Prague Neighborhoods

Prague 1:

Prague 1 is, for many short-term visitors, Prague itself. Some tourists who drop by for a day or two never see anything more than this spire-filled collection of beautiful monuments and architectural treasures. Which isn’t a bad thing, but there’s certainly more to Prague than this. Inarguably the most touristy area of Prague, this central district is full to the brim with important UNESCO sites, famous bridges, groovy new bars and traditional as well as experimental fusion restaurants. Charles University (Central Europe’s oldest university, founded in 1348) has several of its main branches in Stare Mesto, and the famous film academy, FAMU, can be found right before the magnificent Narodni Divadlo (National Theatre), both perched just across the tram tracks from the Vltava River.

Stare Mesto:

Literally meaning Old Town, Stare Mesto’s main square, Staromestske namesti, serves as a platform for endless seasonal markets, festivals and concerts, aimed of course at the numerous tourists.

Housing

Stare Mesto’s buildings boast a fascinating mix of Art Nouveau, neo-classical and Renaissance styles. But more than anything, you’ll be paying for the incredible views if you rent a flat in this popular, historical area. For a modern, one-bedroom apartment expect to see rents start at around CZK20,000, touching CZK60,000 for a spacious two-bedroom place.

Health care

General Health Care Corporation, Krakovska 8

Negatives

The constant crowds, traffic, noise and lengthy commute to the international schools make this area a less than ideal place for families to reside.

Positives

Living here, you’ll feel in the centre of everything – because you are. You can get to all the famous landmarks and museums, charming cafes and restaurants and the riverfront on foot. But there’s also the Staromestska tram, bus and Metro stop right beside the Charles University Arts and Philosophy faculty, and a 5-minute walk across the nearby bridge will get you to the Malostranska Metro and tram stop.

Nove Mesto:

The commercial and business centre of Prague, Nove Mesto’s centrepiece is none other than the famous Vaclavske namesti, a major site during the Velvet Revolution and other political protests during the mid-twentieth century. Today it’s swarmed by tourists shopping, eating at overpriced cafes and strolling up and down.

Housing

Just as with Stare Mesto, rents aren’t going to be cheap, but they can be a bit cheaper, depending on which part of Vaclavske namesti you find yourself on.

Health care

Health Centre Prague, Vodickova 28; Polyclinic na Narodni, Narodni 9

Negatives

This area has a constant presence of tourists, as well as a good number of shady vendors and pickpockets scattered about. The square and the intersecting streets can get rather grimy.

Mala Strana:

This posh historical area, translated as Lesser Quarter or Smaller Town, is a tourist favourite, full of cozy cobblestone lanes lined with unique shops and fancy restaurants. Located across Charles Bridge from Stare Mesto, Mala Strana’s winding back roads lead uphill to Prague’s treasure, Prague Castle.

Housing

The gorgeous neo-Renaissance apartment buildings among the Baroque buildings on Mala Strana are sure to tempt, but come with a hefty price tag. Rent for a one-bedroom in this beautiful area starts at around CZK21,000.

Health care

General Hospital, U Nemocnice 2

Negatives

Not only are rents high in Mala Strana, but the area’s tourist-filled cafes, restaurants and bars also set their prices higher here than in less central parts of the city. Tram noise can be a bit bothersome, and there are bound to be constant crowds of tourists.

Positives

If you live in Mala Strana, your view is nothing less than magnificent. The lovely and romantic Kampa Park, adjacent to the river and the area known as the Venice of Prague, is a quiet place for a leisurely afternoon stroll, but also plays host to various festivals, concerts and photography exhibitions year-round. Prague Castle is in your backyard, as are a host of little gardens and parks, including one particularly beautiful and secluded park that’s home to several peacocks.

Prague 2:

 

Vysehrad:

Yet another incredible lookout point in this city of seven hills is Vysehrad, known to be the other fortress, after Prague Castle, that formed the earliest boundaries of Prague. Literally meaning ‘high castle’, Vysehrad offers its residents stunning views and is also home to the famous Vysehrad Cemetery, where the likes of Smetana, Dvorak and Mucha are buried.

Housing

Rent in this elevated location with a river view is usually very high. A large one-bedroom apartment averages around CZK30,000.

Health care

First Medical Clinic of Prague, Vysehradska 35

Negatives

The area, like other spots near the centre, is far from the international schools and has rather high rents.

