Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about staying in Prague for first-timers (I will put the links to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets.
I will provide you with a list of what I believe are the best areas to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Prague and recommend some of the best hotels in Prague.
Prague is a wonderful destination to visit during the Christmas season. Some of the best Christmas Markets in Prague include:
- Old Town Square Christmas Markets
- Wenceslas Square Christmas Markets
- Republic Square Christmas Markets
- Prague Castle Christmas market
- Peace Square Christmas Markets
- Tyl Square Christmas Market
- Na Kampě Square Christmas market
- Havelská Market in the Old Town (Year round, 9 am – 6 pm)
The two main Christmas Markets in Prague are in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. These areas transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
The markets are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, ornaments, and a huge Christmas tree. The city’s historic architecture adds to the magical atmosphere.
You can enjoy traditional Czech food and drinks, such as Trdelník (a rolled pastry coated in sugar and nuts), Czech sausages, roasted ham, and svarak (hot mulled wine). Don’t forget to try a Czech beer, too!
The markets are filled with stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and unique gifts. It’s a great place to shop for Christmas presents and souvenirs.
You can enjoy live performances, carol singers, and sometimes even nativity scenes. There are also rides and activities for children.
Consider trying some traditional Czech customs. For example, Czechs often place a fish scale in their wallet during Christmas for good luck in the coming year.
While many stalls and shops accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to have some Czech koruna in cash, as not all vendors may accept cards.
Also be prepared for cold weather as December in Prague can be quite chilly. Dress warmly with layers, a good coat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Prague is a popular tourist destination, and the Christmas Markets can get crowded, so always keep an eye on your belongings, as crowded places can sometimes attract pickpockets.
Be respectful of local customs and traditions. When taking photos, always ask for permission, especially when photographing people or their wares.
If you’re arriving from abroad, you’ll most likely land at Václav Havel Airport Prague. From there, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public transportation to the city center.
The city has an extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and the metro. The city center is well-connected, and you can use public transport to get to the Christmas market area. Parking can be limited and expensive in the city center.
Where to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets?
The best areas to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets are Old Town (Staré Město), Malá Strana, New Town (Nové Město), Vinohrady, and Žižkov.
These are central and well-connected areas that offer a wide range of hotels for all budgets and easy access to all major markets.
Old Town is the most popular area to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets. I will put you right at the heart of the city and within walking distance of the Old Town Square Christmas market, which is one of the most famous in Prague. You’ll also have easy access to historic sites and landmarks.
Malá Strana/Hradčany offers a more tranquil atmosphere, with beautiful baroque architecture. You’ll be near Prague Castle and the St. Nicholas Church, and you can enjoy the markets at Castle District. You can take a walk or use public transportation to reach the Old Town.
New Town (Nové Město) is also a good option for more budget-friendly accommodations, vibrant nightlife, and more local feel. It offers easy access to Wenceslas Square and the main train station.
Vinohrady offers a more residential and less touristy atmosphere. It’s a bit quieter and provides a glimpse of local life. It’s not as centrally located as the other areas but you can still easily reach the city center by public transport.
Žižkov is another more residential neighborhood with cheaper accommodation options. It’s known for its hill with great city views, vibrant nightlife, and the Zizkov Television Tower. It’s also well-connected by trams and public transport.
During my trip to Prague, I stayed in Prague’s historic center at Little King U Malvaze. The hotel has a great location near the bank of Vltava River, within easy walking distance from major sights and easy to reach major christmas markets at the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. It was a very good breakfast!
Below is a map of the popular areas in Prague for Christmas Markets.
5 Best areas to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets
1. Old Town (Staré Město)
The Old Town (Staré Město), without a doubt, is one of the best places to stay in Prague for the Christmas Markets. Old Town is the heart of Prague and offers a festive and enchanting atmosphere during the holiday season.
You’ll be within walking distance of the Old Town Square, where the main Christmas market takes place. It’s one of the most iconic and beautiful markets in the city.
With its central location and well-connected public transportation, you can easily reach numerous markets nearby including the Havelská Market, Republic Square Christmas Market, Wenceslas Square Christmas Market, and Peace Square Christmas Market.
