run hotel with a traditional welcome. Watch out for: Slightly removed from the main tram lines, requiring a short walk or bike. Check rates on Booking.com →
- Pension Vinohrady, good value. A traditional pensionato with simple, clean rooms. Watch out for: Limited on-site dining. Check rates on Booking.com →
All 12 at a glance
| Hotel | Area | Tier | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Faust | Staré Město | £££ | Historic boutique with courtyard | Limited on-site parking |
| Mosaic House Design Hotel | Nové Město | ££ | Eco-friendly, modern | Limited on-site dining |
| Hotel Josef | Staré Město | ££££ | Luxury design with spa |