Is It Better to Stay in Old Town or New Town Prague?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a trip to Prague, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is where to stay. While there are numerous areas to choose from, two of the most popular are Old Town and New Town. Each has its own unique charm and character, so it’s important to understand the differences before making your choice.

Location

Old Town is the historic heart of Prague, with buildings dating back to the 13th century. It’s located on the eastern side of the Vltava River and is home to many of Prague’s famous landmarks, including the Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square.

New Town, on the other hand, is located on the western side of the river and was founded in 1348 by King Charles IV. It’s more modern than Old Town but still has plenty of historical sites to explore.

Atmosphere

Old Town has a romantic, fairy-tale atmosphere that’s perfect for couples or anyone who loves history and culture. The narrow streets are lined with beautiful buildings that have been preserved for centuries. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops selling traditional Czech souvenirs.

New Town is more bustling and cosmopolitan with wider streets and modern buildings. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene or want to be close to shopping centers like Palladium or Na Příkopě Street.

Accommodation

Both Old Town and New Town offer a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. However, because Old Town is more popular with tourists, it can be more expensive than New Town. If you’re traveling on a budget or prefer modern amenities like air conditioning or elevators in your hotel building then New town may be your preferred location.

Dining

Prague is known for its hearty, meat-focused cuisine, and you’ll find plenty of traditional Czech restaurants in both Old Town and New Town. However, Old Town has a higher concentration of tourist-oriented restaurants with higher prices than those in New Town. If you’re looking to save money but still want to enjoy delicious food, then New Town is the better option.

Accessibility

Both Old Town and New Town are easily accessible by public transportation. However, if you’re planning to visit other parts of Prague or use the metro frequently, then New Town may be more convenient. It has three metro stations (Můstek, Muzeum and Karlovo náměstí) whereas Old town has only one (Staroměstská).

Conclusion

In the end, whether you choose to stay in Old Town or New town depends on your personal preferences. If you love history and culture and don’t mind paying a bit more for accommodation or dining options then Old town will be an ideal location for your stay.

On the other hand, if you prefer modern amenities or nightlife activities along with cheaper dining options then New town is a better choice. Regardless of which area you choose, Prague is an enchanting city that’s sure to leave a lasting impression!