Nové Město (New Town)

Charles IV's 14th-century 'New' Town — a huge arc wrapping the Old Town, anchored by Wenceslas Square, the National Theatre, and the Náplavka riverbank (Saturday farmers market 8:00-14:00). It's where Prague's real city life, shopping, and history-of-1989 happen. Caveat: Wenceslas Square itself is chain stores and hustle — the good stuff is off it.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is Náplavka and when should I go?

The riverside embankment below the New Town — Prague's favorite hangout, with converted river-wall vaults, floating bars, and swans. Saturday mornings host the farmers market from 8:00 to 14:00; summer evenings it turns into one long open-air bar.

Where was the Velvet Revolution?

Národní třída — the November 17, 1989 student march was stopped by riot police here, and the small bronze hands memorial under the arcade at No. 16 marks it. It's a modest thing; most people walk right past.

How new is the 'New' Town really?

It was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, so 'new' by Prague standards means nearly 700 years old. The street plan is his; most buildings you see are 19th-century and Art Nouveau.

Is Wenceslas Square worth visiting?

See it once — it's where the 1918 republic was proclaimed and the 1989 Velvet Revolution won, with the National Museum crowning it. But it's a commercial artery, not a place to linger; give it 20 minutes, read the memorial to Jan Palach, and move on.

Is the area around the main train station safe?

The park in front of Hlavní nádraží is scruffy and best skipped late at night, but it's more unpleasant than dangerous. Standard big-city rules apply on Wenceslas Square after dark — watch for pickpockets and ignore the nightlife touts.

Where do I get transport tickets in Nové Město?

Every metro station has machines taking cards, or use the PID Lítačka app, which is cheaper since the 2026 fare change — a 30-minute ticket is 36 CZK in-app versus 39 CZK paper, and 90 minutes is 46 CZK in-app. Validate paper tickets before boarding.

What's actually worth seeing in Nové Město?

The Dancing House, the Emmaus Monastery, Charles Square (Prague's biggest), the Velvet Revolution memorial on Národní třída, and the astonishing Jerusalem Synagogue just off Wenceslas Square. It rewards wandering more than checklist-ticking.

Is Nové Město a good place to stay?

Yes — arguably the best base in Prague: central, packed with metro stations, and cheaper than the Old Town with real restaurants and supermarkets. The blocks between Karlovo náměstí and the river are the sweet spot.

Nearby in Ask Prague

• Café LouvreCafé0.34 km · 4 min walk
• Café NonaCafé0.46 km · 6 min walk
• U PinkasůRestaurant0.46 km · 6 min walk
• Kavárna SlaviaCafé0.54 km · 7 min walk
• Dancing House (Tančící dům)Attraction0.58 km · 7 min walk