Schmap Prague Neighborhood Guide

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Prague - Neighborhood Guide
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Prague Home
Schmap Prague guide and map

The Czech Republic lies at the heart of Central Europe and at its centre is the beautiful and historic city of Prague. With a population of some 1.3 million residents, the city lies on either side of the Vltava River in the middle of Bohemia that is one of the three historic Czech territories; the others being Moravia and Silesia. The city has seven "Chapter Divisions" or districts.

North and Western Suburbs

This is mainly an area of residential buildings and parkland, containing Prague's largest park- Stromovka. The park was originally a hunting ground and is now home to many attractions including the Vystaviste Exhibition Grounds, the Prumyslovy Palace, the Planetarium, and the Lapidarium.

A walk to the west of the park brings the visitor to the Summer Palace, a neo-Gothic building where the National Museum stores some of its treasures.

To the south of Stromovka lies Letna Park. A walk farther south brings one to a plateau overlooking the main city and river. Here, you will see a large metronome that replaced the monument to Stalin-the largest in the world, which was destroyed on the orders of Krushchev in 1962. Other places of interest are the National Technical Museum and the National Gallery Collection of Modern & Contemporary Art. Walks through the residential areas will expose you to many styles of architecture here.

Hradcany

Situated on the hill overlooking Prague, Hradcany is made up of Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral and the Strahov Monastery-all places that are steeped in history. The Army Museum, the Royal Gardens and the Toy Museum are also nearby.

St Vitus' Cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV (1316-1378) and its foundation was laid in 1344. However, work on it went on for nearly 600 years before being finalized in 1929, which means that the architecture is from many different periods and in different styles. Attractions inside include the crown jewels, the crypt and the South Tower. The Strahov Monastery was founded in 1140 by the Premonstratensian Order, although its present day baroque appearance dates from the late-17th and 18th centuries.

Malá Strana

Covering the area just below Hradcany and bordering the river, Mala Strana is just across Charles Bridge from the main city. Now home to many foreign embassies occupying a number of buildings built by the Catholic nobility, the area is full of palaces, gardens and baroque churches including the Church of St. Nicholas (Sv. Mikulas). Open daily, this is an example of Prague baroque architecture; it was built between 1702 and 1753 by Christoph Dientzenhofer and later also worked on by his son. Frequent concerts and recitals (both at lunchtime and in the evenings) are held here featuring the works of Mozart.

Josefov

Prague's Jewish Quarter can be reached by a short walk from Wenceslas Square or by taking the metro to Staromestska, Line A.

Dating back to at least the 13th century, this area is rich in history. Places to visit include the Jewish Cemetery, its five synagogoues, the Jewish State Museum and the Jewish Ceremonial Hall with its Hebrew clock dating from the 15th century. The narrow cobbled streets lend a unique atmosphere to the area, especially at night. The Kafka Museum is located on the border of Josefov and Stare Mesto.

Stare Mesto

Prague's Old Town is centered around Old Town Square, the Huss monument and the Old Town Clock Tower featuring its astronomical clock dating back to the 15th century. The Old Town Hall is open daily. It is only a short walk away from Wenceslas Square.

There are several churches of note here including the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn as well as courtyards and numerous cafés, bars and restaurants catering to every taste.

Nové Mesto

This is Prague's main commercial and business district. It is based around Wenceslas Square at the top of which is the National Museum and the two main commercial streets-Na Prikope and Narodni. Running from these streets are many smaller streets and courtyards. Hotels, bars and restaurants abound in this area.

Walking along Legerova or Ke Karlovu (where you will find the Dvorak Museum) will bring you to the Police Museum from where you can take a walk along the top of the Botic Valley towards the river.

Vysehrad and the Eastern Suburbs

Centered upon the ancient rocky fortress of Vysehrad (the Republic's most-revered landmark) and containing the Vysehrad Cemetery, a Romanesque rotunda and the Gothic church of St. Peter and Paul, this area stretches to the working-class suburb of Zizkov. It is home to the TV Tower (from which you can enjoy panoramic views of Prague) and the ancient Zizkov Hill, atop which stands a statue of Jan Zizka (a 15th century army general) and the mausoleum in which the remains of the three Communist presidents of the Republic and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be found. The suburb of Vinohrady contains Prague's most modern church, the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, which was built in 1928.

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Bubenec

Prague
Czech Republic

Bubenec is a quiet, mostly residential neighbourhood located near Stromovka Park to the northwest of the city centre. Once the royal hunting grounds of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552-1612), Stromovka is now the largest park in Prague. A green oasis on the edge of the city, Stromovka houses an eclectic collection of trees and flowers among the park's numerous ponds and open fields. Throughout the week, Stromovka is a popular venue for picnics, biking, and skating. During the summer, Stromovka is a particularly fashionable destination on account of the numerous music festivals held here.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Lucie Bartosova

