Prague | Czech Republic

Prague functions as the administrative, economic, and cultural capital of the Czech Republic and the primary center for research, international services, and high-income logistics in Central Europe. Situated on the Vltava River, it is defined by its architectural preservation, its status as the historic seat of Holy Roman Emperors, and its 2026 ranking as a top-five global city for health and standard of living.

Historical Timeline

Prague originated in the 9th century with the foundation of Prague Castle (c. 880). The primary era of governance began in 1347 when Charles IV designated it the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The primary event shaping its modern identity was the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which transitioned the city into a global market economy, followed by its intensive 2020s investment in "people-first" urban regeneration and specialized tech districts.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 1.35 million. The demographic profile is highly international, with significant expat communities in districts like Prague 2. It maintains a low unemployment rate of 2.4% (2026 estimate) and a high concentration of female labor in manufacturing and education.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is organized into 22 administrative districts, with the historic core (UNESCO) centered in Prague 1.

Old Town (Staré Město): The specialized medieval heart containing the astronomical clock and the Jewish Quarter.

Lesser Town (Malá Strana): A specialized baroque district below the castle, characterized by embassies and quiet gardens.

Smíchov (Prague 5): A specialized fast-developing district housing the Smíchov City mixed-income housing project.

Karlín (Prague 8): A specialized tech and business district, largely regenerated after the 2002 floods.

Top City Landmarks

Prague Castle: The largest coherent castle complex in the world (18 acres), featuring the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral.

Charles Bridge: A specialized 14th-century stone bridge decorated with 30 Baroque statues, connecting the Old Town to the Lesser Town.

Old Town Square: A specialized square featuring the Astronomical Clock (1410), which remains the oldest operational clock of its kind.

Dancing House (Tančící dům): A specialized modernist landmark by Frank Gehry, representing the deconstructivist architectural movement.

Vyšehrad: A specialized 10th-century fortress on a cliff, traditionally considered the spiritual birthplace of the Czech state.

Transportation Network

Prague possesses one of the most efficient public transport systems (PID) globally.

Metro Line D: A specialized driverless metro line currently under construction to connect the southern suburbs.

Václav Havel Airport (PRG): The primary international hub, connected to the city via the Airport Express (AE) bus.

Integrated Transport (PID): As of January 1, 2026, a new tariff structure applies, favoring digital tickets via the Lítačka app. Shared e-scooters are banned from the city core for pedestrian safety.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Prague is consistently ranked among the safest cities globally. There are no "red zones." Standard caution is advised only for pickpockets in dense tourist zones (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square) and "tourist trap" currency exchange booths.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Prague is a leader in Cybersecurity (hosting firms like Avast) and FinTech. Internet speeds average 500–1000 Mbps. 5G is universal. As of 2026, the city operates on a record 119 billion CZK budget with 45% allocated to transport and education.

Climate & Air Quality

Prague has a temperate continental climate. Average daytime temperatures range from 3°C in January to 19°C (average) or 28°C (peak) in summer. Air quality is generally high, though winter inversions occasionally impact the central river basin.

Culture & Social Norms

Social norms are characterized by "Prazák" (Prague-ite) reserve and a high value on public etiquette. Tipping (10%) is expected. The primary cultural events are the Signal Festival (autumn) and Prague Spring (classical music).

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: 70 CZK (€2.80)

1 Pint of Local Beer: 65–85 CZK (€2.60–€3.40)

1 Standard Lunch: 250–450 CZK (€10.00–€18.00)

Nearby Day Trips

Kutná Hora: 1 hour away; featuring the specialized Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church).

Karlštejn Castle: 45 mins away; a specialized high-Gothic castle built to safeguard the imperial regalia.

Facts & Legends

Prague is the site of the first university in Central Europe (Charles University, 1348). Legend states that the Golem of Prague, a clay creature brought to life by Rabbi Loew, remains hidden in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue. A verified fact is that the city’s Astronomical Clock shows Babylonian time, Old Bohemian time, German time, and Sidereal time. Historically, Prague was the site of three "Defenestrations"-the act of throwing people out of windows-which triggered major European religious wars.