Petrská čtvrt
Our Petrska neighborhood
Petrská čtvrt
Located at the edge of Prague’s historic city center, the Petrská čtvrt neighborhood was established in 1348 with the building of the Nové Město walls. But its origins predate the foundation of New Town in the 12th century by Charles IV. The area is mentioned as an independent settlement of Poříčí as far back as the 10th century, and it is this early history as a busy commerce district on the banks of the Vltava River that gives Petrská its charm.
Chapters
Welcome
Vítej doma
Planning a trip to Prague? Petrská čtvrt has plenty to offer for the whole family.
Welcome to one of Prague’s oldest and most architecturally layered neighborhoods. This short walk begins at our doorstep on Petrská and loops through a rich mix of Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic, and modernist landmarks—each revealing a piece of Prague’s story.
Prague Talk
Ian Willoughby’s essential interviews on Czech Radio
Tucked away in the English-language offerings of Czech Radio is a quiet gem that any fan of Prague should know about: Prague Talk, a long-running interview series hosted by Ian Willoughby. For years, Willoughby has been sitting down with an eclectic mix of writers, artists, historians, architects, and expats whose lives and work illuminate the hidden layers of life in the Czech capital.
Prague’s best parks
One of the most rewarding ways to enjoy Prague in spring and summer is simply to go for a stroll. The city’s parks come alive this time of year—rose gardens in bloom and beer gardens abuzz with locals. From grand baroque terraces to quiet riverside paths, fellow Prague Post alum and Globe Bookstore owner Mark Baker details Prague’s green spaces The Lonely Planet’s The 10 best parks in Prague. The best part? Most are an easy walk or a short tram ride from Petrská čtvrt.
The Neighborhood
Prague in Postcards
Get a feeling for old Prague from historic postcards from Old-Prague.com
The postcard above shows Petrská čtvrt looking towards the belfry of the Church of St Peter, and further towards the quarter of Těšnov. The belfry of St Peter’s Church, a Renaissance structure of 1598 with a more recent cupola, was originally within the enclosure of the former cemetery at St Peter’s Church. Following the demolition of the walls, it suddenly appeared in the middle of the street. The website Old Prague On Old Postcards has more history on Petrská and its origin as the hamlet of Poříčí.
Chad Bryant’s Modern History of Prague
In Prague: Belonging and the Modern City, historian Chad Bryant tells the city’s modern history through the lives of five people who didn’t fit the mold—outsiders who struggled against nationalism, intolerance, and exclusion in a city that often wasn’t built for them. From a German-speaking journalist to a Vietnamese blogger, Bryant’s characters found belonging not in monuments or national myths, but in cafés, political circles, workplaces, and parks. Their stories offer a reminder that Prague’s soul isn’t defined by stone facades or official histories, but by the diverse people who call it home.
New York Times Travel Section article on Petrská and adjacent neighborhoods.
My Hidden Prague
Our former Prague Post colleague Evan Rail’s 2012 New York Times’ travel piece on living in Prague.
STRAINS of soaring voices echoed down the well-worn cobblestones of Prague’s Old Town. For days, leaving the neo-Baroque library where I write, I’d heard the same music spilling down Bartolomejska Street — though like a ghost it always seemed to disappear just as I approached.
Staying in the Loop
The Best English-Language Newsletters on Prague and the Czech Republic
Whether you're a newcomer settling into the cobbled streets of Petrská čtvrť, a long-time expat in Prague, or simply someone with a love for Central Europe, staying informed is key to feeling at home. Fortunately, several excellent English-language newsletters cover everything from Czech politics and culture to Prague events and restaurant openings.
Expats.cz—One of the oldest English-language platforms in the country, providing a roundup of top news, weekend events, and practical advice for navigating Czech life.
Prague Monitor—A concise digest of what's happening across the country.
Radio Prague International—A reliable and professional resource for serious news consumers.