Less Touristy Prague: Where to Go for a Relaxed City Experience
Lesser Town - Michalska street
Prague’s historic city center is truly one-of-a-kind, but it can sometimes feel crowded and noisy due to the rising number of tourists. In 2024, Prague welcomed over 8 million visitors, making it one of Europe’s most popular destinations. If you’re looking for a short break from the hustle and bustle without leaving the city, this article offers great alternatives. All these less touristy areas are just a stone’s throw from iconic spots like Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, so you can easily catch your breath, relax, and then continue your sightseeing adventure.
Views of Vinohrady and Žižkov areas
Vinohrady and Žižkov
These two areas have very different vibes — Vinohrady is more highbrow, while Žižkov, well, is more low-key. But what unites them is a unique bohemian atmosphere. Think of them as Soho and Brooklyn, Mayfair and Shoreditch, but with a common thread of hipster cafes, local galleries, and a variety of parks. Overlapping in Prague 2 and Prague 3, Vinohrady and Žižkov make for a great walk to experience the contrast between a posh neighborhood and its artsy counterpart.
Sites not to miss:
Žižkov TV Tower 📡 — A brutalist icon that made Prague’s skyline instantly recognizable.
Riegrovy Sady 🍺 — A beloved local hangout spot with great beer gardens.
Náměstí Míru ⛪ — A charming square featuring the neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila.
Vítkov Hill 🏞️ — A steep climb to the historic battle site of the Hussite Wars, now a scenic viewpoint.
Czech Military Museum 🎖️ — Free to visit, perfect for an afternoon stroll immersed in history.
Grébovka aka Havlíčkovy Sady 🍷 — A hidden wine spot nestled in lush gardens with a secret grotto.
Parukářka Park 🌄 — An off-the-beaten-path park offering a cool view of the Žižkov TV Tower.
Do not miss our video about Žižkov – a former bad neighborhood in Prague! 📹 Click to watch! ▶️
Botanica Coffee Truck and Tvoje Mama cafes
Vršovice
Vršovice is where I go when I want to enjoy great coffee and a mean cake! This area is often overlooked since it neighbors Vinohrady, but if you’re looking for peace and quiet, there’s no better place to go! It can get a bit dodgy in the evening — nothing too crazy, just some local kids listening to music on speakers and a couple of beggars.
Sites not to miss:
St. Wenceslas Church ⛪ — A rare and beautiful example of constructivist architecture.
Koh-i-Noor Factory 🖌️ — The world-famous manufacturer of art supplies.
Krymská Street 🎉 — The vibrant heart of Vršovice filled with hip cafes, bars, galleries, and vegan restaurants.
Inside Troja Chateau
Troja
Located on the northern bend of the Vltava River, this area is well-known to local children because it is home to the famous Prague Zoo. Besides the vast premises of this popular site, there are many other things to see and explore, such as Troja Chateau — a gem of Baroque architecture tucked away from the tourist crowds. Don’t miss the Troja Botanical Garden and its fantastic Fata Morgana greenhouse if you are in the area. All of that makes Troja the best choice for some outdoor fun and activities for kids.
Sites not to miss:
Prague Zoo 🦁 — One of Europe’s best zoos, renowned for its excellent animal care and family-friendly exhibits.
Troja Chateau 🏰 — Once a summer residence of an aristocratic family, this beautiful chateau is open to visitors during the summer months.
Troja Botanical Garden 🦋 — The largest botanical garden in Prague, featuring diverse plant collections and the striking Fata Morgana tropical greenhouse.
Vodácká 🚴 — A perfect place for a bike ride or rollerblading along the scenic pathways by the river.
Troja Bridge 🌉 — A stunning architectural landmark with elegant arches offering beautiful views.
Emperor Island (Císařský ostrov) 🌳 — A tranquil park area with a riding school and peaceful surroundings.
We have visited some of these sites in our 2 Unique Days in Prague video—click to watch! 🎥✨
Nusle and Folimanka Park
Another unique residential area in Prague to visit is Nusle. Its nearby Folimanka Park is perfect for autumn strolls. The park also has a skate park that transforms into an ice skating rink in winter. The history of Nusle Bridge is quite chilling, but to me, it just makes the area even more intriguing! This is my go-to spot when I need some alone time to think and read a book. Enjoy it!
Sites not to miss:
Nusle Bridge 🌁 — An impressive brutalist structure with a haunting history.
Folimanka Park 🌳 — Located right below the bridge, this is a local favorite hangout spot.
Kristof Kintera Statue: On Their Own Volition 💡 — An artistic reminder of the area's quiet tragedies.
Folimanka Bunker 🕳️ — A hidden bunker open only once a month, one of the last surviving bunkers in Prague.
R2-D2 Ventilation Shaft 🚀 — A Star Wars tribute in a most unexpected part of Prague.
Bastion U Božích Muk 🍹 — A great viewpoint spot to grab a drink and enjoy the Prague skyline.
Check out our video about the infamous Nusle Bridge! ▶️ Click here to watch!
