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Prague Neighborhoods
The Prague district system is outdated and often contradictory. There are actually three systems in place that attempt to order the city's neighborhoods, which can make navigating the streets difficult. One such system is known as the "old district system," which divides Prague into 10 parts. Many of the oldest and most recognizable landmarks are in Prague 1, but there are some exceptions. Rather than breaking down the city by numbered section, we feel it's easier to see the most popular parts of Prague as a series of quarters with specific, universally acknowledged names. If you want a little help navigating Prague's various neighborhoods, sign up for a guided tour.
Accessible via the Hradcanská metro station.
The Castle district on the left bank of the city's River Vltava is the highest point in the area. Atop the district's largest hill is Prague Castle, perhaps the most famous landmark in the city and one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Today the castle is used as the office of Czechia's president, but it formerly housed the country's royalty.
St. Vitus Cathedral lies at the center of the castle's complex of buildings and dates from the 14th century. You can also walk the 287 stairs to the top of the cathedral's bell tower and enjoy a fine view of the city. Another popular activity in the Castle district is the hourly Castle Guard changing ceremony, which is at its most formal at noon. A trip to the nearby Royal Garden also offers travelers a brief respite from the bustling castle and great views of the river's east bank. Also within the castle district are several smaller churches, palaces, small hotels and restaurants.
Accessible via the Malostranská metro station.
Next to the castle district is the residential neighborhood of Lesser Town, or Malá Strana, which contains a popular park for couples, Petrin Hill, with highly recommended views of the city center. The area also contains the Petrin Observation Tower that offers excellent views. According to travelers, you should plan to imbibe in a beer at one of the local pubs or bars if you visit the neighborhood.
Accessible via the Mustek metro station.
The most scenic and famous of Prague's neighborhoods, Old Town contains some of the most iconic historical landmarks in Eastern Europe. The center of old town is, not surprisingly, Old Town Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the city's Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. On the side of the Old Town Hall is the famous Astronomical Clock, installed in 1410, which records the current time, the placement of the sun and moon, the phase of the moon, the time of sunrise and sunset, and other interesting data. The piece is popular more for its aesthetic and historical qualities than its time-keeping abilities, but it remains one of the must-see sites in the city's Old Town. Nearby is the famous Charles Bridge, the 14th century, statue-covered crossing that fills with pedestrians, peddlers and merchants during the day. Old Town Prague also contains some of the city's most popular bars and nightclubs, as well as several restaurants.
Accessible via the Staromestská metro station.
Adjoining Old Town is this old Jewish enclave, with several historic and new synagogues, which showcase both the triumphs and hardships of Prague's Jewish population across the centuries. Highly recommended is the Spanish Synagogue, which combines neo-Renaissance and Spanish-style architecture to create a unique, unusual and colorful worship space. Inside Jewish town, you can also enjoy some local kosher delicacies at Shelanu Cafe & Deli or the King Solomon restaurant.
Accessible via the Florenc metro station.
New Town isn't as new as you might think. It was established in the 14th century, but contains many of Prague's most impressive – and yes, newest – architectural innovations. The most famous of these is the Frank Gehry-designed Dancing House. The house's curved lines and uneven windows give the illusion of concrete and glass in motion. Also in New Town is Wenceslas Square, a popular nightlife spot with bars, clubs and casinos. It is home to the large Hotel Europa and the Statue of St. Wenceslas, both popular meeting points in the city center. Also be sure to check out the National Museum in Wenceslas Square, with a variety of natural history exhibitions.
Safety
Prague is generally considered a safe city, especially for one of its size. The main danger to be aware of is pickpockets, who hover around the tourist hot spots like the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge. Also, keep an eye out for them when using mass transit. Some taxi drivers have been known to overcharge tourists. Phone for a taxi or go to an authorized taxi stand (they are marked with red and yellow signs) to reduce your chances of being swindled.
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