BEST HOSTELS IN PRAGUE: The Top 14 Places to Stay in September 2019

Updated: 1/10/2019 | January 10th, 2019

Beautiful and historic, Prague is one of my favorite cities on the continent.

And I have a long history with it.

It was my first stop on my first trip around the world (all the way back in 2006).

Since that original visit, I’ve returned dozens of times, even leading tour groups there. I’ve watched it become increasingly popular with travelers and expats and more cosmopolitan with each passing year.

Now, this international city is one of the most visited in Europe (go in the spring or fall to avoid the overbearing crowds) and is home to an outsized number of hostels, given its small size.

With so many options to choose from, I wanted to create a list of the best, so you can avoid ending up at a terrible or overpriced place (of which there are many) during your visit.

Here is my list of…

The 14 Best Hostels in Prague

1. Sophie’s Hostel

This is my favorite hostel in Prague. It is an upscale hostel (and a sister property of the awesome hotel Miss Sophie’s). The rooms have modern finishings, soft beds, clean bathrooms, and showers with incredible water pressure. The downstairs bar is always lively, the hostel run lots of events, and the staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. When booking online, be sure to add the breakfast buffet. It’s well worth the extra 140 CZK/$6 USD.

Beds from 174 CZK/$8 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Sophie’s Hostel!

2. Little Quarter Hostel

Located between Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, this hostel is in one of the nicer neighborhoods of Prague. The rooms are clean, and there are privacy curtains for the dorms (always a nice touch) as well as spacious lockers. There’s a roof patio and great views from the top-floor rooms. You can sometimes get discounts when you book directly at the hostel’s website. In contrast to most of the hostels in town, Little Quarter offers a calm, non-partying atmosphere.

Beds from 213 CZK/$9.37 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Little Quarter Hostel!

3. Travel & Joy

This new hostel in Prague is close to everything. It’s family owned, so they know a lot about the city. There’s also a yummy traditional Czech restaurant on-site. If you’re here in the summer, check out the great new terrace. This is also another low-key hostel, so stay here if you aren’t looking to party but rather want something small and intimate.

Beds from 220 CZK/$10 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Travel & Joy!

4. Hostel DownTown

If you’re looking to party and socialize, this is one of the best hostels in Prague to do it. It offers free city and castle tours, talent shows, pub crawls, cooking classes, beer pong, and more. It also has communal dinners a few times a week. Ask for a spot on the fifth or sixth floor, as you’ll have a great view of Prague.

Beds from 243 CZK/11 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel DownTown!

5. Post Hostel Prague

Another great social hostel, with a game room with a foosball table, PlayStation, and board games. There’s free breakfast, coffee, and tea. The rooms are large, and the beds are pretty comfy (the pillows are just OK), and all the beds have privacy curtains too! I love all the art on the walls. If you book on the hostel’s website, you can find all kinds of discounts, including some for students, for four-night stays (or longer), and for birthday stays.

Beds from 297 CZK/$13 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Post Hostel Prague!

6. Hostel Santini Prague

This hostel is one of the most beautiful in Prague. It’s in a baroque building that dates back to the 17th century. There’s even a piano (something you don’t usually see in a hostel) in the lobby. Located just below the Prague Castle, it has lots of character, offers a free breakfast, and has quiet and spacious and well-lit rooms.

Beds from 308 CZK/R13.55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel Santini Prague!

7. Old Prague Hostel

Just a three-minute walk to the Old Town Square, this popular hostel is one of the most central in the city and always full so it’s easy to meet people. Try to get a bed on an upper floor, as the nightclub below is noisy all night. The dorms are bit cramped, though, but the breakfast is free and includes sandwiches, cereals, milk, and coffee. You stay here for the location and the social scene.

Beds from 308 CZK/$13.55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Old Prague Hostel!

8. McSleep Hostel Prague

This small, family-run hostel (just 22 beds) is located away from the all the tourists. By staying here, you’ll get more of a B&B than a hostel vibe. The family is really nice, the neighborhood is “real” Prague (local, not touristy), and it’s near one of the best parks in town. The beds are super soft, the bathrooms are kept clean, and they even give you free slippers. It’s a very homey hostel!

Beds from 388.33 CZK/$17 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at McSleep Hostel Prague!

9. Hostel One

This is one of the poshest hostels in town, with three locations. Guests get a free homemade dinner each night and can join in on organized activities, including drinking games and walking tours. The hostels are clean and have lounges with TVs, Netflix, and PlayStations or Nintendo 64s. They are on the more expensive side, but you’re paying for super soft beds, modern amenities, and all those events! There are age restrictions (typically 18 to 36), so check before booking a bed. The locations are called:

• Míru – The newest Hostel One in Prague is located in the Nám?stí Míru neighborhood. There are a ton of bars, restaurants, and markets nearby, and the city center is just a 15-minute walk. Beds from 313 CZK/$14 USD.
• Home – Hostel One Home is right in the center of town. It’s a party spot! Beds from 365 CZK/$16 USD.
• Prague – This hostel is in the Žižkov district, with the most nightlife and dining options concentrated in one area than anywhere else in Prague. The Old Town is a 15-minute walk. Beds from 313 CZK/$14 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Míru!

