Czechia

Cost of living

What a month costs

All-in monthly estimates for 2026. Prague is the priciest part of Czechia, and central districts like Vinohrady and Old Town push rents well above the city average.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Prague

1. Charles BridgeThe 14th-century stone bridge lined with saintly statues, best crossed at dawn before the crowds.
2. Prague CastleVast hilltop complex above Mala Strana, still the seat of the president and the largest ancient castle in the world.
3. Old Town SquareThe medieval heart of the city, ringed by pastel facades and the twin-towered Tyn Church.
4. Astronomical ClockThe Orloj on the Old Town Hall, where figures parade on the hour beneath its 15th-century dial.
5. St Vitus CathedralSoaring Gothic cathedral inside the castle grounds, with dazzling Mucha stained glass.
6. Petrin HillWooded park with orchards, a rose garden and a lookout tower styled after the Eiffel Tower.
7. JosefovThe old Jewish Quarter, with historic synagogues and the haunting layered Old Jewish Cemetery.
8. VysehradCliffside fortress and basilica south of the centre, quieter than the castle and full of national heroes' graves.
9. Dancing HouseFrank Gehry's curving riverfront building, nicknamed for its Fred and Ginger silhouette.
10. Letna ParkHilltop park with sweeping views over the river bridges and a famous summer beer garden.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Cesky KrumlovFairytale UNESCO town wrapped in a bend of the Vltava, about three hours south by car or bus.
2. Kutna HoraUnder an hour by train, home to the bone-decorated Sedlec Ossuary and Gothic St Barbara's Church.
3. Karlovy VaryGrand spa town of colonnades and thermal springs, roughly two hours west.
4. Bohemian SwitzerlandNational park near the German border with the huge Pravcicka Brana sandstone arch and deep river gorges.
5. Dresden, GermanyBaroque riverside city just over two hours by direct train, easy for a cross-border day out.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe SavoyGrand neo-Renaissance cafe in Smichov with a gilded ceiling and legendary pastries.
2. Cafe LouvreHistoric first-floor cafe on Narodni once frequented by Kafka and Einstein.
3. Kavarna SlaviaArt Deco riverside institution opposite the National Theatre, with castle views.
4. Cafe ImperialLavish Art Nouveau hall covered in ceramic tiles, grand and buzzy for coffee or lunch.
5. EMA espresso barBright specialty coffee bar near the Powder Tower, a favourite of the third-wave crowd.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Lokal DlouhaBuzzing modern take on the Czech pub, with fresh tank Pilsner and classic svickova done right.
2. U FlekuHistoric brewery and beer hall dating to 1499, serving its own dark lager to long tables.
3. Kampa ParkRomantic riverside dining right under Charles Bridge, a longtime special-occasion spot.
4. FieldMichelin-starred modern Czech tasting menus with a playful, produce-led kitchen.
5. La Degustation Boheme BourgeoiseMichelin-starred degustation reviving old Bohemian recipes over many small courses.
6. U Modre KachnickyCosy Mala Strana townhouse known for roast duck and game in a hunting-lodge setting.
7. EskaIndustrial-chic bakery and restaurant in Karlin doing inventive modern Czech cooking.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Cafe SavoyFamous for a lavish sit-down breakfast under its restored painted ceiling.
2. Muj salek kavyKarlin specialty roaster with strong coffee and a popular weekend brunch.
3. Kavarna co hleda jmenoLaid-back Andel cafe beloved for eggs, pancakes and slow mornings.
4. Bistro Proti ProuduSmall Karlin bistro known for its all-day breakfast and homemade bread.
5. Home KitchenBright brunch spot with generous plates of eggs, avocado and pastries.
6. Cafe LetkaNeighbourhood favourite in Letna with a relaxed brunch and good coffee.
7. EMA espresso barQuick, high-quality coffee and light morning bites near the centre.