Photo: Alessandro Motta

Hanspaulka

Prague
Czech Republic
Located on a hillside to the west of the city centre, Hanspaulka is a fashionable neighbourhood on the outskirts of Prague. As part of the exclusive and beautiful Prague 6 area, comprised of Hanspaulka, Orechovka and Strešovic, the area is famous for its 1930s villas, various embassies and a nearby international school. From this area, one can also experience some amazing views of Prague Castle, one of the world's largest and most splendid castles. But don't worry, this area isn't completely tame and quiet-- it also is the home of U Rafa, a famous rock club where smaller bands often play.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Terry Pressley
Photo: Radim Kučera

Holešovice

Prague
Czech Republic
Holešovice is home to the National Gallery Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art, a 1920s building with a thorough study of Czech modern art. Czech art followed the same general lines of development as that of Western Europe, but with an underlying layer of Slavic spirituality - witness the moody landscapes of Jan Preisler, the mind-blowing abstracts of Frantisek Kupka and the meditative canvases of Vladimir Kokolia, to name but a few. There is also a small collection of Western European paintings by Picasso, Braque, Klimt and others. Holesovice Nadrazi Train Station, Prague's second largest train station, is located in the neighbourhood. Arrivals from the north and west primarily use the station.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Hradcany

Prague
Czech Republic
Situated on the hill overlooking Prague, Hradcany is made up of Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral and the Strahov Monastery-all places that are steeped in history. The Army Museum, the Royal Gardens and the Toy Museum are also nearby. St Vitus' Cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV (1316-1378) and its foundation was laid in 1344. However, work on it went on for nearly 600 years before being finalized in 1929, which means that the architecture is from many different periods and represents different styles. Attractions inside include the crown jewels, the crypt and the South Tower. The Strahov Monastery was founded in 1140 by the Premonstratensian Order, although its present day baroque appearance dates from the late-17th and 18th centuries.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: John Beauchamp
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Karlin

Prague
Czech Republic
Karlin is home to Prague's International Jazz Festival, a popular annual event that you won't want to miss. You'll see trios, soloists, big bands and jazz-rock groups in every style from acoustic to electric. Historically an industrial neighbourhood housing many factories, Karlin is located approximately ten minutes by tram or metro outside of the city centre of Prague. The neighbourhood is accessible by the Krizikova metro station. A variety of hotels are located in Karlin for visitors wishing to stay in the area.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Sam Beckwith
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Malá Strana

Prague
Czech Republic
Covering the area just below Hradcany and bordering the river, Mala Strana is just across the Charles Bridge from the main city. Now home to many foreign embassies occupying a number of buildings built by the Catholic nobility, the area is full of palaces, gardens and baroque churches including the Church of St. Nicholas (Sv. Mikulas). Open daily, this is a wonderful example of Prague baroque architecture; it was built between 1702 and 1753 by Christoph Dientzenhofer and was later worked on by his son. Frequent concerts and recitals (both at lunchtime and in the evenings) are held here featuring the works of Mozart.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Nové Mesto

Prague
Czech Republic
This is Prague's main commercial and business district. It is based around Wenceslas Square at the top of which is the National Museum and the two main commercial streets-Na Prikope and Narodni. Running from these streets are many smaller streets and courtyards. Hotels, bars and restaurants abound in this area. Walking along Legerova or Ke Karlovu (where you will find the Dvorak Museum) will bring you to the Police Museum from where you can take a walk along the top of the Botic Valley towards the river.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Orechovka

Prague
Czech Republic
This exclusive residential area is located near Prague Castle. The Cinema Orechovka offers a popular destination for movie-goers. Nearby Hradcany is the St. Vitus Cathedral and The Strahov Monastery.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Robert Primmer
Photo: Simon Vahala

Stare Mesto

Prague
Czech Republic
Prague's Old Town is cantered around Old Town Square. This is the home of the Jan Hus Monument and the Old Town Clock Tower, featuring its astronomical clock dating back to the 15th century. This is the vortex of tourist activity in Prague-- it's always crawling with tourists attempting to catch a glimpse of the clock's elusive statuettes, visiting one of the town hall's exhibitions or waiting to climb the Clock Tower. The Old Town Hall is open daily. It is only a short walk away from Wenceslas Square. There are several churches of note here including the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn as well as courtyards and numerous cafés, bars and restaurants catering to every taste.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Vinohrady

Prague
Czech Republic
Vinohrady translates into English as "vineyards," and it makes sense-- the area was covered with vineyards many centuries ago. Havlíckovy Sady, the second largest park in Prague, is located in Vinohrady. A fully operating vineyard still exists next to the park. Much of the neighbourhood's beautiful architecture has been restored, offering a wide range of Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Gothic structures. Vinohrady is on Line A of the metro system, making it easily accessible. Prague's most modern church is also located in Vinohrady. The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, or "Kostel Nejsvetejšího srdce Páne", as it is locally known, was the work of a Slovenian architect, Jože Plecnik.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Žižkov

Prague
Czech Republic
Žižkov is home to the TV Tower, which stands at 216 meters high and has an observation deck open to the public at 100 meters. Known for its stunning panoramic views, the Tower also has a restaurant and cafe at 63 meters for anyone who wishes to dine while looking out on the city. Also visit the ancient Zizkov Hill, atop of which stands a statue of Jan Zizka (a 15th century army general) and the mausoleum in which the remains of the three Communist presidents of the Republic and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be found.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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