Public Transport
Not only is Prague a relatively small city (1.2 million people), but the fact that its amazingly efficient public transport system is fast, dense, punctual, and dirt cheap makes the city that much easier to navigate and explore. This means not having to stress about not having enough reading material for the ride or about getting places on time, and it’s also easy to make quick stops (the system does not require you to swipe every time you get on) and to venture outside of the city center.
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Everything is Beautiful
Prague is one of those cities where every scene feels like it could be a postcard. The Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque era architecture (which still stands because it was not rebuilt like most other European cities in the 18th and 19th centuries) paired with the cobblestone streets makes you feel like you’re walking through 17th century Europe (or even earlier in some spots!). Occasionally you’ll come across a communist era building which appears completely anachronistic, but that’s just part of the eccentric charm of Prague that makes it so unique.
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Not Pretentious
When I visit foreign cities, I often feel concerned that the locals feel some kind of animosity towards tourists (or maybe it’s just because I’m used to New York City’s high standards for everything!). But in Prague I have found that locals don’t really pay that much mind to tourists. And while it’s sometimes the case that locals aren’t always the friendliest, at the same time the staff of shops and restaurants won’t be annoyed if you walk in speaking English. Overall I feel like Prague is a very approachable city that is easy to feel a part of, especially if you make the effort to get off the beaten path; try your hand at speaking a little Czech; and are polite.
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Cafe Culture
Picture-worthy lattes aren’t hard to come across due to the fact that cute coffee shops are ubiquitous in most Prague neighborhoods. Coffee isn’t seen as a means to an end (caffeination) like it is in America; rather, it’s more of an experience in Prague. Whether that means a few moments to sit down and appreciate the simple things - like a well decorated space or steamed milk that is poured in the shape of a flower – or the perfect setting to chat with a friend or to get lost in a book. Even a 55kc ($2.50) espresso will usually be served on a silver platter with a tiny glass of sparkling water and a biscuit, which can make anyone feel special. In addition, it isn’t abnormal to spend hours on end in a coffee shop, not even working but just reading, relaxing, or hanging out and talking.
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dogs
Dogs are everywhere in Prague - coffee shops, restaurants, stores, trams, you name it. In addition, most dogs are super well-trained and aren’t even on leashes. There is an omnipresent level of expectation that dog owners in this city have towards their charges: dogs are expected to behave well, and they do. (In fact, I have found that this also applies to children - I don’t think I have heard a baby cry once in the month that I have been here.) It’s really special to see someone sit down in a restaurant with their dog and watch the waiter bring water for both of them. It makes the whole city more lively and happy when there are happy, furry creatures exuding positivity everywhere they go.
Special thanks to Juliana Woudenberg for her contributions to this post!
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AuthorI am an American who has been living in Prague for two decades. After a long career in international finance, I left the business world to pursue other interests. I now work as a writer, mentor and guide to the city. Archives
February 2025
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