Prague has accommodations to suit every budget. Thanks to the opening of some new “chic” hostels throughout the city (Mosaic House, Sir Toby’s, Miss Sophie’s, Czech Inn), travelers willing to pay a bit extra can find digs that almost feel like hotels, some with in-house restaurants and free Wi-Fi. There are many earthier options throughout the city, including a handful of cheaper party hostels. In general, Staré Město costs more and offers less, while Nové Město costs less and offers more. There are several great hostels in Holešovice, Vinohrady, and Malá Strana, but these may require a Metro or a tram ride to visit sights, which might be a bit out of the way for those staying only a few days in Prague. In addition to hostels, there’s a network of student dorms that function as hostels during the summer (www.czechcampus.com). These may not give you the traditional hostel experience, but they tend to be cheaper than most hostels.
Finally, a note on prices: the prices included in this guide are approximate. Most Prague hostels price with an algorithm that takes into account the time of year, the day of the week, and hostel vacancy. No matter when you visit, the system rewards those who book in advance.
Staying in Prague for cheap certainly isn’t difficult. If you are especially, um, energy-efficient (read: lazy), Nové Město is a good option in the center of the action. If you’re a true budgeteer, you’ll find hostels outside the center in neighborhoods like Holešovice and Vinohrady to be cheaper and easily accessible by tram. Plus, if you stay away from touristy Staré Město, buying food nearby will also cost you less.
Nové Město might be the best part of town to stay in. There’s a cluster of reasonablypriced hostels around Myslíkova. Many mid-level hotels are also concentrated around I.P. Pavlova, but, if you’re going to stay in Nové Město, we’d recommend staying a little closer to the center of town.
Mosaic House
HOTEL, HOSTEL $$
Odborù 4
246 008 324; www.mosaichouse.com
Staying at Mosaic House might be even more environmentally friendly than pitching a tent somewhere in Wenceslas Sq. The first of its kind in the Czech Republic, the hostel uses electricity solely from renewable sources and has a graywater recycling system. But the real difference between this and sleeping in a tent? The comfort. The four-star hotel rooms have a spillover effect on the sleek and private dorms. Another major plus is the restaurant downstairs; Belushi’s has live music, comedy nights, and other events, in addition to serving generous portions of American food. (Let’s Go does not recommend camping in Wenceslas Sq.)
B: Karlovo náměstí. From the station, head north along the western edge of the square. Take a left at Odborù at the northwest corner. 
Breakfast 150Kč1. Towels included for hotel guests, with dorms 30Kč. Lockers included. Computer use 50Kč per hr. Women’s dorm available. 
Dorms 300-625Kč; doubles 1440Kč. 
Reception 24hr.
Downtown Hostel
HOSTEL $$
Národní třída 19
224 240 570; www.hostel-downtown.cz
One of the best-located hostels in the city, Downtown Hostel straddles the border between Old and New Town, and is within spitting distance from tram and Metro stops. Among the hostel’s highlights are its daily social events, which include cooking nights and free sightseeing tours. The rooms are simple and clean—if you’re lucky, yours will have unusually tall windows that face the enormous anti-war graffiti across the street. The common room features a piano, and there’s a guitar to borrow at reception—a jam session with other hostel guests is at your fingertips.
B: Národní třída. From the Metro walk up on Spálená, then turn left on Národní třída. The hostel is on the right. Breakfast 70Kč. Linens and towels included. Laundry 50Kč. Free Wi-Fi. Dorms 300-500Kč; doubles 1000-1800Kč. 10% discount for HI members. Reception 24hr.
AZ Hostel
HOSTEL $
Jindřišská 5
224 241 664; www.hostel-az.cz
Well-located and quite cheap, AZ is best suited to those who don’t ask for too much in terms of hostel culture. The common room may be forgettable, and there may not be that many extra perks (with the exception of complimentary tea and coffee), but the rooms are neatly painted and without bunk beds. Since the hostel lies just off Wenceslas Sq., staying here will afford you the additional pleasure of interacting with the sketchy men trying to lure you into their erotic clubs at night. (Always a perk.)
