Hotels in Strahov

Dominated by its ancient monastery and vast sports stadium, the compact neighborhood of Strahov lies on the slopes of Petrin Hill on the west bank of Prague’s Vltava River. This historic district is one of the city’s most visited locations thanks to its fascinating heritage. You can easily spend a whole day at the celebrated Strahov Monastery alone, with so many intriguing buildings waiting to be explored. Take a giant step into the past in this storied quarter of Prague.

Hotels in Strahov

Strahov boasts a good selection of mid-range and upscale hotels, perfect for travelers seeking a little extra comfort. Hotel Monastery is an exclusive hotel in Strahov that occupies a former 17th-century washhouse in the monastery gardens, with breathtaking views over the verdant lawns to the turrets of the old town. Hotel Questenberk is a romantic 4-star boutique hotel in Strahov with many original features dating from 1620. Its award-winning restaurant serves a menu specially created by one of the best chefs in Prague. If your taste is more cutting edge, check out the sleek Orea Hotel Pyramida. This modern 4-star Strahov hotel boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a health club, rooftop terrace, and gourmet dining.

Things to see in Strahov

Most visitors’ first port of call is the legendary Strahov Monastery, founded in the 12th century by the Catholic order of Premonstratensians, also known as the White Canons. Throughout its checkered history it has been destroyed by fire, attacked by invaders, and plundered by the townsfolk. Many of the buildings that survive today date from the 17th century, when the power of the monastery was at its zenith. The Theological Hall is one of its most cherished legacies—this grand Baroque edifice houses the Strahov Library of over 200,000 volumes, many of them rare and priceless. Various tour options allow you to explore the monastery buildings according to your own preference. Another popular local landmark is the Great Strahov Stadium, at one time the largest in the world. Take the Petrin funicular to reach the stadium and imagine the thrill of watching the vast Spartakiads gymnastics events that were held here in the post-war years.

Good for history lovers

Strahov Monastery lies at the heart of Prague’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-see destination for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in the past. A wander through this atmospheric quarter is an awe-inspiring experience. For newcomers to the medieval period, there are plenty of excellent guidebooks that will bring the ancient stones vividly to life. Another reason to climb up Petrin Hill is to visit the observatory and planetarium founded in 1928 by renowned Slovak astronomer Milan Stefanik. During opening hours you can take a tour to admire the powerful telescopes and maybe catch a glimpse of the sun, moon, and stars.

How to get to Strahov

Most international travelers arrive in Prague via the city’s main Vaclav Havel Airport. To reach the city center, take a shuttle bus to connect to the metro network. Several metro stops are close to Strahov, although to ascend Petrin Hill you’ll need a bus or a cab. Consider pre-booking a private car to meet your flight and deliver you direct to your Strahov hotel to start your vacation in style. Getting around Strahov is easy on foot as the monastery quarter is largely traffic-free, while the Great Strahov Stadium is readily accessible by public transportation.