Positives

Located along the river, this neighbourhood offers historical sites and lush greenery up away from the noise and chaos of the city streets.

Vinohrady:

Vinohrady literally means ‘vineyards’, so named because it contains one of the city’s two remaining ones. A highly sought-after neighbourhood in Prague 2, it’s full of gorgeous and astounding monuments and buildings of various architectural styles, but doesn’t attract the same tourist mobs as Prague 1 despite being just above Vaclavske namesti. The main square, Namesti Miru (with a Metro and tram stop of the same name) can be a peaceful and mesmerising place to sit, with its grandiose gothic cathedral towering over the trees.

Housing

The buildings here are old and beautiful, with classical and neo-gothic exteriors, and mostly renovated and spacious interiors. A one-bedroom apartment can be had from about CZK15,000, while a two-bedroom apartment (about 100 sqm), averages around CZK30,000, but you’ll definitely come across more expensive places without trying too hard.

Health care

Poliklinika Vinohrady, Vinohradska 176

Negatives

Vinohrady is one of the most expensive areas to live, especially if you’re looking for a family-size apartment.

Positives

Located centrally with excellent transport connections: Hlavni nadrazi, the main train station, is here, as are both red and green line Metro stops, each with a bustling tram stop. This clean, leafy neighbourhood has it all, from the huge Riegrovy Sady Park (perfect for a morning jog) to charming cafes to trendy restaurants (lots of good quality international cuisine) and bars. Expats often gravitate toward this area first when moving to Prague, so you’ll find many other working professionals from abroad living here.

Prague 3:

 

Zizkov:

While parts of Zizkov border the trendy and happening Vinohrady / Stare Mesto side, this neighbourhood also contains a fair amount of communist-era housing, known as panelaks . Here you’ll find the famous Zizkov TV tower, which can be seen from almost any point in the city and features Czech artist David Cerny’s creepy, over-sized baby figures crawling up and down it. The tower, the city’s tallest building, has a restaurant at the top with a wonderful panoramic view of Prague.

Housing

In the last couple of years this working-class neighbourhood has been drawing attention from developers, so apartments in this area are becoming more desirable – which means prices are slowly moving up and the English-teaching expat group that usually inhabits parts of Zizkov is moving out. Expect a two-bedroom apartment to start at CZK17,000.

Health care

Long-established International Medical Services clinic, Konevova 31

Negatives

Not the safest area due to petty crime and car theft. Sidewalks aren’t very clean and plenty of pubs also means plenty of late night noise.

Positives

There’s a good variety of ethnic restaurants and grocery stores here, as well as the highest density of pubs in the city and several good live music and concert venues.

Prague 4:

In Prague 4, you’ll find many of the big international schools, including The British International School, the International Montessori School and the English International School.

Pruhonice:

Pruhonice has been called a mix of European village life and American suburbia. About a 20-minute drive from Prague, many expats favour this little historical village for its proximity to international schools and its peaceful and natural surroundings.

Housing

Here you can rent a spacious family home (many new housing projects aimed at expat families are coming up), a villa or an apartment, but prices vary widely depending on the realty company you find. A three-bedroom house starts at around CZK40,000.

Health care

Unicare Medical Centre, Kosatcova 420

Negatives

Public transport to and from Prague is limited to bus (from Opatov Metro station), so you’ll definitely need a car if you plan to reside here.

Positives

Pruhonice Park is a UNESCO-protected space of 250 hectares with a rich variety of plants and trees, and ponds with ducks and fish. Pruhonice also offers a huge shopping centre, if you want to avoid a trip into Prague.

Nusle:

A traditional Czech neighbourhood a bit south of the city centre, Nusle is neither fancy nor touristy, and seems to have its own pace of life, though it’s still very well-connected by public transport.

Housing

Apartments in this area are much cheaper to come by, and a large two-bedroom apartment can be rented for just CZK15,000. Luxury apartments in this area average around CZK30,000.

Health care

Thomayerova Hospital, Videnska 800; Modranska pharmacy (nonstop), Soukalova 3355

Negatives

Buildings here are drab compared to the more aesthetically pleasing buildings in the more central parts of the city. It’s also a little less safe than other areas, and depending on where you are you may be able to hear the trains and the Metro roaring through Nusle Bridge.

