Nove Mesto, Prague Travel Guide

Explore Nove Mesto in Prague, where history meets modernity with vibrant markets, historic landmarks, and cultural hotspots. Discover the charm of the New Town today.

Welcome to Nove Mesto, Prague's vibrant New Town that seamlessly blends history with modernity. Established in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, this bustling neighborhood offers a unique juxtaposition of historical landmarks, bustling markets, and contemporary attractions. Begin your journey at Wenceslas Square, the heart of Nove Mesto, where history and culture intersect. This expansive boulevard is lined with shops, cafes, and museums, making it a perfect spot for both shopping and soaking in the local atmosphere. Don't miss the National Museum at the top of the square, a stunning architectural marvel that houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. As you wander through Nove Mesto, you'll discover hidden gems like the beautiful Franciscan Garden, a peaceful oasis amidst the urban hustle. The garden provides a perfect retreat for relaxation, surrounded by lush greenery and historical statues. For a taste of local flavors, head over to the traditional Havelské Tržiště market, where you can sample fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. Nove Mesto is also home to an array of cultural and artistic venues. The Prague State Opera and the New Town Hall are just a few of the iconic buildings that host a variety of performances and exhibitions. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art enthusiast, Nove Mesto offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in Prague.

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit Wenceslas Square early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Take a break in the Franciscan Garden for a serene escape from the bustling city.
Check the schedule at the Prague State Opera for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Don't miss the traditional market at Havelské Tržiště for unique souvenirs and local delicacies.

Explore Nove Mesto: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

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

Best attractions in Nove Mesto

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Památník Boženy Němcové

Explore the Božena Němcová Memorial in Prague, a tribute to Czech literary heritage and the life of one of its most beloved authors.

4.8

Charles Bridge

Walk through centuries of history on Prague's iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with statues and offering breathtaking views of the city.

4.8

St. Vitus Cathedral

Explore Prague's iconic Gothic masterpiece: St. Vitus Cathedral, a symbol of Czech history, art, and religious significance within Prague Castle.

4.8

Klementinum

Explore Prague's Klementinum: A historic Baroque complex with a stunning library, astronomical tower, and panoramic city views.

4.5

Best landmarks in Nove Mesto

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Wenceslas Square

Experience the vibrant history and lively atmosphere of Wenceslas Square, a cultural landmark in the heart of Prague, filled with shops, eateries, and stunning architecture.

4.5

Dancing House

Explore the Dancing House in Prague, a stunning modern architectural masterpiece offering breathtaking views and cultural experiences.

4.3

Prašná brána

Explore the historical and architectural marvel of Prašná brána, a Gothic gateway that opens up to the captivating Old Town of Prague.

4.6

Old Town Bridge Tower

Discover the stunning Old Town Bridge Tower in Prague, a Gothic masterpiece offering breathtaking views and rich historical significance.

4.8

Best restaurants in Nove Mesto

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

U Matěje Kotrby Restaurace a Bar

Experience authentic Czech cuisine at U Matěje Kotrby – where tradition meets taste in the heart of New Town.

4.6

Restaurant Mlýnec

Experience exquisite modern European cuisine at Restaurant Mlýnec in Prague's historic Old Town, with stunning views of the Charles Bridge.

4.7

Tančící dům - Ginger & Fred Restaurant

Experience exquisite European cuisine in the heart of Prague at Tančící dům - Ginger & Fred Restaurant with stunning river views.

4.3

Yori Restaurant

Discover Yori Restaurant: A fusion of modern elegance and traditional Czech flavors along Prague's beautiful riverside.

4.5

Best bars in Nove Mesto

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

The Pub Praha 1

Discover The Pub Praha 1, where traditional Czech hospitality meets modern bar culture in the picturesque Old Town of Prague.

4.1

U Sudu Wine Bar

Discover the finest wines and vibrant atmosphere at U Sudu Wine Bar in New Town, a must-visit for wine lovers in Prague.

4.2

My People Bar

Discover the lively spirit of Old Town at My People Bar, your destination for live music, great food, and vibrant nightlife.

4.6

Beer Point : Craft Beer Pub

Experience the essence of Czech brewing at Beer Point, where craft beers meet a lively atmosphere in the heart of Prague.

4.7

Best nightclubs in Nove Mesto

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Duplex

Discover the exhilarating nightlife at Duplex, Prague's premier night club boasting stunning views, top DJs, and a vibrant atmosphere to dance the night away.

4.8

Chapeau Rouge

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Prague at Chapeau Rouge, a premier night club in the heart of Old Town, offering dance, drinks, and unforgettable memories.

4.0

Epic Prague

Experience the electrifying nightlife at Epic Prague, where world-class DJs and a vibrant atmosphere come together for an unforgettable party.

4.0

KU Club & Bar

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Old Town at KU Club & Bar, where cocktails and great music collide for an unforgettable evening.

3.9

Best shops in Nove Mesto

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Explore the whimsical world of Flying Tiger Copenhagen, where unique gifts, playful decor, and creativity come together in a colorful shopping experience.

4.4

THE VINTAGE PRAGUE

Explore The Vintage Prague, a treasure trove of unique vintage clothing and accessories located in the heart of New Town, perfect for fashion lovers.

5.0

Bric a Brac Antiques

Explore the enchanting Bric a Brac Antiques in Prague's Old Town, a unique destination for vintage lovers and collectors seeking timeless treasures.

