How to Make the Best Out of Life in Prague with Matt Fitzgerald

In the enchanting city of Prague, amidst its cobbled streets and rich history, resides a man who has discovered the true essence of happiness, purpose, and belonging. From the moment Matt Fitzgerald set foot in Prague, he fell under the city’s captivating spell, beckoning him to explore its wonders and uncover the secrets of a fulfilling life.

“I am a Brit who has lived in Prague since 2012,” Matt reflects. “I had visited Prague many times over the preceding five years and really enjoyed myself each time, so when the opportunity came up to move here, I figured, ‘why not?'”

As a software developer, Matt found himself in the fortunate position of being able to work remotely, allowing him to make the leap. “That had the big advantage of me not needing to find a job here in Prague, and the disadvantage of me being able to get away with being extremely lazy in my practicing of Czech,” he admits candidly.

Matt’s journey to Prague was a meticulously planned adventure. With the precision of an IT professional, he created a detailed spreadsheet outlining the necessary steps for a seamless transition. Months of preparation and pre-move visits enabled him to secure a place to live and set up essential services.

His story exemplifies the adventure and serendipity that unfolds when one follows their heart and takes a leap of faith into the unknown. Join us as we delve into Matt’s experiences, uncovering the secrets to making friends, finding purpose, and exploring the wonders of Prague.

Making Friends and Finding Community in Prague

In the lively streets of Prague, Matt Fitzgerald embarked on a mission to forge connections and find his tribe. “I am an introvert by nature, and adding a perceived language barrier on top did make socializing a challenge,” Matt admits. “I say ‘perceived’ because many Czechs speak excellent English, as do most of the foreigners who come here. English is the world’s most commonly spoken second language after all.”

For Matt, the key to building a social circle was to engage in activities he enjoyed. It was through karaoke, of all things, that he discovered a gateway to meaningful connections. “I met at least half (some would say the best half) of my friends through karaoke, for example,” he humorously recalls.

Drawing from his own experiences, Matt shares valuable advice for those seeking a sense of community and belonging in Prague. “Find a group for an activity that you enjoy, and let the community grow from there. Once you know a few people, then you may find other activities and people to meet organically from there. There is more to life, even in Prague, than hospody. That said, there is nothing wrong with being socially self-sufficient if you prefer.”

Balancing Life and Money in Prague

When it comes to finding the harmony between life enjoyment and managing your finances in Prague, Matt has discovered some clever strategies. What’s his treat-yo-self tactic? “Many years ago, when I still lived upon a rain-shrouded and foggy island full of sarcastic people, one of my friends introduced me to good whisky. I bless him and curse him in equal measure for this because now I can’t stand to drink the bad stuff. Luckily, Whisky Wednesday exists to allow me to sample a variety of (usually) excellent whiskies at a reasonable price. That’s probably my biggest indulgence these days.”

“Prague is also filled with excellent low-cost events and venues. The city is an open-air museum, with two castles whose grounds you can visit for free and several large parks that are always great for a picnic with friends in the summer – the reliability of sunny weather in Czech summers is a huge attraction to a Brit! – or Náplavka for a Friday evening. On top of that there is so much live music here – Open Mic events with many highly talented performers at venues like Žižkovšiška, The Globe or Brix to name but a few.”

For those seeking to balance their finances and enjoy life in Prague, Matt has a tip: “Get a Lítačka with an annual pass – 10 CZK per day for unlimited tram, bus, and metro travel? Plus a few trains and ferries on top? Bargain! And find your favorite bar or restaurant and support them. Attend their events, try their lunchtime specials – the food is (usually) just as good as in the evenings, and the price will be lower. And even the famously reserved Czechs will open up to regular customers. Eventually.”

Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Prague

Matt has discovered his own unique paths to spending his time meaningfully in Prague. “I take a walk somewhere in the city—along the river, in one of the parks, or through the center. As long as you avoid peak tourist hours, it’s all good. Add some music or a podcast on your headphones, and you have relaxation and exercise all in one,” he shares.

For Matt, seeking solace and the company of some intriguing creatures has led him to the enchanting Cat Cafes in Prague. Whether it’s Kavárna Kočičí on Michalská or CatCafePrague near the Dancing House, he finds joy in the presence of, “judgmental felines who conveniently ignore him,” as he shares. “Kavárna Kočičí is a classic cafe with resident cats—enjoy table service with classic cafe fare and a small extra fee to support the four-legged staff. At CatCafe, you pay for the time spent there, and self-service tea, coffee, and basic snacks are included in the price.”

When asked about an activity he would recommend to fellow Praguers, Matt enthusiastically suggests karaoke. “There are several venues here in Prague, but my personal favorite these days is my friend Scott’s excellent event every Tuesday at Brix hostel. With a mix of regulars and hostel visitors, there’s always a diverse crowd and, most importantly, a forgiving audience. You don’t have to sing—simply listening and supporting is perfectly fine.”

Exploring Prague: Matt Recommends

First on his list of recommendations is Kino Aero, a charming cinema that showcases Czech film classics with English subtitles. Attend their monthly event, Some Like it Czech, and delve into the captivating world of local filmmaking. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of Czech culture through cinema.

Matt wholeheartedly endorses Prague Zoo as his second recommendation. “It really is very good indeed,” he assures. This exceptional zoo not only provides a home for a diverse range of species but also promotes animal welfare and conservation. Explore the thoughtfully designed habitats and witness the incredible wildlife, from majestic lions to playful penguins.

Let Matt’s insights inspire you to embark on a journey filled with authentic experiences that will deepen your connection with this extraordinary city.

Making the Most of Life in Prague

Matt’s story serves as a guiding light for a fulfilling life. From forging meaningful connections through shared activities to immersing oneself in the city’s cultural offerings, his experiences offer valuable insights. Let his journey inspire you to create your own remarkable adventure in this remarkable city.

As a Prague-based copywriter and brand consultant ✍️, I specialize in telling meaningful stories like Matt’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 Maggie. 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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