It’s easy to spend your days in Prague exploring Old Town Square or basking in the medieval splendor of Prague Castle. But Prague is so much more than its historic center; the city boasts 22 districts, each with its own distinct history, culture, and identity.
From the parks of Vinohrady to the cafes of Karlín, I’ve spent my semester exploring Prague’s nooks and crannies, and I’m here to bring you my suggestions on what to eat, do, and see in six of the city’s central and most accessible districts.
PRAGUE ONE
While Prague One is touristy and often expensive, it serves as the sightseeing hub of the city for a reason. The district hosts a never-ending slew of historic buildings and unmissable sights, from the Prague Castle to Wenceslas Square (and NYU Prague’s campus!). I’ve made it my goal to make my own list of worthwhile (and hopefully less touristy) spots in each of Prague One’s three distinct areas.
Old Town (Staré Město)
When people think of Prague, Old Town likely springs to mind. Its historic architecture, regal spires, and attractions — from Old Town Square to the astronomical clock — dominate the city’s public image. However, when you want a break from the sights, I recommend checking out the following places:
Venue
This was Prague’s first brunch bistro and is only a five minute walk from NYU Prague’s campus. Though it’s not traditional Czech food, it’s one of my favorite places to satisfy comfort food cravings. From their delicious french toast to their mac & cheese sandwiches, Venue excels at all aspects of brunch. Be warned, though: the restaurant is often busy and has a relatively small seating area. Arrive early to avoid a line out the door!
Havelská Koruna
For those who want to get a taste of local food in a casual environment, Havelská Koruna is one of the best options close to campus. Don’t let the restaurant’s dining-hall buffet style fool you — the food, featuring Czech classics from gulaš to potato dumplings, is well worth the long lines. It’s become one of my favorite spots to grab a quick meal between classes (and a great place to practice your Czech!).
Jazz Republic
If you’re looking to experience Prague’s famed music scene, look no further than Jazz Republic. It’s one of my favorite jazz bars in the city, offering a cool underground ambience, live music, and solid food and drink options. Most nights, shows are free entry, but make sure to check the schedule and arrive early to get a spot in the main room. And, while you’re there, don’t forget to head to the main bar to pick up a complimentary poster!
New Town (Nové Město)
New Town serves as the residential and commercial center of the city, known for its boisterous nightlife and expansive offering of international stores selling everything from high-end footwear to skincare lines. The area is also home to the iconic Wenceslas Square and National Museum.
Franciscan Gardens (Františkánská Zahrada)
These gardens offer a calm reprieve from the hustle and bustle of New Town’s crowded thoroughfares. Though small, they’re a great place to relax on a bench and gaze at the stunning facade of the adjacent Church of Our Lady of the Snows (which I also recommend visiting if you have the time).
San Carlo Dittrichova
San Carlo is a chain of Italian restaurants across the city, but my favorite location is by far Dittrichova, which is nestled centrally in New Town (right by the architectural marvel Tančící Dům, the Dancing House). It offers delectable recreations of Italian classics in a cozy environment. My personal favorite is the linguine vongole.
Oishi House
Though Prague isn’t widely known for its sushi, Oishi House, which is conveniently located right beside the Národní třida tram stop, is one of my favorite spots in the city for innovative and tasty rolls. I recommend trying one of their sushi platters, which offer a variety of fresh sushi and sashimi at a reasonable price.
Little Quarter (Malá Strana)
Malá Strana, which sits across the Vltava river, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas in the city. Enchanting cobblestoned streets intermingle with grand government buildings, as the neighborhood is home to Czech Parliament and a host of governmental ministries. Though most people visit Malá Strana for Prague Castle, there’s much more to see in this expansive area.
Shakespeare and Sons (Shakespeare a Synové) bookstore
Nestled away in one of Malá Strana’s narrow streets, Shakespeare and Sons is easy to miss. But for the booklover, or someone hoping to escape the crowds, it’s the perfect place to get lost in the pages. It offers a vast array of books in both Czech and English. If you’re not a reader, its impressive basement cellar also offers a host of cultural events, from live concerts to art exhibitions.
Park Cihelná
In my opinion, this park boasts the best viewpoints of the Charles Bridge in Prague. Though it’s not necessarily a hidden spot — sitting conspicuously on the banks of the Vltava — it’s lined with picturesque views of the water, bridge, and Old Town.
The Gingerbread Man cookie shop
If you find yourself craving a sweet treat after a day of sightseeing, there’s no better place to stop than the Gingerbread Man, which serves freshly-baked Czech gingerbread in all shapes and sizes. What the shop lacks in size is made up for by the sheer variety of their offerings. Though I’d always recommend going with the classic gingerbread man, the shop also hosts an impressive selection of cookies for those who are less gingerbread-inclined.
PRAGUE TWO
Prague Two is primarily composed of the Vinohrady neighborhood, known for its beautiful parks, stunning architecture, and peaceful vibe. While it’s certainly more residential than Prague One, it offers the perfect escape from the crowds and is home to many expats and students, as well as NYU Prague’s Máchova dorm.
