Old Town
Astronomical clocks, tour groups and a shortcut to everything.
Old Town is the Prague of the postcards: the square, the astronomical clock, the lanes toward the Charles Bridge. It is the most convenient base for a short visit, with the metro at Můstek and most major sights within 20 minutes on foot. The downside is obvious — it is the busiest part of the city and many restaurants are priced for visitors. Choose a side street behind the square rather than the square itself.
What works
- Most sights within walking distance
- Metro, tram and airport bus all close
- The widest choice of hotels and restaurants
What doesn’t
- Very crowded in high season
- Tourist-priced restaurants on the main lanes
- Noise from bars and late walkers
One local move
See the astronomical clock early in the morning, not on the hour with the crowd. For dinner, walk ten minutes east to Vinohrady or north to Holešovice rather than eating on Dlouhá.
Getting around
Metro A and B meet at Můstek; trams run along the river and around the old town edge. Most of the centre is walkable, but trams are faster for Vinohrady and Malá Strana.
Safety
Watch for pickpockets in the square and on the bridge, especially at dusk when crowds are dense. Avoid the money-changing offices on Kaprova with unclear rates and never accept a street exchange offer.
4 picks in Old Town
One strong pick per tier. All prices are sample ranges, not live quotes.
Hotel Josef
A crisp design hotel tucked behind the Old Town Square; quiet rooms, good breakfast and a polished but unstuffy atmosphere.
Hotel Rott
A well-run four-star a few steps from the square; classic rooms, helpful staff and a location that makes early sightseeing easy.
Hostel Downtown
A sociable hostel in a historic building near the square; dorms and private rooms, with some street noise at night.
Miss Sophie's
A design hostel-hotel in Nové Město, ten minutes from Old Town; stylish rooms, a lively bar and better value than the square.
Nightly ranges are sample estimates in USD for a standard double room. They move with season, events and how early you book.
Eat & drink nearby
Café Imperial
Czech brasserie
A grand café-restaurant with tiled walls and hearty Czech dishes; book for dinner and ignore the tourist ceiling decor at your peril.
Lokál Dlouhááá
Czech pub
A busy beer hall serving fresh Pilsner and simple, well-made Czech food; loud, quick and honest.
Pivovar U Tří Růží
Brewery restaurant
A small brewery with a more ambitious kitchen than the average beer hall; good for a slower dinner away from the square.