Where to Live in Prague?

When you first come up with an idea to move to Prague, the second thought is to find the best place to live here. You need to consider what’s most important for you. Clubs and pubs around or quiet surrounding? Touristic and crowded Old Town or more trendy Žižkov? Low budget or no money limits? Here you can find what would be the most suitable for you – choose your own part of Prague!

Prague 1 – Old Town

Prague 1 - Old Town
Old Town (http://bit.ly/1InPo7c)

By staying anywhere in the Prague 1 district you will put yourself within 20 minutes walk of most of Prague’s tourist attractions. Prague 1 comprises the Old Town, Josefov (the Jewish Quarter) and Hradčany. This area of town is by far the most expensive in the city and while it can be a convenient location to live in, it is often noisy and overcrowded. Most expats prefer to live in the other central suburbs, most of which are in walking distance or a few tram stops from Prague 1. If you want to live in Prague 1, you will likely want to avoid the overcrowded and noisy areas of the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the region around Charles Bridge.

Prague 2 – Vinohrady

vinohrady
Vinohrady (http://www.holidayhome.cz/prahazciz.jpg)

South and south west of central Prague extending about 1km further than the Prague 1 boundary following up the river. Partly located in Prague 3 and Prague 10 as well, Vinohrady is one of Prague’s most pleasant districts. Why? There are at least 3 reasons: its proximity to the city center, its easy access to public transport, and its culinary offerings. That’s why also it is one of the city’s most upmarket districts and the higher rental prices reflect this. As far as public transport goes, Vinohrady largely revolves around the metro stations I.P. Pavlova and Náměstí Míru, both of which are one step away from the very centre of the town. Vinohrady is mostly composed of grand nineteenth-century buildings. There are plenty of quiet streets, restaurants, pubs, and shops in the area, making the district one of the top choices for expats.

Prague 3 – Žižkov

Žižkov (http://bit.ly/1MpUxfz)

Bordering progressively upscale Vinohrady is the more working-class Žižkov. It boasts similar architecture to Vinohrady, although it is, in some areas, rather more run down. However, the district is extremely popular among expats partly due to its great abundance of pubs and nightlife venues. Comparing to Vinohrady, Žižkov is equally trendy, if not a bit grittier, with cheaper apartments for the urban-minded and plenty of after-hours action for night owls. Žižkov is also home to the 216 meter-high Prague TV Tower. Western Žižkov ends near the top of Wenceslas Square and the National Museum making much of it in walking distance from the Old Town.  The area is served by three metro stations on Prague’s Line A (the Green Line). These are Jiřího z Poděbrad (at the TV tower), Flora and Želivského.

Prague 4 – Vyšehrad and Nusle

Nusle_and_Nusle_Bridge_Prague_CZ_747
Nusle (http://bit.ly/1JAvgJF)

Prague 4 is a huge district extending far into the outskirts. Going upriver for 3km, on the other side of Prague 2, you come to Prague 4. Lower level accommodation for tourists (pensions and hostels) are largely grouped around Podoli and Branik on the river. However, the inner regions of the district comprise the areas of Nusle and Vyšehrad, parts of which are located in Prague 2. This area of town is somewhat further from the centre than the previous ones mentioned but transport connections are very good and it is often considerably cheaper. Vyšehrad is home to a 10th-century castle and St Peter and Paul Basilica. This very historic and attractive area of Prague is ideal for those looking for a quieter and cheaper area to live in Prague. Nusle, just to the east, is home to many fine nineteenth-century buildings and various pubs, restaurants, and shops.

Prague 5 – Smíchov

smichov
Smíchov (http://bit.ly/1GGHzly)

Smíchov is located to the southwest and just across the Vltava River from the Old Town. It is also considered as a convenient location for many expats. It is very well connected by public transport and the main area of the district revolves around the Anděl and Smíchov Nádraží metro stations. You can find there a shopping mall and plenty of pubs, shops, and restaurants. This region of Prague is often crowded and noisy although- what’s important – prices are typically far lower than the neighbouring Prague 1.

Prague 6 – Dejvice

Dejvice
Dejvice (http://bit.ly/1ejgNsR)

Even though a little bit far out of town for some people, Dejvice are well-connected to the rest of Prague and the airport and with lower rental prices than much of the wider centre. This part of Prague is bordered by the quiet suburb of Letná to the east. The suburb largely revolves around a large roundabout with the Dejvická metro station.

