Are you coming to the Czech Republic soon and still not sure where to stay in Prague? Is the Old Town better than the New Town? Is it safe there? Will you need a taxi or public transport to get to the sights? If you are overwhelmed by all the information available on the internet and still have questions, please stop browsing for a while. Dive into this article instead. It’s honest, personal, and written by a local, not by artificial intelligence or a travel blogger who spent just three days here and claims to know it all.
Who is the author of this article?
My name is Dana and I know Prague like the back of my hand (maybe even better than artificial inteligence:-) How come? I was born and raised here. And I also work as a local guide. Running my own tiny business called Prague Behind The Scenes – Small Group Tours and Experiences.
Besides guiding, I also enjoy writing this blog; where I am regularly sharing with you my tips for how to avoid local tourist traps. Today we will learn a bit about where to stay in Prague (and where rather not:-)
1) Where to stay in Prague: best hotel areas for Prague first timers
If you are visiting Prague for the first time; let’s say for 2-3 days, you should definitely stay in the Old Town (Staré Město) or Lesser Town (Malá Strana). All the major sights will be within walking distance (Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Jewish Quarter, Kampa Island, Powder Tower, Municipal House, Astronomical Clock…..) and you will not need a taxi or public transport. Just good walking shoes.
2) Where to stay in Old Town and Lesser Town?
Prague’s Old Town and Lesser Town are very small neighborhoods, which means they can become extremely crowded. This is especially true during peak tourist season, which runs from April to October and throughout December. The areas adjacent to the major attractions, such as the Old Town Square, tend to be really busy all year round.
Many people think that staying right on the Old Town Square is like winning a jackpot. Ooops, not really. I think it’s just a very expensive ticket to the touristy hell and mediocre, overpriced services.
I consistently advise my clients to consider more authentic, residential neighborhoods that offer a quieter atmosphere while still being centrally located. Please take a look at some options listed below on this page.
Please note: I do not receive any commission for suggesting these locations. I personally researched them for my clients, who frequently ask me about accommodations in Prague. Additionally, some of these options come from recommendations made by my previous clients.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE OLD TOWN?
Many of my clients enjoyed staying in the Old Town district called “Haštalská čtvrť” or “Na Františku.” I love these areas. These are secluded, quiet parts of the Old Town where I am often leading my tours, too. If you like picturesque, not crowded back alleys, away from the party hot spots, this could be a great choice for you. All the major sights are 5 – 10 minutes walk away (Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, Powder Tower, Astronomical Clock, Municipal House…)
Very nice hotels in the Old Town are Hotel Maximilian, Hotel Josef Prague, Hotel Residence Agnes and Hotel Allure Prague.
WHERE TO STAY IN LESSER TOWN
The Lesser Town area is located on the other side of the river. Closer to Prague Castle and it’s truly a lovely part of the city center.
In this neighborhood you will be close to Charles Bridge, John Lennon Wall, Kampa Island, St. Nicolas Church, Petřín Hill, Petřín Tower, Wallenstein Garden, Prague Castle, Kafka Museum, Crawling Babies by David Černý…You will also find here picturesque, secluded streets, back alleys, gardens and parks.
If you consider Lesser Town as your location, make sure you choose your hotel in its LOWER PART!!! The upper parts (closer to Prague Castle) are uphill!!! For example all the hotels on Nerudova street or Vlašská street are always a little hike! So, the closer to the river, the better.
Many of my clients loved their stay in Hotel Pod Věží and also Hotel Bishops House (they are on the same street). Both hotels are right next to the Charles Bridge which may sound like a big trap but many of the hotel rooms are located in the back of the house (to reduce the noise from the outside).
Another nice hotels in Lesser Town are Aria Hotel close to the American Embassy or The Augustine Hotel Prague (former Augustinian monastery where they still pour their own dark beer called St. Thomas. The beer is served in a an old refectory. Refectory is a dining room where monks were eating. The Refectory Bar is actually open to the public so if you only want to taste the beer, you are welcome to come! It´s delicious and strong!
If you’re fit and don’t mind a bit of an uphill walk, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic hotels nestled between Lesser Town and the Castle district. The Appia Hotel Residences is an absolutely unique spot in a delightful neighborhood – very quiet with inner courtyard and garden! Alternatively, check a cute family-run bed and breakfast place known as Dům u velké boty (House at the Big Boot). One of my clients gave me a tour of the hotel, and it truly feels like stepping back into the history. It´s one of the few places really run by locals and not a big company.
