In which quarter house in Prague?

Where to sleep during your Czech escapade? Here is a comprehensive overview of the Prague neighbourhoods where to choose your accommodation!

At only 1h40 from Paris, the Czech capital awaits you: Prague, one of the most visited cities in Europe for its historical, cultural heritage, for its architecture and its atmosphere. If you are of a predictable nature, here are several days that you scratch your head to book the best accommodation, the one that will make you spend a good stay.

Whether you’re going alone, with a couple for a romantic stay, with a family or with a friend to party – knowing that one doesn’t prevent the other – we advise you to book your accommodation in advance, at least for your first night. Know that between the hotel, the youth hostel, the hotel or the Airbnb , there are multiple solutions to stay in Prague in a dozen neighborhoods, each offering a different atmosphere and history.

Hradčany (Château de Prague), the most tourist

This area of the northwest, on the left bank of the Vltava, is a must-see in the city of Prague. And for proof, no one can miss the imposing and majestic castle that dominates the whole city. A little like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we see the Prague Castle everywhere, it is the place where the kings of Bohemia, the emperors of the German Roman Empire, the presidents of Czechoslovak, and then of the Czech Republic have sat. Today is the place of residence of the President of the Czech Republic.

The Hradčany district is perhaps one of the most touristic in Prague. Owned by visitors, there is almost no low season, because even winter is experiencing its peak hours. Hradčany has winding streets that descend to the river, where you can find many souvenir shops, three churches, a monastery, a cathedral and high-end hotels. Like all the tourist areas, it is crowded in the afternoon, deserted in the evening and at night. Ideal if you are looking for a comfortable hotel, but bad choice to stay in Prague if you have to pay attention to expenses: it is a rather expensive neighborhood.

Malá Strana, a small village Praguois

There is no sense of being in the heart of a European capital, but rather in a small village when you enter the Malá Strana neighbourhood. Here, the embassies and luxury hotels enjoy gourmet restaurants and very neat coffee shops. Small, pleasant parks scatter the neighborhood, and therefore offer an ideal setting for those who come to stroll and rest. The area is central, most of Prague's interesting sites are within walking distance and bus, metro and tram – although public transport is cheap in Prague – will be limited. On the docks on the left bank, you will find the museum dedicated to writer Franz Kafka. In order to stay in this Prague district, there is a moderate or even consequent budget because hotels are less numerous than elsewhere.

Staré Město and Josefov, an authentic stay

These two districts are the heart of the old city of Prague. Situated in the corner of the right bank of the Vltava, the old city centre has the most interesting monuments and buildings to visit. This is where it takes place for cultural visits, culinary getaways, terrace trips and picturesque walks in the paved streets of the city centre. Here you will find the astronomical clock from Prague, Josefov – Jewish Quarter -, architecture and Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance façades, a journey through the centuries of the Middle Ages to the present day, through the Habsburg Empire and the atrocities of the Nazi Occupation.

Also, we can extend to the famous Charles Bridge, symbol of Prague on all postcards and travel photos. It’s finally a good neighborhood to enjoy bars and nightclubs , open until late at night – or rather, very early. Between ancient and contemporary, between holiday and mass tourism, the contrasts are at the rendezvous in the old city. This very lively neighborhood will suit all budgets and travellers to stay in Prague, as it covers all kinds of accommodations, from cheap hostels to top 5-star hotels.

Nové Město, new city

Sandwiched between Prague Central Station and the Old Town, the Nové Město district means "New Town" in Prague. But the term “new city” dates back to the year of its foundation, 1348! Nothing new, so. There are design hotels and contemporary cuisine restaurants, and in the south, a rather quiet atmosphere. This neighbourhood is a good compromise between the growing city centre and a remote, quieter, but not too excited habitat area. Spend on Place Charles, the largest Place de République Tchèque or Place Venceslas, but be careful: the neighborhood is animated even at night, as in the old town. Hotels, hostels, hostels... Nové Město is the district where the offer to sleep in Prague is the most abundant. And in addition, the rates are rather mid-range. You will surely find your happiness there.

Vinohrady, for a family getaway

In the east of Nové Město, is a residential area – Vinohrady – appreciated by expatriates for its calm, its proximity to the city centre thanks to public transport, parks, buildings paved in a new art style, restaurants, night clubs, bars and cafés attracting a clientele of young bobos, arty or hipster. It is a quiet area, away from the tumult of the old city, which attracts more and more. Perched on a small hill, you can admire the Staré Město district, take your children to the playgrounds and parks bordering the trees: a quiet little corner surrounded by greenery. The accommodation is of good quality, it is ideal to stay in Prague with family, while enjoying a relaxing climate. A little more to the east, towards Žižkov – the former workers’ quarter of Prague – accommodation is even more affordable.

Holešovice, backpackers' corner

Perched north of Prague city, Holešovice campes on the Vltava meanders and is LE hostel area and backpacked travellers – backpackers, say Anglophones. You will find the Prague Exhibition Centre, the Prague Zoo and the Trója Castle. If you decide to stay in this Prague area, pushing to the adjacent Letna district, you will also have access to a huge park, with a breathtaking view of Prague Castle, Staré Město and Vltava. The artists and the locals have had a heart to rehabilitate the old abandoned factories, create trendy cafés and make this place a paradise of contemporary art. This is reflected in cultural places such as the modern art museum and the contemporary art centre. As it is the corner of hostels, your budget will be lower: a good neighborhood to stay in Prague cheap and be in contact with the Praguois!