Where to Stay in Prague: Neighbourhoods Compared

Prague's centre is small enough that you can stay almost anywhere within the tram network and still walk to the main sights. The real choice is between being next to the landmarks, with the noise and prices that come with them, or a few stops out in a neighbourhood with better restaurants and calmer nights.

Malá Strana: for atmosphere

The Lesser Town, below Prague Castle, is the most romantic place to stay: Baroque palaces, cobbled lanes, gas lamps and quiet evenings once the day visitors have left. Hotels are often in historic buildings with character and creaky floors. The downsides are hills, high rates and fewer everyday shops. Metro line A at Malostranská and tram 22 connect you to the rest of the city.

Old Town: for being in the middle of it all

Staying in Staré Město puts the astronomical clock and Jewish Quarter on your doorstep, which helps with early starts. It is also the busiest and loudest part of the city, with bars, stag parties and late-night crowds around Dlouhá street and the squares. Choose a room facing a courtyard, and avoid streets right next to the bars.

New Town: for practicality

Nové Město, around Wenceslas Square and Národní třída, has the widest range of mid-range hotels and the best transport links, with all three metro lines and many trams. Upper Wenceslas Square and the streets toward Vinohrady are fine; the lower end of the square has strip clubs and touts at night, so we would not pick a hotel there.

Vinohrady: for living like a local

A short metro ride on line A from the centre, Vinohrady has grand apartment blocks, leafy squares, cafés, wine bars and some of Prague's most relaxed restaurants. Apartments and guesthouses cost noticeably less than in the centre, and the Riegrovy sady beer garden is on hand. You will take public transport to the sights, but it is quick.

Karlín: for food and a modern base

East of the centre on metro line B, Karlín mixes restored 19th-century blocks with converted factories, new hotels, bakeries and restaurants. It is quiet at night and two stops from the Old Town. See our guide to local Prague for what to do in these districts.

Before booking, check whether the city's accommodation tax is included in the price and whether the property has a lift; many historic buildings do not.