Prague – Recommended Neighborhoods

1st: Stare Mesto (Old Town)
This is the historic center of Prague and the home of its best-known tourist attractions, with many buildings dating back to the 13th century. It is home to the Tyn Cathedral, the Jan Hus Monument, and the Astronomical Clock, all located in the Old Town Square, which is also the site of Prague’s annual Christmas market. The area is also popular for its wide variety of trendy boutiques, restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and modern shopping centers.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Old Town Square, Tyn Cathedral, Jan Hus Monument, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Manes Bridge, Klementinum National Library, and the Estates Theater.

2nd: Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
Historically, Josefov was the Jewish district of Prague, and today, the neighborhood is largely a Jewish Historical Museum. It is a captivating neighborhood and is now home to Parizska (street), Prague’s most expensive shopping boulevard. The Old New Synagogue is noteworthy for being the oldest surviving synagogue still open for worship in Europe.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Old Jewish Cemetery, Old New Synagogue, Franz Kafka statue, Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Rudolfinum (home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra).

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3rd: Nove Mesto (New Town)
Both Wenceslas Square and Karlovo Namesti (Charles Square) are located here. Wenceslas Square is a major shopping district and, like the Old Town Square, it is crowded with tourists year-round. You can also wander by the much-photographed ‘Dancing Building.’
Highlights of this neighborhood: Wenceslas Square, Charles Square, Dancing Building, National Gallery, Alfons Mucha Museum, Museum of Communism, and the New Town Hall.

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4th: Mala Strana (Lesser Town)
The Vltava River divides Prague in half, and the Mala Strana side is located just across the Charles Bridge from Old Town, at the bottom of the hill that leads up to Prague Castle. Lovely architecture and streetscapes are built into the hill. Quiet and very upscale, it is the most exclusive neighborhood in Prague.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Charles Bridge, Lennon Wall, Lobkovic Palace, the Kafka Museum, Vojan’s Garden, Kampa Island, Church of St. Nicholas, and the Church of Our Lady Victorious.

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5th: Hradcany (Castle District)
The area surrounding Prague Castle, its palatial estate, and the Royal Gardens is called Hradcany, literally “the castle district.” Some of the top sights in the city are located here, including the seat of the Czech Government.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Prague Castle, the Royal Gardens, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, Wallenstein Palace (meeting place of the Czech Senate), and the Sternberk, Schwarzenberg, and Salm Palaces of the National Gallery.

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6th: Smichov – Andel
Located on the Left Bank of the Vltava, this is one of the largest Prague districts. It represents the new Prague in many ways, delicately combining older historic buildings with large glass and steel buildings. Smichov is also home to the Staropramen brewery, the second-largest brewery in the Czech Republic.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Staropramen brewery, western-style shopping malls, and older historic buildings.

7th: Vinohrady
Located at the top of the hill just beyond the far end of Wenceslas Square, this neighborhood is named for the vineyards that were found here during the 19th century. Today it is one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods, home to lovely 19th-century architecture and filled with parks, pubs, and restaurants.
Highlights of this neighborhood: 19th-century architecture, parks, pubs, and restaurants.

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8th: Žižkov
A neighborhood that sits to the south and southwest of Vitkov Hill, Žižkov is known as a working-class “counter-culture” area. Today, it is a popular haunt for students as they drink and socialize at the many pubs scattered throughout. The Žižkov Television Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Czech Republic, is located here.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Vitkov Hill, Žižkov Television Tower, Olsany Cemetery, and the New Jewish Cemetery (final resting place of Franz Kafka).

9th: Karlín
North of Vitkov Hill and south of the Vltava, Karlín is considered one of Prague’s most trendy neighborhoods. From a 19th-century industrial area, it has transformed into a hip and trendy nightlife and foodie spot.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Nightlife and foodie spots, Karlín Musical Theatre, Forum Karlín, Old Port area with skyscrapers, and the bustling arts district around Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.