Where To Stay In Prague: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Old European cities don't come much better preserved or more enchanting than the Czech capital of Prague. From the famous Old Town Square to the brooding heights of Prague Castle, this stunning city is a place of huge historic significance, lively culture, and lots and lots of incredibly cheap beer. As a result, Prague attracts a real mix of visitors, from boozy bachelor and bachelorette parties who want to enjoy the most unmissable things to do at night in Prague to seekers of knowledge who would rather spend their time in the city's incredible museums.
Choosing where to stay in Prague is a great problem to have. Still, it's going to require some thought. While the Old Town may be Prague's most popular district thanks to its beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets, it may not be the best choice for your trip. A central location that's within walking distance of everything sounds great, but Prague has an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to get just about anywhere in the city anytime you want. Once you've figured out how to get around Prague, that there's much more to the city than the Old Town Square, and that some of the outlying areas offer their own unique charm.
No matter how you end up deciding where to stay in Prague, your trip will be a lot easier and more enjoyable if you drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Prague. Traveling light means you can be much more flexible in where you choose to stay, letting you see more of the city on your trip.
Where to stay in Prague Old Town
Old Town Prague, known as Staré Město to Czechs, is undoubtedly the most iconic location in the city. Old Town Square is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in Prague, including the world's oldest astronomical clock located in the Old Town Hall Tower. Plus, it's only a short walk from Old Town to the famous Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, making the city center a great location and a very attractive option when you're wondering where to stay in Prague.
Along with all this historic interest, you'll find some of the best restaurants in the city, serving both traditional Czech cuisine and food from around the world. The Old Town is home to Prague's two Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as plenty of beer halls and beer gardens where you can enjoy local life.
Old Town Prague is the best place to stay in the city if you're interested in sightseeing and want to be within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions. However, bear in mind that the Old Town can get very busy, especially in the summer months. Also, its small size and desirability means that prices are inevitably higher here than in the rest of the city. If you have a taste for luxury hotels and don't care what it costs to stay in central Prague, the Old Town is a great location that will put you within walking distance of just about everything. But if you're looking for budget accommodations, you may have to look elsewhere.
Where to stay in Prague Little Quarter
Prague's Little Quarter, or Malá Strana, is a fairytale location. If you're wondering where to stay in Prague that can compete with the historic beauty of the Old Town Square, the Little Quarter may be your best bet. Located on the other side of the river from Old Town Square, the Little Quarter is home to the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Therefore, this is one of the oldest areas of the city, and is home to some of the city's top attractions. Along with Prague Castle itself and the Charles Bridge that leads to it, you'll find the John Lennon Wall and the Petrin Tower. From Prague Castle, Petrin Park, and the island of Kampa in the Vltava River you'll get incredible views of Old Town Prague. Plus, literature fans will be delighted to know that this charming area is home to the Franz Kafka Museum, and was once the home neighborhood of the famous writer.
Like the Old Town, Prague's Little Quarter can get very busy during the summer months. However, it does offer a good alternative to the city center, with all the historic charm of Old Town but with a little more peace and quiet. Plus, although the hotels on this side of the Charles Bridge aren't exactly cheap, you're more likely to find bargains here than in Old Town. This Castle district is a good place to find a boutique hotel or some of the best luxury hotels in Prague, and if you look hard, you may even find a budget hotel that fits your needs in the Castle district.
Where to stay in Prague New Town
Prague New Town is home to some of the best hotels in the city. Whether you want to stay at a luxury hotel or are looking for the best budget hotel in Prague, chances are good you'll find it here. And Prague New Town, located around the always-vibrant Wenceslas Square, is also one of the best places in the city to shop. Yes, it may lack the historic charm of Old Town. But New Town is still close to Prague city center, and a combination of walking and public transportation will get you just about anywhere you want to go. Plus, if you keep your eyes open in this neighborhood, you may find that New Town has more to offer than you thought.
In fact, Prague New Town is one of the best neighborhoods in the city for those who want to spend their vacation exploring museums. After all, this neighborhood is home to the stunning National Museum, the greatest collection of art and historical artifacts in the entire country. You'll also find the quirky Museum of Communism and the Prague City Museum here. Plus, as the home of the city's main railway station, New Town is very easy to get in and out of, making it a great option if you're wondering where to stay in Prague.
