Where to Stay in Prague (For First-Timers 2023)

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, is one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe. Known as the City of a Thousand Spires, Prague is truly a fairytale city with its cobblestone streets lined with historical buildings. It’s no wonder that the stunning capital of the Czech Republic attracts more than 8 million tourists every year!

The Vltava River divides the city into two parts. The Old Town (Staré Město) and the New Town (Nové Město) are located on the eastern bank. Here you’ll find the famous Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn and most of the museums. The Jewish quarter is also situated here. Prague Castle lies on the west side of the river, in the so-called Lesser Town (Malá Strana).

To help you decide where to stay in Prague depending on your travel preferences, I’ve put together this guide with the best areas and hotels for tourists. No matter if you’re looking for the best location for sightseeing, nightlife, honeymoon or the Christmas markets, I’ve got you covered! In addition, you’ll find recommended hotels and apartments to stay, all with excellent facilities and reviews.

Due to the city’s popularity, you may struggle to find accommodation during the peak season. So my advice is to book your hotel as early as you can or you might end up compromising with the price or the location.

If you’re visiting Prague for the first time (like me), stay in the Old Town district. I chose this neighbourhood over the others because most of the historical landmarks and restaurants are here and I wanted to be within walking distance to anywhere. Plus, the Central Railway Station is just a short walk away, perfect for day trips!

Old Town (Staré Město) is the best location to stay in Prague for first-timers, especially if you’re interested in sightseeing or Christmas markets.

Looking for excellent accommodation with great facilities right in the heart of the city? Then take a look at Metropolitan Old Town Hotel – it’s one of the most popular hotels in Prague.

The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the Old Town, on a quiet street in the historic Jewish quarter. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the vicinity, including a big shopping centre – Palladium. The hotel features two traditional Czech pubs with excellent beer and an Asian restaurant.
Why book – ideal location, 5min walk from the Astronomical Clock, spacious rooms, rich breakfast, public parking nearby

Where to stay in Prague (for first-timers 2023)

• Old Town (Staré Město) – the best area for sightseeing and walking
• Lesser Town (Malá Strana) – for a romantic holiday or honeymoon
• Old Town (near Staroměstská or Můstek metro stations) – for Christmas markets
• New Town (near Central Railway Station) – for one night and transport links
• Old Town Square and Charles Bridge – for nightlife
• New Town (Nové Město) – if travelling by car

What is the best area to stay in Prague for first-time visitors?
The best location to stay in Prague is the Old Town (Staré Město). This is the most central area, ideal for first-timers. It’s home to some of the most iconic landmarks (Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Church of Our Lady before Týn) and popular restaurants.

Choose accommodation in the Old Town, if you want to explore Prague by foot. The area concentrates plenty of historical sites and restaurants, making it the best area to stay in Prague for first-time visitors. The Astronomical Clock will be less than 5min away, Charles Bridge about 10min and Prague Castle – 20min.

Why stay in Prague Old Town

• This is Prague’s most central location, perfect for all visiting the city for sightseeing.
• The most popular attractions are here, including Powder Gate Tower, Old Town Hall Tower, Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Spanish Synagogue and Charles Bridge.
• Shop till you drop, just head to Na Příkopě Street, Pařížská Street or Wenceslas Square.
• At a walking distance to excellent restaurants, cafes and bars (Sad Man’s Tongue Bar & Bistro, Bistro Monk, PEKÁRNA Nostress, Choco Café U Červené židle to name a few).
• The Central Railway Station is 10-15min away, perfect if you’re looking to explore the Czech countryside as well.

