In this guide, I will discuss where to stay in Prague and recommend good hotels in the areas mentioned.
There is plenty of choice and you can look forward to a fantastic city where you get good value for money – even when it comes to hotels in Prague.
The best areas for a stay in Prague
For those of you who are in a hurry, I would like to briefly summarize the most important points from this guide. If you click on the name of the area, you will be redirected to the best hotels in that area.
The best areas for a stay in Prague:
- 👉 Staré Mesto – the best area to stay as a tourist ⭐️
- 👉 Malá Strana – the cosiest area in Prague 🥰
- 👉 Prague 2 – the best area with a local atmosphere
- 👉 Zizkov – the best area for hipsters and trendy vibes
- 👉 Smíchov – the best area if you’re looking for budget accommodation
The guide to accommodation in Prague continues below.
Prague is divided into a total of 22 numbered districts – the higher the number, the further away from the center.
So as a tourist, it makes sense to stay in the city center, but there are also lots of great things to do further out. And the accommodation is cheaper
In general, you can live safely in all Prague districts, so it all depends on what you want to experience in the Czech capital.
At the end of this post, I’ve included a section with tips and tricks for before or during a visit to Prague – I hope this helps you get even more out of your trip.
But now to the different districts of Prague. I have decided to introduce you to the 5 best districts of Prague and will also recommend a few great hotels in these districts.
Where can you stay overnight in Prague? Let’s start in the historic city center – the Old Town, Staré Mesto.
1. Staré Mesto, Prague 1 – The best place to stay for sightseeing
If you are looking for a classic city break and want to stay in the center, I would recommend staying in Prague’s Old Town, also known as Staré Mesto.
Here you will find several museums and the Old Town Square. In Staré Mesto you can also experience the Jewish quarter, Josefov.
The area is of course characterized by the fact that there are many tourists in this part of Prague, so there are many restaurants, bars and cafés here, which is very good!
All of this lends a special atmosphere to the experience of the magnificent architecture and the cozy cobblestone streets.
Staré Mesto lies on the east bank of the Moldova, the 430 km long river that flows through Prague. So how do you get from east to west?
Over the famous Karlsbrücke, of course.
The Carls Bridge is a 650-year-old stone bridge that spans 500 meters across the Vltava River.
It is an impressive sight to stand on the bridge and admire the river.
The bridge is also a fantastic piece of medieval architecture that must be experienced.
The entire Prague 1 district with its 4 quarters is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its impressive history and buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.
If you want to delve into the history and discover why the city is on the list, you can start here.
Where to stay in Prague’s Old Town
I visited this hotel for the first time in the fall of 2022 and I have to be honest: it blew me away.
The hotel is called 👉 The Julius Prague and is only a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square, so you don’t have to worry about cabs or public transportation (Prague’s transportation is great and easy to use, though).
Are you looking for a mix of modern amenities and historical charm? Then The Julius Prague is the right place for you.
The rooms? Comfortable, spacious and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Ask for a room with a view; you won’t want to miss out on the city skyline.
The helpful staff and first-class breakfast buffet make The Julius Prague an excellent choice for your Czech adventure.
Considering the price, this is one of the best places I have ever stayed in Europe.
Looking for something fancier? Visit the 👉 Emblem Prague Hotel.
Located just around the corner from the Old Town Square, this 5-star hotel is an oasis of luxury and sophistication. The rooms are chic, modern and thoughtfully designed.
Facilities include a wellness spa, a roof terrace and even a games room.
What sets The Emblem apart, however, is its lounge area – The M Lounge, a space to relax, work or meet up with other guests.
The in-house restaurant, George Prime Steak, is one of the best-rated restaurants in the city.
If you want to stay in an extremely luxurious hotel in Prague, then you’ve come to the right place.
Do you have a small budget but still want to experience Prague’s rich history? Get to know the 👉 Hotel King George.
Located in the old town, the former royal court from the 14th century is captivating with its historical charm.
The famous Astronomical Clock and the vibrant Wenceslas Square are just a stroll away.
The hotel exudes an old world atmosphere, with wooden beams, antique furniture and even a suit of armor in the lobby – it’s like stepping back in time!
