Where to Stay in Prague is a collaborative post that has been written after getting inputs from 25+ travel writers about their favorite neighborhoods in Prague and places to stay.
Prague will dazzle you with its beauty no matter in which direction you go. In one moment you will be surrounded by artists on the Charles Bridge and then if you walk a little, you will find yourself admiring the Old Town’s massive psychedelic Astronomical Clock. You will be one in many because these areas are crowded but the city’s magical energy will rub on you.
Prague Charles Bridge at night – where to stay in Prague – CC0 via Pixabay
There is a lot to see and do in Prague but most likely you will spend your first day doing what I described above. If you’re here for longer, then you may just end up exploring some of the coolest neighborhoods of Prague that are away from the main historical center. I talk about such neighborhoods in this post + where to stay. Also, read my top travel tips for Prague to know how to do Prague right.
Prague is a a part of most of first timers’ Euro Trip itinerary but sadly many travelers leave after a day or two. The thing is – Prague is surely going to be one of the cheaper destinations in your Europe itinerary and perhaps the most beautiful one, so why not spend a longer time here?
If Prague is not a part of your itinerary, then I highly recommend you to alter it and include this city. In that case, I’m sure you’re going to try to find the perfect place to stay to make your trip epic.
The city boasts so many hotels and hostels BUT I will help you decide where to stay in Prague. I have sorted these hotels in Prague in descending price order for different neighborhoods so that you can easily find the one that fits your budget. Not just hotels, you will also find information about hostels in Prague.
Where to Stay in Prague: Prague Neighborhoods
Prague has a very confusing number system for neighborhoods. For example – Praha 1 has Old Town but also the Lesser Town. So in this post, I will only use the names, not the numbers so that you get a clearer picture.
Although you will read it in detail in each section, but just a quick glimpse of FAQs about where to stay in Prague:
Which neighborhood to pick if I want to be next to Prague’s main Bus station or the main train station? The New Town and Vinohrady. The train station is where these two neighborhoods meet but the bus station is closer to the New Town.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the Charles Bridge? The Old Town [Staré Město] or the Lesser Town [Mala Strana]. The Charles Bridge connects these two districts.
The City Centre is too stressful for me. What are some of the artsy or hipster neighborhoods or Prague that are away from the historical centre? Vršovice (near Vinohrady) and Holešovice (Near Letna).
I want to stay near the Prague Castle because I want to see the sunset there. Which neighborhood should I pick? The Lesser Town [Mala Strana] is right next to the castle.
Of course, I will not mention every neighborhood of Prague but just the ones where I’m recommending some cool places to stay.
Table of Contents
Old Town or Staré Město
Prague astronomical clock in the Old Town – Prague Neighborhoods – CC0 via Pixabay
This is the OLDEST part of Prague and has the famous astronomical clock, three extremely famous churches (St. Nicolas’ Church, Church of Our Lady Before Týn and St. Castulus Church) and Jan Hus Memorial.
Extremely Crowded Old Town Square in Prague – Essential Travel Tips
The super famous Old Town Square is here and it kind of reminds me of Amsterdam’s Dam Square because you can see buskers, religious chanters and hoards of tourists. On one corner I saw Catholics with capes and on the other side I saw saffron clad Hare Rama Hare Krishna singers. It was hilarious!
If it is your FIRST trip to Prague and you want to be in the middle of everything, then the Old Town area is for you.
Member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Grand Mark is housed in a former baroque palace. Away from the hustle and bustle but a few steps from the railway station and the main city attractions, it offers an exceptional location in the heart of Prague.
We definitely enjoyed the staff ‘s hospitality and professionalism, the ultimate luxury and comfort of our room, the fine dining at The Grill restaurant, the winter garden, the perfectly maintained patio and the many hotel facilities (free airport transfer, free-of-charge vintage style bikes). Wellness and beauty treatments are also available in a brand new luxury spa.