This elegant hotel features an unbeatable location, a few steps away from Old Town Square. Easy access to public transport, historical attractions and restaurants. Sparkling clean, spacious rooms with beautiful city views.
Why book – ideal location next to the Old Town Square, rooftop terrace with a 360° panoramic view of the historic city

Hotel Liberty is located in the historical centre, in a pedestrian area next to the famous Wenceslas Square. Rooms are spacious with elegant furnishings, comfortable beds and lavishly equipped bathrooms.
Why book – perfect location for sightseeing and shopping, spacious air-conditioned rooms

Hotel Leon D´Oro is located right in the Old Town, in front of the famous Havel Market, just 2min from the Astronomical Clock and Wenceslas Square. The spacious rooms feature a combination of luxury furniture and Italian flair, perfect for a family stay.
Why book – ideal location for sightseeing, parking on-site, excellent breakfast with a good variety of hot and cold meals, supermarket nearby

The hotel is located a few steps away from the popular tourist attractions, Palladium Shopping Centre and the famous Republic Square. You’ll find plenty of restaurants in the vicinity, plus an underground garage parking within walking distance.
Why book – great location to explore Prague on foot, delicious breakfast with a good selection, spacious bright rooms

Ideally located next to the famous shopping Na Příkopě Street and Paladium mall, the hotel features great views over Republic Square. The SPA area includes a relaxing pool with a counter-current, jacuzzi, a Finnish sauna and a wide range of massages and beauty treatments.
Why book – within walking distance to attractions and shops, selection of pillows, superb breakfast with quality products

This boutique hotel is centrally situated, down a picturesque cobbled side street in the Old Town of Prague. Housed in a historic building from the 15th century, Iron Gate Hotel offers spacious and luxurious rooms, each with its own unique layout. The original 14th-18th century frescoes and wooden painted ceilings will make you feel like staying in an old palace!
Why book – on a quiet side street next to the Old Town Square, private courtyard, spacious luxurious rooms

4 Arts Suites apartments are located in the very heart of Prague, near the beautiful Powder Tower. The residence offers themed apartments focused on the city’s most famous artists and writers like Josef Capek and Kafka.
Why book – a central location with plenty of restaurants around, comfortable King size beds with high mattresses, fully equipped kitchens

Situated just a few minutes away from the Old Town Square, 7 Tales Suites offer spacious theme apartments, inspired by famous traditional Czech tales.
Why book – 3min on foot from Charles bridge, comfortable King size beds with high mattresses, fully equipped kitchens for self-catering

Lesser Town (Malá Strana) is the best place to stay in Prague for a romantic weekend or honeymoon. It’s a central area with old stone lanes, centuries-old houses and a castle. The neighbourhood is still within walking distance of all attractions, but the atmosphere is much quieter and more romantic than the Old Town.

Malá Strana is located on the western bank of the Vltava River. To get to the Old Town, just cross Charles Bridge and you’ll be in the heart of the city in less than 10min. Yet, keep in mind that the area is hilly when choosing your accommodation.

Why stay in Malá Strana

• This is the best area to stay in Prague for all couples looking for a romantic experience.
• Malá Strana is home to the famous Prague Castle, the city’s most popular attraction, and the beautiful Church of Saint Nicholas and Loreto Sanctuary.
• Charles Bridge gives you easy access to the main tourist area (less than 10min away).
• Stunning views of the Vltava River and the city.

For a truly romantic experience, book your stay at the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa. This luxurious hotel is housed in four former-bourgeoise houses from the 16th century. The unique Spa, set in the 11th-century cellars, features an extraordinary design with natural Balinese wood that recreates the magnetic atmosphere of Indonesia.
Why book – 5min away from Charles Bridge, excellent Spa and swimming pool

Set in an elegant Baroque house, this hotel is located on the ancient Royal Route, the coronation route of Bohemian kings. The rooms feature elegant painted ceilings, oak furniture with historic accessories and rich furnishings.
Why book – 2min away from Charles Bridge, plenty of restaurants nearby, spacious tastefully decorated rooms

The most popular Christmas markets in Prague are located at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Náměstí Republiky, Náměstí Míru, Tylovo Náměstí and Prague Castle. The first three Christmas markets are in and around the Old Town, while to get to the last three, you’ll have to use public transport.

The best areas to stay in Prague for the Christmas markets are the Old Town and the New Town, close to Staroměstská or Můstek metro stations (green metro line A). In this way, you’ll be within walking distance to the main markets at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Náměstí Republiky. And the metro will give you easy access to the rest – at Náměstí Míru, Tylovo Náměstí and Prague Castle.

Why stay near Staroměstská or Můstek metro stations

• Walking distance to the main Christmas markets, tourist attractions and popular restaurants.
• Easy access to the rest of the markets using public transport.

Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Leon D´Oro is just a few minutes away from Můstek metro station and the Christmas markets at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Spacious rooms with comfortable beds and luxurious furniture.
Why book – ideal location for Christmas markets, near Můstek metro station, spacious rooms

Housed in a 14th-century historic building, the hotel is perfectly located to enjoy Prague in the winter. At a short walking distance, you’ll find two Christmas markets, a metro station and plenty of restaurants.
Why book – perfect location for Christmas markets, near Staroměstská metro station, spacious rooms with modern amenities

The best place to stay in Prague for one night is New Town. The neighbourhood has an excellent, central location, well served by public transport, and it’s within walking distance to the Central Railway Station. It’s a great area to stay for all travellers, visiting the city for a short time or those planning to explore the Czech countryside by train.

New Town (Nové Město) is located between the Old Town and the Central Train Station (Praha hlavní nádraží). However, don’t let the name New Town mislead you. This neighbourhood is everything but new. In fact, this part of the city dates back to the 14th century!

Why stay in the New Town

• Well-served area by trams and metro, you’ll have easy access to most popular tourist attractions (either walking or by public transport).
• The Central Railway Station is about a 5-10min walk (perfect for day trips to Kutná Hora and Karlštejn Castle).

Conveniently located just a short walk from the main train station and two metro stations, this hotel is perfect for a short stay. Plenty of restaurants, bars and shops are all found in the immediate vicinity. NYX Hotel by Leonardo features chic urban rooms with modern amenities.
Why book – close to Prague Central Train Station, metro, 24-hour reception, quiet comfortable rooms

Situated just around the corner from Wenceslas Square, Grandium Hotel is the best place to stay for one night. Modern spacious rooms with great amenities. On-site are available an excellent Spa and an underground parking garage.
Why book – less than 5min away from Prague Central Train Station, metro and a busy shopping street, 24-hour front desk

The best location to stay in Prague for nightlife is the Old Town, around Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. You’ll find the city’s top nightlife spots on Dlouhá, Michalská and Melantrichova streets. These are the most popular places amongst the locals.

Why stay near Old Town Square and Charles Bridge

• The city’s most central area, lively and charming with plenty of restaurants and bars, perfect both for nightlife and sightseeing.
• For awesome cocktails head to Green Devil’s Absinth Bar, Black Angel’s Bar, Anonymous Bar or L’Fleur.

Cloister Inn Hotel is perfectly located right in the city centre of Prague but on a quiet street. The modern rooms are spacious and soundproof. Great quality at an affordable price!
Why book – 5min away from Charles Bridge, free WiFi, 24-hour reception

Palac U Kocku is just a few steps away from the Astronomical Clock. The hotel features a nice bar with a terrace where you can taste local beer and plenty of cocktails!
Why book – 2min away from Old Town Square, free WiFi, 24-hour reception

Parking in the central parts of Prague is difficult, especially in the Old Town. The streets are divided into three zones – parking only for local residents and two zones of paid parking (long-term and short term). In addition to this, driving in the narrow streets of the Old Town is not easy.

It’s best if you can book a hotel in New Town with parking on-site (see my recommendations below). Another option is to use a paid parking garage (see all public parking garages in the city centre).

Why stay in New Town

• Easy to reach area if you’re arriving by car, plenty of public parking garages.
• More hotels have parking available on-site, which is almost impossible to find in the Old Town.
• At walking distance of the most popular attractions and plenty of restaurants.

Hotel CUBE is a new design hotel right in the historical centre of Prague. The location is ideal, just a short walk from all the main attractions but in a nice quiet area.
Why book – 10min away from the Astronomical Clock, private underground parking on site, excellent breakfast

Located in the city centre on the border of the New and Old Town, this hotel is within a walking distance to everything. Close to attractions, restaurants, Wenceslas Square (one of the main shopping areas) and the Central Railway Station.
Why book – 10min away from the Astronomical Clock, secured underground parking on site

OREA Place Seno offers luxury fully equipped apartments in the very heart of the city centre, the perfect home away from home. Short walk access to restaurants and sightseeing spots.
Why book – 2min away from Powder Tower, Spa area and private parking available on-site