A or B: Můstek. From the station, walk up the square toward the National Museum, then make a left on Jindřišská. The hostel is on the left, inside a courtyard. Linens, towels, and lockers included. Laundry service 190Kč. Computer use 20Kč per 10min. Free Wi-Fi. Women-only dorm available. Dorms 320Kč; singles 950Kč; doubles 1000Kč. 10% discount for stays over 1 week. Reception 24hr.
Miss Sophie’s
HOSTEL, HOTEL $$
Melounová 3
293 303 530; www.miss-sophies.com
Miss Sophie’s is a bit out of the way and on the pricier side, but it’s not entirely out of the budget traveler’s reach. Genuinely cool modern designs (including mural-sized original artwork) line the newly painted walls and the steel and glass showers are classier than what you’ll find in most hotels. The polished wood floors, black bed frames, and intimate brick cellar (where one of Prague’s most impressive hostel breakfasts is served) may be worth the few extra crowns and the tram ride to I.P. Pavlova.
C: I.P. Pavlova. From the Metro, walk west on Jeèná, then take the 2nd left onto Melounová. Breakfast 170Kč. Towels 30Kč. Free Wi-Fi. 2 computers available. Dorms 410-600Kč; private rooms 1150-2200Kč. 5% ISIC discount for online reservations. Reception 24hr.
Chili Hostel
HOSTEL $
Pštrossova 7
603 119 113; www.chili.dj
Judging by the phone-book-length list of damage fines posted at the reception, this place can get rowdy. With its army of bunk beds and enormous underground lounge (with both pool and foosball tables), Chili is a real party hostel. Don’t expect any luxury (the dorm rooms have barely any furniture); do expect international pregames in the common spaces.
B: Národní třída. From the Metro, walk west on Ostrovní and make a left on Pštrossova. The hostel is on the right on a street corner. Linens, towels, and lockers included. Laundry 190Kč; free for stays of 5 days or more. Free Wi-Fi. Computers available. Dorms 200-480Kč; doubles 600-700Kč per person. Reception 24hr.
Hostel Prague Lion
HOSTEL $$
Na Zbořenci 6
731 487 936; www.prague-lion.com
This little hostel may be called the lion, but roaring won’t get you very far; with no common spaces, it’s ideal for those who want quiet. The hostel is small and tends to fill up, so book at least a week in advance. If you’re lucky enough to get a bed, you’ll be able to enjoy the spacious, well-equipped rooms, some of which even have their own kitchen counters.
B: Karlovo náměstí. From the Metro, head down Resslova, then take the 1st right on Na Zderaze and another right on Na Zbořenci. Linens and towels included. Free Wi-Fi and 1 computer available. Fridges and microwaves in all rooms. Doubles 1350-2200Kč; quads 1850-2700Kč. 4% fee for credit card payment. Reception 24hr.
Hostel U Bubeníčků
GUESTHOUSE $
Myslíkova 8
224 922 357; www.ububenicku.com
This isn’t your typical hostel—the only reception desk you’ll find is the bar of the U Bubeníèkù restaurant. Located above the restaurant, the fourth-floor hostel offers 38 budget beds and some apartments. Many of the typical hostel facilities are absent—no computers, no common room—but the place combines low rates and pleasant decor. The smells of roast pork and sauerkraut downstairs are free of charge—should you decide to pursue them further, guests get a 10% discount at the restaurant.
B: Karlovo náměstí. From the Metro, take Resslova toward the river and take a right on Na Zderaze and a left on Myslíková. The guesthouse is on the left. Breakfast 50-90Kč. Linens and lockers included. Towels 50Kč. Dorms 300Kč; doubles 490Kč per person. Reception 9am-midnight.
