The territory of Prague is divided into 22 municipal parts-districts. If in most countries urban districts are given sonorous beautiful names, then residents of the Czech capital did better: all districts of Prague are called “Prague” and have their own ordinal number.
Districts, in turn, are divided into cadastres, there are 112 of them. However, the boundaries of districts and cadastres do not coincide: there are cadastres that are part of several neighboring districts.
Of course, travelers coming to Prague want to get to know this city as much as possible, to see not only its historical part, but also remote corners. But it is worth considering that only in areas from 1 to 10 there is something to see, all the others are dormitories.
Important! The numbering of Prague’s districts is disordered and has nothing to do with their location. When traveling around the city, use the map of Prague, which shows the districts and their numbers.
Now, based on the map of Prague by district, we will look at each of them from a tourist point of view, and highlight their best characteristics and disadvantages.
Prague-1
Which area in the center of Prague is called a treasure trove of the most significant sights of the Czech Republic and is very popular among tourists? This is Prague-1.
This area is divided by the Vltava River into two halves. The Hradcany microdistrict and part of Malaya Strana are located on the left bank. On the right – Stare Mesto, the oldest quarter of Josefov and part of the Vinohrady microdistrict. Most of the buildings in this district are historical, but there are no new buildings at all. You need to move around the territory of this district on foot, so it will be much better and more convenient to get acquainted with the historical monuments of the Czech Republic located here. For example, with:
- Prague Castle with its architectural dominant-St. Vitus Cathedral.
- Old Town Square with Prague Chimes;
- Charles Bridge and towers at the entrance to it.
In addition to significant historical monuments, in this district tourists will find numerous cafes, the best restaurants and various entertainment venues, as well as boutiques of many prestigious brands. With hotels, too, there are no problems – there are a lot of options where you can stay. But keep in mind that prices for everything in Prague-1 are very high.
If you are looking for the best place to stay in Prague for sightseeing, you can definitely recommend this district. But still weigh all its features:
+ attractions are concentrated in such a way that it is convenient to get around on foot to get acquainted with them;
+ large selection of hotels, restaurants, shops;
— the highest prices for everything in the capital;
— there are practically no green areas;
— very high concentration of tourists.
Prague-2
South of Prague-1 is Prague-2, occupying a small area on the right side of the Vltava River. This is a historical area that includes Nove Mesto, Visegrad and almost the entire Vinohrady microdistrict. When planning a trip to the Czech Republic, and choosing the best place to stay in Prague, do not lose sight of this district.
The infrastructure here is at the highest level: there are shopping complexes, restaurants, shops. Located on the territory of Prague-2, numerous offices of prestigious companies have become the reason that the district is recognized as the center of urban business.
The well-equipped park areas of Havlickovy and Riegrovy Gardens enjoy constant popularity not only among tourists, but also among Prague residents themselves. There are other interesting sights, such as the Dancing House and Wenceslas Square. But most of all, tourists are attracted by the medieval fortress of Visegrad, considered a symbol of the Czech capital. And the historical sights of Prague-1 are less than a 10-minute drive away, and a 20-minute walk away.
Stop in area no. 2 there are a lot of hotels somewhere. Their prices are as high as in Prague-1, but in remote neighborhoods you can find cheaper housing.
If you are planning to stay in Prague’s No. 2 district, you should pay attention to all its characteristics:
+ close proximity to the city center and its attractions;
+ lots of green areas;
+ excellent connections: trams and buses run around the clock.
+ extensive selection of hotels;
“the prices are just as high as in District 1.
Prague-3
To the east of Prague-1 lies the largest district of the Czech capital – Prague-3. It is recognized as the creative center of the Czech Republic, it is populated by students, representatives of creative professions.
A tourist who chooses which area of Prague is best to stay in should take into account that there are practically no attractions in District 3. The most famous is the TV tower, on the pillars of which 100-meter metal babies “crawl”. What is plentiful here is beer pubs, bars, night clubs – the Prague residents themselves often come here to have a couple of glasses of beer in a pleasant atmosphere.
Every year, several significant events are organized in this area: in February – fun festivities for Shrovetide holidays, in September-a carnival in honor of young wine. We can safely say that for lovers of a rich nightlife, there is no better option than Prague-3, because it is rightfully recognized as the center of local and tourist get-togethers.
