Prague for Nomad Families: Night Trains, Czech Wine and Real Costs

Why Prague Is on Our Family’s List

I’ll be honest from the start: I haven’t been to Prague. Not yet.

Marty has. In his early 20s, he travelled across Eastern Europe by train with friends, backpacks on, staying in hostels and hopping from city to city. Prague was one of his favourites of the whole trip.

What stuck with him? The colourful baroque buildings. The Gothic church spires rising over the rooftops. And the medieval Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, which has been keeping time for over 600 years 🕰️

Since then, Prague keeps coming up. Friends who’ve seen a big chunk of Europe tell us the same thing, again and again: it ended up being their favourite.

They talk about how beautiful it is. They talk about how much further their money went than in Paris or Amsterdam. And they talk about the wine, which definitely got my attention 🍷

So Prague is firmly on our list. We even know how we’d like to arrive: on the night train from Amsterdam, falling asleep in the Netherlands and waking up in Czechia.

This guide brings together what we’ve researched about living in Prague as a nomad family, plus what Marty and our friends have told us. Visas, prices and school fees change often, so check current details before you book anything.

Why Prague Works for Nomad Families

Beauty With Everyday Practicality

Prague sits right in the middle of Europe, and it’s one of the continent’s most striking capitals. Think medieval lanes, Gothic spires, baroque palaces and the Charles Bridge at dawn.

But it isn’t a museum. It’s a working, modern city with excellent public transport, fast internet, international schools and a café culture that suits remote workers.

For families used to Western European prices, the difference shows up quickly. Prague is generally more affordable than Paris, Amsterdam or Zurich, especially once you look beyond the most central streets. For the bigger picture, see our Czech Republic guide for nomad families.

A Central Base for Exploring Europe

Dresden is about two hours away by train. Vienna and Berlin are around four. Budapest and Kraków are a full day or an overnight trip.

If you want to travel as well as settle, few European cities are this well placed.

The Trade-offs Worth Knowing

Winters are cold and grey, and the dark months from November to February need honest preparation. Czech is a hard language to learn, although English is widely spoken in cafés, shops and professional settings.

Prague is also less of a bargain than it used to be. Rents in the popular expat neighbourhoods have climbed, so good value usually means looking a little further out.

Best Neighbourhoods in Prague for Families

Prague is split into numbered districts, Prague 1 to Prague 22, each with its own character. For nomad families, a handful stand out.

Vinohrady (Prague 2)

Often called Prague’s most desirable residential area, Vinohrady has tree-lined streets, Art Nouveau apartment buildings, good cafés and a large international community.

Its name means “vineyards”, and there’s still a working vineyard in Havlíčkovy sady (Grébovka park). Riegrovy sady, the neighbourhood’s other big park, is a favourite for summer evenings. Rents are higher here, but still lower than in most Western European capitals.

Žižkov (Prague 3)

Right next to Vinohrady, Žižkov is a former working-class area with more of an edge. It’s cheaper, with independent bars and shops and a creative crowd. The Žižkov Television Tower, with its crawling baby sculptures, is impossible to miss.

Dejvice and Bubeneč (Prague 6)

Quieter and more residential, Prague 6 is home to embassies, bigger apartments and good parks. Several international schools are nearby, including the International School of Prague, Riverside School and a Prague British International School campus. It’s further from the centre, but well connected by metro and tram.

Holešovice (Prague 7)

This former industrial district is now one of Prague’s most creative areas, with converted warehouses, galleries and restaurants. The DOX Centre for Contemporary Art is here, and Letná Park and Stromovka are both close by. A good fit for creative, entrepreneurial families.

Smíchov (Prague 5)

On the west bank of the Vltava, Smíchov is practical and well serviced, with good transport links and lower rents than Vinohrady. It feels more local, and the riverfront and green Petřín Hill are close by.

Nusle and Pankrác (Prague 4)

More affordable and more local in feel, Prague 4 suits families who put space and value first. Metro connections are good, and two Prague British International School campuses are in this district.