The Welcome Praguecenter Hostel
GUESTHOUSE $
žitná 17
224 320 202; www.bed.cz
Possibly the worst-named hostel in the city, Welcome Praguecenter provides reasonably comfortable private rooms for dorm prices. Located on the second floor of an apartment building, this guesthouse has nine rooms featuring king-size beds, refrigerators, and safes. The lack of a common space or kitchen is the only downfall. Well, that and a lame name.
B: Karlovo náměstí. From the station, head away from the river down Žitná. The guesthouse is on the left. Linens and towels included. Free Wi-Fi; computer use 20Kč per 10min. Reserve in advance. Private rooms 250-450Kč per person. Reception open 8am-8pm.
Hostel Centre
HOSTEL $$
Sokolská 29
224 247 412; www.hostel-centre.eu
Even though the name is more wishful thinking than reality, Hostel Centre still offers acceptable rooms at decent prices. The carpeting adds a level of hominess, and you can use the hostel’s Playstation, for €2 per hour. Tram 22 or the Metro line C will take you wherever you need to go.
C: I.P. Pavlova. From the Metro, head 1 block toward the river on Jugoslávská and turn left on Sokolská. The hostel is on the right. Breakfast 56Kč. Linens and towels included. Free Wi-Fi and computers available. Dorms 420-700Kč; doubles 750Kč. Reception 24hr.
Surprisingly, there’s only a handful of hostels in Staré Město. The main draw of staying here is the location—roll out of bed in the morning and you’ll land on the historic cobblestones. The Old Town is great for those staying in Prague for a day or two and who won’t have time to explore the outer neighborhoods much.
HOSTEL $$
Benediktská 2
224 829 058; www.oldpraguehostel.com
Old Prague and its sister hostel, Prague Square, are perhaps the only hostels in Staré Město that really roll Western-style, despite the old-school buildings they occupy. Common rooms have flatscreen TVs and comfy couches, light breakfast (sandwiches, cereal) is included in the price, and receptionists tend to be young expats. Old Prague Hostel is marginally the better of the two—it feels more welcoming, thanks to some cheerful drawings on the walls. It’s also a bit farther away from the rumble of the crowds in Old Town Sq., but still really close to everything in Staré Město.
B: Náměstí Republiky. From the station, walk down to Powder Tower, then turn right on Celetná. Turn right at an underpass that leads to Templová and take the first left on Štupartská. The hostel will be on the right. Non-smoking. Breakfast, towels, linens, lockers, and adapters included. Wi-Fi available on the mezzanine and in the common area; free computer access. Key deposit 100Kč. 8-bed dorms 270-450Kč; 4-bed 350-550Kč. Doubles 500-650Kč. Cash only. Reception 24hr.
Prague Square Hostel
HOSTEL $$
Melantrichova 10
224 240 859; www.praguesquarehostel.com
In terms of services, Prague Square Hostel is identical to its twin, Old Prague Hostel. The only real difference is in location: the advantage of Prague Square Hostel is that it’s right in the stream of people between Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, a bit closer to Nové Město. If you’re bothered by the ruckus outside, the reception offers free earplugs.
A or B: Můstek. From the station, head north on na Můstku and continue on it as it turns into Melantrichova. The hostel will be on your right. Non-smoking. Breakfast, adapters, towels, linens, and lockers included. Free computer access and Wi-Fi in common spaces. 8-bed dorms 270-450Kč; 4-bed 350-550Kč. Doubles 500-650Kč. Cash only. Reception 24hr.
Hostel Týn
HOSTEL $
Týnská 19
224 828 519; www.hosteltyn.com
Finding this hostel in the maze of Týn-related streets behind Church of Our Lady Before Týn can take a while, but it’s worth it. The dorms are bunk-free, which offsets the lack of free breakfast. The underground common room and kitchen are virtually pleasant (helped by the fake window with LED tubes imitating sunlight) and a good place to socialize. The bad news is that the downstairs closes at 2am; the good news is that, depending on your charm, this time may be negotiable.
