Accommodation

Prague’s accommodation scene is diverse, high-quality, and often more affordable than in many other major European capitals. From luxury hotels with castle views to charming boutique spots, budget-friendly hostels, family apartments, and traditional guesthouses, every traveler can find a place that feels just right. The city’s compact layout means most accommodation is conveniently located, allowing visitors to explore Prague’s magical streets, bridges, and historic districts with ease.

Hotel or Airbnb?

In a hotel, you can order breakfast, dine in a restaurant, store your luggage, and many hotels also offer wellness facilities, a gym, and a concierge who can recommend activities, arrange tours, or call a taxi. If there’s a problem with your room, you can usually switch to another one without hassle.

The downside of hotels is their higher price compared to apartments and often limited space — especially for American tourists, who may find European hotel rooms surprisingly small. Cooking is usually not an option, so you need to eat out for every meal.

Apartments, on the other hand, often come at a lower price and provide much more space, often with a fully equipped kitchen. For a modest price, you can find a beautiful apartment that would cost thousands of dollars in a hotel. Staying in an apartment (and thus in a building with other residents) is an experience in itself, allowing you to blend in with locals and see Prague from a different perspective.

However, one downside of private rentals is that you need to be more independent and prepared to handle problems yourself, as you can’t always rely fully on the host. Another disadvantage is that if something inside the apartment breaks — like the water supply or heating — you may have to find alternative accommodation. During the busy summer months or in December, when Prague is packed with tourists, this can be a significant challenge.

Is it better to stay in the city center or outside it?

The center of Prague is Prague 1, which includes the districts of Old Town (Staré Město), Lesser Town (Malá Strana), and New Town (Nové Město). A major advantage of staying directly in the center is that you can reach all the main attractions on foot. Whether you stay in a hotel or an apartment, you will likely be housed in a beautiful historic building. You’ll have restaurants, shops, and cafés within easy reach.

However, it’s important to know that the city center is essentially like an open-air museum. Very few locals live there; most people in the area are tourists. Czechs usually come to the center only for work or entertainment. During the tourist season, the center can be extremely crowded and noisy. If you choose to stay there, be sure to read reviews carefully so you can get a good night’s sleep. Also, keep in mind that accommodations in the center are several times more expensive than in other parts of Prague, and most restaurants and businesses are overpriced.

The wider Prague area offers several neighborhoods that are great alternatives, such as Vinohrady, Žižkov, Holešovice, Nusle, and Anděl. These districts have far fewer tourists, and apartments and hotels are much more affordable. Yet in just a few minutes (literally), you can reach the city center. Staying here allows you to experience local life and enjoy restaurants and businesses that are far cheaper than in the heart of the city.

The only downside is that you’ll need to use public transportation — which, in any case, is one of the best in the world — or Uber to get around. However, from some neighborhoods, it’s also possible to walk comfortably to the city center.