Vinohrady, Žižkov or Smíchov? A comparison of Prague's best districts
Updated February 2025 · 13 min read
Vinohrady, Žižkov and Smíchov, three of the most popular residential districts in Prague, each with a distinctly different character. If you are considering where to settle in Prague, this detailed comparison will help you decide.
Vinohrady (Prague 2): Elegance and an expat community
Vinohrady are repeatedly voted the most popular residential district in Prague, by both locals and expats. Art Nouveau apartment buildings line tree-lined avenues, cafés and restaurants are on every corner, and the community is cosmopolitan and active.
Klady Vinohrad
- Excellent access to Metro Line A (Náměstí Míru, Jiřího z Poděbrad)
- The strongest expat community in Prague
- A safe, well-maintained quarter with low noise levels
- Riegrovy sady: a popular park with views of Prague
- Excellent gastronomy scene and cafés
Zápory Vinohrad
- Higher rental prices than comparable districts
- Locally, tourist-oriented restaurants around Náměstí Míru
- Parking is very difficult.
Average rent for a 1+kk flat: 22 000-38 000 Kč/month
Žižkov (Prague 3) - Authentic Prague at an affordable price
Žižkov is Prague in its raw form. A historically working-class district full of pubs, artists and people who refuse to pay for the "brand" of Vinohrady. Over the past ten years it has changed significantly, new cafés, galleries and coworking spaces have arrived, but the atmosphere remains authentic.
Pros of Žižkov
- The most affordable accommodation within reach of Prague city centre
- A vibrant bar and cultural scene
- Žižkov Television Tower: an iconic landmark
- View of Prague from Vítkovský vrch
- Rapidly growing popularity: investing now pays off
Žižkov Disadvantages
- No direct metro access: only trams and buses
- Older housing stock, in some cases in poor condition
- The reputation of a "tough neighbourhood" (in practice more of a myth, but it exists)
Average rent for a 1+kk flat: 15 000-26 000 Kč/month
Smíchov (Prague 5): Modern living by the river
Over the last decade, Smíchov has completely transformed from an industrial district into a modern residential and commercial area. The New Smíchov development, the new railway stations, and fresh housing construction have propelled it among Prague's most dynamically developing districts.
Klady Smíchov
- Excellent metro connections via Line B (Smíchovské nádraží, Anděl)
- Modern residential buildings: new constructions with lifts and garages
- Proximity to the river and sandbanks
- A wide selection of shopping centres
- Good accessibility for families (schools, playgrounds)
Cons of Smíchov
- Less "character" than Vinohrady or Žižkov
- Heavy traffic on main arteries
- New-builds tend to be smaller and more expensive.
Average rent for a 1+kk flat: 19 000-35 000 Kč/month
Quick comparison
| Criterion | Vinohrady | Žižkov | Smíchov |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental price | High | Low | Medium |
| Metro | Line A | Tram only | Line B |
| Expat community | Very strong | Medium | Medium |
| Atmosphere | Elegant | Bohemian | Modern |
| For families | Good | Less suitable | Excellent |
Recommendation: Who belongs where?
- →Expats and digital nomads: Vinohrady: the best community, cafés, and comfort.
- →Students and tenants on a budget: Žižkov - cheaper flats, authentic atmosphere.
- →Families and corporate movers: Smíchov: new builds, metro, schools.
Book accommodation in Prague
Test the neighbourhood before committing long-term: compare options on Booking.com.
View offers →Frequently Asked Questions
Where to find a flat in Vinohrady?
Find flats in Vinohrady on Bezrealitky.cz (no commission) and Sreality.cz. Vinohrady is the most competitive district, respond within an hour. A furnished 1+kk costs 22 000-38 000 Kč/month. The most popular locations are around Náměstí Míru and Jiřího z Poděbrad.
How much does rent cost in Žižkov?
The average rent for a furnished 1+kk apartment in Žižkov is 15,000-26,000 Kč/month. It is one of the most affordable districts within reach of the centre, just 12 minutes by tram. Žižkov offers an authentic Prague atmosphere and a lively pub scene.
How to quickly find an apartment in Prague?
Set up notifications on the portals, respond within an hour, have your documents ready and schedule viewings on weekdays. Stay in Prague for a short time and search from there, this significantly increases your chances of finding a good flat.
What is the deposit for renting an apartment in Prague?
The standard deposit is 2-3 months' rent. In Vinohrady (30 000 Kč) this means 60 000-90 000 Kč, in Žižkov (20 000 Kč) 40 000-60 000 Kč. Always sign the handover protocol upon moving in.