B: Náměstí Republiky. From the station, head south to Powder Tower and continue on Celetná. Continue towards the river, then take a right at Štupartská and a left onto Týnská. Follow Týnská as it winds around. The hotel is in a courtyard on your right. Nonsmoking. Towels and lockers included. Free Wi-Fi in common spaces; free computer access. Dorms 300-400Kč; doubles 900-1200Kč; triples 1000-1400Kč. Cash only. Reception 24hr.
Pension Tara
PENSION $
Havelská 15
224 228 083; www.pensiontara.net
If you’re lucky, you’ll score this pension’s sole dorm, which features six beds in three separate rooms. You can also ask for one of their attic rooms, which are quiet and fun (and by fun we mean you have to step over wooden beams). It’s not a hostel, so there’s no kitchen, breakfast, or Wi-Fi, but as far as the whole sleeping thing goes, the rooms are nice enough.
A or B: Můstek. From the station, head north on na Můstku and continue on it as it turns into Melantrichova, then take a left on Havelská. The pension will be on your right. Linens and towels included. No Wi-Fi, but the reception has 1 Wi-Fi USB key that they lend to guests. Large dorms 300-400Kč; 4-bed rooms 450-550Kč; doubles 600-850Kč. Reception 9am-8pm.
Ritchie’s Hotel and Hostel
HOSTEL $$
Karlova 13
222 221 229; www.ritchieshostel.cz
Full of hidden steps, low ceilings, and staircases that twist and creak, this hostel is a bit like one of those colorful adventure playgrounds for kids. You might need to walk out on the balcony to go to the bathroom or to take a shower, or you might end up in a room with a 175cm (5 ft., 10 in.) ceiling. The upside: you’re on Karlova, one of the busiest pedestrian streets in Prague, smack dab in the center of everything.
A: Staroměstské. From the station, head down Křižovnická directly along the river. At the Charles bridge, turn left on Karlova. The hostel will be on the left, through a small gallery. Lockers 30Kč per day. Breakfast 90Kč. Linens and towels included. Laundry 140Kč per load; no dryer. Women’s dorms available. Large dorms 300-450Kč; 3-bed dorms 450-525Kč. Doubles 600-675Kč. ISIC holders get a 5% discount. Credit card use 3% fee. Reception 24hr. Kitchen open 8am-1am.
HOSTEL $
Dlouhá 33
224 826 662; www.travellers.cz
It’s a bit cheaper than other hostels in Staré Město, and we can see why—the walls could use a new paint job, the dorms have between 10 and 16 beds, bathrooms tend to be humid, and the third floor is a bit claustrophobic. The highlight is the big upstairs bar, where the foosball is free. If you stay for a week you get the seventh night free, but we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you really want to stay here for a week.
C: Náměstí Republiky. From the station, walk north along Revoluèní. Take a left at Dlouhá. The hostel will be on your right. Smoking permitted only in dining room. Breakfast included. Absinthe bar 3rd fl. Computer access available in the front lobby. Free Wi-Fi on the 3rd floor. Key deposit 200Kč. Large dorms 270-350Kč; 4-bed dorms 330-500Kč. Singles 700-1390Kč. Doubles 400-800Kč. ISIC/IYHF card holders recieve 40Kč per night discount. Reception 24hr.
Most accommodations in Josefov are the more-stars-than-through-a-telescope sort. There are no traditional hostels with dorms, but there are a few apartment-turned-hostels that are worth considering if you want to stay here on a budget.
Hostel Franz Kafka
HOSTEL $$$
Kaprova 13
222 316 800; www.czechhostelfranzkafka.com
With a magnificent total of four rooms, Franz Kafka Hostel may be one of the smallest hostels you’ll come across in Prague. There are no dorms and the bigger rooms (up to eight bunk beds) are rented out only to groups. Bathrooms are shared. Longer stays are preferred; the minimum is three days.
