Where to stay in Prague - three best neighborhoods for tourists

Where to stay in Prague: the best areas for tourists, hotels and apartments, what to see in the immediate area.

Modern Prague is divided into 22 administrative districts. But for tourists, I advise them to limit their search for accommodation to the neighborhoods closest to the city center.

For the most complete immersion in local life, choose one of the following locations:

Vinohrady (Prague 2 and 3),
Andel (Prague 5),
Old Town (Prague 1).

Prague 1 – Old Town

This neighborhood will appeal to those planning their first trip to Prague. Here you will be in the very center of the Old Town, close to all the major sights – you can get there on foot. And also to feel what it’s like to live in the most touristy neighborhood of Prague. Thanks to this tourist attraction, the Old Town has a large selection of hotels, hostels, and apartments located in old buildings.

What to see in Prague’s Old Town:

The medieval Charles Bridge (Karlov most), which connects Malá Krajina with another iconic historical quarter of Prague – the Old Town (Staré mesto).
The center of attraction is the Old Town Square, which is surrounded by buildings in different styles: the Gothic Tyn Church, the Baroque St. Mikulas Cathedral, and the outstanding example of Prague Rococo, the Kinskys Palace.) Among other things, it is on the Old Town Square that the tower with the Prague Orloy. It is a massive astrolabe clock that attracts hundreds of onlookers like a magnet.
Do not pass by the Jewish Quarter – Josefov, founded in the 10th century. Initially, it was a ghetto, fenced off from the rest of the city by two stone walls and the Vltava River. In 1850, by decree of Emperor Joseph II, who equalized the rights of Jews and the Christian population, Josefov became one of the administrative districts of Prague. It is here that the 14th-century Old Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery, where the creator of the Golem, Rabbi Lev, is buried, are located.
Look at Kafka’s Head, a famous sculpture by David Cerny that moves every first 15 minutes of every hour.

Attention: if you want to avoid tourist crowds, you should look towards other areas, which are described below.

Hotels and apartments in the Old Town of Prague:

Old Prague Hotel – is a timeless classic in the heart of Prague. A stone’s throw from Old Town Square and all the other iconic sites of the Czech capital.
Eurostars Thalia – is a modern hotel with spacious attic rooms overlooking Prague’s rooftops. It has its own fitness center and delicious breakfasts.
Karlova 25 Apartments – apartments on the most popular street in the center of Prague – Karlova. Everything is close by, but you can cook your own breakfasts or dinners and not spend a lot of money on restaurants.
Like Home Apartments Prague – very comfortable apartments for an adequate price in the city center, designed for a family of 4.

Recommend to read: Prague with children

Prague 2 – Vinohrady

I really like this neighborhood, which is close to the center of Prague, but there are no crowds of tourists. There are many trees and parks in Vinohrady – a very beautiful park called Riegrovi Sady, a place where you can walk with your children and dogs, and gather with friends for picnics and parties. Vinohrady has many good establishments – bars, wine shops, coffee shops, vegan cafes.

The Namesti Jiri Square in Poděbrady hosts a fair every weekend, where you can buy delicious farm products, eat grilled meat while sitting on benches or by the fountain.

I love Londonskaya and Bruselskaya streets – the houses and entrances are somewhat similar to the New York East Side. Lots of trees, cozy cafes with outdoor tables, dog parks, and silence are all the things I like for a leisurely pace of life in Prague.

What to see in Vynohradiv?

