Since the fall of communism, Prague has become as congested as most other European cities, and finding a parking spot, as well as driving around town, can be a challenge. We recommend using public transportation as much as possible to move about the center of Prague. If you do have to drive (and park), here are some tips:
Street ParkingIf you do find a parking spot, you will pay 20-40 Kč (0.70 - 1.30 EUR) per hour using the parking meter. There are three parking zones in the city center: orange - 2 hour parking (in effect 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.),green - 6 hour parking (in effect 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.), and blue - reserved for residents and offices. If you leave your car parked on the street, make sure you don't leave any valuables inside that could attract the attention of car burglars. Car burglary and theft are common crimes in Prague and other bigger cities.
Parking Garages
You will have better luck finding a spot in a parking garage where your car will also be safer. These are some parking garages in the center:
Divadelní Street (National Theater)
Králodvorská Street (Kotva department store)
Hilton Prague Old Town
Hotel Prague Marriott
Hotel Intercontinental
Opletalova Street (near Wenceslas Square)
Bolzanova Street (near the main train station)
Wilsonova Street (Garage Helios)
Park & Ride Parking Lots
Unless you absolutely have to drive and park in the city center, you will be better off leaving your car at a guarded parking lot on the outskirts. There are a number of Park & Ride lots located at many metro stations outside of the city center, e.g. at Skalka, Zličín, Nové Butovice, Radlická, Opatov, Rajská zahrada, Černý most, Nádraží Holešovice. The purpose of these lots is to encourage people to take public transportation and therefore improve the bad traffic situation in the center. The lots are guarded and cost only 10 Kč (0.30 EUR) for the day. They close after the metro stops running, around 1 a.m.