Best hotels in Prague: where to stay by area

Prague is a weave of Gothic spires and Baroque courtyards along the Vltava, and the area where you sleep changes the tone of the trip: the magic of the Old Town, the quiet lanes below the castle in Mala Strana, the local, leafy side of Vinohrady, bohemian Zizkov. Metro and trams are efficient and the centre is walkable, but location matters to dodge the crowds or the climb. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Prague, area by area

Old Town and Josefov

The historic heart around the Old Town Square, with the Astronomical Clock, the Charles Bridge and the Jewish quarter of Josefov. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants everything on foot, with the best atmosphere and high prices.

• The Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
• The Charles Bridge
• The Jewish quarter of Josefov with the Old-New Synagogue
• The Powder Tower

For a central, magical base, look for hotels in the Old Town.

Mala Strana and the Castle

Below Prague Castle, Mala Strana is a Baroque district of quiet lanes and gardens, romantic and hushed by night. It is the choice for anyone after atmosphere and beauty, accepting a bit of a climb.

• Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral
• The Lesser Town Square and the St Nicholas Church
• The John Lennon Wall
• Petrin Hill with its lookout tower

For romance and views, see hotels in Mala Strana.

New Town

Around Wenceslas Square, the New Town is the practical, commercial zone, with theatres, shops and the famous Dancing House. It is the choice for anyone who wants to stay central, handy for shopping and transport.

• Wenceslas Square
• The National Theatre and the Dancing House
• The Art Nouveau Municipal House
• The Naplavka riverside with its bars

For convenience and shopping, look for hotels in the New Town.

Vinohrady

Elegant and tree-lined, Vinohrady is the residential district locals love, full of cafes and restaurants. It is the choice for anyone after a local, lively side, better prices and some greenery, a few stops from the centre.

• The Namesti Miru square and its neo-Gothic church
• The Riegrovy sady park with city views
• Neighbourhood cafes, bistros and wine bars
• A direct metro to the centre

For local life and good value, see hotels in Vinohrady.

Zizkov

Bohemian and gritty, Zizkov is famous for its many pubs and its TV tower. It is the choice for anyone on a tighter budget who loves nightlife and a no-frills feel, steps from the centre.

• The Zizkov TV Tower
• The district's many pubs and bars
• Vitkov hill with its huge monument
• Some of the lowest prices near the centre

For budget and nightlife, look for hotels in Zizkov.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Prague uses the Czech koruna (CZK) and stays more affordable than many Western European capitals.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 80-160 euros a night.
• A dinner for two with beer: about 35-60 euros; a Czech beer 2-3 euros, a coffee 2.50-3.50 euros.
• Transport: a 90-minute ticket around 40 CZK (about 1.60 euros); a day pass is worth it.
• Tourist tax: Prague's local fee is 50 CZK per person per night (about 2 euros), up to 60 nights; under-18s are exempt. An increase in the centre is under discussion: verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Prague.

Getting there and around

The airport is Vaclav Havel (PRG), about 17 km west; there is no direct metro, but bus 119 reaches the end of metro line A (Nadrazi Veleslavin) in around twenty minutes, or there is the Airport Express. In town the metro, trams and buses cover everything and the centre is very walkable.

A car in the centre is unnecessary and the pedestrian lanes make it awkward. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few stops away.

When to go

• April-May: a mild spring, blossom on Petrin hill, maybe the best window.
• June-August: warm and busy, long days and festivals, the peak season.
• September-October: crisp air, golden colours, excellent for walking.
• November-December: cold, but with magical Christmas markets in the Old Town.
• January-February: freezing, fewer crowds and lower prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Old Town for atmosphere, or Mala Strana for romance below the castle.

Do I need a car in Prague? No, metro and trams do everything and the centre is pedestrian; a car is unnecessary.

Do you pay in euros? No, the currency is the Czech koruna; cards are accepted almost everywhere, best to avoid street exchanges.

How much is the tourist tax? Fifty CZK per person per night (about 2 euros), under-18s exempt; future increases are being discussed.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the centre, the castle and perhaps Vinohrady or a Vltava cruise.

The best hotels in Prague

Below is a selection of real hotels in Prague among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.