The rooms are simple and clean and offer everything you need for a pleasant stay.
There is also a restaurant on site that serves hearty Czech dishes that are not too expensive.
In short, the Hotel King George is a fabulous choice if you’re looking for a budget stay that offers location and character.
2. Malá Strana – family-friendly area near Prague Castle
If you cross the Charles Bridge from Staré Mesto, you will reach the picturesque Malá Strana district with its colorful and beautiful buildings in small alleys that almost form a labyrinth.
This district is home to Prague Castle, which has housed heads of state for 1000 years, from Roman emperors to current presidents. The castle dates back to 870 and has an exciting history.
This district is also home to the John Lennon Wall, many churches and the Petřín Tower, a 64-metre-high observation tower that stands on a 318-metre-high hill.
There are 299 steps to the top, but you can also take the elevator.
There are many bars, restaurants and cafés in Malá Strana – but the prices are lower because the area is not as central as Staré Mesto.
The general rule in Prague is that the further away you are from the center, the lower the prices for the same goods.
Therefore, it is also recommended to stay in Malá Strana if you want to live centrally and close to many attractions, but at the same time save some money on accommodation.
The nightlife in this area is also not as pronounced as on the other side of the river.
Places to stay in Malá Strana
Malá Strana is a cozy district that exudes a certain charm with its small alleyways and colorful houses.
👉 Miss Sophie’s Charles Bridgeis located near Prague Castle and the streetcar stops right outside the door.
The atmosphere in the hotel is unique and fits in well with what you would expect in this neighborhood. You feel well received with a welcome basket and a handwritten letter.
If you are looking for more luxurious accommodation in Prague, I recommend the 👉 Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa.
The Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa is a 5-star hotel in Prague’s charming Malá Strana district.
This boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 16th century baroque building and offers an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.
The first-class service, spacious rooms furnished with antique furniture and modern amenities make the hotel the ideal place for a comfortable and pleasant stay. And there is a spa!
If you are looking for affordable accommodation in the heart of Mala Strana, you should have the 👉 Hotel Pod Věží on your radar.
Right next to the Charles Bridge – you couldn’t wish for a better location.
You are in the heart of Prague’s history, with the picturesque castle and the charming streets of Mala Strana right on your doorstep.
The hotel itself is a cozy and inviting place where traditional Czech style meets modern comfort.
The rooms are clean and well equipped, and many offer a magnificent view of the bridge.
The Hotel Pod Věží offers really good value for money without compromising on location or comfort.
3. New Town – a cheaper area without (too many) tourists
If you don’t want to stay side by side with other tourists and are generally a traveler who likes to move a little outside the city center, then you might feel more comfortable in Prague 2 / New Town.
In Prague 2, you move a little further away from the center again, but with slightly better price offers in the hotels.
Nevertheless, it is only a short walk to the nearest metro or train station.
Depending on where you settle in the district, you can also enjoy a fantastic view of the river.
I lived in this neighborhood on my first trip to Prague and was super happy about it, because here you also have the opportunity to go to bars only with locals, shop in normal supermarkets and still only be a 10-minute walk from the old town.
In Prague 2, you get a more local experience when you go out to eat, as the area is not so crowded with tourists; the restaurants are more characterized by what the locals eat and pay for.
Many Western foreigners also settle in this district if they want to live in Prague permanently.
The area is also not so different from the city center, there are many historic buildings, churches and squares to experience.
Where to stay in New Town
Let’s take a look at some nice accommodations in New Town where you get a little more for your money compared to the previous areas.
👉Miss Sophie’s New Town & Wellness is a hidden gem in Prague’s vibrant New Town.
This boutique hotel is a delightful blend of modern design, personal service and homely comfort.
The rooms? Minimalist chic with a touch of coziness.
Each is equipped with everything you need and offers little extras such as luxurious toiletries that add a special touch.
But it’s not just about the rooms. There is a wellness center on site where you can relax in the sauna or enjoy a massage after sightseeing.
The location is also fantastic: Wenceslas Square and the famous Dancing House are within easy walking distance.