Prague’s Vnitroblok
Holešovice and Letná
Suppose you want something a little more hip and trendy, head to Holešovice or Letná! This is where you’ll find the coolest cafes, bars, and second-hand shops. Holešovice was once an industrial area, but it has since undergone gentrification and is now one of the most desirable places to live in Prague. I always come here when I want to feel the beat of the real city, where local life is visible on every corner! Holešovice is also rich in sites and museums, so if you’re a history buff or an art lover, don’t miss it!
Sites not to miss:
Letná Park 🌳 — This iconic spot is a local favorite thanks to its beer garden 🍺 and great views of the city.
Metronome aka Stalin ⏱️ — A giant metronome standing on the site of a former Stalin monument that was blown up.
Trade Fair Palace 🖼️ — Home to the Czech National Gallery with the largest collection of 19th- and 20th-century art in the country.
DOX Contemporary Art Gallery 🎨 — Known for its impressive temporary exhibitions; check the schedule before you go!
Czech Technical Museum 🔧 — Even those unfamiliar with science will have a blast exploring the exhibits here.
Prague Market 🛒 — A vibrant local market offering fresh produce, street food, and unique crafts, perfect for experiencing authentic local flavors.
Do not miss our video about Holešovice – 📹 Click to watch! ▶️
Vyšehrad basilica
Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is rich in history yet has managed to retain its peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the best places in Prague’s city center to relax. Once a castle and military fortress, it is now a large park where locals love to come for history or a pleasant walk under the trees, enjoying stunning views of Prague’s cityscape. If you want to have Vyšehrad all to yourself, I suggest visiting before 10 AM or after 7 PM when tourists and locals typically leave.
Sites not to miss:
Vyšehrad Basilica ⛪ — A beautiful blend of Gothic, neo-Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture.
Vyšehrad Cemetery ✝️ — The resting place of many renowned Czech personalities, including composers, writers, and artists.
Libuše’s Baths 💧 — A legendary site related to the mystical Czech princess Libuše.
Devil’s Pillars😈— An esoteric spot with a fascinating legend about a bet between a priest and the devil.
Gorlice Casemates 🏰 — Tunnels built by the French army, offering a glimpse into historic military defenses.
Rotunda of St. Martin ⛪ — The oldest rotunda in Prague, dating back to the 11th century, visible from the outside.
Check out our virtual tour of Vyšehrad – click here to watch! 🎥🏰✨
Kasárna Karlín
Karlín
Karlín, often called the Czech Silicon Valley, didn’t seem very promising in the early 2000s. But after the devastating 2002 flood, the area transformed rapidly into one of Prague’s trendiest neighborhoods, attracting major developers and investors. To me, Karlín feels the most unlike Prague—it’s modern and vibrant—but I love visiting when I crave a change of scenery .
Sites not to miss:
Kasárna Karlín 🎭 — An iconic local cultural hub that reopened after dramatic events, offering an open-air cinema, galleries, cafes, and live performances.
Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius ⛪ — A unique example of Neo-Romanesque architecture, serving as a spiritual and community center.
David Černý’s Lilith Statue 🎨 — A striking contemporary sculpture by one of Czech Republic’s most controversial artists.
Lyčkovo náměstí 🌳 — A charming square with lush greenery and stunning views of nearby Vítkov Hill.
Invalidovna 🏰 — A massive Baroque building modeled after Paris’s Les Invalides, historically a home for war veterans and now hosting tours and events.
Karlín Farmers Market 🛒 — A lively local market held on Saturday mornings, perfect for fresh food and local crafts (closed in winter).
Main Point Karlín 🏢 — An award-winning green office complex near Negrelli’s Bridge, symbolizing the district’s rebirth.
Malá Strana aka Lesser Town
You might think I’m kidding—how can Malá Strana, one of Prague’s core historic city center areas, be a lesser-known spot for tourists? But I argue that Lesser Town is one of the most overlooked places in historical Prague. As soon as you step off the Royal Way (Mostecká and Nerudova streets), you’ll find many quiet corners where you can relax and explore at your own pace. Lesser Town is also one of the greenest areas in Prague, perfect if you’re looking for a shaded bench surrounded by rose bushes 🌹.
Sites not to miss:
John Lennon Wall 🎸 — A colorful memorial to the legendary band leader and symbol of free speech.
St. Nicholas Church ⛪ — The largest Baroque structure in the area with stunning interiors.
Petřín Hill 🌳 — A vast park that hides the Petřín Tower, Prague’s mini Eiffel Tower.
Vrtba Garden 🌺 — Another exquisite Baroque landscaped garden gem.
Gardens Below Prague Castle 🌄 — Terraced, beautiful viewpoints offering spectacular city views.
Franz Kafka Museum 📚 — Dedicated to Prague’s most famous writer, exploring his life and work.
Kampa Island 🌊 — A charming island by the Vltava River known for its galleries and sculptures.
Wallenstein Palace and Gardens 🎨 — Stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens and peacocks roaming freely.
We have made multiple videos about Prague’s Malá Strana, so enjoy these:
You do not need to leave the Old Town to escape the tourist crowds! Check out our newest video adventure, where we explore the Last Corner of Prague.
Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova and Vaclav Zahradnik, Prague guides certified by Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 7 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.