Prague Districts
Prague can be divided in two ways, by numbered district or by neighbourhood.
Prague technically has 15 districts in total, but in practice they are
still commonly known and referred to using the old district numbers 1-10. They
are referred to as "Prague 1 - 10". The outer districts, #’s 11-15 that were
taken from Prague’s larger districts are new designations. On our website we
have used the common district numbers, #’s 1-10.
The neighbourhoods (i.e. Vinohrady, Stare Mesto, etc.) are usually smaller and
there can be a few of them in a given district. Some neighbourhoods do overlap
boundaries and occupy more than one district.
See Also PIP's thorough report on the Districts and Neighbourhoods of
Prague:
Choosing Where to Live
Most single people and couples without children moving to Prague want to live
in an apartment or flat in the Centre (Prague 1 or 2). It has charming
architecture, shopping, restaurants, entertainment and excellent public
transportation connections. Furnished and short-term apartments and flats are
found almost exclusively in the centre however there are owners willing to
furnish houses for their clients elsewhere as needed.
Families often prefer to live in homes located in more residential areas or
close to the schools their children will be attending. There are international
schools located in Prague 4, 5, and 6. A family can easily choose a home located
within a 15 minute drive of the school their children will be attending.
Prague is still relatively small, has many charming neighbourhoods and good
public transportation, so people can choose to live wherever they feel most
comfortable. Good housing newly renovated or newly built can be found throughout
the city, but is concentrated in the more popular areas. People most commonly
ask for the centre, Prague 1, 2, or 6, Old Town, Mala strana, Vinohrady, the
Riverbank, Pruhonice or areas near their schools. Parts of the city which are
more out of the way can have lower prices, but not as a rule. Good values can be
found anywhere.
Areas of Particular Interest
The Centre
The Centre can be loosely defined as everything within walking distance of
The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. This is primarily Prague 1 and 2, but
should also include the nearer parts of Prague 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10. As well as
being the historical and commercial centre, for many, this is the most romantic
part of the city to live in. Rents here tend to be higher, but the Center offers
charming Old World architecture, cafes, restaurants and shops. Public
transportation connections are excellent here, but garage parking is more
expensive and can be difficult to find.
Prague 1
Prague 1 is the oldest part of Prague. On both sides of the river, this is
the most central part of the city. Prague Castle, The Charles Bridge and Old
Town Square are all in Prague 1.
Prague 2
Prague 2 is also considered to be part of the centre. It is quieter, greener,
and has more of a residential character than Prague 1. Most of the buildings are
from the late 19th century and early 20th century.
The Riverbank
The Riverbank in Prague 1, 2 and 5 is near the centre, picturesque, and
offers many nice apartments in late 19th century and early 20th buildings.
The Old Town (Stare Mesto)
Old Town (Stare Mesto) is the centre of historic Prague 1. The architecture
of centuries as far back as the 11th century has been almost completely
preserved giving Old Town a magical atmosphere. It is very lively with many
restaurants, sidewalk cafes, shops and businesses. A wonderful place to live.
New Town (Nove Mesto)
Nove mesto (New Town) is the area that was settled around Old Town as it
spread east away from the Vltava river. Partly in Prague 1 and 2, Nove Mesto has
beautiful architecture from the turn of the century and a more urban feel than
Vinohrady. Right next to Old Town, but not as exclusive, Nove Mesto is quickly
developing a unique character and is often compared with SOHO or San Francisco's
SOMA. Many innovative new cafes and restaurants have opened here. One
particularly stylish part of Nove Mesto is even being called SONA, because it is
south of Narodni Trida (Narodni Avenue).
The Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is a small section of the Old Town, and has all
the same character and more. It was almost entirely rebuilt from the ground up
during the 19th Century. The buildings are beautifully ornamented with
sculptures and reliefs of the secessionists style
Mala Strana
Mala Strana (The Small Side) is also part of Prague 1, but it is across the
river from Old Town and Josefov. Nestled just below Prague castle, Mala Strana
is a romantic old neighbourhood with picturesque buildings crowded along
twisting cobblestone lanes. Much of the oldest architecture in Prague can be
found in Mala Strana. Though Old Town was the first part of the city to be
settled, beginning in about the 15th Century various parts of the area have been
reconstructed. Mala Strana might have more of a fairy tale feeling than even Old
Town. There are many shops and cafes, but few offices - giving Mala Strana a
more relaxed character than the other side of the river.
Hradcany
Hradcany is the quaint neighbourhood directly surrounding Prague Castle on
the top of the hill. 'Mala strana' is usually understood to include both Mala
Strana proper and Hradcany above.
Vinohrady
Vinohrady is a very popular residential neighbourhood on the hill in Prague 2
located just above Vaclavske Namesti (Wenceslas Square) and the National Museum.
Though easily in walking distance of Old Town, it is too far for most tourists.
The name means 'Vineyards' in Czech, and this entire area was actually the royal
vineyard until only 150 years ago. Some vineyards still exist on the southern
slope of the hill. Vinohrady is a residential area, having apartments with
classic architecture from the turn of the century (high ceilings, traditional
lines, ornate facades, etc..). Many expatriates like living here because it is
not right in the centre, but still has many good restaurants and is convenient
to shopping and transportation.
Prague 4
Prague 4 is a large district in the southern part of Prague extending from
the lower edge of the centre to the city limits. The southern part of Prague 4
includes many small villages and towns with quaint centres, residential
neighbourhoods and open farm-land. Families with children attending Prague 4
schools typically live in this part of the city, or in the village of Pruhonice
just to the southeast. There are several major hypermarkets in Prague 4
convenient for shopping.
Pruhonice
Pruhonice is a pleasant village with quite a large expatriate community a few
minutes south of Prague. Many new houses have been built in this tranquil area,
which is convenient to the southern and eastern parts of Prague and the English
International School in Libus.
Prague 5
Prague 5 extends from the bank of the Vltava River to the western edge of the
city. The area has a mix of family homes (also referred to as villas) and
apartments and flats. A newly built major Carrefour shopping and commercial
centre at the metro station Andel in Prague 5. Another important shopping area
is located in Zlicin near Prague 5's western edge where there are many warehouse
type stores including Ikea and the Tesco Hypermarket. Much of Prague 5 is
convenient to the schools in Prague 6.
Prague 6
Prague 6 extends from the castle to the northwestern edge of the city. This
is a family area offering primarily single family homes with gardens. Many
embassies are located here, and the International School of Prague (an American
style school with an American curriculum) is on the edge of Prague 6 in a small
but growing village called Nebusice. Prague 6 has a number of fantastic Bauhaus
and Functionalist villas built during the 20's and 30's as well as newly built
modern homes.
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