For travelers looking for a unique and affordable stay in the city, Miss Sophie’s New Town & Wellness is just the ticket.
If you want to see architecture with a difference, you should visit the 👉 The Dancing House, built in 1997 as a collaboration between the Czech architect Vlado Milunić and the well-known American architect Frank Gehry.
If you want to live a little differently and have a fantastic view, you can also stay in the Dancing House.
How about a reliable favorite with a pinch of local charm? Get to know the 👉 Best Western Hotel Moran.
Located in Prague’s New Town, the hotel is ideal for anyone who wants to stay centrally without having to pay a high price.
You are just a short walk from the Vltava River, the famous Dancing House and many local stores and restaurants. The hotel itself is a blend of comfort and practicality.
The rooms are modern and clean and have everything you would expect from a Best Western
The breakfast buffet is a real highlight, with a range of hot and cold options to fuel you for a day of exploring.
And if you want to relax, the cozy lobby bar is the perfect place to unwind with a Czech beer.
Overall, the Best Western Hotel Moran offers a solid stay in Prague at a good price-performance ratio.
4. Žižkov & Vinohrady, Prague 3 – the best place for a hipster atmosphere
This district consists mainly of the Žižkov area, but the Vinohrady area of Prague 2 also extends a little way into Prague 3.
Žižkov has a reputation for being a somewhat “rougher” district of Prague, and it is said to have the most bars per capita.
In recent years, however, the city’s hipsters have also settled here, so there are many trendy cafés and a generally trendier atmosphere than in the center of Prague.
However, if you choose to stay near Vinohrady, there is plenty to do, and although the metro doesn’t go that far, there are pretty good streetcar connections.
There are many green spaces in Zizkov, and you can enjoy a beer in the beautiful outdoor beer gardens.
A must-see in this area is the TV tower, a 216-meter-high tower from which you can see over 100 km on a clear day.
The tower is located in the center of Mahlerhaven, but even though it is one of Prague’s most obvious landmarks, not everyone has something positive to say about its appearance.
It is possible to visit the restaurant in the tower, which is 66 meters above the ground.
Places to stay in Žižkov and Vinohrady
Since accommodation is only half as expensive as in the center of Prague, you should consider spending a little more time on transport.
The 👉 Hotel Beránek is an excellent choice if you are looking for a central location with a touch of the neighborhood
Located between Prague’s vibrant city center and the trendy Vinohrady district, you are perfectly positioned for sightseeing and exploring the surrounding area.
The rooms are spacious and bright and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
When it comes to food, you’re in luck – the hotel is surrounded by some of the best restaurants and cafés in town, so it’s a breeze to sample the local cuisine and drink some of the best Czech beers you’ve ever tasted.
The Hotel Beránek therefore offers the best of both worlds – a stay in the city center with a local touch.
If you are looking for a home away from home in Prague, you can’t go wrong with the 👉 Hidden Art Boutique Residence.
We head to the quirky Zizkov district, where these apartments offer a unique and cozy base for your Czech adventure.
Each apartment is tastefully decorated with local art and equipped with a kitchenette where you can easily prepare your meals if you fancy a night in.
And don’t worry about getting around – you’re just a stone’s throw from the local streetcar and metro stops, so you can explore Prague with ease.
With the feel of a local neighborhood and the accessibility of the city, the Hidden Art Boutique Residence offers a unique Prague experience that is hard to beat.
5. Smíchov-Anděl, Prague 5 – Stay in a truly underrated neighborhood
I understand that most tourists want to live as close to the center as possible. It’s convenient that you don’t have to spend time on transportation and all the sights are right on your doorstep.
If you’ve been shopping, you can quickly return to the hotel with your goods before the journey continues towards the restaurants and bars.
But for families or others who perhaps simply appreciate being able to retreat to quieter areas in the evening and want to experience something other than the city, Smíchov-Anděl in Prague 5 is an underrated district.
The metro and streetcar run in this district, so there’s nothing to stop you getting out and about. Here you will find one of the largest shopping centers in the city, the Novy Smichov.
If you are a beer lover, you should stop by the Staropramen brewery, where you can enjoy something good for the palate in their courtyard.
