New Town, Prague Travel Guide

New Town, Prague: A captivating blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy, offering iconic landmarks, diverse dining, and lively nightlife.

New Town, locally known as Nové Město, is a dynamic and bustling neighborhood in the heart of Prague. Established in the 14th century by King Charles IV, New Town offers a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. This area is home to some of Prague's most iconic landmarks, including Wenceslas Square, a hub of commerce and culture, and the stunning Dancing House, an architectural marvel that juxtaposes classical and contemporary design. Art lovers will appreciate the numerous galleries and museums scattered throughout New Town, such as the National Gallery and the Mucha Museum. The neighborhood is also a dining hotspot, boasting a wide array of restaurants offering both traditional Czech cuisine and international flavors. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, there is something to satisfy every palate. In addition to its cultural and culinary delights, New Town is known for its lively nightlife. With an abundance of bars, clubs, and live music venues, there is no shortage of entertainment options. Whether you're interested in exploring historic sites, indulging in gourmet meals, or experiencing the vibrant nightlife, New Town has something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring New Town.

Visit Wenceslas Square early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate its historic significance.
Make a reservation at popular restaurants, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Explore the side streets and alleys for hidden gems, such as quaint cafes and unique shops.
Use public transportation to get around easily; New Town is well-connected by trams and metro.
Check the schedule for live performances at local theaters and music venues for an authentic cultural experience.

Explore New Town: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in New Town

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Charles Bridge

Walk across Prague's iconic Charles Bridge, a medieval stone masterpiece adorned with Baroque statues and offering stunning city views.

4.8

Old Town Square

Experience Prague's captivating history and architecture in Old Town Square, a vibrant hub filled with iconic landmarks and cultural events.

4.8

Prague Astronomical Clock

Witness the hourly spectacle of the world's oldest working astronomical clock in Prague's Old Town Square. A medieval marvel!

4.7

Prague Castle

Explore Prague Castle, a UNESCO site: a sprawling complex of palaces, churches, and gardens, showcasing centuries of Czech history and architecture.

4.7

Best landmarks in New Town

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Old Town Square

Experience the magic of Old Town Square in Prague, a vibrant plaza filled with historical landmarks, local culture, and lively atmosphere.

4.8

Wenceslas Square

Discover the vibrant history and culture of Prague at Wenceslas Square, a lively plaza filled with shops, restaurants, and iconic landmarks.

4.5

Dancing House

Discover the Dancing House in Prague, a stunning architectural landmark blending modern design with historic charm and offering breathtaking views of the city.

4.3

Prašná brána

Discover the historical grandeur of Prašná Brána, a remarkable Gothic landmark in Prague's Old Town, and experience breathtaking views of the city.

4.6

Best restaurants in New Town

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Kantýna

Discover the heart of Czech cuisine at Kantýna – where quality meats meet authentic flavors in a charming New Town setting.

4.6

The Street Burgers, Street food and Cocktails Prague 1

Discover gourmet burgers and vibrant cocktails at The Street Burgers in Prague's historic center – a culinary gem not to be missed!

4.7

U Pivrnce

Discover authentic Czech cuisine at U Pivrnce in Old Town; savor hearty dishes paired with local beers in a cozy atmosphere.

4.6

U Kroka

Experience authentic Czech cuisine at U Kroka, where tradition meets flavor in the heart of Prague.

4.7

Best bars in New Town

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Hemingway Bar

Experience the charm of Hemingway Bar in Prague's Old Town, where innovative cocktails and literary inspiration come together for an unforgettable night out.

4.7

Anonymous Bar

Discover the mystique of Anonymous Bar in Old Town, where innovative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await every night.

4.4

The Pub Praha 1

Discover The Pub Praha 1, a lively bar in Old Town offering craft beers, delicious Czech cuisine, and a unique self-serve experience.

4.1

Black Angel's Bar

Discover the historic charm and modern cocktail culture of Black Angel's Bar in the heart of Prague's Old Town.

4.4

Best nightclubs in New Town

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Duplex

Duplex Nightclub: Where Prague's Nightlife Comes Alive with Stunning Views and Unforgettable Beats.

4.8

Karlovy Lazne - Nightclub

Dive into Prague's nightlife at Karlovy Lazne, the city's largest nightclub with diverse music, vibrant atmosphere, and unforgettable parties.

4.2

Chapeau Rouge

Chapeau Rouge: Experience Prague's energetic nightlife with eclectic music, signature cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Old Town.

4.0

Epic Prague

Experience the electrifying nightlife at Epic Prague, the ultimate disco club in the heart of Old Town, where music and dance come alive.

4.0

Best shops in New Town

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Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Explore the colorful and quirky world of Flying Tiger Copenhagen, your go-to gift shop for unique finds in New Town.

4.4

THE VINTAGE PRAGUE

Discover unique vintage clothing and accessories at The Vintage Prague, where every piece has a story to tell in the heart of New Town.

5.0

LOCAL ARTISTS

Explore Local Artists in Prague's Old Town for unique handcrafted gifts, souvenirs, and scrapbooking supplies that reflect Czech culture.

4.6

Bric a Brac Antiques

Explore Bric a Brac Antiques in Prague for unique treasures and collectibles steeped in history.

4.3

Explore New Town on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in New Town, mapped for you.

