Prague: one of the best cities in Europe to retire
If we had to decide today in which country we would like to spend our retirement, would we be able to make a choice?
According to an article published by the financial advisory website Moneypenny.com, Prague is one of the best cities in Europe for retirement. This is the result of a careful analysis and comparison of all European countries based on several factors, including average rent, cost of living, accessibility of healthcare, number of green spaces in the city, number of bars, level of security and number of attractions.
Prague is known for its extraordinary stylistic variety, from the Gothic of St. Vitus Cathedral to the Baroque of Kinský Palace and the elegance of the Municipal House. Strolling through the cobbled streets of the Old Town leads you to Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and many other attractions that tell centuries of history and make this city a true open-air museum.
It’s easy to assume that retiring here means being caught up in crowds and traffic all the time, but that’s far from the reality.
The Czech capital has a very good urban structure, with lots of green spaces – as much as 56 per cent of the city is covered by trees or grass and a report from 2021 named it one of the greenest cities in the world. In addition, public transport is extremely efficient, with buses, metro and trams always on time and at any time of day. This is important for a pensioner, as it makes getting around easier and helps to avoid traffic. Vinohrady is one of many neighbourhoods that, due to its centrality and its parks, allows one to live in absolute tranquillity.
The level of security perceived by citizens is a factor influencing the possibility of living peacefully here, according to a study published by the British insurance company William Russell, Prague ranks as the third safest city in the world.
If you want to spend your free time in the company of your pet during your retirement, you will be pleased to note that the city is particularly dog-friendly. It offers numerous parks and gardens where dogs can enjoy themselves and socialise freely. It is not difficult to find flats that accept dogs. Moreover, they are welcome on public transport and in most restaurants. In some places, the most attentive waiters offer a bowl of water for them.
On the other hand, if you prefer to use your retirement time to travel around Europe and other continents, there is no problem, as Prague’s strategic location makes it easy, fast and cheap to reach many European cities. This city also serves as an important hub for air connections to other continents. Thanks to the nearby international airport, you can easily fly to destinations in Asia, America and Africa. Airlines offer numerous direct and stop-over flights to metropolises such as New York, Tokyo and Dubai. This makes the city an excellent starting point for more distant journeys, combining European exploration with adventures in exotic countries.
Finally, a fact that is certainly not to be overlooked is the retirement age, which in the Czech Republic is 64.33 years, compared to 66 for Germany and 67 for the Netherlands and Italy.
In conclusion, Prague’s versatility in meeting different needs, combined with its rich history and quality of life, makes it one of the most desirable cities to enjoy retirement. Charming streets, beautiful parks and a vibrant cultural scene provide an inspiring environment, ideal for those who wish to embark on new adventures and discover authentic experiences in this new chapter of life. Prague is truly an unmissable choice for a rewarding retirement.
Sources: https://www.expats.cz ; https://www.william-russell.com ; https://tradingeconomics.com ; https://retirementrovers.com
