Prague is a city of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, spread along both banks of the Vltava River. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its best-known sights — Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petřín hill and Vyšehrad — cluster tightly enough that many visitors spend their days on foot.
For a visitor, the city is easiest to read through its historic quarters rather than its administrative districts. The old district system runs from Praha 1 to Praha 10 and appears on street signs and house numbers, but in the centre it is too coarse to be useful; the traditional quarters — Staré Město, Malá Strana, Hradčany and the others — are what people actually use, and they match the cadastral names on the signs. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each one is like, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Prague
1. Staré Město (Old Town)
The oldest part of the city and the original Town of Prague, with by far the largest number of attractions. Old Town Square, the astronomical clock and the Jewish Quarter are all here, and Charles Bridge is a short walk away. This is the most convenient base for a first visit, and it suits anyone who wants to reach the main sights on foot.
Because it is the centre, it is also where you will find the widest range of accommodation, from hostels to hotels. Note that this is the busiest part of the city, and peak season runs from April to October with a further influx around New Year.
2. Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
Founded in the 13th century on the bank opposite the Old Town, Malá Strana sits below Prague Castle and connects to the east bank via Charles Bridge. It is a quieter, more residential-feeling base than the Old Town while still being within walking distance of the monuments, and it suits visitors who want to step out of their door and be among historic streets without the heaviest crowds.
Its practical advantage is position: you can walk to both the castle area and the Old Town. The Hunger Wall, a fortification south of Malá Strana and the castle area, marks the southern edge of this part of the city.
3. Hradčany (Prague Castle area)
The castle area, dominated by the cathedral within the largest of the castle courtyards. Staying here puts you at the top of the hill rather than the bottom, which suits visitors whose priority is the castle and who do not mind walking downhill to reach the river and the Old Town.
This is the smallest and least commercial of the central options. Expect a limited choice of places to stay, and plan on walking or using public transport for everything else, since the area is separated from the riverbank by the slope down through Malá Strana.
4. Praha 4 and Praha 5 riverside (botels)
If you want something different from a conventional room, a botel — a boat moored on the river — is an option. Most are moored south of the river in Praha 4 and Praha 5, and they are usually relatively well placed with views over the water.
The trade-off is distance from the centre. If you take this route, the guidance is to favour a mooring in Prague 1, in Malá Strana or Staré Město, so that the monuments remain within walking distance.
5. Around Hlavní nádraží (main train station)
The area around the main train station has the city's densest concentration of cheap rooms, and the station itself has an accommodation booking service for hotels and hostels upstairs. It suits budget travellers and those arriving or leaving by train who want to drop their bags and go.
Be cautious here: touts around the station offer cheap accommodation, often Czech residents renting part of their apartment, and while prices do not vary much between them, some may not be trustworthy. Treat this as a functional base rather than a pleasant one.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Dorm beds in hostels close to the city centre, including rooms with a party vibe as well as quieter houses, some in restored buildings. Many hostels also offer private rooms, with or without shared bathrooms, for less than a pension or hotel room. Rooms around the main train station are the cheapest option, with the caveat about touts noted above.
- Mid-range: Pensions and private rooms, including the private rooms offered by hostels, and the boutique design hostels whose accommodation rivals that of hotels. Rates normally include tax and breakfast.
- Splurge: Hotels in the central quarters, where the widest choice sits within walking distance of the main sights. Note that prices for accommodation can be up to twice as high in peak season, and reservations are advised.
Best area for a first visit
Staré Město is the best base for a first visit. It is the oldest part of the city and holds by far the largest number of attractions, with Old Town Square, the astronomical clock and the Jewish Quarter on your doorstep and Charles Bridge a short walk away. Basing yourself here means the sights you came for are reachable on foot rather than through daily trips across town.
Frequently asked questions
When is the most expensive time to stay in Prague?
Peak season generally runs from April to October, with a major influx of visitors around New Year. Prices for accommodation can be up to twice as high in the peak season, and reservations are advised.
Are tax and breakfast included in the room rate?
Normally, yes. Tax and breakfast are typically included in the room rate.
Can I book accommodation when I arrive at the main train station?
Yes. Hlavní nádraží, the main train station, has an accommodation booking service for hotels and hostels upstairs. Be cautious with touts outside offering cheap rooms, as some may not be trustworthy.
How do I tell which part of the city I am in?
Buildings carry two numbers, one blue and one red. The blue orientation number is the ordinal number of the building on its street, historically counted from the end closer to the river; the red number relates to the house register of the entire district. Street and house number signs also show the cadastral quarter name alongside the old district designation, which makes orientation straightforward.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you commit.