If you decide to stay here, you will experience a “voyage within a voyage”. As soon as you walk through the doors of this 5-star hotel, you feel like you were transported to Asia. The decor is modern, sleek, and authentic Asian, which gives this hotel a unique feel.
The hotel leaves nothing to be desired. From a full bar to decadent chocolate treats, a jacuzzi tub with a TV in the opposite mirror, the suite at the Buddha Bar Hotel Prague have all the bells and whistles you could ask for.
The location could not be better. Just a 3-minute walk from Náměstí Republiky – the main square in Prague – means that you are in the heart of the city and can explore most of the city’s sights by foot or a short tram ride. I highly recommend staying here, if you are looking for a luxury hotel in Prague with a little something special!
Tucked away on one of the quieter side streets in Prague’s Old Town, Emblem Hotel’s sleek, contemporary interior might not have the most generously sized rooms (unless you can afford one of their impressive suites) but its prime location and excellent facilities make it great value.
Emblem Hotel’s USP is the rooftop jacuzzi, part of the swanky M Spa: perfect for enjoying a bottle of champagne and soaking up the magnificent fairytale vista. There’s also a games room stocked with consoles to keep young and old entertained. Art enthusiasts can sign up for cultural walking tours of Prague led by local art students.
The Boho Hotel is a stunning boutique hotel in central Prague. It’s located just minutes away from Náměstí Republiky and Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square), making it the perfect location for a visit to the Czech capital.
Boho organizes every detail of its guests’ stay to ensure comfortable and luxurious accommodation. Guests are provided with a welcome drink and photo book upon arrival created by a local photographer just for the hotel, the photos from which add a unique ambiance to each room.
The rooms of the hotel are beautifully decorated, including the common spaces like the library and breakfast room. Guests are invited to participate in Moravian wine tastings in the airy breakfast room during their stay, or can relax in the hotel’s cozy and intimate spa. No detail has been overlooked at the Boho Hotel, which is the pinnacle of low-key luxury in Prague.
If you’re looking for a charming boutique hotel in the center of Prague (Praha 1), then check out the EA Royal Esprit. This 31 room, art deco hotel is located less than a 5-minute walk from Old Town Square, the Palladium and Kotva shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and more.
The average cost of a double room is €110 per night. You can also choose a Business Double, a suite, or a terrace room with a killer view of Prague Castle all for less than $200/night. If you’re watching your budget but you want to be in the center of it all then the EA Royal Esprit is for you.
If you want to stay in the action while in Prague, Hotel U Malvaze is the perfect place. It is less than two minutes from Charles Bridge and right on Karlova street so you can walk onto the main street that leads to all of the main attractions very quickly.
The best thing about Hotel U Malvaze besides the cleanliness, comfort and air conditioning is that it’s not loud even though you’re close to the most tourist areas. Water, coffee and croissants await you in the lobby along with the resident parrot, Oscar, who can be seen and heard around the lobby.
This is the perfect place to stay whether you’re solo, with a friend, family or even a group. There’s also a great restaurant downstairs that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This hotel has many sizes and styles of rooms available, which makes it convenient to travel with or without companions. The rates vary depending on season, type of room and booking portal. I would definitely stay here again next time I’m in Prague.
For around €100 per night, the 5th floor Citadel apartment in the artsy, boutique hotel – the Emerald Prague was fantastic!
Quiet, clean, spacious room oozing with a combination of vintage and modern charm with just a touch of industrialized whimsy. No elevator but walking up the stairs you get an eyeful of elegant emerald-green painted lacquered doors mixed with inspirational modern wall art.
Location in Praha-1 was very convenient to historical sites, cafes and shops. It has a mini-refrigerator, Nespresso machine, and all cooking utensils handily stored in a vintage wardrobe with separate large sections for clothing storage. High-speed Internet works well!
