Where to Stay in Prague: Best Areas for All Travelers! [2024]

The historic city of Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. The old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are plentiful cultural and historic sites. Prague was the capital of the region of Bohemia for hundreds of years, and it is often listed as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Lively and attractive, Prague is also famous for its vibrant nightlife.

It attracts all types of visitors, from couples seeking a romantic getaway and families looking for a sightseeing-packed vacation, to solo adventurers who want to spend days exploring a fascinating city and groups of friends who want to combine exciting days with fun nights out.

Prague is split into a number of districts, or quarters, with many of the most famous attractions and sights located in Praha 1 and Praha 2. There are many places to stay in most Prague neighborhoods, with something to cater to most tastes and budgets. There are hotels, apartments, and quaint guesthouses to choose between. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Prague, we’ve got you covered!

What Should I Avoid in Prague?

Instead of hitting up the statue-adorned Charles Bridge with the rest of the crowds in the middle of the day, try to time for a visit for quieter times—like early in the morning or later in the evening. If you dream of watching one of Prague’s famous classical shows, avoid buying tickets from touts on the street. Sure, you’ll see a performance…though it likely won’t be up there with the best of the best. Touts are typically dressed in period costumes and can be quite pushy.

Give Wenceslas Square a wide birth at nighttime. Although not unsafe, the large number of sex workers can make it feel uncomfortable. Choose authentic local eateries located down quiet side streets over the tourist-centered (and often overpriced) restaurants around Old Town Square. Similarly, buy gifts and souvenirs from smaller stores rather than those geared up to profit from tourists. Don’t leave bags unattended and be wary of pickpockets in crowded places and on public transport.

Is it Better to Stay in Old Town or New Town Prague?

Both Prague Old Town and New Town offer plenty of excitement for visitors. Plus, it’s easy to get between the two areas. Look on a Prague tourist map and you’ll see that the two areas are right next to each other.

Prague is known for being a very easy city to explore on foot, and there’s an efficient and affordable public transportation system too, comprising buses, trams, and three subway lines.

If sightseeing and soaking up Prague’s myriad historic sights feature highly on your bucket list, the Old Town is perhaps a better base. New Town Prague, despite its name, also has a wealth of historic sights. New Town is probably a better place to stay in Prague if you’re after cool nightlife and a more youthful vibe. Prague hotels in New Town are also often a bit cheaper than those right in Prague city center.

Where Should I Stay in Prague for the First Time?

While you’re sure to enjoy your trip to Prague wherever you stay, the New Town is, arguably, slightly better for a first-time visit. It puts you in a prime location for enjoying the best of Prague both by day and by night, and there are many great restaurants close to hand.  

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Where is the Best Location to Stay in Prague?

Anywhere is a great place to stay in Prague! That said, we’ll take you through five of the best areas to stay in Prague (and even give you recommendations for top hotels!) to help you discover where is the best area to stay in Prague based on your interests and requirements.

New Town: Where to Stay in Prague for First-Timers

Close to the main train station in Prague and just a short walk from the many attractions of Prague Old Town, the New Town is a terrific place to stay if it’s your first time in Prague, Czech Republic.

Boasting many excellent accommodations to cater to most budgets, you can find simple and affordable digs as well as a luxurious place to stay. There’s a wide range of places to eat and shop, and plenty of action after the sun goes down.

Prague New Town is home to one of the city’s most unique buildings: The Dancing House. There are several museums, including the National Museum and the Museum of Communism, and it’s also where you’ll find the popular Wenceslas Square. Performance venues include the National Theater and Municipal House.

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If you’re wondering where to stay in Prague as a tourist, our top picks for budget accommodations include HU, Capsule Hostel Prague, and Hotel Tivoli Prague. HU has private twin or double rooms with a shared bathroom. Capsule Hostel Prague has beds in three-, four-, and six-bed dorm rooms, along with shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen. Hotel Tivoli Prague offers exceptional value for money, with beautiful en suite rooms for one, two, or three guests. Rooms have a TV, Wi-Fi, and mini-fridge.

Spend a bit more to stay in the stylish Prague Season Hotel. The comfortable en suite rooms have a range of amenities, and the hotel has an onsite restaurant bar. Breakfast is included. Residence Abacta is a charming guesthouse on the top floor of a house from the 1930s. Royal Court Hotel offers beauty treatments and wellness therapies for an extra charge.

Creative souls can enjoy a luxurious stay in Le Palais Art Hotel. Beautifully decorated, the boutique hotel is housed inside a former palace. Breakfast is included and the hotel has a restaurant, fitness center, and spa. Prague Roof Apartments contain everything you need for a home-from-home stay, including a washing machine, TV, oven, fridge, and microwave. Just steps from a metro station, Hotel Residence Select is another top hotel in Prague.

