Recommended areas and tips
Prague is compact and most of the sights are within walking distance. On a first visit, the most practical bases are the Old Town, Malá Strana or the New Town. For a local feel and better prices, Vinohrady and Karlín are just a few minutes away by tram or metro.
🏘️ The neighbourhoods
Old Town (Staré Město) 🕰️
The heart of Prague: the square with the Astronomical Clock, medieval lanes and Charles Bridge on your doorstep. It includes the old Jewish Quarter, Josefov.
- ✅ Everything within walking distance, ideal if you're short on time
- ✅ Beautiful at night, once the tour groups leave
- ❌ The most expensive and crowded area
- ❌ Tourist-trap restaurants on the main streets
Malá Strana 🏰
Across the river, at the foot of the Castle: Baroque palaces, hidden gardens and churches. This is postcard Prague.
- ✅ Very pretty and quieter at night than the Old Town
- ✅ Close to the Castle and Petřín
- ❌ Cobbles and hills, awkward with luggage
- ❌ Little nightlife
New Town (Nové Město) 🏙️
Despite the name, it dates from the 14th century. It centres on Wenceslas Square and stretches to the river and the Dancing House. Superbly connected.
- ✅ More hotels and fairer prices, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town
- ✅ Metro, trams and the main station close by
- ❌ The lower end of Wenceslas Square is noisy and best avoided in the small hours
Vinohrady 🌳
An elegant residential area with Art Nouveau buildings, cafés, Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) and Riegrovy sady park, home to a beer garden with views of the Castle.
- ✅ Local feel and lots of good, affordable restaurants
- ✅ Safe and pleasant
- ❌ 10–15 minutes to the centre by metro or tram
Karlín 🍽️
A former industrial district reborn, with wide streets, restored buildings, modern bistros and speciality coffee.
- ✅ One of the best areas for eating out
- ✅ New hotels at good prices
- ❌ Fewer sights; you'll need the metro or a tram for the historic centre
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