Nové Město

Nové Město isn't actually new. King Charles IV laid it out in 1348 to expand the city beyond the old walls. Today, it remains proof of how different eras collide. You’ll see 19th-century Art Nouveau palaces standing next to blocky brutalist structures. The scale is different from Old Town. Streets are wider. Squares are massive. It feels like a capital city where people actually work and commute. Trams rattle down the main arteries. It’s the cultural backbone of Prague, home to the National Theatre and National Museum. Stay here to see the city's modern rhythm.

Start at Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). It’s more of a long boulevard than a square. This is where the Velvet Revolution happened. The neo-Renaissance National Museum looms at the top end. Walk down to the Vltava to see the National Theatre. It’s a gold-topped monument to Czech pride. If you're a student, you'll get 50% off tickets for opera and stage plays. Further south, look for the Dancing House. It looks like it’s warping in mid-air. Don't miss the Head of Franz Kafka near the Quadrio mall. It’s a giant metallic bust that constantly twists and realigns itself. It’s hypnotic.

Eat at Kantýna on Politických vězňů 1511/5 if you want meat. It’s a former bank turned butcher hall. Grab a tray, pick your raw cuts at the counter, and let the chefs cook it. A 0.5L Pilsner Urquell is 78 CZK. Pair it with a 82 CZK garlic potato pancake (bramborák). If you're feeling flush, the beef carpaccio is 348 CZK. For a history fix, head to U Fleků on Křemencova 1651/11. They've brewed dark lager here since 1499. A glass costs 99 CZK. Watch out for the servers carrying trays of Becherovka shots. They aren't free. You'll pay 79 CZK if you take one. For caffeine, hit EMA Espresso Bar on Na Florenci 1420/3. It's bright and minimalist.

Book a room at the Art Nouveau Palace Hotel on Panská 12 if you want 1909 glamour and marble bathrooms. For something sharper, try NYX Hotel Prague just down the street at Panská 1308/9. It’s housed in a building designed by Josef Gočár and filled with street art. Doubles start around $120. Breakfast is an extra 414 CZK and bringing a dog costs 650 CZK. Budget travelers should look at The ICON Prague. Rates start near $63. Another solid pick is Akcent Hotel for $67. If you want to be near the transport hub at I.P. Pavlova, the EA Hotel New Town is a five-minute walk away.

You can walk almost everywhere in Nové Město. The sidewalks are broad and easy to navigate. But the metro is your best friend for longer hops. All three lines cross through here. Můstek and Muzeum serve Wenceslas Square. I.P. Pavlova and Národní třída are key hubs. You'll reach any part of the center in under 15 minutes. Above ground, use the trams. They’re frequent and efficient. Stops like Štěpánská or Jindřišská drop you right in the commercial thick of it. The main train station, Praha hlavní nádraží, is on the district’s edge. It makes day trips incredibly easy.

Na Příkopě is the main shopping drag. It’s a wide pedestrian boulevard built over an old moat. You'll find every major international brand here. Wenceslas Square is the other big retail hub. It’s where locals come for bookstores and department stores. If you need a mall, head to Quadrio at Národní třída. It’s modern and sits right above the metro. The Palladium at Republic Square is even bigger. It’s a massive complex with hundreds of stores tucked inside a historic barracks building. It’s usually packed, but the food court is handy.

Prague is safe. But don't get sloppy. Pickpockets love the crowds at Wenceslas Square or the main train station. Keep your wallet secure. You must carry your passport or national ID by law. The police can ask for it anywhere. If you have an emergency, call 158 for police or 112 for general help. Factor the tourist tax into your budget. It’s 50 CZK (roughly €2) per person, per night. Your hotel will usually ask for this in cash at check-in. When the bill comes at a restaurant, tip 5-10%. Tell the server the total you want to pay, tip included, before you hand over your cash or card.