Visa Options for Families in Prague

Czechia is in the EU and the Schengen Area, so your options depend on your passports. Rules change regularly, so treat this as a starting point and check official sources before you apply.

EU and EEA Citizens

EU citizens can live and work in Czechia freely. You’ll need to report your address within 30 days of arriving (hotels and many rentals do this for you), and for longer stays you can apply for an optional certificate of temporary residence.

This is the route that applies to our family. Marty is Dutch, so EU rules cover us. I’m Australian, and non-EU family members of EU citizens follow a separate process, usually a residence card for stays over three months. Check the details with the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

Schengen 90-Day Rule (Non-EU Visitors)

Australians, Americans, Canadians, New Zealanders and UK citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, across the whole Schengen Area. It can’t be extended, so you need to leave before your 90 days are up.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) started in October 2025, and ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to follow. Check the current status before you travel. Our guide on how to stay longer without a digital nomad visa covers the workarounds.

The Czech Digital Nomad Program

Since 2023, Czechia has run a Digital Nomad Program for remote workers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK and the US. Brazil, Israel, Mexico and Singapore were added in 2025.

It isn’t open to everyone. Applicants need a background in IT, a STEM degree or, since 2025, marketing. Spouses and children can apply too. Remote employees apply for a long-term visa, while freelancers need a Czech trade licence first.

Czech Trade Licence (Živnostenský list)

The trade licence lets self-employed people work legally in Czechia. It’s a long-standing route for freelancers, and it supports a long-term visa application for business purposes.

Longer-Term Residence

A long-term visa is usually valid for up to a year. After that, you can apply for a long-term residence permit, and permanent residence may become possible after five years of continuous residence. Check current requirements, as they change.

💡 Visa Tips for Prague

• Talk to a Czech immigration lawyer early if you’re going the trade licence or long-term visa route.
• Check the Digital Nomad Program eligibility list before you plan around it, as nationalities and professions are limited.
• Carry the kids’ passports and birth certificates, especially if parents have different surnames or nationalities.

👉 Read more: Visas for Digital Nomad Families and how nomad visas have evolved worldwide

Finding a Home in Prague

Prague’s rental market is well organised, but demand in the popular expat neighbourhoods is strong. Arriving with a plan helps.

Where to Search

Sreality.cz is the biggest Czech property portal and lists most Prague rentals. Expats.cz, a long-running English-language site, has listings and community advice.

Facebook groups for Prague expats and families are useful for furnished lets and direct landlord contacts. Local agents are widely used, and their fee is often paid by the tenant, so ask upfront.

What to Expect

You’ll find Art Nouveau apartments with high ceilings in Vinohrady, converted lofts in Holešovice, roomy family flats in Prague 6 and plenty of newer builds.

Unfurnished is standard for longer leases. Furnished places are easier to find near the tourist areas, and some landlords will negotiate on furniture.

Typical Lease Terms

Standard leases run 12 months, with a deposit of one to two months’ rent. Shorter terms cost more. Always confirm utilities, especially winter heating, as older buildings vary a lot.

💡 Home-Finding Tips for Prague

• Book short-term accommodation for your first two to three weeks and explore neighbourhoods before signing a lease.
• Ask what heating cost the previous tenants paid from December to February.
• Put school runs and tram or metro access at the top of your list.
• Good places in Vinohrady and Žižkov go fast, so be ready to decide within a day or two.

👉 Read more: Accommodation for Digital Nomad Families

Schools and Education in Prague

Prague has one of the strongest international school scenes in Central Europe, alongside a free Czech state system. Here are the schools that come up most often.

Prague British International School (PBIS)

Formerly Prague British School, PBIS has three campuses: Kamýk and Libuš in Prague 4, and Vlastina in Prague 6. Younger students follow the National Curriculum for England, older students take IGCSEs and then the IB Diploma.

International School of Prague (ISP)

Set on a large campus in Nebušice, Prague 6, ISP teaches from pre-K to Grade 12 and offers the IB Diploma in the final years. It’s one of the city’s longest-established international schools, with a big expat community.