Tucked behind a corner, a few blocks behind Prague’s Old Town square is the Old Prague Hotel. The best amenity this hotel can offer is it’s ideal location. It’s perfectly situated near Old Town and has numerous great cafes and restaurants nearby that can quench your thirst and appetite. The hotel also has that highly lusted after air conditioning that’s rare in Europe. The staff is also very accommodating and definitely will make you feel welcome during your stay. An average night stay costs €80.
Hotel Casa Marcello is a family-owned boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town Prague. With a spa, concierge service and free WiFi throughout, you can enjoy modern amenities while residing in an original Gothic building.
The hotel’s design insulates rooms from any street noise. Highlights include the friendly front desk staff, available 24 hours a day, and the handful of air-conditioned rooms, a rarity in historical buildings. Note, there is no lift. If you’re getting dropped off or picked up by a taxi or Uber, double check your location since the hotel is tucked away in a corner. Stay here if you‘re looking for a comfortable and easy stay close to the Prague’s main tourist attractions.
Old Prague House is a hostel located on a quiet cobblestone street near the river. The biggest advantage of sleeping here is its proximity to major places of interest!
Old Prague House has many different kinds of accommodation options with shared and private bathrooms all very clean. You can book a bed in a 4-5 bed male or female dorm single bed or you can get yourself a private room. There are also maisonettes with terrace for up to 8 people. The WiFi in Old Prague House is strong Wi-Fi, the breakfast is good and the staff is usually smiling.
A walk to the river takes only a few minutes and from there you have many options to explore the city. Stroll 10 minutes to reach the famous Charles Bridge or 10 minutes in the other direction to the Old Town square where all visitors admire the beautiful Astronomical Clock.
The best of Old Prague House is how affordable and quiet it is, yet so close to everything you’d want to see. Like many cities in Europe, Prague has a rich history with extra charm around every corner, so just keep walking any which way and enjoy!
If you want to be in the heart of Prague’s old town area, Hostel Downtown is a great option for budget travellers. St. Charles Bridge is an 8-minute walk away and an entire smorgasbord of shopping can be found within just 5-minutes.
Every single day, there are different scheduled activities in Prague Downtown Hostel, including free walking tours, themed dinner parties, and excursions. One of the most unique features about Hostel Downtown is that there is a no commission exchange machine that will seamlessly exchange Euros for Czech Krona into Euros in the kitchen.
Head over to this hostel if you are looking for a fun environment to meet other like-minded travelers.
Under the Bridge – right between Mala Strana and the Old Town – Prague Neighbourhoods
The Old Town connects to the Lesser Town via the Charles Bridge where the scene a little more relaxed. In fact, this is my favorite neighbourhood in the city centre. The Old Town has it’s Astronomical Clock tower but Mala Strana has it’s own “mini Eiffel Tower” – Petřín Tower on Petrin Hill. It is a lookout tower and you can go on the top.
Petrin Tower, Petřín Hill, Prague – CC0 via Pixabay
I prefer the Lesser Town to the Old Town because it is quieter but is close to everything. On one end is the Prague Castle and on the other end is the Charles Bridge. Mala Strana also has the John Lennon Wall. Interestingly, the narrowest street of Prague is in the Lesser Town.
If you love castles, then check out Germany’s Burg Eltz and Heidelberg – they are both stunning castle destinations.
Pick a hotel or a hostel in Malá Strana if it is your first time in Prague and you prefer to be in the main area but not a crowded one.
For a five star stay that perfectly orchestrates music and luxury, the Aria Hotel Prague is a great choice. First, there is the location, down a quiet street, a few blocks from the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Each room at Hotel Aria takes their inspiration from a musical artist, composer or genre. Amenities include a preprogrammed iPad or phone for use on your daily touring, and of course an abundance of musical stations to enjoy in your room. The rear of the building opens to a private entrance to the Unesco World Heritage Vrtbovska Zahrada Gardens. Best of all is the rooftop Coda Restaurant where you can dine on local gourmet with some of the best views in the city.