Hotels in Prague-3 are quite enough, and the cost of rooms in them is much more affordable than in districts No. 1 and No. 2. By the way, you can get to these districts from Prague-3 in just 10 minutes, using the metro, bus or tram.
To better understand what opportunities this area offers for visitors to the city, once again read its positive and not very convenient characteristics:
+ close location to the historical lands of the capital;
+ well-organized traffic;
+ there are opportunities for fun and diverse holidays;
+ hotel prices are more affordable than in previous districts;
— very few attractions;
– not suitable for a relaxing holiday.
Prague-4
Prague-4 took its place on the right bank of the Vltava River, which is separated from the center by Prague-2. This is one of the largest urban” green ” residential areas, which is considered eco-friendly and convenient for permanent residence.
Finding out where in Prague it is better for a tourist to stay, and considering this particular area as one of the options, you need to take into account that it is not very interesting and not popular. There are no attractions here, although Visegrad is located next door with unique historical monuments. But District 4 has better opportunities for sports than most others. Podoli (the most prestigious part of Prague-4) has a swimming pool complex of the same name and a sports and entertainment complex “Zhluti Lazni” with tennis courts and sandy beaches. Restaurants, cinemas, entertainment centers in this area are quite enough.
There are very few hotels where guests of the capital can stay in this area. Although there are still hotels and hostels of medium price category with a good level of service.
To better understand all the opportunities that this area offers tourists, study its positive and negative features.:
+ there are excellent conditions for sports activities;
+ an ecologically favorable area with wooded areas and a century-old forest;
+ prices are much lower than in the center of the capital;
– few hotels;
— there are no historical attractions, and the most important ones can be reached in about 20 minutes by public transport;
– unsatisfactory transport links.
Prague-5
As one of the best areas of Prague for tourists to live in, we can offer Prague-5, which occupies a large area on the south-western side of the main city of the Czech Republic.
Almost 90 % of this district is given over to panel residential buildings, and only the Smikhov microdistrict is able to attract tourists. Prestigious Smikhov is plentifully built up with shopping, entertainment and sports complexes, restaurants, and night clubs. There are also quite a few hotels here, and their prices are among the most affordable in Prague. In general, this place is best suited for the rest of budget tourists.
There are no significant attractions here, but from the north-eastern side Smikhov is adjacent to the central districts, and the monuments located there are less than 10 minutes away. Prague-5 simply impresses with its famous natural beauty: the Prokop and Daley Valleys, the Koshirje Motol Park area, the Motol Ordovician, and the Barrandov Rocks.
When considering the best places to stay in Prague, take into account all the features of district 5:
+ a large number of natural attractions;
+ close to historical monuments;
+ almost the lowest prices in the city for accommodation;
— only one part of the whole district is attractive – Smikhov;
– transport links are well organized only in Smikhov.
Prague-6
Comparing all the districts of Prague, and choosing the best place to stay, special attention should be paid to the elegant Prague 6, surrounded by flowers and other vegetation. It adds to the list of the most expensive urban areas.
This district covers an area from the north-western border of the Prague capital to its center. It is here that most foreign embassies are located, various universities are open, the best city hospital is operating, as well as the airport named after him. By Vaclav Havel.
Many tourists are interested in the Dejvice quarter located here, which is populated mainly by people who emigrated from Russia. In Prague-6, you can visit the Strahov and Brzhenovsky monasteries, the Museum of Urban Transport. This district partially includes Hradcany, where there are absolutely no modern residential complexes, there are only restored and preserved buildings of historical significance. From Hradcanska Square, you can easily go to the famous Prague Castle. The area will also be interesting for tourists who love the picturesque nature: they will definitely be interested in Divock Shark Park.
There are 6 large hotels in Prague, the best of which are located in restored old houses. But staying in them is very expensive for ordinary tourists, because the cost of living in Prague-6 is second only to the two main urban areas.
It is easy to get anywhere in the capital from this district, and it takes only 5 minutes to get to its historical lands.
To compare which area of Prague is best for tourists, check out all the features of District 6 again:
+ many historical attractions;
+ eco-friendly area with beautiful green areas;
+ excellent transport links;
+ proximity to the central part and its monuments;
– quite an influx of tourists;
– adds to the list of the most expensive districts.
