A real fairytale city, with its castle on the hill and famous statue-covered bridge, Prague has starred in everything from moody music videos to real-life revolutions. Its glorious architecture and rich cultural and historical heritage (наследие) make it a permanent draw (притягательная сила) for tourists, and the excellent public transport and cosmopolitan and artistic life is a boon (благо, благодеяние) to its residents. What is it known for? The Prague of the wild, wild east that drew backpackers (туристы), adventurers and other peripatetic souls (странствующие души) to its cobblestoned (мощенные) streets after the Velvet Revolution has turned (back) into a first-class European city. And is priced like one too. But the attractions remain: the medieval (средневековый), Gothic and Baroque architecture (and the modern, marvellous "Fred and Ginger” building), Wenceslas Square, the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square, the Staronova Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery and the Charles Bridge (built and named for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV who reigned (правил) from 1346 to 1378) over the Vltava River. They may be crowded, but there is a reason they attract so many people. Prague is a central Europe cultural hub, with important national theatre, opera, museums, galleries and a long literary history. But the city’s one million residents are also keen for fun at the local beer hall or beer garden, and will help you get some of those Budvars under your belt. They like to sit with friends in one of the outdoor cafes and listen to some elegant jazz played by a group of young musicians on the square. Where do you want to live? Prague is not a big city, but has dense (плотный) neighbourhoods and outlying (отдаленные) suburbs. Most people moving there find it best to rent first in the centre, in Old Town or Mala Strana. "Start in the centre and learn about the area that might work better for you,” advised Prokop Svoboda, managing partner of Svoboda and Williams estate agents (агентство недвижимости) in Prague. "Sale prices are high, but rent is low, so rent first.” The most picturesque (живописное) and romantic area of the city is Mala Strana, on the banks of the Vltava River, home to Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. For those who want nightlife, the packed streets of Old Town are the right spot, along with the New Town, which is, in fact, quite old. Many expats (русские) look to residential (жилой) neighbourhoods (район, квартал города) that are close to the centre, such as Vinohrady, Holesovice, Hrebenkach and Orechovka. And many new residents with families live close to where the international schools are located, usually no more than 15 or 20 minutes from the city centre. The English International School is in Libus, the French school is in Smichov, and the German school is in Jinonice. Others, like Russians, tend to buy close to the Russian Embassy (посольство) or in new developments in Stodulky in Prague 5. Prague’s neighbourhoods are also grouped together into 22 numbered district, (район) with Prague 1 covering most of the centre and Old Town, and the other numbers radiating out from there. Side trips Many people have weekend cottages around the countryside that are within 100km of Prague. The rivers Vltava, Berounka and Sazava (a tributary of the Vltava River) are popular for day trips, and the mountains are favourite weekend getaways (места отдыха), like the Jizera and Krkonose Mountains on the border with Poland or south to Sumava the Bohemian Forest range on the borders with Germany and Austria. Or drive to see the castles in Moravia or the spa town of Karlovy Vary, now host to an international film festival every July. Prague’s central European location makes it a relatively easy train journey to Berlin and other German and Polish cities, as well as points south like Vienna, Salzburg and Budapest. The airport is served by 50 international airlines travelling to 130 destinations, and it is about two hours to London and an eight to nine hour flight to New York. Practical info Renting first is a good option, as rents are relatively (относительно) low in Prague and demand is limited. There are less expats than there used to be in the city and Czechs themselves are reluctant (не желающий) to rent. There were a lot of small residential developers (застройщик жилого сектора) who turned to real estate as a sideline, so there are a lot of apartments on the market right now. A typical two-bedroom apartment of 90 to 100sqm in the centre of town rents for about 900 to 1,000 euros a month. Overall the entire property market is stagnant (вялый, не развивающийся), but since there are a lot of properties are available, and new properties are starting to coming on line, prices will drop further, which is good news for buyers. "The means there will be a drop by 5 to 7% in prices next year,” Svoboda said. "Most sellers will get 10 to 20% less than asking price.” For good value, look at the best apartment in the nicest buildings in well-established locations. "Right now prices don’t differentiate much between a corner apartment with a park view compared to one without,” said Svoboda. But he believes that will change, as the market evolves (развиваться) and matures (укрепляться). "Focus on buying properties with good views, good light and original details.” In the central areas, apartments cost around 100,000 CZK per square metre. The most important thing is finding an ideal fit. "Prague is a very small city,” said Svoboda. "Learn what area is right for you.”
What attractions are located in Prague? Why is the Charles Bridge called like that? Where do people like to entertain? What schools are there? Where can you go travelling?
It’s a very informative and interesting article for me. I like to learn some new information about different cities and countries. Prague has interested me with its cultural and historical heritage. I would like to visit this city.
AAA!!! This article has really touched my heart!! Prague is the city of my dream! I dream to visit this city every day! These conversations about buying a property in Prague have disturbed me
As for me I have never been to Prague. But I know a lot of stories about this city. My classmates and realatives have been to Prague. They were impressed. I think in the future I will visit this beautiful city.
I like articles about different countries or cities.There are a lot of interesting places in the world which I would like to visit. This article has really impressed me, so I want to visit Prague, too=)
I agree that to learn new information about different cities is interesting. Prague is a large city. This city is a popular place for tourists. Some of my acquaintances have been there. They say it is a beautiful city!
I like to learn about different foreign cities too. I think, I will travel around Europe in my nearest future. So, this article is very interesting for me. I like the gothic architecture of this city. Maybe I'll visit Prague some day.
