Studying abroad for a whole semester is a big commitment and you definitely don’t want to make the mistake of choosing the wrong city. As cliché as Paris, Florence and Barcelona might be, it’s the hidden gems of Europe that make Europe, Europe. Prague, Czech Republic is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the continent – a fairytale city they say. With its rich history and beautiful red roofs, it’s a city you won’t regret studying in!
1. Beer is cheaper than water.
Prague prides itself in its incredibly delicious and ridiculously cheap beer. Locals say that the cost of beer is so cheap because if prices were increased, there would be riots and boycotts. What better way to study abroad than saving money on alcohol?
2. Actually, everything is cheap!
Having an “expensive” meal really means spending more than $10 USD. Everything here is SO cheap in comparison to other countries. A week of expenses in Prague is equivalent to a weekend of expenses in London. Bless up.
3. It's perfectly sized.
You’ll get to know Prague like the back of your hand in a month, which is great if you’re planning to travel to other countries during the weekends of your semester. You don’t feel bad leaving and traveling and nothing is ever too far. However, it’s big enough so that there are always new things to do every weekend you’re in town!
4. Simple public transportation.
Coming from someone who hates public transportation, I can honestly say that the public transportation in Prague is the most straight-forward thing you’ll ever experience. Unlike Berlin’s crazy system, Prague is very simple minded and it’s the perfect study abroad situation. You’ll become familiar with it within a week’s time or less.
5. The nightlife.
There’s a place for every night of the week. From Roxy and Zlaty Mondays, everyone’s all time favorite Chapeau Rouge Tuesdays, to Retro Wednesdays, Rodeo then Radost Thursdays and Lucerna Fridays, there’s never a night where something isn’t happening. Prague's pretty lit.
6. Aesthetics.
You can never EVER get tired of looking at the Prague view. This photo was taken up at the top of the Astronomical Clock and Prague looks good in EVERY ANGLE. So photogenic. So scenic. You can’t get enough and you’ll never want to leave.
7. The Vltava River.
The Vltava River is one of the highlights of Prague especially when the weather is nice! There are farmer's markets along the river every week, you can eat dinner with your legs dangling by the river, work out by going for a run along the river, and even go paddle boating on the river for cheap! This river makes Prague.
8. Rich history.
If you’re into this kind of stuff, Prague’s definitely got it. With its history in relation to the Nazi-Germany occupation, there is so much this city offers. From the museum of communism to the John Lennon wall, you won’t miss out.
9. Dogs galore!
You think your puppy is well-trained? Think again! The owners here don’t have their dogs on leashes because they are SO. WELL. TRAINED. You'll see them walking around with no leashes, by themselves and even on the public transportation trams. Once there was an owner who left his dog outside the grocery store UNLEASHED while he went shopping and his pup just sat there. Patiently waiting. How ADORABLE is that!?
10. Trdelniks.
You don’t know what heaven tastes like until you’ve had one of these delicious nuggets of gold. Fried dough swirled around into what is shaped like an empty cone, covered with sugar is a warm sensation you’ll never experience again. It has options for everyone! With toppings like ice cream, Nutella, strawberries and caramel to fill the inside, it’s a crowd favorite.
