The capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, is a wonderful mix of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Starting from the grandeur of Prague Castle to the charming cobblestone streets in the Old Town, there’s something magical about this city, luring in travellers from all over the world.
One of the main reasons why you should visit this city is its rich history. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be met with impressive Gothic and Baroque buildings that line the city’s skyline. The iconic Charles Bridge, for example, with its majestic statues and panoramic views of the Vltava River, is a testament to Prague’s timeless beauty.
So, if you’re someone seeking to learn more about a foreign culture or bask in the mesmerizing architecture, Prague is the place to be! But before you get going, choosing where to stay in Prague is a must. That being said, first, ask yourself:
We know that different types of people require different advice on travel accommodations. This guide include the best areas for
- the first time visitor
- Families
- Couples
- Luxury & Design
- Solo-Traveler
- on a budget
Are you more of a visual learner/travel planner?
Lucky for you, we’ve included a map with all of our favorite neighborhoods and handpicked hotels for all of your travel needs.
Check it out below to get a better idea of where you should stay for your first or next visit to the Prague.
(This guide is always up to date, the last updated May 2024.)
This is the extension of our guide to 7 days in Prague.
But, first things first:
Here is the question: Where to stay in Prague for a first-time visit?
The answer is simple: Why, Old Town (Stare Mesto), of course!
Why did we choose this place out of all of Prague? Well, because in the area you’ll find:
- Old Town Square – Ancient buildings and marvellous architecturally significant churches are scattered around the square, providing tons of historical riches.
- Astronomical Clock – One of the most popular landmarks in Prague that’s over 600 years old.
- Charles Bridge – A historical landmark as well as the only way to cross the Vltava. It connects the Old Town with the Prague Castle.
Why do we recommend these areas?
As we mentioned, Prague brings different types of travellers from all corners of the world. For example, those immersed in the history of this city can stay in a traditional Czech pension or a beautifully restored historical building, providing them with an authentic experience.
The Astronomical Clock or the Charles Bridge are perfect attractions for those travellers—a stroll around the amazing Prague Castle during the day and a comfortable sleep during the night.
Design travellers, on the other hand, can check into modern hotels and apartments around the Old Town Square that offer sleek designs and contemporary comforts. The bustling nightlife here is adorned with a lively atmosphere coming from trendy cafes and restaurants, giving out fair prices so that even budget travellers can get a taste of the action. Families and couples can also book a hotel in these areas since they provide plenty of activities for all ages.
Here’s a full map for you to understand the different areas.
Please note: those might not be the exact names of the districts, neither its absolute borders. I just tried to simplify this information.
| 📍Best Area: | Stare Mesto |
| 👨👩👧👦 Best for Families: | Royal Court Legrova |
| 👩❤️👨 Best for Couples: | Josephine Old Town Square Hotel |
| 💎 Best Luxury Hotel | Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague |
| 🤩 Best Design Hotel: | Hotel Royal Prague |
| 😎 Best for Groups: | Apartment near Congress Centre I |
| 🦸 Best for Solo-Traveller: | New Generation Hostel Prague Center |
| 💃 Best Hotel for Nightlife: | Astoria Hotel |
| 🤑 Cheapest Place to stay: | Hostel Elf |
| 👌 Safest Area: | Vinohrady |
- Best areas and handpicked hotels for Prague
- Families
- Couples
- Luxury Traveler
- Design Traveler
- Groups
- Solo-Traveler
- Nightlife-seeking traveler
- Budget Traveler
- Neighborhoods and its differences
- FAQs
- Map
- Summary
1. Best areas and handpicked hotels for Prague
From charming boutique hotels nestled in the heart of the Old Town to luxurious accommodations along the Vltava River, Prague offers something for every traveller.
Below is a list of accommodations of where to stay in Prague for first-timers that will work with whatever type of tourist you may be!