Positives

Nusle offers cheaper rent than many other areas of Prague, and you’ll likely never see tourists wandering around here. You can discover mini beer gardens and delicious, unreviewed restaurants hidden all over this area.

Prague 5:

 

Smichov:

Smichov is a quickly growing office and retail area, with happening nightlife and trendy restaurants. The walkway right outside the Andel Metro and tram stop hosts festivals and seasonal markets throughout the year.

Housing

While some of the apartment buildings in this area are colourful and elegant, others aren’t in such great condition. Many are currently being renovated; the ones that have been will cost you. Rent for a one-bedroom starts around CZK18,000.

Health care

Nemocnice na Homolce, Roentgenova 2; Prague Women’s Health Centre, Kartouszka 6

Negatives

Smichov can get extremely crowded and noisy with random wailing sirens, especially during rush hour.

Positives

Easy access to the centre with a bustling tram stop and the Andel Metro stop (yellow / C line). Lots of nightlife and fast food, a huge mall (Novy Smichov) featuring a cinema, an appealing food court and an enormous Tesco supermarket and department store.

Hrebenka:

Tucked away from the busy commuter traffic of Prague 5 is the residential area of Hrebenka, translated as ‘ridge of hill’. Its hillside location allows for lush green panoramic views, so it’s no wonder this area gets called Garden City.

Housing

Here you’ll find beautiful villas, family houses and spacious apartments with large gardens and excellent views.

A family house can be had from about CZK45,000 and up.

Health care

Na Homolce Hospital, Roentgenova 2

Negatives

Housing prices can get a bit expensive.

Positives

Quite a large community of expat families has taken up residence in this area, with its proximity to the German and French schools. A short walk will lead you to the Kinsky Gardens.

Prague 6:

 

Bubenec:

One of the cosiest and calmest areas is Bubenec, between Dejvice and Hradcany, and surrounded by the city’s two largest parks, Letna and Stromovka. The area is within walking distance of Prague Castle and the last two stops on the green / A line Metro, which will take you to the centre in just 10 minutes. It holds what’s known as Embassy Village, where most of Prague’s international embassies and ambassador residences are found. The streets of Embassy Village make for a lovely afternoon stroll and can be a fun way to show your children the many different flags of the world.

Housing

While you might be able to find a one-bedroom for about CZK12,000, a larger two- or three-bedroom apartment in a villa in Bubenec averages around CZK30,000.

Health care

Canadian Medical Centre, Veleslavinska 1

Negatives

Not much nightlife, except for herna bars, also known as nonstops, which feature casino machines and stay open all day and night.

Positives

This area has everything you need within walking distance or a tram ride away: major grocery stores, butcher shops, bakeries, excellent vegetable markets and a delightful array of international grocery stores and restaurants. Close to everything.

Dejvice:

Dejvice, north of Prague Castle, is probably the most well-known neighbourhood in Prague 6, and a lively spot, but not nearly as noisy or as crowded as the centre.

Housing

Mix of villas, family houses and spacious apartments. Rental of a family-sized four- or five-room apartment starts around CZK30,000. A cosy one- or two-bedroom apartment can be had from about CZK14,000.

Health care

The area is full of pharmacies (lekarnas ) and large medical clinics, including Young + Co. (Vitezne nam. 10), the established Canadian Medical Centre (Veleslavinska 1) and Unicare Medical Centre (Na Dlouhem Lanu 11).

Negatives

Not much nightlife. The area near the Dejvice Metro / tram / bus stop and roundabout, called Vitezne namesti, can be rather hectic and noisy, especially during rush hour.

Positives

Very easy and quick access to the centre by Metro, tram or bus, and also quite close to international schools. Many unique boutiques and plenty of charming cafes, pubs and restaurants, with new places opening quite often.

Brevnov:

Just a 10-minute tram ride from the Bubenec neighbourhood, this suburban community is a calm and quiet place near the end of the tram line, bordering the spacious grounds of Hvezda park.

Housing

A modern, family-sized three-bedroom apartment can be had for about CZK33,000.

Health care

Military Hospital, U Vojenske nemocnice 1200

Negatives

Far from the centre and not a very happening area in terms of restaurants, cafes or bars.

Positives

Many expat families live here due to the international schools, including the Riverside School and the International School of Prague.

Nebusice:

Nebusice is a steadily growing community, now officially part of Prague 6, comprised largely of expat families who settle here to be near the international schools.

