The Best Hotels in Prague

A city of arching bridges, gold-topped towers, cobbled alleys, soaring church domes, and red-brick roofed houses, Prague's a magical city which wouldn't look out of place in a fairy tale. As you wander its pretty streets, you'll stumble upon vibrant cafes, ancient chapels, hidden courtyards, and quaint squares. See swans cruise on the River Vltava's rippling waters, explore its hill top castle, and sample a hearty stew swimming with dumplings in a traditional restaurant.

Things to see

Perched atop a hill, the medieval masterpiece of Prague Castle looms large over the city, and as you stroll along the ascending winding path to its entrance you're treated to breathtaking views of the red-brick roofed houses, cobbled streets, and rippling river waters below. It's here you'll also find St. Vitus Cathedral with its honey-colored stone facade and white domes, and the lush green Royal Garden. Prague's Old Town is awash with ancient buildings and monuments, with narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards to uncover at every turn. At the heart of the district is the Old Town Square with its famed Astronomical Clock whose carved clockwork figures spring into action every hour. Wenceslas Square is another must, and the perfect place to pull up a pew watch street performers juggle batons, sip a coffee, or browse the rectangular landmark's many stalls and shops. Connecting the Old Town with the Lesser Town, Charles Bridge elaborately arches over the River Vltava and is a hub of activity where musicians busk, artists sell paintings, and visitors potter soaking up the atmosphere.

Hotels in Prague

Prague's home to hundreds of hotels, so there's plenty of choice when it comes to picking a place to stay. If you're after a slice of luxury or a romantic break, there are lavish, historic hotels aplenty, some overlooking the lovely, lazy Vltava, which offer sensuous spa services, deep soaking baths, and well-stocked minibars. If your budget won't stretch this far, there are endless mid-range hotels in Prague catering well to both business travelers and families, and offering convenient amenities like WiFi, televisions with satellite channels, and tea and coffee making facilities. You can also book apartments in Prague where you'll find well-equipped kitchens, concierge services, and, if required, multiple rooms, too.

Where to stay

Prague's Old Town, or Stare Mesto, is dotted with gothic and baroque splendor, narrow cobbled lanes, and ancient arcades and a stay here will really immerse you in the city's history as well as put you within minutes of sights such as the 15th Century Astronomical Clock. The New Town, or Nove Mesto, actually dates back to the 14th Century, and is where you'll find the ever-bustling Wenceslas Square, as well as some of Prague's best shops and nightlife spots, making it a great base for those who want to be in the heart of the party action, as well as families who want a really central place to stay. Sitting on the left bank of the Vltava, Mala Strana is another very pretty neighborhood, with arches, sculptures, and winding lanes at every turn. Mala Strana is also where you'll find Charles Bridge.

How to get to

Vaclav Havel Airport, located around 20 kilometres from the city center, is served by a raft of airlines, and is the most likely entry point for those arriving by air. The cheapest way to reach the city is by bus, with the 119 regularly departing to Dejvická station where you can catch the metro to the center. If you plan on using the bus, be sure to have change to purchase tickets and remember to validate your ticket as you board. The Airport Express bus runs the same service as above, but is more expensive.

When are the best times to travel to Prague?

Visit Prague during the early spring for a relaxed city atmosphere and an abundance of cheap Prague hotels – the days steadily grow warm and balmy, and the streets bustle with vibrant cultural fairs, like the Prague Food Festival in May. The golden autumn months, when Prague’s tree lined streets glow with fiery golden foliage, also offer discount hotels. In summer, the honey-like sunshine makes for a perfect setting to enjoy Prague’s museums, architectural marvels and cool café culture.

What are the top must-see attractions in Prague?

Stroll along the Charles Bridge, a majestic 14th-century structure arcing across the Vltava River. This cobbled bridge, lined with old world lanterns and looming statues, offers views across the spire-speckled Prague skyline and of the fairytale-like Prague Castle. In central Prague, see the St. Vitus Cathedral, a bold 14th-century structure built in a spiky Gothic architectural style, with Baroque and Renaissance additions. For a slice of weird and wonderful Prague heritage, visit the Astronomical Clock – a series of 15th-century blue-gold circles embossed with statuettes and astronomical emblems mounted on the Old Town Hall.

What are the best types of food and restaurants in Prague?

In Prague, locals enjoy large, long lunches in old world cafés, quaint beer halls and flashy restaurants, all serving a mix of classic Prague cuisine – which champions chicken, pork, and delectable dumplings – and western European dishes. In Old Town, you’ll find plenty of these cafés and restaurants, alongside street vendors cooking up simple but scrumptious hotdogs. In Wenceslas Square, you’ll find plenty of Western fast food chains. For fine dining, see the Mala Strana district’s restaurants, and the luxury hotels in Prague.

What are the top things to do in Prague?

Spend a morning ambling around the Old Town Square, a spacious cobbled square in Prague’s Old Town. It’s dotted with fountains and memorials, and surrounded by a mix of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Art fiends, meanwhile, will want to explore the National Gallery – spread across several buildings, the largest being Veletrzni Palace – which houses a huge collection of European masterworks. For an active excursion, visit Petrin Hill, a forest-covered park area capped with a silver observation tower offering sweeping views of the city.

What are some fun facts about Prague?

The name Prague – in Czech, Praha – comes from the old Slavic word práh, which translates to rapid, or ford. The city was so named after the original crossing point over the Vltava River. Prague has a rich history and heritage, having existed as a settlement for over 1,000 years, and is home to the oldest university in central Europe, Charles University, and the largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle.

What kinds of public transport are there in Prague?

Walking is a popular way to travel in Prague, as the city’s architecture is so varied that you’ll want to see as much of it as possible. Of course, the city is sprawling, and you can’t walk everywhere – the public transport network of 3 metro subway lines, bus and tram lines, and regional light rail trains will get you just about anywhere you need to go. Tickets can be purchased at the stations, at convenience stores, and on the buses themselves – but not the trams.