Continue scrolling or pick your group and travel type on the menu:
1.1 Families
1.2 Couples
1.3 Luxury Traveler
1.4 Design Traveler
1.5 Groups
1.6 Solo-Traveler
1.7 Nightlife-seeking traveler
1.8 Budget Traveler
1.1 Families
Usually, families want more quiet parts where they can relax, with the occasional walk around the neighbourhood as a short sightseeing trip. For these travellers, I think these two locations would be best:
Vinohrady
- A chic but calm neighbourhood;
- Plenty of vineyards to visit and other family-friendly activities;
Dejvice
- A historical community outside of the city;
- Plenty of natural areas to walk around;
Handpicked accommodations for families
Royal Court Legrova, Vinohrady
Royal Court Legrova is in the heart of Prague’s New Town with plenty of amenities, providing the full homey vibe. You can make your homemade meals in the kitchen and choose to stay in the roomy apartments for a family game night. Alternatively, you can all go out to check the historic buildings.
Hotel Meda of Museum Kampa, Dejvice
When you want to spend some quiet time with your family, Hotel Meda of Museum Kampa is the best place to stay in Prague. The hotel is only a few stops away from the Charles Bridge and Old Town, which means you can choose a “history day” and teach the kids a thing or two about Prague.
1.2 Couples
You might think that Prague has nothing to offer to couples, but you’d definitely be wrong. There are not only beautiful hotels to spark up the romance, but plenty of nearby things to visit and take pictures of to commemorate the trip. When wondering where to stay in Prague as a couple, I recommend the following areas:
Old Town (Stare Mesto)
- Traditional views of buildings are scattered around the whole place;
- Cobbled streets which are perfect for a romantic walk;
Mala Strana (Lesser Town)
- One of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Prague;
- Lush flora with breathtaking rose gardens;
Handpicked accommodations for couples
Josephine Old Town Square Hotel – Czech Leading Hotels, Old Town
Covered in red—the colour of love—with gold streaks to give out elegance, Josephine Old Town Square Hotel – Czech Leading Hotels is especially preferred by couples. You can walk around the shopping malls by day and have a romantic dinner in some of the lovely Checz restaurants where you can taste traditional cuisine.
Hotel Pod Věží, Lesser Town
If you’re a couple that likes to bask in luxury, Hotel Pod Věží is for you. It provides spacious rooms with a summer terrace where you can enjoy the delicacies of the charming in-hotel restaurant. It’s no wonder why this is a favourite place to stay in Prague for lovebirds!
1.3 Luxury traveler
The first thing tourists notice when they walk around Prague is the feeling of grandeur and splendour the town holds. Luxury travellers have plenty of hotels to choose from for their stay, but I would go with one in these two areas:
Old Town (Stare Mesto)
- Scattered hidden gems for travellers to discover;
- Riverboat cruises;
Mala Strana (Lesser Town)
- Luxurious baroque palaces;
- Many picturesque flood roofs and lavish gardens;
Handpicked accommodations for the luxury traveler
Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague, Old Town
Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague is the perfect mix of exclusivity and lavishness. It offers huge rooms with king-like treatments. And if you get bored staying inside, the fashionable Parizska shopping street is just a few minutes away.
Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague, Lesser Town
Wondering where to stay in Prague when you want a little more dazzle? Well, what’s more dazzling than staying in a place that’s right next to Prague’s most famous castle? Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague, situated adjacent to Prague Castle, offers travellers royalty treatments with a sauna, hammam, and gym, alongside other amenities. To add more to the luxurious feeling you can try the Augustine Restaurant which is filled with not only different types of food but wines as well.
1.4 Design-lovers
When you want to bask in the architecture and draw ideas from the scene around you, Prague is just a flight away. Design travellers can enjoy plenty of fashionable spots, mostly in these two locations:
Karlin
- Many art galleries with cafes;
- Renovated houses to fit modern styles;
Holesovice
- Contemporary art hides around every corner;
- Stylish cafes and bars;
Handpicked accommodations for the design lover
Hotel Royal Prague, Karlin
Simplicity at its finest is offered at Hotel Royal Prague. But don’t let that fool you—this place to stay in Prague goes full-on design, not just in the rooms but in the seating area as well. It’s very close to the Prague National Museum so you can also check a bit of modern dash in mix with Prague history.