Namesti Myru – Peace Square and the majestic Gothic Basilica of St. Ludmila. In fact, this square is a park with lots of benches and trees that are nice to sit under in the summer heat.
View of Prague from the Riegrovy Sady Park. The park offers a magnificent panorama of the Prague Castle.
Drink wine in Havlíčkovy garden (Havlíčkovy sady – Grébovka ), which is also called Havlíčkovy garden, and is the reason why the district is called Vinohrady. There are still vineyards here that were laid out during the reign of Charles IV and once covered the entire park. Nowadays, only the southern slope is left with vineyards, and the place itself has been transformed into an Italian Renaissance park. There is a cafe Pavilon Grébovka where you can drink local wine, and the park’s high hill offers one of the best views of Prague.
Go to the theater – there are several theaters in Vynohradiv where you can quench your cultural thirst. For example, the Vinohrady Theater, which performs contemporary and classical music.
If you go down to the Vltava River, you’ll find yourself on Naplavka. This is a waterfront promenade where a farmers’ market is held every Saturday morning, where you can taste not only traditional sausages and cheeses. But also oysters and fine Czech wines from Moravia.

Hotels and apartments in Vinohrady:

Garden ApartHotel – modern apartments on the corner near the Riegers Gardens. An ideal place for families with children and pets.
Family Lorenz & Coffee House – A family-run, cozy boutique hotel with its own garden is a real oasis in the middle of a big city.
Eight Secrets Boutique Residence – apartments in the heart of the Vynohrady district on American Street, near which there are many good cafes and restaurants. Expats who appreciate comfort, green streets, and delicious European food and wine live here.
EMPIRENT Garden Suites – incredibly stylish apartments near Havlicky Gardens.

Prague 5 – Andel (Smichov)

The Smichov (Andel) district is located on the opposite bank from the Old Town. From here, everything is close by – just walk along the promenade or cross one of the bridges over the Vltava. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the tram, and in five minutes you’ll be in the epicenter of the action. Everything is close by, but out of the tourist bustle.

I lived in Smichov for a month and I highly recommend this neighborhood to anyone who comes to Prague for a long period of time. I advise you to find an apartment close to the waterfront to walk and jog along the Vltava in the morning, walk your dog, and walk across the bridges to the city center.

Smichov has very good transportation (metro and trams), large supermarkets and shopping centers with well-known brands. Housing here is cheaper than in the center, but long-term housing is no less comfortable than in Vinohrady.

What to see in Smichov?

Petrshyn Hill – you can climb it on foot or ride the 19th-century funicular. The funicular is part of the public transportation network. Therefore, such a trip can be free if you buy a one- or three-day pass. A separate ticket for the cable car costs 60 kroons (2.70 euros).
The Kingdom of the Railroad (Království Železnic) is a museum where you can see a huge model of the Czech Republic, which has all the railway stations connected by railroad tracks – trains run on them.
Go on a tour of a brewery Staropramen. Here you can see how the famous Czech beer is made and taste several varieties during the tour.
One of the most romantic places in Prague is Kampa Island, surrounded by the Vltava River and the small Chortovka River.
Take a walk along the Chortivka River, over which hangs the Lovers’ Bridge, dotted with heart-shaped locks.
The John Lennon Wall is located nearby. It is covered with graffiti and lyrics from songs and declarations of love for the legendary four. Street musicians play Beatles songs here. Not far away is the John Lennon Pub (Hroznova 495/6, Prague), where all the walls are covered with portraits of the Beatles.
Visit the narrowest street in Prague (only 70 cm wide). This is Vinarna Chertovka (U Lužíčného semináře, 118 00 Prague 1-Malá Strana-Malá Strana). Only one person can walk through it at a time. Therefore, a traffic light with a button was installed to warn oncoming pedestrians with a signal.
Feed the swans behind the Kafka Museum. This place is loved by Prague residents, who come to feed and admire the beautiful birds and bridges over the Vltava River.

Hotels and apartments in Smichov:

Brunetti Design Apartment – is a stylish apartment with a balcony for two couples or a family with children just a few steps from the waterfront.
Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Prague -is a modern new hotel with stylish rooms located near the tram stop and the Andel’s shopping center. There is an in-house fitness center, parking, and pets are welcome.
Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague – is a world-class hotel with exquisite rooms located on the waterfront, rooms with views of the Vltava River and the famous Dancing Houses.

Useful articles and links:

Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
Car rental – I am looking for inexpensive options on Rentalcars.com

Where to stay in Prague – the best neighborhoods for tourists