B: Staroměstská. From Old Town Sq. walk to St. Nicholas Church and turn left. Walk for a few meters down Kaprova; the hostel is on the right. Free Wi-Fi. Linens and towels included. 3-day min. stay. Singles 800Kč; doubles 1100-1300Kč; quads 1560-1960Kč per person. Cash only. Reception 9am-6pm, but times vary.
Hostel Condor I
HOSTEL $$$
Kozí 7
603 438 943; www.praguecondor.cz
A lot of things at this 12-room hostel are done on an unofficial basis. Reception is rarely open. If you have a small laundry load, they may do it for you for free. The owners of the building prohibit the use of the kitchen, so you can’t cook, but you can order a 100Kč breakfast. The rooms are on the smaller side and rather bare, but the great location comes at a decent price. Confirm your arrival ahead of time.
B: Staroměstská. From Old Town Sq. walk past the Jan Hus statue on Dlouhá. At the roundabout, keep going straight on Kozí; the hostel is to the left. Laundry 50Kč. No Wi-Fi, but internet cable available. Bike rental possible. Singles 600-800Kč; doubles 1200-1400Kč. Cash only. Call ahead to arrange check-in and check-out.
Not many people stay in Malá Strana, but those who do are rewarded by being farther from the drunken noise of Old Town and closer to Malá Strana’s artsy cafes and green spaces.
Little Town Budget Hotel
HOTEL, HOSTEL $$
Malostranské náměstí 11
242 406 965; www.littletownhotel.cz
Officially a “budget hotel,” Little Town still has dorms at manageable rates but adds in ensuite bathrooms and attached kitchens. This is perhaps the best-located budget accommodation this side of the Vltava—a short walk across the Charles Bridge lands you right in the Old Town. Plus, it’s not the musty apartment building you’re likely to find on the other bank, but a real Malá Strana house, with wood floors and a cobblestone courtyard.
A: Malostranská. From the Metro, walk down Letenská until you reach Malostranské náměstí. The hostel is in the southwest corner of the square, behind the church. Linens and towels included. Free Wi-Fi; computers available. Dorms 450Kč; singles 1500Kč; doubles 1600Kč. Reception 24hr.
HOSTEL $
Nosticova 2
257 007 397; www.hostelsokol.cz
Yet another unfortunate triumph of socialist architecture, Hostel Sokol serves primarily as housing for athletic teams in Prague for competitions but it will happily accommodate tourists when there’s space. Their signature barracks-like 12-bed dorm has sparse white beds and linoleum floors, but the prices are some of the lowest in Prague. If you were hoping to get with well-toned jocks, this is the place.
A: Malostranská. From the Metro, walk south or take tram 12, 20, or 22 to Hellichova. Turn left on Hellichova and continue to the end of the street as it curves left. Continue north on Nosticova, following signs for Hostel Sokol, and turn right into the courtyard. Linens and towels included. Free Wi-Fi. Dorms 300-350Kč. Cash only. Reception 24hr.
Arpacay Hostel
HOSTEL $
Radlická 76
251 552 297; www.arpacayhostel.com
Not technically in Malá Strana, Arpacay is close to Smíchovské nádraží, which serves Germany-bound trains. For a hostel so close to the train station, Arpacay does a much better job than many of its competitors in the center. The dorms are spacious and neat, with noise-muffling double windows. Watch out for last-minute deals: if you book one or two weeks in advance, you can often save 20%. If you’re worried about the length of the commute, tram 7 will get you to Karlovo náměstí in about 10min.
B: Smíchovské nádraží. From the train station, turn left and walk until you reach a small park. Go into the park and turn left, walk up the stairs, and cross the train tracks. At the intersection, keep walking straight, and go up the hill on Radlická. Look for the Arpacay sign on the right. Alternatively, take tram 7, 12, 13, 14, or 20. Breakfast, linens, towels, and locks included. Free Wi-Fi; computers available. Dorms 250-390Kč; doubles 430-650Kč. Reception 7am-midnight.