Old Town is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, including the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church. The festive decorations and lights add to the magical ambiance.
Old Town offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it easy to find a cozy spot to warm up with mulled wine or enjoy traditional Czech cuisine. There are also street performers and musicians to keep you entertained.
You’ll be within walking distance of many of Prague’s top attractions, including Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, and more.
Old Town can get quite crowded, especially during the Christmas season. If you prefer a quieter environment, you may find it a bit overwhelming.
Despite the crowds and higher prices, many people choose to stay in Old Town because of its magical holiday atmosphere and convenience. Just be sure to book your accommodations well in advance if you plan to stay there during the Christmas season.
Best places to stay in Prague Old Town for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Iron Gate Hotel & Suites Prague by BHG, great 5-star accommodations located in Old Town, just a few mins walk from the famous Old Town square and its christmas market. The hotel has good breakfast, comfortable family rooms, and car parking.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Rott, popular 4-star accommodation located on the historical Little Square, very close to the Old Town Square. You’ll be within walking distance from numerous christmas markets when staying here. It has Superb breakfast and easy access to Staroměstská Metro Station.
- Budget ($): Royal Road Residence, popular 3-star accommodation in central Prague, a short walk from Staroměstská Station, easy access to the Christmas market at Old Town and Palladium Shopping Centre. It offers Superb breakfast and luggage storage spaces.
2. Lesser Town (Malá Strana)/ Hradcany
Lesser Town (Malá Strana) is a great base in Prague during the Christmas season, especially if you prefer a quieter and more romantic atmosphere for the Christmas season and don’t mind walking or using public transport to access the central areas.
Lesser Town (Malá Strana) and Hradčany are two picturesque and charming districts located on the left bank of the Vltava River where you can find the Prague Castle, St. Nicholas Church, Wallenstein Palace, and the Lesser Town Bridge Tower.
This area is known for its narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and baroque architecture. During the Christmas season, the area is beautifully decorated with lights and festive ornaments, creating a magical and romantic ambiance.
Prague Castle is the most famous attraction in Hradčany. It’s the world‘s largest ancient castle complex and serves as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle includes the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, and various other historical buildings and gardens.
There is a Christmas market at the Prague Castle on the square in front of St. George’s Basilica. This market tends to be less crowded than the Old Town Square market, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Malá Strana offers a range of cozy restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Czech dishes and drinks while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Since Hradčany is located on a hill, it offers some of the best panoramic views of the city, especially from the gardens of Prague Castle.
Best places to stay in Prague in Malá Strana for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Hotel Hoffmeister, 5-star hotel below Prague Castle, easy walk to the Malostranská underground station, featuring spacious underground car park, which is a bonus for those who drive. You can walk from the hotel up to the hill and the cathedral in just a few minutes.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Certovka, 4-star hotel offers stunning views of the Vltava River, easy access to public transportation, and major attractions of Prague. Rooms are clean and spacious.
- Budget ($): Three Golden Crowns Apartments, 3-star accommodation located in the Mala Strana district of Prague, 7 mins walk of Charles Bridge. Easy reach from the airport and the Od Town. There are several tram stops nearby.
3. New Town (Nové Město)
Staying in New Town (Nové Město) for the Christmas Markets in Prague is a convenient and popular choice. New Town is a vibrant and central district that is not actually “new” in the modern sense, as it was founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV, alongside the Old Town and Malá Strana.
New Town is right in the heart of Prague, providing easy access to all the main attractions, the Hlavni Nadrazi main train station, and Christmas markets. Wenceslas Square, one of the city’s main squares, is located in New Town, and it often hosts a Christmas market.
New Town offers a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes, including those catering to a range of budgets and tastes.
You’ll be close to theaters, museums, and entertainment venues, making it convenient to enjoy Prague’s cultural scene. Popular sights in this area are the National Museum, Lucerna Palace, Dancing House (Tančící dům), Jerusalem Synagogue, Henry’s Tower, and Charles Square.
New Town is well-connected with public transportation, including trams and the subway, which makes it easy to explore other parts of Prague if you want to venture beyond the city center.
New Town can get crowded during the Christmas season, especially in and around Wenceslas Square. If you prefer a quieter environment, this might be a drawback.
