Until you get to understand that Prague has distinctive neighborhoods, you may feel a bit confused at locations and directions listed in guidebooks. However, Prague's neighborhoods make getting around easy - and if you know the neighborhoods, you'll always know if you're where you want to be in order to sightsee, shop, eat, stay, or explore safely.
Old Town Prague, or, as it is known locally, Stare Mesto, is the Prague neighborhood for tourists, historians, romantics, and shoppers for
Czech souvenirs from Prague. You'll find the Old Town Square, Town Hall, and the Astrological Clock in Old Town Prague. Museums, churches, and, of course,
Charles Bridgecan be accessed from Stare Mesto.
2. The Lesser Quarter - Mala Strana
From Prague's Old Town, you can cross Charle's Bridge to get to the neighborhood of Mala Strana, or the Lesser Quarter. Lennon Wall (John Lennon, not Lenin), Lobkovic Palace, the Kampa Museum, and Vojan's Garden are a few of the sights of note. Prague's Lesser Quarter is also a wonderful place to find some of Prague's best restaurants.Josefov, while part of Old Town, has a history all its own. Due to the population of the Jewish Quarter being removed during the last century, Josefov has undergone many changes and is now full of the glitz of Paris Boulevard. However, tourists can still visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Old-New Synogogue, the Franz Kafka statue, and the Museum of Decorative Arts in the Josefov neighborhood of Prague.
Home to Prague Castle, the Castle District also offers other sights of interest: the Castle South Gardens, the Royal Gardens, St. Vitus Cathedral, Strahov Monastery, and the home of the Czech sculptor Frantisek Bilek are packed into Hradcany.
5. Nove Mesto - New Town Prague
The neighborhood of Nove Mesto in Prague is a good place to shop for mid- to upper- range goods. Wenceslas Square, and subsequently
Hotel Ramada Grand Symphony is located in New Town. Nove Mesto also boasts several galleries, including the National Gallery. You can also wander by the much photographed "Dancing Building."
6. Zizkov
The neighborhood of Zizkov has been a traditional
Roma outpost, but it has value to visitors to Prague as well. Bars and pubs that cater to both locals and ex-pats have established themselves in Zizkov.
7. Vinohrady
More expensive than Zizkov, but just as popular with ex-pats, is the Prague neighborhood of Vinohrady. One of the most desirable residential districts, Vinohrady was once the location of a large vineyard. Take a walk, have a drink, enjoy a bite to eat, or stay at historic
Hotel Anna in Vinohrady.
8. Smichov
The Smichov neighborhood of Prague has given rise to two large malls, movie theaters, and other shopping/entertainment complexes. Beer lovers can take a tour of the Staropramen Brewery Visitor Center with reservations in advance.9. Dejvice
Dejvice is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Prague. Home to embassies, the former residence of Vaclav Havel, the American ambassador, and some of the wealthiest citizens in Prague, Dejvice boasts impressive mansions and developing shopping centers.10. Vrsovice
Vrsovice is another Prague neighborhood popular with local ex-pats. Offering parks, condominiums, bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants, Vrsovice is coming into its own.