Few budget travelers stay overnight in this hilly neighborhood, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you do stay here, you’ll be close to Prague Castle, Malá Strana, and parks such as Letenské sady and Petřín.
HOSTEL $
Nerudova 21
257 212 029; www.littlequarter.com
This is a hostel that you wouldn’t expect to find in Hradèany—it’s well-run and reasonably cheap. The dorms have no bunk beds. There’s not much in the way of common spaces (just a small terrace and the reception room), but it’s a great place to stay if you want to spend most of your time exploring the city. Tram 22, which stops down the road, can take you across the Vltava in a matter of minutes.
A: Malostranská. From the Metro, walk toward the bridge and take the first right onto Letenská. Continue as it curves, becomes Malostranské square, and then becomes Nerudova. The hostel is to the left. Trams 12, 20, and 22 stop nearby. Breakfast 80Kč. Free Wi-Fi and computer use. Linens and lockers included. 10-bed dorms 240-290Kč; 5-bed 340-430Kč. Doubles 1300-1580Kč. Reception 24hr.
Pension Pohádka
PENSION $$$$
Valdštejnská 288/4a
257 286 320; www.pensionpohadka.eu
If split between two romantically linked people, a room at this atmospheric little pension can be affordable. The five rooms have names like “President” or “Senator,” and are equipped with air conditioning, luxurious beds, and, sometimes, a second floor. We recommend Pension Pohádka for couples on romantic retreats.
A: Malostranská. From the Metro, walk through the courtyard. The pension is across the street. Breafast 100Kč. Free Wi-Fi. Minifridges in all rooms. 1 person 1162-1912Kč; 2 people 1550-2550Kč. Discounts for stays over 5 days. Reception 8am-10pm.
Kolej Komenského
DORMITORY $$
Parléřova 6
220 388 400; www.kam.cuni.cz
Kolej Komenského is home to university students during the year and transforms into a hostel in the summer. While the summer rates might seem outrageous to Czech students, they run pretty much the going rate of hostel accommodations—single rooms are 550Kč. The more touristy area is just 5min. away by foot, and Kolej Komenského is close to tram 22. The facilities are adequate and popular with foreign students.
Tram 22: Pohořelec or 36: Hládkov. From the 22, walk past the Brahe/Kepler statue on Parléřova. Take the 2nd right, cross the tram tracks, and you’ll arrive at the dorm. Singles 550Kč; doubles 880Kč. Cash only. Hostel reception M-F 7am-4pm. Building reception 24hr.
Predictably for the neighborhood, Žižkov’s hostels are alternative, reasonably priced, and a bit wild. Staying here allows you to experience one of Prague’s more authentic neighborhoods, just a tram ride away from Staré Město.
Hostel One Prague
HOSTEL $$
Cimburkova 8
222 221 423; www.hosteloneprague.cz
This cool hostel resides in a former residential building, so each room has its own bathroom, fridge, and kitchen counter (only the sinks are functional). Private rooms feel almost like little apartments (especially if they happen to have one of the 10 balconies), while the bigger dorms still offer some privacy. The cascading garden is a good place to grill. Every night, the staff organizes trips (no, not pub crawls—these trips are free) to some of Prague’s best nightlife spots.
Trams 5, 9, or 26: Lipanská. Walk uphill on Seifertova past the big church, then turn right on Cimburkova. The hostel is on the right. Linens included. Laundry 200Kč. Towels 20Kč. Free Wi-Fi. 8 computers available for use. Dorms 250-590Kč; private rooms 590-790Kč per person. Reception 7:30am-12:30am. Garden closes at 10pm.
Hostel Elf
HOSTEL $
Husitská 11
222 540 963; www.hostelelf.com
A true backpacker’s hostel, Elf’s walls are covered with all sorts of drawings and stenciled graffiti, supposedly the work of the staff. The common room and the bathrooms are on the smaller side, but all spatial constraints are made up for by Elf’s colorful spirit. The staff grills three times per week, providing dinner to the guests at no extra charge.
