How to Make the Best Out of Life in Prague with Maggie

When Maggie took a leap of faith and moved to Prague in 2020, she had no idea that a global pandemic would turn her dreams upside down. Born and raised in Leipzig, Maggie relocated to the Netherlands when she was 16. There, she completed high school and went on to study psychology in Nijmegen. “After my graduation, I decided to make the switch into the game development industry, found a job that I love, and took my chance to move to Prague,” she recalls. With a position secured at SCS Software as a Game Designer, life seemed to be on the upswing.

“Being half German, half Czech, I had never lived in the Czech Republic or learned the language. I wanted to explore my roots, learn about a new culture, make friends, and discover Prague,” says Maggie. However, just two weeks after her arrival, the pandemic left her isolated in an unfamiliar city. Through resilience and community-building, Maggie found her way and created a life she loves in Prague.

Overcoming Isolation and Building Connections

“During Corona, I spent most of the time sitting alone in my dark apartment, working, playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends from the Netherlands, and meeting with only a few friends that I found just before the lockdown. I tried not to lose hope to fulfill the dreams that led me to Prague.”

In the midst of her isolation, Maggie discovered an unexpected sense of belonging when she stumbled upon the game development community online. “I volunteered for online game dev conferences and eventually created a small online group for game developers to meet monthly, compensating for the lack of social events,” she explains. 

Maggie’s efforts paid off. “Surprisingly, it went well, and we slowly grew. When the pandemic ended, we continued meeting in person and still gather regularly.” Looking back at the challenging period, she adds, “I’m happy and grateful to have been part of this group that made the lonely time a bit less lonely.”

Navigating Prague’s Expat and Local Communities

When the pandemic seemed to be under control in June 2022, Maggie felt a renewed energy to pursue the dreams that led her to Prague and to integrate herself into Prague’s vibrant expat and local communities. “My biggest challenge was the fear of the language barrier since many people don’t speak English despite living in a big city. I try to learn Czech, but it’s difficult, and I often lose motivation. I sometimes feel like an alien, unable to communicate and find my way around. Eventually, I met other expats, attended events with numerous internationals, and encountered amazing people with similar struggles,” she shares.

“I realized that outside of restaurants, post offices, gas stations, and stores, Czech isn’t essential. However, I tried not to give up on learning Czech,” Maggie emphasizes the significance of connecting with both internationals and locals. “Don’t stick solely to internationals, or you’ll miss out on special insights into Czech culture that you can only learn from Czech friends,” she advises. “Czechs might seem rude and sturdy to outsiders, but once you make an effort to get to know them and earn their trust, they are very caring and have your back when you need them.”

Maggie’s journey in Prague has been filled with challenges and growth, but she has found a sense of belonging in the city she now calls home. “I’ve come to love beautiful Prague, its expats, and Czech culture,” she says. “Put yourself out there. Don’t shy away from going out and meeting new people. There are many local bars, Czechs love drinking beer, and they’re generally curious about foreigners. I also recommend following Facebook groups that offer advice for expats living in Prague.”

Balancing Life and Money in Prague

In Prague, Maggie discovered the importance of balancing her finances while working in a field she loved. “My salary isn’t the highest, but I love my job, and I’m willing to be careful with my spending in order to do work that makes me happy,” she explains. To maximize her income, Maggie focuses on attending game developer conferences to expand her network while also making occasional improvements to her apartment.

In her free time, Maggie discovered that the Czech tradition of going out for beers was not only a vital part of local culture but also quite affordable. “However, cocktails are a luxury, so I wouldn’t recommend going to clubs, especially in the Old Town, as there are many tourist traps,” she warns.

Maggie has also found the key to enjoying Prague’s offerings without breaking the bank is to seek advice from locals. “If you’re unsure about some places, you can always ask Czech friends; they usually know their way around,” she suggests. Maggie highlights affordable entertainment options like small cinemas that offer English-friendly movies. “I recommend supporting small establishments rather than chains,” she advises. The same goes for dining out: “There are many great restaurants that locals frequent; again, ask the Czechs, they’ll know!”

Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Prague

In her quest for purpose and fulfillment in Prague, Maggie has found her passion in building the game developer community and showcasing the Czech Republic to the world. “I feel like Czechia is often overlooked and underappreciated. I try to change that, even just with a small game dev community,” she shares. Maggie devotes much of her time to promoting the Czech Republic and its talented game developers, aiming to create a lasting impact.

Besides her professional pursuits, Maggie seeks fulfillment through her social life and love for music. “I try to spend time with friends, attending regular music jams. The vibe feels almost magical, and you can meet many inspiring people,” she says. These gatherings have allowed her to form deep connections with fellow music enthusiasts and provided her with a sense of belonging in her adopted city.

For those looking to spend their time meaningfully in Prague, Maggie wholeheartedly recommends attending music jams or other music-related events. “There are plenty of great ones in Prague,” she enthuses.

Exploring Prague: Maggie Recommends

As an expat who has fully embraced life in Prague, Maggie offers her top recommendations for discovering the city and its hidden treasures. “There are several cozy places where you can meet musicians and creative, open-minded people,” Maggie shares.

One such spot is Coffice Prague, a unique fusion of a coffee shop and a co-working space. With its inviting atmosphere, it has become a popular destination for freelancers, artists, and musicians seeking inspiration and collaboration.

Another recommendation from Maggie is Brix Hostel, a vibrant and budget-friendly accommodation option in the heart of Prague. With lively common areas and events, it provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to connect and share their experiences in the city.

For those who prefer an eclectic and underground ambiance, Maggie suggests visiting Vzorkovna. This alternative bar is known for its quirky decor, live music events, and friendly dogs that roam the premises. It’s a place where locals and expats alike can enjoy a laid-back evening and engage with Prague’s thriving artistic community.

For a more intimate setting, Žižkovšiška is the perfect spot. Tucked away in the Žižkov district, this cozy bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to relax, socialize, and explore the local culture.

Making the Most of Life in Prague

Maggie’s story of embracing life in Prague serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, community, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Despite the challenges she faced, Maggie’s determination and openness to new experiences have enabled her to create a fulfilling life in a city she now calls home.

As a Prague-based copywriter and brand consultant ✍️, I specialize in telling meaningful stories like Maggie’s, helping individuals and organizations connect with their audience in an authentic way and leave a lasting impression.

If you’re ready to share your story or elevate your brand, get in touch and let’s create something amazing together 🤩.

Don’t forget to explore more of the city’s wonders in our previous interview with Geoff. And if you’re eager to uncover more of Prague’s secret corners, I’ve personally crafted a guide that will support your journey. Grab your copy here 👇

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