Old Town: Where to Stay in Prague for Sightseeing

Home to popular tourist attractions like Old Town Square, the Jewish Cemetery, the Astronomical Clock, and the Powder Tower, there are gorgeous things to see around almost every corner of Prague Old Town.

There are many religious buildings too, including the spire-topped Gothic gem of the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Basilica of St. James (home to a mummified hand!), St. Nicholas Church, the Spanish Synagogue, Bethlehem Chapel, and the Old-New Synagogue. When it comes to museums, the Old Town has the Prague House of Photography, the Bedrich Smetana Museum, and the Charles Bridge Museum, among others. You’ll find some unique museums too, like the Lego Museum, the Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments of Prague, and the Sex Machines Museum.

Thinking about where to stay in Prague for Christmas markets? The Old Town is positively enchanting over the festive period and offers easy access to the city’s delightful seasonal markets.

And so, where to stay in Prague Old Town? Hostel One Home and Best Spot Hostel have affordable beds in mixed dorms. For a bit more privacy, Travel&Joy Backpackers has private rooms with shared bathrooms.

Excellent mid-range accommodations in Prague Old Town include The Gold Bank and Hotel Zlatá Váha, each of which has private two-person rooms with private bathrooms. EA Hotel Downtown and Hotel U Kříže both include breakfast in their rates.

Hotel Liberty is a short stroll from Old Town Square. Rooms come with a private bathroom, TV, kettle, and mini-refrigerator, and you can start each day full of energy thanks to the free breakfast. The chic Urban Crème has stylish rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant that serves tasty Italian cuisine. The colorful Hotel Salvator is housed in a historic building. All spacious en suite rooms are equipped with modern conveniences, and the hotel has a restaurant, jazz bar, and welcoming lobby with billiard tables.

Vinohrady: Where to Stay in Prague for Couples

Peaceful, cool, and trendy, Vinohrady is a great option if you’re thinking about where is best to stay in Prague with your significant other. It’s located in an area that used to be a huge vineyard. The Old and New Towns are just a few stops away by metro, yet you’ll truly feel like you’ve escaped the tourist crowds when you retreat to this lovely part of the city.

Art Deco buildings in pastel hues line the leafy streets and St. Ludmila Church is a beautiful local landmark. The area boasts a plethora of global eateries and many funky cafes. Thronging outdoor markets are set up at Peace Square on various days of the week.

Hotel GEO has affordable double rooms in a handsome historic building. Onsite parking is available for an extra cost. Hotel Claris is located in a peaceful residential area and guests can choose between cozy attic rooms or rooms in the main building. All have a private bathroom. There are several budget-friendly hotels in Prague’s area of Vinohrady with shared bathrooms too, including Czech Inn and Hotel Marianeum. 

Ametyst Hotel Praha, Hotel City Bell, Anna Hotel, and Hotel Tyl are all great mid-range options that include breakfast.  

Elizabeth Suites offers lashings of luxury, with rooms that include a bathroom, sitting area, and kitchenette. Fashionable Apartments Flora and Designer Apartments Vinohrady also offer plenty of home comforts and convenience while on vacation.

Zizkov: Where to Stay in Prague for Nightlife

If the questions on your lips are where to stay in Prague for young tourists or where to stay in Prague for stag dos/buck’s nights/bachelor parties, energetic Zizkov is just the place for you. It’s one of the best places to experience the exciting Prague nightlife.

Still, within easy reach of Prague’s popular attractions, Zizkov boasts an array of lively bars, live music venues, and nightclubs where you can drink, dance, and be merry into the early hours of the morning. Fancy a more laid-back night on the town? Check out the area’s cool beer gardens.

As a bonus, accommodations in Zizkov also typically cost less than hotels in Prague city center, making it a great place if you’re also asking where to stay in Prague on a budget.

Make your money go further with a stay at Pension 15. The budget rooms share bathrooms and are available for two, three, four, or five guests. Residence Tabor and Hotel Golden City Garni both include breakfast at their rates, great if you’re trying to beat a hangover!   

University Hotel has en suite rooms with twin beds, ideal if you and your bestie want to stay close to the action. Three Crowns Hotel is an elegant accommodation in an attractive Art Nouveau building. Aron has a twin and double rooms, each with a private bathroom. The onsite bar is perfect for pre-gaming, and you can enjoy a free breakfast each morning.

Rooms at Merrion Hotel have beautiful Italian furnishings. Hotel facilities include a fitness center and bar. Ariston Patio Hotel’s rooms are elegant in both colors. Rooms come with Wi-Fi, a TV, a kettle, a minibar, and ample storage space, and the hotel has its own friendly bar. Alternatively, stay in style at Prokop Boutique Hotel, which has a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, and garden.    

Plan your Prague getaway with Pilot.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of where to stay in Prague for the perfect adventure in the capital of the Czech Republic. With so many excellent guesthouses, hostels, and hotels in Prague, you’ll definitely find somewhere that ticks all your boxes.

Start planning your trip to Prague with Pilot!