Housing

Most of the housing here, especially where the expat families live, consists of newly-built, modern family homes, and rent for a three-bedroom villa starts at around CZK40,000, reaching as high as CZK100,000 a month or more for the most luxurious homes, with indoor pools and enormous gardens.

Health care

Unicare Medical Centre, Na Dlouhem Lanu 11

Negatives

Although you can take a commuter train to get into town, you’ll definitely make life easier on yourself by having a car if you choose to reside in Nebusice.

Positives

Living in Nebusice, you can almost imagine that you’re not even in the city anymore, as you’re surrounded by lakes and forests.

Horomerice:

This village-like area is in an outlying part of Prague known as Prague West.

Housing

Here you can find a three- or even four-bedroom family house for about CZK40,000.

Health care

Unicare Medical Centre, Na Dlouhem Lanu 11

Negatives

You’ll probably want to have a car if you live here, since the area is about a 10-minute drive from the end of the green line Metro in the Dejvice area, though there are bus connections.

Positives

The International School of Prague is within walking distance of several of the new housing developments here.

Prague 7:

 

Letna:

Letna is a neighbourhood with an interesting mix. Right over the river, across from Stare Mesto, like Bubenec it offers its inhabitants access to the oases of Letna and Stromovka parks. You’ll also see (and probably hear) the stadium home of one of Prague’s two football teams, Sparta Praha.

Housing

If you wish to live right at the entrance to one of the city’s largest and most peaceful parks, Stromovka Park, expect apartments to start at about CZK28,000. You can still find lovely apartments in Letna, near Letenske namesti, starting from about CZK15,000 for a one- or two-bedroom.

Health care

Letna has one of the city’s few 24-hour) pharmacies at Milady Horakove 18; there’s also the American Medical Centre on Janovskeho 48.

Positives

There’s an abundance of options for grocery shopping. Letna and Stromovka parks are within walking distance. Excellent ‘restaurant row’ right behind Letenske namesti .

Negatives

Can get rowdy before, during and after football matches. Not as clean as the neighbouring district of Prague 6.

Holesovice:

In the north of Prague, some parts of this slowly up-and-coming area are along the river, just across from the Karlin area. One of the highlights of Holesovice is the long-established fruit and vegetable market, Holesovicka trznice, which once served as the city’s central slaughterhouse and cattle market.

Housing

You can find good deals on well-situated apartments in this area, such as a one-bedroom apartment for CZK17,000.

Health care

Sdruzene ambulantni zarizeni, Strossmayerovo namesti 6

Negatives

Vystaviste is the city’s largest exhibition grounds, an amusement park and the host of some of the biggest concerts round the year, so you can expect a lot of loud music, traffic and crowds during events.

Positives

More unusual cafes and restaurants are popping up in this slowly growing district, which is far enough from the centre to offer cheaper rents, but still extremely well-connected by public transport (many trams, red and yellow Metro lines and the city’s second main train terminal, Nadrazi Holesovice). Beside the entrance to the fairgrounds of Vystaviste, you’ll find Morsky svet (Sea World), the country’s largest aquarium.

Prague 8:

 

Karlin:

Karlin is a steadily changing neighbourhood, having been the focus of developers ever since the aftermath of the 2001 floods in Prague. Karlin was one of the hardest hit areas, and you can still find buildings marked by the water damage. As the area cleans up, office buildings and large hotels are sprouting, as well as an interesting and ethnic mix of cafes and restaurants.

Housing

Here you’ll find mostly apartments, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment starting at around CZK14,000.

Health care

Bulovka Hospital, Budinova 2

Negatives

Not much going on here in terms of nightlife, and some parts of Karlin are a bit shady at night.

Positives

Easy connection to the centre by public transport, but the area is still slightly set apart from crowds and traffic. The area’s excellent and stylish art cinema, Kino Atlas, features many classic and independent films, as well as a recently renovated cafe.

Prague 10:

Vrsovice:

Slightly southeast of the city centre, Vrsovice is a cosy and calm spot, home to expat students and families.

Housing

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at about CZK12,000.

Health care

Kralovske Vinohrady Hospital, Srobarova 50

Negatives

The constant tram noise can be bothersome, especially at night.

Positives

Vrsovice has its own small train station, but not all long distance trains stop here, so make sure to find out before your travel.