Riverside School

Riverside is an independent, non-profit school in Prague 6, with its primary school in the Vltava river valley at Sedlec. It follows the National Curriculum for England, then IGCSEs, and offers the IB Diploma alongside a US high school diploma. It describes its approach as Christian but welcomes families of all faiths.

Czech State Schools

State schools are free and teach in Czech. For EU families planning a longer stay, especially with younger kids, they’re worth considering. Some schools have experience supporting children who don’t speak Czech yet, so ask when you visit.

💡 Education Tips for Prague

• Contact international schools early, as popular year levels can have waiting lists.
• Ask for current fees in writing, including enrolment and building fees.
• The Czech school year runs from September to June.
• If your kids are still learning English, ask how each school supports them.

👉 Read more: International Schooling Options for Families and Education & Childcare for Digital Nomad Families

Healthcare in Prague

Prague has a good standard of healthcare, both public and private. Private clinics with English-speaking doctors are easy to find.

Public Healthcare

Czech public health insurance is usually linked to Czech employment or self-employment. EU visitors on shorter stays can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary care. Public hospitals are good, but waits for non-urgent specialists can be long, which is why many expats also use private clinics.

Private Clinics

Canadian Medical (formerly Canadian Medical Care) and Unicare are two private providers often recommended by English-speaking expats. Both offer GP and family care in English. Check current locations, services and which insurers they work with.

Motol University Hospital

Motol is the country’s largest hospital and includes a major children’s hospital. It’s the main centre for complex and specialist treatment in Prague.

💡 Healthcare Tips for Prague

• Sort out family health insurance before you arrive, and check it covers private clinics.
• Register with a private clinic early, before you actually need a doctor.
• Dental care is well regarded and often cheaper than in Western Europe.

👉 Read more: Health Insurance for Nomad Families

Remote Work and Internet in Prague

Prague is a comfortable base for remote work. Internet is fast, coworking spaces are easy to find and the time zone suits European clients.

Home Internet

Fibre is widely available in the main residential areas from providers like O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile. Newer buildings often have gigabit connections. Always ask your landlord what’s installed before you sign.

Coworking Spaces

Impact Hub Prague is one of the city’s longest-running coworking communities, with a busy events calendar. Other spaces, like Node5 and Locus Workspace, have long been popular with remote workers. Coworking spaces open and close often, so check they’re still running and what they cost before you commit.

Mobile Data

O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone cover the city well with 4G and 5G. Prepaid SIMs are easy to buy at the airport and in shopping centres. If you already have an EU SIM, EU roaming rules may cover you for a while.

💡 Remote Work Tips for Prague

• Prague runs on Central European Time, which suits European and UK hours and overlaps with US East Coast mornings.
• Many cafés are laptop-friendly, but ask before settling in for a long stretch.
• Keep a mobile data backup, as public Wi-Fi quality varies.

👉 Read more: Remote Work for Digital Nomad Families and our internet speed guide to 50 cities

Getting Around Prague with Kids

Prague’s public transport is one of its biggest strengths. Car-free family life is realistic here, and kids under 15 ride free within Prague.

Trams

Trams are the backbone of the network, running through Vinohrady, Žižkov, Holešovice, Smíchov and the historic centre. They’re often more direct than the metro and far more fun for kids 🚋

Children under 6 travel free anywhere on the network. From 10 to 15, they need ID showing their age, such as a passport or a registered Lítačka card.

Metro

Three metro lines (A, B and C) link the main hubs quickly. The metro runs until around midnight, and night trams cover the gaps. Line A connects with the airport bus at Nádraží Veleslavín.

Cycling

As a cycling family, this is the part we looked into most. Prague has a growing network of bike lanes, and the riverside paths along the Vltava are lovely for family rides.

The hills around Vinohrady and Žižkov are a workout, though, and tram tracks need care. Shared bikes and e-bikes are available, but shared e-scooters were banned from January 2026. See our guide to the best cycling cities for families for flatter options.

Car

You don’t need a car in the main residential areas. Hiring one for weekend trips to places like Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora works better than owning one, as inner-city parking is limited and expensive.

