Where to stay in Prague for first time visitors: Best areas explained

Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions when visiting Prague for the first time. The right location can save time, reduce travel stress, and improve your overall experience of the city. To help you make the most of your stay, we at VŠE University Hotel have prepared a practical guide to the best areas in Prague for first time visitors.

Old Town: Historic atmosphere in the heart of Prague

Old Town is the most famous part of Prague and often the first choice for visitors. Staying here places you close to major landmarks such as Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock.

Advantages of staying in Old Town include:

• Walking distance to major attractions
• Historic architecture and atmosphere
• Large selection of restaurants and cafés

However, first-time visitors should also consider the downsides:

• Higher hotel prices
• Heavy tourist traffic
• Noise during evenings and weekends

For some travelers, the busy environment may reduce comfort during longer stays.

New Town: Central and practical

New Town offers a more modern atmosphere while remaining close to Prague’s historic center. Wenceslas Square serves as a major transport hub and shopping area, making this district practical for visitors who want central access with slightly lower prices than Old Town.

The area is especially suitable for:

• Short city breaks
• Shopping and nightlife
• Visitors relying on metro connections

Lesser Town: Beautiful but more expensive

The Lesser Town (Malá Strana) is known for its quiet historic streets and proximity to Prague Castle. It offers one of the city’s most picturesque environments.

However, accommodation here is often among the most expensive in Prague due to limited hotel capacity and premium location.

Prague 3: Smart alternative for first-time visitors

For travelers who want a balance between affordability, comfort, and accessibility, Prague 3 is one of the smartest options.

Districts such as Žižkov and Jarov provide:

• Lower accommodation costs
• Excellent tram access to the city center
• Quieter residential surroundings
• Local cafés, parks, and authentic atmosphere

From Prague 3, visitors can typically reach Old Town Square or Charles Bridge within approximately 15 minutes by public transport.

This makes the district ideal for first-time travelers who want easy access without paying premium city-center prices.

VŠE University Hotel: Comfortable and well connected

VŠE University Hotel, located in the Jarov area of Prague 3, offers a practical base for first-time visitors exploring Prague. The hotel combines affordability with modern comfort and strong transport connections.

Guests benefit from:

• Modern rooms with private bathrooms
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi
• Smart TVs
• Quiet surroundings suitable for rest after sightseeing
• Excellent public transport access to major attractions
• Selected rooms with kitchenettes

Direct booking also includes:

• 10 percent discount
• Free parking included
• 15 percent discount for stays of three nights or more
• 26 percent discount for long-term stays

All prices include VAT and local taxes.

How to choose the best area for your trip

The best area depends on your priorities. If you want to walk everywhere and do not mind crowds, Old Town may be suitable. If you prefer better value, calmer surroundings, and still want quick access to the center, Prague 3 is often the better choice.

For many first-time visitors, staying slightly outside the historic center results in a more comfortable and less stressful experience.

Don’t miss: Top 10 things to do in Prague near VŠE University Hotel.

Stay smart during your first visit to Prague

Your first trip to Prague should combine convenience, comfort, and good value. By choosing the right district, you can experience the city more efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs.

VŠE University Hotel offers exactly this balance, making it an excellent option for first-time visitors who want to explore Prague comfortably while staying within budget.

Don’t wait - book your room directly today and make the most of your time in Prague.

VŠE University Hotel
Phone: +420 224 092 107
Email: universityhotel@vse.cz
Address: Jeseniova 355/212, 130 00 Prague 3