Where to stay in Prague – a guide to the best areas and neighbourhoods

With its “1000 spires” and unique blend of fairytale Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture — mixed in with a sprinkle of contrasting Communist landmarks — Prague remains one of Europe’s best-looking and most captivating capitals. At the city’s heart lie the historic districts of Stare Mesto (Old Town) and Mala Strana (Lesser Town), which are linked by the iconic Charles Bridge and home to big-hitter sights such as Prague Castle and Old Town Square.

These districts, along with Nove Mesto (New Town) — a more bustling district, home to Wenceslas Square and the National Museum — are great bases for some of the other neighbourhoods that lie just beyond the centre These include Vinohrady and Zizkov, which offer leafy streets, a vibrant cafe and bar culture, and a more local feel. Other districts such as Karlin, Holesovice, and Smichov have also undergone something of a renaissance, and are equally abuzz with chic restaurants, edgy galleries and dapper wine bars.

Best of all, the central areas are easy to get around on foot and there’s an efficient public transport system for the rest, meaning you can easily explore the wider city to your heart’s content — even on a weekend.

Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer.

Stare Mesto

Prague’s Old Town is the beating historic heart of the city and the most popular destination for visitors year-round. Despite the crowds, it’s worth staying here to be amidst the stunning blend of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture that lines its winding cobblestone streets, and for the proximity to main sights like the photogenic Old Town Square and famous Astronomical Clock, medieval Powder Tower, and the striking Art Nouveau Municipal House. Old Town Square also serves as a hub for events such as the Christmas and Easter markets, and offers endless options for cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques. For somewhere quieter, aim for Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century in the late 1800s in grand Parisian style.

Where to stay in Stare Mesto

9/10 Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Prague’s Four Seasons is one of the city’s plushest and best-located hotels. The property is set right on the river, with views of Charles Bridge and Mala Strana on the other embankment, and offers classic luxury with excellent in-house dining, a swish spa with a relaxation pool and impeccable service. From about $1500 a night.

9/10 The Emblem Hotel

This classy boutique hotel, located on a quiet street close to Prague’s Old Town Square, will appeal to art lovers and design aficionados. The property brims with contemporary artworks and stylish furnishings, and offers 59 dapper rooms, a rooftop spa with private hot tub and a partnership with one of the city’s best steakhouses. From about $750 a night.

9/10 Fairmont Golden Prague

The Fairmont Golden Prague, set inside a prominent, heritage-protected communist-era building on the banks of the Vltava, offers a capacious, art-filled interior with a slew of diverse dining options, an expansive spa with a pool, and sumptuous rooms and residences. From about $850 a night.

9/10 Hotel Maximilian

This dapper design hotel, the sister property of Hotel Josef around the corner, has appealingly arty interiors and ticks all the right boxes for a weekend stay. The location is quiet and central, rooms are modern yet elegant and service is generally excellent. There’s even a small spa. From about $800 a night.

8/10 Hotel Residence Agnes

This four-star boutique townhouse boasts a central location in the historic Old Town, a charming and intimate ambience and 21 refined, quiet rooms. While low on facilities, the hotel offers a genuine historic atmosphere as well as some of the most personalised and friendly service in the city. From about $330 a night.

Mala Strana

Prague’s Lesser Town (Mala Strana) may lie in the shadow of the Old Town, but it’s every bit as enchanting. Nestled beneath the vast Prague Castle complex at the other side of the historic Charles Bridge, its hilly streets wind past Baroque palaces, quiet gardens and grandiose churches. Sights here — aside from the castle — are more low-key but also more peaceful, including Kampa Park (and its associated museum), the Church of St Nicholas and Petrin Hill. You can also expect a similar slew of restaurants, brew-pubs, designer shops and boutique hotels here; note that the higher up towards the castle you stay, the more you’ll be away from the crowds — though never completely, and of course that also means more uphill walking.

Where to stay in Mala Strana

9/10 Augustine

The five-star Augustine, arguably one of Prague’s most impressive hotels, merges a historic location with some seriously sharp contemporary design. Facilities span a comprehensive spa, the magnificent Refectory Bar and a courtyard restaurant with summer terrace. From about $850 a night.

9/10 Aria Hotel Prague

This opulent boutique hotel offers a music-themed experience that spans a library helmed by ‘musicologists’, floors sorted by genre and bedrooms dedicated to famed musicians. The chic, Italian-designed interior is peppered with artwork and there’s a fine-dining restaurant with a charming roof terrace. From about $710 a night.

8/10 Romantik Hotel U Raka

Romantik Hotel U Raka is an assembly of lovingly restored timber cottages tucked away in a quiet network of medieval streets behind Prague Castle. The property consists of just six delightful rooms and a charming garden, all managed by the owner and his family. It’s Prague’s ultimate rustic retreat. From about $450 a night.

8/10 Dum U Velke Boty

The “House at the Big Boot” is one of Prague’s most charming, family-run bed-and-breakfast spots, and has built its reputation on excellent word-of-mouth recommendations over the years. It’s a veritable home-from-home and offers a characterful interior, cosy rooms and an antique-dotted lounge and breakfast room. From about $120 a night.

Nove Mesto

Prague’s “New Town” (Nove Mesto) actually dates back to 1348, so isn’t that new at all. But its vibe is slightly different to the other two main districts, in that it’s more sprawling and characterised by wider boulevards lined with more international chain stores and larger grand hotels, as well as institutions such as the National Theatre and the State Opera House. At its heart lies bustling Wenceslas Square, which is topped by the impressive National Museum and lined with a mix of Art Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance and Communist architecture. The side streets host quirky museums dedicated to topics as diverse as Alphonse Mucha and Communism, as well as some hip hotels and clubs. The buzzy food market down at Naplavka’s river promenade is the place to be on Saturdays.

Where to stay in Nove Mesto

9/10 Andaz Prague

A sweet treat of a hotel set in Prague’s lovely old ‘Sugar Palace’. Between its outstanding modern Czech bistro and gorgeous bedrooms that highlight the building’s tall windows and high ceilings, this is by far the best Andaz property in Europe and rises high above many of Prague’s classic five-star options. From about $560 a night.

9/10 NH Collection Prague Carlo IV

Carlo IV, with its opulent public spaces and exquisitely designed rooms, oozes fin-de-siecle panache. The in-house facilities include a decadent spa with a heated pool, a topnotch restaurant and chic lobby bar that was installed in a 2022 update. It’s a great place to feel like royalty. From about $640 a night.

9/10 W Prague

A legendary Art Nouveau building on Wenceslas Square, which once played host to Franz Kafka and more recently was used as a filming location for Mission: Impossible, has been transformed into W Prague. The new hotel merges opulent old-world Wes Anderson flair with contemporary design to winning effect. From about $770 a night.

8/10 Almanac X Alcron

This recently renovated 204-room luxury hotel was originally opened in the 1930s. As well as original art deco and Bauhaus-esque touches, it offers a good location just off Wenceslas Square and facilities span a decent restaurant, a gym and a chic cocktail bar. From about $650 a night.

8/10 Sir Prague

Sir Prague, one of the newest and chicest boutiques on Prague’s hotel scene, is a thoughtfully refined hotel with beautifully designed rooms, a very good restaurant (with courtyard dining) plus a handsome bar and gym. Service is professional and friendly, and the location down by the river is decent, too. From about $460 a night.

+ Telegraph Group