💡 Getting Around Tips for Prague

• Get a Lítačka pass for monthly travel. You can use the PID Lítačka app or a card.
• Download the PID Lítačka app for journey planning and digital tickets.
• Carry ID for kids aged 10 to 15 so they can ride free.
• Night trams run through the night, which is handy after a late dinner.

Taking the Night Train from Amsterdam to Prague

Marty’s first trip to Prague was by train, and it’s how we’d love to do it as a family too 🚆

The European Sleeper runs from Brussels through Amsterdam, Berlin and Dresden to Prague, three times a week in each direction. You board in Amsterdam late in the evening and roll into Praha hlavní nádraží, Prague’s main station, late the next morning.

Why It Appeals to Us

• One less night of accommodation to pay for. The train is your bed.
• No airport with kids. No security queues, no liquids rules, no 5am taxi.
• The last stretch is beautiful. The morning run follows the Elbe through Saxon Switzerland’s sandstone country, right on the edge of Bohemian Switzerland.

There are three comfort levels: seats, couchettes and sleepers. A couchette compartment could fit a family of four with room for bags. Booking early gives you the best chance of a compartment to yourselves.

We haven’t done this trip yet, so we can’t promise a restful night. Sleeping on trains with kids is its own adventure. Pack snacks, a small overnight bag, and low expectations for the first few hours 😄

💡 Night Train Tips

• Book early: tickets open months ahead, and family compartments go first.
• Check the timetable: times can shift, so confirm before planning onward connections.
• Travelling with bikes? Check the current bike rules when you book.
• Coming from London? Take the Eurostar to Brussels and board there.

For timetables and a detailed walkthrough, The Man in Seat 61’s European Sleeper guide is excellent. And if slower, lower-impact travel appeals to you, read our guide to sustainable family travel.

We’ll update this section once we’ve done it ourselves.

Daily Life and Culture in Prague

History as an Everyday Backdrop

Living in Prague means walking past centuries of history on the way to the shops. The Old Town, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), the baroque streets of Malá Strana and the castle above the river are part of daily life, not just sights.

The Czech Character

Czechs are often described as reserved with strangers and direct rather than gushing. Warmth tends to come once you know people, and the dry Czech sense of humour is worth tuning into. The expat community is large, so newcomers rarely feel isolated.

Language

Czech is a tough language for English speakers. In the main expat neighbourhoods, though, English gets you through most of daily life. A few Czech phrases go a long way: dobrý den (good day) and děkuji (thank you) are a good start.

Shopping and Everyday Errands

Supermarkets like Albert, Billa, Lidl and Tesco are everywhere. For fresh produce, the farmers’ markets at Jiřího z Poděbrad square in Vinohrady and on the Náplavka riverbank are the ones to know. Check current market days.

💡 Daily Life Tips for Prague

• Use apps like Bolt or Liftago for taxis rather than hailing one in the tourist areas.
• Prague’s tap water is safe to drink.
• Weekend cottages (chata) are a big part of Czech family life. If you’re invited to one, say yes.

Seasons and Festivals in Prague

Spring (March to May)

After a long winter, the parks bloom and café terraces fill up. May is especially lovely, with long evenings and the Prague Spring classical music festival.

Summer (June to August)

Warm, lively and busy, especially in the Old Town in July and August. Locals head to the parks, open-air cinemas and the countryside at weekends. The Prague Fringe Festival usually runs in late May and early June.

Autumn (September to October)

Many people’s favourite season. The crowds thin, the light turns golden and it’s harvest time in the vineyards. It’s also burčák season, when young wine appears for a few short weeks.

Winter (November to February)

Cold and dark, but the Christmas markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are a big draw, with mulled wine (svařák) and lights on the old facades. January and February are the quietest, coldest months. Ski weekends in the Krkonoše mountains are a popular local escape.

Prague Spring International Music Festival

Held each May, this is one of Central Europe’s best-known classical music festivals. It traditionally opens on 12 May, the anniversary of composer Bedřich Smetana’s death, with his cycle Má vlast. A lovely introduction to Czech culture for older kids.