3) Where NOT TO stay in Prague?
Some areas in the Old Town, New Town and Lesser Town can be extremely annoying, crowded, noisy at night and surrounded by silly souvenir shops and beggars. Safety is not the issue, Prague is super safe city, it’s just about your personal comfort and authenticity.
As a local, I don’t recommend staying on Karlova street, Nerudova street, Mostecká street, right on the Old Town Square, on Malé Náměstí or on Dlouhá street. These zones are the touristy circus par excellence.
In New Town, try to steer clear of the areas surrounding the Main Train Station. The park near the Main Train Station is quite disgusting; it’s a shame for Prague. It’s filled with homeless people, drug users, and various individuals occupying the benches. While they are not dangerous, it’s simply embarrassing to welcome visitors to Prague this way.
4) Maybe you now ask – so what about the Castle district? And the New Town? Is it nice to stay there?
WHERE TO STAY IN THE CASTLE DISTRICT (HRADČANY)
The Castle district is absolutely beautiful, safe, quiet (especially after 5pm) and rich in history…the only trouble is that it’s located on a hill…so basically everytime you go “home”, you will either have to take a tram / UBER or walk uphill.
The location is not good for everyone. Especially not for people with walking problems, back pain, limited mobility or when travelling with kids and a pram. Please keep this in mind before booking your hotel there.
The Castle district is almost like a ghost town in the evening. But beautiful if you enjoy peace, stunning sunrises and don´t mind the hill:-)
In the Castle district you can also find a great restaurant with a lovely beer garden (and the best Pilsner Urquell on tap). It’s called Kuchyň. Cheers!
If I haven’t discourage you yet, I highly recommend staying at Romantik Hotel U Raka.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW TOWN
Don´t get confused. New Town is not a new, modern part of the city:-) New Town was founded already in the 14th century.
New Town is a part of the historical city center listed on the UNESCO heritage list. It’s located on the same side of the river as the Old Town and it’s huge. That’s why the distances to various sights might be longer. Depens where you will be staying. Great locations are for example around Pštrossova street or around National Theatre.
The most important sights you can find in the New Town are: National Theatre, Jerusalem synagogue, National Museum, Wenceslas Square, Lucerna Palace and Dancing House.
New Town is lively and busier. But there are also quiet, residential neighborhoods. For example “Petrská čtvrť” which is simply across the street from the Old Town. My clients usually stay here in The Julius Prague, Cosmopolitan Hotel or in Innside by Melia Hotel.
Other great hotels in the New Town that are very close to the Old Town:
BoHo Hotel Prague, Prague Marriott Hotel, Hilton Old Town, Grand Mark Hotel and Andaz Prague, Hotel Cube
5) Airbnb or hotel?
I really like the former idea of Airbnb. But, unfortunately this idea is already gone…and Airbnb is a big business here. Not a business of individual owners but a huge business of various companies with unclear structures.
Airbnb is simply a problem here, it’s not regulated and locals are tired and irritated by their temporary neighbors – who often do not behave and only come here to party. Yes, this is a reality especially downtown and many locals are moving away from their homes….very sad, don´t you think?
This is why I prefer hotels. They are real businesses that provide jobs for locals and contribute to taxes. However, I understand that everyone has their own preferences and choices. I just felt it was essential to share the perspective of locals, particularly those who still live in downtown areas, regarding the Airbnb concept.
And that´s it. Wish you a lovely stay, guys! I hope I wasn´t too negative in the last paragraph. But unfortunately Airbnb downtown is a serious issue and it´s not just my subjective opinion.
If you think my content is worthy, you can support my writings by buying me a virtual coffee. Thank you so much for you kind support!
Dana, owner and fully certified guide for Prague Behind The Scenes | Small-Group Tours and Experiences.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to see Prague with me. With my services I try to support sustainable and respectful tourism, not mass tourism. If this resonates with you, I will be happy to hear from you. I am an independent solopreneur, so you will always talk / write directly to me. Thank you for supporting small local businesses.
dana@praguebehindthescenes.com
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