A Guide to the Neighborhoods of Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech capital city of Prague, like any older city, can best be described as being a mosaic whose parts are made up of its neighborhoods. Not every neighborhood in Prague is discussed here, but only the ones that a traveler may visit or an English speaking person might want to find home.

Stare Mesto In English, this translates to Old Town, and it is the historic center of Prague. It is the largest tourist destination in Prague, home to the Tyn Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Astronomical Clock, all located in the Old Town Square, which happens to be the site of Prague's annual Christmas market. Architecturally, it's a lovely area, but it is crowded, filled with tourists all year long, and it's very expensive.

Nove Mesto This translates to New Town and is basically comprised of two general areas, Wenceslaus Square and Charles Square. Wenceslaus is a major shopping district and like the Old Town Square is crowded with tourists year round. Charles Square (most English speaking locals refer to this square by its Czech name Karlovo Namesti) is a very pleasant and affordable urban residential neighborhood. And if you like dogs, the park at Charles Square is for you. It is thee place for locals to bring their dogs for a run and a bit of canine socializing. Huff-huff! (Interestingly enough, Czech dogs don't say "ruff" or "woof," they say, "huff.")

Mala Strana This neighborhood baffles translators, and I wish I could offer up something better than "Little Quarter" or the "Lesser Quarter," but just be forewarned that different people have different translations for this neighborhood. Which is why we English speaking Praguers just call it Mala Strana. It's easier that way. Picturesque is the best way to describe Mala Strana. Lovely architecture, lovely streetscapes built into the hill leading up to Hradcany and the Prague Castle. Unfortunately, today's Mala Strana is not the Mala Strana described by the great Czech author Jan Neruda. It's been overtaken by tourists and tourist related businesses.