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Home!

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Prague!

10. The MadHouse Prague

If you want to meet people and are looking for a party, this is the best hostel in Prague to do that! It’s really a madhouse here! The décor includes very cool murals. The knowledgeable staff organize events for all guests (every night!) and can also help you find cool daytime activities around town. It’s super popular and one of the best social hostels in the city. Don’t come here if you want to sleep and not party!

Beds from 500 CZK/$22 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at MadHouse Prague!

11. Old Prague House

This centrally located hostel has comfy beds and pillows, and best of all, you get your own bed (no bunks). There’s a great courtyard terrace to relax in. It is family friendly too. Discounts are often offered when you book directly, but they sometimes require a three-night minimum.

Beds from 517 CZK/$23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Old Prague House!

12. The RoadHouse Prague

This property is the newer, quieter sister property of MadHouse Prague. The staff is great, as is the location (close to Charles Bridge). It’s social, but not wild. The beds are large and comfy, and there are privacy curtains and huge drawers for your things. The staff organizes activities each day, which might include tours or festivals. Be sure to join the group for family dinners — they’re incredible.

Beds from 600 CZK/$26 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The RoadHouse Prague!

13. Sir Toby’s Hostel

Sir Toby’s Hostel is friendly place to stay, with super fluffy pillows and comfortable beds. This hostel is located in the Holešovice neighborhood, outside the city center, so it’s a more local and chill neighborhood. If you want to experience Prague outside the busy center, this is the spot for you. Sir Toby’s also has a free walking tour that’s pretty good. It’s also one of the cheapest hostels in Prague!

Beds from 171 CZK/$7 USD. Single private rooms are from 1,177 CZK/$50 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Sir Toby’s Hostel!

14. PLUS Prague

PLUS Prague is another hostel located in Holešovice, but this one comes with an added bonus of a swimming pool and sauna. I really like this place, especially in the summer, since they have a huge outdoor courtyard. There’s a a swimming pool and sauna here, a huge common area/dining hall, a decent restaurant, and spacious rooms. Think of it as a mini-motel for travelers but nicer and more social. I still talk to the people I met here!

Beds from 104 CZK/$5 USD. Twin private rooms are from 1,014 CZK/$45 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at PLUS Prague!

***

The city of Prague is filled with countless hostels (OK, maybe not countless — Hostelworld lists 140). You have a lot of options to choose from. But rather than spend hours searching for the perfect place to stay (because who wants to end up in a dump?), use this list of best hostels in Prague, based on years of experience, to set you in the right direction!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!
 

Book Your Trip to Prague: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. It has the best inventory. If you want to stay at another type of place, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Prague?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Prague with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Gaudi's Barcelona: A Complete Visitor's Guide for 2019

Updated: 1/5/19 | January 5th, 2018

Updated: 1/5/19 | January 5th, 2018

You can’t visit Barcelona without seeing Gaudi’s influence everywhere you go. He’s the city’s most famous architect helped shape the design of the city during its booming 19th and early 20th century. His influence still shapes the city today.

Born in 1852, Anton Gaudí belonged to the Art Nouveau movement, with his first designs being centered around Gothic and traditional Catalan architectural styles. It wasn’t long until he developed his own style that has set him apart from all others.

Referred to as “God’s Architect” for the religious themes in his work, several of Gaudi’s creations have actually been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. His most famous work, La Sagrada Familia is not only the most popular attraction in Barcelona but the most visited monument in all of Spain.

Gaudi died tragically in 1926 after being hit by a streetcar on his way to church. He was knocked unconscious and, because he didn’t have any identification on him, people assumed he was a beggar and just left him be. He was eventually taken to a hospital where he received basic care. By the time people realized who he was it was too late. He died of his injuries shortly thereafter.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing Gaudi’s work. It will give you insight into the history and growth of the city.  Here is a guide to visiting all of Gaudi’s best sights in Barcelona:

La Sagrada Familia

The most famous of Gaudí’s work….and one that seems to never be finished. The church has been under construction for over than 100 years (the groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030!). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and spent the last 10 years of his life working on this project. The church blends influences of man, nature, and religion in its detailed architecture. The audio guide is worth purchasing as it covers the history of the church in great detail. Try to visit mid-morning to late afternoon so you can witness the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass.

The most famous of Gaudí’s work….and one that seems to never be finished. The church has been under construction for over than 100 years (the groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030!). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and spent the last 10 years of his life working on this project. The church blends influences of man, nature, and religion in its detailed architecture. The audio guide is worth purchasing as it covers the history of the church in great detail. Try to visit mid-morning to late afternoon so you can witness the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass.