Prague-7
Many tourists will agree that in the main Czech city it is best to stay in the elite Prague-7. This smallest of all the districts is located on the north side of the city. It is surrounded on three sides by the Vltava River, which separates it from Prague 1. In the past century, District No. 7 was an industrial zone, and now tourists are waiting for museums and the best galleries of the city, large shopping centers.
There are many beautiful and noteworthy places in Prague’s modest 7 Square:
- Stromovka Forest Park with a Planetarium;
- Botanical Garden;
- cozy park-square Letenskiye sadi;
- long embankment along the Vltava river;
- majestic Troisky Castle;
- Prague Zoo is one of the largest parks in Europe.
To stay comfortably in Prague 7, tourists will not have any difficulty finding a good hotel. In addition, despite the convenient proximity to the city center (up to 15 minutes by public transport), prices here are 35-40 % lower.
Once again, pay attention to the characteristics of Prague district No. 7. This will help you better navigate when choosing a place to stay:
+ there are beautiful places where you can have a good time;
+ a variety of hotels with affordable prices;
+ well-organized transport links;
+ fairly close location relative to the center;
– few historical attractions.
Prague-8
The vast territory on the north-eastern side of the capital belongs to Prague 8, which is well known as the business and cultural part of the huge city.
I must say that this is the most unusual and contrasting area, in which the infrastructure is well developed. District 8 has everything: luxury new buildings, old architectural monuments and other attractions, the latest shopping and entertainment complexes, stylized pubs at breweries, music clubs. Therefore, all travelers deciding where and in which area of Prague is best to stay, definitely need to consider the option of Prague-8.
And if you don’t even stay here, then just visit this area, almost all Prague guests strive. They want to see Grabova Villa, visit the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, and attend a concert at the Musical Theater. Prague-8 includes the best nature reserves in the Czech Republic: Bognicke Udoli and Ladvi, Prosecke and Trojska skaly, Bolshaya Skala.
On the industrial outskirts of District 8, there are cheap hostels with the lowest prices in the city. But it is still preferable to stay in a more comfortable hotel – there are such hotels closer to the center, in the Karlin and Liben microdistricts.
To make it easier to decide where to live in Prague, check out the summary of information about District 8:
+ infrastructure is very well developed;
+ developed transport system that allows you to get to the city center in 10-15 minutes;
+ the main city bus station “Florence”is located here;
+ there are a variety of options for leisure activities;
+ prices are more affordable than in the central districts;
— interest is mainly caused by the Karlin and Liben microdistricts.
Prague-9
Prague-9 is located in the north-east of the capital, and it takes 40 minutes to get to the historical lands by municipal transport. This is an industrial area, where transport links to other parts of the capital are poorly established, and where there is practically no place to stay – there are no hotels. It is not surprising that tourists almost do not come here. In principle, you can go here only for the sake of Kolodeya Castle and Khvalsky Castle, as well as for shopping in the “Black Bridge” (the largest shopping center in Europe).
But locals love Prague 9 for its entertainment venues, sports clubs with golf courses, and attractive housing at affordable prices.
Characteristics of District No. 9:
+ there are sports clubs and entertainment complexes;
+ “Black Bridge” – an ideal option for a shopign;
— complete absence of hotels;
– very far from historical monuments;
— some of the microdistricts are industrial;
– unsatisfactory transport links.
Prague-10
Tourists who are looking for a cheap but good place to stay in Prague should definitely consider Prague-10. Although this area is far from the center (it is located on the south-eastern side of the city), it will be interesting for travelers. It is famous for its Gostivarj Park with a huge pond and good beaches, as well as the best European water park. In addition, the architectural appearance of the area is also attractive, because there are many old buildings, including churches and chapels. Thanks to its extensive green areas, Prague 10 is an eco-friendly area.
Vršovice and Vinohrady, which are closest to central Prague-1, offer many good and inexpensive hotels. But in the same Prague-1 of these neighborhoods will need 30-40 minutes to get by bus or metro.
If you decide to stay in the Prague 10 district, you should better evaluate all the pros and cons of such a move:
+ is an eco-friendly area with very clean air;
+ there are many options for an inexpensive but comfortable stay;
+ there are options for leisure activities;
– it is a long way to get to the historical center with its attractions.
To summarize
All areas of Prague are interesting and original in their own way, and most of them can be stopped for a rest period. You just need to clearly understand the purpose of the trip and determine your expectations from it, and based on this, choose a specific area for living. We are sure that our tips will help you stay in the best area of the city!
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