StayAreasOld Town or Malá Strana: where should you stay in Prague?
- Old Town is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $200 a night, against $210 in Malá Strana.
- Malá Strana is closer to 6 of the 12 big sights we timed; Old Town wins on 5.
- Old Town has more nightlife.
- Malá Strana has quieter nights.
- From Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), Malá Strana is quicker: 40 min against 45 min.
Old TownAstronomical Clock, Gothic lanes & squaresPick Old Town if
- First-time visitors
- Couples
- History lovers
Malá StranaBaroque streets below the castlePick Malá Strana if
- Couples
- Luxury stays
- Repeat visitors
Old Town vs Malá Strana, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Old Town | Malá Strana |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $105 (better) | $115 |
| Mid-range double | $200 (better) | $210 |
| Luxury double | $525 | $525 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Old Town Square | 5 min (better) | 15 min |
| Astronomical Clock | 2 min walk (better) | 19 min walk |
| Old Town Square | 3 min walk (better) | 21 min walk |
| Lennon Wall | 17 min walk | 6 min walk (better) |
| Old-New Synagogue | 8 min walk (better) | 23 min walk |
| Charles Bridge | 11 min walk | 8 min walk (better) |
| Municipal House | 9 min walk (better) | 18 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) | 45 min | 40 min (better) |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Excellent | Excellent |
| Nightlife | Very good (better) | Limited |
| Quiet at night | Limited | Very good (better) |
| Food | Very good | Very good |
| Families | Good | Good |
| Transport | Very good (better) | Good |
Hotels in Old Town and Malá Strana
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Old Town or Malá Strana: questions
Is Old Town or Malá Strana better to stay in?
Old Town is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $200 a night, against $210 in Malá Strana. Malá Strana is closer to 6 of the 12 big sights we timed; Old Town wins on 5. Old Town has more nightlife. Malá Strana has quieter nights. From Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), Malá Strana is quicker: 40 min against 45 min. Old Town suits first-time visitors and couples; Malá Strana suits couples and luxury stays.
Which is cheaper, Old Town or Malá Strana?
Typical doubles in Old Town: $105 budget, $200 mid-range, $525 luxury. In Malá Strana: $115, $210 and $525. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Old Town or Malá Strana?
Door to door: Astronomical Clock is 2 min walk from Old Town and 19 min walk from Malá Strana; Old Town Square is 3 min walk from Old Town and 21 min walk from Malá Strana; Lennon Wall is 17 min walk from Old Town and 6 min walk from Malá Strana; Old-New Synagogue is 8 min walk from Old Town and 23 min walk from Malá Strana.
How far is Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) from Old Town and Malá Strana?
45 min to Old Town and 40 min to Malá Strana, door to door by public transport.