If you’re reading this it probably means you’re planning a trip to Prague. I get asked for recommendations pretty often and normally reply by looking slightly stupid, and then replying with the same 2 or 3 things that always come to mind. So to save myself the frequent moments of indignity, I’ve compiled this mini-guide.
I’ve aimed to skip more or less all of the normal mainstream tourist tripe in favor of places and things that are authentic to Prague and its unique “vibe” if you will. Having lived here for a long time, this is also an exercise for me to better appreciate what the city has to offer.
I’ve created a list of places I personally like in the city, which are off the beaten path.
Highly subjective, and incomplete! Enjoy!
Prague is divided into districts which are numbered. The sequence is derived from the order in which these areas were developed, and as such are more or less a jumbled mess, just like any self-respecting former medieval hovel town. 🙂
The districts start at 1 and go up to 17 or so. It seems like new Prague districts are constantly being discovered. You can ignore anything above 8 unless you are doing an anthropological tour of communistic housing blocks.
A common question is “What parts of the city are unsafe and should be avoided” and the honest answer to that is “None of them”. I would sleep pretty well on a park bench anywhere in this town for the most part. It’s nearly Disneyland-safe. Naturally, keep your head on a swivel and don’t be a doofus, but no need to overthink this. It’s not America after all 😜
Another cool feature of Prague is the extensive network of passages that cut through interior blocks and sometimes right through buildings. This often feels forbidding to us Americans with our territoriality and private-property-obsessed culture. However, these are all open and accessible to the public. Be respectful as people might have apartments facing interior blocks but otherwise, you can use them as you wish. Often you will discover cool shops or shortcuts! Don't be shy. No one will shoot you. 😆
Gloriously lo-res Prague map
This is the main tourist epicenter. Tiny winding alley streets, refugee camp human density, ancient and egregiously commercialized features such as Orloj (astronomical clock), old town square, Charles Bridge, and so many churches that god himself probably hasn’t seen them all.
It’s worth a visit but it’s not the full offering. Eat here if you hate having money.
“Stare Mesto” or Old Town is where all the original medieval city is located. Home to Orloj (or-loi), Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, etc.
Meandering streets rammed with tourists and Trdelnik vendors.
Meandering streets rammed with tourists and Trdelnik vendors.
Josefov is the old Jewish quarter and is very cool. Additionally, it’s home to all every cheeseball luxury brand store in Prague. Brush elbows with the fur-coatiest of Russians and the Lamboiest of Saudi princes. Also, an ancient Jewish graveyard with bodies buried 10 deep. The story of the Golem created by Rabbi Lowe also originates from this area.
The Charles Bridge is an obvious attraction so I won't say too much, but the area on the Mala Strana side of the bridge is very cool.