Housed in one of the Little Quarter’s former monasteries, Mandarin Oriental Prague is brimming with historic atmosphere: for example, those vaulted ceilings in the gorgeous Spices restaurant replete with cozy nooks and crannies. It’s also worth mentioning that the Asian fusion menu has plenty of delicious options.
Take a yoga class in the newly refurbished spa, once a Renaissance chapel; admire the gothic foundations through the glass floor as you perfect your poses. The superlative service will make you feel like a superstar even if you don’t splash out on the Presidential suite with its vast private terrace offering fairytale views of the Castle and beyond.
Hotel u Páva is located just 350 metres from Charles Bridge – the Times Square of Prague. For a city teeming with tourists, finding a decent hotel with on-site parking that close to action is astonishing. The fact that I was going to pay just €297 for 3 nights (breakfast included) was an additional dose of ecstasy.
Despite being close to Charles Bridge, it is located in a heritage residential zone that is remarkably quiet. Parts of the hotel were built in 16th century and its rooms are cosily done up with classical furniture, original artworks, and fireplaces in its rooms.
Its vintage notwithstanding, the entire property is air-conditioned (those of us who visited Czech Republic during the great European heat wave would know how important it is!). And the cherry topping – one of the rooms we had booked accorded a brilliant view of Prague Castle!
All in all, if you plan a visit to Prague and intend not wasting time commuting, check in to Hotel u Páva. It is a total value-for-money stay option that serves you the heritage character of Prague right in your room!
Vintage Design Hotel Sax is located across the Charles Bridge from the Old Town in Prague in the Mala Strana area. The name should have given it away – it is one of the funkiest hotels we have stayed in with loads of vintage products that we can relate to dating back to the 50s, 60s and 70s. Colorful bedrooms, trendy wallpapers and bed linens and an atrium full of different lights in all shapes, colors and sizes.
The location is perfect with bars and restaurants just a few doors away. Rates can vary depending on booking but on average around 90 euros per night upwards.
At a very convenient corner of Mala Strana that is one of the less crowded in Prague but still relatively central to most of the city’s attractions is this comfortable and polished four-star boutique hotel. Located next to the calm oasis of the Kinsky Gardens, this is perfect if you wish to have some quiet time away from the crowds too!
All the important amenities are there – a comfortable bed and en suite bathroom and air-conditioned rooms. I cannot describe enough how vital that was in July! The marble hall entrance almost harks back to an early 20th Century splendor, as do the bar and dining areas.
As low as €50 a night subject to availability, and breakfast and laundry are included too. Quite excellent value all things considered.
Charles Bridge Economic Hostel – top hostels in Prague
For young and young-at heart travellers who love to be in the heart of the action, Charles Bridge Economic Hostel is an affordable, clean and safe place to stay. Steps away from the iconic Charles Bridge, this hostel is close to many of the must-see attractions of Prague.
The reception desk doubles as a tourist information kiosk, and the friendly staff help you make the most of your time. Free Wi-Fi, coffee, soft drinks and free tours are additional perks.
Wenceslas Square in the new Town – Prague Neighborhoods
Ever seen pictures of Prague’s lovely pastel buildings? The New Town is full of them. Don’t expect the New Town of Prague to be totally modern looking, it was established in the 14th century and it is just newer as compared to the nearby historic districts. It is right next to the Old Town by the way. You will randomly find modern art installations or buildings with a backdrop of old ones.
Head of Franz Kafka in the New Town – Prague Neighborhoods
The most famous spots in the New Town is the Wenceslas Square and the Dancing Building. The main bus station – Florenc and the main train station – hlavní nádraží are at the border of the New Town.