Mama Shelter Prague, Holesovice
If you enjoy a bit of pop in your colour palette, Mama Shelter Prague is a good choice. There are bars and restaurants nearby where you can not only enjoy the food and drinks but also the intricate combination of different interior styles. Use the tram nearby and check out some of the city’s most famous sights.
1.5 Groups
Many prefer to travel in groups since there is more fun when there are more people. But that also means finding places that would fit everyone’s wants and needs. Luckily, Prague is filled with many accommodations that are awesome for groups. Most of them are situated in these areas:
New Town (Nove Mesto)
- The largest part of 5 independent towns;
- Plenty of historical spots to visit on a group tour;
Prague 2 (Vysehrad)
- Group tours to some of the most significant sights in the area;
- This used to be the seat of the first Czech king;
Handpicked accommodations for groups
Spacious Stylish Attic in the Heart of the Center, New Town
For those groups that prefer the quiet homey feeling, there’s a cute accommodation in Spacious stylish attic in the heart of the center. Equipped with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this is an ideal spot for couples who travel together. During the day, you can organize a group tour to Prague Castle which is only 3km away.
Apartment Near Congress Center I., Prague 2
If you’re a group that enjoys traveling around the city, and getting to know everything it offers, then book a stay at Apartment near Congress Centre I. As one of the best places to stay in Prague is close to Charles Bridge, the Historical Building of the National Museum of Prague, and the Prague Astronomical Clock.
1.6 Solo-travelers
Where to stay in Prague if you’re going alone? Solo travellers are always welcomed by all locals and hotels, so finding a spot is as easy as it gets. Here are two places where you should book your stay for the best time:
Old Town (Stare Mesto)
- For all architecture geeks, since Old Town is the historical center;
- Many hidden historical gems;
New Town (Nove Mesto)
- Vibrant neighbourhood with many cafes and bars;
- Architectural diversity;
Handpicked accommodations for a solo traveler
New Generation Hostel Prague Center, Old Town
Right in the center of Prague, the New Generation Hostel Prague Center is a great accommodation for those travelling on their own. Regardless of whether you’re staying a night or more, this place provides all the amenities you need. Plus, it’s very close to all the main attractions which means that you can even walk to them and save money on transportation.
Travel&Joy Backpackers, Nove Mesto
As the name tells you, Travel&Joy Backpackers is the place you should go to if you’re up for meeting new people. The hostel has a sitting area where you can share stories with other like-minded solo travellers and maybe plan the next trip together.
1.7 Nightlife Traveler
Travels are all about having fun and Prague is worldly known for its vast assortment of beverages, especially beer. And where is the best place to taste this beverage? Why, a bar or club, of course. For all nightlife-seeking travellers looking for a place to stay in Prague, I advise these areas:
Old Town (Stare Mesto)
- Most hotels are situated near a bar or club;
- Evening cruises;
Zizkov
- Many beer gardens around;
- It used to be a working-class district, but now is a famous tourist spot due to the many bars and restaurants;
Handpicked accommodations for nightlife
Astoria Hotel, Old Town
You wouldn’t want to be in a hotel that is miles away from the party, right? Astoria Hotel may be located in the more quiet part, but it is still in the center of the Old Town. Visit the sights during the day and party during the night—it will only take you 3 minutes to reach the square where all the main bars and restaurants are.
Residence Tabor, Zizikov
Many have commented that Residence Tabor is a place perfect for travellers who come alone and want to enjoy Prague’s nightlife. There are single rooms with all the needed amenities. Plus, the tram stop is in front of the hotel so whenever you feel like bar hopping you can easily find your way back.
1.8 For the Budget Traveler
Sometimes, travelling requires making a budget and sticking to it. If you’re on one, I’ve found some places to stay for a cheap price. Most of them are located in these two destinations:
Zizkov
- Also known as Prague’s alternative district;
- It’s more laid-back than other destinations in Prague;
Prague 3
- A place woven with agricultural past;
- Many popular attractions with budget-friendly entrance fees;
Handpicked accommodations for budget traveler
Budget Apartment, Zizikov
For a really affordable price, Budget Apartment will give you a room with modern furniture and reliable appliances. The best part is that you don’t have to spend too much on transportation since everything you must visit is in a radius of around 2 km.
