Nove Mesto
At 600 years old, Prague’s misleadingly named Nove Mesto (New Town) is actually pretty old. But despite having existed for more than six centuries, a modern vibe pervades in the commercial heart of Prague. See the city’s largest and most famous square, go gallery and museum-hopping, and browse the chic stores on some of Prague’s busiest shopping thoroughfares.
Nove Mesto was first established back in 1348 by King Charles IV, who intended it to serve as the city’s main commercial district. Some parts of the neighborhood, including the vast Wenceslas and Charles squares, were first set out during this period.
Venture to Wenceslas Square, where Czechoslovakian independence was announced in 1918. Here, look for a large statue of St. Wenceslas, the 10th-century Duke of Bohemia, on horseback and a much smaller memorial that pays tribute to two anti-communist activists. Charles Square features a sculpture and fountain-dotted park and is surrounded by several notable historic buildings.
For the best shopping, browse the stores that line Na příkopě and Národní streets. Both streets serve as the dividing line between the Old Town and New Town and are lined by shops and restaurants.
This part of town has no shortage of cultural and entertainment venues. Spend a day or two exploring the district’s many museums and galleries. Learn about the history of the city at the comprehensive and vast Prague City Museum and explore exhibits relating to natural history and the arts at the National Museum. Other smaller museums, with more niche focuses, include the Museum of Communism and the Mucha Museum, which displays art-nouveau posters and other works by Alphonse Mucha.
Stick around the district until nightfall and watch as it comes to life. Look for dressed-up opera-goers on their way to the National Theatre, loved-up couples enjoying dinner in one of the many restaurants and friends sipping beers in breweries.
Nove Mesto borders Prague’s Old Town to the south and east. The neighborhood is much larger than the Old Town but is still walkable. Alternatively, use the extensive metro, tram and bus networks to get around.