Radisson Blu Hotel Prague – Top Places to stay in Prague
The Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel in Prague is located in the New Town area of Praha-1 right next to Wenceslas Square. Older like a classy-lady, there is a refined elegance upon entering the lobby with gilded touches of shine catching the eye. Greeted warmly by a caring and friendly staff at the front desk who help you with any and everything for the comfort of your stay. A standard room can run over $200USD but is worth it in terms of having air-conditioning (for hot summer stays) and all the modern conveniences a 5-star hotel can offer including a very comfortable bed, tasteful décor, and amenities.
The Award Winning Dancing House Building in Prague
There’s something magical about sleeping inside a monument. The glass lined walls of the Dancing House include a boutique hotel, meaning you get amazing views of the Vltava River and, if you’re lucky, the Prague Castle silhouette while lying in bed.
Dancing House Hotel Prague – Breakfast
A sparkling chandelier sets a mood of magical elegance over the breakfast buffet. In-house status also gets you free access to the rooftop observatory and cocktail bar, including 360-degree views around the twisted steel sculpture topping the building.
The clean and modern Exe City Park Hotel is located across the park from the Prague’s main train station, Hlavni Nadrazi, which makes it very convenient if you are arriving by train, staying for just a few days and then leaving by train again. It means you only have a short walk lugging your bags across cobbled streets.
The hotel is a short 7-minute walk to sights like Wenceslas Square, the Powder Tower and the Mucha Museum, and an easy 15-minute walk to the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square. Conveniently, one of the Hop-On-Hop-Off tour bus stops is also just a block from the hotel.
Located in Prague’s New Town and just five minutes from Wenceslas Square is Sophie’s Hostel. This hostel offers everything from shared dorms, complete with en suites, to entire apartments.
I personally stayed in a six bed, mixed dorm and while one would think the space can quickly become cramped or awkward, I was surprised at how roomy the dorm really was. The ensuite bathroom equipped with a waterfall shower-head was also massive by hostel standards.
If you don’t want to walk on over to the Old Town for a bite to eat, the daily breakfast prepared by a specialty chef is also a treat.
I was looking for the closest possible hostel to Prague’s main bus station – Florenc when I found Hostel Marrakesh. This hostel is literally just 200 meters away from Florenc and that’s where Flixbus leaves from.
Hostel Marrakesh is a value for money dormitory which is in Prague’s New Town. You will find a lot of options to eat and drink around, literally right at your doorstep. If you’ve been away from home for long and are bored of the local Czech Food, then you will find many international options near the hostel. There are two Indian restaurants, a few Vietnamese restaurants, KFC, McDonalds’ – all just a few steps away.
The dorms rooms are pretty basic and thankfully you don’t have to pay extra for a locker. There is a kitchen with microwave, electric kettle and all the basic necessities. Hostel Marrakesh is a good place to meet other travelers. More than anything, it is super convenient if you’re looking for a place that’s walkable distance from Prague’s main bus station.
Prague has a lot of amazing hotels, but one that stands out is the Mosaic House. It’s located in a quirky looking building just off the Charles Square. You’ll be struck by the artsy decorations in front of the hotel, such as the large mushrooms or a man hanging from a rope by an umbrella.
Inside, the hotel is sleek and cool. It features rooms for all budgets from cheapest (yet still quite stylish) dorms for as little as €13 to high-end penthouses for about €170 per night. Those include a view of the Prague Castle.
The hotel focuses on sustainable operations and thus has a unique water saving system.
There’s a cool bar/restaurant on the ground floor called La Loca with frequently held events for anyone.
Riegrovy Sady Park in Vinohrady – Prague Neighbourhoods and Where to stay
This small neighborhood of Prague is mostly residential and it was once covered in vineyards. In fact, the full name is Královské Vinohrady which means Royal Vineyards.
Vinohrady is right next to the New Town and the main train station (hlavní nádraží) is between the two neighborhoods. Do you remember the sunset spot in a public park that I mentioned in my Prague Travel Tips post? It is right here and the park is called Riegrovy Sady. I spent most of my time near Vinohrady on my first visit to Prague.
