Prague is well known for the Old Town Square and Malá Strana, where tourists usually visit the Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter and Prague Castle…but Prague is so much more than just this. Don’t get stuck just in this area, explore and discover the most popular neighborhoods in Prague.
Nové Město
The New Town (or Nové Město) it is just a few minutes walking or by tram from the Old Town and offers a great variety of activities and places to visit.
The area is full of restaurants and bars, with friendly prices and is definitely the ideal part of Prague to enjoy the nightlife. You can also go for a shopping trip to Palladium shopping center, one of the largest shopping malls in Prague.
Also in this neighborhood, you can find another point of interest: the Wenceslas Square, one of the main city squares. This square is the center for businesses and shops, as well as cultural communities throughout the day, but also a meeting point to go out partying in the night. At the top of the boulevard, you will find the National Museum and Prague State Opera.
Do not forget to take a look at the Dancing House, a uniquely designed building located next to the Vltava river.
Enjoy the Naplavka market during the Saturday morning and relax viewing an amazing sunset surrounding by local people and live music.
Staré Město
The Old Town or Staré Město is the central marketplace in the city of Prague and has been since the 12th century.
Picturesque buildings which surround the Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock are the major attractions in the area. The clock was installed in 1410 and still works to this day, being the oldest one in operation.
Not far from the square, you will find the Jewish Quartier, known as Josefov. Rich in history coming from the Old Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue, which are both situated in the area.
Malá Strana
If you want to enjoy a calm, quiet and charming area, Malá Strana is probably your place. The historic district of Malá Strana hosts a major attraction for everybody that visits the city, the Prague Castle. Dating from the 9th Century, the Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world and currently is the official office and residence of the President of Czech Republic.
After a good “climbing walk” to the Castle, you will love to relax in Kampa park, just next to the river. Just a few meters away from the water’s edge, you will find the famous Lennon’s wall.
The famous Charles Bridge is located nearby at Malostranské náměstí. As a tip, I recommend that you go either early in the morning or during the evening. During the day it’s full of people and you will definitely not enjoy it in the same way.
Smíchov
Smíchov is another district that deserves to be discovered. You will find one of the largest shopping centers of Prague in Anděl. Away from the hustle of tourists but at the same time just a few minutes away from the city center, Smíchov district is appreciated by expats and students to live in.
As this area is a business center for offices, you will also find a great variety of restaurants, bars and coffee places. However, the one cafe that we recommend is Kavárna co hledá jméno
Don´t forget to enjoy a walk in Petřín’s park, and the views over Prague that it offers when you go up the Petřín Lookout Tower.
Vinohrady
Of all Prague’s districts, Vinohrady it usually is one of the favorite districts among expats and young professionals. It is very well located and only 15 minutes to the city center by tram or metro from Náměstí Míru station.
In this area, you should visit the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord (Kostel Nejsvětějšího Srdce Páně).
During summer, going for a picnic or relaxing at the Riegrovy Sady park is one of the better ways to spend the day. Don´t forget to take a beer and enjoy the beer garden in this park.
Explore the wide selection of restaurants and coffee places that Vinohrady offers around. My personal recommendation: U Bulinu
Žižkov
The district of Žižkov, located in Prague 3, it is the least touristic neighborhood in comparison with the others. However, it doesn’t mean that it is not attractive. This district has reinvented itself and has its own identity and independent vibe.
The area is well-known for its typical pubs full of local people and restaurants where you can enjoy some of the best beers in Prague!
If you are looking for a nice view over Prague, take the lift to the top of Žižkov TV Tower, a striking symbol of the communist-era. You can continue on your way with a little bit of history and visit the Olsany cemetery, which is only a short walk from the TV tower. It is the largest graveyard in Prague and includes the grave of Jan Palach, a Czech student who committed suicide in 1969 as a protest against the communist regime during the Prague Spring.
If you have other places to show or recommend, please leave a comment and share yours 🙂
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