help with Prague locations
 

This will be my first trip to Prague.
What would be the best location to stay?
I have heard of old town, the city center.
What is the best area to be close to the main part of Prague?
thanks,
Mike

Prague isn't a massive city and its relatively easy to get about on foot.

Failing that Taxi's are cheap and there is an efficient tube/metro system.

I stayed there about 12 years ago just off Wenclesas Square at hotel called The Alcron (I thinks its call the SAS Radisson now). Wenceslesas Square certainly was a fun part of the city to be in, loads of restaurants, bars, nightclubs things to do etc.

I would have thought you'd be okay with any place with an address in the Prague 1 (or Praha 1) district of the city. That will ensure you are pretty central.

Hi Mike,

There's quite a bit of info you'll find useful in our Prague travelogue:
http://www.thetravelzine.com/ejht6.htm

Hope that helps,
Don and Linda
http://www.thetravelzine.com
Non-commercial

HI
The historic center of the city, and convenient for tourist locations, includes Old Town, New Town, and Josefov (all of these are on the "right bank" of the river) and Lesser Quarter (on the left bank.) Lesser Quarter leads to the Castle area, which is slightly less convenient as a base just because it's on top of a hill, but trams do run there.

Each of those areas has sights to see, great transportation, and is convenient by foot or transport to the other areas.

I think Elaine has described it pretty well -- most hotels in Prague 1 would be fine, but it would be best if you found out the exact location and how close to a metro stop. I think the area right around the Old Town main square and Josefov and Mala Strana are best. Wenceslas Sq is okay, too, I just don't personally like it as well. Any hotel around Namesti Republicky metro stop is a very convenient location. I think you do need to be careful on this as I would say that the Prague geographical metro area is quite large indeed and you do not want to be way out near the airport or Prague 9 or something like that.

Mike,
Even though the public transport is excellent and there are some trams running throughout the night, I personally would go for accommodation with a Prague 1 or 2 address.
http://www.rentinprague.com/
I find this web site great as you pick your hotel or apartment according to situation and price first, then click on it for more details / photos.
Contrary to what PJ Keay said, I'd avoid taxis like the plague. They are renowned for ripping off even locals.

I recommend the abundant helpful info on the website www.athos.cz - - and their helpful staff to help you book it. I'm not saying there is no way to get a better deal, but you will feel very good about working with these people. Uniquely, you can chat online with an Athos agent, using ICQ.

We (family of five) stayed three nights in two apartments on Zamec, and thought we had a great find.

Best wishes,

Rex

I just returned from Prauge last week after my first trip. It was amazing and you will love it. I stayed in Mala Strana (Lesser town) and found it very conveniently located and we got a great deal. Three of us rented an apartment for 9 nights for $715 totaly. I'd suggest visiting www.pragueroom.com for my details, they rent different size apartments and rooms. We happened to have the largest apt they offer. It is located on Nerudova, about 2 minutes from the tram and 5-7 minutes from the metro. Although, it is a very walkable city.
Enjoy.
Gayle

Thank you everyone for your help.
Anymore information on things I must not miss?
Thanks,
Mike

Absolutely do not miss Josefov (the Jewish quarter). The Pinkas Synagogue, with the names of the people who were killed in the concentration camps painted on the walls was one of the most moving sites I have ever visited.

I also recommend the Mucha museum.

visit Prague Castle. Most people do, but I thought I'd mention it.
Skip the pricey audio tour, we found it dull and scant on information.
I'd hire a guide, or see if the Castle provides guided tours.

Another rec to avoid taxis UNLESS you find one with which you can negotiate a price in advance or some sort of agreement as such. I have found on my various trips to the city that SOME of the cabs can be notorious rip-offs.
There is, as someone pointed out, an excellent Metro and even better tram network including #23 (I believe) which will take you right up to the "castle" area.
You might also consider getting the so-called "Prague Welcome Card" which includes all forms of public transport and admission to some of the main sites including the "castle complex" as there is more there than just the castle.
Undoubtedly you'll be finding yourself in the Old Town Square at some point and probably staring at the well-known "astrological clock"..why not? There is a reason so many visitors go to look at it.
Some people also enjoy eating at the various outdoor but covered restaurants in that area..if you do, watch for the various "silhouette makers" who will be doing yours out of black paper and then ask you if you'd like to pay for it. I will say that this is one place that I didn;t feel "pressured" to buy the thing.
You might also consider taking one of the various 1/2-day tours of the city which i have found give an excellent overview and then you can return to explore the places you are most interested in in more depth.

If you are the least bit interested in religious (i.e., Roman Catholic) "art" you might also consider a visit to The Loretto, particularly the treasury/vault which has some outstanding jewel-encrusted works.

Whatever you decide, enjoy the "Golden City" to the max.

I don't think anyone has mentioned the Charles Bridge. A leisurely stroll across is a must when visiting Prague. We toured the Staropramen Brewery. Also enjoyed our Vltava river cruise.

If you are a music lover you will have no problem finding wonderful concerts, operas, etc.

We loved Prague. Stayed in Josefov at the Maximilian Hotel and found it very convenient.

Let me put in a vote for the Metamorphis Hotel. Suite 21, ask for it, you will not be disappointed. Perfect location just off the square in a smaller courtyard. Wonderful view of the Tyn Church tower out your window, great restaurant in the cellar, big room, nice help.

http://www.metamorphis.cz/uvod_en.html?lang=EN