Practical guide to Prague’s neighborhoods for expats
Malá Strana & Staré Město (Prague 1)
Malá Strana = Czech for "Little Side (of the River)”, Staré Město is “Old Town”
Pros: Central location, historic charm, vibrant nightlife.
The heart of Prague is filled with historic landmarks and beautiful architecture.
Cons: Expensive, tourist-heavy.
Home to many of the city's main attractions, including the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge.
Best for: History lovers, those who thrive in busy environments.
A lively area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Old Town is beautiful but also quite expensive. It tends to be busy and bustling, so it might not be the best choice if you're looking for a peaceful area with nature nearby.
Vinohrady (Prague 2)
(in English literally "Royal Vineyards”) #28 of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world and the top 1 most expensive in Czechia.
Pros: Popular with expats, coffee places, parks, vibrant dining, and nightlife.
Cons: Can be pricey.
Best for: Young professionals, and families.
Žižkov (Prague 3)
Pros: Bohemian vibe, affordable, diverse dining and nightlife.
Generally more affordable compared to other central areas.
Cons: Can be noisy.
Best for: Students, artists, and budget-conscious expats.
A mix of locals and expats, creates a diverse community.
Smíchov (Prague 5)
Pros: Good mix of commercial and residential, shopping centers.
Cons: Some areas can be industrial.
Best for: Families, and professionals.
Dejvice, Bubeneč (Prague 6)
Pros: Family-friendly, near international schools, green spaces.
Cons: Higher rent prices.
Best for: Families, diplomats.
Holešovice & Letná (Prague 7)
Pros: Artsy, alternative scene, good public transport.
Cons: Industrial in parts.
Best for: Young professionals, and artists.
Letná is popular among students and young people due to its lively atmosphere and excellent sports facilities. The large parks make it a great place for outdoor activities.
Karlín (Prague 8)
Pros: Trendy, lots of restaurants, good mix of old and new.
Cons: Can be busy.
Best for: Young professionals, and corporate workers.
One of the fastest-growing areas in Prague, with many new and modern apartment buildings.
Karlín is rapidly developing, with a lot of modern apartments and business hubs. It's an exciting area to live in, especially if you prefer modern living and working environments.
Vršovice (Prague 10)
Pros: Affordable, parks, sports facilities, vibrant nightlife.
Cons: Less central.
Best for: Budget-conscious expats, and sports enthusiasts.
Tips for Expats
Transport: Use DPP.cz to check public transport connections and our article on public transport [Article coming soon – check back for updates!].
Long/mid-term renting apartment? Research: Visit neighborhoods, engage with local expats, and check real estate websites like sreality.cz and bezrealitky.cz. Check our article → [Article coming soon – check back for updates!].
If you don't want to live right in the city center and prefer the outer areas of Prague, where you can enjoy beautiful nature but still have great access to the city, then consider Prague 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22. These areas offer a mix of quiet suburban life and city convenience, making them perfect for families and anyone looking for a balanced lifestyle.
Letňany, Prague 18
Modern Residential Areas: Letňany features modern residential areas with a variety of housing options.
Affordable Prices: Housing prices are relatively affordable compared to central Prague.
Shopping Mall: Home to a large shopping mall, which is more pleasant and less crowded than those in the city center.
Metro Access: It is the last stop on Metro Line C, making it convenient for commuting.
Family-Friendly: The area is great for families, with plenty of parks, schools, and playgrounds.
Letňany also has a beautiful sports park with nice paths for inline skating and a small hill for easy biking. The large shopping mall in Letňany is more enjoyable for me than the busy and chaotic malls in the city center.
Kbely, Prague 19
More Residential: Kbely is a more residential part of Prague, offering a variety of housing options.
Affordable Housing: Prices are generally lower compared to the city center.
Local Amenities: There are local shops, cafes, and restaurants that add to the convenience and charm of the area.
Attractions: Home to the Aviation Museum, a popular attraction in the area.
Public Transport: Well-connected by public transport, particularly by bus, making commuting easy.
Family-Friendly: The area is great for families due to its residential nature and amenities.
I like Kbely. It's situated near the edge of Prague, offering plenty of greenery while still being just a short 6-minute bus ride to the metro (underground). Additionally, its proximity to the D8 highway makes it convenient for traveling outside of Prague by car.
Horní Počernice, Prague 20
Suburban Lifestyle: Enjoy a suburban lifestyle with a peaceful atmosphere.
Green Spaces: Plenty of green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Sports Facilities: Numerous sports facilities cater to various interests.
Family-Friendly: Offers many activities suitable for families.
Well-Connected: Excellent bus and train connections make commuting easy.
I didn't know much about Horní Počernice, other than it being a town we passed through on the way to IKEA at Černý Most, which is right next to Horní Počernice. Recently, I've discovered its charm. There's a great Italian restaurant, "La Trattoria Turbanti," the beautiful Chvalský Castle, lovely nature areas, and a train station that takes you directly to the city center.
Újezd nad Lesy, Prague 21
Peaceful Residential Area: A quiet area with a mix of family homes and modern apartments.
Green Spaces: Plenty of green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Local Amenities: Local shops, schools, and restaurants add to the convenience of living here.
Sports Facilities: Numerous sports facilities cater to various interests.
Family-Friendly: Offers many activities suitable for families.
Accessible: Although it's a bit further from the city center, it's still accessible with excellent bus and train connections.
If you love forests and mushroom picking (which we'll cover in another article), Újezd nad Lesy is a fantastic choice. This area boasts the expansive Klánovice Forest.
