How to Make the Best Out of Life in Prague with Goran Velan

Are you a Praguer struggling to find your place and create a life that feels meaningful? Meet Goran Velan, an adventurous electrical engineer from Istria who has been living and thriving in Prague for the past eight years. He has some tips and advice that might help you navigate life in the city and make the most of your time here.

Goran is quite the active guy. “When I’m not engineering heavy electrical motors, I get out and explore Prague,” he shares. “I enjoy scuba diving, playing basketball, meeting up with friends, hiking, and cycling around the city.” His active lifestyle can inspire you to take full advantage of all the exciting opportunities Prague has to offer.

Making Friends and Finding Community in Prague

Goran built a strong circle of friends by playing basketball, attending expat events, and socializing over a pint. “I prefer the traditional Czech way of socializing – having a cold beer with friends,” he laughs.

But it’s not just about drinking. Goran also loves organizing dinner parties, playing board games, and hiking and cycling around Prague with his close friends.

If you’re looking to build a community and find belonging in Prague, Goran advises trying as many activities as possible, even if they seem out of your comfort zone at first. “Prague has a lot to offer, from all kinds of sports, cinemas, theatres, concerts, galleries, book clubs, nature parks, etc.,” he suggests.

Goran recommends checking out Facebook groups for specific interests or using a meetup website to find people with whom to do these activities. “For the activities, you were skeptical about, at least you will be certain that you don’t like them. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet somebody interesting,” he winks.

Balancing Life and Money in Prague

For Goran, nothing beats the satisfaction of investing in good food and travel. “Each time when I find a good restaurant, I fully enjoy it because to me it’s worth spending money on great food and nice service. And Václav Havel Airport is a fantastic infrastructure that’s well-connected to the rest of the city, giving me an opportunity to travel to plenty of destinations where I can enjoy scuba diving.”

When it comes to saving money, Goran chooses not to own a car. “Prague, especially, but also the whole Czech Republic, has the best public transport system that I’ve encountered in my life so far,” he explains. “Even to the smallest villages, there are plenty of bus or train links. And when you want to have a bit more comfort or explore more freely, rent-a-cars are very affordable. In Croatia, owning a car is a necessity, but here it’s an unnecessary burden.”

If you’re trying to balance your finances and life enjoyment in Prague, Goran advises, “Sell your car and get a yearly Lítačka card!” he laughs. “No, seriously, apart from Prague being cheap in terms of the cost of living compared to other European capitals, there are plenty of ways you can socialize and enjoy your time in Prague without breaking the bank,” he proposes. “In the summer, for example, instead of meeting your friends in a restaurant, you can have a picnic in one of the beautiful Prague parks.”

Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Prague

Goran’s philosophy on life in Prague is simple but powerful. “When I do things I enjoy in Prague, surrounded by my friends, I think it’s the most meaningful way to spend time,” he shares. Prague offers a plethora of opportunities to pursue your interests, and there’s always something to discover.

According to Goran, one of the best ways to combine socializing and nature is by taking a hike. “I love nature and find long hikes relaxing. With so many nature parks and reserves in and around Prague, easily accessible via public transport, it is a shame not to take full advantage of it.”

So grab your friends and hit the trails – your mind and body will thank you for it.

Exploring Prague: Goran Recommends

Goran suggests you should visit Divoká Šárka, so make sure to add it to your itinerary. “When the weather is nice, especially in spring when cherries are ready for picking, or in autumn when the forest is painted in beautiful bright red and golden colors, you can’t go wrong if visiting Divoka Sarka.” 

This nature reserve provides an ideal escape from the fast-paced city life and allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of nature. It’s the perfect place to unwind, relax, and take a break from the stresses of everyday life.

Making the Most of Life in Prague

Goran’s advice is packed with valuable insights on how to make the most out of life in Prague. Anyone can find purpose and fulfillment in this beautiful city by adopting an active lifestyle, building a supportive community, balancing finances, and pursuing personal interests.

So get out there, try new things, and discover all the beautiful experiences that Prague has to offer. Who knows what kind of amazing people and adventures you’ll encounter along the way?

For more inspiration, check out the previous interview with Goranka. I also share more exclusive tips and stories with my subscribers in a newsletter. If you like nurturing your Prague curiosity, join us by subscribing here:

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