Best places to stay in Prague New Town for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Almanac X Alcron Prague, great 5-star hotel, located in New Town, easy walk from major Christmas markets on Wenceslas Square. It has very good breakfast according to approximately 3000 guest reviews.
- Mid-range ($$): Wenceslas Square Hotel – Czech Leading Hotels, 4-star hotel, centrally located only a few steps away from Wenceslas Square, also close to the main train station Hlavní nádraží and Prague National Museum. You will also have easy access to the Tylovo náměstí and Peace Square Christmas Markets.
- Budget ($): Hotel Páv, popular 3-star neo-Classical style hotel located within a short walk from the Charles Bridge, National Theatre, and Zofin Palace. Short distance from the Christmas markets at the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares.
4. Vinohrady
Vinohrady is a wonderful base in Prague for the Christmas season, especially if you prefer a quieter and more local atmosphere and don’t mind using metro/tram to access the central Christmas markets and attractions.
Vinohrady is a primarily residential area, so you’ll get a taste of local life and culture. It’s a quieter and less touristy neighborhood, which can be a refreshing change of pace during the holiday season.
While Vinohrady may not have the large, iconic Christmas markets like those in the Old Town, it often hosts smaller, local Christmas markets. These markets tend to be cozier and less crowded, providing a more intimate and authentic experience.
You’ll find a variety of charming restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Vinohrady, often at more reasonable prices than in the touristy areas. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a quiet meal and warm beverages.
Vinohrady has several parks and green spaces, such as Riegrovy Sady, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk and take in beautiful winter views.
Best places to stay in Prague in Vinohrady for Christmas Markets:
- Luxury ($$$): Le Palais Art Hotel Prague, great 5-star hotel, set in a quiet area 15 mins walk from Wenceslas Square. It has Superb breakfast and paid airport shuttle services.
- Mid-range ($$): Elizabeth Suites, 4-star accommodation, set in a convenient location, easy access to tram and underground stop for service to Old Town, the castle and castle bridge.
- Budget ($): EA Hotel Tosca, 3-star hotel located in Prague 2, in the historic Vinohrady quarter, within walking distance/ short metro line A from the Old Town. You’ll also be close to the Peace Square Christmas Markets and the Tylovo náměstí Market.
5. Žižkov
Similar to Vinohrady, Žižkov is a great area for travelers who enjoy a more local, alternative, and creative atmosphere. Žižkov is known for its distinct character and bohemian atmosphere. Just be prepared to use public transportation to reach the central Christmas markets and attractions in the city center.
Žižkov is a district with a strong local character. It’s known for its artsy and alternative scene, which can provide a unique and authentic experience during the Christmas season.
Žižkov has a thriving bar and cafe scene, with many establishments offering a wide range of craft beers and unique cocktails. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the local nightlife.
Žižkov is home to Vitkov Hill, where you can find the National Monument and enjoy panoramic views of Prague. It’s a beautiful place for a winter walk and some breathtaking views of the city.
Best places to stay in Prague in Žižkov for Christmas Markets:
- Mid-range ($$): Theatrino Hotel, great 4-star hotel in Zizkov close to the Riegrovy sady (park) and TV tower with an observation deck and 4 tram stops away from Wenceslas Square. Fabulous breakfast, private parking, and 24-hour front desk are available at this hotel.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Ariston Prague, popular 4-star accommodation, short distance from the Main Railway Station, offering easy access to all attractions of the Golden City. Short walk from numerous traditional Czech pubs, Atrium Flora shopping center, and Palace Akropolis club.
- Budget ($): Hotel Golden City Garni, great 3-star accommodation located in a well-preserved neighborhood of Zizkov, easy access to transportation for further exploration of the city.
In conclusion, Old Town (Staré Město), Lesser Town (Malá Strana), New Town (Nové Město), Vinohrady, and Žižkov are the best places to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets. These areas offer plenty of accommodations and easy access to all markets on foot and by public transportation.
If you are traveling to Prague for the first time, you can continue reading this article: Safest areas to stay in Prague for first-time visitors.
I hope you enjoyed my article and find it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality travel guides.