Do you have your heart set on studying in Czechia but don’t know where to live? Maybe you’re considering attending the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, or Charles University in Prague. Well, I’ve lived in both cities and I can tell you a bit about them. My comparison isn’t exactly scientifically sound - I spent six years as a teacher in Prague, and two years as a student in Budějce - but both cities feel like home.
The National Museum, and Basilica of St. Ludmila, Prague
Reflections on Rivers, Vltava and Malše, České Budějovice
Here are six categories you may want to consider, among others, when making your decision on where to study in Czechia.
1. Public Transportation
Winner: Prague
Prague, a city of about 1.4 million people, is well connected by a network of trams, metro lines, buses and trains. Václav Havel Airport, located in Prague 6, is just 45 minutes by public transit from Praha hlavni nadrazi. On the pid lítačka app, riders can easily pay the fare, or buy a monthly or yearly pass. The public transit system is clean and reliable. As a native New Yorker living in Prague, I gladly waved goodbye to the oppressive, subterranean heat I used to endure while waiting for a train that may or may not arrive. Oh, and to pizzarat too.
2. Walkability / Bikeability
Winner: Budějce
Though Prague is more connected by metro, trams and trains, I rarely rely on public transit here in Budějce because it is so darn pedestrian/cyclist friendly. Doctor’s appointment at 8am? 15 minute walk. Class at the university? 15 minute bike ride. Meeting for dinner? Be right there! Granted, this is influenced by where in the city you choose to live, but seemingly everywhere is accessible by biking or walking.
My preferred mode of transport in Budějce
3. Entertainment
Winner: Prague (but also Budějce)
Prague has better access to big-name acts. Want to see a retrospective on Lynch’s mind-bending career? Prague. A speech by the (late) ground-breaking scientist, Jane Goodall? Prague. A showing of the Lord of the Rings accompanied by the live performance of a 230-piece orchestra? Prague.
Thankfully, Prague is just a two hour train ride away.
On the flip side, because Budějce is smaller, the events are more off-beat, more unique. I may never get a chance to see System of a Down perform live, but I sure had fun as I Bounce(d) around to Sugar, as performed by “System of a Down Revival.”
4. Access to Nature
Winner: Hard to Say
In Prague, there are several urban parks. On a Saturday, you might have found me hiking at Ďáblický háj or Divoká Šárka. Other green spaces offer an idyllic setting for a stroll, or a picnic in the park: Letná Park, Stromovka, Petřín Gardens, Riegrovy Sady, Havlíčkovy Sady, and Wallenstein Garden are some of my favorites. Vyhlídka Máj - offering a stunning birds-eye view of the oxbow on the Vltava - is just an hour and a half by public transit from Praha hlavni nadrazi.
As in Prague, there are several urban parks in Budějce, such as Stromovka, Branišovsky les, and Vrbenské rybníky. Šumava is easily accessible by public transit.
The Stezka Českem isn’t far from either.
The view from Divoká Šárka, Prague
5. Education
Winner: Budějce ;)
Okay, this one isn’t fair, but what else am I supposed to say?
On a more serious note, when I lived in Prague, I attended language courses at UJOP Charles University, and especially if you’re in the beginning stages of learning Czech, and prefer a traditional approach, I can recommend it.
Me and my partner (soon to be graduates!) at the University of South Bohemia
6. English-Speaking Services
Winner: Prague
If you are an English-speaking expat, you might find that specialized services, such as doctor’s visits, are easier to navigate in Prague. For example, while living in Prague I was a client at Canadian Medical - a (granted, expensive) private healthcare provider. I received care for a range of issues, all in English. Luckily for my wallet, I have been learning Czech for some time, and today, when I visit the (thankfully, affordable) doctor in Budějce, I speak in Czech. In fact, I’ve had at least three medical specialists greet me with, "Jsem ráda že mluvíte česky. Když jsem viděla vaše rodné jméno, bála jsem se že budeme muset mluvit anglicky!” Translation: “I’m happy that you speak Czech. When I saw your last name, I was afraid we would have to speak English!”
Wrapping it Up
I reached out to two fellow Study in Czechia Ambassadors, Luisa Maria and Chukwunyere Anozie, to get their take on these two cities:
Luisa, Charles University: "Life in Prague is very versatile. I specially appreciate that there is always something to do, specially when it comes to art and culture. One of my favorite parts about living in Prague is sitting next to the river after class and just share with friends while we listen to some live music and enjoy the view."
Chuks, University of South Bohemia: "České Budějovice has the perfect balance - small enough to feel cozy and connected, but with enough rich culture and energy to never get boring. I love how everything is walkable, and the vibe here is way more relaxed than any other place I have been to."
So, which vibe speaks to you more? Which city feels more like “home”? Whether you’re contemplating moving to either of these cities, or you’re just planning to visit, here are a few of my favorite spots you don’t want to miss:
Prague
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Secret Garden: Botanic Garden of the Faculty of Science, Charles University
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Netflix and Chill Trivia and (Veggie) Burger: The Globe on a Wednesday night
Budějce
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Best Brunch: U Vás
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Was This Cook Mexican in His Last Life? Casa Mexicana
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Ask for The Cardamom Pastry: Leipomo Pekárna
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Picnic in the Park: Park Stromovka
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Woah! What’s that Bird!? Walk through Branišovsky les to Vrbenské rybníky