Retiring in Prague Means Living in One of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities – 2023 Update

By Anastasia Voloshina - Prague Resident

Retiring in Prague means living everyday in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Prague is a gorgeous city for people of all ages and it can make a lovely place to retire. While many come here to celebrate their engagement or have a fun weekend with friends, the city is actually much more suitable for those looking to relax and settle down.

The best thing about the capital of the Czech Republic is definitely the architecture. To understand that, all you need to do is take a walk through the Old Town. Many buildings and bridges in the city center have stayed the same throughout centuries, which definitely adds a certain allure to the streets. 

Living in the City Center of Prague

Prague is made up of districts like Paris. Prague 1 is where the Old Town (Staré Mesto) is located and where most of the tourists congregate. There are other areas of Prague 1 like New Town (Nové Mesto) and the Little Side (Malá Strana) across the river from Old Town. 

People from other countries recognize the beauty of Prague, so encountering large groups of tourists is not an unusual occasion, especially in the city centre. The city is a popular destination for bachelor parties, which locals often find quite annoying. Another thing that comes with tourists is tourist traps.

Many restaurants in the Old Town are overpriced and have exceptionally bad service. Don’t fall for those, as there are many delicious and pleasant alternatives. Living in the city center of Prague also means dealing with noise and intoxicated people in the night time. However, you can easily avoid that by living in a residential area further from the pubs and clubs.

What are the Best Neighborhoods for Expat Retirees in Prague?

Living in Prague doesn't have to mean living in the most crowded areas. There are several beautiful neighborhoods that have access to amenities and are more quiet. 

Vinohrady
This is a popular neighborhood for expats due to its central location and abundance of amenities such as shops, restaurants, and cafes. It has a mix of modern and historic buildings and is known for its beautiful parks.

Malá Strana
This is a picturesque and historic neighborhood that is located on the west bank of the Vltava River. It is known for its stunning architecture, narrow streets, and charming atmosphere. It is popular with tourists and expats alike.

Smíchov
This is a more residential neighborhood that is located on the west side of the river. It has a good mix of old and new buildings and is known for its shopping and entertainment options.

Dejvice
This is a quieter neighborhood that is located in the northwestern part of the city. It is popular with families and retirees due to its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the Prague Castle and other historic sites.

Břevnov
This is another quiet residential neighborhood that is located in the western part of the city. It has a lot of green spaces and is known for its beautiful monastery and brewery.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Prague?

The Czech Republic is considered one of the safest countries in the world. You can easily go on an evening stroll without feeling scared or intimidated. Since the city is quite small, you can walk from one part to another in almost no time. 

In case you’re in a rush, public transportation will take you to your destination quickly and safely. Trams, buses, and metro are always on time. Tickets are very cheap, and even more so if you choose to invest in a quarterly or yearly pass.

Since Prague is by no means a supercity, there is not nearly as much traffic as in other capital cities, such as Moscow and London. The most traffic occurs during rush hours; in the mornings, when people go to work, and in the evenings, when people travel home from work. Weekends are almost fully traffic free in the city. 

If you're a retiree and you don't have to keep the typical work schedule, then you'll be able to enjoy the city without a car. Just know that the Old Town will get extremely crowded with tourists so even through there's not a lot of traffic, there will be a lot of people. 

How is the Weather in Prague?

The weather in Prague is comfortable most of the time. The winters don’t get too cold, and spring and fall are warm and cozy. Summers, however, can get quite hot. It definitely pays off to install air conditioning for the summer months.

Is English Spoken in Prague?

The primary language spoken in Prague is Czech. There are some immigrants from Slovakia and a large Russian-speaking population. English will get you by in the city centre, in the stores and in restaurants. The younger generation speaks English fluently, but the older generation only understands Czech.

It wouldn't hurt to learn a bit of Czech. There are occasions when you may want to travel outside of Prague to the other areas of the country where Czech will come in handy.

Is Prague Dog Friendly?

If you have a furry friend, then Prague might just be the place for you! The city is very dog friendly, with a variety of parks and gardens for your four-legged pal. You will not have a problem finding a flat with a dog. Dogs are also allowed on public transportation, although you might need to purchase a separate ticket if you’re traveling with an especially large canine.

Dogs are allowed in most restaurants, and some of the nicer servers will even bring your dog a bowl of water. If you’re going on a shopping spree, I would recommend leaving your dog at home. Most clothing stores and supermarkets are not big fans of dogs, simply because they can accidentally damage the goods or make a mess.

What Do Non Tourists Do In Prague?

Prague offers a full range of activities to do in your free time. Start off by sightseeing and discovering the city’s hidden gems. Forget about the tourist attractions you’ve heard so much about. Instead, take a walk around the little streets in the centre.

There is a lot going on for the fans of the arts as well. Museums and galleries introduce new exhibitions all the time. The big and well-known establishments are a must, but don’t neglect the smaller galleries and exhibitions. Those are often even more interesting and educational. 

Cinemas and theatres provide excellent visual entertainment too! Catch up on the new blockbusters and enjoy an evening of sophisticated art. If you’re looking for a more active form of entertainment, you can visit one of the many bowling alleys in the city. Those often come with pool tables, darts, and other games. However, any local would tell you that their favourite leisure activity is having a beer in a pub and catching up with friends!

Where Can I Eat Like a Local in Prague?

Foodies will never be bored in Prague! There is a wide variety of restaurants and pubs to satisfy all cravings. When arriving to Prague for the first time, you absolutely must try the local cuisine.

An easy hack for avoiding tourist traps is picking a traditional Czech restaurant such as Potrefená Husa, Lokál, or Kolkovna. If you find yourself outside of the center, opt for any Czech hospoda (pub). 

Another interesting thing about living anywhere in the Czech Republic is how cheap the beer is. Czech make some of the most delicious beers in the world and most of it stays in the country. Make sure to try some local Czech beers when you're there!

Top 5 Foods You Must Eat When in Prague

How Long Can I Stay in the Czech Republic Without a Visa?

U.S. citizens may stay in the Czech Republic for 90 days without a visa. This is perfect of you want to visit for a bit to get to know Prague and whether you'd want to retire there. 

If you fall in love with the city, the Czech Republic does not offer a retirement visa. EU citizens don't have to worry but if you're a U.S. citizen, it's a bit more complicated. 

You can apply for a stay over 90 days but you'll have to be within the country to do so. This means, you can take advantage of the 90 days without a visa to immediately apply for your long-term visa. 

You could also be eligible for citizenship by descent if you have a parent or grandparent who was a citizen of the Czech Republic or the former Czechoslovakia. 

Prague Cost of Living Chart - 2023 Update

Retiring in Prague Bottom Line

Retiring in Prague can be a great choice if you're looking for an affordable city in Europe. It's much more affordable than cities like Paris and Rome but has all of the beauty, culture, history...and beer! It's also in a great, central location making it easy to travel to other European cities.  

But...if it's a bigger, bustling city that you want, Berlin might be something to consider. 

Or, check out our picks for the 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Europe for 2021!