New Town is also an excellent place for foodies to visit in Prague. Home to the Naplavka Farmers Market, New Town is absolutely brimming over with interesting restaurants where you can sample food from around the country and around the world. All the main attractions of the city are close to this convenient location, and if you've overindulged the night before, it's also a good spot to find the best brunch in Prague.
Where to stay in Prague Jewish Quarter
Once upon a time, Prague had one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe. Due to centuries of persecution culminating in the Holocaust and various Soviet pogroms in the 20th century, that's no longer the case. But Prague's Jewish Quarter remains a fascinating place to visit and celebrate the heritage of an incredibly resilient people.
The Jewish Quarter is home to the Old Jewish cemetery, one of the most atmospheric places to visit in all of Prague – which is saying a lot. Located between Old Town Square and the Vltava River, Prague's Jewish Quarter is also home to the Jewish Museum in Prague, one of the world's finest collections of Judaica and a great place to learn more about the pivotal role the Jewish people played in the history of the city. You'll also find some truly excellent restaurants in this area, both kosher and not. And thanks to its central location, you can easily walk or take public transportation from a hotel in the Jewish Quarter to explore Old Town, New Town, or the Castle District. This is a great place to find a boutique hotel, and prices remain at least a little cheaper than they are in Old Town, so it can be a good option if you want to stay near the city's tourist attractions without spending too much money.
Where to stay in Karlin
Why is it often the case that the worst neighborhoods of the city can turn into some of the best? That's certainly true in the case of Prague's Karlin district. Once a seedy area of the city, Karlin suffered from widespread floods in 2002. The city took the opportunity to renovate the neighborhood, and now, it's one of the most vibrant and exciting in all of Prague.
Bordered on the west by Florenc bus station, Karlin is well connected by public transportation to Old Town Prague and the city center. The Vltava River forms the northern border of this district, and it extends south as far as Vitkov Park. If you're hoping to explore the best of Prague's restaurants, cafés, and beer gardens, you can't ignore Karlin. Renovated factories now house award-winning restaurants, and quirky coffee shops occupy Art Nouveau buildings. This is one of the best areas in the city to find a boutique hotel, but you'll also find luxury hotels and well-known brands here. After all, this area is home to the Prague Hilton, among other famous names.
If you want to see how the people of Prague really live outside of the tourist hotspots, especially the young population, this is the place to do it. Grab a coffee in one of the endless cafés or have a drink in a lively bar and you'll get to know the real Prague, while still being close enough to the city center to enjoy everything else Prague has to offer.
Where to stay in Vinohrady and Žižkov
Prague is famous for its nightlife. After all, this is a city where beer is literally cheaper than water, and some of the oldest businesses in the Czech capital are beer halls and pubs. Even in the heart of Old Town Square, you'll be able to go on a lively pub crawl and enjoy the raucous nightlife Prague has to offer.
A night out in and around Old Town Square is definitely a fun way to spend some time in Prague. But if you want to enjoy the city's nightlife away from the tourist heart of the city, Vinohrady and neighboring Žižkov are where you need to be. After all, Vinohrady is named after the vineyards that used to grow in this part of the city. Now, they have been replaced by trendy wine bars and restaurants. And in Riegrovy Sady Park in this neighborhood, you'll find Prague's biggest beer garden.
Plus, this is one of the best locations for where to stay in Prague if you're looking for a budget hotel. Cheap rents have made this the Bohemian area that it is, and they are reflected in the relatively lower price of hotel rooms. You won't find the big-name Prague hotels in this district that you will in the city center. What you'll find instead is a boutique hotel or rental apartment that will give you a place to stay in Prague for a fraction of the cost you'll pay elsewhere.
Conclusion
Prague's historic Old Town is a tempting place to stay for visitors to the city center. But there's more to this vibrant city than just its historic heart. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of where to stay in Prague and what neighborhoods are worth exploring. And because Prague is so easy to get around, it's often a good idea to expand your horizons and consider staying just a little outside the most touristed parts of the city. A central location is a nice thing to have, but so many of Prague's attractions are within walking distance of each other that you'll have no problems getting around.
To make things easier on yourself, don't forget to drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Prague. The lighter you travel, the more you'll be able to see of this unforgettable city.