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 | Hradcany | Home to Prague Castle, one of the city's most visited sights, Hradčany begins north of the hilly street Nerudova and extends the hills beyond the castle borders. From sweeping vistas to take-you-back-in-time ambiance, this quiet neighborhood is a true gem. That said, accommodation here is somewhat limited. If you're not prepared to splash out, plan on going basic. But basic isn't all bad, particularly if you choose to sleep in the Nový Svět area, which looks like a picture-perfect old-school Czech village. In addition to the castle, Hradčany's hills house the stately Strahov Monastery, the high-baroque Loreto church, and the Renaissance splendor of Schwarzenberg Palace. There's really no nightlife to speak of here, but easy tram access keeps the rest of Prague accessible. » see cheap hotels in Hradcany
| | Mala Strana | This hilly, romantic patch of land sits in the shadows of Prague Castle and just across the river from Staré Město. Malá Strana—which means "little" or "lesser quarter" in Czech—is filled with winding, steep cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and splendid vistas. Slightly less crowded than its neigbor across the Charles Bridge, this area still keeps bustling with visitors from dawn until dusk. The neighborhood's shady Kampa Park can provide relief from the crowds. Those with a penchant for late-night partying will want to head elsewhere, as things really quiet down after dark. However, those who want to rub shoulders with the neighborhood's many embassy workers, should stay put. Not surprisingly, rooms in this coveted neighborhood tend to be pricey. » see cheap hotels in Mala Strana
| | Nove Mesto | Prague's business district is the best place to find a bargain hotel in the city center. Encircling Staré Město on its eastern and southern borders, Nové Město means "new town" in Czech. However, it could only really be recognized as "new" by those who pooh-pooh anything built after the 14th century. Still, much of this area was rebuilt in the 1800s, so it doesn't have the Gothic grandeur of Prague's other central neighborhoods. However, Nové Město has plenty of its own sightseeing draws. It's home to the famed Wenceslas Square, the kitschy National Museum, and some wonderful art nouveau architecture. Most hotels in Nové Město are less than 20 minutes away from Old Town Square by subway or tram, making this neighborhood the best place in Prague to rest budget-minded heads. » see cheap hotels in Nove Mesto
| | Smichov | A former industrial hub, modern Smichov is a quaint residential neighborhood on the Ultava's left bank, just a jaunt away from the city center (off the Andel metro stop). In this little niche south of the Prague Castle, travelers can find cheap digs, shopping, and a fun bar scene. Smichov is also the proud home to Bertramka, the elegant villa that was once the temporary residence of Mozart and now houses a museum devoted to the great composer. But the neighborhood's real claim to fame is Staropramen, Prague's largest brewery, complete with visitor center and (more importantly) taste-testing opportunities. » see cheap hotels in Smichov
| | Stare Mesto | If you're looking for the center of town, this is it. Staré Město (Old Town) is situated around Staroměstské námestí or Old Town Square. Most tourists spend the bulk of their time in this neighborhood, which is bordered by the Vltava River to the north and east and Nové Město to the south and west. Josefov, the city's former Jewish enclave, is located entirely inside Staré Město. Filled with winding cobblestone streets, delightful handicraft shops, grand gothic architecture, and bustling nightlife, this is Prague's tourist bulls-eye. Hotel rates are high and the streets are downright packed during high season. Things quiet down as you move away from Staromestské n´mestí and the Charles Bridge. » see cheap hotels in Stare Mesto
| | Vinohrady | Usually the thought of tree-lined streets and Art Nouveau interiors are followed in the traveler's mind by an endless string of flashing, dancing dollar signs. Not so when it comes to Vinohrady. Just east of Nove Mesto, this hip neighborhood is dotted with stunning churches, cozy cafés, hip clubs, and cheap sleeps to boot. Once (as its name implies) a land of vineyards, and later the site of brutal Warsaw Pact battles in 1968, Vinohrady today is crammed with beautiful architecture—from the stoic, modern Church of the Sacred Heart, to stunning Neo-Gothic and Art-nouveau buildings (many of which have now been turned into budget accommodations). A favorite haunt of locals, for its inexpensive domestic wine and lively nightlife scene, Vinohrady offers a little bit of everything—and it's only about a 15 minute metro ride from the city center. » see cheap hotels in Vinohrady
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