4.3

Pylones

Explore Pylones in Old Town, a vibrant gift shop offering unique souvenirs, quirky decor, and imaginative treasures for every taste.

4.5

Explore Nove Mesto on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Nove Mesto, mapped for you.

Nove Mesto Essentials

Nove Mesto is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Prague. If you are arriving by train, the main railway station, Hlavní Nádraží, is located in Nove Mesto. The metro (line C) and several tram lines connect it to other parts of the city. For those coming from the airport, the Airport Express bus runs directly to the city center, with a stop at Hlavní Nádraží. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available.
Nove Mesto is well-served by public transport. The metro stations at Muzeum (lines A and C) and I.P. Pavlova (line C) provide quick access to the rest of Prague. Trams are frequent, with several lines operating throughout the neighborhood. Bicycles can be rented from various services, and cycling paths are available. Walking is also a great way to explore, as many attractions are within a short distance.
Nove Mesto is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advisable. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious with personal belongings, especially in crowded places like Wenceslas Square. Areas around the railway station can experience petty crime, so stay vigilant. It is best to avoid engaging with aggressive panhandlers.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The main hospital in Nove Mesto is the Bulovka Hospital, which provides comprehensive care. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues, and many speak English.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; locals dress smart-casual. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs; be quiet and respectful in places of worship. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding; don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with 'Dobrý den' (Good day); don't interrupt when locals are speaking. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Czech dishes and local beers; don’t refuse invitations to join locals for drinks, as it is considered rude.
To experience Nove Mesto like a local, venture into the lesser-known cafes and bakeries that offer authentic Czech pastries. Visit the Náplavka Riverbank farmers' market on Saturdays for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with local musicians or artists performing in the square for a taste of the vibrant culture. Take a walk along the Vltava River for scenic views, and don’t miss the opportunity to explore hidden courtyards and gardens throughout the neighborhood.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Nove Mesto

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 Nove Mesto. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
- GoodbyeNashledanou
  [nash-led-an-oh]
- YesAno
  [ah-noh]
- NoNe
  [neh]
- Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
- Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yee]
- Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [pro-meen-tyeh]
- How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak se mahsh]
- Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [dobr-zhe. ah tee]
- Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-te ahng-lee-tskee]
- 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
  [nay-eem mah-soh]
- Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [nah zdra-vee]
- I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khtyel bikh zap-la-teet, pro-seem]
- Help!Pomoc!
  [po-moats]
- Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preets]
- Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [za-vo-ley-teh po-lit-see-ee]
- Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora!
  [za-vo-ley-teh dohk-toh-rah]
- I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztra-teel ysem seh]
- I'm illJsem nemocný
  [ysem neh-mo-tsnee]
- I'd like to buy...Rád bych koupit...
  [rahd bikh koh-peeht]
- I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yen seh dee-vaam]
- How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoy-ee]
- That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh ye pr-ee-lee-sh 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-na hoh-dee-nah]
- Half past (10)Půl desáté
  [pool des-aht-eh]
- MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
- AfternoonOdpoledne
  [od-pol-ed-neh]
- EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
- YesterdayVčera
  [v-cheh-rah]
- TodayDnes
  [dnes]
- TomorrowZítra
  [zee-tra]
- 1Jedna
  [yed-na]
- 2Dva
  [dva]
- 3Tři
  [tree]
- 4Čtyři
  [cht-yer-zhee]
- 5Pět
  [pyet]
- 6Šest
  [shehst]
- 7Sedm
  [sedm]
- 8Osm
  [osm]
- 9Devět
  [deh-veht]
- 10Deset
  [deh-set]
- Where's a/the...?Kde je...?
  [kdeh yeh]
- What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-kah yeh ah-deh-srah]
- 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 dal-shee ow-toh-boos]
- A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenka (do ....)
  [yed-noh yeez-dehn-kah doh]

History of Nove Mesto

Nové Město, or New Town, was founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV as part of his vision to expand Prague and enhance its significance as a cultural and economic hub in Central Europe. The area was designed with a grid layout, featuring wide streets and large squares, which was advanced for its time. This development marked a significant shift in urban planning, contributing to Prague's growth in the late Middle Ages.
In the early 15th century, Nové Město became a focal point during the Hussite Wars, a series of religious conflicts stemming from the teachings of Jan Hus. The city witnessed significant unrest and was the site of many battles and protests, reflecting the broader social and political upheaval occurring in Bohemia. The Hussite movement, which emphasized reform and opposition to the Catholic Church, gained considerable support in Prague, leading to a lasting impact on the region's religious landscape.
In the 19th century, Nové Město played a crucial role in the Czech National Revival. The construction of the National Theatre began in 1868 and was completed in 1881, symbolizing the cultural awakening and national pride of the Czech people. The theatre became a center for Czech literature, drama, and music, reflecting the aspirations for independence and cultural identity amidst the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Nové Město also served as a significant site during the Velvet Revolution in 1989, a peaceful protest movement that led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Demonstrations and gatherings took place in Wenceslas Square, which is a crucial part of Nové Město, where citizens rallied for democracy and human rights. This historical moment is commemorated in various monuments and memorials throughout the neighborhood.
Today, Nové Město is a vibrant neighborhood that blends historical significance with modern urban life. It is home to numerous cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants, embodying the dynamic spirit of Prague. The area hosts various festivals and events that celebrate Czech culture, including the Prague Spring Festival, further solidifying its role as a cultural hub in the city.