New Town Essentials

New Town (Nové Město) is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Prague. If you are arriving by plane, Václav Havel Airport Prague is about 20 km away. You can take the Airport Express bus to the city center and then transfer to metro lines B or C. If you're traveling by train, the main railway station (Hlavní nádraží) is located in New Town, providing easy access to domestic and international routes. Trams and buses connect New Town to other parts of the city, making it convenient to reach from areas like Old Town, Mala Strana, and Vinohrady.
New Town is well-served by Prague's public transport system. The metro (lines B and C) has several stations in the area, including Karlovo Náměstí and I.P. Pavlova. Trams also run frequently, with lines 3, 4, 10, and 24 providing access to various parts of the neighbourhood. Bicycles can be rented through local bike-sharing programs, and many streets are bike-friendly. Walking is a great way to explore, as many attractions are within a short distance of each other.
New Town is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas like Wenceslas Square and the shopping district around Národní třída. Pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots. Areas to be cautious in include the vicinity of the main train station and certain lesser-known side streets.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-urgent medical issues, visit a local hospital or clinic. Pharmacies (apoteka) are widely available and often have English-speaking staff. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy, handy.
Fashion: Do dress appropriately when visiting churches or formal establishments, avoiding overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious events. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and keep it until the end of your journey. Don’t use your phone loudly in public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and cafes. Don’t eat or drink on public transport or in sacred places.
To experience New Town like a local, explore the lesser-known cafes and bistros away from the tourist traps around Wenceslas Square. Attend a performance at the National Theatre or check out local art galleries. Participate in the local market scene at Náplavka, especially on weekends, where you can enjoy fresh produce and homemade goods. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their love for their city.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for New Town

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in New Town. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
- GoodbyeNa shledanou
  [na shledanou]
- YesAno
  [ah-noh]
- NoNe
  [neh]
- Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
- Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yi]
- Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [proh-meen-tyeh]
- How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak se mahsh]
- Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [doh-breh. ah tee]
- Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-teh ahn-gleet-skee]
- I don't understandNerozumím
  [neh-roh-zoo-meem]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseRád bych viděl menu, prosím
  [rahd bikh vee-dyel meh-noo, pro-seem]
- I don't eat meatNejím maso
  [nyeem mah-soh]
- Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [na zdra-vee]
- I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khtyel bikh zap-la-teet, pro-seem]
- Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
- Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preets]
- Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [zah-vo-leh-yeh poh-lee-tsee]
- Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora!
  [zah-vo-leh-yeh dohk-toh-rah]
- I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztra-teel yehm se]
- I'm illJsem nemocný
  [ysem ne-mo-tsnee]
- I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [khtyel bikh koh-peeht]
- I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yen se dee-vahm]
- How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoh-yee]
- That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh yeh pree-leesh drah-heh]
- Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moo-zheh-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]
- What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [koh-leek yeh hoh-deen]
- It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yed-nah hoh-dee-nah]
- Half past (10)Půl jedenácté
  [pool yed-neh-ahnt-seh]
- MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
- AfternoonOdpoledne
  [ohd-poh-led-neh]
- EveningVečer
  [veh-chair]
- YesterdayVčera
  [v-chair-ah]
- TodayDnes
  [dnes]
- TomorrowZítra
  [zhee-trah]
- 1Jedna
  [yed-nah]
- 2Dva
  [dvah]
- 3Tři
  [tree]
- 4Čtyři
  [tchee-tyr-zhee]
- 5Pět
  [pyet]
- 6Šest
  [shehst]
- 7Sedm
  [sedm]
- 8Osm
  [ohsm]
- 9Devět
  [deh-vyet]
- 10Deset
  [deh-set]
- Where's a/the...?Kde je ...?
  [kde yeh]
- What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi to ukázat (na mapě)?
  [moo-zheh-teh mee toh oo-kah-zaht (nah mah-peh)]
- When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdee yeh-deh dah-lshee (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Jednu jízdenku (do ....)
  [yed-noo yeez-dehn-koo (doh)]

History of New Town

New Town (Nové Město) was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. It was part of his grand vision to expand Prague, making it a cultural and economic center in Central Europe. The area was designed in a grid layout, a novel approach for medieval urban planning, emphasizing wide boulevards and spacious squares, which was a significant departure from the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town.
In the early 15th century, New Town became a pivotal location during the Hussite Wars, a series of conflicts stemming from religious reformist ideas. The area saw significant unrest and battles, with the followers of Jan Hus using the strategically located New Town as a base for their activities. This period marked a profound transformation in the social and political landscape of Prague.
The Renaissance period in the 16th century saw New Town thrive as a hub of culture and trade. The construction of important buildings, such as the majestic Church of St. Ignatius and the New Town Hall, reflected the architectural advancements of the time. This era also fostered the growth of education and the arts, with the establishment of institutions such as Charles University, which played a crucial role in the cultural development of the region.
The 19th century brought significant industrialization to New Town, aligning with broader trends across Europe. Factories, shops, and residential buildings rapidly filled the area, transforming its character. The introduction of the tram system in the late 19th century further integrated New Town with the wider city of Prague, enhancing its accessibility and economic vitality.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New Town became a focal point for the Czech National Revival movement. Cultural institutions, theaters, and galleries emerged, celebrating Czech language and heritage. The establishment of the National Museum in the area underscored the significance of New Town as a center for national identity and pride amidst the Austro-Hungarian Empire's dominance.
Following World War II, New Town experienced substantial changes under Communist rule. The government prioritized industrial growth, which often led to the neglect of historical architecture. However, this period also saw the construction of new residential complexes and cultural facilities. The Velvet Revolution of 1989 eventually brought a new wave of revitalization, focusing on preserving the rich historical legacy of New Town.
Today, New Town stands as a vibrant blend of history and modernity. It is home to significant cultural institutions, including the National Theater and the bustling Wenceslas Square, a site of historical protests and celebrations. The area continues to attract both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into Prague's dynamic past and its ongoing evolution in the heart of Czechia.