Prague has a lot of flavor: a little sweetness and a little spice. You can bet that each neighborhood has a different combination of the two. When you’re planning a trip to Prague, you’ll want to choose your neighborhoods wisely. Popular Prague neighborhoods might appeal to some, but not every traveler. While it’s tempting to stay in the tourist areas like Old Town or the Jewish Quarter, check out some of the other options.
The Most Popular Prague Neighborhoods and What To Find in Each
Prague is a city with a lot of different personalities. No one neighborhood is exactly like the other. Think of Prague as a smaller-scale Manhattan from the Middle Ages (different Burroughs = very different vibes). The fun is that it’s a big like a choose-your-adventure book; you’ll get a certain type of experience depending on where you choose to rest your head.
For the night owls, Old Town is great for Prague beer culture. Live bands performing in underground bunkers converted into music venues. Clubs with multiple levels. Pilsner on tap and for cheap at essentially every corner.
For the early birds, Lesser Town, the Jewish Quarter, and Old Town are all amazing for Prague’s rich history.
The Most Historical Prague Neighborhoods: Jewish Quarter
Honorable mention to Old Town, which houses some of the city’s oldest relics. Situated right above it is the Jewish Quarter which packs a historical punch. In our 5-day Prague itinerary, we suggested coming here first in your journey. Why? Because you will truly enrich your understanding of Prague’s history by delving headfirst into one of its oldest neighborhoods.
The Jewish Quarter has some significant landmarks, including Europe’s oldest synagogue which happens to be Prague’s first Gothic building. There is also a local legend of the Prague Golem who lives inside the New-Old Synagogue.
Most Popular Prague Neighborhoods Overall: Old Town
Also known as Staré M?sto, Old Town is by far the most popular neighborhood in Prague. You’ll find a great deal of Prague tourist sights all concentrated within a fifteen-minute walk from each other. Make sure to get a comfortable pair of flat shoes because there will be a lot of walking and a ton of cobblestones – true to the given adjective of “old.”
Here you’ll find Klementium, the astronomical clock, the Estates Theater Opera House, plus a bunch of great walk-in museums.
However, I don’t recommend choosing this neighborhood to sleep overnight in, unless, of course, you’re looking for a party. Old Town comes alive at night and is full of live music bars, and pub crawls, and is even the location for the biggest club in all of central Europe. Music pumps loudly through the streets at all hours of the night.
The Most Popular Prague Neighborhoods for Tourists: Lesser Town
These two spots will have the highest concentration of tourists, yes, but will also have the most significant city monuments. It’s situated right below the top three tourist haunts: St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, and the Royal Gardens. You’ll see lots of people poking around streets in search of the Lennon Wall and the watermill with accompanying gremlin. By nighttime, this area reverts back to a cool hangout spot with plenty of amazing restaurants and bars.
The Most Popular Prague Neighborhoods for Beer Lovers: Vinohrady
Vinohrady is like the Brooklyn of Prague. It’s an artsy neighborhood marked by small mom-and-pop shops and vintage stores. There’s no shortage of craft breweries that will tempt you in with their cute outdoor patio spaces. I highly recommend dinner and drinks at Vinohradský pivovar, a military bunker-style brewery with a below-ground function hall.
The Most Laid Back Prague Neighborhoods: New Town
The vibe in New Town compared to Old Town is like night and day. The heart of New Town is along the river about a fifteen-minute walk south of Old Town. New Town is the hipster’s Prague. Think vintage shops, ironic style, and of course, excellent coffee shops found inside refurbished factory buildings. Trade out the one-euro shots for a vegan Czech-style goulash.
If you fantasize about yourself waking up to a serene sunrise over the Vltava River, then this neighborhood is perfect. The silences of greeneries next to the river are only disturbed by morning runners and dog walkers.
The Most Popular Prague Neighborhoods for Locals: Zizkov
Located right next to Vinohrady, you’ll find some nice crossover between the low-key and local vibes of the latter blended into the chic residences of Zizkov. While Zizkov is one of the quieter neighborhoods, it’s ideal for those who like to get an undisturbed night’s rest while staying within walking distance of all the activity.