The Staropramen brewery is the second largest beer producer in the Czech Republic and produces up to half a million bottles of beer and thousands of barrels every day.
Take a look at this video in which a local shows us the area:
The Kinsky Garden is a 22-hectare park consisting of several gardens that were laid out in 1825 by the patriotic Count Rudolf Kinsky.
Not far from the Kinsky Gardens is the Musaion National Museum. The focus here is on old Bohemian coal pipes.
If you are more interested in art, you can visit the international center for modern art MeetFactory.
Places to stay in Smichov-Andel
There are a number of very modern and inexpensive accommodations in this underrated district of Prague – let’s take a look.
Are you looking for a stylish stay away from the tourist hustle and bustle? Come to the 👉 OREA Hotel Angelo Praha.
The hotel is located in the Smichov-Andel district and offers modern luxury for your Prague adventure.
You’re not in the typical tourist area, which is part of the charm – instead, you’re in a lively neighborhood full of stores, cinemas and restaurants.
The rooms are chic and comfortable, with bold colors and modern furniture.
Andel metro station is just a short walk away, so you can easily explore the rest of the city.
The OREA Hotel Angelo Praha offers a modern, relaxed stay with local flair.
It’s a bit strange to call a luxury hotel “cheap”, but I’m going to do it anyway: if you’re looking for a cheap luxury hotel in Prague, say hello to 👉 Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague.
The hotel is located directly on the Vltava River and is a stylish retreat. The building combines the charm of Art Nouveau with modern elegance and a breathtaking view of the river.
Here you will find spacious rooms that combine comfort with a touch of opulence.
You are only a short streetcar ride away from Prague’s main sights, but far enough to avoid the tourist crowds.
Back at the hotel, you can enjoy a cocktail in the cozy bar or take a walk along the river.
With its luxurious rooms, excellent location and lower prices compared to the city center, Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague really offers more for your money.
Tips and tricks for your trip to Prague
I am a proponent of planning your trip from home as much as possible. What you want to see and how you can get around etc.
Prague is a fantastic city with a lot of history, and if you are interested in churches, museums and medieval buildings, there is an incredible amount to see.
With the Prague Card you can save a lot on entrance fees to various attractions, and there are also discounts in restaurants and much more.
Perhaps you are also looking for specific experiences, a boat trip or a guided pub crawl, which you can book here.
Since Prague is an area with many tourists, there are also some tourist traps that you should not fall into.
For example, the waiter may write a handwritten amount on the receipt that is supposed to count as a tip, or the cab driver may offer a “fixed price” that is ultimately more expensive than what the taximeter shows.
This is not okay – you will never be forced to tip, and you shouldn’t fall for stories about taxi meters not working etc. either.
Prague is not a dangerous place – but there are many pickpockets at work in the busier areas, so you should not carry valuables in visible bags.
I hope that my guide to accommodation in Prague has helped you get to know Prague a little better. It is not very expensive to travel to Prague or to stay in the city, perhaps that is why this destination is so popular.
I wish you a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic.
Websites that I use to book my trips
- 👉 Agoda is my favourite site for booking hotels and unique stays.
- 👉 GetYourGuide is my top pick for booking tours and activities worldwide.
Frequently asked questions :
Where is the best place to stay in Prague when you come to Prague for the first time?
The Old Town is the best area to stay in Prague for first-time visitors, as it is full of historical sights, restaurants and bars in which to spend your days.
What is the best residential area in Prague for families?
Vinohrady is a great area for families, as it is quiet, pretty and well connected to metro and streetcar lines.
Where is the best place to stay in Prague to enjoy the nightlife?
Vršovice is a fun neighborhood outside the city center where many young Czechs go to party.
Where is the best place to stay in Prague if you are traveling on a budget?
Žižkov is a top area for budget-conscious travelers, with cobbled streets and slightly dilapidated 19th-century apartment buildings.
What is the best area to stay in Prague?
Malá Strana (Lesser Town), on the castle side of the Vltava, is a feast for the eyes and a quiet and convenient location at the foot of Vitkov Hill.
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