Right next to Vinohrady is Vršovice. As per the Lonely Planet, Vršovice is Prague’s most happening district. Krymská Street or Krymská corso in Vršovice is dubbed as a “bohemian village” and that’s where the action is!
Vršovice has unusual pubs, artsy cafes, good coffee and art scene.
I spent 3 nights at Le Palais Art Hotel in Prague, and it quickly made it to the list of my favourite hotels. This luxury hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the main town square, and has a tram stop just down the street.
The hotel has a high standard, with added amenities to add that luxury feel, such as a turn down service every evening (who doesn’t love that piece of chocolate on their pillow?), a spa, and prosecco served at breakfast.
The outdoor area where breakfast is served has amazing views of Prague, so you can truly enjoy your morning with a view!
Looking for somewhere modern, sociable and in a location that makes getting home even after a few Pilsners easy peasy? Then Post Hostel Prague is the place for you. Located down the street from a main tram line and the Metro line A, getting to and from the city centre is quick and easy. The dorm rooms are clean and the best part is each bed has a little curtain; light and plug- making it like your own private den.
It’s always a good start when your hostel gives you a ticket for a free welcome drink in the bar. I dropped off my bags, went to the basement and began sipping on my welcome drink just as comedy night was starting. This was a nice dose of entertainment for the evening.
This is one of many social events (Quiz Night, Beer Tasting Night, etc.) Czech Inn Hostel organizes throughout the week to encourage other hostel guests to interact with each other.
Each dorm bed in the hostel has also had a little reading light and an electric socket to plug in your phone or other electronic devices, which I really appreciated.
This hostel offers very excellent rates considering its location in Vršovice (Prague’s District 10). Prices start at 5 Euros/night for cheapest dormitory (I recommend booking in advance to get the best rates). Czech Inn Hostel also offers private rooms starting at 39 Euros/night.
Holešovice is a very small neighbourhood compared the the ones that I have mentioned in this post. It is in the North and many say that this is the coolest district of Prague.
The famous Letna Park is in Holesovice and is a very famous sunset viewpoint. You will find a lot of street art and hipster cafes in Holešovice.
Sir Toby’s Hostel in Prague is one of the hidden treasures of affordable accommodation. Prague in recent years has become an international city of wonder and with that has come a significant increase in the price of visiting.
Located just outside of the city CBD Sir Toby’s is a great place to start off your European adventure. Close enough to tram station, cafes and even a mild walk into the old town it’s perfect for settling into a different time zone. The hostel is hidden away and safe for the solo female traveller. The staff are friendly, the breakfast is delicious and the overall building is clean. What more can a backpacker ask for? Oh yes there is a pub onsite too.
I want to share a very cool video with you about Prague’s hidden spots. It is by my favourite YouTubers – the Honest Guide. These guys are very funny and their videos are awesome. They’re Prague locals so it makes sense to listen to them before heading to their city.
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A very helpful post for anyone looking for accommodation in Prague. I love the way it is organized by neighbourhoods. Thanks to Sonal Paladini and all contributors.
Thanks Susan! Yes, we wanted to share information about Prague’s neighborhoods so that people can find an area that they love instead of just booking something in the main historic centre. 🙂 Glad you like it.
Namaste, Guten Tag!
I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).
I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a think for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.
A very helpful post for anyone looking for accommodation in Prague. I love the way it is organized by neighbourhoods. Thanks to Sonal Paladini and all contributors.
Thanks Susan! Yes, we wanted to share information about Prague’s neighborhoods so that people can find an area that they love instead of just booking something in the main historic centre. 🙂 Glad you like it.
These places are amazing and I got to stay in several of them so far! Can’t wait for my next visit, Hotel Aria is calling my name.
Yes, Hotel Aria looks very good. There are so many amazing places to stay in Prague. I’d like to go back and live in some of them too!