💡 Seasons Tips for Prague

• Book early for December, as the Christmas markets push prices up.
• Spring and autumn are the easiest times to arrive and settle in.
• Pack properly for winter: January often sits around freezing.

👉 Read more: Best Time for Families to Travel: A Month-by-Month Guide

Food, Wine and Eating Vegetarian in Prague

Everyone knows Czech beer. What surprised us was how many friends came back raving about Czech wine instead.

Czech Wine

Most Czech wine comes from Moravia, in the country’s southeast. It’s mostly crisp whites, with local grapes you won’t often see at home. Prague has its own small vineyards too. Vinohrady literally means “vineyards”, and the Grébovka vineyard in Havlíčkovy sady still produces wine today.

If you’re in Prague in late summer or early autumn, look out for burčák. It’s a cloudy, sweet, partly fermented young wine sold only for a few weeks each year. We’ve been told it goes down far too easily 🍇

Eating Vegetarian in Prague

Traditional Czech food is meat-heavy. Svíčková (beef in cream sauce), goulash and roast pork dominate the classic menus. As a family that mostly cooks vegetarian, this was the first thing we looked into.

The good news? There are Czech classics without meat:

• Smažený sýr: fried cheese, usually served with chips and tartare sauce. Kids tend to love it.
• Bramboráky: crispy potato pancakes with garlic and marjoram.
• Ovocné knedlíky: fruit dumplings, often filled with plums or apricots.
• Nakládaný hermelín: Czech camembert-style cheese pickled with onion and chilli, a classic pub snack.

Prague also has a large vegetarian and vegan restaurant scene. A useful phrase is “bez masa” (without meat).

Markets

For fresh local produce, the farmers’ markets at Jiřího z Poděbrad square in Vinohrady and on the Náplavka riverbank are the ones we’d head for first. Check current market days before you go.

💡 Food Tips for Prague

• Eat a street or two away from Old Town Square for better food and fairer prices.
• Czech supermarkets stock good local cheese, bread and dairy at low prices, so self-catering is easy.
• Non-alcoholic beer is widely available if you’re skipping the real thing.

Social Life and Community in Prague

An Established Expat Community

Prague has attracted foreigners since the early 1990s, after the Velvet Revolution. That long history means the international community has real depth, with clubs, networks and schools already in place.

Where to Connect

Expats.cz is the go-to English-language site for news, events and classifieds. InterNations runs regular meetups. Facebook groups for Prague expats, parents and specific neighbourhoods are active and helpful. For families with kids in school, the school community often becomes the biggest social anchor.

Sport and Outdoor Life

Football is a big deal here. The rivalry between Sparta Prague and Slavia Prague is one of the fiercest in Central Europe, which is exactly the kind of thing our Louie would want to see ⚽

Beyond football, there are cycling clubs, running groups, tennis clubs, and hiking and cycling trails within an hour of the city.

💡 Social Life Tips for Prague

• Join Prague expat and family Facebook groups before you arrive and start asking questions.
• Say yes to playground catch-ups after school. That’s where friendships start.
• Czech pubs (hospody) are social hubs, and many are relaxed about kids during the day.

Weekend and Family Outings from Prague

Prague sits in the heart of Bohemia, so there’s a lot within reach for day trips and weekends away.

The Astronomical Clock

This is the one Marty still talks about. The medieval Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall dates back to 1410, and on the hour, figures of the Apostles appear in the little windows above the dial.

It draws big crowds on the hour, so go early in the morning if you want the kids at the front. Then head up the Old Town Hall tower for views over the rooftops.

Prague Castle and Malá Strana

Prague Castle is one of the largest castle complexes in the world. St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, the changing of the guard and the views over the red rooftops can easily fill a day. Go early or late in summer to avoid the worst crowds.

Český Krumlov

About two and a half to three hours south by car or bus, Český Krumlov is a UNESCO-listed town wrapped around a bend in the Vltava. There’s a castle with a rare baroque theatre, and canoe trips on the river in summer.