Hostel Elf, Prague 3
Most travellers in their 20s want to visit the world but with a few bucks. Luckily, that is completely possible in Hostel Elf. Here, you don’t only save money on sharing a room but also on moving around, since even the main train station is only 10 minutes away from the hostel.
2. Best Neighborhood to Stay in Prague
As we said in the beginning, the Old Town is the best area where to stay in Prague. But there are also other destinations worth exploring and sticking around in. So let’s see more about each one.
Old Town (Stare Mesto)
The Old Town in Prague is rich in history and architecture. Many narrow cobblestone streets wind through the medieval buildings, rounding up at historical landmarks like the Astronomical Clock. This part of the city gives off an old-Europe feeling, transporting all travellers back in time.
Having all of this in mind, you can see that the Old Town is the perfect place for solo travellers who are history enthusiasts or couples who want to dive into a bit of romantic vibes. Thanks to the vibrant cityscape and many architectural marvels, it’s also a good place for luxury travellers.
Mala Strana (Lesser Town)
Unlike the old town, Mala Strana has a more timid charm to it. It’s nestled beneath the Prague Castle, which means it’s quite close to the Charles Bridge and Vltava. The peaceful ambiance accompanied by quaint gardens makes it perfect for couples who want to enjoy each other’s company. However, luxury travellers can also find great solace in this place as there are plenty of sights that are remnants of old extravagance.
Vinohrady
Vinohrady is great for all tourists who want a mix of laid-back and lively vibes. It’s filled with cafes and boutiques, as well as long avenues with greenery surrounding them. This is what makes it perfect for families since it not only provides fun for the adults but has many parks for the kids as well. Plus, there are bars and restaurants to try out traditional Chezch cuisine.
Karlin
When you’re wondering where to stay in Prague, Karlin should be one of the places on the list. Design travellers would get the biggest kick out of this area as it’s packed with trendy cafes, restaurants, hip spaces, and an overall lively ambiance. Simply put, if you want to see how designing changed from industrial to modernistic, Karlin is it!
FAQs
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Prague?
The best neighborhood to stay in Prague is the Old Town (Stare Mesto). It is rich in history and architecture, featuring cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and landmarks like the Astronomical Clock. It offers a vibrant cityscape, making it ideal for solo travelers, history enthusiasts, couples, and luxury travelers.
Where should you not stay in Prague?
While Prague is generally a safe city, some areas may be less desirable for certain travelers. It's recommended to exercise caution in the nightlife district of Zizkov, especially late at night, as it's known for its lively atmosphere. Travelers seeking a quieter experience might prefer other neighborhoods.
What should I avoid in Prague?
When in Prague, it's advisable to avoid falling into common tourist traps, such as overpriced restaurants in heavily touristic areas. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places and keep an eye on your belongings. Additionally, it's wise to respect local customs and not engage in disruptive behavior, especially in historical or religious sites.
Where should I stay in Prague for the first time?
For first-time visitors to Prague, the recommended area to stay is the Old Town (Stare Mesto). This central location provides easy access to historical landmarks like Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge. It caters to different types of travelers, offering authentic experiences, diverse accommodations, and a taste of Prague's timeless beauty.
Map + All Sights
Explore Prague with ease using our map, featuring a range of accommodations catering to families, groups, and more.
Summary where to stay in Prague
Now that you know where to stay in Prague, pack your bags, and off you go! If you have any questions about this one-of-a-kind city, don’t hesitate to contact me!
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Any Questions?
There you have it. I hope you have no questions and found your home in my home town.
However, please remember: I am not perfect, and it is likely I missed a few things to point out.
Therefore: Do you have questions? Is anything not clear?
Please please please drop me a comment below with your email! I will reply to you ASAP via email and here in the comments.
In fact, your questions help me to make this article better. So I help you to help me.
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