General information

Choosing a place to live.

Prague is divided into districts 1-15. Prague center stretches over Prague 1, 2, areas of Prague 7, and the Smichov/riverbank area in Prague 5. This is the oldest, most charming part of Prague, where you can enjoy culture, business and leisure. Prague is connected with excellent public transportation www.dpp.cz (metro, trams and buses). Most visitors find that exploring the center on foot is most rewarding of all.

Areas of particular interest for investors

Prague 1 is the historic part of Prague. It spans the Vltava River and includes Malá Strana, Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and the Prague Castle area (Hradčany). The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are in Prague 1.

Old Town (Staré Město) is the center of historic Prague 1. The impeccable preservation of centuries old architecture gives Old Town a fairytale atmosphere complemented by many restaurants, sidewalk cafes, shops, businesses and abundant nightlife.

The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) in Old Town is an architectural feast to the eye, with block upon block of elegant highly decorated neo-classical, and Art Nouveau buildings displaying the wealth of past centuries. Five major synagogues, the historic Jewish cemetery and Prague's most glamorous shopping street, Parizska, are in Josefov.

Malá Strana (The Lesser Town) is on the left bank of the river. Just below Prague castle, it is a romantic old neighborhood with picturesque buildings and narrow cobblestone streets winding up the hill to the Prague Castle. Malá Strana has a special tranquility not found on the opposite bank of Vltava.

Hradčany is the neighborhood surrounding Prague Castle and overlooking Mala Strana. In the past Hradčany was a part of the castle grounds.

Prague 2 has more of a residential character than Prague 1. Hence it is quieter, but nevertheless lively. Most of the architecture dates from the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Vinohrady (formerly the king’s vineyards) is a residential neighborhood on a hill just behind the National Museum. It is a short walk to Old Town, but less touristy. Most of the apartment buildings date from the mid to late 19th and early 20th centuries (high ceilings, traditional lines, ornate facades, etc.).

Nové Město (New Town) was laid out by King Charles IV in the 14th century. It spreads eastward from the Vltava River and south of the National Theater. Partly in Prague 1 and mostly in Prague 2, Nové Město has beautiful architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries but boasts more of an urban flare than Vinohrady. Close to Old Town, but not as exclusive, parts of Nové Město are quickly developing a unique character and are often referred to as the Soho of Prague.

Prague 4 is one of the largest districts in the southern part of Prague stretching from the lower edge of the center to the city limits. The southern part of Prague 4 includes many small villages, residential neighborhoods and open farmland. There are several major large retailers, shopping centers and newly built modern office complexes located in Prague 4.

Prague 5 starts from the bank of the Vltava River and stretches to the western edge of the city. The area has a variety of individual houses, large row houses and apartments. Prague 5 has several newly built shopping and commercial centers.

The Riverbank in Prague 1, 2 and the northern sections of Prague 5, is virtually in the city center and offers many nice apartments in late 19th century and early 20th Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau properties with breathtaking views of the river and the Prague architecture.

Prague 6 extends from the Prague Castle to the northwestern city limits. This is primarily a residential area offering individual family homes with gardens. Most of the diplomatic community lives and works in Prague 6.

International Schools

Many people factor in the availability of schools in the area of residence when looking to buy/rent property. Following is a list of most commonly asked for international schools in Prague.

The International School of Prague (ISP) is in Prague 6, Nebusice. The ISP is convenient to all of Prague 6, parts of Prague 5, and the villages of Nebusice, Horomerice, Predni Kopanina and Mala Sarka. This neighborhood is home to families having school children from all over the world. ISP offers an educational program for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. More information about the International School of Prague is available at www.isp.cz.

The Prague British School (PBS) is the new name for the British International School, Prague. It is a fully accredited school providing education based on the English National Curriculum. It serves the international as well as the Czech community with a current enrollment of 600 students. The PBS has comprehensive academic programs beginning with elementary education up to completion of the secondary education. In addition there is a daycare center for children over 20 months as well as pre-school program for children 3 – 5 years old. The school currently has three separate facilities, Modřany and Kamýk in Prague 4 as well as the Bubeneč campus in Prague 6. As of the end of January 2008, the Bubeneč campus will be relocated to brand new facilities at Vlastina 19, in Prague 6. For detailed information please visit the PBS web site: www.pbschool.cz.

The English International School has two sites in Prague 4, the Kunratice campus is for children 2-5 years old and the Libus campus is for children 5-13. Many pupils then transfer to the English College in Prague whilst others go on to boarding or day schools in the UK and elsewhere. More information is available at www.eisp.cz.

The English College is located in Prague 9. The school is convenient to public transportation. Families with students attending the English College usually live in other areas of Prague and the students use public transportation. The English College Foundation, London, established the English College in Prague to provide a broad and balanced education in English for students between 13 and 19. More information is available at www.englishcollege.cz.

Lyceé Français de Prague is located just southwest of the city center in Smichov, Prague 5. It is convenient to the center, the riverbank and to Prague 5. More information is available at www.lfp.cz.

The Riverside School is an an accredited International School in Prague for children aged 3-18 years. „British National Curriculum and American Teaching Resources“. For more information, you can go to www.riversideschool.cz

The German school, for children of all ages from Kindergarten through Gymnasium has just opened their newly built modern campus in Prague 5, Jinonice, and Schwarzenberska 1. More information is available at www.dsp-praha.cz.

Preschools

Prague 4 - The International Montessori Preschool - They enroll toddlers 18 months - 3 years and primary students ages 3-6. Children are taught in English. The school is located in Prague 4 and is convenient by metro and by car. Get more information on their website at www.montessori.cz

Prague 6 - Bumble Bee has preschool children from ages 3-6 and an after school club for children ages 6-10 and summer session for children ages 3-10, weekdays from 8am until 6 pm. More information is available on their website www.bumblebee.cz