Trams 5, 9, or 26: Husinecká. From the tram stop, follow Husinecká until you reach the square, then make a left at Orebitská, which will run into Husitská right in front of the hostel. Credit card surcharge 3%. Breakfast, linens, and towels included. Free Wi-Fi, and computer use. Laundry 200Kč. Dorms 260-390Kč; doubles 380-730Kč. 5% student discounts for dorms. Reception 24hr.
HOSTEL $
Bořivojova 102
222 716 453; www.clownandbard.com
This party hostel is not for the squeamish—its interior can get very rough around the edges, with rusty stoves and scribbles on walls. But if you’re here to party, this could be a place for you. The reception could easily be mistaken for a bar—there’s foosball, plenty of wooden tables, and songs like “Keep on Rocking in the Free World” blast from the speakers. Plus it’s right on Bořivojova, a street known in Žižkov for its bars.
Trams 5, 9, or 26: Husinecká. Walk uphill and take the 1st left on Krašová. Continue for 2 blocks, then turn right on Bořivojova. Enter through an underground bar. Breakfast 50Kč. Linen and towels included. Free Wi-Fi and computer use. Dorms 250-300Kč; doubles 340-600Kč. Cash only. Reception 24hr. Garden closes at 10pm.
There are many hotels scattered around 
I.P. Pavlova, but Vinohrady remains fairly residential otherwise. The walk from here to Staré Město can take quite a while (25min. from Náměstí Míru to Old Town Sq.); the Metro and frequent trams can save you some time.
Czech Inn
HOSTEL $$
Francouzská 76
267 267 600; www.czech-inn.com
Billing itself as a “designer hostel,” Czech Inn tries hard to distinguish itself from the sweaty hostel world: it’s clean, chic, and asks you to join its “social networks.” The lobby and bar serve double duty as an art gallery, and every few weeks the hostel changes up the display and throws a gallery opening. Such appreciation for detail extends to the rooms, which have sleek single-sheet glass showers with polished concrete floors. To take advantage of all this elegance for little money, stay here during the week. Bonus points: if you end up staying here, make at least one joke about “Czeching Inn.”
A: Náměstí Míru, or trams 4 or 22: Krymská. From the station, walk southeast along Francouzská. The hostel is on the right. Breakfast 120Kč. Towels 30Kč with a 100Kč deposit. Wi-Fi and lockers included. Computer use 50Kč per hr. Non-smoking. Prices fluctuate wildly on a daily basis. Dorms from 285Kč; private rooms from 990Kč. Expect to pay more on weekends. Reception 24hr.
Advantage Hostel
HOSTEL $
Sokolská 11
224 914 062; www.advantagehostel.cz
The recently renovated Hostel Advantage has no major flaws, nor does it provide any particular thrills. Whether it’s worth staying here or not depends mostly on the rates—visit the website to calculate the daily rate and then decide whether it will make a difference to stay this far from Old Town.
C: I.P. Pavlova. From the station, head 1 block toward the river on Jugoslávská, then turn left on Sokolská. The hostel is on the right. Breakfast, towels, linens, lockers included. Free WiFi and computer use. Women’s dorms available. HI member. Dorms 300-450Kč; singles 1000-2200Kč; doubles 1300-2200Kč. Reception 24hr.
Holešovice is not the most central or pedestrian-friendly part of the town, so you’ll probably need to use the tram or the Metro to get to the historic sights. On the other hand, staying in Holešovice will put you within walking distance of some of Prague’s best nightlife.
Sir Toby’s Hostel
HOSTEL $$
Dělnická 24
246 032 610; www.sirtobys.com
From rooms with outlandish names instead of numbers to events like Quiz Mondays, beer tastings, and Crepe and Cartoon Sundays, Sir Toby’s does everything with a dose of personality. There’s a pub in the brick cellar next to a modern kitchen and a few common rooms where you can cook, watch Czech movies, or have a home-cooked dinner of Czech and Afghan cuisine. The garden, which has a grill, is a good place to hang out on a sunny day. Before heading out, grab one of Sir Toby’s custom maps of the area.