Carrer de Mallorca, +34 932-080-414, sagradafamilia.org. The church is open daily from 9am-8pm in the summer, 9am-7pm in the spring/autumn, and 8am-6pm in the winter. Admission is 15 EUR, 22 EUR for a ticket and audio guide, 24 EUR for a guided tour, and 29 EUR for a self-guided tour with an audio guide and access to the tower.

Gaudi Lampposts: Placia Real and Pla del Palau

The first commission that Gaudí received after graduating school was to construct street lamps for the city. At the request of the city council in 1878, he designed lamps with three and six arms and crowned by a winged helmet. They were symbolic of the commercial power of Barcelona, made of cast iron and marble. They’re all gone now except for the ones left in Placia Real and Pla del Palau.

The first commission that Gaudí received after graduating school was to construct street lamps for the city. At the request of the city council in 1878, he designed lamps with three and six arms and crowned by a winged helmet. They were symbolic of the commercial power of Barcelona, made of cast iron and marble. They’re all gone now except for the ones left in Placia Real and Pla del Palau.

Placia Real, just off La Rambla. They are located in a public square so are accessible 24/7 and free.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He spent 2 years on the project completely revamping the exterior, main floor, patio, and roof. With its undulating shape, it’s definitely one of the more eye-catching of his creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, it (like everything Gaudí designed) was heavy influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop. The roof is arched and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings.

Casa Batllo is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He spent 2 years on the project completely revamping the exterior, main floor, patio, and roof. With its undulating shape, it’s definitely one of the more eye-catching of his creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, it (like everything Gaudí designed) was heavy influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop. The roof is arched and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings.

Passeig de Gràcia 43, +34 932-160-306, casabatllo.es. Open daily from 9am-9pm. Tickets are 24.50 EUR if you buy them online or 28.50 EUR in person. Skip the line tickets are available for 29.50 EUR (or 33.50 EUR at the office).

Palau Guell

Located off La Rambla, Palau Guell (Guell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-88, it was designed for one of Gaudi’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests. The main party room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night from the outside to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic to me. One of my favorites too!

Located off La Rambla, Palau Guell (Guell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-88, it was designed for one of Gaudi’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests. The main party room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night from the outside to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic to me. One of my favorites too!

Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5, +34 934-725-775, palauguell.cat. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5:30pm. Admission is 12 EUR, with discounts available for students, seniors, and children.

Park Guell

Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 to 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a World Heritage Site. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Known for incorporating various themes into his work, Gaudí incorporated artistic elements of Catalan nationalism as well as ancient poetry and mysticism into this work. The park is right near La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both. I like how colorful everything in the park is!

Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 to 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a World Heritage Site. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Known for incorporating various themes into his work, Gaudí incorporated artistic elements of Catalan nationalism as well as ancient poetry and mysticism into this work. The park is right near La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both. I like how colorful everything in the park is!

Carrer de Larrard (main entrance), +34 934-091-831, parkguell.cat. Open daily from 8am-9:30pm. Admission is 7.50 EUR, with discounts available. A ticket for La Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s House Museum (in the park) is 24 EUR.

Casa Calvet

Built between 1898-1900, Casa Calvet was built for a textile manufacturer in the Eixample district of Barcelona. This building is the most conventional of his works, partly because it had to be squeezed in between older structures and partly because it’s in one of the nicest sections of Barcelona. The house’s symmetry, balance, and orderly rhythm are unusual for Gaudí’s works. The curves and double gable at the top and the projecting oriel at the entrance are modernist elements. He also incorporated mythological and natural motifs, which helped him win the award for best building in 1900 from the Barcelona City Council.

Built between 1898-1900, Casa Calvet was built for a textile manufacturer in the Eixample district of Barcelona. This building is the most conventional of his works, partly because it had to be squeezed in between older structures and partly because it’s in one of the nicest sections of Barcelona. The house’s symmetry, balance, and orderly rhythm are unusual for Gaudí’s works. The curves and double gable at the top and the projecting oriel at the entrance are modernist elements. He also incorporated mythological and natural motifs, which helped him win the award for best building in 1900 from the Barcelona City Council.

Carrer de Casp 48. You can only stop by to take pictures of the outside of the building as you aren’t allowed into this private residence. 

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first important work. The house was constructed between 1883-1888 and is made of undressed stone, rough red bricks, and colored ceramic tiles in checkerboard and floral patterns. The client was the owner of a brick and tile factory, so the ceramic tiles pay tribute to his employment.  This is one of Gaudi’s works that falls into his “orientalist” period, as his work has more Middle Eastern/Far Eastern influences. It’s very different from his other sites (and often has the shortest line).

Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first important work. The house was constructed between 1883-1888 and is made of undressed stone, rough red bricks, and colored ceramic tiles in checkerboard and floral patterns. The client was the owner of a brick and tile factory, so the ceramic tiles pay tribute to his employment. This is one of Gaudi’s works that falls into his “orientalist” period, as his work has more Middle Eastern/Far Eastern influences. It’s very different from his other sites (and often has the shortest line).

Carrer de les Carolines 20, +34 935-475-980, casavicens.org. Open daily from 10am-8pm. Admission is 16 EUR for adults, with discounts available.

Casa Mila

From 1906 to 1910, Gaudi work on Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol and included many religious elements like an excerpt from the rosary prayer on the cornice and statues of Mary,  St. Michael, and St. Gabriel.  Casa Milà became run down and partially abandoned until it was restored in the late 1980s to its original form.

From 1906 to 1910, Gaudi work on Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol and included many religious elements like an excerpt from the rosary prayer on the cornice and statues of Mary, St. Michael, and St. Gabriel. Casa Milà became run down and partially abandoned until it was restored in the late 1980s to its original form.

Provença 261-265, +34 902-202-138, lapedrera.com/en. Open daily 9am-8:30pm (6:30pm during the winter). Night tours are available from 9pm-11pm. Standard admission (which includes an audio guide) is 22 EUR. A combination ticket for the day tour and a guided night tour is 41 EUR (with discounts available).

Cascada Fountain in Parc de la Ciutadella

Gaudí helped design this while he was still a student. He was responsible for the design of the fountain, the bandstand, and the park’s entrance gate, a project that stretched from 1873 to 1882. Baroque in style, the fountain is massive, intricate, and awe-inspiring. I loved sitting in the park and just staring at it. If you visit most of the sites on this list, you’ll see the evolution of his style and how different this is from his other works.

Gaudí helped design this while he was still a student. He was responsible for the design of the fountain, the bandstand, and the park’s entrance gate, a project that stretched from 1873 to 1882. Baroque in style, the fountain is massive, intricate, and awe-inspiring. I loved sitting in the park and just staring at it. If you visit most of the sites on this list, you’ll see the evolution of his style and how different this is from his other works.

Passeig de Picasso 21. The park is open daily from 10am-10pm. Admission is free.

College of Saint Teresa

The building looks like a fortress, this is a convent school that Gaudí designed for The Order of Saint Teresa of Jesus. The project was already underway when Gaudi became involved, but he made some changes to the plans to better reflect his personal style and vision.

The building looks like a fortress, this is a convent school that Gaudí designed for The Order of Saint Teresa of Jesus. The project was already underway when Gaudi became involved, but he made some changes to the plans to better reflect his personal style and vision.

Carrer de Ganduxer 85-105, +932 123 354. The interior is not open to the public.

Bellesguard Tower

The Bellesguard Tower, also known as Casa Figueras, was built by Gaudí between 1900-1909. It was built as a second house for Figueras and meant to feel like a medieval fortress with sporting towers and battlements. There are some Art Noveaux elements mixed in here that gives it a modernist take on a classic Gothic structure.

The Bellesguard Tower, also known as Casa Figueras, was built by Gaudí between 1900-1909. It was built as a second house for Figueras and meant to feel like a medieval fortress with sporting towers and battlements. There are some Art Noveaux elements mixed in here that gives it a modernist take on a classic Gothic structure.

Carrer de Bellesguard 16-20, +932 504 093, bellesguardgaudi.com. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-3pm. Tickets are 9 EUR and include an audio guide.

***Gaudí was a prolific architect and wandering around Barcelona, you’re sure to bump into many of his major and lesser works. More than that, you’ll see his influence throughout the city as other architects and his students copied his style in their own work. I often look at buildings and go “Ahh that must be by Gaudi too” only to find out it’s not. That’s how strong of an influence he has on Barcelona. If you plan to visit these places, keep in mind many of the houses are closed on Mondays. 

Gaudí was a prolific architect and wandering around Barcelona, you’re sure to bump into many of his major and lesser works. More than that, you’ll see his influence throughout the city as other architects and his students copied his style in their own work. I often look at buildings and go “Ahh that must be by Gaudi too” only to find out it’s not. That’s how strong of an influence he has on Barcelona. If you plan to visit these places, keep in mind many of the houses are closed on Mondays. As I love traveling with a theme , searching out Gadui’s works is a different way and unique to visit Barcelona.

Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Barcelona by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel in Barcelona with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.

Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!

Want More Information on Barcelona?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Barcelona for even more planning tips!

 

Backpacking Through Europe? Get My Guide!

Nomadic Matt’s Backpacking Europe
My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!!

Get the Europe Guide

Also look at my other Europe guides:

• Amsterdam
• Iceland
• Paris
• Stockholm

View all my guides —>

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12