Riegrovy Sady
This is by far my favorite park in Prague. Though it’s not an easy walk — the park is composed almost entirely of steep hills — it offers absolutely unmissable views of Old Town and Prague Castle from above and is the perfect place for a sunset picnic. However, it’s more than just views. The park, which spans 11 hectares, offers rolling fields, beautiful gardens, sports facilities, and a beer garden.
Cafedu
Just a couple minutes from the National Museum, Cafedu is one of the best study spots in the city. Though it has dedicated study lounges (which you have to reserve in advance via paid membership), both floors offer a variety of free spaces which are perfect for studying or working on group projects. It’s a great place to meet other students or relax with a cup of coffee and a pastry. However, be warned that it can get quite busy and many of the tables may be booked in advance by eager students.
Pelmeňárna Jiřího z Poděbrad
This is my go-to for Georgian cuisine, located conveniently by the major Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station and only a 15-minute walk from Máchova. The restaurant’s cozy ambience and delicious Georgian dumplings are definitely worth the visit.
PRAGUE THREE
Prague Three, mainly made up of the Žižkov neighborhood, is right beside Prague Two and is easily accessible from Máchova. It reportedly has more pubs per capita than any other district in Europe. It also is home to the infamous TV Tower, which has been frequently ranked as one of the ugliest buildings in the world.
Bistro Palačinka
My favorite stop for crepes in the city, this bistro offers a range of options from sweet to savory. It also has both gluten free and vegan offerings. It has a relaxed atmosphere, but it’s definitely not the place to complete schoolwork; laptops are banned when there’s high occupancy.
Blumery
A bistro that brands itself as “brunch by day, bar by night,” Blumery is a hip spot with good aesthetics, great brunch options, and stellar coffee. It’s a great spot to study!
Olšany Cemetery
Though it may sound morbid, this is one of the prettiest spots to take a walk and decompress in nature. It’s one of the largest cemeteries in Prague and is divided into two parts, both of which boast a rich history and are home to several important personalities (including famed student protester Jan Palach).
PRAGUE SEVEN
Prague Seven, which sits adjacent to Malá Strana across the Vltava river, is home to areas like Letná, Bubeneč, and Holešvice. It has become one of the most desirable places to live in Prague, serving as a creative hub and the site of some of the city’s coolest alternative bars. It’s also where ePet Arena (Prague’s main soccer stadium) and NYU Prague’s Osadní dorm reside.
Cafe Cruz
For those with a craving for Argentinian classics in an artsy environment, Cafe Cruz is the perfect spot. From empanadas to Argentine maminha steak, Cafe Cruz offers a rare taste of South America in one of Prague’s largest districts. However, it’s worth noting that if you dine too late, there is a large chance that they will be out of several menu items.
MEXICKÁ
In my opinion, good Mexican food is hard to come by in Prague. However, Mexicá is undoubtedly the best spot I’ve gone to. With an extensive menu and a more upscale environment, it’s a great place to indulge in a delicious dinner. I especially recommend the quesadillas!
Stromovka Park (Královská obora Stromovka)
One of the largest and prettiest parks in Prague, Stromovka spans over 95 hectares and offers beautiful views of landscaped foliage, lakes, and forests. Though it started as a royal game reserve in the 13th century, it now offers an escape from the city and a host of running and walking paths for those who want to get their exercise outdoors.
PRAGUE EIGHT
Prague Eight, after being struck by floods in the early 2000s, has undergone a period of intense rebuilding and transformation. In particular, the Karlín neighborhood has become home to a smattering of impressive new cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Supernova Bakehouse
This modern bakehouse is known across Prague for its coffee and delicious pastries. In my opinion, though it doesn’t have the best inside ambience, the blueberry almond croissant is an absolute must-try.
PRAGUE TEN
Prague Ten is a quiet area beside Prague Two, widely known for its extensive green spaces and residential areas. However, people often underestimate the district’s budding bar and food scene, which promises to become one of the city’s most prominent in the near future.
Coffee Corner Bakery
A sight familiar to all Máchova residents, Coffee Corner Bakery sits right on the border of Prague Two and Prague Ten in Vinohrady. A convenient and cozy study spot close to the dorm, it offers delicious brunch and pastries (highly recommend the banana bread). However, many overlook its less-frequented dinner menu, which, in my opinion, is where this bakery really thrives. The CCB rice bowl is an absolute must-try.
Phở 18
This spot, also close to Máchova, is one of the myriad Vietnamese restaurants in the city. However, in my opinion, Phở 18 stands above in both quality and quantity. The dining style is relaxed, the food is flavorful, the portions are large, and the prices are reasonable.
Concluding thoughts
Overall, I’ve loved getting to know Prague this semester. As a Duke student, I rarely get the chance to experience the myriad attractions of city living, and Prague has been a great place to explore. Though I love Old Town just as much as the next tourist, I highly recommend venturing into other areas of the city to find your own hidden gems.