Kutná Hora

About an hour east, this old silver-mining town is home to the Sedlec Ossuary, where the bones of tens of thousands of people are arranged into decorations. It’s eerie, and fascinating for curious kids. The Gothic St Barbara’s Church, begun in 1388, is just as impressive.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Around two hours north, this is a landscape of sandstone towers, forested gorges and the Pravčická brána rock arch. Parts of the park were hit by a large wildfire in 2022, so check which trails and gorge boat trips are open before you go.

Karlovy Vary

About two hours west, this spa town is known for its colonnades, pastel hotels and hot springs. Its international film festival runs each July.

Vienna, Berlin, Dresden and Budapest

Dresden is about two hours by train, and Vienna and Berlin around four. Budapest is closer to seven, so it’s better as an overnight or a longer trip. Read our guides to Austria, Germany and Budapest if you’re planning a bigger loop.

💡 Weekend Trip Tips

• Book Český Krumlov early for July and August.
• Train tickets to Vienna and Berlin are usually cheaper booked in advance.
• Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking in Bohemian Switzerland.

Safety and Health in Prague

General Safety

Prague is generally considered one of Europe’s safer capitals, and violent crime is rare. The main issue is pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots like the Old Town, Charles Bridge and busy trams, including tram 22.

Keep phones and wallets zipped away in crowds. That habit covers most of what families need.

Road and Tram Safety

Trams have priority and move quietly, so teach kids to look for them at every crossing. If you’re cycling, cross tram tracks at a sharp angle so wheels don’t get caught.

Air Quality

Air quality is usually fine, but winter temperature inversions can trap pollution, mostly in January and February. On bad days, keep outdoor time shorter for little ones. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute publishes daily readings.

Health Considerations

No special vaccinations are needed beyond standard ones. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is present in Czech forests, so the TBE vaccine is worth considering if you plan to hike a lot. See our travel vaccinations guide for families.

💡 Safety Tips for Prague

• Use a taxi app instead of hailing cabs in tourist areas.
• Leave passports at home and carry a copy, except where kids need ID for free transport.
• Save the emergency numbers: 112 (general EU emergency), 155 (ambulance), 158 (police).

Money and Banking in Prague

Currency

Czechia uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. That matters if you’re coming from the eurozone like us. The rate has recently been roughly 24 to 25 koruna to the euro, but check the current rate. There’s no set date for Czechia to adopt the euro.

Banking

Opening a Czech bank account usually needs ID, proof of address and your residence paperwork. Česká spořitelna, ČSOB and Komerční banka are the big local banks. Many expats use Wise or Revolut alongside, or instead of, a local account.

Cards and Cash

Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. Keep a little cash (CZK 500 to 1,000) for small market stalls and some traditional pubs.

ATMs and Exchange

Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres. Always decline the offer to be charged in your home currency, and pay in koruna instead. Avoid exchange booths in the tourist areas.

💡 Money Tips for Prague

• Use a multi-currency account for everyday spending and transfers.
• Tell your home bank you’re travelling to avoid card blocks.
• If you’re self-employed in Czechia, get tax advice early.

👉 Read more: How We Manage Money Across Borders as a Family

Settling In: Your First Weeks in Prague

Before You Arrive

• Confirm your visa route, and speak to an immigration lawyer if you need a trade licence or long-term visa.
• Contact international schools early about places and current fees.
• Join Prague expat and family Facebook groups.
• Arrange family health insurance that starts on arrival day.
• Book short-term accommodation for your first two to three weeks.

Week One Priorities

• Check your address has been reported to the foreign police within 30 days, if your accommodation hasn’t done it.
• Get a Czech SIM from O2, T-Mobile or Vodafone.
• Buy a Lítačka monthly pass for the adults.
• Register with a private clinic.
• Set up Wise, Revolut or a local bank account.

Getting Comfortable

• Explore your neighbourhood on foot.
• Visit a Saturday farmers’ market in your first fortnight.
• Take the tram somewhere new each weekend. The kids ride free.

