Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe for its historical, cultural and architectural heritage. This city of bridges, cathedrals, towers and domes is mirrored on the surface of the Vltava river for more than ten centuries. But what are the best areas to sleep in Prague to visit the city?
Almost intact since the Second World War, the medieval center of Prague there remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spiers, all in the shadow of its majestic XNUMXth-century castle.
Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Europe, Prague has become the most popular tourist destination in Central Europe, visited by millions of tourists every year.
But where to sleep in Prague while traveling to discover the highlights of the city and the spirit of the local population? What are the best neighborhoods to stay in?
Some practical information about the city
Before writing about where to stay in Prague, here is a map of its main districts to orient yourself a bit. Be aware that the must-see places in Prague are in the old town and the Mala Strana district. These are the neighborhoods that are stormed by tourists to sleep in the capital of the Czech Republic.
The city is divided into 22 districts, Prague 1 is the center of the city and Prague 22, a place where tourists hardly ever set foot. Most of the tourist attractions are located in Prague 1 and Prague 2.
There are 3 metro lines running through the center and they work well. The reusable ticket for 30 minutes costs 24 crowns, less than € 1. You can also use the trams that cross the city in every direction, or the Uber service.
What are the best areas to sleep in Prague?
The best areas to stay in Prague are:
- Old Town
- Nove Mesto
- Vinohrady
- Žižkov
- Letná / Dejvice
- Hradčany
- Malá Strana
- Holešovice
Sleep and Prague 1 - Old Town and Josefov
These two neighborhoods are the heart of the old town of Prague. Located on the corner of the right bank of the Vltava River, the Old Town lists the most interesting monuments and buildings to visit. This is the place for cultural visits, excursions and scenic walks through the cobbled streets of the city center.
In this part of the city you will find in particular theastronomic watch in Prague, Josefov - the Jewish Quarter, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture and facades. It will be like a journey through the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
In addition, you can easily reach the famous Carlo bridge, symbol of Prague, represented on all postcards of the city, and the Lennon wall. It is also a good area to enjoy the bars and clubs which are open until late at night.
This part of the city is recommended for short stays because it is very crowded with tourists, especially in summer and Christmas, and the prices are much higher than in other Prague districts.
Where to sleep in Prague 1
- The residence Leon d'Oro, close to the old town square, very well located.
- Il residence U Malvaze, rather elegant and well located that often offers discounted prices.
- La pension U Lilie, perfect location, or the Karloka pension which often offers good prices and is located near the Charles Bridge.
- Il Cloister Inn Hotel it's another good place to stay and often offers discounts.
- Those looking for high class can stay at theSmetana Hotel (Palace Pachtuv) enjoying its splendid view of the Charles Bridge!
Nove Mesto
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Sandwiched between the central station and the old town, the district of Nové Město means "New Town" of Prague. Built around the historic center in the XNUMXth century by Emperor Charles IV, the area has a very rich architectural heritage. It is still touristy, but less so than the old city.
There are designer hotels and restaurants with contemporary cuisine and, to the south, a rather quiet atmosphere. The neighborhood is known for being central and pleasant and is also lively at night, as in the old city. Stroll up Charles Square, the largest square in the Czech Republic o Wenceslas Square, or discover the Dancing house, located on the banks of the Vltava River.
Nové Město has a rich offer of hotels, hostels and apartments to sleep in Prague and the rates are rather mid-range.
Dove dormire and New Town
Vinohrady - Prague 2
It is in Nové Město, a residential area - Vinohrady - appreciated for its calm, its proximity to the city center thanks to public transport, its parks, its Art Nouveau buildings, its restaurants, discos, bars and cafes.
To the north of the district you will find the National Museum and the main train station, to the south the pretty district of Vyšehrade ad est Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad where you can enjoy a very nice market from Wednesday to Saturday.
For a walk, you can reach two beautiful hilly parks: the famous Riegrovy sady to the north, with its beer garden and its breathtaking view of the castle, and the lesser known Havlíčkovy sady al sud.
This area attracts a clientele of young artists or hipsters. It is a quiet neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of the old city. The accommodations are of good quality, it is the ideal place where to sleep in Prague with your family, enjoying a relaxing atmosphere.
Discover the hotels in VinohradyZizkov - Prague 3
A little further east there is another quiet neighborhood to sleep in Prague, Žižkov - the former working-class district. The Žižkov district is located north-east of Praga 2, 15 minutes from downtown by subway. It starts north of the main train station and extends quite east.
It is a slightly more trendy neighborhood, with many nice restaurants and cafes, especially in Vlkova or Bořivojova streets, which is home to some of the best nightlife spots in Prague such as Akropolis. It is perfect if you want to be in a lively place, frequented by locals, without being too far from the center.
Accommodation in Prague 3 is ideal for those wishing to go out to an authentic neighborhood by tram 9 which takes you downtown every 2-3 minutes.
Discover hotels in ŽižkovLetná / Dejvice
This part of the city is more about people who would like to come to Prague to live there. These two neighborhoods are located in the northwest of the city, are more residential and have many green spaces such as the great park of Letna and its beer garden. They are pleasant neighborhoods to visit and particularly pleasant to live in.
The liveliest neighborhood in Prague 6 is Dejvice with its lively central square, Victory Square. Staying in Dejvice gives you quick access to the city center thanks to the numerous trams that pass, but above all thanks to the Dejvická metro station (line A) which is at the same distance from the airport and the historic center.
Find out where to sleep in Prague 6Hradcany - Prague 1
This northwestern district, on the left bank of the Vltava, is one of the most touristic districts and a must in the city of Prague. This is where the imposing e is located majestic castle overlooking the entire city.
The neighborhood is besieged by visitors and does not know a low tourist season. Hradčany has winding alleys leading to the river, where you can find many souvenir shops, three churches, a monastery, a cathedral and luxury hotels.
Like all tourist areas, it is crowded in the afternoon, deserted in the evening and at night. It is ideal if you are looking for a comfortable hotel, but a bad choice if you want to pay attention to expenses: it is a fairly expensive neighborhood.
Where to sleep in Prague - HradčanyMalá Strana - Prague 1
When you enter the district of Malá Strana you don't get the impression of being in the heart of a European capital, but rather in a small village. Here, embassies and luxury hotels are adjacent to well-kept gourmet restaurants and bars. Pleasant little parks dot the neighborhood, and provide an ideal setting for those who come for a stroll.
Il neighborhood is central, most of Prague's sights are within walking distance while buses, metro and trams here are limited. On the quays of the left bank, you will find the museum dedicated to the writer Franz Kafka.
To stay in this district of Prague, you have to plan a rather moderate budget, also because there are fewer hotels than elsewhere.
Discover the best hotels in Malá StranaHolešovice - Prague 7
Perched north of the city of Prague, on the meanders of the Vltava, Holešovice is the youth hostel district. Here you will find the Prague Exhibition Center, the zoo and the Trója Castle. If you decide to stay in this district of Prague, heading towards the adjacent Letna district, you will also have access to a huge park, with breathtaking views of the Prague Castle, Old Town e Sulla Moldava.
È one of the cheapest areas where to sleep in Prague, therefore a good choice for those who want to spend little on accommodation or for those who are organizing a low cost trip to visit the capital of the Czech Republic.
Choose your hotel in Holešovice
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