Best neighborhoods in Prague to get a feel for the city

Discovering Prague’s most popular attractions is a great way to dive into the city’s rich history and culture. While Prague Castle and Charles Bridge might steal the spotlight, the best neighborhoods in Prague promise experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist trail. You might find yourself sipping coffee with locals in a hidden Vinohrady café, for instance, or enjoying the nightlife in Žižkov's lively bars. From the cobblestone streets and historical significance of Hradčany to the artistic vibe of Holešovice, each district paints a different picture of Czech life. Read about our 5 must-visit Prague neighborhoods and what makes each so special.

1. Old Town

Best for: Families, history buffs, photography

Best way to get to the Old Town: Situated in the middle of Prague, the Old Town is accessible from all parts of the city. Just take the green or yellow metro line to Staroměstská station

Top things to do in the Old Town: Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Staroměstská radnice, Pařížská Street for luxury shopping, Franz Kafka Museum, historical churches

Many of Prague’s major landmarks and top places to visit are located in the Old Town, and most justify a detour. A highlight of the Old Town Square, dating back to the 12th-century, is its world-renowned Astronomical Clock. Many tourists start here and then follow a route that leads them over Charles Bridge to Prague Castle. Escape the crowds and wander through the medieval streets for a serene way to explore this fascinating neighborhood.

2. Vinohrady

Best for: Romantic strolls, panoramic views, eating out, local flavor

Best way to get to Vinohrady: Take the metro to the Náměstí Míru stop or walk about 20 minutes from St. Wenceslas Square

Top things to do in Vinohrady: Riegrovy sady park, St. Ludmila’s Church on Náměstí míru, Grébovka park

Vinohrady, nestled next to Prague's New Town, is a culinary haven full of food options, making it one of Prague's best neighborhoods. It’s dotted with coffee shops and renowned eateries serving must-try local dishes. The area is also home to Trhy na Jiřáku, one of Prague's best farmer's markets, brimming with fresh produce and artisanal goods. Green spaces like Grébovka Park invite you to take leisurely strolls between meals.

For uninterrupted views of Prague, visit the Riegrovy sady. At its heart lies Náměstí míru (Peace Square) with the stunning neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Ludmila as its centerpiece. Peace Square defies its tranquil name with a buzzing atmosphere year-round, and especially during Christmas, when it hosts one of the city's most popular markets. With its culinary delights, historic charm, and modern energy, Vinohrady captures the essence of Prague's cool factor.

3. Hradčany

Best for: Families, photography, history buffs

Best way to get to Hradčany: Take the metro to the Hradčanská stop or walk about 30 from the center

Top things to do in Hradčany: Prague Castle, Loreta church, Royal Gardens, St. Vitus Cathedral

Similar to the Old Town, Hradčany earns its place on this list of the best neighborhoods in Prague, largely thanks to its historical significance. It’s worth visiting to see the world-famous St. Vitus Cathedral, but also to step off the beaten path and discover some of Prague’s hidden gems. There’s more to this neighborhood than the world’s largest castle complex. The district also houses the Renaissance Schwarzenberg Palace, now a Baroque art gallery, Loreto, a significant pilgrimage site, and the tranquil Strahov Monastery and its stunning interior.

4. Holešovice

Best for: Art lovers, photography, eating out

Best way to get to Holešovice: Take the metro to the Vltavská stop or the tram to the Strossmayerovo Náměstí stop

Top things to do in Holešovice: National Gallery Prague, DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, National Agriculture Museum, National Technical Museum

Unlike the Old Town and Hradčany, Holešovice represents the modern renaissance of Prague, where novel architecture, street murals, and bustling markets meet in what is considered the hippest district of Prague. It’s a must-visit for all culture lovers thanks to its rich tapestry of graffiti and urban art, alongside top exhibitions and museums like DOX Centre for Contemporary Art and the National Gallery Prague. There’s also no shortage of artisan coffee shops and restaurants serving up contemporary European cuisine and delicious pastries in this trendy district.

5. Žižkov

Best for: Nightlife, urban exploring, photography

Best way to get to Žižkov: Take tram 5, 9, or 26, which will take you to Husinecká or Lipanská stop

Top things to do in Žižkov: Local pubs, Žižkov Tower, Parukářka Park, Vítkov hill, Olšanské hřbitovy

For any night owls who want to experience Prague after the sun goes down, Žižkov is one of the best neighborhoods in Prague. There are plenty of bars, wineries, and clubs, mostly frequented by locals. Beyond the nightlife, if you are looking for things to do in Prague as a couple, the climb up Vítkov Hill can be a little tricky but the romantic views overlooking the city are well worth it, particularly at nighttime. The unique architecture and giant sculptures of babies crawling up the Žižkov Tower make for a surreal photo opportunity. For a small fee, you can also enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck.

FAQs

What is the most walkable neighborhood in Prague?

All the best neighborhoods in Prague, like Vinohrady, have large sidewalks, making the city very walkable and accessible.

Which one of Prague’s neighborhoods is the best to stay in?

Staying near the city center of the Old Town will give you easy to access to most of Prague’s attractions on foot. However, accommodation here tends to be more expensive. Good alternatives to consider are Vinohrady, Karlín, or New Town.

What are the coolest neighborhoods in Prague?

The hippest neighborhood is Holešovice, where you can visit coffee shops, art galleries, and museums. Unlike the architecture in Old Town or New Town, it’s a lot more modern here.

Which Prague neighborhoods are best for nightlife?

If you want the best nightlife, avoid St. Wenceslas’ Square — it’s full of tourist traps. Instead, stroll around Žižkov and find a traditional hospodar (pub or winery) for a pub crawl. Prague has plenty of them, some even with live music.

Is Vinohrady worth visiting?

Vinohrady is a charming neighborhood in Prague, known for its elegant architecture, leafy streets, and scenic parks offering stunning city views. This cosmopolitan area is popular not just for its upscale residential appeal but also for its excellent dining scene, featuring top-notch restaurants, wine bars, and cozy cafés.