Useful Apps for Prague

• PID Lítačka: public transport tickets and journey planning
• Bolt or Liftago: taxis
• Rohlík: grocery delivery
• Wolt or Foodora: food delivery
• Mapy.com (formerly Mapy.cz): detailed Czech maps, great for hiking and cycling

💡 Settling In Tips for Prague

• Don’t judge Prague on a grey February day.
• Learn a handful of Czech words in the first week.
• Give it a full season before deciding whether it’s right for you.

Prague FAQs for Nomad Families

Can non-EU families live in Prague long-term?

Yes, but it takes paperwork. Eligible remote workers can use the Czech Digital Nomad Program, and freelancers often use a Czech trade licence to support a long-term visa. After that comes a long-term residence permit. Get professional advice before you apply.

How does the Schengen 90-day rule affect families?

Visitors from countries like Australia, the US and the UK can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. It can’t be extended, so track your days carefully.

What do EU citizens need to do when they arrive?

Report your address within 30 days (often done by your accommodation). For longer stays, you can apply for a certificate of temporary residence. Non-EU family members of EU citizens follow a separate process.

How much does it cost for a family to live in Prague?

Our research suggests around €2,500 to €4,500 a month for a family of four, before international school fees. Families using Czech state schools or living further out can spend less.

Are the international schools in Prague good?

Prague has several well-regarded options, including ISP, Prague British International School and Riverside School. Contact them early, as some year levels have waiting lists.

Is English widely spoken in Prague?

Yes, especially among younger Czechs and in cafés, shops and offices. You can manage daily life in English in the main expat areas, but learning basic Czech is appreciated.

What currency does Prague use?

The Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keep a little cash for markets and small pubs.

How cold are Prague winters?

Cold. January averages around freezing, and colder snaps happen. Good winter clothing, time outdoors and plenty of cosy café stops help.

Can you take a night train from Amsterdam to Prague?

Yes. European Sleeper runs a night train from Brussels via Amsterdam, Berlin and Dresden to Prague, three times a week. You leave Amsterdam in the late evening and arrive in Prague the next morning. Check the current timetable and fares when booking.

Is Czech wine good?

Friends who’ve visited tell us it’s excellent, and it’s much less known internationally than Czech beer. Most of it comes from Moravia, and Prague even has small vineyards of its own.

Is Prague easy for vegetarian families?

Traditional Czech food is meat-heavy, but there are classic vegetarian dishes like smažený sýr (fried cheese) and bramboráky (potato pancakes). Prague also has a strong vegetarian and vegan restaurant scene.

Is Prague cheaper than other European capitals?

Generally yes, compared with cities like Amsterdam, Paris or Munich. It’s less of a bargain than it used to be, especially for rent in popular neighbourhoods, so budget carefully.

How does Prague compare to Tallinn?

Both are appealing, well-connected bases with lower costs than Western Europe. Prague is more central for European travel, while Tallinn is known for its digital services. Read our Tallinn guide for nomad families to compare.

Our Honest Take on Prague

We’re writing this from research and second-hand stories, not from a year of school runs in Vinohrady. That matters, so we’d rather say it plainly.

What we do know is that Prague keeps winning people over. Friends who’ve seen much of Europe put it at the top. It’s beautiful, it’s more affordable than most Western European capitals, and it sits right in the middle of the continent.

The trade-offs are real too. Winters are long and grey. The Old Town gets packed in summer. Rents in the popular neighbourhoods have climbed. And for non-EU families, the visa pathway takes paperwork and patience.

For us, the plan is simple. Take the night train from Amsterdam. Taste the wine our friends keep talking about. See whether the Astronomical Clock impresses Louie and Leo as much as it impressed Marty. Find out whether Louie can talk us into a Sparta or Slavia match ⚽. Then come back and update this guide with what we actually find.

Have you lived in Prague with kids? Tell us in the Worldly Tribe Facebook group. We’d love to hear what we’ve got right, and what we’ve missed. And if you’re still weighing up options, browse our destination guides.