C: Vltavská. From the Metro, take tram 1, 3, 5, or 25 or walk along the tram tracks for 3 stops to Dělnická. Turn left onto Dělnická; the hostel is on the left. Breakfast 100Kč. Dinner 90-110Kč. Lockers included. Towels 15Kč with a 200Kč deposit; included with private rooms. Laundry 100Kč. Free Wi-Fi and computer use. Dorms 150-600Kč; doubles 700-1000Kč. 5% discount for ISIC holders who reserve online. Reception 24hr.
HOSTEL $$
Přívozní 1
220 510 046; www.plusprague.com
The reception area of this enormous hostel feels like an aiport—people arrive and depart, and things happen efficiently. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and one wing is women-only. A separate building houses the hostel’s restaurant, which seems geared more toward larger groups, but in which even the solo traveler can enjoy a pool table, foosball, and a full-service bar and grill. Plus Prague is also one of the few hostels in Prague with a sauna and swimming pool. Before you leave the lobby, say hello to Boris the turtle, who isn’t dead—“just sleeping.”
C: Nadraží Holešovice. From the station, take tram 5 or 12, or walk along tram tracks on Plynární for 1 stop, to Ortenovo náměstí. At Hotel Plaza Alta take a left onto Přívozní. The hostel is on the left. Washer 70Kč, dryer 100Kč. Towels 50 Kč. Full breakfast 100 Kč, cold breakfast 70Kč. Linens and lockers included. Free Wi-Fi and computers in the lobby. Dorms 190-500Kč, private rooms 400-700Kč per person. Reception 24hr. Sauna open 8-10am and 4-10pm. Pool open 8am-10pm.
Hotel Extol Inn
HOTEL $$$
Přístavní 2
220 876 541; www.extolinn.cz
If you are set on staying in a private room, Extol Inn offers economy rooms for prices comparable to those you’ll find at hostels. We’re not going to extol the economical amenities—you’ll be barred from most of the free services that are offered to guests in more expensive rooms, including wheelchair access, and you might share a bathroom with one other room—but the set rates mean that staying here might be cheaper than a hostel during the high season.
C: Vltavská. From the station, take tram 1, 3, 5, 25 or walk along the tram tracks for 3 stops to Dělnická. Keep walking an additional block, then take a left onto Přístavní. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. Computer use 2Kč per min. Singles 820Kč; doubles 1400Kč; triples 1900Kč. Reception 24hr.
A&O Hostel
HOSTEL $$
U Výstaviště 1
220 870 252; www.aohostels.com
This hostel may not be as generous with its facilities as others (linens aren’t included, and there are no laundry facilities or lockers), but it’s very close to the Holešovice train station. On the upside, all rooms have tiny TVs, and there’s a dungeon-like bar downstairs where you can buy drinks and play with the Wii. We’re still deciding whether the strip club that’s located right behind this hostel is a good or a bad thing.
C: Nadraží Holešovice. From the station, walk along tram tracks on Vrbenského and Partyzánska in the direction of Výstaviště (Prague Exhibition Ground); the hostel is on a raised street behind the overpass. Breakfast 100Kč. Linens 80Kč. Safes available at the front desk. Wi-Fi and computer use available. Dorms 250-500Kč; private rooms 450-800Kč per person. 10% discount for ISIC card holders. Reception 24hr.
Dirty Mouth?
You may be surprised to be walking through the historic streets of Prague, overwhelmed by your romantic European notions, only to hear people saying “f*** you” to each other. But don’t worry, the city isn’t filled with crude or angry Czechs, just a bunch of tourists, like you, who don’t know the language. What the natives are really saying is “fakt jo,” pronounced fahkt yo. It’s a common phrase that means “really?” or “for real?” The Bohemians are pretty nice after all.