Dejvice is similar to Vinohrady in expat popularity (Nebušice is especially favored by expats) and landscape. Rents are typically cheaper and pubs and eateries are decidedly more “Czech” in the atmosphere. Prague 6 is an ideal place for families with many schools and parks nearby. Ořechovka and Hanspaulka are two of the nicest residential areas in the city, characterized by luxurious houses and villas. Prague 6 is also home to many diplomats and ambassadors.

Prague 7 – Letná and Holešovice

PragueLetna
Letná (http://bit.ly/1MKlIyG)

Holešovice is situated quite near the city center. It’s home to Prague Zoo, the National Gallery of Prague and the Praha-Holešovice international train station. Some of its neighborhoods are just a short walk from lively Letná and Stromovka parks where dog-walkers, rollerbladers, and beer gardens are plentiful. Letná is one of the favourite places for expats in Prague, particularly among Americans, although it is relatively expensive compared to neighbouring Holešovice.  Not all Letná residences are eye pleasing but it can still be a very convenient place to live. It is home to many quiet and leafy streets and many expat-friendly bars and international restaurants. It is also home to the famous Letná beer gardens which offer splendid views of the Old Town just across the Vltava River.

Prague 8 & 9 – Karlin, Kobylisy, Prosek, Ládví, and Letňany

Karlin (http://bit.ly/1Dy7Q5s)

On the other side of the river from Prague 7 and the other side of the highway from Prague 1 you are in Prague 8. Most people know the area as Karlin although it begins at Florenc and extends down to an area called Invalidovna. After this, it becomes Prague 9.

Karlín in Prague 8 was the district worst hit by the 2002 floods but has experienced an amazing renaissance thanks to the massive River City development, an office-building, and luxury apartment complex. Thanks that, Karlin is now an up and coming area with a lot of investment in local businesses over the last 10 years and hence the hotels, bars, and restaurants have followed. The stylized living spaces, cafés, and state-of-the-art gyms cropping up as a result of the development will continue to draw yuppie types while a strong presence of die-hard locals keeps the mix interesting. Kobylisy, Prosek, Ládví, and Letňany in Prague 9 are a good distance from the center, although Metro line “C” now extends to Letňany. So if you are prepared for a 20-30 minute walk or use of public transport, you can check out if those could be your parts of Prague to live in.

Prague 10 – Vršovice

Vršovice (http://bit.ly/1HUvDym)

Prague 10 has borders with Prague 2, Prague 3 and Prague 9 and is the last Prague area before entering the Prague-East district of the Stredocesky area. It has metro stations at Zelivskeho, Strasnice, and Skalka. Vršovice has a Vinohrady feel but is a bit further from the center. Usually with quite low rents, but as the neighborhood becomes increasingly popular, prices have begun to rise. Eateries, entertainment, and access to public transport links aren´t plentiful but do exist. Hostivař is a quiet residential area dominated by Hostivař Dam (great for swimming and sunning in the summer) and surrounded by a well-maintained forest that is perfect for hiking and biking. Nevertheless not really popular part of Prague among expats.

If you still hesitate what’s the best district in Prague for you contact our experienced team of Relocation Consultants who will help you to solve this problem out fast and smooth!

Sources:

1.http://www.livingprague.com/pragueareas.html

2. http://rentflatprague.com/where-to-live-in-prague.html

3. http://www.expats.cz/prague/article/prague-relocation/prague-districts/

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5 thoughts on “Where to Live in Prague?

  1. Prague is a beautiful city, so its people. Living in this city would be a life time experience. I have seen nice recommendations. Keep posting.

  2. Nice article, but I’m missing more info on natural areas. If it exists?
    I’m very fond of walking in the forest, and it is my impression that Czech people are also very sporty outdoor people.
    Are there any quiet areas in or around Prague, where you can live in waking distance to forests or nice parks?

    1. Hello Nicki,

      thank you for your comment. Please check this article, it might give you some tips on districts located close to nature.

  3. Hello,
    Is there a guide or information you an provide to live in Prague for one year. My wife and I are thinking of doing that, and I’d like to know the legal way to live there, licenses, permits, etc…
    Also, the ability to work there as a freelancer.

    1. Hello Salvatore,

      all the information you may need for relocating to the Czech Republic should be available here on our blog. However, if you have some specific questions you can also schedule a consultation with one of our experts on immigration – they’ll gladly answer all your questions.

      Kind regards,

      Anna

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